We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elizabeth Burton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Elizabeth, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?

When I started out, I invested in an 8-week course on how to build a practice which helped me clarify my practice focus, develop my practice policies, put language to how to market my services, and during this time worked on building my website/social media. When I was ready to launch, I chose to maintain my full time work and started with a sublease working a few evenings a week, eventually adding days and moving to part time work, and then it was not long before I had the capacity to shift into a full time work schedule and lease and furnish my own space.

If I were sitting over coffee with a young professional eager and ready to establish their own practice, I would emphasize the importance of networking and consultation, as this work can be isolating and lonely. Thankfully, I live in a city where therapy is valued and there is a strong community of therapists and I leaned into the professional relationships I had developed all the years prior, as well as, reached out to others to discuss their practice and specialities. Another benefit of these connections is organically having sources of referrals and support for consultation. Outside of mental health professionals, it’s been incredibly valuable to build relationships with professionals in other fields who frequently see individuals in need of my services.

Logistically, I highly recommend learning the differences on starting a sole-proprietorship or LLC depending upon the route that is best for the practice you are building. Deciding if you will be solely telehealth, need to lease a space to see clients in-person or develop a hybrid model offering both and if so, finding another therapist to share leasing a space with. Some things to consider: having a good relationship with your CPA, financial advisor, and having a lawyer review your practice forms, policies, and procedures and assist you in developing a professional will.

Looking back, if I could do anything differently, I would have started sooner. I think tackling the fear of the unknown and having the boldness to risk something new was the biggest obstacle to overcome. I would encourage someone who may be anxious and working hard to prepare themselves for this transition to consider; What if you can’t fail? What if you are exactly the space and person someone is waiting for? What if it all works out? What if you will learn so much about your capabilities?

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?

Growing up, I witnessed and experienced what I would later come to understand as developmental trauma. It was at the young age of 13 I decided I wanted to be a counselor and help families. School was a safe space for me and I was the first in my immediate family to receive a college degree. After completing my Masters in Social Work program, I moved to Nashville and began my clinical work.

My first seven years post-graduate work was focused on cultivating my clinical skills, I spent time in residential treatment centers with individuals and their families recovering from the effects of trauma, at an agency on the frontlines of the opioid epidemic, at a nonprofit counseling center, and volunteering leading a group for survivors of human trafficking. These diverse experiences and years working laid the foundation for and gave me the confidence to move into private practice work.

We are wired for relationship and healing from relational wounds is the bravest path we can walk. I create a safe space where clients can enter the sacredness of their story. Exploring early attachments and relational experiences help us to see how the past may impact the present and find clarity for the future. My therapy style is client-centered and attachment-based, integrating therapeutic approaches that are individualized. I value cultural humility, understanding power imbalances in systems and relationships. As a Perinatal Mental Health – Certified professional, I have advanced training and experience working with pregnancy, postpartum, adoption and attachment-related issues.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

A common adage is “does your therapist have a therapist?” I think it’s vital that we all continue to do our own work and attend to our personal relationships, most importantly the one you have with self. Being clear of who you are, why you are doing the work you are doing, understanding who you ultimately want to be and become. This ongoing investment will provide clarity, humility and authenticity that will lead the way for success in private practice.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

A mentor once shared with me, the most important “marketing strategy” is being fully present with the person you are sitting with. The best referrals I have had and the growth of my practice has come from client referrals and other professionals who have spent time with me. Trust is built through connection and once someone experiences who you are and how they feel sitting with you, they are going to refer to you. Make sure to take time to get to know others doing the work you are doing, approach it not as competition, but as collaboration, community and contribution.

Contact Info:

• Website: elizabethburtontherapy.com
• Instagram: yourperinataltherapist
• Linkedin: Elizabeth J. Burton, LCSW, PMH-C