Today we’d like to introduce you to Jacquelyn Bell.
Hi Jacquelyn, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
Since college, I knew I wanted to help people work through their emotional hurdles. I had been working in and out of mental health since about 2010. Around 2018, I was starting to dabble in private practice working for others. We moved our family to Columbus in 2019 temporarily for my husband’s job. I worked for a private practice there briefly before the pandemic. Once that hit and I was working from home and gaining more confidence in my therapeutic skills, I decided to branch out on my own. Everything was virtual at the time, so it offered me a ton of flexibility to parent while my kids were home full-time and establish a business. It has just taken off since then.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think the biggest struggle has been establishing boundaries. Not only is working from home challenging because work and life bleed into each other when your office is next to your family room, but not being able to help as many people who call me has also been difficult. I find myself stretching thin scheduling more clients than I have told myself I will take each month or week. Working for myself can also be stressful. If I’m not working, I’m also limiting my income.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my private practice in 2020 and am strictly virtual. I specialize in adult mental health, specifically depression, anxiety, and trauma. I also see couples, although my primary client base is individual counseling. I am trained in EMDR, but adjust my approach based on the client’s needs. I ensure an unbiased, judgment-free zone where a person can feel safe being themselves and sharing information they may not normally disclose to others. I am flexible and transparent. I am confident clients would say that I am responsive, either through email, text or by phone.
What’s next?
I am in the process of earning my supervision designation and plan to supervise counseling interns and LPCs this year. I am also currently looking for part-time clinicians and hope to grow with at least 2 clinicians by the end of the year. I continue to work towards advancing my EMDR training, as well…
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Haley Aldean
