We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Noraliz. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Noraliz below.

Noraliz, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How do you think about vacations as a business owner? Do you take them and if so, how? If you don’t, why not?

Yes, I take vacations regularly, and I believe they are essential. As a therapist, I know firsthand how vital rest and rejuvenation are for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Taking intentional time away from work helps me return with greater clarity, presence, and energy. It also allows me to model the boundaries and self-care practices I encourage in my clients. Vacations give me space to reconnect with myself, be more present with my family, and show up fully in the therapy room.

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.

My journey into the mental health and social work field has been diverse and deeply rewarding. After earning my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Central Florida in 2013, I began my career as a bilingual Outpatient Therapist in a community mental health clinic, supporting individuals navigating a wide range of emotional and psychological challenges. From there, I moved into medical social work as a Case Manager in hospital settings, working in high-intensity environments like the ICU, Emergency Room, and Mother-Baby/NICU units. These early roles gave me a rich, firsthand understanding of how stress, trauma, and systemic barriers impact people’s lives and how important compassionate, accessible care really is.
Eventually, I shifted into elder care, working as a Home Health Care Social Worker. This chapter of my career allowed me to build meaningful relationships with older adults and their families, which deeply shaped my appreciation for lifelong resilience and the importance of dignity in care.
After gaining experience across various settings, I joined a group private practice, which ultimately led me to pursue a long-held dream: starting my own practice. Founding Transformative Pathways, PLLC has been one of the most empowering decisions of my life. It gave me the flexibility to align my work with my values and to build a life that supports both my professional purpose and my personal well-being, especially after becoming a mother.
Getting to where I am today hasn’t always been smooth. I launched my practice while navigating the challenges of pregnancy and early motherhood, balancing the emotional and logistical demands of growing a business with caring for a newborn. It took time, networking, persistence, and plenty of trial and error, but those experiences taught me to trust myself and lean into community and support systems.
Now, I provide therapy to individuals in Florida and Texas, specializing in trauma, anxiety, and depression. My approach is warm, personalized, and rooted in evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR. What drives me most is helping people reconnect with their inner strength, make peace with their past, and move toward a life that feels more grounded, empowered, and aligned.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Absolutely. One of the biggest pivots in my career came during a time when I was trying to maintain the momentum of my private practice while navigating the unpredictability that can come with being a small business owner. Like many therapists in solo practice, I experienced periods where referrals would slow down, and I realized I needed to think creatively and strategically to keep my business sustainable.
I made two significant decisions that changed the trajectory of my practice. First, I decided to begin offering in-person sessions in addition to virtual therapy. While telehealth is incredibly valuable and convenient, I recognized that some clients truly benefit from the grounded, face-to-face connection that in-person work can provide. Adding that option allowed me to meet the needs of my community better and diversify my services.
Second, I applied for licensure in Texas to expand the reach of my practice. I saw it as both a challenge and an opportunity: a way to serve more people, adapt to changing demand, and protect the long-term stability of my business. Becoming licensed in another state required time, effort, and navigating new systems, but it was well worth it. It opened doors to new referrals and allowed me to grow beyond a single geographic location.
Both of these pivots came from a place of reflection and a commitment to adaptability. Private practice requires flexibility, especially when you’re building something that’s both mission-driven and financially viable. These changes helped me stay aligned with my values while also securing a stronger foundation for the future.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been staying true to myself, both as a person and as a therapist. I prioritize transparency, warmth, and authenticity in my relationships with clients. I believe that when clients feel safe, seen, and respected, it builds a strong foundation of trust. That trust not only supports the therapeutic process but often leads to word-of-mouth referrals. Many of my clients have returned for support during new life transitions, and they’ve also recommended me to friends and family, which I consider the greatest compliment.
I also offer complimentary consultation sessions as part of my commitment to accessible care. Over time, I’ve developed a script I use when speaking with prospective clients that addresses the questions and concerns I’ve learned are most important to them, like scheduling, fees, what to expect in therapy, and how we’ll work together. This helps people feel informed, supported, and confident from the very beginning.
Another key to my growth has been organization and consistency. I offer clients a set weekly time and day, which creates a sense of stability and reliability that many people appreciate. Knowing they have a reserved spot allows clients to prioritize therapy and stay committed to the process. For those who’ve made significant progress but still want occasional support, I offer monthly maintenance sessions to help them stay grounded and navigate life’s day-to-day stressors.
I think the combination of personal connection, clear structure, and consistent follow-through has really helped my practice grow in a way that feels both sustainable and aligned with my values.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://transformativepathwayspllc.com/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/noraliz-nagarsheth-winter-park-fl/1035037

Image Credits

Shay Walker

https://www.shaywalkerphoto.com/