Today we’d like to introduce you to Elena Lentz.
Hi Elena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
In 2018 I became a licensed social worker and started off helping families in Cleveland. Since college I had a long term goal of opening up my own private practice. I wanted to create a space where I had control over the quality of care I was able to provide my clients; with even bigger goals of also creating a space where, eventually, other providers could do the same too.
After being in group private practice for several years, I began laying the foundation of my own practice in late 2024. In the summer of 2025, I officially opened my doors. It’s been such a wonderful blessing to be able to fulfill this dream and continue to support people through difficult times.
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?
Opening up a private practice has not been easy. This entire journey I have been endlessly absorbing information about business, marketing, and mental health billing. Many counselors, social workers and psychologists end up going into private practice or open up their own business but we don’t take a single business class in college!
It’s been helpful to talk with other practice owners who have done this before me. Many of them have been gracious enough to help me network, give me guidelines about what to do next, and provide overall feedback and encouragement along the way. My closest family and friends have been wonderful too. There has not been a shortage of panic moments along the way; like “Oh my god, I don’t think I can do this.” But my family has continued to believe in me, even when I didn’t.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At New Leaf Psych, I offer individual psychotherapy/counseling services both virtually and in-person in Fairlawn. I specialize in working with individuals (13 yrs +) who are looking to manage anxiety and heal from trauma. The most important determinate of whether or not counseling will be helpful is the relationship you have with your provider. I utilize a narrative and relational approach when working with individuals. Many of us have been hurt by others and I believe there can be healing within the therapeutic relationship built with my clients. Together we look at what is hurting them to re-author the narrative: externalize the pain, deconstruct/explore the pain, and re-author it in a way that brings peace.
With each new client I meet, I respect that trust takes time. Yes, I’ve gone to school and am competent supporting people’s mental health – and I’m a stranger. The most rewarding things is building that trust with people and hearing: “I’ve never told anyone this before” or “I just seem to open up with you.”
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
What has been essential at my success?
– Being unsatisfied and not settling. I was never quite satisfied working for someone else or within their framework. That fueled my desire to built it for myself!
– Knowing I don’t know it all. Seeking education and advice from people, more knowledgable than I, has been pivotal!
– Having a community. Presently, this is a solo practice. But I did not do this alone. I have a wonderful husband, family, friends, and professional network that has collectively lifted me up and empowered me to do this!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.newleafpsych.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/New-Leaf-Psych/61578612275668/#
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-leaf-psych?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name
