We had the good fortune of connecting with Tricia Gagnon, LPC-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Tricia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
For many years I had been a solo therapist in private practice and I had a small, steady stream of clients that I loved working with. As my children grew, I was able to take on more clients and I started accepting insurance. In a short while, I was overwhelmed with clients and referrals which was wonderful, but I knew I needed to bring on help. The idea was that we could consult with one another, offer support, and learn from each other’s education, trainings and unique approaches to therapy. I decided when I hired my team, we would be an inclusive psychotherapy practice that also focused on healing from a holistic perspective. I have been a yoga teacher for 11 years, and I have experienced the body-mind connection in my own healing, and the positive results that happen when the body is included in the healing process for emotional and mental trauma.
I think many clients come to our practice for our judgment-free zone and our expertise in working with all kinds of trauma, relationship issues, anxiety & depression in a mindful way. Many of our clients and referrals came from folx that had been to counseling before, but felt judged for who they were, or their beliefs. They were so relieved to find a place they could be themselves, with no judgment or agenda, where all spiritual beliefs are welcome and all lifestyle choices. This really encouraged me to keep on in this journey and offer support to as many people in the community as we could.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We offer many paths to help clients reach their full potential: mindfulness, EMDR, equine therapy, yoga therapy, life coaching, meditation and yoga classes, therapy groups, retreats and workshops. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to market all that we offer as a practice-so clients that want a holistic approach can find us. It’s taken some time, but Mindful Path is established in Flower Mound as a solid resource for the community that is inclusive, clinically sound, and interested in the growth and healing of our community on a macro and micro level.
I am proud of the safe, judgment free zone we have created at our practice that allows clients to explore their vulnerabilities, and feel empowered in their healing process. We offer a refuge in our community for those outside the suburban norm, those that fear judgment about their issues, but are ready to reach out for help for the first time. Our boutique spa-like office and our empathetic, skilled clinicians make the healing process comfortable and rewarding for teens, adults, couples and families. There are so many paths to healing, and we truly want to be your partners on the path towards healing and consider it an honor to walk alongside our clients in their struggles and triumphs.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the things I love most about Flower Mound, is that we are close to Lake Lewisville, and Lake Grapevine, so there’s opportunities to be in nature all around. I definitely recommend a hike to scenic cliffs at Sunset Point in Lakeside. You can walk all around Lake Grapevine on miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. If yoga was calling, Urban Vybe offers both relaxing yin yoga classes or hot yoga with great jams, depending on your mood. After that, I’d recommend stopping by Epic Gelato in the Shops at Lakeside for a delicious Affogato to recharge your energy. If you’re a coffee purist, then Edison’s Coffee Co can’t be beat for fresh roasted brews.
Mia Nonno would be where we’d stop by for lunch. Their eggplant parmesan is amazing! Because I am a rock-hound and love gemstones, it’s fun to visit SoulTopia Holistic Boutique in Carrollton to find metaphysical treasures on a lazy afternoon. Then to enjoy a relaxing dinner on a great patio, Clink Wine Bar + Bites is where I go for an awesome wine selection, kind service, and excellent food.
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 wouldn’t be where I am right now without the support of my life partner, Mark LoPalo, who is also our equine specialist, yoga teacher and life coach. He has encouraged me every step of the way as my business has expanded. My team of amazing clinicians are very important to me. We continue to refine our work culture, and the vibe of our practice so it’s a relaxing and enjoyable place to be. Work-life balance and intentional self-care is encouraged as a priority for all our clinicians. I’m so thankful that my mentors, friends and family have been supportive in my journey as a business woman as well.
When I became a therapist, I had already signed up for continuous learning to master my craft. Since I am naturally more of an intuitive therapist, there has been a very big learning curve on the business & marketing side. It’s been rewarding to rely on the intuitive, creative, and business-savvy parts of myself as I create a holistic psychotherapy practice.
Website: www.mindfulpathdfw.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulpathcounseling/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/60133128/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindfulPathDFW
Image Credits
Rebekah Clayton