We recently connected with Lana Scott and have shared our conversation below.

Lana, 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?

Since I was young, I have loved caring for those around me. I always knew that I wanted a career that would allow me to serve my community to the best of my abilities. As I grew older, I became more focused on finding a job that aligned with my interests and brought me joy. I mean who wants to have a job that they don’t enjoy, right? It was then that I discovered my love for counseling.

My journey in counseling began during my undergraduate studies, where I immersed myself in all things neuroscience and psychology. From research to interning at elementary schools, I explored various avenues to find my calling. I continued my studies in graduate school, but struggled to find a population that I felt fully invested in. After graduation, I worked with college students during my associateship and later transitioned to assist individuals of all ages. Throughout this time, I realized the need for support during major life transitions.

Reflecting on my counseling experience, I thought back on college students and young adults experiencing life transitions. Moving to college and being on your own for the first time is HARD. I was able to see that not only was the transition difficult for this age group, but the amount of mental illness and emotional distress was plenty. I desired to create a safe space for these individuals to come and bear their burdens. I was excited about the opportunity to provide consistency and stability in the midst of a loss of control.

This year, I started my private practice, Montclair, specifically designed for college students and young adults experiencing life difficulties. I chose the name Montclair, which means “clear mountain”, because I want to help my clients navigate their valleys and reach the top of their mountains. I’m excited to help my clients find true healing, and to see the hope that Montclair will bring!

Lana, 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 founded Montclair as a Telehealth private practice with the goal of providing counseling services to individuals throughout the state of Texas. My aim is to help and serve Texans, regardless of their location, by offering online counseling sessions in the comfort of their own homes.

At Montclair, I provide individual counseling sessions that range from 45-50 minutes long. I focus on working with college students and young adults who are experiencing anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions.

In my work with clients, I use a range of treatment modalities, such as existential therapy, family systems therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). I strive to walk alongside my clients through the journey of change and healing, and to help them navigate life’s challenges. I create personalized plans to meet each client’s unique needs and act as their “cheerleader” through life’s struggles. I work with my clients on establishing a healthier way of thinking and creating emotional stability through transitional periods. I encourage my clients to work towards goals, build self-confidence, and establish emotional regulation skills. When thinking of Montclair, I want my business to be known as a safe haven for those desiring a positive and healthier life.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I have found a lot of valuable advice from Irvin D. Yalom’s book “The Gift of Therapy”. Yalom provides excellent guidance on how to support counselors through the process of therapy, with case studies of particular clients and therapeutic interventions he utilizes. He also offers helpful insights on decision-making as a therapist, which can be challenging at times. As an existential psychiatrist, Yalom shares his views and equips both beginner and seasoned therapists with his wisdom and clear perspective.

In addition to Yalom’s book, I have also learned a lot from other entrepreneur therapists on Instagram, particularly @theprivatepracticepro. She provides helpful resources such as paperwork forms, marketing tips, and scripts for situations with clients. Also, when building my private practice, I gained valuable insights by joining Facebook groups for counselors in my area and attending online workshops.

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

One of the hardest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that consistency is necessary for business success. I’ve learned that business is unpredictable, especially when starting a new venture. I’ve had to be patient with myself and my schedule, and I would encourage anyone starting a private practice to do the same. Remember that it may take time to build connections and grow your practice, but slow beginnings do not disqualify you from becoming a successful practitioner. Keep marketing, stay committed, and believe in yourself!

Moreover, there is no perfect way to start a business. Use your mistakes as learning opportunities and give yourself grace. Although it can be confusing to step out on your own and figure out the ins and outs of business, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. All therapists experience ups and downs in their census, but it is important to stay consistent and learn to enjoy the slow times.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.montclaircounseling.org
• Instagram: @montclaircounseling
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lana-scott-ma-lpc

Image Credits
Veil and Vine Photo (https://www.veilandvineweddings.com/photography)