by Sara Paules

What would you say has been your proudest moment in private practice so far?
Definitely the success of my Enneagram workshops… and really just getting the opportunity to share something I love with other therapists.

Cool! Can you tell me more about the Enneagram?
The Enneagram is basically a personality tool that helps with personal growth.  It also can help reveal insight into your own self defeating behaviors or help with spiritual growth in building awareness for what might be the cause of the stuck places you might be experiencing in life.

That sounds awesome! What got you interested in it? What do you like about it?
I really like the Enneagram because it helps you understand yourself and others more.  It’s helped me to feel more compassionate towards other people who see the world differently that me and I’ve also gained a sense of appreciation for how they get by in the world. I’ve never seen a personality test that pegs people so accurately. I think it’s partially because it’s more focused on motivation rather than behavior so it seems more deeply rooted than other personality tools.

What’s been your favorite part of this whole process of joining a group private practice? 
Probably the connection piece.  It’s nice actually being able to feel like you’re participating in the counseling community now that I’m done with grad school. It’s been so much fun to connect with other therapists and create community.

What has been your most successful referral source so far?
Psychology Today has actually been my top referral source.

Who would you say would be your ideal client:
Young adult women who are going through some sort of a life transition. My clients tend to come to me when they’re feeling stuck somewhere in life or are transitioning into a new career or relationship change.

What do you like about that population?
I’ve always liked working with women and really believe in the power women empowering each other. Having a mentor-type role feels gratifying.

What advice would you give a new therapist considering working in a group private practice?
Mainly, really work on valuing your own craft -- don’t second guess yourself. You have value as a therapist and it’s okay to ask for what you’re worth.  Also, be authentic in the way you do therapy.  Don’t think you need to be a certain way -- there’s all types of therapists out there which means there’s plenty of room for you to be yourself in the room.

Wow, that’s some heart-felt advice! Okay, last questions…
What would your last meal be?
This one is easy -- my last meal would absolutely be a meat and cheese board with a baguette, maybe some almonds and fruit with a glass (or two) of white wine.

What are you currently reading?
I’m one of those people who reads multiple books at a time but currently I have 3 I’m pretty engaged in: “Come As You Are” by Emily Nagoski, “Intuitive Eating” by Elyse Resch and Evelyn Tribole and “Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.

​Website: https://www.austinrelationalwellness.com/
Creating Connection Couples Retreat: ​https://www.austinrelationalwellness.com/creating-connection

What's your holiday party strategy?  Because, between private practices hosting holiday parties, and your friends hosting parties, you could very well go to one party a day for all of December.  Okay, that's an exaggeration.  Maybe one party every other day.

I bring this up because, well, I'm an introvert and I hate parties.  (Call me Oscar and put me in a trash can.)

But I bring this up for YOU because saying "no" to parties isn't easy.  Sometimes we genuinely want to go.  Sometimes we despise the person who invited us.  Sometimes we shouldn't go no matter how we feel because we are tired.  

Wow, I may really be projecting here.  Maybe I need a nap...

Okay, but really.  Sometimes you have to pick and choose what's good for you.  The holiday season is the time to be selfish.  Wait, I meant self-protective.  There are so many demands in December that unless you get really comfortable saying "no" you will be sick by the new year.  No matter how much vitamin C you take.

This is a good time (the tail end of November) to decide on your Holiday Party strategy.  Whose will you go to, whose will you skip, and where are you giving yourself time to rejuvenate for the next one?  
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