Meet Janice Leonard | Licensed Professional Counselor & Private Practice Owner

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

Hi Janice, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
There are seasons that require us to make that sacrifice here a bit, however, I have found that the other side of that can be amazing, for many of us, the pandemic helped. I went from graduate school, working full-time, and being a wife and mother often in tears about the sacrifice of balance. Right now, I own my private practice and do some contract work at a clinic, being fully remote has made me look at life so differently. My commute time has been transformed into intentional me time, it’s a full breakfast and a morning workout. I have breaks that I often use for my creative ventures. I get to pick my kids up from school and enjoy a relaxing evening, I get to create intimate moments with my husband, stay in touch, and make time for friends and family. I think of balance in percentages, and with it, every aspect of my life receives what I can mindfully give on that specific day.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I launched my private practice last year to meet and work with my ideal clients. My process to launch was strategic and I worked steadily to avoid overwhelm and burnout during the journey. Prior to graduate school, my school career was focused on business management which I was finally able to utilize in this season of my life. It felt like everything I had been taught was finally coming together and I had support for it.

The most challenging part of being a solo practice owner is managing the many tasks that come with having a business, and for that, I focus on my strengths and delegate/outsource as needed. As a business owner, it is important to learn early on what tasks you can keep in house and what to delegate to prevent burnout.

My practice offers psychotherapy services to individuals, couples/partners, and mother-daughter dyads. My areas of focus are life transitions, sex & intimacy, first-generation immigrant challenges, mother-daughter relationships, and end-of-life therapy.

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 Watch- Breakfast/ Brunch Dutch Bros- On the go coffee
University Park Village- Shopping
Stockyards- Shopping and Cattle Drive
Fort Worth Zoo- Daytime fun (get some steps)
Chicken and Pickle Grand Prairie- Pickle ball and outdoor fun
Hard Eight BBQ- Food
Glorias’s Nightlife in Addison- Food and Dance
LOOK Dine-In Cinemas- Movies
Deseo Dallas- Food and downtown fun
Reunion Tower Dallas- Sunset views
Arlington/ Addison IMPROV- Stand up comedy

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my second practicum/ internship supervisor who provided so much support to my journey to becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor., she took a chance on me when I had absolutely no experience with the inmate population. Shareen Howard, LPC-Supervisor opened my world up to knowledge and skills that are essential to becoming a balanced individual and a mindful therapist.

Website: https://www.cognitiveshiftstherapy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cognitiveshiftstherapy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cognitiveshifts

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cognitiveshiftstherapy

Image Credits
Photographer- Manuel “Manny” Aguinaga https://www.thepackphotography.com/