Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lisa Lovelace, Founder of Synergy eTherapy, located in Minneapolis, MN, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
At Synergy eTherapy, we offer a variety of online therapy services to help you focus on yourself. We take the stress out of getting the mental health services you deserve. Synergy eTherapy allows you to attend counseling in the comfort of your surroundings. When you contact Synergy eTherapy, you will meet down-to-earth, kind, and solution-oriented online therapists. We are ready to support you as you find deeper meaning in your busy life. Unlike bigger clinics, we are able to focus on your needs. By using a personalized, attentive, and collaborative treatment approach, we fit therapy right into your day. Our flexible, convenient, and easy-to-use therapy services are great for: older kids, teens, families, adults, and couples. Expert independent, licensed, professional online therapists and medication prescribers are waiting to work with you to help achieve your mental health goals. Synergy eTherapy's online therapists are trained to provide a wide variety of mental health services online, including anxiety treatment, counseling for depression, trauma counseling, couples therapy, family counseling, counseling for women and mothers, teen counseling, counseling for college students, substance abuse counseling, chronic illness counseling, and more.
Tell us about yourself
I have over 20 years of post-graduate level clinical experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, and other emotional or behavioral disorders.
Before moving back to my hometown of Minneapolis, I worked in New York City as a clinical director for a grant-funded substance abuse treatment program for teens at St. Luke's – Roosevelt Hospital Center, Child, and Family Institute. During this time, I was also an Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology (in Psychiatry) at Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, where she enjoyed teaching and supervising psychology and psychiatry trainees. I'm humbled to have received several honors throughout my career, including Psi Chi Honors in Psychology, Teacher of the Year – St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, and Supervisor of the Year – St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital.
I first started Synergy eTherapy long before the use of telehealth was a popular and routine aspect of mental healthcare! I saw a need to reach more people who couldn't or didn't want to go into a clinic to be seen for anxiety, depression, or other difficulties.
I'm motivated daily in my work by the people who choose to work alongside me - whether my own clients, therapists in my group practice, support staff, or individuals throughout the community at large. I enjoy teaching other therapists how to expand their mental health practice into an online group practice! There is a great need for more resources, and this is how I contribute towards a better society for our children.
Do you have daily rituals for work / wellness / fitness / mindfulness?
Morning Meditation or Mindful Breathing: I start my day with a few minutes of meditation or mindful breathing. This practice can help calm your mind, increase focus, and set a positive tone for the day ahead. Find a quiet space, sit comfortably, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly and observe the sensations as you breathe in and out.
Prioritize My Tasks: I take a few minutes at the beginning of each workday to prioritize tasks. I make a list of what needs to be accomplished and organize it based on urgency and importance. Breaking down my day into manageable tasks can help reduce overwhelm and increase productivity.
Regular Breaks and Stretching: I incorporate regular breaks into my workday to recharge and prevent burnout. Get up, go outside, walk around, pet the dog, or do whatever you need to do to move! Every hour or so, take a short break to stretch your body, walk around, or do some quick exercises. This can help alleviate tension, improve circulation, and boost energy levels.
Gratitude Journaling: I take a moment each day to reflect on what I'm grateful for. Keep a gratitude journal where you can jot down three things you're thankful for each day. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude can increase positivity, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Focus on both big and small blessings, such as supportive relationships, accomplishments, or moments of joy.
Evening Reflection and Relaxation: I wind down my day with a period of reflection and relaxation. I take some time to review my accomplishments, challenges encountered, and lessons learned. This can help me gain insights into my work patterns and make adjustments for the future. I engage in a calming activity before bedtime, such as reading, listening to soothing music, or practicing gentle yoga. Creating a bedtime routine can signal to your body that it's time to unwind and prepare for restful sleep.
I recommend integrating these daily rituals into your routine as they can contribute to a more balanced and fulfilling life, promoting both productivity and well-being. Adjust them according to your preferences and schedule to create a personalized daily ritual that works best for you.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is watching the success of my online group practice, which I measure by the success of the therapists with whom I collaborate and the number of amazing clients they serve. As a small, unknown online clinic to now 15+ therapists serving clients in nearly all states, it gives me great pride to see something I created from the ground up flourish. We are able to reach more individuals, couples, and teens across the nation.
As a psychologist, you don't really learn about business in school or clinical rotations since the focus in training is on clinical interventions. By opening my own practice and collaborating with other clinicians and businesses, I've also learned a lot about marketing, accounting, finance, and leadership. It's been a whirlwind of a decade, yet extremely fun and rewarding!
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
Balance. You don't really get to shut things off at 5 o'clock. Owning your own business has a unique pressure to respond to things in real-time, hire, fire, create, learn, and engage as much as possible because it's fun and exciting! However, it's hard to turn it off and be off the clock. Finding your own balance with personal - work is important for all aspects of a healthy business and a healthy YOU!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Know that what you do today will change somewhere down the road. Owning your own business means being flexible and allowing growth and change to happen. It's not easy, but it's imperative for your business to prosper.
- You can't do it all alone. It's also important to find the right support to help you in your business. Whether you need tech support, coaching/strategy, marketing, or financial help, hire those who can support you and take on some of the obligations, so you don't burn out.
- Don't get paralysis by analysis. I see this so often with the therapists I coach. They won't start because they overanalyze every move they are about to make. Don't get stuck in fear. Use that energy to just start! You can learn and grow and change things, but you must just begin. Take your idea and make it a reality. What's the worst thing that could happen?
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.synergyetherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynergyEtherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/synergyetherapy/
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.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.