We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hazel Guenther. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hazel below.

Hi Hazel , thanks for joining us today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

A defining moment in my professional career was the day I truly learned to let things be. As someone with Type A personality traits, I often preferred life to follow a clear, linear trajectory. When things didn’t go as planned, I would immediately question if I had done something wrong. This tendency was particularly challenging during my early years as a therapist. Back then, I carried an unspoken pressure to meet every client’s needs perfectly, which often led me to internalize their actions or reactions as personal failures.

As a “baby therapist,” my insecurities often magnified this struggle. For instance, when a client didn’t show up for a session, decided to stop working with me, or resisted seeing things the way I did in our discussions, my initial reaction was self-blame. I’d question my competence, wondering if I had said or done something to alienate them. This mindset was exhausting and, in hindsight, counterproductive—not just for me, but also for my clients. I was so focused on what I thought I could fix in myself that I missed the bigger picture.

The breakthrough came when I realized that being a good therapist didn’t mean being the right therapist for everyone. Therapy is inherently a collaborative process, and clients need to feel aligned with their therapist’s approach to achieve meaningful growth. This understanding shifted my perspective. Instead of personalizing a client’s decision to leave or their resistance during sessions, I began to view those moments through a lens of client autonomy. Sometimes, a client needed something—or someone—different, and that wasn’t a reflection of my worth or capabilities. My role wasn’t to impose my perspective but to meet clients where they were and support them in doing what they believed was best for themselves.

This realization wasn’t just liberating—it was transformative. Letting go of my need to control outcomes allowed me to work with clients more authentically. I could respect their journeys without feeling the constant need to steer them toward a destination I deemed ideal. In doing so, I became a more present, compassionate, and effective therapist. Learning to let things be not only defined my career but also deepened my understanding of what it truly means to help others.

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.

I ventured into the world of mental health and wellness out of a deep fascination with understanding people and the world around me. This curiosity blossomed into a fulfilling career where I specialize in providing individual psychotherapy for adults aged 25-45. Over the years, I’ve honed my craft through extensive training in Brainspotting, EMDR, Hypnotherapy, and Sound Healing, and I hold the title of Usui Reiki Master. In addition to individual therapy, I host psycho-educational workshops for other therapists and wellness retreats for women, creating spaces for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

What sets me apart in this field is my commitment to personal and professional growth. I believe that to be fully present for my clients, I must also work on my own mental health. This means consistently seeking out new training opportunities, engaging in consultations with trusted colleagues, doing my own therapy, and embracing feedback from my clients to ensure I’m providing the best possible care. I’m proud of my dedication to evolving not just as a therapist but also as a person. Growth isn’t a destination—it’s a lifelong journey that I wholeheartedly embrace.

Beyond my professional life, I am a mother, wife, and proud dog mom. I thrive in nature, finding joy in hiking, biking, skiing, camping, and off-roading. Indoors, you’ll often find me crocheting or curled up with a compelling memoir. These personal passions keep me grounded and remind me of the beauty and balance life offers when we make space for both connection and solitude.

At its core, my brand revolves around helping individuals cultivate greater awareness to uncover joy in their lives. Whether through individual therapy or the immersive experience of a wellness retreat, my goal is to guide others toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their potential for happiness. Above all, I encourage a steadfast commitment to reality—a principle I hold close to my heart as essential for mental health. My work is about honoring that commitment, both for those I serve and for myself, ensuring we all remain anchored in truth while moving toward healing and joy.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

The memoir The Choice by Dr. Edith Eger profoundly shifted my thinking and philosophy by teaching me that I always have a choice in how I respond to what happens to me. It reminded me that when I focus solely on the worst-case scenario in any situation, I lack the full perspective needed to make informed decisions. This realization encouraged me to remain open to new possibilities, reframing challenges as opportunities to explore paths I might not have initially considered.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Throughout my career, I’ve had to pivot multiple times, each experience shaping my path in meaningful ways. It took ten years from starting graduate school to becoming a fully licensed professional, a journey that included living in Germany for three years, having both my daughters, and relocating several times. My professional journey has been just as dynamic—I’ve moved from agency work to private practice to contract work, realizing that while private practice can be isolating, being part of a group or community keeps me energized. I’ve also had to cancel events I once felt passionate about, learning through trial and error what truly aligns with me and what’s okay to let go. These experiences taught me that you can’t discover what works unless you’re willing to try and sometimes fail. I’ve embraced the phrase FAIL—First Attempt In Learning as a guiding mantra, finding value in every misstep and redirection.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://discoveringjoylv.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebitesizedtherapist/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discoveringjoyllc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebitesizedtherapist6549

Image Credits

@sonderosemedia @lifeinvegasphotography