We recently connected with Melissa Divaris Thompson and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has Covid resulted in any major changes to your business model?
Transitioning from in-person therapy sessions to virtual sessions due to the COVID-19 pandemic was a significant shift for many therapists, including those based in New York City like me. As someone who previously conducted sessions in a physical office, adapting to the new virtual format required adjustments to both the logistical and emotional aspects of therapy.
Logistically, there were practical challenges to overcome. This included setting up a suitable workspace at home, ensuring reliable internet connection and technology, and familiarizing oneself with teletherapy platforms. It also included being able to help teach my children virtually and make sure I was not interrupted during sessions. However, once these initial hurdles were overcome, virtual therapy offered several advantages.
One of the most significant benefits was the ability to continue providing support to clients during a time of crisis. The pandemic brought about widespread uncertainty, fear, and isolation, and being able to connect with clients virtually provided a sense of continuity and support during an unprecedented time. Through video sessions, clients could still see their therapist’s empathetic face and hear their reassuring voice, which helped alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation. As therapists, it was also difficult as we too were going through the pandemic and the crisis WITH our clients. We were not removed from the situation. We were going through it with them.
Additionally, virtual therapy offered greater flexibility for both therapists and clients. Sessions could be conducted from the comfort and safety of one’s home, eliminating the need for travel and allowing for more convenient scheduling options. This flexibility was especially crucial during a time when many individuals were juggling various responsibilities and facing heightened stress levels. Many clients anxieties escalated during this time managing all the pieces.
Virtual therapy facilitated access to mental health support for individuals who may have otherwise been unable to attend in-person sessions. For some clients, factors such as transportation barriers or health concerns may have prevented them from seeking therapy before the pandemic. Virtual sessions provided a convenient alternative that removed these barriers, allowing more people to access the support they needed.
Despite the benefits, virtual therapy also presented its own set of challenges. Building rapport and establishing a sense of connection can be more challenging through a screen compared to face-to-face interactions, especially those who had never done virtual therapy. Our private practice in NYC had been conducting virtual sessions in addition to in person sessions long before the pandemic hit. Therapists had to find new ways to create a supportive and comfortable environment for their clients, utilizing techniques such as active listening, empathy, and validation. They also had to learn how to deal with their own distractions and their clients, like pets, roommate, partners, or children.
Overall, while the transition to virtual therapy posed its challenges, it ultimately proved to be a valuable tool for therapists and clients alike during a time of crisis. By embracing technology and adapting to new ways of delivering therapy, therapists were able to continue supporting their clients through difficult times while also navigating their own personal challenges.
Melissa, 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?
The path to becoming a psychotherapist was deeply influenced by my own journey, a journey marked by the profound realization of the transformative potential inherent in genuine human connection between a therapist and client.
Reflecting on my upbringing, conversations often circled around finding solutions, neglecting the emotional undercurrents that shaped our experiences. Vulnerability was viewed through a lens of weakness, leaving little room for authentic expression. However, it was through my own experience with EMDR therapy that I discovered the immense value of feeling truly seen and understood. This pivotal moment awakened within me a profound belief in the healing power of authenticity and compassion and how I can offer that to others.
To witness someone bravely unveil their true selves, without fear of judgment, is nothing short of extraordinary. Our commitment lies in providing a safe haven, where individuals are embraced exactly as they are. It’s about creating a space where they can explore their innermost thoughts and feelings, guided by empathy and support. Our approach is rooted in meeting each person with compassion and understanding, recognizing that true healing begins with acceptance.
Among my greatest sources of pride is the community we’ve cultivated in our group practice in the bustling heart of NYC. Here, therapists embark on their own journey of self-discovery, coming together to nurture a culture of compassion and growth. As a small boutique practice, we specialize in serving adults and couples in their 20s through 40s, especially those who may appear outwardly successful but grapple with inner turmoil and discontent.
For our clients, our aim is simple yet profound: to provide a sanctuary where they can explore their deepest desires and fears, knowing they are met with warmth and empathy. Whether guiding individuals towards self-discovery or helping couples navigate the complexities of their relationships, our approach is grounded in a deep sense of compassion. Witnessing the transformative impact of our work—seeing clients find peace, clarity, and a renewed sense of purpose—is both humbling and profoundly rewarding.
In essence, our practice is founded on the belief that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. It’s about fostering connections, nurturing growth, and ultimately, guiding others towards a life filled with compassion, joy, and fulfillment.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
In my therapy practice, I’ve encountered countless individuals burdened by the relentless pursuit of productivity – a pursuit I intimately understand. I too was once ensnared by the belief that success meant ceaseless effort, a belief ingrained in me from a young age.
Growing up, I watched my father navigate the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship. His dedication to his business was unwavering, and I learned early on that hard work was the key to success. Productivity became my measure of self-worth, and rest felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford.
But as I delved deeper into my own story, I began to unravel the truth behind this narrative. Burnout, anxiety, and a pervasive sense of emptiness were the wake-up calls I couldn’t ignore. I realized that the pursuit of productivity at all costs was not sustainable – nor was it fulfilling.
So, I embarked on a journey of unlearning, guided by the wisdom I sought to impart to my clients. I explored the origins of my beliefs, unpacking the societal expectations that had shaped my understanding of success. We challenged the notion that worthiness was contingent on constant hustle, and instead embraced the radical idea that rest was a fundamental human need.
I found myself shedding layers of conditioning and embracing a new way of being. Mindfulness practices and boundary-setting techniques became my allies as I learned to honor my own needs and limitations. And slowly but surely, I began to reclaim my time and energy, no longer bound by the relentless pursuit of productivity.
In this journey of rediscovery, I’ve come to understand that true success is not measured by the number of hours worked, but by the depth of connection to myself and others. I’ve learned to savor moments of stillness and find joy in the simple act of being present. And in doing so, I’ve uncovered a newfound sense of freedom – a freedom rooted in authenticity and self-compassion.
As I continue to walk this path, I’m reminded that unlearning the myth of constant hustle is not just a personal journey, but a collective one. Together, we’re redefining success on our own terms – one mindful breath at a time. And in the process, we’re building a world where rest is not just a luxury, but a non-negotiable foundation for true well-being.
Can you talk to us about your experience with buying businesses?
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