One of my new year’s resolutions is to not use exclamation points. They are so genderized (read here) and I prefer to not have my language choices and grammar be another way in which, due to patriarchy and culture, I feel compelled to be overly appeasing, accommodating, effusive or simply nice. But I’ll be honest, I still genuinely get excited (which by the way is the function for which the exclamation point was originally created). I’ll continue to de-construct my language (and at some point take back the exclamation point, I’m sure) but in the meantime, let me tell you what has got me breaking my own rules over here:

Andrea Redeau at Uniquely You Counseling is one of the speakers at A Private Practice Party!

We’ll have three speakers, each sharing for ten minutes, then making themselves available for Q&As. The majority of the party will be spent in consultation with our industry experts, so our speakers will share at different times throughout the night.

Andrea is an LPC who has successfully started a private practice and made a positive name for herself in the community. I met and liked her right away. Positive, fun, warm and so interesting. Plus we share a fascination of that space where business and mental health collide. Read more about her below! Ahem- I mean, read below.

Q: Why did you start a private practice? 

A: My mom worked 3 jobs, serving the homeless and families impacted by addiction. I always promised myself that when I had a child I would make sure I could pick her up after school. I realized 5 years in, I wouldn’t be able to pick my little girl up from school if I didn’t take the leap now. The next day, I put in my two weeks.

Q: What do you like about having one? 

A: I love the flexibility, freedom to provide my unique style of therapy and working a schedule that fits my lifestyle.

Q: Essentials that you've hired out, essentials that you've determined are better to DIY.

A: Get a biller and a website designer! Both I attempted to DYI and I am still cleaning up the mess of my self reliance and ego.

Q: Best advice you were given in starting a business/Advice you'd give to others starting out.

A: Find a niche, stick to the niche and serve the clients that fill your soul.

Q: How do you define success in private practice? 

A: Paying my bills and having a little extra to do the things I could never do working at a agency... like last minute beach trips, coffee dates during the week day and buying comfy casual clothes to wear in session. 

Thanks Andrea, we’ll see you soon! Any questions about the event or Andrea’s work? Comment below.