We were lucky to catch up with Thea Bedell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Thea, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Taking a leap into the unknown by opening my own therapeutic mental health clinic has been both exhilarating and daunting. It required me to confront my fears, challenge the status quo, and embrace the uncertainties that come with starting something new. But ultimately, the desire to cultivate a sanctuary where everyone feels safe and comfortable has been my guiding light throughout this journey.

Throughout my years in the mental health field, I witnessed the pervasive issue of burnout and overall stress load. This realization fueled my commitment to create not just a clinic, but a supportive community—one that encourages providers to flourish personally and professionally. I wanted to build a team that not only inspires me to be better but holds me accountable in the process. I envisioned a space where mistakes are met with grace and learning takes precedence, allowing us all to grow together.

Central to my vision is the belief that our families and personal lives should always come first. We all have obligations outside of work, and I wanted to foster a culture that acknowledges this reality. Flexibility in scheduling becomes essential; it’s about creating a positive work-life balance where we aren’t caught in a cycle of living to work. Instead, by offering compassion and understanding regarding time off, we set a standard that emphasizes self-care.

As I reflected on health and wellness, I realized the importance of viewing them through a holistic lens. It wasn’t until later in my life that I connected the dots between my eating, drinking, and movement habits and my mental well-being. This personal insight has become a cornerstone of our clinic’s philosophy. We aim to make this knowledge accessible to others, promoting a broader understanding of health that integrates nutrition, mental health, and even innovative treatments like hormones, ketamine and ketamine assisted therapy. By providing diverse modalities, we can help individuals on their unique pathways to healing. I have also been able to begin my journey of having a therapy dog to be able to work beside me on a daily basis.

Creating a warm and welcoming environment has been a priority in our clinic design. I want our space to reflect open-mindedness and acceptance, where clients feel supported, calm, and at peace. Ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors knows they are seen and valued is fundamental to fostering a therapeutic relationship.

One of my greatest hopes is to empower our providers to explore their passions fully. I actively encourage them to bring their ideas to the table and contribute to our evolving practice. I believe that when we engage in work that resonates with us, we cultivate a positive and thriving environment—not just for ourselves, but for our clients as well. Encouraging an atmosphere that fosters creativity and innovation will ultimately translate into providing exceptional care and a greater array of services.

Reflecting on this journey, I am reminded that risks, while intimidating, often lead to the most rewarding experiences. Opening this clinic embodies my passion for health and wellness and my commitment to nurturing a compassionate community. I am excited for the future as we continue to grow, learn, and serve those seeking healing. Each day, I feel grateful for the team I have, the opportunity to be part of this journey, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

Thea, 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 mental health therapist with a passion for supporting children and families through challenging times. My journey into this field hasn’t been straightforward, but it has profoundly shaped who I am and the services I offer.

When I first started my college journey, I found myself without a clear direction. I explored various paths, unsure of where my education would lead me. After graduating, I began working in the mental health field, which was valuable and informative, yet I still felt a pull toward something more meaningful. It wasn’t until I made the decision to pursue my Master’s degree that I began to discover where my path would lead me.

During my time in graduate school, I had the opportunity to explore and observe play therapy. Watching this therapeutic approach to engage with children, helping them navigate their emotions and experiences through play, was nothing short of inspiring. I was captivated by the transformative power of this approach, realizing how it could empower children to process trauma and difficult situations in a safe and nurturing environment. This revelation solidified my path, and I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to helping children and their families find healing and hope.

Today, I run my own practice, where I provide a range of therapeutic services tailored to meet the unique needs of children and families. My approach is rooted in play therapy, but I also incorporate various evidence-based modalities to address issues such as anxiety, depression, grief, and trauma. The services I provide are designed to create a safe space for children to express themselves, enabling them to work through their feelings, build resilience, and develop coping skills. I firmly believe that every child deserves a trusted adult who believes in them, and that’s what I strive to be for my clients.

