We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Rachel Sims. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Rachel below.
Dr. Rachel, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
Well, I think my career journey is a perfect example of how development isn’t always linear. I originally wanted to be a teacher and I worked in the public school system for 9 years as a teacher and coach. I found myself counseling more students in between classes, before, and after school. I fell in love with psychology and decided to go back to school to get trained. I fell in love with counseling and therapy and the study of why we “tick”. I graduated with my Masters’s in a year and became a School Counselor in the long process of obtaining my LPC license. (which takes 3,000 intern hours in the State of Texas). So I went into education, and counseling added my professional license, and found my niche in working with couples. I went back and gained my Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy and really started specializing in Attachment Theory. So, in a way, I’m back to my first love of psychology, just working on it from a more human approach. So I guess if I had a lesson for others here, it would be not to panic when it seems their career goals are taking a detour or veering in the wrong direction. I believe that eventually every experience will be utilized when you actualize your specific goal. I decided to open my own practice so that I could make my own hours, but long term I want to have my business be at the forefront of a down-to-earth, straightforward, sigma-free approach to counseling and therapy. I’ve named my business “Uncomplicated Therapy” for the plain reason that I want therapy or counseling to be Uncomplicated. Therapy to a lot of people is scary, doesn’t know where to start, and can be overwhelming; I want to break those stigmas and make them approachable and obtainable. I want people to start to think of therapy as a proactive approach instead of a reactive one and know that we give tools to add to their tool box.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
A lot of people get overwhelmed with the thought of therapy. Whether that is hesitation about “getting mental help” or possibly just where to start. The brand and business, “Uncomplicated Therapy” is not only simplified therapy, but it is a therapy that is straightforward and honest.
Our Vision is to break down the stigmas of mental health and give our clients the tools and techniques they need with solution-focused therapy. Solution-focused therapy is a short-term, goal-focused, and evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps clients gain solutions, or in better words “Uncomplicated things” quickly and effectively.
I want future clients to feel confident about coming to therapy or reaching out for Mental Health. My practice is based on the Attachment Theory and focused on Marriage, Relationships, Family, and Individual help. I have a Mental Health store on Etsy “Uncomplicated Therapy” and Amazon that allow clients, coaches, therapists, counselors, and social workers gifts, decorations, tools, workbooks, as well as many resources to help better their practice as well.
I’m excited that I have written a book called “Are You Love Smart or Love Stupid”, that really allows people to know the proper way to date, relationships, marriage as well as break all of those terrible Relationship Myths. We all in different stages of our lives have been in relationships of some nature. We have all been told “advice” on different situations from different people in our life. Example. ” Don’t text back for three days”, “Happy wife, happy life.”, “Love should be easy”. The list could go on. My book breaks down 45 myths from different stages of relationships, and the psychology of why the advice you’ve been getting your whole life may not be working out for you. People, it’s time to uncomplicate your love life. Expectations fueled by society’s desire for perfectionism can be reframed. And when well-meaning friends and family impart their wisdom through myths and theories, you can filter out the good from the bad. This book will give you the much-needed tools to find and keep love in the modern day.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
One of the main aspects I must advise is to BE YOUR MOST AUTHENTIC SELF. In this day and age it can be hard to be yourself and put yourself out there let alone a business. Some of the strategies that have helped me not only build my private practice, book sales, amazon and Etsy store was to be myself and love the content and material that I was putting out.
Word of Mouth and Referrals: Offering excellent service and building strong relationships with current clients can lead to positive word-of-mouth recommendations. Encourage satisfied clients to refer their friends, family, and colleagues to you.
Online Presence: Establish a professional website that showcases your expertise, services, and testimonials. Engage in content marketing by writing blog posts, creating videos, or offering free resources that demonstrate your knowledge and help potential clients.
Social Media Marketing: Utilize social media platforms to connect with your target audience. Share valuable content, engage in discussions, and build a community around mental health topics. Join many facebook groups with the same niche, network, and post for critiques,.
Networking: Attend industry events, conferences, or workshops to meet other professionals and potential clients. Join local or online networking groups to expand your connections.
Specialization: Consider specializing in a particular area of therapy, such as trauma counseling, marriage counseling, or anxiety treatment. Specialization can make you stand out and attract clients seeking expertise in those areas.
