We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Justyna Wawrzonek a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Justyna, appreciate you joining 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.
The early days of starting my own practice were both exhilarating and daunting. I knew from the beginning that I didn’t want to be confined by the traditional therapy model. I wanted my practice to feel true to who I am and reflect my diverse interests. The first step was gaining clarity on the type of work I wanted to do—integrating s*x therapy, yoga therapy, somatic modalities, and body-centered approaches. This holistic vision required not only setting up the practical aspects of a business but also navigating how to present this integrative approach in a field that often expects a more traditional framework.
The biggest challenge was creating a practice that didn’t fit the conventional mold. It’s not easy to carve out a new path, especially in a field that has well-defined norms. I had to find creative ways to blend these modalities into an effective, cohesive approach that addressed the complex and nuanced issues surrounding mental and sexual health. This required a lot of trial and error, resilience, and continuous learning. But it was—and still is—deeply gratifying to offer a truly holistic approach that supports clients on multiple levels of healing.
If I could go back, I might have sought mentorship from others who were also working outside of traditional models earlier on. Having guidance and support would have been valuable in the initial stages.
For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice is to stay true to your passions and create a business that genuinely aligns with who you are. Authenticity is key—it’s what sets you apart and allows you to bring something fresh and needed to the field. Don’t be afraid to break traditional molds; the world needs diverse perspectives and innovative approaches, especially in the mental health and wellness fields.
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’ve been in the mental health field for over a decade, with extensive training in social work, trauma, and holistic therapies. Over time, I saw the need for a more integrative approach to sexual health and healing—one that considers not just the mind but the body and spirit as well. This led me to establish my s*x therapy practice, which is rooted in both modern therapeutic methods and ancient yogic principles.
My practice specializes in integrative and holistic s*x therapy that goes beyond traditional talk therapy. I work with individuals, couples, and people in diverse relational structures who are facing challenges related to s*xual functioning, intimacy, and connection. By blending trauma-informed care with tools like breathwork, body awareness, and mindful movement, I help clients reconnect with themselves and their partners in a deeper, more embodied way.
What sets my work apart is its emphasis on the whole person. I use frameworks like Yoga Therapy’s Panchamaya Model and the principles of Trauma Center Trauma-Sensitive Yoga (TCTSY) to address the physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual layers of healing. I focus on creating a safe, culturally affirming space where clients’ lived experiences are at the heart of the healing process.
I am most proud of my commitment to offering a truly inclusive, s*x-positive, and body-centered approach that honors each client’s unique journey. I want potential clients to know that my work is not just about symptom management, but about fostering resilience, self-empowerment, and a meaningful connection to one’s body and sexuality.
If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?
Yes, I would absolutely choose the same profession again. My work is centered on connecting with others and supporting them through self-discovery, healing, and self-actualization. Witnessing someone’s journey toward becoming their authentic self, and helping them cultivate more joy, laughter, and meaningful connections in their life and relationships, is incredibly fulfilling.
Therapy is a uniquely transformative experience that goes beyond solving problems—it’s about creating a space where people can fully explore and embrace who they are. I don’t believe there’s another profession that offers this kind of profound impact on people’s lives, which is why I can’t imagine doing anything else. I’m excited to continue growing, learning, and evolving in this field, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible to support my clients more deeply.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I’ve had to pivot multiple times throughout my career in mental health. It’s such a broad and diverse field, and it took years to figure out what truly resonated with me. This meant trying on various roles and positions, each with its own set of challenges and learning experiences. At the time, it was often frustrating and even a bit disheartening when no role seemed like the perfect fit.
However, looking back, I realize that each step taught me more about myself and clarified the kind of care and services I wanted to provide. These experiences ultimately led me to create a practice that feels authentic, aligning with my beliefs about a holistic approach to mental health. The process may have felt daunting, but it was necessary for me to find a path that not only feels right but also allows me to support others in a truly meaningful way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.embodiedlivingwellnesscenter.com
- Instagram: @traumayogasd
