Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Walraven.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my private practice in October of 2021 as an individual counselor specializing in trauma. I continued to expand my knowledge by getting advanced training in modalities including EMDR, SPACE, and ERP. These evidence-based interventions allowed me to help support many clients, and my services began to require a long waiting list. I started expanding my business into a group practice by sharing one single office space with my employees. They would see clients on days and times that I was out of the office. This process continued and I expanded to now having a dedicated office for our group with 8 offices shared among 11 counselors.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have learned so much about business, marketing, and the power of networking. There have been many moments along the way when I thought I was making a mistake or should choose a different approach. To be honest, I feel like my hard work and discipline is just now starting to pay off.
There are so many struggles in growth. Long nights, delayed paychecks, endless calls to insurance, and more. The pain is not the problem, it’s the doubt that it will get better. As a mother and wife, there are many barriers to balancing professional goals with personal responsibility. Thankfully, I have a husband who not only appreciates my career goals, but also supports them. I continue to challenge myself, and thankfully I have more evidence now to trust that it does work out most of the time.
All of the skills we teach clients about self respect, boundaries, and being assertive are key in effective business management and leadership. I feel like .growing this group practice has made be a better therapist.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner of the group therapy practice Flatland Counseling & Consulting. We operate out of Lubbock, TX and offer virtual services throughout TX.
I specialize in trauma. I have a masters in social work, am a supervisor through the State of Texas for LMSWs, and I have a doctorate degree (Ed.D.) in counseling in Community Care and Counseling: Traumatology.
I became interested in trauma therapy early in my educational journey. I spent several years serving the military population through internships and a job at the VA. I have always been curious and interested in the resilience of survivors of trauma. My additional interests in OCD became more important because of the needs presenting in my caseload in private practice. My job is stimulating and exciting to me. I am always learning and love that I get to support people in some of the most difficult times of their lives.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I didn’t plan to have a group practice. I dreamed of being a therapist, but really didn’t dream of being an entrepreneur. My husband and I actually joke about how I rejected the idea of having my own practice about 4 years before it happened. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else!
Pricing:
- Initial consult $200
- Sessions $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.flatlandcounseling.com
- Instagram: @flatlandcounseling
- Facebook: Flatland Counseling & Consulting
