We were lucky to catch up with Traci Lowenthal recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Traci , thanks for joining us 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?

Even in my doctoral program, I knew that I would pursue private practice. So many people said it was too difficult, but I really thought I could do it. Looking back, my drive coupled with being super naive is really what helped me start. Once I was licensed, I reached out to all therapists in my city and asked if they knew of space for rent. One person connected me to their landlord and I rented a tiny, closet of an office. I then bought a couch on Craig’s list, got some other pieces at target and got started. I am actually very happy with how I started. I chose to be mainly private pay, and that has held true, even 14 years later.

My advice would be to NOT take clients that aren’t well suited for your niche. When we start out, there tends to be a scarcity mindset. Taking clients that aren’t a good fit isn’t good for you, or the client. Stand firm in your ideal vision and client base.

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

I was a legal secretary for many years and because of my own experience in therapy, I decided a career change was in order. I finished my Bachelor’s degree and started my doctoral program, at 32 years old.

At my initial practicum, one of my first clients was a trans woman of color. I was brand new, so I thought, “I’ll see anybody.” I was so eager at the time. Looking back, I probably had no basis for seeing that client. I had no training whatsoever! I’m thankful because I learned so many wonderful things from that person, clinically and just in general. From that point on, I continued to work with trans clients… It fell into my lap and it has honestly been the best thing that has happened to me professionally.

We work with young adults through elders. We serve many people of color, queer and trans people and first responders. We work hard to find solutions with out clients and I feel we are innovative in our approaches. We are not “blank screen’ types of therapists. We let who we are shine, which allows us to create authentic human connection. The relationship is truly where the healing begins.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Hell yes. I am so grateful, every day, for the privilege of serving my clients. To sit with clients in their darkest moments, hold space, offer tools for coping and watch as they heal, is one of the greatest things I’ve ever had the opportunity to do.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Being yourself. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s idea of what a good therapist is. Your authenticity and humanity is such a powerful tool of support, connection and guidance.

Contact Info:

• Website: creativeinsightscounseling.com
• Instagram: creativesinsightscounseling
• Linkedin: Traci Lowenthal
• Other: @swearyshrink on TikTok

Image Credits
Traci Lowenthal