Collaboration with Medical Professionals: Establish relationships with doctors, psychiatrists, and other healthcare providers who may refer patients to you for therapy services.
Offering Workshops and Webinars: Host workshops or webinars on relevant mental health topics. This can help establish you as an expert and introduce your services to a broader audience.
Client Reviews and Testimonials: Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews and testimonials on your website or platforms like Google My Business. Positive reviews can enhance your credibility and attract new clients.
Community Involvement: Get involved in community events or activities where you can promote mental health awareness and your services.
Online Directories and Listing Services: Ensure that your practice is listed on popular online directories like Psychology Today, GoodTherapy, or TherapyTribe, as many people search for therapists through these platforms.
Offering Free Consultations: Provide initial consultations free of charge. This gives potential clients a chance to get to know you and see if your approach aligns with their needs.
Remember that growing a clientele takes time and consistency. Combine different strategies and continuously evaluate their effectiveness to refine your approach over time. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest marketing techniques and technology advancements can help you adapt to changing trends in the therapy industry.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
In the depths of my soul lies an unwavering desire to make a profound difference in people’s lives, to be a guiding light in their darkest moments, and to help them navigate the complexities of their emotions. This inherent empathy and passion for healing led me down a path that I now embrace with utmost gratitude and fulfillment: the path of a therapist.
As a young dreamer contemplating life’s many possibilities, I felt drawn to the world of psychology and the intricate workings of the human mind. Choosing to be a therapist was not merely a career decision but a calling that resonated with the very essence of my being. Looking back, I realize how this choice was undoubtedly one of the most enriching and rewarding decisions of my life.
Every day, I find myself humbled by the opportunity to create a safe and nurturing space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their emotions, fears, and aspirations. My role as a therapist grants me the privilege to witness the transformation that takes place within the human heart when it is met with understanding, empathy, and genuine care.
Throughout my journey, I have honed the art of active listening, embracing the power of silence, and developing a deep sense of empathy that transcends words. In these moments of vulnerability, my clients entrust me with their stories, their pain, and their aspirations. It is both an honor and a responsibility that I carry with unwavering dedication.
The beauty of being a therapist lies in the diverse tapestry of lives I encounter. Each person, a unique individual with struggles and triumphs, has broadened my understanding of the human experience. Every story has taught me valuable lessons about resilience, the strength of the human spirit, and the infinite capacity for growth and healing.
Witnessing clients undergo profound transformations, breaking free from the shackles of anxiety, depression, and past traumas, reaffirms the significance of my chosen path. As a therapist, I am not only a facilitator of change but also a constant student, continuously learning from those who seek solace in my practice.
The challenges of this profession have only fueled my dedication and commitment. The trust placed in me is not something I take lightly, and I strive to remain steadfast in my pursuit of knowledge, self-awareness, and professional growth. Embracing the ever-evolving landscape of psychology, I stay informed about the latest therapeutic modalities and research to provide the best possible care for my clients.
If given the choice to traverse this journey anew, I would wholeheartedly embrace the path of a therapist once more. This calling has allowed me to impact lives, empower individuals to discover their resilience and facilitate healing journeys that transcend the bounds of time.
As I look ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to continue this transformative journey and embrace the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for both my clients and myself. Being a therapist is not merely my career; it is my vocation, my passion, and my heart’s truest calling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.uncomplicatedtherapy.com
- Instagram: (uncomplicatedtherapy) (areyoulovesmartorlovestupid) (uncomplicatedtherapyproducts)
- Facebook: (uncomplicatedtherapy) (areyoulovesmartorlovestupid) (uncomplicatedtherapyproducts)
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Are-You-Love-Smart-Stupid-ebook/dp/B09W4BS5XM https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/are-you-love-smart-or-love-stupid-dr-rachel-sims/1141634256 https://cw33.com/news/local/fort-worth-counselor-becomes-amazon-1-best-seller/amp/?fbclid=IwAR2hGkMeTIOOOThhE2AsisDZs7pxHdUF9Rk0UsPT0vLj1BxXrhUX6LKk8c0 https://readersfavorite.com/2022-award-contest-winners.htm?fbclid=IwAR3W-zTt4Dnf54UpRAEK-woJcjuHFv-PT9GRliqBTvYBu1RYInOE8-TlDmQ#are-you-love-smart-or-love-stupid
Image Credits
@gracelandrosephotography @rachelraineymua