Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental health care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Carol Korenowski, owner and founder of Therapy Alberta, located in Calgary, AB, Canada.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We are a growing team of therapists passionate about improving individual and community mental health. We provide exclusively online therapy and psychology services to connect clients across Alberta to high-quality, safe, effective, and affirming mental healthcare - especially for rural, oppressed, and marginalized groups. We strive to decrease mental health stigma and increase access to therapy.
Tell us about yourself
I’m a psychologist and mother of three kids, three fur babies, and one reptile (so fun!). I love helping others and believe healing is found in caring relationships. I started my business during the pandemic to meet the rising demand for trauma-sensitive and compassionate mental health therapy. The best part was finding out that online therapy (which I only started because of the pandemic) is so effective and also allows me to serve people in need outside my locale while still doing somatic body therapy. When people are struggling, especially with trauma, they benefit from an individualized approach to therapy that offers whole-person care – mind, body, and emotions.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
This year I transitioned from being a solopreneur to an entrepreneur! I expanded my team by adding four local contractors, and I am excited to continue growing consciously. It’s important for me to build a team committed to improving mental health through relational healing.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Setting and sticking to my boundaries! I struggle to limit the time I spend working on my business. I find myself on my laptop when I could be focusing more time on family and self-care. Identifying your priorities, setting limits, and practicing self-control is important. Sometimes solo and entrepreneurs spend more hours on their business than is healthy for them or helpful for their business. Regulating your work hours can sometimes help you focus better and work more efficiently.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Don’t do it in isolation. Talk to friends, family, colleagues, peer groups, other business owners, potential clients, and coaches. Find your people!
- Know your strengths and find someone who helps you balance your struggles. I’m a thorough researcher and planner, yet slow to initiate and act. When I had someone who encouraged me to take action and take the next step, I experienced growth sooner and rose to the challenge.
- Access resources. There are plenty of amazing sources online and at the local library – you can learn to better plan, budget, execute, market, and grow your business.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
At Therapy Alberta, we are advocates for all people receiving help. No one has to do life or struggle alone. It’s okay to need help, it’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to talk to someone. Therapy is one way to make life a little better, it doesn’t mean anything is wrong with you. Therapy can help you find peace, happiness, and a healthy relationship with yourself and others. Watch my spoken word poem "Therapy" on YouTube today.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.therapyalberta.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TherapyAlberta
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapyalberta/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/therapyalberta/
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.
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