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

Hi Kristy, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

When I began in the counseling field, I didn’t think I wanted to own a private practice. The idea of learning how to set up and run a private practice seemed daunting. I was very comfortable at two very different group practices. I loved the camaraderie with my co-workers and the easy access to the group owners, should I have a concern or need a consult. However, a colleague reached out one day and casually mentioned she had an open office for rent if I ever decided to open my own practice. As I considered opening my own practice, I realized I could have more freedom over my schedule and the clients with whom I choose to work.

I began researching how one opens a professional counseling practice. I made multiple lists of questions I had and tasks that needed to be tackled. (I had these lists on so many scraps of paper as they would come to me in carline as I waited for kids, while I was cooking dinner, or while I was getting ready for the day.) I talked with others in the field and followed the advice of professionals online. I spoke with a close friend who is in marketing, who helped me think through that aspect of this new practice. There seemed to be a lot of pressure on choosing the “right” name for the practice and I probably spent too much time thinking about this. In hindsight, I’m so glad I did!

I was nervous about being able to have a financially stable practice, so I spent a lot of the early days reaching out to other professionals and possible referral partners. I connected with a fantastic pediatrician who continues to be a wonderful referral partner. I connected with a networking group of female entrepreneurs who helped me think more about the business side of my practice. I was very comfortable with the counseling I was able to provide, but that didn’t matter if people couldn’t find me! These women helped me with that aspect and I’ll be forever grateful for their support and guidance during those early days. Finally, I took a small risk and began a networking group of counselors in my area. I knew I was going to miss the consultation of co-workers and wanted to make sure I knew who I could call when I needed it. This group continues to meet and each meeting is so life-giving!

I actually recommend new therapists work in a group practice before starting on their own. There’s so much of the counseling field that needs to be learned in practice and honing skills with other professionals close by that cannot be replicated in a solo practice right after graduation. The first few months after opening will probably be pretty slow. Use that extra time to meet with others in your community (in person!) and begin building relationships. People are more likely to refer to others they trust, which cannot be built by postcards or emails. In person meetings about how working together could be mutually beneficial has been the most productive way to get consistent referrals in my niche area.

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?

Struggles and challenges do not have an age limit. I work with kids as young as 6 years old through adults. I love the variety this provides me as a Therapist: sitting on the floor playing a board game, listening to social struggles through Gen Z slang, then helping an adult process childhood wounds. At the heart of my client’s struggles is the overwhelming weight of anxiety. While anxiety serves a useful purpose of keeping us safe, sometimes anxiety over-exaggerates a problem and causes us to begin avoiding people, places, or situations. I love working with clients to help them slowly expand their world again so they can fully live the life they want.

I’m noticing a lot of overlap in those with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and anxiety. It seems that ADHD acts as a gas pedal to anxiety by increasing negative thinking and reducing the ability to effectively problem solve. I see many of my clients reacting to circumstances instead of responding. I work with my clients to notice what they are experiencing within their bodies, to reflect on what may be creating this experience, then respond appropriately. This is an intentionally slowed down process because the ADHD brain is often moving so quickly.

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

By far, the most effective strategy for growing my practice has been meeting with other professionals in my area. I have connected with medical and mental health professionals to discuss our practices and the needs of our community. I love seeing how others light up when they talk about the services they provide to their favorite population. Our ongoing work together builds trust among us, which leads to more and better refferals.

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

I had received a master’s degree in counseling before having children but I took more time to be at home with them than I had originally planned. When I began looking at my licensure options, I realized that Texas had a limit to education for the counseling profession. I had talked with several schools about the possibility of transferring some of my credits from my previous school and none of the schools would do that. At that point, I felt like I had no choice but to enroll in an online master’s program and get a second degree in the field of counseling. I was definitely disappointed to have to start all over, but I was determined to be a counselor and wasn’t excited about any other career options at that time. I’m actually very thankful for my second master’s program and the classmates who have shaped me to be a better therapist. I know my experiences and education were well worth the time and energy spent.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sunflowercounselingcenter.com/home
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunflower_cc_tx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunflowerCounselingCenter
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristycheneylpc