Tell us in a few sentences how your brand helps others?

Natural Balance Counseling is a client-focused counseling practice located in the heart of The Woodlands. We understand that each person comes into the counseling room with their own stories, struggles, and strengths. Our approach focuses on finding and harnessing the potential through the pain in every situation presented, making the future path that much clearer and easier for you. This means we work towards identifying the problem, planning a course of action, and taking each step one at a time to find the peace of mind that will create harmony in your every day life.

What was your initial inspiration that got you to where you are today?
My initial inspiration that led to a passion in the field of mental health would be witnessing the stigma surrounding mental health in the BIPOC community throughout my childhood and how it negatively impacted myself and others in my family. This led me to have a passion for advocating for mental health and trying to break the stigma related to it.

When you started your most recent path, did you ever envision that you would be where you are now?

My goal when I started my Master's program was to ultimately either join a group practice or create a private practice. I worked in community mental health for 5 years and have learned and grown so much. I have always envisioned that I would take this step as some point in my career.

Was there ever a time that things didn't fall into place, struggles or challenges? What were they and how did you get past it and grow from the experience?
The Covid19 pandemic had an impact on me professionally and personally in many ways. Providing telehealth therapy for the first time in my career definitely was a struggle while also facing a pandemic. I am thankfully a very fast learner and poured my attention into learning how to provide therapy this way for each client which at times took a lot of creativity to brainstorm ways to help each client engage. I grew from this experience in learning how to create meaningful therapeutic relationships and build rapport through telehealth. At times video was unavailable and we had to complete visits by telephone call which was incredibly challenging at times but ultimately I rose to the challenge.

What was the biggest lesson you learned during this journey?
The biggest lesson I have learned has been to continuously challenge my imposter syndrome and the negative thoughts that pop into my brain. I am competent and I have a passion for this field and I have learned to challenge these negative thoughts when they arise and try to tell me otherwise.

What would you tell a FEM that is struggling in her business and feeling like it's too difficult?
I would remind the FEM to take a step back and ensure they are engaging in self-care. Taking care of yourself, in whatever way works best for you, is essential for you to be able to be successful in various areas of your life. I would also remind the FEM to make small attainable goals to reach the overarching goal that they have for their business. Thinking about the end goal can be overwhelming but if we make a step ladder of small attainable goals to reach that end goal, it can make it feel much less daunting.

What continues to inspire you to keep on growing your business?
There is a need for BIPOC mental health professionals and this is a constant motivator for me to continue to grow professionally.

Final advice for those thinking of starting a business or looking to grow their current business?
Believe in yourself and speak positivity into your goals. Remember that there is so much power in your words and in your thoughts and be mindful how you speak about yourself to yourself. We can certainly be our own worst enemies.

Where can FEMS follow your journey or connect with you?
You can connect with us on Facebook or Instagram by searching for "Natural Balance Counseling" or check out our website naturalbalancecounseling.com!

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