Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Joyline Gozho, Founder of City Sanctuary Therapy, located in Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, UK.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
I'm a Psychotherapist for individual clients and couples, as well as a University Lecturer.
Tell us about yourself
My training to become a psychotherapist was borne out of my acute awareness of how much trauma and suffering there is in the world and how much of it is medicalised. Through my work in the NHS, l encountered many people who were prescribed medication and given medical diagnoses (labels) for what l consider to be a normal human reaction to trauma. For example, for people with anxiety and depression, instead of understanding why one is experiencing anxiety and depression, they would prescribe medication. The issues provoking these symptoms are never interrogated, and this is harmful.
I am a firm believer in the healing nature of talking and connecting on a deeper level. If our pain can be given time, space, and a voice, we can heal and grow as humans. Our ancestors lived and thrived in communities, which is what innately holds us as humans. We have an innate drive to connect and feel safe. My desire to do couples training and work was stimulated by me seeing that a lot of issues people bring to therapy in adulthood are very much a product of growing up in dysfunctional homes and families. If we can create healthy relationships for the parents (couples), we can also raise healthy children. Furthermore, relationships are the core of our being, and our whole existence as a human is relational. Healthy relationships translate to a healthy mind and overall sense of well-being.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I have managed to establish a thriving private practice where l see individual clients and couples. I also run relationship enrichment workshops for couples at all stages of their relationships. I am also able to pursue my passion for education and sharing knowledge by teaching a Psychotherapy Course at the University of London. I come from a large family of teachers, and growing up, l swore that l never wanted to be a teacher - but here l am and enjoying it!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
I don't have an assistant or a team, so l do a lot of admin on my own, which l prefer. Coordinating my schedule between clients, teaching -lesson planning, marking, etc., and family can be a challenge. I need to have strict boundaries; otherwise, it's very easy to have my nonwork life completely shrunk.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- For Psychotherapy, the first thing is to do the training if you think you are cut out for it. It's not for everyone, and it is not easy.
- Be clear about what you want to do and where your passion is - niche your work if you can.
- Do something that helps you stand out - a higher qualification if you can, or specialist training.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://citysanctuarytherapy.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjoyline.therapist/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlfredoGozho
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joyline-gozho-schwitters-57024233/
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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