What sets my practice apart is our commitment to diversity and inclusion. I am especially proud of the diverse backgrounds of both my team and our clients, as well as the range of services we offer to the community. We not only focus on individual therapy but also provide family/couples, groups, yoga, ketamine, medication management, functional med and community resources to ensure comprehensive support. This holistic approach allows us to meet families where they are and tailor our services to address their specific needs.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the strong, compassionate team that we have built and continue to build upon.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Truly listening to clients and making them feel heard and valued is vital. An empathetic presence can establish trust and rapport, allowing clients to open up about their concerns. When clients feel understood, they are more likely to engage in the therapeutic process.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of mental health with other aspects of wellness—such as nutrition, hormones, and physical activity—can enhance treatment efficacy. A holistic approach allows therapists to tailor interventions that address the whole person, rather than just isolated symptoms.

The ability to adapt treatment approaches based on individual client needs is crucial. Each client is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Being open to adjusting techniques and strategies fosters a personalized treatment experience.

Effective communication skills are essential, not just in terms of articulating thoughts and interventions, but also in reading nonverbal cues and understanding context. Building strong relationships with clients and colleagues can significantly enhance collaboration and treatment outcomes.

Understanding and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of clients is essential. Culturally competent therapists can better connect with clients, honor their values, and create an inclusive environment that promotes healing.

To effectively support others, therapists must prioritize their own mental and physical well-being. Engaging in self-care practices helps prevent burnout, maintains emotional resilience, and model healthy habits for clients.

Building a network of contacts in various health fields allows for interdisciplinary collaboration. Such partnerships can provide comprehensive care and referrals for clients, ultimately contributing to better overall outcomes.

Being genuine and open about one’s own experiences can create a deeper connection with clients. Sharing relevant personal insights can help normalize struggles and foster a sense of shared humanity.

Advocating for clients’ needs and mental health awareness within the community can help reduce stigma and promote accessibility to various resources, enhancing the overall therapeutic landscape.

Incorporating these elements into a therapeutic practice not only enriches the connection between therapist and client but also fosters an environment conducive to healing and growth. It’s about creating a supportive community where individuals feel empowered to navigate their mental health journeys holistically.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

During this time of transition, I felt like I was juggling a thousand responsibilities at once, and I often wondered if I would drop the ball. As a mom, I was dedicated to caring for my children, ensuring their needs were met while also trying to be the best version of myself. At the same time, I was in the process of opening my own practice and building a team, often putting myself on the back burner. The pressure of it all was extremely overwhelming at time. I knew I had lots of support but at the end of the day, it all came down to me.

Each day presented a new set of challenges as I tried to balance my roles. Days felt like a whirlwind of all the responsibilities and things that were on my plate. I used to think that once I had my practice up and running, things would get easier. But the reality was different; the demands only intensified and I frequently found myself on the verge of exhaustion. There were many nights when I contemplated throwing in the towel, feeling like I was drowning in my responsibilities.

In the midst of this chaotic journey, I was blessed with an incredible support system. My husband stepped up in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. He took charge of household duties, cooking dinner, and managing the kids’ schedules, ensuring that I could carve out time for the practice. His willingness to shoulder the burden made all the difference, allowing me to focus on my clients and my aspirations without the constant worry of everything slipping away at home.

But it wasn’t just my husband; my children, in their innocent and sweet ways, offered me grace during this stressful time. They understood, albeit without fully grasping the weight of everything I was carrying. The best part was how much they enjoyed being at the office with me and seeing all of the hard work paying off. Their happiness being here with me showed me that the little things did not go unnoticed.

Then, I found solace and strength in my team. Any hardships I was facing, I knew I could communicate with them and be able to ask for any help, finding it in them. Their unwavering support does not go unnoticed, reminding me that I didn’t have to carry the weight of leadership alone.

This collective support granted me the chance to breathe and recalibrate. I learned that resilience isn’t simply about enduring hardships alone; it’s about accepting help and fostering connections. With my family and team by my side, I found the strength to push through the storms. I took my moments of doubt and transformed them into motivation, committed to creating a life that integrated my roles as a business owner, a mother, and a partner. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and it will all work out in its own way.

Looking back, I recognize that those challenges helped me figure things out and be able to identify what is best for our team. I know I’m not done yet with figuring things out and having hardships but I feel as though I have the support and knowledge to work through these times. I have learned the power of community and the strength in vulnerability. It’s a journey that continues to evolve, but with the love of my family and the dedication of my team, I know that I can navigate whatever comes my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.iawellnesscollective.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559414774448

Image Credits

Photos By Thomas + Co.