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

Debbie, appreciate you joining us today. Looking back, what’s an important lesson you learned at a prior job?

This is my second career. My first career was as a police officer for 21 years. I was working in the homicide division when I was involved in a bad car accident. I had multiple neck surgeries and had to medically retire. Needless to say, I learned a lot in this career. It shows you the worst or humanity, but it also teaches you patience and how to deal with the multitude of emotions that people experience. When I worked patrol there was not a day that I was working patrol when I did not respond to a domestic violence call. Therefore, when I had to medically retire, I had hoped that I could be a therapist. I often spent an inordinate amount of town with the people on these DV calls, so much so that dispatch would often get a hold of me to tell me that they had calls pending and were wondering how much longer I would be. I knew I wanted to help people in this area. Fortunately, I was able to work as a intern in the DV unit of a non-profit agency. I found my previous career was very helpful in allowing me to know how to navigate this population in a therapeutic setting. Eventually, I realized I wanted to branch out and help people with their trauma, as this is so prevalent with most people. Seeing people in my previous career helped me recognize how many people are dealing with different types of trauma, and therefore, I was willing to take the chance in opening up my own practice, specializing in people suffering from trauma/PTSD. Fortunately, I have been successful in owning my own full-time business for over 10 years, but unfortunately, there are people like me needed. I rather wish I wasn’t needed, but for now, I will continue to try and help in any way I can.

Debbie, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I think I answered this question in my last response. I think what sets me apart is my prior experience. I don’t know of any therapists that were former law enforcement officers. They may exist out there, but I personally do not know of any.

I think what I’m most proud of is the fact that I’m able to successfully discharge clients due to them having met their goals. I use a technique called Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). It is such a successful tool to utilize on clients experiencing trauma. I used it on a lot of clients that were at the mass shooting in Vegas, and also, unfortunately, the shooting that happened in Thousand Oaks. What I’m proud of is after treatment, these clients, are able to sleep at night, they don’t walk around fearful of everything and everyone, they are able to engage in life again, and are no longer suicidal (for those that came to me suicidal).

I also am a Gottman trained couple’s therapist. I’ve had a lot of success with couples, and some of them actually renewing their vows. Finally, I’m also a certified grief therapist. This is difficult as there is nothing like seeing someone in such pain, especially someone that has lost their child. However, through the process of therapy, I like to think that I might have made their life just a bit more tolerable.

Alright – let’s talk about marketing or sales – do you have any fun stories about a risk you’ve taken or something else exciting on the sales and marketing side?

I started with virtually no clients and knew I needed to expand to cover rent, and so many other expenses, so I went to medical offices to introduce myself. I went there with several business cards and lots of cookies, and people started calling. I also made it a point to keep myself updated with the latest therapy techniques. This is such an important part in owning your own business. It’s not good to be stuck in a rut. It’s good to always look at gaining new skills to treat people. As I did this I also followed up with these business to let them know. I also made sure to acknowledge these businesses at Christmas time as well. It’s always important to have these businesses remember your name, as that keeps the door open to your own business.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I think a lesson I had to unlearn is not to be so personal with some of my clients. I would often tell them more than I need to about my story, as I saw it as a way to help them with their story. However, I think it is important to know the boundaries in this situation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://debbiebyars.com

Image Credits

I can’t really upload any images while I’m at work given what I do….confidentiality.