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

Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.

I have had my license since 1999, however, after having children, I decided to take some time off work and focus on raising my two daughters. When they were older and more independent, I entered back into the workforce, eventually landing a job with a large insurance company in their psychiatry department. The hours were long and taxing and took a lot out of me. At the time, I was also growing a small private practice on the weekends and evenings. After a few years of this heavy schedule, I started thinking about leaving the stable paycheck job and starting my own private practice. The path was scary, but what I envisioned at the end of the path was freedom and life that felt just right for me and for my family. I knew it was a huge risk, but one I felt I needed to take. I consulted with my husband, my family, trusted friends and colleagues and even a business coach. But there was a defining moment where I knew taking the risk was the only way. A very dear colleague of mine posted a beautiful saying that felt like it was speaking directly to me, it said “Making a big life change is pretty scary, but you know what is even scarier? Regret.” And in her comments she typed “Go For It!”. She had no idea at the time how loud this message spoke to me and it was absolutely a defining moment for me in deciding to leave the world of being an employee, to being a business owner!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Jennifer Smith and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and owner of a group psychotherapy practice in Newport Beach called Smith Psychotherapy Group. I have been a Licensed Therapist since 1999 and have worked in a variety of settings including private practice, the Orange County Foster Care System, LA County At Risk Youth Programs, group homes, clinics, hospital settings, substance abuse treatment facilities and the psychiatry department at Kaiser Permanente. I left the world of being an employee and transitioned to being a business owner in 2015. I started renting office space to see my clients, as a solo practitioner, and in 2019 took over the office suite and started Smith Psychotherapy Group where I am able to mentor new therapists and provide space for licensed therapists to see their own clients.

At Smith Psychotherapy Group in Newport Beach, you will find skilled, compassionate therapists able to meet the need of many client populations. We treat individuals, couples, families, teens, children and provide ongoing groups. These services are available in person on online. We are also able to provide educational testing for issues such as ADHD, Autism and learning disorders. Our therapists work in a collaborative, supportive environment which translates to a higher quality of care to our clients. Smith Psychotherapy Group has a strong presence in our community as we provide outreach to local schools, doctors, churches, businesses, etc by providing free workshops on a variety of topics. We are also actively involved in the Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce and enjoy supporting other local business owners.

As the business owner, I take a lot of pride in the space that I have created for our therapists and clients to do the deep work necessary to feel complete. The attention to detail in making clients feel safe, important and comfortable is what sets me apart from others in my field. Many clients have commented on how they feel more relaxed just by walking through the doors of our office space. Our space is intentionally designed to tap into each of the five senses creating an experience for each and every person that enters. My goal was to provide a safe haven, for both clients and therapists. Our therapists also enjoy being in the workspace that offers water features, living plants, comfortable furniture, water, Nespresso coffee, tea and soothing sounds and scents.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing our clientele has simply been exposure, putting ourselves in front of as many people in the community as we can. In doing so, we make connections with other people and we are able to let them know that we are accessible. Starting therapy can often be a scary, overwhelming experience. Trying to find a therapist that is a good fit is even harder. When we are able to meet people in person, have a conversation, get to know them and answer any questions they may have about who we are, the services we provide and what therapy is all about, the more likely they feel confident to call, or refer us to someone who is looking for therapy.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In the 4 years since starting my group practice, I have been very fortunate in that it has been a continual growth process. Since the pandemic the need for therapeutic services has drastically increased. Last year, however, I experienced a very challenging time as two of my busiest therapists announced that they were leaving to start their own practice. While I was happy for them, my business took quite a hit, one which I had not been prepared. During that time, I had to decide how to keep the business strong and stable while losing a significant source of income. Through persistence, research, consultation and quite honestly prayer, I was able to pivot in a direction that turned out to be quite effective in keeping the business running at the high level it was used to, and able to continue providing quality care to our current clientele. Looking back now, it definitely took faith, and resilience to get through that challenging time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smithpsychotherapygroup.com
• Instagram: @smithpsychotherapygroup
• Facebook: Smith Psychotherapy Group
• Linkedin: Smith Psychotherapy Group
• Yelp: Smith Psychotherapy Group

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