Psychotherapy For All Ages

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Elena Herrera, a Psychologist & Founder of Herrera Psychological Services, located in San Jose, CA, USA.

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

I'm a licensed psychologist in private practice serving Silicon Valley and the state of California. I work with teens, adults, and couples. Many of the adults I work with are men in engineering and technology. I especially enjoy working with men because I think they tend to utilize mental health services less frequently than women. When they come to see me, it's a big deal, and so it's an honor to work with them.

Tell us about yourself

I remember being in graduate school and dreaming of having my own practice, but I didn't have the slightest clue how to do that. Once I graduated and obtained my license, I still held that dream, but I wasn't ready to see it through. My dream and the timing needed to align.

Working with clients and seeing them live more fulfilling lives energizes me. Psychotherapy is a very private and vulnerable space, and I see it as a privilege that clients come to me and share things they might not talk about with others. I feel very lucky to go to my office every day to work with wonderful clients. They're smart, funny, honest, and wonderful human beings.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

There are more therapists in the Bay Area and Silicon Valley than I care to imagine, and despite that, I've been able to make a name for myself. I hadn't planned on developing a niche area, but over time, I've become the therapist for engineers. Colleagues refer each other to me, and that's the biggest compliment and vote of confidence that I'm doing something right and helping a demographic that is typically ignored and undervalued.

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

It can be isolating as a psychologist in private practice. Working in agencies, clinics, hospitals, etc., means you have ample opportunities to consult and chat with colleagues. In private practice, I have to be very intentional about creating my own community and making time to connect with colleagues.

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

Don't let your fears get in the way of your dreams. Honor those fears, but they don't have to be the loudest voice in your head.
Reach out to people who are doing what you'd like to do someday. You'll be surprised at how many people want to be helpful and give back. I had countless people in my life who offered their time and help, and when I took them up on their offers, they were happy I asked.
Do what you love. I worked with very young kids and their families for a long time. I was good at it, but I was burnt out after a while. I don't love that work anymore, and that's okay. You don't need to do it all, just what you love. Now I can focus on working with couples and men in tech, which is what I really want to focus on.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.herrerapsychologicalservices.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElenita
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elena-herrera-psy-d-9737024/

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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