Happy One Year to Hall Counseling!
Hall Counseling was a dream that started at the beginning of a pandemic after a tragic layoff. I wanted to find a way to combine helping others, incorporate my strengths, and create a position that would lower my chances of a second lay off. Life was feeling precarious, and I was feeling bold. Starting a counseling practice seemed like the perfect fit.
I think back to my past self and am grateful for her determination and slight naivete. Owning a business is no joke! I am incredibly grateful for the sweat and tears (no blood!) that have been poured into Hall Counseling along with the support of my friends and family.
This last year has been the largest learning curve. Here are my top 3 take aways.
Business is not always personal. While counseling is deeply personal, I have had to learn to remove myself from factors outside of my control. While my practice feels like an extension of myself, learning remove my identity and worth from the outcomes has brought me freedom in all areas of my life.
Boundaries are a must. If you’ve ever been to counseling, you’ve heard about boundaries. I am here to admit that your counselor also struggles with boundaries. I have been learning to not check my email constantly. I do my best to unplug from technology on the weekends. I try to manage a schedule that allows me to show up fully for my clients. All of these have felt difficult to uphold. If I am compromising on my own needs, I may be showing up, but I will be showing up depleted and not fully present.
Community is necessary. I would not have been able to manage a business or show up fully for clients if I did not have people in my corner. From my childhood friends to my supervision group, my partner, my own therapist, and my family – I could not have done this alone. We need each other to thrive.
While I wish my journey had been linear, I am grateful that this is where I chose to be. Counseling is the greatest job in the world. I am humbled daily by the work I get to do with clients.
I want to say a thank you to my clients as well. Thank you for your vulnerability, your trust, and your desires for more out of this life. Our time in session is sacred to me, and I never take for granted the stories you are willing to share. Becoming a counselor has been the highlight of not just my career, but my life.
Thank you thank you thank you!