We were lucky to catch up with Lisa Tahir recently and have shared our conversation below.
Lisa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. 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?
I remember dreaming about starting my private practice in Psychotherapy in 1998 when I graduated from Tulane University with my Masters in Social Work. I didn’t know the first thing about it, so I decided to work full-time in an agency practice to learn the ropes. I spent 8 years at that agency working with all kinds of clients from every kind of background. Most cases were very hard and complex working with local child abuse agencies, the FBI, community organizations, the court system, families in poverty, abuses of power… The need was so large and I was one person wanting to make a difference in the lives of people whom I work with closely and then never see again.
I grew so much in those 8 years both professionally and personally. In 2007 I know I had the therapist skills to work independently in private practice with confidence. I was scared to leave the security of a predictable paycheck, but I know that was my financial ceiling if I stayed there. I decided that I am going to figure this out and I gave adequate notice to properly terminate with my clients over a few months and transition them to the care of someone else. I made the jump! I worked for a friend’s mental health agency part-time as I opened Nolatherapy and began to see private clients from my home based office. I felt so proud of myself and still am.
The path appeared under my feet once I decided to step into my new life working for myself in 2007. The money has, is, and will always be here for me because I believe in myself. And that is the value I pass onto my clients- helping them to believe in themselves and in life fully wanting to support us when we believe and allow.
If you are at a crossroads and know that you want to start your own company, make sure you have the skills in place, and hire out for things not in your wheelhouse, like a CPA to file your taxes properly. Make a plan for part-time work if need be to give you some cushion and launch! Do things to invest in your personal growth and professional development, and be sure to congratulate yourself for the good work and courage you are demonstrating each day that you show up in your business and in your life!
Lisa, 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 became a therapist because of my experience in therapy as a client at age 21. Two friends suggested the same therapist for me to see and though I was nervous and uncertain- I went. The safe emotional environment that Marilyn, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker provided for me allowed me to learn how to value myself. I know that I wanted to spend my life helping people heal and become who they most deeply want to be.
I finished my Masters Program at Tulane University in Social Work in 1998 and have diligently sought treatment modalities and offerings to ease and end emotional suffering and promote well-being, happiness, satisfaction, and abundance in the lives of everyone I meet. My joy is in helping people see the wonder within them and harness that internal power to influence for good in the lives of children, pets, the elderly, in business, commerce, and with their fellow humans.
My desire to uplift others culminates in my Personal Transformation book, “The Chiron Effect: Healing Our Core Wounds through Astrology, Empathy, and Self-Forgiveness,” endorsed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. In this book you learn that your most vulnerable and hidden parts are your greatest assets in living the life you desire. I teach you to speak to those underdeveloped parts of yourself to give them voice so that you can forgive yourself by releasing self-criticism, judgement, and pain. In this process you find wholeness. freedom, peace, and clarity to allow yourself to be emotionally free.
All Things Therapy podcast is in its 2.0 version with over 366 weekly episodes on emotional health and well-being featuring both interviews with experts and friends, as well as solo shows where I share things about my life to connect with you and create community.
I intend that you see yourself thorough the eyes of your heart with empathy and compassion, while using your mind to take personal responsibility for your happiness in an empowered and self-initiating way. It is up to you, and I am here to assist.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
AUTHENTICITY! Please be yourself. Let me say that in a different way… Grant yourself permission to BE yourself.
I have learned to give myself progressive permission to be myself. How that shows up changes as I grow and change. Take time to understand your values. Mine center around being of service while balancing self-care and happiness, and being in consistent alignment with my higher self and Source Energy- The Universe- Love.
I am of value when rested, healthy, happy, prospering, at peace. Give from that fullness within yourself, and take time out daily to replenish yourself so that you can stay in your authenticity. Mind your energy.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Mentorship is key. I have always identified people in my field to aspire to. Some of them have been professors, therapists, colleagues, people I actually know and see in my life. Many others have been authors, speakers, teachers- some of whom I have met, and others whom I haven’t. I read their books. watch their YouTubes, listen to their podcasts…
In this information rich world you can learn from a mentor from the comfort of your phone. Identify people doing and living what you want to live and do- learn what they did to be who they are and then do those things in your own authentic way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.linktr.ee/nolatherapy
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nolatherapy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChironEffect
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisatahir/
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/TahirLcsw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/nolatherapy
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/nola-therapy-lisa-tahir-new-orleans
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-things-therapy/id1142723432