We were lucky to catch up with Melanie Ryerson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Melanie , thanks for joining us 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?

Starting Gulf Grove Therapy was a leap of faith born out of both passion and necessity. As a trauma therapist, I saw the growing need for accessible, inclusive mental health care in the wake of COVID-19, a time when the importance of mental health could no longer be ignored. The early days were filled with research, resourcefulness, and a deep commitment to making my vision a reality. Thankfully, the post-pandemic era has brought a wealth of free and affordable resources for starting a practice, which made the journey more accessible.

Steps to Establish the Practice

The first step was clarifying my vision: creating a practice rooted in compassion, cultural sensitivity, and empowerment. From there, I navigated the legal and administrative tasks of establishing a business, setting up HIPAA-compliant platforms, and developing workflows.

Key Challenges

As a single woman funding this practice independently, capital was one of the biggest hurdles. Building the practice slowly, without outside loans or large initial investments, meant balancing the dream of growth with the realities of limited resources. There were moments of doubt and exhaustion as I learned to wear all the hats—therapist, marketer, administrator, and visionary—but I kept reminding myself that slow and steady wins the race.

Lessons Learned

If I could do anything differently, I would have sought out a small business loan early on to invest in professional coaching, a robust website, and Google Ads. These elements would have fast-tracked my ability to scale and serve more clients. I’ve learned that while patience is important, strategic investments can make the process more efficient and rewarding.

Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners

The biggest piece of advice I can offer is this: the only difference between those who start a practice and those who don’t is the willingness to take the risk. Starting a practice is scary and hard work, but it is also deeply rewarding. If you’re willing to embrace the challenges, wear multiple hats, and take things one step at a time, the journey is absolutely worth it.

Melanie , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My passion for mental health began early in life, shaped by personal experiences that profoundly impacted my perspective. When my brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia, my family and I faced challenges that deepened my understanding of the importance of mental health care. Tragically, we lost him during my high school years due to an accidental overdose. That loss ignited a calling in me to support teens navigating their own struggles, leading to my first career as a middle school special education teacher.

Over time, I felt a pull to make an even greater impact, which inspired me to pursue a career as a trauma therapist. Today, Gulf Grove Therapy serves teens and adults with a focus on addressing grief, perfectionism, anxiety, and trauma. We are proud to offer a unique blend of therapeutic approaches, including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Walk and Talk therapy, to support healing in ways that honor each individual’s needs.

What truly sets Gulf Grove Therapy apart is our commitment to inclusivity. We are an LGBTQ+ and faith-affirming practice where clients are welcomed exactly as they are. We create a safe and supportive space for all, recognizing the diverse identities and experiences that shape our clients’ lives.

I am most proud of the trust our clients place in us as they embark on their healing journeys. Seeing people move from surviving to thriving is the greatest reward. For anyone considering Gulf Grove Therapy, know that our mission is to empower you to reclaim your story, heal deeply, and live authentically. This practice is not just about providing therapy—it’s about creating a space where transformation and growth are truly possible.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

Building a practice like Gulf Grove Therapy has been a journey of blending clinical expertise with entrepreneurial growth—two areas that often feel worlds apart. Recently, I’ve been deeply influenced by “Buy Back Your Time” by Dan Martell, which has reshaped my approach to managing time and delegating tasks as I scale my business. As someone who wasn’t taught business skills in graduate school, this book has been a game-changer in helping me think strategically about how to grow sustainably while protecting my own energy and focus.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Resilience has been a consistent part of both my personal journey and the creation of Gulf Grove Therapy. When my brother passed away during my high school years, I had to navigate the challenges of grief and depression while staying focused on graduating. Later, during college, I experienced the loss of my dad, which deepened my understanding of loss and the healing process. These experiences shaped my path and influenced my decision to focus on grief work, which remains a cornerstone of my practice today.

Starting and growing a business has also required resilience and adaptability. From rebranding due to trademark issues to taking on side contracts during slower seasons, I’ve learned to approach challenges as opportunities to grow. The process hasn’t been linear, but each step has brought valuable lessons and reinforced the importance of flexibility and perseverance.

What helps me navigate these moments is a sense of gratitude—for the support I’ve received, the skills I’ve developed, and the opportunity to do meaningful work. These experiences have shaped not only my practice but also my belief that growth, like healing, is a journey that requires patience and persistence.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://gulfgrovetherapy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulfgrovetherapy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GulfGroveTherapy/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melanie-ryerson/