Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Megan Wilhite, Owner of Acacia Healing, located in Greenwood Village, CO, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Acacia Healing is a mental health practice offering clinical psychology services to children, adolescents, adults, and their families. I offer individual, group, couples, and family therapy and specialize in treating eating disorders, trauma, and relational issues. I take a lot of pride in my work and truly love what I do. Witnessing others take steps toward their own healing and growth, experiencing connections, and seeing a reconnection in someone, whether in their family relationships, loved ones, or with themselves, is truly rewarding.
It is also my goal through Acacia Healing to offer specialized, culturally sensitive care for those in the community I serve. As a BIPOC therapist, I understand the importance of representation and shared lived experiences within healthcare. Through supervision, consultation and training, I hope to expand my practice to offer services from other providers with marginalized identities - improving access to specialized care in treating eating disorders for some of the community's most vulnerable members.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, Supervisor who made the jump into private practice about two years ago when I began Acacia Healing. I am strongly motivated by my belief in the power of healing through therapy, my family history, and the example I want to set for my three daughters.
Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, I moved to the USA to play collegiate basketball prior to beginning my career as a Psychologist. My passions have always aligned closely with the value of deeply connecting with others, whether through team sports or mental health care; working with others to achieve a common goal brings me great joy. I am a first-generation Australian, as my grandparents immigrated to my home country from Sri Lanka and India when my parents were young kids. It is an immense source of pride that I pursue all my dreams as a result of their sacrifice and hard work. And as many first-generation folx can attest, the pursuit of "something bigger" was an expectation I have now come to appreciate as part of my family culture greatly!
As a mother to three daughters, it is important to me that I model investing in myself, having the confidence to take risks, and trusting in my abilities (even when it is terrifying!). My children are also a huge part of my passion for treating eating disorders. Tackling big issues like diet culture, unrealistic body ideals, and fatphobia in our society is essential to making positive changes for all our youth. I focus on this in my home and in work with my patients and their families.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
During the COVID pandemic, clinics across the country have seen a growing demand for mental health services and crisis resources, particularly for the treatment of children and adolescents. One of my most significant accomplishments thus far has been to be a resource for children and teens who have struggled significantly with eating disorder issues, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness during this time.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Finding balance. What a simple concept, right? Well, one would think, but as a mum, business owner, friend, daughter, therapist... and the list continues, I found this a challenge. In fairness, this was a struggle before starting a business but became more prominent when I became a business owner. The concept of "self-care" is so often thrown around, particularly in discussions of new and working parents - yet changing unreasonable expectations is seldom part of that conversation. Society expects "good mothers" to be attuned to their child's every need, make sure you get them in extracurriculars, cook nutritious meals, be present at all times, clean, be a #boss, and oh, don't forget to take care of yourself!
Self-care is not only bubble baths and massages; it is setting boundaries, learning to say no, and honoring your own needs. Effective self-care is essential to finding balance. And it can be an act of rebellion for mothers with the expectations that exist not only in society but often come from within. I am a work in progress on this one!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Identify your values: Like many people, the pandemic served as a time for me to reevaluate my own goals and values and identify what was important to me in my personal life and career. Be clear on those values and how you can cultivate a business that moves you toward them daily. Finding motivation and satisfaction through the process will be challenging if you aren't working toward something meaningful to you.
- Find good support: Whether that be in the form of a therapist, mentor, family member, child care, or other resources that pertain to your life. Making this significant shift into business ownership will take a lot from you, particularly at the beginning; prepare for that and surround yourself with the right resources.
- Establish clear boundaries: Becoming familiar with your limits, getting comfortable with saying no, and honoring your own needs will be critical factors in building a sustainable business. Find a proper self-care routine that will work for you.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.acaciahealing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmeganwilhitepsyd/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmeganwilhite/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3O7l3wI
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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