Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sana Syed, Founder and Clinic Director of LifeCycle Counselling, located in Oakville, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
LifeCycle Counselling is a Mental Health Clinic that provides psychotherapy services both virtually and in person. We have various locations around Ontario and also provide treatment to most parts of Canada.
Our customers are anyone that is ready and willing to engage in therapy. We have such a large team that specializes in a wide range of services, making it easier for our clients to access care and find the right fit.
Tell us about yourself
I became a therapist because, just like you, I am human and have had my fair share of battles. It took a long time for me to get to where I am today. I recognize that in moments of hopelessness, it is hard to find determination, that depression can be scary, that anxiety can be overwhelming, and that traumatic experiences can leave one feeling emotionally exhausted and drained out.
I acknowledge the stigma associated with mental health and going to therapy. For this reason, I know how crucial it is to provide therapy that is client-centered, empathetic, and unique to each person’s needs. Having been a client first and a therapist later, the process of healing and growth can be a rewarding experience for both the client and the therapist. My goal is to make you feel heard and valued.
That is why I created LifeCycle Counselling. It was important to me to have not only a diverse group of therapists from various niches and areas of speciality, but also from different communities and faiths so that we could try our hardest to check off every mark on our client's preferences when seeking a therapist.
In terms of what motivates me to keep doing what I do, day in and day out? My innate desire to help others. In listening to other people's stories, I discover the true meaning of pain, love, suffering, and so much more. Humans are incredible beings, and our stories are our identities. If given a chance to just be heard, we can learn so much from one another's journeys. I support my clients by listening empathetically, helping them navigate their journeys by developing new strategies and coping tools, and providing them with psychoeducation in order for them to understand the foundations of their perceptions, values, and opinions.
My work provides me with an opportunity to challenge myself every day and grow as an individual. I learn from my clients and for my clients. Once you begin your self-discovery journey, it is hard to stop taking steps towards fulfillment, and it encourages you to try new things, view life from a different lens, appreciate perspectives, and explore your passions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is the number of clients we have been able to provide care to. To date, we have received a lot of feedback from our clients, sharing their experience at our clinic and how greatly they benefitted from our services. This makes me proud because it is in line with my intention - to help others, make care accessible, and break down stigma.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I love my clinical work, so one of my biggest struggles has been balancing time for clinical work and the business. I have also had to find a balance between work and life. In order to grow your business, a lot of time goes into finding ways to grow and sustain it. That can be financially and time consuming. I would say finding a sweet spot between personal life, managing the business, and being a clinician, has been my greatest challenge yet!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Truly understand what your intention is, and stick to it - don't forget it. It's important to remain true to yourself and your intentions.
- Listen to and prioritize the needs of both your staff and your customers/clients. A business is only as good as the people within, and it is important to value and acknowledge everyone's efforts and contributions.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.lifecyclecounselling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LifeCycleCounselling/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifecyclecounselling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lifecyclecounselling/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.