Meet Kristen Radke, LCSW | Private Practice Owner, Clinical Therapist & Supervisor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Radke, LCSW and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve been in the social work / mental health field since 2012, and I’ve taken on many different roles during that time. For a while it didn’t really make sense what all of these experiences would lead to, but eventually I found my way into the mental health field. I realized that I loved holding space and walking people through places of deep pain into healing – it’s a privilege, and something I don’t take lightly.

After the birth of my daughter, I felt it was time to branch out on my own – I worked in community mental health, and then a group private practice. Owning and operating a private practice allows me to show up both as a mom and as a therapist. It allows me to continue showing up for others, without sacrificing time as a family.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hi, I’m Kristen. I have my bachelors and masters in social work, and am licensed as a clinical therapist and clinical supervisor here in Arizona. I own and manage my own private practice, offering individual and couples counseling via teletherapy and equine assisted psychotherapy at a local ranch. (It’s amazing what adding horses to a therapy session will reveal.) I also provide contracted clinical supervision to associate-level therapists who are working on getting their independent license. (If that’s you, let’s chat!)

I treat anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and trauma primarily. My passion is helping people get to the root cause of their issues, so that we’re no longer treating the symptoms – I believe that therapy is meant to be helpful, and short-term. I meet with a lot of people who have been in therapy before, but haven’t found it helpful for one reason or another. If you’re one of those people, don’t give up on therapy – it can be helpful if you find the right fit.

Starting this private practice was not easy – I asked a lot of questions of others (experts in their fields), and have learned a lot along the way. While providing therapy and completing the administrative tasks felt familiar, owning this private practice came with challenges like marketing, networking, and creating. It forced me to step outside of my comfort zone, and dive into learning about things I never thought I’d need to know. What surprised me about this process, is I actually ended up enjoying some of these things that have nothing to do with the therapy process.

To anyone wanting to start this journey or one like it, my encouragement is persistence and perseverance. If you keep at it, and continue to be consistent, you’ll get where you want to go. It also helps to have people around you reminding you that starting a successful business takes time and consistency.

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?
Along the way there have been many people who have impacted me, and encouraged me to start and run this business; however, I definitely know that I would not be where I am without the love and support of my husband. He has championed and encouraged me in every step of this process, and we work as a team. I’m grateful that he has supported this dream of becoming a business owner, and all the work and time that entails.

Website: https://www.kristenradke.com

Instagram: @therapywithkris

Image Credits
Hope Arredondo, Digital & Co