Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ellen Radcliff, Owner of Oasis Counseling and Family Therapy, located in Jacksonville, NC, USA.

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

I partner with individuals, couples, and families and walk alongside them to support them during some of their most difficult moments in life by providing counseling and therapy services. My office is a place to just be - no judgment, no expectations. I hope that I offer a safe place for my clients to unpack life's difficulties while gaining new perspectives. I place a heavy emphasis on worth and boundaries that stem from self-worth. Though I see clients from all walks of life, I specialize in faith-based counseling and family therapy. Most notably, I partner with Christian parents of LGBTQ+ children and help them to maintain healthy communication and connection with their LGBTQ+ children.

Tell us about yourself

Like many therapists, after rolling up my sleeves and doing a lot of my own self-work, I realized how life-changing this profession could be for so many and decided to commit myself to walk with people through their own journeys. Though there are many difficulties that come from having my own business, I have a deep desire to do my job excellently. I found that my ability to do so was sometimes hindered when working for other organizations, so I started my own!

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I was able to take maternity leave and still pay myself! I started my business knowing that I wanted to have a business plan in place for having a second child. I worked hard to financially plan for this, and when the time came, I was still able to pay myself while on maternity leave. I am still on maternity leave but eager to get back to it later this summer!

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

Loneliness! It can be really lonely to own your own business. There are no water cooler conversations or after-work drink socials when you're in solo practice. Loneliness is only further fueled by the weight of responsibility of having to wear so many different hats when you're in private practice. I have to focus on marketing, liability, compliance, ethics, effective care, new treatment modalities, proper note-taking techniques, appropriate business practices, website formation, networking, and so much more - all on my own. It can feel lonely and daunting at times.

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

  1. Outsource what you can! I've recognized that I can't be excellent at every single part of being a business owner - and that's ok! I give my efforts to what I'm best at or to what I alone can do for my business and try to outsource the rest. I have outsourced marketing and billing. This has freed me up tremendously to focus on aspects of my business that only I can do (like therapy!).
  2. Actively Seek Community! Community has been so helpful and therapeutic for me since becoming a business owner. I have tried to actively pursue both networking connections and personal connections with fellow business owners. This has helped to offer me support, encouragement, and practical guidance as I steward my own business.
  3. Self-care! Is it to cliche for a therapist to promote self-care? It's a LOT to own a business and to carry the weight of so much responsibility. I have found that setting appropriate boundaries around my work times, building margins into my schedule, and actively engaging in soul-refreshing activities outside of work helps me to better meet the needs of my business and my clients.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Therapy can be another great resource for business owners! It's easy to get lost in the identity of your business and lose touch with your core self. Therapy can help you implement proper perspectives and boundaries around the various important parts of your life and self.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://oasiscounselingnc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oasiscounselingnc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oasiscounselingnc/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3bWcozV

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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