We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kaitlyn Begnaud Terro a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Kaitlyn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you get your first job in the field that you practice in today?

My first job in the mental health field was unexpected. I was in college, majoring in speech pathology, and I needed a part-time job. I found an ad on Craigslist for a private therapy practice. I wasn’t aware at the time that counselors and mental health professionals existed outside of school settings and I was excited to learn more about it. I ended up getting the job as a receptionist and learning about the education that was required, how therapy worked in practice and the business side of clinical work. After a few months of working with the therapist, I was inspired to change my major to psychology and pursue counseling as a profession. It was pure happenstance that I found the Craigslist ad and I’m so glad that I did. It completely altered my path and I ended up right where I’m supposed to be.

Kaitlyn, 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?

I’m Kaitlyn and I’m the co-owner of Terro Landry Therapy Group. I’m a therapist that serves couples and individuals above 16 years old. I have a background in psychology and criminal justice and received a master’s degree from Texas State University in professional counseling. My clients typically deal with perfectionism and shame that hinders their own growth. I enjoy working with clients to uncover the roots of that perfectionism, whether it be a fear of rejection or a means to control a seemingly chaotic world. I offer my whole self in therapy. I utilize a relational lens, which means that I believe that the therapeutic relationship is the main vehicle of change in therapy. I come to my clients with authenticity. This typically allows for a strong rapport and I’m better able to challenge clients. I’m most proud of my own relationship with therapy. Coming from a community that didn’t foster mental health, I was at a disadvantage to seeing the benefits of therapy and uncovering some of my own bias about therapy. I’m here to learn and understand clients, as well as support them through different stages in their lives. It’s a privilege.

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

One of the most helpful things that I’ve utilized is being unassuming. Often in life, we assume things about others. In therapy, clients often want a different experience than in life. By asking questions and allowing clients to expand on their own experience, I avoid my own bias arising.

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

The most effective strategy that I’ve recognized is having a network of people that you genuinely know and that know you. When someone refers a client to me, it’s often a colleague that knows how I practice and has vouched for me. Therapy is deeply personal and when therapists refer to one another, it’s based on mutual trust and admiration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tltherapygroup.com
• Instagram: tltherapygroup

Image Credits
B + L Creative