We were lucky to catch up with Paige Soleimani recently and have shared our conversation below.

Paige, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The most significant risk I undertook was a complete pivot during my undergraduate years. I entered college with a clear vision: to become an elementary school teacher. My passion for education was deeply ingrained. Throughout high school, I dedicated myself to building a strong foundation. I volunteered extensively, tutoring young children, served as a camp counselor, and mentored students lacking positive role models. This dedication culminated in my acceptance into the highly regarded elementary education undergraduate program at Syracuse University.

However, my first semester of student teaching brought a stark realization: the path I envisioned wasn’t the right fit. I felt a disconnect, a lack of the intellectual challenge I craved. Conversations with my parents reinforced this feeling. Moreover, my aspiration to live and work in Manhattan as a young professional became increasingly clear. I recognized that transferring was essential for my personal and professional growth.

The next year or so was a period of intense academic focus. I dedicated myself to academic excellence, ensuring I’d have diverse transfer options. I applied to multiple well known universities including New York University (NYU) as an undecided major. It was a leap of faith. I was stepping into the unknown, leaving behind a familiar environment and established network. After multiple conversations and school tours, NYU emerged as the ideal choice, offering the academic rigor and location I desired.

A pivotal moment occurred when my advisor recommended a course in positive psychology. It ignited a passion I hadn’t anticipated. I immersed myself in the field, connecting with psychology majors and volunteering at mental health organizations. This decision to embrace the unknown, to redirect my path, ultimately transformed my future. It was a risk, but one that revealed my true calling.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into the realm of mental health and psycho-oncology has been one of discovery and dedication. Initially, I pursued elementary education, but a pivotal positive psychology course during my undergraduate studies at NYU sparked a profound shift. I realized my true passion lay in understanding and supporting the human psyche.

This realization led me to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW), again at NYU, recognizing the critical need for advanced training to make a meaningful impact. To solidify my foundation, I volunteered extensively with organizations like the National Eating Disorders Association and in hospital social services, supplementing my studies with relevant NYU coursework.

My professional path began with an internship at a high school. I thought working with kids/adolescents was my desire; I learned quickly it was not what I desired for various reasons. For my 2nd year internship, I transitioned to hospital-based oncology, supporting patients with various cancers and their families, including those undergoing bone marrow transplants. This experience ignited my passion for psycho-oncology.

For five years, I served at CancerCare, a leading national organization, providing comprehensive support to individuals navigating the cancer journey. I worked with diverse populations, from young adults to the elderly, offering individual counseling, support groups, and bereavement services. This role was instrumental in shaping my expertise and approach.

Seeking new challenges, I joined Forge Health, a startup expanding into psycho-oncology, becoming one of their first oncology-focused clinicians. This experience provided valuable insight into the evolving landscape of mental health care.

Most recently, in August 2024, I achieved my clinical licensure and launched my private practice, Paige Solo Therapy. I specialize in supporting individuals through life transitions, medical illnesses (particularly cancer), caregiver challenges, anxiety, depression, and bereavement. In my individual sessions, clients are able to be their true selves without the critical judgement from others.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

My master’s program provided a strong theoretical foundation, but I found the most impactful learning came from real-world experience and direct mentorship. While classroom knowledge offered ideal scenarios, practical application revealed the complexities of actual practice.

Specifically, regular supervision was invaluable. I would present my interventions, and my supervisors would provide critical, constructive feedback, pushing me to refine my approach. One mentor, in particular, emphasized the therapeutic power of simply creating a non-judgmental space for clients. She taught me that often, just being present and offering that safe environment can be profoundly impactful, especially for clients who haven’t experienced it before.

This lesson has significantly shaped my current practice. While I utilize evidence-based interventions and coping skills, I prioritize creating a space where clients feel safe to express themselves without judgment. I recognize that sometimes, the most effective intervention is simply being present and allowing them to be heard. This balance of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and strong mentorship has been crucial in developing my therapeutic approach.

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

Absolutely. I wouldn’t change a thing. My passion for this field has only deepened with experience. Witnessing the tangible impact of my work – clients finding their voice, managing anxiety, navigating challenging life transitions – is incredibly rewarding.

My journey, including my own career transitions, has been instrumental in shaping my empathy and approach. I understand the vulnerability of change and the courage it takes to take risks, which allows me to connect with my clients on a deeper level.

What I’ve come to realize is the critical need for emotional support within the medical setting. Often, the focus is solely on physical healing, neglecting the profound emotional toll illness can take. Clients frequently express feeling overlooked and unheard when their emotional needs aren’t addressed.

My role fills that gap. I provide a space for clients to process their emotional experiences, empowering them to cope with the challenges of illness and allowing their medical team to focus on physical healing. I’m privileged to be a part of bridging that crucial connection between physical and emotional well-being. It’s a niche that’s deeply meaningful, and I’m committed to its impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.paigesolotherapy.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paigesolo/