We were lucky to catch up with Alicia Rozycki recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Alicia, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Let me begin by saying I’m not a daredevil in any sense—my hobbies include reading, drawing, yoga, and cycling. My spouse, however, loves a thrill. With his encouragement, I decided to take on a fear: walking the glass horseshoe bridge at the Grand Canyon.

When I first heard about the bridge, I thought, Why would anyone want to walk on that? But years later, during a visit to the Grand Canyon, our tour included the bridge. My husband and others in the group were excited, so I decided to give it a try, even though I was hesitant.

We made our way through the line, traded our sneakers for the required slipper socks, and opened the door leading to the bridge. Anxiety set in. I clung to the handrail, taking the tiniest steps, feeling scared. Then, I noticed another woman on the bridge, lying down, flailing in panic, crying, and crying out while her family calmly stood around her, encouraging her.
At the same time, I saw dozens of others walking across the bridge as if it were any regular sidewalk. Observing that range of reactions—panic, hesitation, and ease—helped me realize my fear was purely in my mind. With that shift in perspective, my anxiety lifted. I walked farther, more confidently, and took in the experience, even looking down.
Since then, I’ve faced other challenges, like riding in helicopters and crossing suspension bridges.

This moment taught me five powerful lessons:

1. Feel the emotion but take action anyway.
2. The only way past an obstacle is through it.
3. Model the behavior of others who are succeeding.
4. Support from loved ones is invaluable.
5. Relish your victories to build confidence for the next challenge.

The experience wasn’t just about conquering a fear of heights—it’s a metaphor for life. Taking risks, however small, can lead to growth and unexpected rewards.

Alicia, 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’m a licensed psychologist with over 17 years of experience, and I currently operate AROSE eTherapy & Life Design, offering online therapy services to professionals. Through my practice, I support individuals navigating workplace stress, career indecision, managing the challenges of balancing full-time work with caregiving responsibilities, relationship issues, and much more.

What sets me apart is my deep integration of creativity with psychology. In addition to my psychology background, I hold a bachelor’s degree in art studio, a certificate in interior design, and have been trained in classical piano. Throughout my career, I’ve sought out ways to blend these passions. For example, my dissertation explored the history of tattoos, I’ve taught a course on psychology and the arts, and I’ve co-chaired a symposium at an American Psychological Association conference focused on applying the creative arts to foster posttraumatic growth with military personnel and veterans.

These experiences have shaped my holistic approach to therapy, allowing me to connect with and assist creatives who seek counseling. I understand the unique challenges they face, and I offer a compassionate, thoughtful space where they can explore their concerns.

I’m most proud of the way I’ve merged my psychological expertise with my creative passions to help people lead more balanced, fulfilling lives. Whether you’re seeking to address stress or work through personal challenges, I’m here to guide you toward solutions that align with your values and goals.

If you’re interested in learning more about my work or would like to explore how I can support you, I invite you to visit my website (www.arose-etherapy.com), where you can read more about my services or book a free 15-minute consultation.

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

I believe social connections are essential for success in any field. They create a sense of community, provide valuable sources of advice, and help maintain resilience. As a business owner, especially in an online space, it’s easy to feel isolated. Connecting with other professionals in my field helps me combat that isolation and stay engaged with the broader psychology community.

These connections keep me informed about the latest trends, both in counseling practices and business development. They also give me opportunities to seek advice and learn from others’ successful approaches, whether it’s strategies for working with clients or tips for running a business.

Perhaps most importantly, these relationships remind me that I’m not alone in facing challenges, frustrations, or even celebrating successes. That reassurance fosters resilience and helps protect against burnout, which I think is invaluable for long-term success.

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

When I reflect on my career, it feels like pivoting has been a constant theme—both on a small scale and in significant ways.

On a micro level, I’ve had to adjust my schedule unexpectedly due to family emergencies. During our training, my professors emphasized the importance of recognizing that we’re human and life will inevitably throw challenges our way. They reminded us to give ourselves grace when emergencies or losses arise, knowing it’s okay to rearrange or step back temporarily to address what truly matters.

On a macro level, I’ve had to make career pivots due to circumstances like agency environments that weren’t the right fit or geographic moves. As the spouse of an active-duty military member, we relocate every three years, which means frequent transitions. Over time, I realized the best way to navigate these changes was to develop my own online business. By creating AROSE eTherapy & Life Design, I’ve been able to maintain continuity with my clients while keeping my work portable.

While these moves are still disruptive in some ways, having a flexible and sustainable business model has minimized the impact. I’ve learned that flexibility and a hopeful mindset are key when navigating inevitable setbacks. It’s important to remember that setbacks are temporary; with time, plateaus will give way to growth.

This perspective has helped me embrace change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle and find solutions that allow me to keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.arose-etherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aroseetherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AROSEeTherapy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-rozycki-phd/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AROSEeTherapy1
• Other: https://www.pinterest.com/aroseetherapy/

Image Credits

Magnolia and Oak Photography