Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lindsay Perry, Owner of Grounded In Truth Counseling, located in Houston, TX, USA.

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

Grounded In Truth Counseling is a holistic mental health therapy practice that supports adult individuals and couples in resolving anxiety, depression, and trauma in the mind and body. Most clients come to me looking to feel more at peace and empowered within themselves. They want to understand themselves better and be able to let go of the things that hold them back from being their best selves. They're also seeking therapy that's more effective than just talking as a way to really overcome the burdens they've been carrying for so long. I use a specialized somatic (body-based) EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy approach that helps people work with their nervous system. Your nervous system is where anxiety, depression, and trauma are stored, and using somatic EMDR will helpfully process through the experiences that the body hasn't been able to let go of.

Tell us about yourself

This is quite a complex question: on the surface, I'm a licensed therapist. Underneath, I'm a person who wholeheartedly believes in and witnesses people's capacity to grow, bloom, and take on the world with passion and resilience. I've seen it so many times. Most people just need the space and support to be able to believe that for themselves. That's where I come in. I join with my clients and let them know that I am right there with them as they move through each part of the process. I'm open about everything that happens during therapy, so nothing is behind the curtain. I know that what I do is not treating clients but rather walking with them through the things that have been too much to handle on their own. I let them know that they no longer have to go it alone. That's why I do this work: to see people fully embody becoming their most whole and authentic selves.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Honestly, it's establishing a stable work-life balance. One of my assumptions about owning a business was that there was no separation between home and work. That made taking the step to start a business pretty scary, even more so because I have a toddler. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to be there enough for my child if I also owned a business. I'm happy to say that this is not the case and that I'm able to have enough space for my clients, my family, and myself. I know that finding ways to continue prioritizing this balance is what's going to help not only sustain my business but, more importantly, sustain myself and my priorities.

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

The hardest thing for me has been experiencing the natural ebb and flow of getting new clients and the fluctuation of income. There are times during the year when there's a dip in new potential clients reaching out, and keeping a stable schedule feels uncertain. As a person and clinician, I understand that the summer is slower, and people need to take time for themselves. I understand that there are times when people need rest and that sometimes this includes taking time off from therapy. I also 100% support this. People learning how to care for themselves authentically is the whole reason why I do what I do. That being said, as a business owner, the lack of certain stability can sometimes be anxiety-provoking. Thankfully, since I started, I've learned to make space for the ebb and flow, remembering that as long as I'm doing what I love, really helping people on their journey, and meeting the basic needs to keep my business and my family afloat, then I'm doing just fine.

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

  1. Know your "why" for doing this. What makes this important to you? What's your mission and vision for your business?
  2. Do your research and network before getting started. Look into other businesses that are similar to yours and reach out to ask questions. You can also reach out to businesses that are complementary to yours. For example, I've reached out to a couple of primary care providers to exchange referrals. The more of a grasp you have on what does and doesn't work for businesses like yours, the more confident you'll be to go out on your own.
  3. Find a version of a work-life balance that works for you, your needs, and is sustainable. It can easily feel like you need to throw your whole self into your business; at times, you'll likely need to. There will also be times where when you do that; you'll start to feel exhausted and burnt out. Take time to figure out what will best serve the well-being of you and your business. You can put everything you have into the business, get a lot of success, and burn yourself out. If you're too physically and mentally run down to enjoy the success, then what's the point? For me, it's about really helping people and the longevity of success rather than making the most money and exhausting myself.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

Starting a business can be scary, and it certainly was for me. When I look back at where I was and think about what I'm doing now, I am so grateful that I took the leap. I have the freedom and capability of helping people in a meaningful and sustainable way, and I look forward to seeing how this venture will evolve and grow.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.groundedintruthcounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groundedintruth/
Instagram: https://bit.ly/3vByJd5
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3opd8R3

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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