Yesterday I had a therapy session with neuroscience practitioner Shonté Jovan Taylor. Every time I’m in a session like this, my mind is SHIFTED. Sometimes there are tears. I leave the session feeling like I just came out of a good shower. Why?
Understand that our business success is directly tied to our emotional success. If you’ve been bullied as a child, abused as a teen or grew up in poverty, it will affect how you think overall and as a business owner. One way to unlock your human potential is by working with a therapist.
Working with a therapist is a powerful way to unpack the mess in our minds and work through it. We all have mess.
Maybe your connection to money is limiting your growth.
We hear this term, poverty mindset. A “poverty mindset” is often referred to as a mental and emotional framework that perpetuates a cycle of scarcity and lack. It is important to approach this concept with sensitivity, as many individuals living in poverty do so as a result of systemic factors beyond their control. That being said, the term “poverty mindset” is used to describe a number of our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.
My friend Ruchi Pinniger, of Watch her Prosper is all about money mindset. Side note – be sure your money experts is not just about money but also about mindset.
Your Past Affects Your Today
Understand that your past is very much affected by who you are today.
My friend, Tamra Andress book, Always Becoming, talks about her journey through sexual abuse, shame and then finding amazing love.
Jon Accuff’s book “Soundtracks” is all about the importance of changing the TUNES that play in our minds and shifting our thinking. See our list of best books for small business owners here.
Most everyone has had some level of hurt or abuse. Some more traumatic than others.
A therapist is a trained professional who can help you unpack the “messy” journey of your past (or present).
Business and Therapy
What’s powerful about a therapist who works with business owners, is that they are trained to help you unlock the power of your MIND as it relates to your BUSINESS as well.
- How we hire our teams, is directly affected by influences in our childhood.
- The investments we make in our business can be influenced by our past.
- Risk taking is an important part of business. Yes, your past can affect your risk tolerance.
I’ve learned that how I run my business today is fully about who I am as a person. The two are directly tied together.
How To Find and Use the Right Therapist For Your Needs
Identifying Your Needs
List down what you are hoping to achieve from therapy – whether it’s working through past trauma, developing a healthier mindset, or perhaps learning better stress management techniques.
Look for therapists who specialize in trauma and possibly have experience with clients in similar business backgrounds. They would be better equipped to understand your unique pressures and stresses.
Researching Therapists
Ask for referrals from friends, family, or business acquaintances who have had a positive experience with therapy. You might also consider reaching out to professional networks or associations for recommendations. Use platforms like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or local websites that list therapists in your area.
Initial Interaction
Once you have a list, you can interview potential therapists to gauge their compatibility with your needs. You might inquire about their experience working with business owners and their approach to therapy. Many therapists offer initial consultation sessions, which can give you a feel of their style and whether you could work well together.
Starting the Therapy
Once you choose a therapist, ensure to maintain an open dialogue about your goals and what you hope to achieve from the therapy. Periodically assess the progress you are making and whether the therapy is meeting your expectations.
Adjustment
If after several sessions, you feel the therapy isn’t beneficial or the therapist isn’t the right fit, don’t hesitate to change therapists. Provide feedback to your therapist about what is working and what isn’t, so they can adjust their approach as needed.
Additional Tips:
- Licensing: Ensure that the therapist is licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.
- Confidentiality: Verify their confidentiality policy to ensure your information will be handled appropriately.
- Techniques and Modalities: Ask about the techniques and modalities they use for trauma therapy, and see if it aligns with what you are looking for.
- Availability: Depending on your schedule, you might want a therapist who is available during non-standard working hours or offers remote sessions.
Remember, the right therapist is one who not only has the requisite skills and experience but also is someone with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive and personal issues. It might take time to find the perfect match, but it’s worth the effort to ensure you receive the support and guidance you need.
Need someone to talk to? Here’s a few business therapists I recommend:
Dr. Genie Snyder, Dr. Janie Lacy, Larissa Harington
Related Content
Your Mindset Towards Money Can Make or Break Your Business(Opens in a new browser tab)
Abundance Or Poverty Mindset?(Opens in a new browser tab)
Top Business Events Every Successful Entrepreneur Should Attend(Opens in a new browser tab)
How Relationship Trauma Can Negatively Affect Your Mental Health(Opens in a new browser tab)
