We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Basso. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.

Erica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

I’ve worked at other group practices before and learned a ton but I always knew I wanted to create my own practice done my way. Throughout my graduate program and training I’ve felt connected to creating a modernized approach to mental health therapy. I never felt connected to the outdated therapy models where the therapist acts as a ‘blank slate’ and the client is seen through a problem-focused lens. The more I grew as a therapist the more I realized therapy needed a big make over (don’t get me started on those stale therapy offices!!). I wanted people to begin seeing taking care of their mental health as important as prioritizing that workout for your body. So alas Erica Basso Therapy was born. I was a solo practice for the first few years and then I decided to transition to a group practice and hire other aligned therapists. There were some challenges in switching to a S Corp and making sure I understood all of my responsibilities as the only officer of my company. These are definitely things not taught in graduate school for Marriage & Family Therapy! I was up for the challenge because I always envisioned myself as an entrepreneur someday. I’m proud to say we are now a group practice whose focus is changing the view of what mental health treatment looks like, who seeks therapy, and helping eliminate the stigma and taboos of mental health in general. Our team of therapists all prioritize our wellbeing as individuals so we can show up as our best self to serve our clients. We specialize in guiding high-achieving women to overcome anxiety, perfectionism, and relationship challenges.

I’ve found other female therapist’s who run successful private practices and invested in consulting with them to help me along the way and I 100% encourage others to use this approach when you are either new to the field, or want to begin your own practice. Nothing can beat that woman-to-woman support.

Erica, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

As someone who’s sat on both sides of the couch, I’ve experienced how transformative therapy can be. As a recovered perfectionist myself, I’ve struggled with both anxiety and deriving my self-worth solely from my achievements. After completing my masters degree in Marriage & Family Therapy I discovered the clients I did the best work with (and left me feeling energized and even more passionate about being a therapist) were those struggling in similar ways that I once had. Although my clients’ pathway to healing from anxiety or patterns of perfectionism won’t look exactly like what worked for me, I’m able to connect on a deeper level with my client’s struggles due to my personal experience in overcoming mine. I’m so proud to be the founder of our modern group practice here in California. Our team specializes in serving high-achieving women throughout the state of California who may be struggling with anxiety, perfectionism, relationship challenges, and more.

It’s an honor and privilege to guide my clients to connect with their self worth and feel empowered to manage overwhelming emotions that once ruled their lives and dictated what was possible for them. I feel passionate about wearing many ‘hats’ in my roles as a therapist, supervisor to pre-licensed therapists, and business owner. As a life-long learned I’m committed to personal development (through my own therapy when needed and consultation) and growth as a therapist to go deeper with my clients.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Absolutely! I sometimes dream about being a personal stylist but in reality my true passion and calling in this life is to be a psychotherapist. I recognize that I am lucky to have found my purpose earlier in life and that I feel this much fulfillment from the work I do. I have a lot of gratitude for younger me who took time to really identify what type of work would be values driven and meaningful to me, all while utilizing my strengths. Not to be the spokesperson for the field of therapy, but what other job do you get to do meaningful and transformative work with others while simultaneously supporting and facilitating your own personal growth? The more work therapists do personally the better therapist we become and the deeper we can go with our clients. I feel a deep connection to my clients and it’s rewarding to know that aI helped facilitate their growth, trust in oneself, and being able to no longer be ruled by their thoughts or emotions.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

I read Dream Big and Win: Translating Passion into Purpose and Creating a Billion-Dollar Business by Liz Elting earlier this year and it has definitely impacted the way I approach my business today. It’s always more helpful for me to learn from other female founders and in her book she explains why actions are more important than mantras and why doing will always eclipse dreaming. I highly recommend for anyone who wants to translate their passion into purpose and create something bigger than themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ericabassotherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericabassotherapy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabasso/

Image Credits

Jean Biele