We were lucky to catch up with Taylor Moyer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Taylor, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

Starting my own practice was a significant leap of courage. After spending years working for other companies, I finally believed in my capability and competency to manage my own practice. Researching ways to streamline processes became a priority. I joined various Facebook groups to learn from others’ experiences in starting out. Building my website was daunting, given my lack of experience, but I managed to create one with enough information for former clients to find me online.

It takes courage to bet on yourself, but it has been rewarding for me. Some might prefer starting slowly, building their practice alongside a full-time job. However, focusing full-time on my business after taking that big leap has worked exceptionally well for me.

Taylor, 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?

Since childhood, my aspiration to become a therapist has been driven by a natural inclination to assist and listen to others. Guiding clients through individual therapy has proven immensely gratifying for me, representing both an honor and a blessing to be part of their personal transformation. I employ various tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing within the therapy relationship. However, one of the most powerful tools in therapy is cultivating a safe and trusting relationship between myself and the client. I guide and encourage clients to take up emotional and physical space without feeling burdened by guilt. Within therapy, significant progress can often be achieved simply by conveying to the client that they are safe and truly heard.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

It had been my dream for many years to go to graduate school anywhere else besides my home state. I was convinced that this was the only path to achieve the happiness I sought. Shortly after graduating with a bachelor’s degree, I met my wonderful husband, Robert. He was very supportive and encouraging of my dream to go out of state for graduate school. I managed to make it into the first round of candidates selected to interview in person by a prestigious school. Robert came with me to the interview and even helped me pay for the flight and lodging. When I returned home, I had to wait for months to find out if I had been selected to attend the university. In the meantime, I was falling in love with my soon-to-be husband. I had always been very cautious and almost relationship-avoidant, but there was something different with Robert. I didn’t have to make room for him; it just felt like he came and took his place in my life. As certain as I was about wanting to go to grad school, I also knew I wanted to marry Robert. And that’s what we did. Within the first few months of marriage, I realized my plan wasn’t meant to be as I did not get selected into the school of my dreams. Unfortunately, as I was coping with that realization, Robert’s aging mother became significantly ill. Robert’s mother was his only living family member before marrying me. It was a trying time in our lives, but I felt like I was exactly where I needed to be. You see, I needed the idea of going-out-of-state graduate school to get me through all the trials and tribulations of undergraduate life. I had this big idea, and it provided hope and motivation. And when it didn’t come to fruition, I was completely at peace knowing that I had become part of his family and took on the difficulties of caring for a sick parent. I still got to go to graduate school; I just did it locally. I ended up being taught by some of the most valuable professionals in the state of Oklahoma, as many of my professors were on the state board of behavioral health. Plus, staying local allowed me to finance college without accumulating mounting school loans.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Doing the right thing will always lead to positive outcomes.

In my twenties, I spent many nights partying and dancing. One particular night, after dancing and feeling the need to freshen up, I entered a crowded women’s restroom with a long line. When I finally got into an empty stall, I overheard some ladies discussing their missing purse, suggesting they had used the stall before me. Curious, I looked around and noticed a purse inside the trashcan next to me. I quickly opened the door and informed them, “it’s in the trashcan,” hoping to help and then resume my night.

Unfortunately, despite my attempt to assist, someone had already taken all the cash from the purse before I discovered it. I couldn’t convince the women that I hadn’t taken the money. They started harassing me whenever we crossed paths at the club and even came to my workplace, where I worked as a carhop. It was a tough lesson for me to realize that “doing the right thing” doesn’t always lead to a positive outcome. People can interpret actions as they see fit, regardless of intentions. Until then, I had never faced such a challenge to my integrity.

Despite the difficulties, I am grateful for the wisdom this experience brought to my life and career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.takingtimetherapy.com

Image Credits

Anna White