We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sara Makin, MSEd, LPC, NCC a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sara, thanks for joining us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

Eight years ago, a pivotal experience during a meeting with the clinical director significantly impacted my professional journey. The context of this encounter revolved around a discussion regarding my tendency to forget tasks assigned by my clinical supervisor, shedding light on the critical issue of not following through on commitments. This outcome stemmed from my failure to write down these tasks and instead relying on the assumption that I could remember them.

This interaction served as a wake-up call, underscoring the importance of honoring my word and the necessity for a more organized approach. Understanding the profound lesson embedded in this experience, I promptly took steps to initiate positive change. I recognized the need for a better system to ensure consistent follow-through on my responsibilities.

In response, I overhauled my work environment. I organized my desk, adopted the use of a planner that I carried with me all day, and committed to completing clinical documentation on the same day I saw my patients. This not only showcased my commitment to the organization but also demonstrated my teachability to the supervisor and director.

The transformation extended beyond creating a more efficient work system; it marked a profound shift in my mindset. This experience imparted the invaluable lesson of the importance of accountability, organization, and follow-through in any professional setting. It became a foundational principle for my career, emphasizing the significance of being reliable and organized in every aspect of my work.

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 entry into the mental health industry is deeply rooted in a personal experience that unveiled the profound impact of therapy. Undergoing transformative therapy during my middle school years ignited a passion to share this impactful journey with others, fostering a commitment to contribute towards alleviating the symptoms faced by many individuals.

Motivated by a genuine desire to aid others in their mental health treatment, I embarked on a journey into the industry with the dedication to make a positive impact. This personal connection to the therapeutic process has been a driving force behind my work, influencing the establishment of Makin Wellness and shaping our approach to mental health care. I am devoted to creating an environment where individuals feel supported, understood, and empowered on their paths to improving their mental health.

Our online therapy services are meticulously designed to address a spectrum of mental health challenges, offering individual counseling, couples therapy, therapy for kids and teens, and evaluations. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to specialized and premium support—because at Makin Wellness, we recognize that each person’s experience is unique, and their path to online therapy deserves nothing less than tailored excellence. Our team of specialized therapists not only brings a wealth of professional qualifications but also genuine dedication to providing the highest standard of care.

Our commitment to specialized support ensures that you receive evidence-based treatment rooted in research, tailoring your therapeutic experience to address your specific needs. We move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach, acknowledging the intricate nature of mental health. Your journey with us is characterized by a deep understanding of your challenges, a collaborative effort to address them, and a celebration of your successes, whether small or significant.

In addition to our commitment to specialized support, Makin Wellness takes pride in offering premium clinical services that go beyond traditional talk therapy. Our online platform is designed to provide a seamless and secure space for your therapeutic journey, guaranteeing access to quality therapists who accept your insurance.

At Makin Wellness, we believe everyone deserves access to premium mental health support. This commitment goes beyond providing a service—it’s about creating an environment where you feel valued, heard, and empowered. Our premium support is a testament to our dedication to your mental health, ensuring that every step of your journey is met with the expertise, care, and attention you deserve.

Choose Makin Wellness for specialized and premium support, and let us be your partner in unlocking the full potential of your mental health.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

Yes, without a doubt. Choosing the path of being a mental health professional and founding Makin Wellness has been an immensely fulfilling journey for me. The ability to make a positive impact on people’s lives, supporting them through their challenges, and witnessing their growth and transformation is incredibly rewarding. The fulfillment that comes from contributing to the mental health of others reaffirms my passion for this profession and solidifies my commitment to the work we do at Makin Wellness. I believe in the power of mental health and online therapy, and I wouldn’t trade this journey for anything else.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

During a challenging phase in Makin Wellness’s journey, a critical moment unfolded in the summer of this year. Upon scrutinizing our financial numbers, I discovered a significant variance from the information provided by the CFO. Faced with the stark reality, I had to make the tough call to immediately cut expenses, marking my first encounter with such a decision.

Reflecting on the situation, I recognized the vital role of clear performance indicators and transparent reporting. In response, I swiftly took action by slashing numerous expenses and initiating a substantial restructuring, which even involved redefining my own role within the company.

To tackle the financial challenges, we revamped our bonus structures to be KPI-based, bolstered our finance system, and adjusted our vendor payment procedures. Additionally, I meticulously crafted a detailed budget to offer a clearer financial roadmap for the company’s future.

Trimming marketing expenses, eliminating unnecessary costs, and scrutinizing every aspect of our budget became imperative steps in improving our financial standing. Ensuring our team’s job security and minimizing operational disruptions while keeping morale high throughout the expense reduction process were paramount. Achieving this required extremely transparent communication with the team, where I explained the root cause analysis, proposed solutions, and immediate corrective actions. It took the dedicated focus of our leadership team, along with my own commitment, spanning 80-hour workweeks and early morning starts at 5 AM, to restore the company to profitability within a month and a half.

In times of adversity, the key is to redirect focus toward actions that can reverse the situation. This experience emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience in navigating the challenges of running a company, ultimately fortifying Makin Wellness’s foundation for future growth. Notably, this challenging period brought our team even closer together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.makinwellness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makinwellness/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makinwellness/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/27113658/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakinWellness
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MakinWellness
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/makin-wellness-pittsburgh-14
• Other: https://g.page/r/CTCnm-oVnBcbEB0/review