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

Priscilla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.

I started my practice 8 months after I finished graduate school. I knew I wanted to eventually have a private practice of my own and it was thanks to my clinical supervisor at the time who supported me in taking the leap. It was the best choice I made. I remember I shared my worries and concerns of starting a private practice, as everything related to growing and managing a business was so new to me. She shared with me that I could take it slow as I maintained a full-time job as a foster care agency and slowly learn essential business skills. So that’s exactly what I did! It was April 2016 that I started my practice and over the next two years I worked towards my full licensure for the state of Texas and learned everything I could about growing a business. After my husband and I bought our first home and had our wedding, it was time to take the leap and leave my job at the foster care agency to focus in on my private practice. There were moments of fear and worry of course, but the one thing that helped me push through was faith in myself. Looking back, I probably wouldn’t change much of what I did, except for the part of handing off tasks to other contractors and getting help to expand my business sooner. Some advice that I would give someone who wants to one day start their own practice is to find a support system of like minded people who you can turn to with questions about growing a business. I found a great group of women business owners the summer I decided to go full time in my practice and it was a lifesaver!

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

I am the owner and founder of Modern Wellness Counseling and I am also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Texas. I became intrigued with the field when I was a research assistant in a lab at The University of Texas at Austin that focused in on relationships. I loved being able to talk to couples, learn about nonverbal communication, and how stress played a role in how couples related to one another. I remember asking myself “how can I apply this in a job setting?” I was in my 3rd year at UT Austin and quickly had to figure this out. So that is when I chose to pursue a degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My following research opportunities at Auburn University focused in on how couples relationship satisfaction is impacted after participating in curriculums that teach mindfulness and relationship foundational skills. Being fascinated with this curriculum and being an avid learner myself, I wanted to find a way to incorporate this into the services that Modern Wellness Counseling provides.

Taking things forward to present day, Modern Wellness Counseling was designed to give people the tools to thrive in the most important relationships in their life — the one they have with themselves and their romantic ones, too.

We’re a boutique wellness practice with a team of clinicians working weekends, days, and evenings. Founded by Priscilla Rodriguez, a Relationship Therapist and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Antonio, TX. Our vision is to do the opposite of the “volume-based” bigger practices. We aim to keep caseloads low, and level of care high-touch and excellent.

We don’t accept all types of clients, we specialize in helping:
– Married couples regardless of what stage their relationship is in.
– Premarital couples who are dating or engaged.
– Individual women [or men] who may be experiencing anxiety, past trauma, high stress, and issues within their relationships.
– Texas residents exclusively, no matter where you’re located. You’ll be able to get the care you need, without leaving your home (all appointments are online).

We also have a convenient online learning portal where couples and individuals can learn essential relationship skills at their own pace.

Clients can call our office at 210-706-0392 to schedule a session with one of our clinicians.

For clients who may not want to speak with a clinician but still want to work on their relationship, we offer online relationship courses that couples and individuals can purchase and still make a difference in their relationship.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

I have worked in some jobs where my personal life and values were not considered and it led me to feeling burned out. I knew that when I started my practice, I wanted it to have a culture where myself and other team members felt supported, valued, seen, and cared for. I remember when I left my last job, I wrote a letter to myself explaining why I left, the negative emotions I felt, the disappointment I felt in leadership, and made a promise to myself that I would do my best to never make someone feel the way I did. I aim to read this letter at least once a year as a reminder to keep myself on track and to reflect on what I am doing different to ensure that team members do feel valued and supported.

Whenever I bring a team member on, whether it is a new clinician, an intake coordinator, or an executive assistant, I share the importance of maintaining healthy boundaries, clear communication, and ensuring that they are supported in their role. A way I do this, is to celebrate our small wins, have one-on-one meetings, have group meetings so that we have an opportunity to support each other, and my goal for this year is to begin annual self-care retreats.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

As an entrepreneur and business owner, there are waves that happen of feeling confident and feeling lost. I learned that this was normal! I found local resources such as Lift Fund and the Women’s Business Center to be beneficial in moments like this. This is also where I found a great group of women who I have learned to lean on as I continue to grow my business. Some of my favorite books have been Traction: Get a grip on your business and Dare to Lead.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.modernwellnesscounseling.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/modernwellnesscounseling
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/modernwellnesscounseling
• Other: https://modernwellnesscounseling.clientsecure.me/ https://www.tiktok.com/@modernwellnesscounseling

Image Credits
Nancy Rodrigues, owner of Mahina Photography