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

Alright, Jennifer thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Starting Bene was a journey of growth and adaptation, driven by a shared vision to meet the evolving needs of the private practice world. Independently managing our own solo private practice and experiencing the desire of people to engage in therapy, it was quickly realized that we were fortunate enough to experience a consistent flow of inquiries and referrals that we couldn’t manage on our own. Through this, the passion for developing the next generation of clinicians in the private practice world came to light. We envisioned a practice that could support clinicians with the often-overlooked business and administrative aspects of running a practice, allowing them to focus on what truly mattered—the clients and the therapeutic work. Our aim was to create a structure that would not only streamline these administrative tasks but also uphold the highest ethical standards in business practices.
The main steps in the startup process were solidifying our vision, finding an office location and space that met those needs, and working to break into the community as a local mental health private practice. Growing Bene’s reputation in the area took time. Each week brought hope that we would begin to see our business model in action, but the revenue didn’t come as quickly as the bills. The financial pressure was real, and it tested our resilience and commitment. In addition to this, during year 1 of the business the pandemic struck, dramatically altering the delivery of mental health treatment. We had to adapt swiftly as both providers and business owners, supporting clients dealing with massive change and disruption, while helping our clinicians transition to the new world of telehealth. The challenge was head-spinning, but it underscored our mission to provide unwavering support to our team and clients.
Reflecting on our journey, we wouldn’t change anything. Our partnership evolved naturally, and each struggle and mistake fortified our business.
As we enter our sixth year, we feel there are a few crucial pieces of advice to offer. Firstly, understand what it means to run a business. Running a private practice involves more than just seeing clients. It requires a solid grasp of business principles and the ability to be customer-facing. This can be draining and potentially impact your clinical work if not managed well. Secondly, figure out your resources and lean on them. Identify who your resources are and don’t hesitate to lean on them. Collaboration and support from others can be invaluable. Whether it’s advice, emotional support, or professional guidance, let people help you. Lastly, expect to be anxious. Worrisome things will come from every corner of your new business. Even the areas where you feel most confident can breed anxiety. It’s normal to feel scared, but don’t let it paralyze you. Address challenges head-on and trust in your ability to overcome them.
Starting and growing Bene has been a journey filled with highs and lows, rapid decisions, and periods of slow progress. Through it all, our commitment to our vision and our ability to adapt have been our greatest strengths. If there’s one overarching lesson, it’s to embrace the journey, with all its unpredictability and challenges, stay true to your vision, and never hesitate to seek and accept support.

Jennifer, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Bene Therapy PLLC is formed by three partners whose paths converged through their journeys in the mental health profession. We take pride in our work with individuals, couples, and families within our community, offering support across a spectrum of mental health, interpersonal, and daily stress challenges.

Individually, Jenn initially pursued a biology major and planned a career in a lab until an introduction to psychology redirected her path. Her career has since spanned various clinical settings, from inpatient hospitals to maximum security prisons. Transitioning to private practice was a natural progression, driven by a deep commitment to creating safe, open, and empowering spaces for individuals.

Ralph’s background lies in administrative and leadership roles that, while fulfilling in professional development, lacked personal fulfillment. The allure of engaging deeply with others on life’s most significant matters was irresistible. He cherishes the privilege of connecting with clients on profound levels.

From a young age, Justin was drawn to working with children and teens, gaining diverse experiences that eventually led him into the mental health arena, particularly with special needs populations. His journey navigating systems, funding, and personal experiences within mental health solidified his desire to support others on similar paths, but with greater ease.

Together, we are most proud of how our unique paths converged to establish Bene Therapy. We are committed to a clear vision and mission, responding to community needs, and fostering a practice that welcomes therapists of diverse backgrounds and passions. Our focus is on supporting therapists through the less glamorous aspects of the profession, ensuring they can thrive and deliver high-quality care. Our approach emphasizes autonomy in building practices while providing essential support.

Working closely with others to achieve their goals is profoundly meaningful to us, whether guiding clients through personal challenges or empowering therapists in their careers.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Starting Bene Therapy in June 2019 in Capitol Hill, Seattle, we were a tight-knit team of four, gradually building our practice and working towards stable finances. Little did we know that less than a year later, in March 2020, we would face an unprecedented challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. With in-person services suddenly becoming a source of fear and uncertainty, we had to make quick, critical decisions to ensure the continuity of care for our clients.

Our initial response was to pivot to a telehealth platform. This transition was not without its hurdles. We had to quickly navigate the complexities of insurance coverage for telehealth services, familiarize ourselves with new technologies, and support our clients through the abrupt change. Despite the personal and professional fears and uncertainties we faced, we found strength in our collective determination and resourcefulness.

As the weeks turned into months, we realized that the pandemic was not a short-term crisis but a prolonged challenge. This realization pushed us to think beyond mere survival. We began to brainstorm and explore how we could expand our reach and serve more people, especially those in underserved communities across Washington State. Recognizing that mental health needs were skyrocketing, we advertised for therapists in areas outside of Seattle to help meet this growing demand.

This strategic move not only allowed Bene Therapy to sustain itself but also to grow. By reaching more communities, we were able to provide crucial mental health support during a time when it was needed most. Our resilience was tested and strengthened through this experience. We learned to adapt quickly, support each other, and stay committed to our mission of providing quality mental health care.

Today, Bene Therapy continues to offer both in-person and telehealth sessions, ensuring consistent and accessible mental health treatment. This journey, marked by the challenges and triumphs of the pandemic, has solidified our passion and commitment to our clients, our clinicians, and our broader community. Our resilience has not only sustained us but has driven us to expand and enhance the services we provide, ensuring that we can meet the needs of those seeking support in these increasingly stressful times.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the mental health field involves a combination of strategic actions, client-focused practices, and professional integrity. At Bene Therapy, strategic actions have included targeted advertising both inside and outside of Seattle to increase our visibility and attract clients from diverse regions. We’ve worked to enhance our online presence by maintaining an informative and user-friendly website and actively engaging on social media platforms, which has helped us reach a wider audience. Another crucial focus has been our client-centered approach to care. We offer tailored services to meet the unique needs of each client, and our commitment to providing consistent, reliable support reinforces our dedication to their mental health and well-being. Additionally, we pride ourselves on maintaining an environment of professional integrity. We uphold high ethical standards in all our interactions and treatments, building trust and respect within the community. Ensuring client confidentiality and privacy is paramount, reinforcing our commitment to ethical practice. Professional integrity also means fostering a collaborative environment within our practice, encouraging teamwork among our therapists, and building relationships with other healthcare providers and community organizations to expand our support network and referral base. These combined efforts have established Bene Therapy as a reliable, innovative, and client-focused mental health practice. Our reputation has grown through our dedication to providing high-quality care, engaging with the community, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of our clients.

Contact Info:

• Website: Benetherapy.com
• Instagram: bene.therapy.pllc
• Facebook: Bene Therapy, PLLC
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bene-therapy-pllc/