Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Pennington. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Elizabeth thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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?

Responding to the lockdown of 2020, I created an idea….an idea that had never been attempted. I transformed a Sprinter Van into a mobile play therapy office. I began bringing the power of child and family therapy to the homes and schools of our clients. Reducing the risks of COVID exposure, and removing geographic barriers to care, I was able to launch this innovative idea. Without a model to follow, I took a risk and invested in a van with the hopes that clients would respond to this new concept. Having never completed a van conversion, I took a risk and watched a lot of youtube videos. My proudest moment in the conversion was finally getting running water from the sink! The result was better than I anticipated. What I hadn’t considered was the clinical impact of the space. When children walk into the van they are instantly welcomed by a novel space designed just for them. The space doesn’t feel like anything they have done before. They don’t feel the emotional resistance to familiar experiences with doctors, principles or other “fix it” places in their world. They are transported into a place of peace, comfort, and acceptance associated with our camping theme. I also never expected adults to respond so well. But, who doesn’t want to sit around a campfire and open their hearts and minds to share stories? The camping theme has had a significant impact on the clinical outcomes of our clients across the lifespan.

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.

Launched in response to the COVID pandemic and the limited access to child psychotherapy, I converted a Sprinter van into a mobile play therapy office. We began delivering the therapeutic power of play to the homes and schools of children struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, and chronic medical conditions. We were safely and conveniently able to bring hope and healing to children and families. Our camping theme has created a space of comfort and acceptance for clients to bring up their most challenging memories. It was natural for us to move out of the van and into nature. We now offer Nature-Based therapy all around the Houston metroplex. Our individual walk and talk session bring in nature as a resource and apply EMDR for trauma healing. Our Nature-Based Group Therapy has produce amazing results with children increasing emotional regulation, social confidence, and reducing anxiety and depression. Consistent with our concierge theme of bringing healing to you, we respond to requests for Nature-Based groups at parks and nature trails in the area’s our clients live and work.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

My initial start up budget was NIL! I was able to get a loan with $0 down for the van. I sold the seats from the van and used the money for the initial conversion. Doing all the labor myself was the only way to make this work. The biggest risk was having the clients in time for when the first van payment was due. I rushed to complete the van build in time and was able to secure my first clients before the first payment was due. From that day forward, my client income has covered the upgrades and additional costs related to the van.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In my field, the service provider is the business. Having quality therapists that produce positive client outcomes is essential. My recruitment process is thorough and I only add clinicians I would personally recommend to a family member. I am looking for specific highly qualified training and experience that meets the goals of our clients. I am also looking for therapist who have done their own healing work. You can’t lead someone somewhere you have never been. I expect my therapist to have walked their own healing journey and be ready to guide others along a similar path.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://happycampertherapy.com
• Instagram: happycampertherapy
• Facebook: happycampertherapy
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-camper-child-and-family-therapy-houston-2

Image Credits

Some photos were taken by Vika Golic