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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.
SubscribeWe recently connected with Tiffany Robbins and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Tiffany, thanks for joining us today. What was it like going from idea to execution? Can you share some of the backstory and some of the major steps or milestones?
My story is: When I was a young child, I had a journal where I started a bucket list of everything I wanted to do in my life. I made a commitment to myself that once I was an adult I would fulfill these childhood goals. In my journal, I have written many dreams throughout the years and until this day: Open a wellness center for adolescents and young adults; create a safe space for others to be their authentic selves; travel to Thailand; complete a yoga teacher training/self discovery; take my dog to work with me; and be a healer/helper in the world.
Fast forward years ahead. I was in a high school psychology class where a newspaper was being passed around. I saw an old friend whom I had lost connection with had decided to take his life. It was then my heart knew I wanted to become the person others could talk to when life got rough. I decided at that moment to become a therapist specializing in suicidality.
I went on to obtain my Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Lynn University, and my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Palm Beach Atlantic University. At Lynn, I had the opportunity to take an internship with the university’s women’s clinic, transition program, diversity center, and counseling center. My experience there fostered my desire to become an advocate for education and build awareness of societal expectations and misconceptions surrounding mental health.
During this time, I began recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusivity in mental health care. I developed a week-long campaign on campus to dismantle stereotypes, and create a more supportive and accepting environment for individuals with diverse learning, mental, emotional, and physical needs. I also began to actively seek opportunities to integrate spirituality and alternative approaches into my practice. I was able to create a more holistic and inclusive environment for my clients by embracing diverse perspectives and methodologies.
I was still in the dream phase of building my future business and continued to explore.
I worked with adolescents at a residential adolescent facility, transitioning from an intern to a director within a few years. I gained further inspiration while working at an adult and adolescent facility that stabilized and acclimated individuals back into the community. This is where the flame of my match was lit. An adolescent made the decision to end their life and I knew I needed to take a step back. I needed to figure out how to take action to move closer to my dreams in moments of doubt and uncertainty.
That day I booked a solo backpacking trip to Asia to gain clarity and inspiration. During my trip, I was grateful to have attended Swara Yoga Academy in Koh Pagan, Thailand where I became a certified yoga teacher. I also made a commitment to myself to open my business when I returned to the States. I learned in my travels to embrace risk and the unknown as it is essential for growth and progress. Two months later, I seized opportunities. I knew I wasn’t ready for full time private practice but obtained my office space anyways. At the same time I took a counselor position at Florida Atlantic University in the Counseling Center. I enjoyed my work with college students and knew I was on the right path. When my caseload grew, I took the leap and transitioned into private practice and obtained a suite with three offices to start to grow into a group practice.
Surrounding myself with a supportive environment was crucial in overcoming doubts and challenges. Whether it was seeking guidance from mentors, leaning on the encouragement of friends and family, or collaborating with like-minded professionals. I ensured that I had a strong support system in place to help me navigate the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. I have learned to fail or make mistakes as an opportunity for growth and learning. Each setback served as a valuable lesson, empowering me to refine my approach, strengthen my resilience, and ultimately achieve greater success.
By staying true to my passion for helping others, I was able to overcome obstacles, defy expectations, and establish a thriving practice dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of the community. I have launched the beginning of my dream!
Tiffany, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and the Founder of The Sanctuary of Wellness. At the Sanctuary of Wellness, we provide comprehensive treatment for a wide array of emotional and mental health challenges, guiding clients ages 14+ towards healing and self-discovery. Our compassionate therapists empower individuals to overcome trauma, anxiety, depression, and more, fostering resilience and emotional balance on their unique journey to wellbeing. Our mission is to provide a nurturing environment that promotes healing, transformation, and growth for all individuals. We understand the unique complexities that come with trauma and its effects on mental health. Our team of dedicated professionals is committed to providing personalized, evidence-based therapeutic approaches designed to empower clients on their journey to recovery. As a sanctuary rooted in spirituality and compassion, our goal is to create a safe and supportive space for everyone to rediscover their inner strength and resilience.
Our experienced therapists employ a range of specialized treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT), Mindfulness, and Solution-Focused Therapy. By offering a holistic and customized approach to mental health care, we honor the uniqueness of each individual’s healing journey. Our team is dedicated to working collaboratively with the client, ensuring that our therapeutic strategies align with our client’s personal beliefs, values, and goals for growth.
We believe that a strong connection between the therapist and client is essential for meaningful progress. Our compassionate professionals are devoted to cultivating trust, understanding, and empathy in every interaction. By embracing a whole-person approach to mental health care, we strive to provide the tools and support necessary for clients to reclaim their life and emerge from the shadows of trauma.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
My High School guidance counselor told me that my dyslexia might hinder my academic and professional pursuits. I refused to let this deter me. With my determination and a belief in my abilities, I persisted in pursuing my passion for psychology and mental health advocacy. The doubt of others served as a powerful motivator. I was driven to prove, not only to others but also, to myself that I was capable of achieving my goals regardless of any perceived limitations. Instead of allowing a diagnosis to be a barrier, I embraced it as a unique aspect of my identity. I leverage my strengths and found innovative ways to overcome challenges. I knew I wanted to provide clients a space to be freed from perceived limitations that could hold them back from becoming the person they want to be.
Any advice for managing a team?
Throughout my journey, I sought guidance from mentors who believed in my potential and offered invaluable support and encouragement. If you want to have an effective team, then don’t be afraid to express your appreciation of their work and provide constructive feedback. One particularly influential mentor, Angela Bustamante, taught me essential leadership skills and provided me with the tools to navigate challenges effectively that I still use to this day. For example, she taught me that constructive feedback to the supervisor is just as important as to the supervisee. This played a pivotal role in refining my leadership style and business model. I actively sought feedback from clients, colleagues, and mentors, using their insights to iterate and enhance my approach. By remaining open to feedback and continually striving for improvement, I was able to build a practice that truly met the needs of my clientele.
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