Maria Connolly, LPC
Advice on how psychologists, psychotherapists, healing professionals, and life coaches can start, build and run a thriving private practice.
Are you looking to grow your influence and make a deeper impact in business and life? Success isn’t just about mastering technical skills or strategies—it’s about how you show up, lead, and navigate challenges. That’s where embodied business practices come into play.
Can you relate to Amanda’s story?
Is it your dream to start building a life coaching business that really helps people become the best version of themselves possible? That’s great! I wholeheartedly recommend it because I absolutely love coaching my clients!
What I didn’t love at first, and what you might struggle with, is the marketing aspect. But if you want clients, you have to let them know you’re available to help them. You also want to attract the right clients so you have to make yourself stand out as different, allowing your prospective clients to see why working with you is a good fit.
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. ~ Jim Rohn
Do you experience a heart-pounding moment when you think about meeting new people? The very word — networking — creates great anxiety among many of my readers. Especially if you’re an introvert, the thought of attending a networking event, or even reaching out to one person online, can stress you out. If that’s true for you…I invite you to stop… take a deep breath… and embrace the magic of connecting with “like-minded people.”
Who are like-minded people? They’re the ones who have similar opinions and interests to your own. Do you understand how powerful that is? Since you already have something in common (passions, values, hobbies, jobs, interests, etc), you can use that to start a conversation. You get to talk about something you’re excited about with someone who is also excited about it. Automatic connection!
“Listening is being able to be changed by the other person.” ~ Alan Alda
As Linda poured out her feelings during a recent session, she stopped and looked at me expectantly. “Aren’t you going to tell me what you think or tell me how to fix my problem? After all, that’s what everyone else does, when I try to tell how I feel.” I told her, “Number one…I don’t believe you need to be “fixed”. My job is to employ the art of listening so I can help you reflect on your feelings and find their meaning for yourself.”
Her experience illustrates how we fall into the trap of thinking about what we’re going to say next, rather than really give our full attention to what the other person is saying. It’s natural to relate what you’re hearing to your own experiences, however, this can lead to jumping to inaccurate conclusions. It’s important to make a deliberate and mindful effort to understand the other side.
“We should always have three friends in our lives — one who walks ahead, who we look up to and follow; one who walks beside us, who is with us every step of our journey; and then, one who we reach back for and bring along after we’ve cleared the way.” ~ Michelle Obama
If you’re like other women in my community, you want to make the most of your life while making a difference in this world. So how will you know when you find your passion? The people you serve feel right, and the service you’re offering brings you lightness and joy, even if it’s hard work.