We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Bantel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my early 20s, a close friend shared a Leo Buscaglia quote with me: “The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing, and becomes nothing. He may avoid suffering and sorrow, but he simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow or love. Chained by his certitude, he is a slave; he has forfeited his freedom. Only the person who risks is truly free.” It resonated with me deeply, in a way very little in life ever does. I distilled the concept into into the simple mantra “those who risk nothing, do nothing,” and that has been a guiding principle throughout my life for the past couple of decades.

It guided me through several job changes, provided openness to expand my career into to Fortune 500 corporate America, confidence to apply myself and climb the corporate ladder, desire to improve myself with college education, and the courage to walk away from a comfortable corporate life to pursue a doctoral program in clinical psychology – a field I had 0 experience in until my 3rd year of grad school. It gave me the fortitude to withstand the skepticism of people who thought I was making an irresponsible choice and the insight to surround myself with mentors that who’s guidance still echoes in my therapy practice today. It allowed me to be bold enough to apply to some lofty ideals for internship placements and the satisfaction of getting my #1 pick. When I opened my private practice a two years ago, there wasn’t a hint of self-doubt, because I’d spent nearly the last two decades taking risks.

Its not about recklessly “betting it all on black,” but rather a calculated “all-in” on myself.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Arroyo Psychological Services is a private practice in Scottsdale Arizona. I started it because I believed that I could have a better impact on client services from behind a leadership/owner role at a practice than as an employee at a larger organization. I’m most excited about our recent growth by adding Patricia Lauer, LAC to the team and the prospect of adding another therapist to the group late 4th/early 1st quarter. Our big goal to to move to an integrative model that incorporates psychiatric services with mental health services with a strong team of top professionals dedicated to valuing client relationship.

Starting the private practice wasn’t easy. No graduate program that I’m aware of teaches the business side of psychology. I believe my corporate background was crucial in helping me in the area, but that it ultimately came down to having the persistence to “figure it out” and perseverance to not allow roadblocks to derail my dream. There were some seriously frustrating days, exhaustion was real, and I had to learn the lesson that getting my practice off the ground was never going to be more important to anyone else than me.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First, there will be trips to a few local coffee places, like Peixoto and Sagebrush coffee. There will be obligatory meals at Matt’s Big Breakfast and The Collins Small Batch Kitchen. Some day trips up north to beat the heat, to places like the Painted Desert – truly a sight to behold. Host a true BBQ a home for some great comradery, capping some evenings off with Scottsdale night life or cigar bars.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Ed Bantel – my father for decades of guidance and unwavering support.

Dr. Karen Bryson – my undergrad advisor. We “argued” for almost an hour in her office about me going into a doctoral program. She won, I started grad school. Best loss in my life.

All of my grad school supervisors/teachers – I cannot express enough gratitude for the lessons you shared that are still with me today.

Frankie Allmon – you shared a quote with me one night and it radically changed my life.

Website: https://www.arroyopsych.com

Instagram: @ArroyoPsych

Facebook: https://facebook.com/arroyopsych

Image Credits
Photos by Patricia Lauer, LAC

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