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

Alright, Alyssa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Your ability to build a team is often a key determinant of your success as a business owner and so we’d love to get a conversation going with successful entrepreneurs like yourself around what your recruiting process was like -especially early on. How did you build your team?

When I first started Point North Therapeutic Services in 2021, it was just me. I wore all the hats—therapist, administrator, marketer, you name it. It was an exciting but challenging time, as I had to balance serving clients with building the foundation of the business. The work was deeply rewarding, but I always envisioned expanding to create a team that could help serve even more people.

In 2023, that vision became a reality. I brought on my first team member, Delilah Montoya, someone I had worked with previously. I already knew her work ethic, therapeutic style, and passion for helping others. We had talked for quite some time about the possibility of her joining Point North Therapy, so when the opportunity finally came, it felt like a natural progression. Delilah brought a wealth of experience, particularly in trauma and LGBTQ+ mental health, and she helped set the tone for what I wanted the team to look like.

As I transitioned out of direct client care to focus on the administrative side of the business, I knew it was time to grow further. I brought on Richard Berg, and later Bianca Wells, both of whom I found through online job postings. To ensure a good fit, I implemented a pre-interview questionnaire. This step was crucial in identifying candidates who shared the values and goals of Point North Therapy, especially our passion for working with the LGBTQ+ community. The interviews themselves were more conversational than formal—I wanted to understand their passions and what drives them as therapists. Both Richard and Bianca stood out because of their empathy, dedication, and deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, I brought Richard Thomas on as a supervisor for our associate-level licensed therapists. Richard has been an incredible addition to the team, offering a unique approach and perspective that fosters growth and development in our therapists.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing about how it all unfolded. Each step felt like it happened at just the right time, aligning perfectly with the needs of the practice and the team. Starting Point North Therapy solo allowed me to truly understand the ins and outs of the business, and expanding when I did allowed me to build a team that shares my vision for creating a safe and inclusive space for all clients. It’s been a journey, but every decision—big or small—has led to where we are today. This thoughtful growth has set us up for success and positioned Point North Therapy to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been in the mental health field for over a decade, and during that time, I often found myself as one of the only queer-identifying providers in the practices I worked for. This meant I was frequently assigned to work with LGBTQ+ clients who were seeking therapy. While I was honored to support them, it also highlighted a gap in the mental health field—there weren’t enough affirming spaces where queer folks could explore their mental health, relationships, and identities without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.

This experience sparked something in me. I wanted to create a practice where members of the LGBTQ+ community could feel safe, understood, and empowered to work through the unique struggles they face. That’s why I started Point North Therapeutic Services. It’s a place where everyone, regardless of their background, can explore their trauma, self-esteem, identity, and relationships in a supportive and affirming environment.

When I began expanding the practice, it was essential for me to bring on therapists who were either passionate about or identified with the queer community. This ensures that our clients are met with understanding and care from the very first session. Delilah, Richard, and Bianca each bring a unique perspective and skill set, but what unites us is a shared commitment to creating a space where people can explore and heal without fear.

At Point North Therapy, we aim to address a range of challenges, from trauma and anxiety to self-esteem and relationship struggles. We help our clients meet their goals, whether that means navigating life’s stressors, repairing connections with loved ones, or embracing and celebrating their authentic selves.

What sets us apart is our intentionality. We are trauma-informed, queer-owned and operated, and deeply invested in building an inclusive space for all who walk through our doors. I’m incredibly proud of the work we do and the team we’ve built. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to provide a safe place where people can become healthier, happier, and more confident in all aspects of their lives.

Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community or someone looking for a compassionate space to explore life’s challenges, Point North Therapy is here to walk that journey with you.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was rooted in shame and guilt. For much of my 20s, I couldn’t even acknowledge who I truly was—not to others and not to myself. It wasn’t a conscious suppression; the idea of embracing my identity simply didn’t exist in my mind. Instead, I became hyperfocused on seeking approval in other ways—through work, relationships, and achievements—hoping external validation would fill the void.

No matter how much approval I received, it never felt like enough. By denying this core part of myself, I carried a quiet but heavy burden that impacted my relationships and self-worth. I wasn’t just hiding from others; I was hiding from myself.

When I finally embraced my truth, it wasn’t just freeing—it was transformative. Letting go of shame allowed me to connect with myself and others in a more authentic and loving way. This shift has deeply informed my work at Point North Therapy, where we create a safe and affirming space for clients to explore their identities, relationships, and struggles without fear of judgment.

Unlearning shame and embracing authenticity taught me the importance of showing up fully, and it’s at the heart of everything we do. Helping others discover the freedom that comes with self-acceptance is one of the greatest privileges of our work.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale starts with shared passion and genuine connection. At Point North Therapy, we’re all deeply committed to helping our clients, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, navigate their mental health journeys. That shared purpose creates a strong foundation, but what truly sustains morale is showing up for my team in meaningful ways.

I believe in being personable and building real relationships with the people I work with. I make it a priority to meet with my team regularly, not just to discuss work-related matters but to check in on their overall well-being. These conversations often center around maintaining a healthy work/life balance, ensuring they aren’t burning out, and supporting them in navigating any challenges they may be facing.

Getting to know my team on a human level is just as important as understanding their professional goals. By fostering an environment where they feel heard, valued, and cared for, we create a culture of trust and support. When your team feels seen and supported, it translates into their work and helps them show up as their best selves for our clients.

Ultimately, high morale comes from making sure everyone feels connected—to the work we’re doing, to each other, and to their own well-being. It’s about creating a workplace where passion and humanity go hand in hand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pointnorththerapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointnorththerapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61561632346474
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pointnorththerapy/