Once you’ve started your counseling practice you will want it to continue to reflect your values as a person and to represent those values in the community where you serve. Identify what is important to you. Do you want to have a professional reputation? Do you want to create a special feeling for your clients when they walk into your office? Do you want to build relationships with your clients and the providers who are referring clients to you?
I knew when I started my counseling practice that I wanted a professional atmosphere in my office, and I also wanted people to feel welcomed and treated with respect. I wanted them to feel comfortable and at ease with me and their surroundings. I wanted them to know I would be on time for appointments and they would have my full attention in our sessions together. I also wanted people to be able to easily find information about me online and for my online presence to represent me as a person.
So here are some things I do…
I meet with local health providers and tell them about myself and my practice. My awesome son-in-law (heymatthew.com) created a flyer with my logo and information for me to hand out.
I agree to speak at local events (You will be asked by churches and other organizations to speak on your area of expertise.)
I stick to my values in my relationships with clients. (Be on time, be my authentic self, be someone my clients/families can trust, provide a comforting and safe/non-judgmental environment.)
I applied to be a provider with insurance panels that are common in the community where I live and work. This way I can bill insurance for those who cannot afford to pay out-of-pocket for counseling services. I also applied to be a provider for employee assistance programs in my area.
I offer appointments for people who needed a sliding fee scale due to financial hardship.
I continue to learn and grow as a counselor. My specialty areas in which I have training and knowledge include grief/loss, coping with physical pain and limitations, adolescent issues, depression, post trauma issues, and anxiety. I just completed a certification in family trauma, because so many people who come to me have a history of childhood trauma.
I am still learning and growing and that won’t stop. If you are looking for a counselor, I would love to talk to you and set up an appointment to meet with you. If I don’t have an immediate opening I also have an experienced counselor in my office who is accepting new clients and has similar values. If our office doesn’t match what you are looking for…I know other wonderful therapists in my area who I can refer you to.
Happy New Year!
Gayla Partin, LISW-CP, Counseling Sumter LLC, 1/8/2018