Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Felicia Petrone, Founder of Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C., located in Bohemia, NY, USA.

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

Feel Alive Therapy LCSW P.C. is a small group practice comprised of licensed mental health clinicians providing therapeutic services to individuals, couples, and families in our community.

Tell us about yourself

When I entered the mental health field in 2012, I always dreamt of gaining my LCSW and opening my own private practice. Being able to collaborate with a group of talented, educated, and skilled clinicians has always been something I enjoyed in this field. Working with a variety of people, from children to adults, is something I have always been passionate about. Having the opportunity to help our clients set and accomplish their goals based on their tailored treatment plans has been rewarding in so many ways. I'm so grateful to each of our clients for trusting in our team and allowing us the joy of working with them. Every day, I'm motivated by colleagues and, most importantly, my family. I strive to make my family proud and to be the best supervisor and practice owner possible.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as a business owner has been watching the Feel Alive Therapy family grow. We opened our doors (virtually) in January 2021 and hired our first therapist in August 2021. Currently, we are a practice of six clinicians, with a seventh joining us at the end of April 2023. We also facilitate sessions virtually as well as in-office. I'm in true awe as I observe the dedication, compassion, and eagerness of our team as we stop at nothing to provide our clients with the care and treatment they deserve.

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

The largest obstacle as a business owner, therapist, mother, and wife has been finding a work/personal life balance. Feel Alive Therapy is my "baby" and I do everything in my power to nourish and provide it with the attention it needs in order to grow and be successful. Through the use of my own support systems, self-care, and therapy, I have been working to find a place of balance. It's certainly a "work in progress."

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

The three best pieces of advice that I could share are:

  1. Trust your instincts and follow your heart. Never give up on yourself and your dreams/vision. It's there for a reason.
  2. Ensure that you have a trusting team that is satisfied and feels fulfilled in the work that they do. Having a team that feels supported, heard, and respected is one of my top priorities.
  3. Lastly, remember to be proud of yourself for all you have achieved! Allow yourself the time to reflect and never settle- always explore new ways to continue helping others.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.feelalivetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FeelAliveTherapy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feelalivetherapy/

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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