Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Noraliz Nagarsheth. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Noraliz , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

As a graduate student, I dreamed of opening a private practice. At school, several professors spoke about the benefits of being an entrepreneur, and I wanted to experience them. To name a few key points for perspective, being a private practice owner allows you to create your schedule and gives you the flexibility, power, and control to decide how you want to practice and show up for your clients and yourself. Nevertheless, I was 22 when I graduated with my master’s degree, so creating a private practice at that time felt far from reach. Fast forward ten years later, at 32, I received the news that I was expecting a baby and decided to venture into private practice. My pregnancy was difficult, and I was having a difficult time keeping up with the workload I was responsible for at the group practice that I was working at. My husband gave me the push I needed to become an entrepreneur because he knew how important it was for me to be present for our family. At that point, we had a 12-year-old boy (now 14) and a 2-year-old furry husky (now 4) who needed our love and attention, so the benefits discussed during school seemed more appealing than ever. I researched what opening & sustaining a successful private practice entailed, developed a plan, and slowly began working through the steps. I remember as if it was yesterday how I would struggle with pregnancy symptoms and had to take several breaks a day while nervously working through the steps, dreaming of having what I have today, a thriving practice offering both virtual and in-person sessions while having the flexibility and mental clarity to be present for our family through all of our seasons.

The process for opening a private practice can look different than mine in other states, counties, and cities. During the beginning stages of opening my private practice, I had to make sure I created a name that aligned with my clinical practice and my values as an individual. Once I knew, I applied to have my PLLC (Professional Limited Liability Company), the permits from my county and my city (tax receipts), and liability insurance to practice. I completed an accelerated course to learn tips for managing a private practice, such as having a business account and planning for retirement, developing a website, signing up for directories to increase my marketing and referrals, learning about taxes, budgeting, and maternity leave, that’s just to name a few key points. Honestly, it felt overwhelming at the time because I felt like a fish out of water. I knew of the benefits of owning a private practice since school, but I did not realize how much work it would take.

Fighting through pregnancy symptoms was a challenge for me because, physically and mentally, I did not have the stamina that I once possessed. In addition, learning how to market and increase my caseload was a challenge. Fast forward two years and the difficulties I experienced helped me learn and grow as an individual, mental health professional, and entrepreneur. However, if I could offer advice to a younger version of myself or a young professional in the mental health field wanting to open a private practice, it would be to find a mentor and network, network, and network. I probably would have reached different milestones sooner if I had connected with others locally before opening my private practice. My private practice is thriving now because I have plugged myself in with excellent therapists & entrepreneurs who have been doing this for years before me, and I have learned many tips and strategies to not only market myself successfully but manage other aspects of owning a business that I did not learn in school or during the first ten years of my career.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Noraliz Nagarsheth, and I have been a Clinical Social Worker since 2013. I am originally from Puerto Rico, where I grew up with my paternal grandmother, father, stepmother, and two sisters. In 2005, at 14, I moved with my paternal aunt to Orlando, Florida, with dreams of learning English, obtaining a degree, and forging a bright future. I received my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work Degrees at the University of Central Florida, Go Knights!

I currently live in Seminole County, Florida, with my family. My beautiful blended-multicultural family consists of my husband (his family is originally from India), adolescent son, baby boy, and our wonderful husky dog. My family continues to reside in Puerto Rico, so we feel very connected with the Puerto Rican culture. I speak Spanish at home, even when, at times, my husband does not understand Ha Ha Ha, and we visit Puerto Rico several times a year. As a family, we love to travel and explore new cities in our spare time. As an individual, I love physical activity and alone time with either my journal, an excellent book, or a fun TV show.

I have accomplished several goals in my life, from earning a degree, owning a car, finding love, owning a home, and becoming an entrepreneur, but I am most proud of becoming a mother. Becoming a mother has pushed me to explore and expand areas of myself that I did not know existed. My children, including my furry son, drive me to be and show up as the best version of myself. One of the struggles I have had during my life has been my relationship with food and physical activity, and because of them, I have committed to leading a healthy lifestyle that includes eating my veggies (something I have struggled with since childhood) and moving regularly, at my favorite studio called Hotworx, and I even signed up for my first half marathon! My children are my drive and motivation; I am eternally grateful to have them in my life. I am also thankful for my husband, who has supported me through my seasons.

As I explored careers during my first year in college, I realized my passion for helping others. I decided to study social work because it allowed me the flexibility to serve several populations. During my years as a social worker, I experienced a newfound self-awareness that turned into a passion for learning and working with individuals with a history of trauma, depression, and anxiety. As I worked through my own traumatic and challenging experiences, such as my mother’s death at a young age, religious trauma during early adulthood, and a family history of anxiety and depression, I realized that helping others achieve healing helps me on my journey of healing as well as gives me a sense of purpose. When I connect with my clients, I aim to create a safe environment where they feel seen, validated, and accepted. My preferred therapy modalities are Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy. I am also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and often find it helpful when working with clients, especially when meeting in person. My ultimate goal as a therapist is to help every individual I work with heal from trauma, learn how to manage symptoms, and tackle life challenges with tools and coping skills that fit their personality and individual circumstances. I am committed to this profession and strive to stay relevant in it. Therefore, I continue to enhance my skills by actively seeking and partaking in educational opportunities, ensuring that I provide the best care to the clients who choose me as their therapist.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

The key to building a positive reputation is being authentic. Allowing myself to be genuine, with the awkwardness, Puerto Rican Accent, and, at times, “Spanglish Sentences” and all, allowing myself to be seen and pushing myself to connect with others within my profession has helped me make meaningful connections and build the reputation that I have today. As an introvert, I understand the need for ample time to recharge, but networking has been critical to my professional growth. Therefore, I have made it a priority.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

Networking. I know I have mentioned it several times before Ha Ha Ha, but networking has been vital for my career. I receive referrals from marketing platforms, of which I am a member. However, many of my referrals come from my clients, who share my information with their loved ones and colleagues with whom I have connections.

Contact Info:

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

Image Credits

Java Shots Photography by Java Sahler
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