Behind every successful small business lies a story of trial and error, resilience, and strategic finance and operational management.
Here at Taylor & Associates Financial Services, we serve small businesses in a range of financial services to help grow and support them in their journey.
We want to highlight one of these businesses, their owner, and their operations in hopes of guiding aspiring entrepreneurs in getting their own start.
First up is Nikki Pinkley of Restoring Wellness Counseling, the Branson counseling practice.
Tell us a little bit about your counseling practice. What services do you provide?
“I own and operate Restoring Wellness Counseling in Branson, Missouri. I offer individual, couple, and family counseling services, with a special focus on adolescents and adults.
My services encompass a wide range of psychological challenges, including parenting and child-rearing issues, relationship conflicts/communication issues, and managing conditions such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD.
I also provide specialized counseling for trauma called Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Recently, I became a Certified ADHD Counselor, further enhancing my ability to support those with ADHD.”
Where did the passion come from in starting your business? What is your “why?”
“My passion for starting this business stems from a deep-seated desire to help people navigate their mental health challenges and lead fulfilling lives after my own experience through counseling during a major life event.
This passion was further fueled by my academic journey from College of the Ozarks to a Master’s Degree earned at Evangel University.
My commitment to continuous learning led me to complete advanced coursework in counseling and become trained in EMDR.”
How do you network on behalf of your counseling practice?
“When I first started my practice, I focused on building strong relationships with local doctors and professionals by visiting their offices to introduce myself and my services. This direct approach helped establish a solid referral network.
Additionally, a counselor friend and I headed up a local counselor network group, which was successful in sharing resources and referring clients until it disbanded due to relocation of counselors.
Currently, I network through my contract work with Focus on the Family, collaborating with over 20 therapists in the area, and participating in Facebook counselor networking groups for client referrals and professional support.
These combined efforts of face-to-face interactions and online community engagement help maintain and expand my professional connections.”
What is the best marketing tactic for your counseling business? Best platform?
“The best marketing tactic for my business has been a combination of word-of-mouth referrals and a robust online presence.
- Word-of-mouth is incredibly powerful in the counseling industry as personal recommendations build trust and credibility.
- I also utilize social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram to connect with potential clients and share valuable content related to mental health.
- Additionally, my listings on Psychology Today and my personal website help clients find me easily and learn more about my services.
These platforms have been instrumental in driving client engagement and interaction, helping me reach a wider audience and grow my practice.”
How do you specialize your counseling practice to differentiate in your industry?
“My certification as an ADHD Counselor allows me to provide targeted support for those with ADHD, a growing need in our community.
Additionally, my training in EMDR enables me to help clients process traumatic experiences effectively.
Also, being part of the Focus on the Family Marriage Institute team at Hope Focused allows me to contribute to marriage intensives, further distinguishing my services by offering marriage support for couples.”
What is your biggest risk and how do you handle risk management?
“The biggest risk in my practice is managing client confidentiality and ensuring ethical standards are maintained, especially in face-to-face sessions.
To handle this, I use secure record-keeping systems and stay updated on the latest legal and ethical guidelines.
Additionally, working in private practice carries the risk of unpredictable client schedules, cancellations, and rescheduling.
To manage this, I diversify my services, maintain a robust referral network, and actively market my practice to ensure a steady stream of clients.
Implementing flexible scheduling policies and using reminder systems helps minimize cancellations and rescheduling issues.
Regularly reviewing my business operations and financial health allows me to stay proactive in addressing potential challenges.”
What software programs does your business use? Are they effective for your company?
“My business uses TheraNest for practice management, which has proven to be very effective. It helps with scheduling, billing, and maintaining client records securely, streamlining many administrative tasks and allowing me to focus more on client care.
- Additionally, I use Canva Pro for creating marketing materials and social media content, which enhances my online presence and client engagement.
- I also utilize ChatGPT for generating ideas, drafting content, and brainstorming strategies, which has been invaluable for improving my communication and marketing efforts.
- For email, I use Google Workspace, which provides reliable and efficient communication with clients and colleagues.
These tools collectively enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of my practice, allowing me to provide better services to my clients.”
What is your approach to finance and budgeting?
“My counseling practice doesn’t require extensive finances to operate, which has allowed me to manage without a formal budget.
For now, I focus on maintaining low overhead costs and ensuring a steady stream of clients to keep the practice sustainable.
As my business expands, I may need to revisit and modify my financial strategies to better accommodate growth and ensure long-term stability.”
What are some of the most common pitfalls in the counseling industry?
“One of the most common pitfalls in the counseling industry is burnout. Counselors often face high emotional demands and can experience fatigue from managing their clients’ complex issues.
To mitigate this, it’s essential to establish healthy boundaries, practice self-care, and seek supervision or peer support regularly.
Another pitfall is maintaining client engagement and managing cancellations or no-shows. This can impact the stability of a private practice. Utilizing effective scheduling systems, setting clear policies, and maintaining open communication with clients can help reduce these issues.
Continuous professional development and adapting to new therapeutic approaches are also crucial to staying relevant and effective in the field.”
How do you maintain/improve relationships with your clients?
“I maintain and improve relationships with my clients by fostering a strong therapeutic alliance through empathy, active listening, and building rapport.
Consistent and open communication, along with flexible scheduling and follow-up sessions, ensures clients feel heard and valued.
Continuous professional development and regular client feedback help me stay updated and responsive to clients’ evolving needs.”
What would be the most crucial skill you believe is necessary in the counseling industry?
“The most crucial skill in the counseling industry is the ability to establish a strong therapeutic alliance, which includes empathy, active listening, and building rapport.
These combined skills create a safe and supportive environment, enabling counselors to provide the highest quality of care.
Curiosity and understanding drive these interactions, allowing counselors to connect deeply with clients and support their unique needs.
Self-awareness ensures that counselors remain present and engaged, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the therapeutic relationship.”
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As we wrap up our spotlight on Nikki Pinkley and Restoring Wellness Counseling, it’s clear that the heart of a thriving business often beats with a passion for service and a commitment to excellence.
Nikki’s journey exemplifies how a blend of personal experience, strategic networking, and effective use of technology can shape a successful practice.
At Taylor & Associates Financial Services, we’re proud to support such dedicated professionals in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Stay tuned for more stories and insights from small business owners who are making a difference.