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

Jeymarie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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?

Starting my own practice was both an exciting and challenging journey. I was in a transition phase and knew I wanted to continue in private practice, but with the freedom to create my own business culture. I wanted a space where I had a say in how we treat clients—focusing on support, empathy, and building a strong community. That vision was my driving force.

One of the main steps was figuring out the logistics—finding an office space, setting up the necessary systems, and connecting with other professionals in the community. I drove around searching for office spaces, sent out countless emails, and personally introduced myself to doctors and other professionals. Making those connections was crucial to establishing the practice.

Of course, there were challenges. One of the biggest was learning how to handle the business side of things—balancing client care with all the operational tasks that come with running a practice. I had to accept the growing pains, knowing that persistence would lead to growth. Embracing flexibility and understanding that not everything would go as planned helped me move forward.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much because those early challenges shaped the way I run my practice today. However, I would advise young professionals to invest early in personal growth. Meeting with a business coach and prioritizing my own well-being through therapy were essential habits that kept me grounded.

My advice for anyone starting their own practice is to lean into the discomfort. There will be setbacks, but consistency is key. Build strong relationships and don’t be afraid to ask for support—whether it’s from friends, mentors, or your team. Most importantly, stay connected to your vision and remember why you started.

It’s not just about building a business; it’s about creating a space where clients feel supported and empowered, and that makes all the hard work worth it.

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?

I’m Jeymarie Guerra, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Registered Play Therapist, and the founder of Supportive Engagement. My journey into this field began with a passion for helping individuals and families through life’s challenges in a way that fosters growth, healing, and empowerment.

At Supportive Engagement, we tailor our services to meet the needs of individuals throughout their lifespan—from children to adults—ensuring that every client receives care that is specific to their stage of life. We offer a range of services, including individual therapy, play therapy, and specialized support for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

One of my biggest focuses has been building a team of clinicians who can provide specialized treatment for various challenges and struggles, from trauma to perinatal care and family dynamics. Our team is equipped with diverse expertise to ensure that no matter the issue, we can offer compassionate, tailored support.

What sets us apart is our holistic approach. We don’t just address surface-level concerns—we work on building lasting change within families and individuals by focusing on emotional, relational, and mental health in a comprehensive way.

I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve created at Supportive Engagement, where clients feel supported, valued, and understood. Our goal is to empower people to heal, grow, and break through generational traumas so they can lead fuller, more connected lives.

If there’s one thing I want people to know about our practice, it’s that we’re here for you, no matter where you are in life. We are more than just a therapy practice; we are a community dedicated to supporting your healing journey.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was that success has to follow a strict, linear path. Early in my career, I believed that in order to be successful, I had to stick to a set plan, follow specific steps, and avoid any deviations. This mindset made me feel like if things didn’t go as expected, it was a sign of failure.

As I started building Supportive Engagement, I realized this rigid thinking was holding me back. Whether it was pivoting to learn new therapeutic modalities or building a diverse team, I had to embrace flexibility and let go of the idea that success could only be achieved by following one path. This shift opened up opportunities for more meaningful growth, both for myself and for my practice.

Another critical lesson was learning to have faith in myself, even when doors seemed to close. There were moments where it felt like nothing was going as planned, and I had to lean into my own belief that I was capable of getting things done, despite the setbacks. Relying on that inner faith and trusting my own abilities allowed me to push forward and, in many ways, open new doors for myself and my practice.

Unlearning these limiting beliefs helped me grow in ways I hadn’t expected, and it allowed me to build Supportive Engagement with a more open mind and heart, creating a space for healing, not just for my clients, but for myself as well.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Other than training and knowledge, I believe building meaningful relationships is key to succeeding in this field. Connecting with people—whether they are clients, colleagues, or other professionals in the community—opens up opportunities for growth and collaboration. What I’ve found most helpful is approaching these connections with a mindset of abundance, rather than scarcity.

There’s a common fear in many industries that we have to compete with others because there’s not enough business or clients to go around. However, I’ve learned that having a “scarcity mentality” only limits your potential. By fostering genuine, supportive relationships, you not only create a community where everyone can thrive, but you also open up doors to collaboration, referrals, and shared knowledge. In this way, success becomes collective rather than competitive.

I make it a priority to connect with others in meaningful ways, whether it’s through networking, building partnerships, or simply supporting fellow professionals. This approach has been vital to both my personal growth and the success of Supportive Engagement. At the end of the day, there’s plenty of room for everyone to succeed, and lifting each other up is what leads to lasting impact and fulfillment in this field.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://supportiveengagement.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/supportiveengagement.llc
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@supportiveengagement
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/supportive-engagement–davie-fl/1046869