We had the good fortune of connecting with Alicia Collins and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Alicia, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Other than the pivotal decision to embark on my journey as an independent professional, the most crucial choice that propelled my success was embracing a holistic and community-focused approach to therapy. This involved creating a sanctuary at The Well Therapy Group, a place where clients don’t just come for therapy, but experience a nurturing environment that fosters deep healing and connection. I realized early on that the ambiance and ethos of our practice would be key in defining our success.
By transforming our office into a space that contrasts sharply with traditional clinical settings, we made it a point to offer a welcoming, comfortable, and relaxing environment. This choice was rooted in my belief that healing is not just about addressing mental health in isolation, but about integrating physical movement, spiritual practices, and a deep understanding of neuroscience. Our practice is more than a collection of therapists; it’s a community where everyone, from clients to team members, contributes to an atmosphere of growth, empathy, and authentic connection.
An integral part of this journey was being intentional about team building. I prioritized fostering a sense of family among our team members. We believe that a team that feels connected and valued is better equipped to support our clients. This approach extends beyond the walls of our practice into the wider community, where we continuously strive to establish connections and offer support.
In summary, the decision that significantly contributed to my success was creating an environment at The Well Therapy Group that embodies our holistic approach to therapy, emphasizing community, connection, and a nurturing atmosphere, both for our team and our clients. This decision has allowed us to not just grow as a practice but to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we work with.
What should our readers know about your business?
Building The Well Therapy Group has been a journey marked not just by professional challenges but deeply personal ones as well. Balancing the demands of starting and growing a business with personal life, especially in a field as emotionally involved as therapy, was a significant challenge. There were times when maintaining the harmony between my professional aspirations and personal well-being was strenuous.
One of the hardest aspects was ensuring that our approach remained true to my vision of holistic and empathetic therapy, in a sector often dominated by conventional methods. This required not only finding the right team who shared this vision but also educating and attracting clients who were seeking a different kind of therapeutic experience.
Another personal challenge was managing the financial and emotional risks involved in establishing a new practice. It required a leap of faith and a significant investment of resources. The uncertainty of this venture was at times overwhelming, but with the support of my husband and the belief in the importance of our work, we persevered.
These experiences taught me the importance of resilience, self-care, and the value of a supportive community. They underscored the significance of aligning personal values with professional goals, and the need for patience and persistence in the face of challenges. These lessons have not only shaped our business but also how we approach therapy, emphasizing personal growth and strength in adversity.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start our mornings with yoga and downtime at Le Sol House. Mid-week, we’d get our hands dirty with a pottery class at Marcello Andres Ceramics – so much fun! We’d also squeeze in a tough but awesome workout at SolidCore. Food-wise, we’re talking delicious lunches at Fount Board and Table and the most amazing French onion soup for dinner at the Adolphus Hotel. And of course, we can’t miss live music nights at The Mansion Bar. Plus, a relaxing day at The Joule Spa and some coffee from our close friends at Berni Bean. We’d wrap up our week with an intimate show at the Kessler Theater, because it’s hands down the best place in Dallas to watch live music.
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?
A significant portion of my appreciation goes to the community I serve. The stories, resilience, and trust of my clients have been instrumental in not only shaping The Well Therapy Group but also in continually inspiring me to evolve both as a therapist and an individual. Their journeys remind me daily of the power of human connection and the transformative impact of empathetic support.
Equally deserving of recognition are the talented therapists I work alongside at The Well Therapy Group. Their dedication, insight, and collaborative spirit have been pivotal in our collective success and in shaping the nurturing environment we provide for our clients.
And, of course, a special mention goes to my husband. His unwavering support, love, and encouragement have been a cornerstone of my personal and professional journey. His presence and belief in my vision have been instrumental in every step of my path. Together, these individuals and groups form the backbone of my story, each contributing in their unique way to where I am today.
Website: www.bewelldallas.com
Instagram: @thewellmind.tx , @aliciacollins.lpc
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciafike
Twitter: https://x.com/bewelldallas?s=21&t=3xusnBL8btm0IUsT6Wi2gg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/5ViQjdWJPB1AqU5A/?mibextid=WC7FNe
Yelp: https://yelp.to/S9nORWVXPN
Image Credits
Justin Dougherty & @sarah.la.vie