Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brendan and Liz Dochney. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Brendan and Liz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

A commonality we both share, is that we were raised by kind, caring, and charitable parents. They taught us not to see the value in materialistic items, but instead see the value in people. Both of our parents have worked in the helping professions, teaching special education in the schools and working with individuals that had intellectual and developmental disabilities in a group home setting. Our parents have immeasurable amounts of patience, kindness, and love of people. To this day, both of our parents still donate their time in retirement by doing volunteer work in their communities. A couple other things they did right was teach us not to take life for granted, travel, learn from other cultures and people, and give people grace as they are often doing the best they can in that moment. A little kindness and encouragement can go a long way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Neither of our journey’s into this field have been traditional ones (if there is such a thing). Each of us have worked in a variety of settings (in and outside our current field) that have helped prepare us for where we are now. Particularly, prior to starting the practice we each learned a tremendous amount working in inpatient psychiatric hospitals and outpatient behavioral health offices, that eventually helped us build the courage to branch out and apply what we’ve learned starting out own practice. We both also have previous experience in the service/restaurant industry as well, which we feel like can prepare anyone for anything! Dochney Counseling offers individual, family, and couples therapy. We really try to take a client centered approach, not only to clients while “on the couch” in session, but from the initial contact up until their eventual discharge. In our line of work, the product is us and our ability to help our clients through their difficult moments in life. This is something we do not take lightly, and try to never take for granted. This amazing opportunity we’re given day in and day out, this company, this line of work, is our life’s passion and we feel extremely lucky to be here in Savannah doing so.

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

Our most effective tool for growing our clientele and business is certainly our clients (i.e. word of mouth referrals/recommendations). Not only have the majority of our client’s shown us continued support over the years, they have also shown a willingness to open up to others about their therapy experience in order to make the recommendation and spread the word. This brings so much happiness to us, knowing that they are decreasing the stigma regarding behavioral health and therapy. People’s willingness to share their experiences in therapy, and be open about the fact that they see a therapist, shows how far we’ve come as a culture in our acceptance of help when we are struggling without feeling shame for doing so.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Without a doubt, we would both choose the same profession again. There are times we may think, “oh man, I should have been a _______” but at the end of the day, we are both passionate about the field of behavioral health and helping others. There is nothing greater than helping someone on their personal journey, and being a critical part in the facilitation of that growth into a thriving, happy, healthy person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dochneycounseling.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100042942830253
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/dochney-counseling-savannah-ga/374975

Image Credits
https://www.facebook.com/Cygnet-Photography-105162119830236/?__tn__=kC*F