Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Raina LaGrand. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Raina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
When I was transitioning into my own private practice from being in a group practice, I wanted to be everything for everyone. I felt deeply that I had a message and skills that could help people feel more connected to themselves and to those in their lives. And that’s still very true. But what happened was that I took on a number of clients for the sake of having clients, instead of being strategic about who I wanted to work with. And that came back to bite me later. I eventually learned that it’s ok for me to use discretion in choosing who I work for – from my marketing messages to the consult call. This required a bit of bravery and a lot of patience. I was nervous that my scope would be too small to catch anyone. But then I realized that fear wasn’t coming from my business smarts. It was coming from messages I’d internalized around what I should or should not be. I had to remember that I’m in business for myself. I want to build a business that brings me joy each day and that helps me feel free, not trapped.
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’m a somatic therapist, coach, and educator who specializes in identity, belonging, and trauma. I’ve always been curious about bodies, from the time I was young. I was a Mixed, curvy, awkward dancer who later came to identify as Queer, neurodivergent among other identities. As much as I struggled with my own identity and sense of belonging, movement always felt easy to me. Was I comfortable enough to wear a bikini to the beach? No. But on stage, in a skimpy little leotard I was confident as ever. The beat felt so good in my body that I couldn’t care what I looked like. Fast forward to adulthood, I began practicing yoga and completed a yoga teacher training. I was intensely curious about health and wellness and received my Masters in Social Work and Masters in Public Health from the University of Michigan. Getting into the therapy world (as a yoga teacher) introduced me to the world of trauma treatment, which led me back to the body. This is because trauma is not a cognitive experience; it is a physiological one. So, when we want to address the ways traumatic stress is shaping our lives we have to treat the entire body, mind, and spirit. Trauma is also more than our experiences alone. Trauma can be passed down generationally in ways that are both obvious and covert. Healing from traumatic experiences and experiences of oppression therefore necessitate that we also dive deeper into who we are, reintegrate the parts of us that have been disconnected or exiled, and seek connection that feels resonate. This is why I find my work with people who struggle to answer questions such as “Who are you” so important. Because nothing changes for the better in shame and isolation. I feel my mission in my work is to help people know that they make sense and they belong.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
Authenticity. And within that, self-trust and boundaries. If you aren’t authentic about what you want and need, from the big picture to the details, it’s easy to get wrapped up in things that feel out of scope or beyond your limits. We have to be ok with saying ‘no’ when we are asked to take on additional things. Or at least, we have to be willing to pause and check in with ourselves to discern why we want to say ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ It’s easier to take on more of what you want when your schedule isn’t clogged with what you thought would look good. Trust that as long as you are true to yourself and thoughtful about your business you will attract the right people and opportunities.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been personal relationships. I have developed relationships with other professionals locally and continue to reach out to other therapists and entrepreneurs as a regular practice. I’ve found that my new relationships aren’t usually the most impactful when it comes to referrals; it’s the relationships I’ve been nurturing for 2+ years. It’s a reminder that things take time, and what’s sustainable will be successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.roottorisesomatics.com
- Instagram: @roottorisesomatics
Image Credits
The photos of me in the orange sweater are from Chris Stranad. All others are personal.