Today we’d like to introduce you to Renete Washington.
Hi Renete, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Becoming a mother just before my 18th birthday profoundly changed my life. By 22, I was a single young adult with three children, struggling with my own growth while guiding theirs. Amidst poverty and limited resources, I often felt undeserving of a better life, trapped in a cycle of poor decisions for a decade. At 28, returning to college was a turning point. A professor’s insight led me to recognize my struggles with abandonment, attachment issues, grief, and anxiety. This was my introduction to mental health, a field that has since become my passion. I founded Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC, focusing on supporting BIPOC women and others in need of mental health services. My 20-year career is rooted in advocating for self-love, self-compassion, and self-awareness, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness and the value of seeking professional help.
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?
Obtaining success was not an easy one. As a single teenage mother in the southern United States, raising three children on a limited income, I faced a myriad of challenges. I possessed subpar job skills, sometimes relying on the welfare system to make ends meet. The dependence on the welfare system created a cycle of financial instability and constrained my ability to seek better employment opportunities. The lack of positive role models in my life amplified these difficulties, and I struggled to envision and pursue a different path for myself and my family. Additionally, access to essential resources such as quality education, reliable childcare, and comprehensive healthcare was limited, further hindering my ability to break free from the cycle of poverty. The social stigma attached to being a young, single mother in a conservative region added to my emotional and mental burden, making the journey towards self-sufficiency and empowerment even more taxing.
We’ve been impressed with Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC stands out in mental health care through our commitment to empowering individuals to thrive and succeed. We service clients who suffer from anxiety, depression, relational problems, and women’s issues. Recognizing that many people lack the tools for personal growth, we focus on informing, inspiring, and increasing self-awareness. Our specialty lies in creating individualized plans that foster positive personal effectiveness. As therapists, we delve deep into uncovering our clients’ core issues, collaborating closely to develop problem-solving techniques and coping skills tailored to their unique needs.
Our approach is centered on the belief that individualized care can elevate self-esteem, alleviate stress, enhance communication, and facilitate positive life changes. We pride ourselves on shifting the focus from problems to solutions, employing various methodologies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and Coaching Services. At the heart of our practice is Person-Centered care, ensuring we treat the whole person for the most effective results.
What sets us apart is our commitment to a least restrictive, confidential, and convenient service environment, offering both telemental and face-to-face options to our clients in Georgia and Florida. Brand-wise, we take pride in our holistic, solution-focused approach and our ability to foster lasting, positive change in our clients’ lives. Whether through individual or group clinical sessions, we aim to break down barriers to success and well-being. Our message to our potential clients is clear: at Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC, your journey toward a more empowered and fulfilling life begins when the client partners with us.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
For psychotherapists aspiring to start their own private practice, thorough research is crucial. Understanding the business aspects of psychotherapy can significantly reduce stress, minimize financial errors, and enhance the longevity of your business. This research should encompass factors like location, budget planning, necessary operational systems, identifying your target client demographic, and understanding the impact of local competition. Marketing is often overlooked, yet it’s vital and should be a significant part of your budget, as it’s crucial to connect with clients who can benefit from your services.
Additionally, maintaining connections is essential to avoid the isolation often associated with private practice. Choosing between being a generalist or specializing in specific disorders can help focus your client base. Exercise caution in spending on coaching programs and training; be selective and focus on what genuinely enhances your expertise in mental health. Seeking mentorship from someone experienced in your desired path can be invaluable for advice and guidance. Above all, stay true to your purpose and prioritize self-care.
Pricing:
- Individual Therapy Session $120 per hour
- Couple Therapy Session $150 per hour
- Coaching Service $150 per hour
- Group Therapy $40 per hour
Contact Info:
- Website: www.refinedbeginningscounseling.com
- Instagram: RefinedBeginningsLLC
