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

Ani, appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I was 7 weeks pregnant with my second child when I decided to sit for my board exam. I was nervous, but I knew this was goal for myself to become licensed and start a private practice. I am business minded with a nurturing soul. It also helps to have a life partner who believes in you. The week I passed my licensure exam I began looking for office space. I was confident because I was still gainfully employed and I was able cover my overhead costs. I found one location, but it was not aesthetically pleasing. Since interior design is secretly a passion of mine I knew I needed a better office. So I found one right in beautiful Burbank, CA overlooking the mountains. Floor to ceiling windows and just overall very zen! I knew clients would appreciate this; I would appreciate coming to work here every single day! I had the keys to my office by that evening. Within 2 weeks the place was ready. Once thing about me is, I know what I like so it was not difficult designing my office space quickly. After the office space was ready I looked into website design. I found a website developer who listened to what I was looking both aesthetically and functionally. My website was up and running in 6 weeks. Well worth the wait. I started advertising on various websites and began my credentialing process with major insurance companies. Three months in I realized I want to convert into a group practice and grow. I was ready to hire. The business had to take a break for a little bit as I welcomed my baby boy and started my maternity leave. I am grateful to have this opportunity. For once in my life I enjoy waking up and going to work. It’s true when they say, “Do what you love and you won’t work a day in your life.” I love connecting with my clients, I enjoy making a difference in everyone’s life, I love seeing their progress.” My clients make me feel like a superhero and that’s magical! For more information on the type of services I offer please visit smhtherapy.com

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

My name is Ani Ifiktchyan and I am a licensed clinical social work in the state of California. I began my journey as a social worker in 2014 when I accepted an offer to start graduate school at the University of Southern, CA. GO TROJANS! The program was part time and over the span of three years. It worked out perfectly for me because I was newly married and enjoying life with my best friend/husband. I was also helping him build his restaurant and was managing marketing, accounting and finance. It pays to have a business degree I highly recommend it to everyone because at the end of the day every industry is business oriented. At Solace Mental Health Therapy we offer depression counseling, grief counseling, stress management, anxiety counseling, talk therapy, individual therapy, diagnosis and treatment. We offer both in-person and virtual therapy. Our private practice is dedicated to individual wellness. We we are committed to facilitating this process with productive collaboration. Our goal is to help clients overcome life’s most complex challenges and attain their highest potential. We focus on the client’s strengths when discussing problems, creating a context for therapy to progress positively.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Consistency. Not cancelling or rescheduling and holding a fixed schedule for clients creates trust between you and your clients. If a client has to cancel, offer them another time that same week. If YOU have to absolutely cancel, offer them 2-3 availabilities that same week or other week depending on your treatment plan’s frequency. It is important to honor appointments. Sign up to a EMR system that offers appointment reminders, marketing, etc. If you’re offering virtual sessions be sure you’re always in the same location and preferably without a backdrop, but an actual office/therapy room. Have to use a corner of your living or bedroom? No problem, just tidy up, add a few books, a nightstand etc. The client should not have to see any clutter or a different space. It is important to show your client you are here and ready to provide active listening and support, guide and empower them. Remember, your client needs you. Lastly, please be sure you also seek therapy. As therapists it is not easy to hold everyone’s emotional. We need an emotional outlet too.

Any advice for managing a team?

Be a leader not a boss. Your team needs you to guide them not boss them around. Your team is your growth and success. Be kind, celebrate their wins and offer a comfortable and supportive environment.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.smhtherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smh.therapy/?hl=en
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/solace-mental-health-therapy-burbank?osq=solace+mental+health