We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Christian Sanon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Christian below.
Christian, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In the grand symphony of life, sometimes the most discordant chords give rise to the most harmonious melodies. Such was the case for us, the creators of Look Up Therapy, LLC.
In the early months of 2020, our lives changed dramatically. We were part of the global workforce whose jobs were abruptly severed due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This unforeseen circumstance could have been an end, but for us, it was the start of an odyssey.
As professional therapists, we had spent years working for various organizations, providing much-needed care and counseling for those in need. When the pandemic hit, the world was thrown into unprecedented turmoil. People could no longer visit our offices and welcoming us into their homes was out of the question due to fear of virus transmission.
Our predicament was clear. Clients still needed our help, and we still yearned to serve. But the traditional methods we’d relied upon were no longer viable. Yet within this dilemma, we found an opportunity. It was the push we needed to chase our dreams, dreams we’d long had but had kept tucked away in the recesses of our minds, awaiting the right moment.
We had always envisioned changing the therapeutic landscape but had imagined it as a future venture. Now, confronted with a global crisis, we realized the future was here, and it was time to act.
Our dream? To transform how therapy was provided – at the center, at home, and school. We envisioned a world where therapy was accessible regardless of circumstances, a world where mental health care was not an exception but the norm.
Driven by this vision, we took an enormous risk. We took our entire savings, a hard-earned stash that was meant to safeguard us from uncertainties, and invested it into birthing Look Up Therapy, LLC. The gamble was monumental, the stakes high. Amid a global crisis, we were taking a step into the unknown, driven by a single belief – the need to revolutionize therapy.
The early days were marked by challenges. We had to navigate through the complexities of setting up a business during a global crisis, fine-tuning our therapeutic approaches to fit the new norm, and facing the inherent fear that comes with starting something new. But every challenge served as a catalyst, pushing us to innovate and adapt.
Slowly but surely, Look Up Therapy, LLC, began to grow. Clients appreciated our flexible approach, our determination, and our commitment to providing therapy, regardless of the situation. Schools and centers began collaborating with us, recognizing the value of our work.
Looking back now, the risk we took in those early pandemic days was colossal, but the payoff has been equally immense. Our risk morphed into an opportunity that allowed us not only to survive the challenging times but to thrive in them, creating an innovative solution that revolutionized our field. We discovered that in the face of adversity, the only real risk is not taking one.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
The journey that led me to co-found Look Up Therapy, LLC, is one intimately woven with the threads of faith, compassion, personal challenges, and an unwavering commitment to service. My name is Christian E. Sanon II, and the seeds of empathy were sown early in my life, germinated by personal experiences, and cultivated by a drive to make a difference.
Born into a missional family as the eldest of four, my awareness of the complexities and intricacies of therapy was spurred by my younger sister’s autism diagnosis. Witnessing her journey and the palpable unease our family felt while seeking care, I realized the immense need for a more compassionate, understanding approach in the therapeutic field. This personal connection to the field was paired with a strong faith in God, which provided both inspiration and direction as I sought to bring about this change.
My first dream was to become a professional athlete, a goal that was unfortunately sidelined due to a knee and shoulder injury. Yet, every cloud has a silver lining. In my case, it led me to the therapeutic care industry, the realm where I truly belonged. As I navigated through this new territory, I found myself yearning to create an inclusive, comfortable space where children and their families could be themselves, even as they grappled with challenging diagnoses and sought the care they needed.
Today, as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst, my role in Look Up Therapy extends beyond just oversight of patient treatment plans. It is a multifaceted endeavor that allows me to provide transparency, genuine care, and guidance to families as they navigate the intricate labyrinth of emotions that accompany diagnoses. My work involves more than problem-solving; it involves celebration – rejoicing in every small victory, every milestone crossed, every success story that our therapies contribute to.
My academic credentials, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Nova Southeastern University and a master’s in special education curriculum development from Arizona State University lend a strong foundation to my practical expertise. I also serve as a BeWellPBC Community Connector, extending my commitment to service beyond the confines of Look Up Therapy.
What sets Look Up Therapy and me apart is our unwavering commitment to transparency, compassion, and personalized care. We believe that every individual, every family, has unique needs, and our approach to therapy is tailored to acknowledge and cater to these differences. We provide a space of acceptance, a space where our clients can feel truly seen, heard, and understood.
What am I most proud of? Every time a family feels empowered, every time a child celebrates a milestone, every time we are able to transform challenges into victories – these are our proudest moments. Look Up Therapy is more than just an organization; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative power of compassionate care.
To our potential clients, followers, and fans, we want you to know that Look Up Therapy is here for you. We are here to guide, support, and celebrate with you. No matter how daunting the journey might seem, remember – when you look up, there’s always a way forward.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team and maintaining high morale is a multifaceted process that calls for a blend of various elements such as faith, fitness, discipline, kindness, and passion. Here is my advice based on these components:
1. Faith: It’s essential to cultivate a culture of trust within your team. Trust in their abilities, their judgment, and their dedication to the work. Encourage them to have faith in themselves and in the team. Also, foster an environment where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them. This helps to create a supportive and nurturing workplace where everyone can grow and flourish.
2. Fitness: Physical well-being is integral to overall performance. Encourage your team members to incorporate some form of physical activity into their routines. This could be something as simple as regular breaks from computer screens, stand-up meetings, or team-building activities that involve physical movement. Remember, a healthy body contributes to a healthy mind.
3. Discipline: Set clear expectations and maintain consistency in your actions. Encourage team members to adhere to deadlines, but also give them the freedom to approach tasks in their own unique way. This balance of structure and flexibility fosters discipline while promoting creativity.
4. Kindness: As a leader, it’s crucial to treat every team member with kindness and respect. Empathize with their challenges and offer support where you can. Foster a team culture where kindness is the norm, not the exception. This can significantly boost morale and enhance team cohesion.
5. Passion: Passion is contagious. Show your passion for the work you do and inspire your team members to find their own passion within their roles. Encourage them to take on projects that they care about and that ignite their passion. When people are passionate about what they do, they are more likely to be motivated and engaged, which leads to higher morale.
In addition to these, remember to communicate openly and regularly with your team. Celebrate their successes, no matter how small, and provide constructive feedback to help them grow. And most importantly, lead by example. Show your team the values of faith, fitness, discipline, kindness, and passion in your actions, and they are likely to follow suit.
Managing a team and maintaining high morale can be challenging, but with the right approach and a balance of these elements, it can also be a highly rewarding experience. Remember, your team’s morale is a reflection of your leadership style. So, lead with empathy, integrity, and passion, and watch your team thrive.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
At Look Up Therapy, LLC, our strategy for growing our clientele is grounded in four fundamental values: patience, consistency, transparency, and care. Rather than rushing for immediate results, we patiently build enduring relationships with our clients, taking time to understand their unique needs and offer personalized care.
Consistency in our service quality is a cornerstone of our practice. Our clients trust us because they know we consistently deliver excellent care, regardless of the circumstances.
We also prioritize transparency, maintaining open lines of communication with our clients throughout the therapeutic process. This fosters trust and deepens our relationships with them.
Finally, the heart of our approach is genuine care for our clients. We’re dedicated to guiding and supporting them on their unique journeys, providing empathetic care that truly sets us apart.
By embodying these values, we’ve been able to create a positive company culture and attract more clients. We believe that prioritizing exceptional care and value for each client is key to success in any service-oriented business. Our commitment to this belief has been instrumental in our growth at Look Up Therapy, LLC.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lookuptherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lookuptherapy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lookuptherapy/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lookuptherapy/