Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Whitni Toson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Whitni thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

One of my most significant decisions was starting my own business. This was not just any business, but a business with the risks and rewards of caring for people, a private mental health practice. It’s been an incredible experience that has transformed my professional life and profoundly enriched my personal well-being.

The decision to embark on this path was a dream, but my dissatisfaction with toxic workplaces also fueled it. I realized that my mental health was paying the price, and it became evident that I needed to make a change.
I chose to take a leap of faith and create something meaningful for myself and others. By leaving the traditional workforce, I opened space for personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. This allowed me to bring my best self to my work, providing a nurturing and supportive environment for my clients and employees.

Creating a work culture prioritizing mental well-being, safety, and connectedness has been at the heart of my practice. A healthy workplace fosters creativity, productivity, and genuine human connections. I have witnessed firsthand how it positively affects everyone involved by establishing an environment that promotes open communication, mutual respect, and work-life balance. Watching my employees thrive, and my clients make progress fuels my passion and reinforces the importance of my decision.

Starting my private practice has also unlocked a newfound sense of creativity in problem-solving. The freedom to innovate, explore new approaches, and tailor my services to the unique needs of my clients has been rewarding. I am motivated to find unique solutions, ensuring that my practice remains a place of transformation and growth for all who want to be a part of the vision.

Throughout this journey, I have been fortunate to have the unwavering support of my husband and son. They have been my pillars of strength, providing encouragement, understanding, and belief in my abilities. Their support reminds me of my values and why I started on this path. It is essential to surround oneself with people who uplift and inspire you.

In times of doubt or challenge, I always return to my why. Remembering the profound impact I can make in people’s lives, the positive work culture I help cultivate, and the joy from embracing my creativity fuels my determination to overcome obstacles. By staying true to our values and purpose, we find the strength to persevere and make a lasting difference.

Leaving the workforce to start my mental health private practice was undoubtedly a risk, but it has been one of my life’s most fulfilling and transformative decisions. I am grateful for the opportunities it has afforded me and excited to continue making a positive impact in the lives of others.

Whitni, 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’m Whitni Toson, a Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, Texas. My purpose as a counselor is to help individuals get “unstuck” by taking action. I have received specialized training in EMDR therapy and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.

I specialize in treating Complex-PTSD, Dissociation, Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders/Postpartum Mental Health, Attachment Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, and PTSD. Utilizing EMDR therapy and CBT, I’ve supported clients from diverse backgrounds. I’m particularly adept at working with high-functioning professionals and mothers, helping them regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

My passion lies in guiding clients toward inner peace and fostering authentic connections. I believe in the potential for positive change in everyone, and it brings me joy to be a catalyst on their transformative journey. I look forward to your transformation.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

One of the most effective strategies for growing my clientele has been building solid relationships and establishing a reputation of trust and expertise within the community.

Word-of-mouth referrals have proven to be a powerful driver of new clients to my private practice. To nurture these relationships, I prioritize providing exceptional care and support to my existing clients. I create an environment where clients feel heard, validated, and empowered by delivering personalized and effective counseling services.

Additionally, I actively engage with the community through various channels. This includes networking events, professional collaborations, and community outreach programs. My practice also provides resources such as free support groups for pregnancy and postpartum moms and affordable counseling services with our graduate student counselors to give back to the community.

Overall, being authentic and living the company’s values has allowed us to grow and give back to that same community.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team and maintaining high morale is crucial to running a successful practice. It can be challenging at times because you have so many different personalities. I’m still learning, but I look to our company’s values as a compass—our Core Values are Authenticity, Transparency, Empowerment, Accountability, Community, and Connection.

Some ways I use our values to help with morale:

I have created an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas, concerns, and feedback. I personally solicit feedback from my team. I encourage open dialogue, active listening, and constructive discussions. I also schedule regular team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to allow team members to share their thoughts, seek guidance, and address challenges.

I encourage professional development by investing in the growth and development of our team members. One of our company’s values is empowerment. I want to see my employees at their best in and out of work. I provide opportunities for training and continuing education. I also recognize their achievements and celebrate their milestones. When team members feel supported in their professional growth, it boosts their morale and commitment to the practice.

I encourage collaboration and create opportunities for team members to collaborate on projects, share ideas, and learn from one another. They are fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the team. I also encourage a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected.

Lastly, I promote a culture that values work-life balance and self-care. I offer flexible scheduling options; I have initiated a staff-run “culture committee” designed to promote company culture and self-care practices within the workplace.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alamoranchcounseling.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whitnitoson
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhitniLPC/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitni-faulkner-toson-ma-lpc-s-b098452a?trk=public_profile_samename-profile
• Other: https://www.whitnitoson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/alamoranchcounselingtx/ https://www.instagram.com/alamoranchcounselingtx/?hl=en

Image Credits
Bend the Light Branding