Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Chris McDonald. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Chris, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.
I was working full time in the school system as a School Counselor. I was fed up with all the politics of it and how unsupported I felt . I knew I was more on the clinical side of things and wanted to expand my skills where they would be honored and supported. I started an online only practice back in 2013 (before telehealth was popular!) and struggled to get started and find clients. I really had no idea what I was doing and felt a bit lost. There was not the multitude of podcasts, facebook groups for therapists or online courses like there is now so I had to dig to really find resources that were helpful. If I could go back I would’ve found an office space sooner and one that rented hourly. I probably would’ve found more success sooner if I had an in person option at that time. Shifting from being a W2 employee to a Business owner was very difficult with my mindset and understanding. I was very fearful to spend money and didn’t understand what it took to get a business started. I would also have engaged in more networking with other Therapists. Building relationships with other professionals in the community has proven to be invaluable. To those who are considering starting their own practice, find those Clinicians who are in your niche. This can help tremendously as you can refer to each other.
Chris, 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?
I have only been a Counselor or Therapist in my whole career. Growing up I was always a good listener but never felt like I had the skills to help even friends or families with issues they talked to me about. This interested me on learning more on how to do this. After I got my Bachelors in Psychology, I explored potential Grad School majors and came across School Counseling and knew that was where I wanted to go. I decided to get my full licensure while in the school system and decided to start my own practice. I am Holistic Therapist and provide individual therapy for young adults facing life transitions like going to college, college to work life or managing “adulting.” I help those experiencing anxiety, depression, recovery from trauma and grief. I integrate yoga, meditation, mindfulness, Brainspotting and self-compassion practices into my therapy sessions. I have a small group practice and have 2 clinicians who work under me. I also provide Therapy for Therapists and love to help fellow Therapists with any mental health concerns as well as concerns in their practice of therapy. I am a Clinical supervisor and provide supervision to initially licensed Therapists and provide a monthly group for them.
I am also host of the podcast The Holistic Counseling podcast. This podcast helps Therapists learn new holistic strategies to take their holistic practice to the next level. The podcast also provides self-care strategies to help listeners optimize their own personal wellness and learn practice building tips.The goal of the podcast is to help Therapists develop a thriving holistic practice with confidence. I currently am offering a holistic webinar series that includes Start up Strategies for integrating Yoga into clinical sessions, the Ethical and Legal Considerations of Holistic Counseling, and Holistic Self-Care Boundaries for Therapists.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
I will never forget when I left the school system and started as a Team Lead with Intensive In Home Services. I had no idea what I was getting into. I didn’t realize I would be driving in 5 counties with some clients living an hour away and they didn’t provide mileage reimbursement! The pay was so low as well and unpredictable as some clients wouldn’t be home when you arrived and you lost that pay because it was hourly. Most of the clients I saw were kids that had Oppositional Defiant Disorder and were extremely difficult to build relationships with and it was hard to see progress since they were extreme in their behaviors.
The money I had from leftover sick days from the school system was running out and we barely were getting by financially. I was struggling to get clients in my private practice. I remember I broke down to my husband one day and was just bawling. I told him ” I made a mistake by leaving the school system. I don’t know what I am going to do.” He totally supported me and whatever decision i wanted to make at that time. I decided i had to pivot and began applying relentlessly for an Outpatient Therapist position. I finally landed one and was able to make a more consistent income and moved on to renting an office hourly for my private practice. I began networking more with other Therapists and this helped build the foundation for my business.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
You do have to build perseverance to be successful in private practice in my field. There can be many potholes and barriers to success. It takes a lot of energy, time and patience to build a successful business. There are times when referrals are greatly reduced that my anxiety increases, when this happens I have to remind myself that it is part of the process. Business does tend to go up and down, that is the nature of it. Its not that I am doing anything wrong and I just have to ride the wave of it and not allow myself to get caught up in catastrophic thinking. Perseverance with a foundation of faith in yourself and process (and a higher power) will get you far in this field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pathtohopecounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/holisticcounselingpodcast/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cmcdonaldlpc
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-mcdonald-bb831823/
- Twitter: @HCPodcast8
- Other: https://holisticcounselingpodcast.com/
Image Credits
Richard Barlow Photography https://www.richardbarlowphotography.com/