Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ali Woods, Founder of Better Life Therapy, located in London, ON, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Better Life Therapy works alongside young adults seeking therapy services for anxiety, depression, life challenges, and trauma. Working not only to not only provide symptom reduction but increase overall well-being. We can become evoked by thoughts, emotions, and situations in which we feel a lack of control over our reactions. By using mindfulness and self-awareness-centered practices, the goal is to increase self-awareness to respond to thoughts and emotions instead of reacting.
Tell us about yourself
Throughout the beginning of my career, I worked in several different avenues within children's mental health but all within the public service framework relying on government funding and top-down approaches. After several different moves throughout the sector, I decided to step out on my own. While earlier than anticipated, I stepped into the moment and was very outside my comfort zone. I started thinking about what I represent and what I want to portray my beliefs and passions. I reflected on my own mental health journey and what I've learned throughout it. Creating Better Life Therapy, I wanted to provide therapy services that focused on overall life enjoyment and satisfaction and not just symptom reduction. As an avid therapy client myself, I knew I wanted to take an approach that was causal, collaborative, and empowering. My motivation stems from several goals, the ability to live a life of flexibility, the privilege I feel doing the work I do, and the excitement of clients when they begin to notice small changes or success within their journey.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Truthfully, the whole thing. When I was in high school, my biggest goal was just to graduate, so to think almost ten years later, and I would be opening my own therapy practice and completing a graduate degree is pretty wild. Clinically, my biggest accomplishment continues to be the work I do with clients, and there is a very humbling and exciting moment when a client shares that what was discussed in the session was applied and helpful. It's a feeling you almost can't describe.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Starting a practice in 2022 wasn't part of the plan. It was unexpected, and while a long-time goal, it wasn't one I was planning on accomplishing this year. This led me to start the process and slowly begin my practice. I took a bet on myself and went for it. While setting up, connecting with insurance providers, and drafting up contracts and information packages were time-consuming, the hardest part was the imposter syndrome. Constantly doubting myself, questioning my abilities, and lots of comparing were done at the beginning of this. While this is normal, it wasn't until I realized that I was my own obstacle, and if I didn't believe in myself and my abilities, why would anyone else would?
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
As I built and am still building my business, my three biggest takeaways are to be patient with yourself and the business, and it's going to take a lot of work, time, and energy. Know who you are and what your niche is, and lastly, have a clear understanding of your why!
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Enjoy the process, and be okay with it taking the time!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.betterlifetherapy.ca/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alirossrsw
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-ross-44936bb1/
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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