Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Dr. Amy Rollo, founder and owner of Heights Family Counseling, located in Houston, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a premier counseling practice in Houston Heights and San Antonio Alamo Heights. I founded the practice after realizing there was a need for quality services for the whole family. Heights Family Counseling has therapists who are qualified in each of their specialties and can see a wide range of clients. Child therapy, play therapy, teen counseling, individual counseling, couples counseling, and sex therapy are just a few of the services offered. Heights Family Counseling believes that we all have blind spots and could benefit from support. We help clients thrive and believe that everyone could benefit from therapy no matter where they are in life.
Tell us about yourself
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and owner of Heights Family Counseling. Additionally, I am able to practice psychology independently in the state of Texas as a Licensed Psychological Associate with Independent Status and a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Texas A&M University and a Master’s degree in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Southern Methodist University. I completed doctorate coursework from Texas A&M Commerce in Counselor Education before obtaining my doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. My research is in the areas of AD/HD, including but not limited to non-medication interventions and the impact on marriages and families.
For me, the education and credentials are fun, but the most important part is my desire to be an authentic human showing up for other humans. My belief is that I am far from the expert in someone else's world, and I find it an honor to help others recognize their own strength and resiliency!
I have worked in many settings, including hospitals, private practice, non-profits, and schools. From those experiences, I learned the type of business owner, boss, and therapist I wanted to be. I recognized that everyone is doing the best they can and life and often struggle with the work/life balance. I wanted to create a business with a culture of acceptance and understanding. This means our motto is "human first."
We recognize as a practice, and as employees, we will occasionally mess up. Our desire is to get it right, but there has to be understanding and empathy for others. This also means that when you work with one of our therapists, we are showing up as a human and not just someone going through the motions. We will feel with you! As a practice, we regularly donate to organizations to prevent systemic harm and support human rights. Simply put, we practice what we preach but occasionally have human moments to grow from.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
That's a hard question! We have grown so much in the past five years. We have multiple locations across the state of Texas. I believe that our success is from being authentic. Finding an incredible staff of therapists who believe in our mission has been the recipe for growth. My proudest moment is whenever I see one of our staff succeed. Whether working less and finding more balance in their life, earning a new degree, or finding a job that makes them feel connected to others, those are the wins we care about. We also truly celebrate when our clients find those wins, too!
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
It is so much harder than it looks. I think the hardest part is holding so much and finding I never have a chance to let my brain, body, and emotions rest. With a staff of 25, I want to stay truly connected to everyone. Sometimes that means I have a running list of things to connect and check in on. I laugh when I take a vacation because there is no unplugging while a business owner. There's always an emergency to look after, payroll to run, or something else that requires attention. But in the end, it gives me the freedom to decide how to manage my time and flexibility with my time.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Figure out your why. There are many ups and downs in running and starting a business. It can feel overwhelming if you don't have a vision of why you are creating it.
- Find a mentor or coach to help ground you and guide you. Even if you have all the information to succeed, it's a lot to carry on your shoulders.
- Find peace and balance outside of work. Work will be constant and nonstop. It can't be your everything. Whether it's family, friendships, or a hobby, don't neglect the balance.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://heightsfamilycounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HHFCounseling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heightsfamilycounseling/
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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