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

Carla, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

It started when I realized I struggled in my internship due to my disabilities. I have an array of autoimmune conditions that interfere with normal productive hours, goals and the way I am perceived in professional environments. So, after much struggling I decided graduate school would be the last space in which I would have to work for others who did not grasp how deeply my conditions altered my life. First I had to save money, and brain storm a name.The name had to be marketing friendly, and domain available etc, in both the internet and the state of Texas. I hired an attorney to help me navigate the appropriate forms and prevent legally missing anything. I also had to secure a supervisor that I could afford but that I also matched with as a chronically ill woman in the field. Our field has us be supervised for the following years after graduation, so once my attorney and my supervisor were locked in; the name and logo were next. If I could do anything differently I would simply save more money; supervision is expensive. If anyone is thinking of starting their own practice; make sure you can afford the practice and the hours will accumulate as easy as people can pay- so know your worth but also remember your end goal of independent licensure.

Carla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

LUX Counseling & Consulting PLLC is my professional licensed counselor business. However, it is at least three generations worth of sacrifices and realities that were entirely different that the one I live; and for that I say it’s a family accomplishment. Eventually I found myself in my degree because my body deteriorated quickly from military experiences and while I wanted to help people with their health I could no longer pursue a doctor career. With the idea of helping others and becoming the therapist I wanted to have- I entered the counseling world as a chronically ill patient and realized how underrepresented and misunderstood our autoimmune or other chronic illness are. I provide therapeutic services to families, couples, individuals and children- we approach it collaboratively- genuinely and include all of you; your disabilities, your identity, roles expectations, traumas and strengths.
I also provide brand storming sessions for visionaries to help achieve their goals while remaining true to themselves. Times are changing and professionalism looks different now than ten years ago.

That’s what sets me apart both in counseling and consulting- I can ethically provide services that are in line with best practice, but welcome your unique needs so you can find your work peace.

I am the most proud for being the result of generations and families that never saw themselves close to being in business by themselves or graduating. My parents remained in Central America while I took the opportunity to come and improve my future, craft it from scratch and break generational trauma.

I want people to remember how valuable they are and how my services can help with that. LUX is a term for light within a squared unit. Meaning a small space and the amount of luminescence within it. If I can leave a mark today it would be that someone felt safe, understood and supported in my presence.

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

Self knowledge and a supportive partner or therapist of your own. If we as therapists don’t know where we need improvement, or strengths we could not serve our clientele, but the journey is frustrating from beginning to culmination so, have your own coping techniques and a good team of resourceful professionals to help you break into the field.

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

Definitely word of mouth referrals, as it might be at this point I am booking new clients, but during my busier months upon starting- it was word of mouth of the new Latina therapist deeply making an impact in the clients’ reality. It has proven a little hard because I am self pay only. It pushes a lot of people away from my services, but once I explain how insurance panels don’t take on my level of licensure (Associate) we can figure out payment plans or they ask for resources within their budget/insurance of choice. The thing I deliver on that others locally can’t is that those clients see in me what they can’t get elsewhere- genuine acceptance or grasp of their life realities in the military, as latinos or chronic illnesses; and I can speak Spanish and English. EMDR in Spanish is hard to come by and I can facilitate that.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.luxtherapyconsulting.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlaescalantelux
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carlaescalantelux
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlaescalantelux/

Image Credits
Rebecca Eller Photography