Equitable and Inclusive - Ampaw Psychotherapy and Consulting

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Josephine Ampaw, Owner of Ampaw Psychotherapy and Consulting LLC., located in Denver, CO, USA.

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

Ampaw Psychotherapy and Consulting LLC, my private practice and consulting firm, serves individuals, couples, and families in trauma therapy with a focus on identity-based trauma, PTSD, and C-PTSD. I am also a consultant for mental health entrepreneurs and wellness-informed organizations that want to improve their professional development skillsets and provide curricula that align with the mission of their organization. I strive to create humanizing experiences for the organizations and communities I work with by taking an equitable and inclusive lens to the work that I do.

Tell us about yourself

My name is Josephine Ampaw (soon to be Josephine Ampaw-Greene), and I am a wife, daughter, sister, cousin, friend, auntie, therapist, and consultant. I started my business in 2021 as I was finishing my master's degree and post-master training in marriage and family therapy (MFT). I began my business because I realized that I wanted to create a space that allows minoritized communities to work on their traumatic experiences. I also wanted to combat the inequities regarding access by creating multiple avenues folks can use to work with me. In the state of Colorado, there is a small population of BIPOC communities, and I found that there is an even smaller population of BIPOC therapists and trauma therapists. I want to be able to not only provide excellent services but be able to support others who are doing the same.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment was starting the business. I know this may be a cliche answer, but I believe that taking the leap of faith and building my own foundation continues to be a huge source of motivation. I believe that every person who takes the strength and opportunity to try already has a win. Even though I have completed a myriad of post-baccalaureate degrees, training, and licenses, they did not require me to build my own foundation.

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

Even though there are many aspects of business that are difficult, the process of always learning has been the hardest part. I have had to learn that the process of learning never ends, and the mistakes I make truly make me stronger. There are moments where I have told myself, "Okay, you are getting the hang of this," and realized that I basically jinxed myself. Lessons come from every part of the business and force me to sit in the discomfort of my own mistakes. As I look back on the ones I have had so far, I am now grateful for them and am now embracing them as they come along!

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

1. Just start! The process of beginning can be so daunting that it can prevent us from feeling like we have the capacity and ability to do it. However, there is no one who does the work you do as you and your customers/clients will benefit from the work you do and from you!
2. Network, and when you're done networking, do more networking! Building a community with others who do similar work or are just other business owners helps build motivation to keep going when things inevitably get tough! Find folks who are like-minded and folks to refer to. When I have referred, the referral always came back. Meaning if I realized that I was not the best fit, I provided a referral and found that by doing so, others could trust me because I wanted what was best for my clients, not just myself.
3. Don't beat yourself up for the mistakes you make, even the ones you made more than once. Mistakes are inevitable, and I have made many mistakes multiple times. It's the process of getting up and trying again that makes us resilient business owners.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.ampawpc.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theampawpc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theampawpc/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephineampaw/

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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