Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in psychotherapy and music therapy but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kathleen Skinner, owner of KS Therapy Services, located in Guelph, Ontario.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
KS Therapy Services offers psychotherapy and music therapy in Guelph, Ontario. We specialize in working with individuals looking to better their mental health creatively and can address a variety of issues including anxiety, depression, and stress.
Tell us about yourself
I became a music therapist and psychotherapist for many different reasons, one being that I truly believe that through creativity we are able to connect with our ability to create meaningful change. After working in a hospital setting for two and a half years, I decided to start my own private practice, offering services in the community.
My biggest motivator is (and I think always will be) my clients! I feel privileged to get to walk alongside individuals on their journey of growth, recovery, and healing. I enjoy being able to run the business in the ways that work best for both myself and my clients.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This is a difficult one to answer! I think one of my biggest accomplishments was my business making it through the beginning of the pandemic. I opened my private practice in January of 2020 and this turned out to be a very inopportune to launch. After getting through a difficult few months, I was able to build a caseload that really worked for me and have recently brought on another therapist in the practice.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things about being a business owner, is having to manage many things outside of the clinical work. I was trained to be a therapist in school, but that didn't focus on the skills needed to run a healthy business. I have been lucky to connect with many other professionals that helped me grow my skillset, so I could be a competent therapist AND business owner.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
1. Try to better understand and connect with your "why". Being in touch with your values with get you through the hard times, when you're starting and running a business.
2. Recognize your gaps in skills and knowledge, and seek the help you need.
3. Remember that progress is not linear. I often say this to my therapy clients, and it rings true when starting and running a business. There will be ups and downs - try to look at the bigger picture.
Where can people find you and your business?
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.
