We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dr. Monica Band a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Dr. Monica, 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?
I had a mental health practice as a solo practitioner while I was teaching full time as a Counselor Educator to graduate students. As much as I enjoyed mentoring students and teaching–there was a part that felt missing. I found myself longing to focus my full efforts and energies on clinical work. I knew I craved the autonomy to set my own schedule, focus on my craft as a therapist, and find time to do advocacy work for the service projects and issues that were important to me. With the help and encouragement of my loved ones, I made the transition from my career as a tenured-track academic to a small business owner. Little did I know, the COVID pandemic, lockdown, and sociopolitical issues of the time would all influence the nature of my business and mental health climate as a whole. I envisioned a practice that centered empathy and mentorship for new clinicians with the values of cultural responsiveness and trauma-informed care. I had no idea that my practice would grow into a larger group collective.
Conceptualize: I allowed my imagination to run wild on how I would like to spend my time in great detail. I also hyper focused on what values are most important to me. I thought about the many ways I could live and express my values. This helped me generate ideas about my practice, its branding, and the vibe/culture I was hoping to create.
Rearching: On taxes and applications on starting a small business in D.C. Thankfully, I had a few people who’ve started solo practices that I could talk with. However, none had created a group practice with the values I had hoped to create–so, there was some learning on the job and piecing it together myself.
Getting out of my own way: Making my “side gig” my full passion. I wanted to start my business the “safe” way, by working full time, salaried in one job–while slowly starting up by practice on the side. I think this worked for a while, but it would never scale the way I imagined unless I went all in. It felt like a huge risk. I had a friend remind me that my full time position was now only distracting me and getting in the way of what I could accomplish.
Saving money for start up costs. Subscriptions, software, rent, applications, malpractice insurance, credentialing, billing services, administration, and personal healthcare and time off, etc. Everything adds up and it can get costly, quickly–especially, if you are a practitioner or practitioner who takes insurance.
what were some of the key challenges in setting up your own office/practice
Preserving my values: How do you create profit on a value driven business in a society that doesn’t value mental health (i.e., as evidenced by cultural stigma, reimbursement rates for mental health professionals, and healthcare legislation)? Do you take insurance to make services more accessible while negotiating your autonomy as a clinician? These are ongoing challenges I consider in a mental health space.
Pandemic and Geographical Considerations: There were certainly logistical issues as it related to public health/safety of clients and clinicians during this time. We moved to telehealth which was safer and more convenient for some. However, adapting therapeutic modalities and approaches to a telehealth format was a challenge. Additionally, we had a militarized presence and protests in D.C. which impacted many people’s mental health. Being a therapist during this great time of uncertainty and existential crises was unique to be sure.
Creating a new way: Mentorship was a critical part in my career development. My field has many issues, namely how we support folx recently graduated and pre-licensed. I always felt there could be a better way. It’s still an ongoing work in progress, but I am hoping my practice is a place where new professionals can feel safe to be creative and use this time to explore their professional identities as a jumping off point for the rest of their career. I have seen seasoned professionals and older practices have an authoritative mindset in which it feels as if they own people, their ideas, their clients, etc. I wanted to reduce the power differential in the community of healers my practice hosts. My vision is that clinicians from diverse cultural backgrounds, connected by shared values, can spend 2-3 years on growing their craft and continue the generous cycle wherever their career takes them.
And would you have done anything differently knowing what you know now?
Vulnerability is a strength.I would tell my younger self that it is okay to speak up more and take up more space–because I have value too. I am naturally more of a listener and introvert–but, that doesn’t mean I don’t have a voice. At the time, I was overly concerned with what other people thought of me and fearful of others’ judgments. I realize that you cannot avoid or control this–but, having equally supportive people in your corner can help.
I would have put myself out there more in spaces that I originally thought were too out of reach. As a contractor now, I have the privilege of working in mental health spaces that are beyond the therapy office or classroom. It’s been wonderful to bridge these gaps and I wish I had broadened my perspectives sooner.
I would have taken more chances in the cold introducing myself to people I admire or would like to connect with, rather than talk myself down. “They have more important things to do. Who are you to waste their time? They aren’t going to be interested in helping you–you’re no one.”
Visibility is powerful. As a person who has various intersecting, marginalized identities, it’s important for me to be in spaces–to be seen, not just for my own empowerment, but to connect and represent my communities. Overall, I think the response I’ve received is supportive and my community is powerful. It is inspiring to connect with likeminded people with the same pursuits! By organizing our power together, we can enact deeper change.
Saying “no” is okay! You cannot save everyone and be the person to all things/people. You only have a certain amount of time and energy any given day–and being discerning about what you spend it on is important. Be intentional about what you say yes to and be sure it feeds into your larger goals.
