Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandi Chiarello.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have wanted to be a psychotherapist since I was a teenager. I’ve always wanted to be there for others and help them through hard times. I went straight through undergrad and graduate school without stopping for a break. I absolutely loved it. Immediately after graduate school I went on to intern at a successful private practice, Dallas County Juvenile Detention and Early Childhood Intervention gaining experience in working with children and teens alike.
After interning for nearly 3 years, I realized that I was ready to have my own practice. I opened Family First Counseling in April of 2010. In order to avoid excessive overhead, I began by subleasing a friend’s therapy office by the hour. I advertised on a budget, utilizing online therapist directories, getting a cheap website, and sending out cards and brochures. As my practice got busier and busier, I moved on to my own office space.
Initially, my practice was focused on working with children and adolescents. As time went on, I began to get more and more referrals for women. I chose to be flexible and allow this natural shift in my practice to occur. I am so glad I did. I absolutely love the variety in seeing children, teens, and women in my practice.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Running a counseling practice has been difficult. My primary struggle has always been marketing. Many counselors have this struggle, because our strengths are in one on one supportive interaction, not selling. I have found that being in-network with insurance really helps bring clients in while alleviating some of the need to sell; however, it also reduces the fee per client ratio, and potentially a counselor’s income.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Family First Counseling story. Tell us more about the business.
Family First Counseling is a private practice that provides counseling services to children, adolescents, and adults with depression, anxiety, and/or adjustment issues. My specialties are child counseling and maternal mental health. I am primarily known for my play therapy and infant mental health services, as well as my couples work.
I am most proud of the effectiveness of my services. I have a solid strength in building therapeutic relationships that facilitate change for my clients. Nothing brings me joy like being present with my clients as they grow.
What sets me apart from the others is the range of my child counseling experience. Many have one specialty such as play therapy; however, I have years of experience and depths of knowledge regarding a range of child counseling approaches AND ages including infant mental health, child-parent relationship training, child centered play therapy, activity therapy, and counseling teens.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I, personally, don’t think luck plays a part. I think effort does.
Pricing:
- My fees range from $90-$130/session
- I have a counseling intern who provides counseling and play therapy for $60-$90/session
- The lower rates quoted in the price ranges above are available to those who qualify and complete a reduced fee application.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4222 Trinity Mills Rd.
Ste 252
Dallas, TX 75287 - Website: www.goffc.com
- Phone: 469-583-9588
- Email: brandi@goffc.com
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