Therapist Spotlight: Is Private Practice Right for You with Solomon Stretch
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?
I think my biggest problem was deciding if private practice was for me. It’s a big leap to step outside of the comforts of a steady paycheck and health insurance to have to deal with the budgeting of rental space, marketing, utilities, etc. I am currently not on any insurance panels and that was a major deterrent for clients as I experienced “oh ok, I’ll keep looking” after I told them that I was fee for service.
As a solution, I have contracted with other agencies where I can refer callers so that their insurance can cover the cost, but I reap the benefit of working with the client and I get paid through the agency.
What advice would you give to a budding mental health practitioner just getting licensed?
Networking is KEY! Utilize your previous experience in internships, volunteer experience, create professional business cards and distribute them EVERYWHERE (gyms, hair salons, barber shops, coffee shops, etc.). Also join websites like TheraThink, PsychologyToday, and GoodTherapy where you can get monthly referrals. You can also get referrals through Professional Associations like ACA and APA.
What advice would you have given yourself early in your career?
I would have told myself two things; “Be patient, it won’t happen overnight” – you know, the same thing we tell our clients all the time. Also, I would have advised myself to be more specific with the services that I offer. Although I have interests and training in numerous modalities, it is important to have a brand, something in which you specialize.
Do you see any persisting or upcoming problems in the private practice industry. If so, how do you handle them?
Depending on your location, some areas can be overly saturated with counseling private practices. It’s okay to move outside of those regions, just market to your population accordingly. You don’t always have to carry the label of “counselor” or “therapist” when someone would feel more comfortable talking with a coach, guide, consultant, or strategist.
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 am located in Atlanta, Georgia. I specialize in relational work (anger management, couples counseling, marriage & family therapy, self esteem, self love). I am a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) eligible for full licensure, LPC, in November 2015. I am also working towards obtaining my Marriage & Family Therapy (MFT) credential through supervision. I received my undergraduate degrees from the University of Georgia where I obtained a B.A. Psychology and a B.S. Sociology. I obtained my M.A. in Professional Counseling / Marriage & Family Therapy from Argosy University. Anyone can best get in contact with me or get to know more about me through my website at www.solomonestretch.com.
What makes you and your practice, your approach, unique? How are you different?
I know counseling or coaching can be difficult because we are asking clients to step outside of their usual routine to find different results. Because of this, I utilize a variety of approaches to assist in making my clients feel comfortable and provide a safe space for them to explore whatever they would like to explore. What makes me different? Well, my approach is very direct. One could say that it is a hybrid of counseling and coaching. I encourage clients to sample all that life has to offer and then report back with likes and dislikes so that we can continue a pattern of comfort change.
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