Any advice for a young professional who might be considering starting their own practice?
Yes, lots!
Do Your Research. Have a clear picture of your audience, specifically the people you’d like to help support the most, and the issues you feel most passionate about. It’s okay to have a niche–this will not limit you. Understand the market you are getting into and your industry’s systemic issues.
Understand Your Work Flow and Capitalize on It: If you’re not a morning person–that’s okay! Try not to force yourself into a box you don’t naturally fit in. I’ve learned through trial and error how many breaks I need, when I am the most alert and productive during the day, and then when I am tired and spinning my wheels. I would encourage anyone to listen to their body and it’s needs to figure out how to work with it and adapt to it–rather, then force it on a schedule it’s not made for.
Define Success for Yourself. Making money is only one measurement of success–and that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re making a significant impact. Define the meaning of success for yourself–because everyone has their own opinions that can cloud your judgment.
Block Out The Noise: Not everyone will be supportive or understanding–and that’s okay! As a young woman of color wanting to start a business, with a vision that appeared “too idealistic,” I had a lot of older people from various institutions not understand why I was pursuing my own business when I had a secure, salaried, job. I realize that this lack of support can come from a good intentioned place in which people are trying to protect me from disappointment or caution me on the risks–not because they want to see me fail. As much as I respect the older people trying to guide me, I also realized that these were their opinions, based on the amount of risk they are okay with taking on.
Don’t just highlight problems–find solutions and work on operationalizing an actionable plan.
Create. Write. Share Often. Sharing is a vulnerable process. It’s valuable because it can help you grow by receiving feedback, challenging your biases/ideas, broadening your perspectives in ways you didn’t consider.
Practice cultural humility by checking your ego at the door! Ask for help often and surround yourself with people who know more than you. It will help you grow.
Remember to celebrate the wins and center joy in your practice. It can be tempting to focus on all the things you haven’t done in a day or have yet to accomplish.
Rest. It may seem selfish or difficult to pull away from work at first. However, work will always be there; your health might not be. Resting is important to feel restorative and grounded in the reasons that keep you going.
Practice abundance–not scarcity. Allow yourself to celebrate not just your own, but others’ successes. When you admire what others are doing in the profession, know that we’re all on the same team, moving the dial one more inch towards positive and impactful change.
Prioritize your professional and personal relationships. This is not just about networking and collecting a lot of contacts or followers. This is about carving time out of what may feel like a very busy day, to slow down and reconnect with people that are important to you.
Lead with empathy and be generous. Try to be curious and nonjudgmental by practicing radical empathy. Be generous when you can and have the capacity. This can be with your time, mentorship, shared knowledge, network, etc. I was fortunate and privileged enough to have some wonderful mentors in my life who practiced generosity with their time and encouraged me to pursue my passions. I try to do the same in hopes that those I help will one day do the same.
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?
For folks who may not have read about you before, can you please tell our readers about yourself, My cultural background, particularly my racial identity as a biracial Chinese American woman, greatly influences my professional identity and informs the areas that I’ve chosen to focus on as my expertise. I am a trauma informed, licensed mental health therapist who specializes in working with adults with complex trauma, particularly what is known as intergenerational and attachment-based traumas. I use an integrative approach to treatment, which often includes somatic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Reprocessing and Desensitization (EMDR), mindfulness interventions with a culturally responsive lens. I also specialize in working with people who identify as part of the Asian diaspora and LGBTQIA+ community. I mentor recent graduates, supervise pre-licensed clinicians, and teach graduate mental health counseling students on clinical skills with these modalities. My values in multiculturalism and social justice are infused in the way I practice and conceptualize treatment with clients–and are authentic to the way I approach collaborating with anyone.
In addition to being a therapist, I am also a mental health justice advocate. My advocacy work has layers. I am privileged to have the opportunity to consult with amazing non-profits as a subject matter expert, specifically on projects related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within mental health as well as mental health policy. Some of these nonprofits include: I have offered my voice to various media outlets particularly on sociopolitical issues and how they impact our mental health. Some of these media outlets include NPR, Forbes Health, Reuters, Counseling Today, Represent ASIAN Project, Washingtonian, and ABC7 News. In addition to spreading the word about upcoming legislation,
Another form of advocacy is education. As a mental health educator, I was formerly and previously a full time academic teaching graduate students in a Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. While I still teach, I specifically like to dedicate my time to “free to the public ” mental health events hosted by (some of my favorite non-profits): The Asian Mental Health Collective and The Asian Mental Health Project.
