Therapist Spotlight: Courage & Failure with Heather O’Neil
This Therapist Spotlight is a part of our interview series with experienced Mental Health Practitioners, where therapists share their experiences in Private Practice Therapy.
What was one of the biggest problems you struggled with and ultimately solved in the beginning of your private practice? What solution did you find to your (perhaps persisting) problem?
The biggest problem I struggled with initially was moving from being a clinician to a business owner. I had worked for many years in agencies doing clinical work and felt very confident in that aspect of private practice. However, running my own business was a huge learning curve. I connected with a mentor, went to different organizations that support small businesses and really reached out to people who had done this successfully for advice and assistance.
What advice would you give to a budding mental health practitioner just getting licensed?
I guess it depends on what that person is hoping to do. If the practitioner wants to go into private practice I would tell them to get a good supervisor that knows how to build a private practice and can help them start their practice successfully. I’d also share all of the tidbits I’ve learned along the way that have made my business more successful. If the individual wants to work at an agency, I would encourage them to find the “right” fit. I’m a big believer in finding the right fit with population, agency mission and individual personality. It makes a world of difference to go into work when you want to be there!
What advice would you have given yourself early in your career?
It’s probably the same advice I give myself today….don’t be afraid of failure, allow your true self to show up in your work and make sure you have a life outside of work.
Do you see any persisting or upcoming problems in the private practice industry. If so, how do you handle them?
Our world is changing and evolving, as life does. We now are in a technolgically savvy age and I’m not sure therapists have been keeping pace with this. Clients are wanting more ways to access services and gain skills. As therapists we will need to get creative and begin to try to meet those needs in a way that is still ethical and responsible.
Please let us know about you: where are you located, any specialties, credentials, and educational background. How should someone get in touch with you?
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been doing clinical work for the past 18 years. Currently I have a private practice in central Denver and I’m adjunct faculty at the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work. My specialties include grief and loss, trauma, anxiety and stress management. I’m trained in EMDR and sensorimotor psychotherapy and use a mind/body based approach in my work with individuals and couples. You can reach me at (720) 363-5793 or go to my website at www.oneiltherapy.com for more information.
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