We recently connected with Amanda Ruechel and have shared our conversation below.

Amanda, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

After spending the first 4 years out of graduate school in community mental health, I never thought that I would be in the position to be a business owner and implement the changes I wanted to see. As a graduate student working towards a Master’s in Social Work, I was taught that the work that we do is to be built on the foundation of dignity and worth of all humans, social justice, and integrity– to name a few. I observed the flawed system of mental health services and it made me realize the changes that I wanted to see in my business. After consulting with peers and mentors, I decided to create a practice that best fits my needs AND my client’s needs. I have never felt more satisfied and confident in the work that I do knowing that I am being my true self and am able to have a practice that fits my ethics, morals, and values.

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 am an Advanced Practice Social Worker licensed in the state of Wisconsin. I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work in 2018 and opened my own practice in March 2023. My niche is working with clients that have endured complex traumas, life transitions, suicidal ideation, and experience symptoms related to PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

I knew since being a sophomore in high school that I wanted to be a social worker and help others. After completing my undergraduate and graduate programs in 4 years, I was thrown into the real world … which is a lot for a 22-year-old determined to change the system and fix problems presented to me. Burnout and stress quickly took effect as I was fighting a losing battle of knowing how I fit in this broken system. I was challenged with my own mental health and struggled to find the right path for me. After switching jobs (more than a few times), I knew that I needed to create the space that best fit not only my needs but specifically the needs of the clients that I was supporting.

What sets me apart from other therapists are my practice policies and truly honoring the autonomy of the people that I work with. Wildflower Mental Wellness uses a Pay-What-You-Can model for clients to choose their rate of pay for services which allows them to receive the services that they need (and deserve) regardless of their financial status. I truly believe that everyone should have access to mental health services and having clients choose a payment price that works within their means opens the door for this to happen. Additionally, I do not charge a no-show fee or have a late cancellation policy (other than to say that I do not have one) to have flexibility and compassion towards unexpected changes and life events because we are human beings (and that alone is reason enough). I want therapy to be a healing space for clients to process their stress and traumas AND want to cause minimal harm by honoring their choices and decision-making through and through.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson that I have had to unlearn is my role as a person and provider in an oppressed, flawed, and capitalist system. Until recently, I did not know how much of a role I played in the system. I am constantly checking in with myself, unlearning my own biases and oppressions, and have to name how I play a role in the system. I know that this will be something that I will have to combat and notice within myself- not only now, but my whole life. I must own the dialectic of being able to recognize and admit that I am flawed and will make mistakes as a provider (and in my life) while also accepting that I will have to face and learn from them. I challenge myself to be self-reflective to acknowledge ongoing lessons.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Gosh.. which pivot to choose from!! I think that we are always shifting, changing, and pivoting in so many aspects of our lives.

Shifting from jobs with a fixed, reliable income to starting my own private practice would have to be the biggest pivot in my career thus far. I have had to learn so many things and have had so much support in doing so. I am so grateful and thankful for the peers and mentors in my life that helped support me in this positive pivot. Although this is a lifelong journey, in being a business owner, I embrace the space that I have created in my practice and am looking forward to watching it bloom to best support my clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: wildflowermentalwellness.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Amanda-Ruechel-MSW-APSW/100089489804949/