We were lucky to catch up with Susan Morgan Stork recently and have shared our conversation below.
Susan, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?
In the early days of my journey towards starting a relationship-based, mental health, and sexual health therapy practice, the idea took root as curious thoughts about self-employment. I was deeply passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of their relationships, mental well-being, and sexual health, and I envisioned creating a safe and empathetic space for people to heal and grow. The decision to start my own practice was both thrilling and daunting. I began by conducting extensive research to understand the local demand for such specialized services and explored the legal and regulatory requirements to establish a private practice.
The main steps I took revolved around obtaining the necessary licenses, certifications, and insurance. I also invested time and resources in developing a solid business plan, outlining my goals, target audience, and marketing strategies. Networking with other professionals in the field and building referral networks proved vital in gaining visibility and credibility. Finding a suitable location for my practice was another challenge. I wanted a warm, eclectic, and welcoming environment, conducive to therapeutic work, in Baltimore city but within budget constraints. Equipping the office with the necessary tools and resources also demanded careful financial planning.
One of the key challenges I faced was the initial slow growth of my client base. It took time to build trust within the community and establish my reputation. I learned the importance of patience and perseverance during this phase. In hindsight, I would have focused more on digital marketing and expanding my online presence to reach a wider audience. Creating informative content, hosting more groups, or social overlaps, and engaging with potential clients on social media can be powerful tools for attracting clients in today’s digital age.
To a young licensed therapist, considering starting their own therapy practice, my advice would be to stay true to your passion and purpose. Make sure you have a mentor and don’t underestimate their time, dedication, and care for your development.
Believe in the value of the services you provide and don’t be disheartened by initial setbacks. Invest in continuous professional development, niche work, and stay up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques. Networking and collaboration with other professionals in related fields can be incredibly beneficial for referrals and knowledge exchange. Be open to feedback, learn from mistakes, and adapt your strategies accordingly. Most importantly, prioritize self-care to maintain your well-being as you support others in their healing journeys. Starting a therapy practice can be immensely rewarding, and with dedication, perseverance, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact, you can build a thriving practice that transforms the lives of your employees, clients, and yourself… not to mention the communities in which everyone orbits.
Susan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a passionate and dedicated relationship therapist and sexual health advocate with a deep commitment to supporting individuals, couples, and polycules — in their journey towards healthier and more fulfilling connections. My fascination with psychology and human relationships began during my undergraduate years when I pursued a degree in family studies at University of Maryland, College Park. It was during this time that I realized the profound impact that healthy relationships have on our mental and emotional well-being. Intrigued by this connection, I pursued further education and training in the field of counseling and therapy, with a specific focus on relationship dynamics and sexual health at the University of Michigan.
In my therapy practice, Space Between Counseling Services (SBCS), we as a team — offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, couple, family, or group.. These services encompass relationship counseling, intimacy and communication coaching, sexual health education, and addressing sexual dysfunctions or concerns. I strongly believe in taking a holistic and inclusive approach to therapy, considering the psychological, emotional, and physical aspects of individuals’ lives.
What sets me apart from others in the field is my unwavering dedication to providing a safe, non-judgmental, and compassionate space for my clients to explore their concerns and work towards positive change. Our group approach is deeply rooted in direct strategies, empathy and understanding, and I/we strive to create a collaborative therapeutic relationship where clients feel seen, heard, and validated. I/we believe in empowering individuals with the tools and insights they need to navigate their relationships and sexual health with confidence and resilience.
I am most proud of the transformative impact my work has had on the lives of my clients. Witnessing individuals, couples, polycules, and groups overcome challenges, heal emotional wounds, and rediscover intimacy and connection brings immense fulfillment to my professional journey. I am also proud of my commitment to continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest research and therapeutic techniques, which enables me to offer evidence-based and effective interventions for our whole SBCS team.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that my practice is a safe and confidential space where they can feel free to express themselves without fear of judgment. I/we am here to support and guide them through their unique journey, whether it’s related to relationships, sexual health, or personal growth. My mission is to foster healthy relationships and empower individuals to lead fulfilling and satisfying lives, both emotionally and sexually. Together, we can navigate the complexities of human connections and work towards building a more harmonious and more securely-functioning world. In a secure-functioning relationship, you and your partner assure each other’s safety and security, and this frees up valuable resources necessary to be effective at everything, including development of the self. Secure functioning is not codependency it is interdependency!
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
As Space Between Counseling Services (SBCS) enters year nine. , I have found that the most effective strategy for growing my clientele involves a comprehensive approach that integrates various methods. Networking has proven to be an invaluable tool in expanding my potential client base. Engaging in therapy-themed events, conferences, and participating in professional associations has allowed me to connect with potential referrals and fellow professionals alike. By building authentic relationships and nurturing a strong professional network, I have not only attracted new clients directly but have also received valuable client referrals through word-of-mouth, which fosters a sense of trust and credibility.
I have also embraced the power of guerrilla marketing as an innovative way to promote my therapy services. Through creative and unconventional marketing campaigns, I have successfully generated excitement and interest in my practice. This approach has allowed me to stand out in the competitive therapy market while remaining cost-effective. Utilizing captivating visuals and compelling messages, I have utilized this method to attract attention to my practice, driving traffic to my website and social media platforms.
In this digital age, leveraging the potential of social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook has been paramount to reach a broader audience and engage with potential clients. By consistently offering meaningful and relatable content, I aim to showcase my expertise and build a sense of trust with my followers. Social media has allowed me to establish a personal brand as a therapist, group practice, interact directly with those that follow the SBCS accounts while maintaining confidentiality. My website acts as a central hub, where visitors can explore my therapy approach, learn about our SBCS services and walk away more informed. Finally, the support and referrals from family, friends, and content clients have been an invaluable source of growth, as personal recommendations hold great weight in the therapeutic journey.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
As the owner of Space Between Counseling Services in Mount Vernon, Baltimore city, it’s crucial to recognize that managing a team and maintaining high morale are essential components of a healthy and successful workplace. Firstly, fostering candid, open communication, and a supportive environment is key. Encourage your team members to express their thoughts and feelings openly, both about their work-related challenges and personal well-being. Actively listen to their concerns, showing empathy and understanding. By validating their experiences, you can create a safe space for collaboration and growth.
Secondly, promoting work-life balance is vital for maintaining high morale. Encourage your team to take breaks, prioritize self-care, and manage their stress effectively. Offer flexible working arrangements whenever possible, allowing them to achieve a healthy equilibrium between their personal and professional lives. Remember, a rested and rejuvenated team is more likely to be motivated, highly invested, and productive.
Lastly, celebrate achievements and acknowledge hard work. Recognizing and appreciating your team’s efforts boosts morale and fosters a positive atmosphere. Create a culture of appreciation by providing regular feedback, recognizing individual and collective accomplishments, and highlighting the unique contributions each team member brings to Space Between Counseling Services. By nurturing a positive work environment, you’ll cultivate a sense of belonging and loyalty, leading to greater overall satisfaction and productivity within your team.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.spacebetweencounselingservices.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/space_between_counseling/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK0CQ5hkI2TyUenahWvQI8w
- Other: https://www.aasect.org/find-professional/listing/1/8545
Image Credits
Susan Morgan Stork Mayrí V. Pérez T. Portfolio: maydesigns.co