Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Holbrook.
Hi Ellie, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My career as a psychotherapist started in 2010 when I graduated with a Master’s in Arts in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. I worked in various settings over the next three years until the State of MN licensed me as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I opened a small private practice In Spicer, Minnesota, in 2013, where I provided mental health services for adults, teens, children, couples, and families. I remained a solo practitioner until 2017, when I was approached by a colleague, Whitney Berg, LMFT, who suggested we expand my practice to include her and another provider. Then, the Sojourn Counseling Group was born. Since that time, we have expanded from one clinician (myself) to twenty-five women, spanning two states, And 8 cities.
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?
It has been both smooth and turbulent! Our growth has been smooth and organic, as I have been blessed with an incredible team! As a small business owner, however, the learning curve has been high, particularly during the height of the pandemic (2020/2021). We had to navigate unprecedented times, not only in our nation but also in the mental health industry.
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?
Sojourn Counseling Group is a unique collaboration of practitioners and professionals providing various therapeutic counseling services to Central Minnesota and Reno, Nevada. Unlike any other organization in the area, our practitioners have expertise in such specialty areas as Counseling Psychology, Marriage, and Family Therapy, Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness, and Health and Wellness Optimization. We take pride in the wide range of specialties and expertise we offer our clients and the community. Common issues we address include emotional and cognitive issues, relational and identity concerns, adjustment to life phases, roles, and transitions, grief, health and wellness optimization, goal setting and attainment, and professional and academic performance. Sojourn Counseling Group is not only woman-owned, but our entire staff is currently comprised only of women with an otherwise diverse background, both personally and professionally. As practitioners, we work closely with individuals of all demographics, helping them reach greater personal satisfaction in all areas of life.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
What an excellent question! I had always been risking averse until I opened a business! It was then that I understood Thomas Jefferson’s quote, “With great risk comes great reward,” as this has been my experience in the industry. While I don’t consider myself a “risk taker” per se, I feel that risk is inherent in entrepreneurship, particularly during times of triumph and growth. I have been in private practice for 10 years and have become more confident in taking calculated and intuitive risks. And also believe in my ability to recover should things not go as planned. Some of the greatest risks I have taken over the years include: venturing into private practice as a young professional, expanding my team, giving raises (including myself!), opening new offices, and encouraging my team to be themselves as therapists and professionals. I believe that these risks have to lead to the most fulfilling outcomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.sojourncounselinggroup.com
- Instagram: @sojourncounselinggroup
- Facebook: Www.facebook.com/sojourncounselinggroupmn
- Other: Www.ellieholbrook.net
Image Credits
Alita Rey Photography Melissa Vargas Photography
