We recently connected with Anna Pavlov and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Anna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)

I work as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and one of the best client advice I provided when my clients are struggling with anxiety, relationships, boundaries, self-worth… is that you have to know your identity foremost because it affects every other aspect of you life: personal, emotionally, relationally, physically, etc… A lot of people’s symptoms do not understand that the root of all this stems from not knowing their identity: who you are, how you do life/relationships, attachment style, etc.. So take time to get to know yourself by choosing yourself, loving yourself (in a healthy way of course), accepting yourself and getting to know you. “What shaped you into who you are today? What are your values? Triggers? What brings you joy? Afterwards, in sessions, we explore with clients the different areas of a person’s life to determine, where is the lie that we are believing about ourselves, God, others, and the world.

For my clients who are believers, I incorporate their Christian Faith by referencing scripture, “You are fearfully and wonderfully made, (Ps 139:14); or “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you, give you hope and a future, (Jeremiah 29).

Anna , 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 went into the MFT field into private practice specifically because I was volunteering at my church small groups and it came natural and I was naturally good at it and it came easily. I really enjoyed helping others. When I was 21 years old, I prayed to God, and asked him, “Where do I belong in this world and I felt he called me into counseling. So I researched and wrote out the plan that I would need to take to get into private practice: complete community college, transfer, get a BA degree in psychology, then a masters degree in MFT and complete my hours, etc. I put the plan away and knew if I am meant to be in this field that God would bring it to pass. So here I am working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, self worth, identity, depression, trauma, boundaries, relationships, etc.

Therapy is not easy, so I have so much respect for my clients that are seeking to grow, explore, heal, and find freedom from their past, current trauma, or issues that prevent them from thriving in life. I provide my clients a safe space to open up and target their goals at a pace they feel comfortable. I believe every person has a story and if it great yet, then God’s not finished yet.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

I think what’s been most helpful in my field is reminding myself of “Why, I started..” It all begins with a vision and afterwards, you need wisdom, and understanding on how to build your practice successfully. I had mentioned what prompted me to go into counseling because that is my calling and gifting in this area (or one of my giftings). Along with a vision plan, natural gifting and calling, you need to put in the work to put the vision into motion. You need to have a step by step plan to carry out the end goal and stay focused. There are a LOT of distractions in our world today. So we need to get our priorities right. The rest is easier because you begin to say, “No” to people, opportunities, social gatherings, events, etc.. or anything that does not align with my calling. Therefore, I have more energy for the things that bring me joy which is helping others, teaching, and writing.

I also, apply the. SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and timely) goals whenever I am teaching others, or making decisions.

Because I am a Christian and I believe in prayer. God has given me dreams to confirm my vision as well as provided the clients, favor, and finances to build what he has called me into. When I stepped out into private practice, I saved up money to make sure for 3 months to get started. Afterwards, I was reminded of how God said, “Seek FIRST hi kingdom and righteousness and ALL else will be provided, (Matt 6:33).” This was how I started my mornings and all else He provided: the clients, resources, finances, strength, wisdom.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

I believe helping others heal, and receive freedom in my sessions has helped me gain my clientele and private practice. Also, I believe if you are called into your field, and you do 100% effort, then you will be blessed and successful. I enjoy what I do, I am passionate about it and it’s my gifts that come naturally. Also, I love people and want to help them gain freedom, healing or whatever they’re coming in for.

Contact Info:

• Website: annapavlov.com
• Instagram: annapavlov_mft
• Linkedin: Anna Pavlov
• Facebook: annapavlov84