Helping People Shine Bright - The Rising Sun Counseling
Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Veronica Ingrao, Founder of The Rising Sun Counseling, located in Portland, ME, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
The Rising Sun Counseling is a telehealth practice across Maine, Massachusetts, and Florida. As a therapist, I combine compassionate care with a kick in the butt. My approach to therapy is direct and genuine. While I adhere to a therapeutic structure, you'll find me casual and making use of humor— no one wants to talk to a robot. I'm committed to not pathologizing people (you are not broken), but some of the concerns I work with the most are: men's issues, stress management/anxiety, substance use disorder, and self-esteem.
Tell us about yourself
The running joke is that therapist only gets into this field to resolve their own issues! I feel like I'm near past this point and am super excited to share all my learnings with others. As an individual, I value personal growth above all else and am abundantly grateful to share self-improvement with others. I'm a big dweeb and enjoy reading both books for pleasure and clinical psychotherapy literature. I also love to laugh and, albeit begrudgingly, stay active. My esteemed colleague, a puppy named Biscuit, is often hanging out behind me in sessions and is currently training to become a therapy dog.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My entire practice feels surreal. So many people trust me with the intimate details of their lives. Most weeks, I feel like I'm actually helping, which feels like a BIG accomplishment in a society often filled with negative news.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
My goodness! I was not prepared to be a marketing director, bookkeeper, office manager, and all the other varied tasks that come with running this small business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Find something you are incredibly passionate about. Stay disciplined. Make it fun! I'm blasting old-school hip hop and wiggling while wrapping up my notes now.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I feel incredibly lucky to love my work. I see more clients than many clinicians, and I feel like I still have vigor because the work means so much to me. I wish everyone could share my privilege of finding and pursuing what is most meaningful and making a career of it.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.therisingsuncounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therisingsuncounseling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therisingsuncounseling/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronica-ingrao/
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.