Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mary-Catherine Riner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Mary-Catherine thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
As a post-doctoral fellow at The University of Georgia, I debated whether to continue as a staff psychologist or begin my own professional psychology practice. After several consultations, I knew I wanted to take a leap of faith. It was the best decision I could have made and I have zero regrets. In the beginning, I felt reservations from others (e.g., are you sure you don’t want to wait a few years), the fears of being seen as “too young,” and the understanding that the income would not be as consistent in the beginning represented initial challenges. Within 10 weeks, my practice was full and I was working with my ideal client population. Advice for future professionals include trusting yourself, connect with others, and have contingency plans. The process is not always linear, and that is so normal!
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
Mary-Catherine McClain grew up in Anderson, South Carolina and attended Wofford College prior to completing her master’s and doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology and School Psychology from Florida State University. Mary-Catherine further trained at Johns Hopkins University and the University of Georgia for her residency and post-doctoral fellowship, respectively. Currently, she is a licensed psychologist in South Carolina and Georgia, with her main office in Greenville, South Carolina. Mary-Catherine has over 15 years of clinical experience, specializing in treating clients presenting with eating disorders, OCD, infertility, and trauma overall. Mary-Catherine evaluates individuals pursuing ministry, completes veteran compensation and pension examinations, and assess college students for learning disabilities/ADHD. Over the past 2 years, Mary-Catherine has completed training in Perinatal Maternal Mental Health and Accelerated Resolution Therapy. Additionally, she supervises graduate students and recent graduates, and also serves as President of the Youth Bright Foundation in Athens, Georgia.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I first opened my private practice in Macon, Georgia, there was a tremendous need for providers specializing in eating disorders/body image needs. 85% of my clients were individuals struggling with nutrition, over-exercising, and self hatred over their appearance. After 3 years, my husband and I decided to re-locate to Greenville, SC to establish our forever roots. This market was more saturated with eating disorder professionals (which was great for clients). To build, I knew I needed additional niches and areas of specialty. This led to strengthening my knowledge with infertility, OCD, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
I would choose the same path over and over again; it is such a pleasure serving others and being part of their healing story and overall journey. Now more than ever, we need a culture of vulnerability, connection, and balance. It can be difficult to avoid comparisons in this society, and anxiety, loneliness, and fear are rampant. I want my children to understand that expressing emotions are healthy and critical. We have to support the insides of individuals and spend less attention/concern on the outsides, and my professional field provides this opportunity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rinercounseling.com
- Instagram: riner_counseling
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rinercounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcmcclain/