We recently connected with Dorothea Foster and have shared our conversation below.

Dorothea , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with 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?

I quickly realized that other therapists were offering similar services. This posed a challenge, not only in terms of competition but also in identifying my unique selling proposition. One of my biggest challenges was navigating the complex world of becoming credentialed with insurance companies. With many others in the field, it was surprising and disheartening that no one offered assistance.

My challenges. Standing out and establishing my brand was vital in a field saturated with therapists.
The intricacies of insurance and billing posed a significant challenge. As a therapist, these administrative tasks were not necessarily in my wheelhouse, yet they were crucial for the smooth operation of my practice.
Starting a practice can feel isolating, especially when no one is willing to lend a helping hand or share their experiences.

In retrospect, many lessons were learned.
Knowing what I know now, I would have invested time in a course focused on billing and credentialing. This would have streamlined processes and saved me from potential pitfalls.
As a mentor, supervisor, and private practice consultant, a mentor could have provided guidance, shared their experiences, and helped navigate challenges, reducing the trial-and-error phase.

Advice for Young Professionals,
Believe in Yourself. Your belief in yourself is the cornerstone of your success. When faced with obstacles, remember the day you looked at yourself in the mirror and committed to your journey.
Seek Mentorship. Find someone who is where you want to be. Their guidance can be invaluable, offering insights that save time, money, and stress. Even if it feels like no one is willing, keep searching. A single conversation can change the trajectory of your career.
Never Stop Learning, the fields of therapy and private practice management are vast. Stay updated, take courses, and always look for ways to enhance your skills, both in treatment and in the business side of things.

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

Dottie Foster: A Beacon of Hope and Transformation

Dottie Foster is not just a therapist but a testament to the power of resilience, transformation, and the human spirit’s ability to overcome challenges. Her journey from addiction to recovery and recovery to helping others makes her an inspirational figure in counseling.

Real Perspective Counseling Agency:

As the CEO and founder of the Real Perspective Counseling Agency, Dottie Foster leads a team of 12 therapists. The agency’s name hints at Dottie’s philosophy: that true healing and transformation come from seeing life with a real perspective, grounded in lived experiences and empathetic understanding.

Educational and Professional Credentials:

– Bachelor of Arts in Family Life
– Master of Arts in Mental/Behavioral Health Counseling
– Certified Counselor Supervisor
– Certified SYMBIS (Saving your Marriage Before It Starts) Facilitator
– Certified Financial Literacy Coach

With 22 years of pastoral counseling, Dottie possesses a unique blend of academic credentials, professional certifications, and rich life experiences. Her specialty areas encompass Blended Family Dynamics, Substance Abuse Recovery, and Spiritual and Emotional Health.

A Personal Journey of Recovery:

The year 1989 marked a turning point in Dottie’s life. Battling an addiction to “crack,” she sought help and enrolled in the Life Challenge Spiritual Growth Program. Not only did she overcome her addiction, but she also metamorphosed into a beacon of hope for others. As a Recovery Coach, she became a guiding light for many battling similar demons.

Philosophy and Life’s Mission:

Dottie’s philosophy is as profound as simple: “We are all broken in different ways and in different places, but you do not have to remain broken.” These words resonate deeply with those who have known pain, offering a promise of healing and transformation.

Her soul’s deepest desire and life’s mission intertwine beautifully – to see individuals set free, delivered, and transformed. For Dottie, transformation isn’t just about overcoming challenges; it’s about the renewal of the mind.

In Conclusion:

Dottie Foster is more than her titles and accolades. She is a living testament to the possibility of transformation; through her work, she magnifies that possibility a thousand-fold for others. For those she counsels, Dottie isn’t just a therapist; she’s a beacon of hope, lighting the path toward healing and renewed life.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The cornerstone of my approach is offering genuine perspective. By ensuring a deep connection with each client and incorporating self-disclosure, I emphasize that while I am their therapist, I am also a fellow human being with shared experiences. This authentic approach not only fosters trust but has also played a pivotal role in my practice’s growth. The majority of my client base has expanded through repeat clients and their heartfelt referrals.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Building my reputation within the counseling market was not an overnight endeavor. Several factors played a crucial role:

Personal Journey: My own experience with recovery, especially my journey from addiction. Clients appreciate a therapist who does not just offer textbook solutions but understands the intricacies of personal struggles.
Authenticity: By incorporating self-disclosure into my sessions, I have been able to emphasize my humanity, showing clients that while I am their therapist, I am also a person with relatable experiences. This approach creates a genuine bond and trust between me and my clients.
Client-Centric Approach: Every session is tailored to the client’s needs, ensuring they feel seen, heard, and understood. This focus on the client’s perspective and well-being has been instrumental in building a loyal client base.

Word of Mouth: Delivering consistent, transformative results has led to repeat clients and an influx of referrals. When clients benefit from therapy, they naturally want to share their positive experience with others.

Foundational Belief: My unwavering belief that we are all broken in various ways but do not have to remain that way has resonated deeply with many. This philosophy, stemming from both personal and professional experiences, sets the tone for every counseling session

Contact Info:

• Website: real perspective.org
• Instagram: realperspectivecounseling
• Facebook: Real Perspective Counseling Agency