Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ann Aspnes, Founder of CBT Maryland, located in Columbia, MD, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We provide online therapy throughout Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Unlike traditional talk therapies, we use evidence-based psychotherapy - treatments have shown to be effective in treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD through clinical research. Our therapists are experts who work to help clients in about 12-16 weeks, so they can feel better faster and return to what's important to them.

Tell us about yourself

I was a national expert in Problem-Solving Therapy at the Department of Veterans Affairs. I have trained hundreds of therapists in evidence-based psychotherapies, but I wanted to bring my expertise to the community. I'm also a mom of three little boys, so I know it's hard to balance work, life, and getting the help you need. I love that online therapy makes it easier for people to make time to take care of themselves in this busy world.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Working with other therapists to build a small group of experts. After building my solo practice, I started bringing in a few other psychologists who are also passionate about effective online talk therapy. I love that I get to support their growth and help prospective clients with these wonderful, warm, and skilled therapists.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

I was trained to be a psychologist but not an entrepreneur. Building a business was a new process entirely. There are a lot of things to juggle: website, advertising, software, staffing, and my own individual work. I found that I could rely on the psychology community to help me figure everything out and thrive. For good or bad, it's always an adventure.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find support. Not only do other people in your community have important advice to help you, but they will also keep you from feeling isolated.
  2. Organize and write down your goals and tasks. I have a complicated weekly/monthly planner that helps me stay on track with small tasks and plan my goals for business growth.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://cbtmaryland.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ann.aspnes.5/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-aspnes-11a2704/

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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