Today we’d like to introduce you to Keren Drits.
Hi Keren, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
A leap of faith, a passion for helping children and families, and the right timing is how I started my business, Bright Futures Child and Family Therapy, PC.
I had always loved working with children. It began with being a camp counselor in high school and college, and progressed to going to the University of Florida for my BA in Elementary Education. I moved to Atlanta shortly after, and had my first teaching job in East Point, and then Norcross. Throughout my 7 years of teaching, I got my Masters degree in School Counseling, as I quickly realized that I enjoyed the social/emotional side of working with kids, and not the educational aspects as much. My career as a school counselor in Gwinnett County was in several schools and had spanned 11 years when I opened my practice in 2016. I worked part time as a school counselor, and built my practice until 2018, when I retired from the school system to focus solely on building Bright Futures Therapy full time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As most things in life, it has not been an entirely smooth road. The therapy business is very seasonal, so every year there needs to be financial adjustments made for those ups and downs.
I never learned anything about business in college, so I had to teach myself (and I’m still learning every day) marketing skills, social media skills, and business management skills that I never knew I would need! Being an entrepreneur is exciting and exhausting at the same time– I have to stop myself from working sometimes because I enjoy what I’m doing so much.
I’m also a solo practitioner, so I am the therapist, secretary, billing specialist, and manager. Lots of hats to wear. It has forced me to be consistent, and focus on the business aspect of things.
There have also been some personal struggles along the way, but they have made me more resilient than ever.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Bright Futures Child and Family Therapy, PC is a private practice located one mile from Downtown Alpharetta for children, teens, college students, parents, and families.
I specialize in seeing individuals for:
ADHD, anxiety, OCD, depression, divorce/blended family issues, educational or school related issues, self- esteem/confidence issues, parent coaching, life transitions, college/graduate school concerns, and grief.
I have a unique combination of school and private sector experience with children and families over the last 28 years that enables me to provide a helpful perspective to parents.
Bright Futures Child and Family Therapy, PC is proudly celebrating 10 years in business this year in September.
What were you like growing up?
I was very much the same growing up as I am today, when it comes to my personality– stubborn and headstrong, but full of love and loyalty for the ones I love. As a teenager I definitely got myself into trouble for a lot of things, so that helps me empathize with the teens that I work with and connect with them. I think adults forget what they were like as kids. I never forget that feeling.
I was not the kid that cared about school– I was unmotivated and bored in high school. My school counselor told me NOT to apply to UF because I was not going to get in. I did anyway, and proudly got in.
I loved spending time with friends and going to the beach every weekend. Growing up in South Florida had its benefits.
I was not a rule follower, and I’m still not, and I think that’s ok as long as you know where the line is— that’s its own lesson.
I was creative and loved music and art, which I still do to this day. I played guitar and keyboard for most of my childhood, and also ice-skated on weekends.
I always had a part time job in high school and college summers- everything from being a shoe salesperson to working in a fine jewelry store.
All these aspects of my personality growing up helped shape me into who I am today, and inevitably helped contribute to my success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brightfuturestherapy.com
- Instagram: @brightfuturestherapyga
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/brightfuturestherapypc
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/keren-drits-84844616
Image Credits
Jo-Anne Liakakos LPC, NCC
