Today we’d like to introduce you to Kendra Olson.
Hi Kendra, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I worked at a large clinic system for about 12 years before I decided to start my own mental health private practice. Towards the end of my time at my previous employer, I started to see clients who were new mothers, became a mother myself, and took further trainings to increase my expertise in perinatal mental health. I am three years into my business, and I am still navigating the steep learning curve of running your own business. I don’t look back and wish I still worked for someone else, despite there being more uncertainty as a solo business owner. I am passionate about helping women and mothers navigate their family-building years of life, and providing care within my business model also means I have the time and capacity I need to show up as a mother to my own children. My business has grown in three years and continues to, though I often have to remind myself to “ride out” the lulls and slower periods of client referrals. Launching my own business as a woman and mother has been the most impactful experience in increasing my self-confidence-I just wish I’d done it sooner!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No; many periods of slow client referrals, lots of energy put into marketing myself, learning marketing strategies, and meeting as many people who worked with mothers as well. I’m learning there will always be periods of slow business and keeping faith that business will rebound.
We’ve been impressed with Psychotherapy for Maternal Well-Being , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I provide mental health care for women during the family-building years of life. Women who are experiencing infertility, a difficult pregnancy and postpartum adjustment make up my client caseload, as well as mothers who are farther along in the parenthood journey. My business model allows me to do more for my clients in terms of specializing their care and I have advanced training in perinatal mental health. I am not a generalist therapist, and strongly believe mothers deserve specialized care from someone who understands mental health in the perinatal period and the radical change that is motherhood. I am proud to see other professionals trust my expertise and refer to me, as well as see current and previous clients refer their friends to my care.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I would never have considered myself a risk-taker in my life; leaving my previous job without a full caseload in my private practice was a scary leap but what made sense. I was fortunate to have a partner who had an income, but I was not sure at the beginning if my business model would be successful. I also experience risk-taking when marketing my business and myself-it is scary to “put yourself out there”! Risk is an inherent part of creating a successful business and part of how you create confidence in yourself and what you do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pfmwellbeing.com
- Instagram: pfmwellbeing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087654861200
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MaternalWellBeing
