Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Henderson.
Hi Brianna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always known I wanted to help children, but had many different ideas on how I would do that as a career. During my undergraduate years, I realized that becoming a therapist for children was exactly where my passion and purpose aligned. That led me to pursue my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Texas, which has one of the best play therapy programs you can find. After graduation, I worked in two different private practices that taught me invaluable lessons. The first was a difficult environment. It was challenging and, at times, toxic. However, it showed me exactly how I didn’t want to run a practice one day. The second practice was the complete opposite: full of love, support, and kindness, but so giving that it eventually became unsustainable. Experiencing both ends of that spectrum taught me what balance looks like. They taught me how to care deeply for clients and clinicians while still maintaining healthy boundaries to run a sustainable business.
When the last practice I worked for had to close, I decided to take a leap of faith and start my own. That’s how Lily Pad Child & Adolescent Counseling was born almost exactly a year ago, on October 6, 2024. What started as a solo dream has quickly grown into something beyond what I ever imagined. Today, I’m proud to have three incredible play therapists on my team, along with my sister, who keeps us running smoothly as our office manager and intake coordinator.
A particularly special milestone for me was getting the keys to our beautiful new office suite on my 30th birthday. It truly felt like the best birthday gift I could ever receive. In just a few short months we’ve built and furnished our new space. It already feels like home! Watching our therapists thrive and seeing the growth of our clients and our practice has been such a blessing. Becoming a group practice owner always felt like something I would do once I was much older. But because of the support of my family, friends, and colleagues, I realized we could make Lily Pad something that could help the community now instead of later. it’s been the most rewarding journey. Every day, I feel so grateful to do this work and to serve the children and families in our community.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges for me was learning how to be a business owner when all my training was focused on being a therapist. In grad school, we learned how to help children heal, not how to handle marketing, accounting, or business management. So when I decided to start my own practice, I found myself diving headfirst into a whole new world I knew very little about. I spent countless hours trying to figure everything out on my own. I was learning how to build my own website and how to understand things like SEO, domain authority, accounting, marketing, etc. Eventually, I realized that I needed to focus my energy where it truly mattered: on the therapy side of the practice. That was a big lesson for me in understanding that it’s okay to ask for help.
Another challenge early on was learning who to trust. When you’re new to running a business, it’s easy to get taken advantage of, and unfortunately, I learned that lesson the hard way. But those experiences taught me so much. Now I have an amazing team and wonderful professionals who help me with the parts of the business I used to struggle with. And even though I have help now, I’m grateful that I understand how everything works and can make informed decisions. I know just enough in all the different fields to know whether things are running well or if something needs to change.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Lily Pad Child & Adolescent Counseling is a practice built on the belief that every child deserves a safe, supportive space to grow, heal, and be truly understood. We specialize in play therapy for children, as well as support for parents and families. Play therapy is such a powerful tool. It allows children to express their thoughts and emotions in the way they know best: through play. It is incredible to witness their growth and healing therapeutic play can bring to a child. Our team of therapists is passionate about helping children navigate challenges such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral concerns, emotional regulation, and life transitions. We are proud of the environment we’ve created. Our office is designed to feel warm, welcoming, and playful. A place where kids feel safe and parents feel supported. Every room is thoughtfully set up to foster comfort and connection.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Lily Pad has become known for being both heart-led and professional. We care deeply about the families we serve, but we also hold high standards for our work and ethics. I wanted to build a practice where both clients and clinicians feel loved, supported, and respected. These are things I think really shine through.
Ultimately, we truly believe in the potential of every child. We’re here to walk alongside families, to help children feel seen and heard, and to create lasting change through play and connection.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to be prepared to learn as you go and to give yourself grace in the process. When I first started out, I thought that passion and hard work would be enough, but I quickly realized that running a business requires a completely different skill set than being a therapist. You’re not just helping clients, you’re also suddenly in charge of marketing, accounting, systems, and everything in between. It can feel overwhelming, but it’s also incredibly rewarding once you start to figure things out. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t make you less capable, it actually makes you a stronger business owner. Bringing in people who know what they’re doing allows you to focus on what you do best. And when you do hire help, learn enough about each part of your business that you understand what’s happening. That knowledge gives you confidence and helps you make smart decisions.
Lastly, remember why you started. There will be stressful days, but if your heart stays focused on your purpose (whether that’s helping children, supporting families, or whatever your “why” is) you’ll always find your way through.
Pricing:
- Private Pay/ Out of Network with insurance companies
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lilypad-counseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilypad_counseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPadCounseling
