Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Nadia Al-Yagout, Owner of Soul Alchemy Psychotherapy, LLC, located in Denver, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I am a clinically trained, depth-oriented psychotherapist that offers therapy, life coaching, and dreamwork to individual adults. Depth psychology is a realm of psychology that pays special attention to the unconscious through dreams, symbols, myth, metaphor, and synchronicity. A lot of my practice is dedicated to adult women who are seeking to process their early childhood wounding, integrate their shadow (the parts of them that have been lost/shamed/exiled along their way through life), and cross the threshold into embodied femininity.
Tell us about yourself
I think that I was always meant to be a therapist, but I didn't have the context for it growing up. I studied Criminology & Justice Studies as my undergrad, but it never felt truly embodied or authentic. When I graduated from undergrad, I found myself in personal therapy for the first time in my adult life. I had googled nearly a hundred different therapists, and my intuition led me to this therapist that studied depth psychology (I had no idea what that meant at the time). Over the course of our relationship, I consciously realized I, too, wanted to be a therapist, and she encouraged me to apply at the same school she went to called Pacifica Graduate Institute. When I arrived for my first day of grad school, I felt like I was home. I knew it to be the right decision for myself. When it comes to being a business owner, I'm still very new at it, and I'm stumbling through it every day. I'm motivated by my clients and their stories, and I strive to create the best container I can for them to share safely, process, and grow.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Many therapists are taught not to go directly into private practice for several reasons: that it's unethical, that it's almost impossible, that it'll take several years to build a caseload, etc. I didn't really buy into any of those narratives, and I'm most proud of myself for that. I just decided to go for it, showed up authentically on social media, began networking, and my full caseload built itself in three months.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I would say that being a therapist in private practice is a bit of a unique case because we're both the healer and the business owner. It can get complicated with boundaries. I try my best to honor my time, value, and expertise and not allow myself to get in my own way as a therapist who deeply wants to help as many people as possible. I have to remember to rest.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I'd say to be authentic, be true to your soul's desire, and that fear and bravery are clenched in the same fist. It's okay if you're afraid to make this leap; you can't really be brave without holding the tension of fear.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I am opening a couple of spots for new clients in August and September 2022. If interested, please follow my website and book a free 20-minute consultation.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.nadiaalyagout.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nadiaraetherapy/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3P22HOh
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.
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