I have found other creative ways to raise awareness and center conversations around mental health through IG (@the.mindful_healer) and with friends on their projects such as Ayanna Kelly and her podcast Sazon y Corazon and others associated with counseling organizations. I also engage in larger training events specifically for clinicians on how to enhance their therapeutic skills. For example, I am excited to be joining the 2023 faculty of the Psychotherapy Networker in Washington D.C., where I will be specifically training therapists on how to work with clients from the Asian diaspora. I am also excited to keynote the 2023 National Career Development Association Conference in Chicago this June! A highlight of my 2022 and career was playing a supportive role at MTV’s Youth Mental Health Action Forum, hosted at the White House. There, I had the chance to meet the next generation of awesome mental health advocates (which made me feel relieved for the future!)
how you got into your industry / business / discipline / craft etc, what type of products/services/creative works you provide,
Like many healers and helpers, I was drawn to the “industry” quite naturally. First, by playing a specific role within my friends and family: as a peacemaker, diplomat, helper, etc. Many folx who are therapists describe experiences where others would be at ease talking with them about difficult or heavy topics because they were approachable. Additionally, my family instilled a value of service to others. All that to say, I knew that I wanted to be in a psychological profession–I just wasn’t sure what that would look like or how it would happen. I also noticed a generational gap, language barriers, stigma in receiving help for Asian communities. I am personally impacted by these gaps and wanted to move towards creating healing spaces for people of similar backgrounds.
I said “yes” and embraced a lot of opportunities early on in my career as a student. I wanted as much exposure to working with folx with mental health across the lifespan of development and of issues. After saying yes, I have eased up and set personal boundaries to be more discerning and selective about the projects I choose–because my time is so limited.
To be honest, I attribute a lot of my success to my mentors, elders, and community who empowered me to take up space and offered me opportunities. I continue to expand the meaning of being a therapist. There are multiple ways to heal and it doesn’t always mean one on one therapy.
In my practice, we offer individual and relationship counseling in both a telehealth and physical office space. Outside of my practice, I offer consultation, supervision, and training services. There are a few creative projects I am currently consulting on–broadly speaking they all share the same mission of scaling mental health services to educate, train, and assist underserved communities.
what problems you solve for your clients and/or what you think sets you apart from others. What are you most proud of and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/ etc.
First, I think I am simply there to facilitate constructive conversation with clients–really, they are doing all the hard work and heavy lifting when it comes to solving their own problems. I like to help people who are working to unlearn old scripts that no longer serve them and find more adaptable ways of living to enhance their life and relationships. As an educator, my mission is to focus on the mechanics of how to help. As a former, full time academic my experience was that a lot of the valuable work and research was inaccessible to people who needed it the most: the people on the ground (like therapists and other helpers) doing the direct work with clients. That being said, I think what sets me apart is being someone who is determined to break down privileged spaces and concepts and create a bridge of understanding to people across multiple disciplines to include the general public. I am most proud of my ongoing contributions to the conversations and visibility of AAPI mental health.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the toughest lessons for my inner child to unlearn is that “I am not enough.” This manifests in my personal healing journey and identity work as a biracial Chinese woman in which I have felt othered in many spaces and uncomfortable in my own skin. This comes about in not fitting in and feeling different for most of my life. This also comes out in how I attempt to overcorrect this insecurity through preforming and producing work as evidence to counter act that statement. It has driven my decision making in the past and it has also got in the way of not taking up enough space when I had a lot to say. While it continues to be a part of me, I have learned to speak to myself in a compassionate way. I understand where that lesson comes from, mostly from my cultural background/lived experience as well as intergenerational trauma. I also recognized triggers, such as comparing myself too harshly with others. I realize that the only comparison, competition, and measurement I should be making is with myself and myself alone.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
I had the privilege of generally knowing what area of study I wanted to focus on and what field I wanted to be in–which, made me a high achiever and often the youngest person/youngest looking person in a lot of professional spaces. As a young person, I went through my studies quickly and before graduating was offered a position as a tenured track professor. At the time, I considered this decision an easy one. It was job security during a time when my peers were also looking for work in higher education. I was familiar with the university and had mentors on the faculty…it made sense. However, removed me a little too far from the clinical work I love. So, even though it was a path many doctoral students hope to achieve, I pivoted to dedicate my time on opening up my own practice. I made the slow transition out of my position as a professor. This was difficult because nothing was inherently wrong to point to, but I had to listen to myself. I learned a lot from that pivot, especially since no one could predict that months later a pandemic would happen.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.drmonicapband.com
- Instagram: @the.mindful_healer
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonicapband/
- Twitter: @themndfulhealer
- Other: Private practice website: www.mindfulhealingcounseling.com
Image Credits
https://joshuafernandez.com/ Josh Fernandez [email protected]