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

Hi Kaylee, do you have any habits that you feel contribute to your effectiveness?

More than any “business savvy” or prior knowledge about the counseling field, I think the three habits that have served me the most in the operation of my business are a growth mindset, flexibility, and a genuine interest in the welfare of others. For me, a growth mindset means a constant curiosity about anything that arises within the business for which I am lacking prior knowledge. This applies to every aspect of the work that I do, from regularly reading about new therapeutic concepts and techniques, to connecting with my CPA team to better understand the accounting of the business, to learning how to effectively use social media for marketing. Maintaining a growth mindset and curiosity to learn more has opened many doors of opportunity for me, and has helped me navigate the unexpected turns that inevitably come with business ownership.
Flexibility is the name of the game. I truly believe that the only thing that will stay the same in a business is the fact that things are always changing. The need to pivot quickly and gracefully is a daily necessity. In order to be able to maintain this posture, I prioritize time for self-care and I schedule time in the day for decision-making. Typically, stressors that require flexibility also require consideration surrounding next steps, so to set myself up for success in flexibility, I regularly schedule the needed time to make decisions. I try to limit myself to specific hours to make these decisions; that way my life is not derailed, or my mind completely absorbed by something occurring unexpectedly. Of course, there are still times in which overwhelming decisions do derail my best attempts at maintaining balance, but overall, this strategy is one that helps compartmentalize and create a much-needed work/life balance.
Regardless of the domain of life in which you find yourself, I believe that you will never finish last if you have a genuine interest in the welfare of others. This principle is a motto I carry with me in every interaction I have for those I work with whether I am interacting with clients, business associates, experts with whom I consult, or employees. With this in mind, I have built a network of individuals upon whom I can rely; and they can rely on me. My team knows that I care for them and will do everything within my power to help support them in the ways that they need. Though there many not be a tangible financial reward to investing in the welfare of others, the relationships developed and maintained are ultimately my “why”, and give meaning to the mundane.

What should our readers know about your business?
Luxx Therapy is a people-centered therapy practice in North Richland Hills. The reason I ultimately chose to open Luxx Therapy, is because I was seeking a specific type of culture that I just wasn’t able to find. Like any other entrepreneur, I thought, “Why not create it?” and so I did. Our culture is one in which clinicians are truly invested in; in which clinicians are respected in the ways they deserve. My philosophy is that when clinicians are taken care of in the ways that they need, they are then able to deliver high quality services to clients. Clients are why we are here, and they deserve to have the highest quality services available, at an affordable price. In real time, this looks like supporting the decisions of clinicians in their work, providing competitive compensation packages, being available for ongoing clinician and administrative support, and structuring biweekly paid team meetings to collaborate, engage in continued learning opportunities, and develop the community of support. This translates to clients in the form of educated clinicians, who are able to be mentally present in session, because they aren’t worried about being micromanaged or questioned for their decisions. This means clients have access to clinicians who are used to applying their theoretical orientation regularly, meaning that things said and done in the therapy room are purposeful and meaningful. This means clients are able to explore the deepest parts of themselves with the confidence that their therapist will be with them in the ways that they need. To me, it is the only way to do business. Lux, in Greek, means light. At Luxx Therapy, we want our clients to leave our office feeling more and more connected to the light that is in them; the light that is in us all. It is light that gives life, and there is nothing we want more than our clients to feel alive in all the ways they desire and deserve. At the end of the day, we want our clients to feel seen and cared for, capable of shining their light a little brighter in their communities and families.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
DFW has countless activities suiting all different types of interests. In my hyper-local neighborhood of North Richland Hills, I recommend Kindred Coffee. It is a locally owned coffee shop, with a space large enough to enjoy a quiet book, or a set of board games with friends. Down the road in Southlake, I love to eat at Wildwood, an American grill with a rustic flair—the Pecan Crusted Chicken will steal your heart every time! Colleyville, Texas hosts a locally owned Japanese restaurant, Honey Teriyaki, boasting their family recipe “secret sauce,” suitable for everything on the menu! I love family-owned restaurants, and small businesses in general. To get your sweat on, attend any of the Barre or Cycle classes at The Dailey Method Colleyville, and enjoy a supportive community of women while feeling confident about all your body can do! I enjoy both the Dallas and Fort Worth Zoos, and the Dallas and Fort Worth Botanical Gardens. For some outdoor activities, try biking all the way around White Rock Lake, and visiting Lake Grapevine. The Dallas Museum of Art is a must-see, and is even free for entry with a prior reservation!

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?
I love this question! There are countless people in my corner, who have been extremely consequential in helping me get to where I am today. From the day I first said I wanted to open a practice, my husband has been my number one encourager and supporter, never doubting my ability to be successful. My family has consistently encouraged me and believed in me, and my mom has been a constant sounding board for countless decisions I have made. A mentor, small-business-owner, and dear friend, Christina Vance, shared with me a transformational book, The E-Myth Revisited by Michael E. Gerber at the beginning of my journey and has helped me grow both personally and professionally. I also regularly consult with other therapists who have become mentors to me in different aspects of my business, and am thankful for their ongoing support and availability to me. A special thanks is due Hannah, a fellow traveler on the journey of practice ownership. I owe tremendous amount of gratitude and thanks to God for giving me the opportunities to be able to use my talents in a way that feels very meaningful, and for the support of my church community in praying for my success and checking in on me regularly. Finally, I feel thankful to my clients who have trusted me with their hearts and minds, who continue to show up week after week to put in the hard work of healing, and for the genuine encouragement they have given me by transitioning with me to Luxx Therapy when I opened.

Website: www.luxxtherapy.com

Instagram: luxx_therapy

Image Credits
Lindsey Rabon Photography

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