Find the Right Therapist for You

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Alyssa Petersel, Founder of MyWellbeing, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

MyWellbeing is the most personalized mental health care for Millennial and Gen Z therapy enthusiasts. We match you to the right therapist for you based on your unique needs through a brief, free, and easy questionnaire. You're ensured a free phone consultation so that you can meet your match and ensure your fit before having to pay a dollar or invest a ton of time upfront. We support mental health providers in building their business and professional community to reduce burnout, increase inclusion, and ensure that both sides of the couch (or screen!) are in good hands.

Tell us about yourself

I started MyWellbeing 5 years ago because I myself wanted to use it. As a therapist-in-training, I pursued finding my own therapist and was extremely discouraged to realize the hoops I had to jump through just to find someone who had availability, let alone someone who I felt really understood me and my needs. I had experienced smooth, delightful experiences in other industries. I wanted to ensure that the experience I knew to be possible with the support of technology entered into the therapy world to get more people in need of care into the room faster and with less stress. I'm motivated each day by the team that works alongside the clients and me and the mental health providers we are so lucky to serve. Every single one of us has mental health, and today's world puts more stress on us than ever before. It's extremely powerful and rewarding to work in a field that is working to end one of our and our neighbor's biggest stressors. Since starting MyWellbeing, I've been awarded Forbes 30 Under 30, been featured in publications like Glamour, Cosmo, TechCrunch, and more, and had the privilege of working with a number of leaders I admire and respect at the intersection of mental health and tech. I am constantly in awe of what each of us is capable of when we have the right resources, support system, and motivation.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

We've supported over 250,000 people in finding the right mental health care for them, which I am deeply proud of. We've also partnered with leading brands like Bleacher Report, STARZ, and Mayfair Group to support hundreds of people who cannot otherwise afford care to access care for free, particularly within marginalized communities, which is work that our team cares deeply about.

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

Prioritization, boundaries, and time management are some of the hardest aspects of being a business owner. I care so much about our team and our community. The work that we had done for years, it was near impossible for me to turn off at night or to say no to something that I thought could help someone or had the chance of driving our business forward. I learned over time (with the help of my own therapy) that starting and growing a business is a marathon, not a sprint. You cannot only optimize around completing your to-do list as quickly as possible each day, as the to-do list will keep growing no matter what. You need to work smarter, not harder, to prioritize what makes it to the to-do list. You need to learn to enjoy the day-to-day journey, not only the end destination, as the only thing you can count on for sure is change.

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

Invest in yourself and the support systems that you anticipate you will need. For me, that's therapy, daily exercise, regular healthy sleep, a few hours per week with friends or loved ones, and at least a few hours per week off screens, ideally outdoors. For you, your needs could look entirely different, but it's essential that you set aside time to identify what those needs and to ensure that you've penciled them into your calendar and that you do not cancel on yourself. You will need the fuel to show up as the best possible version of yourself, which your business, team, and customers need.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you today. I appreciate you. If you or someone you know and care about is struggling with mental health, remember that you are not alone. Please do not hesitate to ask for help and to really absorb it. Please feel free to visit my personal Instagram @alyssapetersel or MyWellbeing's Instagram @findmywellbeing for free perspective and tips for stress relief. When in doubt, smile or compliment the next person you see. You never know the impact it will have on them and you.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://mywellbeing.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findmywellbeing/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findmywellbeing/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/findmywellbeing
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alyssapetersel/

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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