Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Amanda Noyes, Owner of Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC., located in Dallas, TX, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC! We are a mental health therapy practice that provides specialized treatment to those who have endured (or are continuing to endure) horrific traumas and unspeakable losses. We provide specialized, evidence-based treatment in a safe and down-to-earth environment for individuals to heal without fear of judgment or fear that they will traumatize their therapist.
Our practice is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and we work with a wide array of individuals (18 years and up). However, due to our focus being on significant or ongoing trauma and grief, we naturally specialize in working with military service members, veterans, police officers, firefighters, medical personnel, and other first responders—all those who deal with trauma and tragedy on a daily basis. Additionally, we provide a safe place for all individuals needing to grieve any type of loss, as well as having dedicated services for parents grieving a loss after a perinatal demise.
Tell us about yourself
My name is Amanda Noyes, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker–Supervisor, and I have studied, worked, volunteered, and specialized in trauma, loss, and grief treatment for over two decades. As a clinical social worker, I have had the opportunity to work in many crisis situations where I witnessed firsthand the gravity of trauma and grief. It was in these situations that I realized there were not enough opportunities to heal from trauma and loss after the initial crisis. With this knowledge, I formed Finding Freedom Therapy, PLLC.
What motivates me each and every day is my clients. I am inspired by my clients—by their strength and courage and by their resiliency. And because of my clients, I am moved to continue on this path and to make a difference in this world, even if it is just one life at a time.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
One of my biggest accomplishments with Finding Freedom Therapy was finding the right clinicians! I sought out clinicians who believe in making a difference in this world through healing. Not only do they each have specific training to facilitate healing with their clients better, but they are both passionate about their focus and about making a visible difference!
Mark Chapman, LCSW, LCDC, is our trauma therapist and has over three decades of experience in the mental health and substance abuse fields. He is very passionate about helping individuals who are suffering after experiencing trauma and has experience with some of the more complex and horrific traumas we work with, including some national cases.
Carisa Bustillos-Givens, LPC and doctoral student, is our bilingual certified grief-informed professional therapist. She has over fifteen years of experience and a passion for helping those who are grieving. She walks with our clients through the greatest of losses, the many trials, and the inevitable changes that life brings. She also has specialized training in Perinatal Loss and Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders.
It was important for me to create a practice that cares for the well-being of my clients as well as my clinicians. I work hard and take time to listen to my clinicians, and we mindfully create space for their goals so that they have the opportunity to make the impact they have envisioned. When clinicians are in an environment of growth and empowerment, their capabilities expand, and subsequently, they are able to empower our clients and our community genuinely. It allows us to better connect with our clients, empowering them to not only share their stories but to be a part of their own healing journey.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Dealing with insurance companies! We are proud to accept insurance because it allows our clients to receive treatment without having to pay out-of-pocket or go into debt simply to obtain the healing everyone so deeply deserves. However, insurance companies dramatically underpay for mental health services and, at times, make billing more complicated than necessary. I look forward to the day when mental health is appropriately compensated so the incredible clinicians providing these services may be adequately paid.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I think the most important piece of advice is to always remember how you want to impact the world. When we begin to focus too much on the bottom dollar, we can lose sight of our purpose.
I would also recommend remembering that even when dealing with other businesses, you are dealing with people. When we focus on connection, we are more likely to have a positive and impactful outcome.
Finally, I think respect is vital. Respect for yourself, your product, your employees/contractors, and especially respect for your clients. When we create a respectful environment, so much more is possible!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://findingfreedomtherapy.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/findingfreedomtherapy/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/findingfreedomtherapypllc/
LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/3VHFLYY
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.