Meet Alyssa Klein | Licensed Professional Counselor

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

Hi Alyssa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have always had a desire to have more control over my work life balance, and being my own boss gives me complete say of when I work, where I work and who I work with. Creating my own schedule is a sense of freedom that I have always dreamed of.
Now, finding a balance between my financial goals with my work/life balance goals is a new challenge I am facing. I have been working to find a happy medium where I can feel financially comfortable while also giving myself enough time off to enjoy my life.

What should our readers know about your business?
I opened my private practice in November 2022 to start meeting with clients one day a week in addition to working full time at a community mental health center. After working for a year and a half with just a handful of private practice clients, I decided in March 2024 to go part time at my job and create more space to grow my private practice.

Initially, I was so excited to finally be taking a step towards a lifelong career goal of mine. However, the first week I panicked. I realized that without clients, there is no income. The lack of a safety net that comes with consistent income as an employee was overwhelming. But then I started looking around and noticing all of the people around me that were able to navigate this challenge. Whether it was people working seasonal jobs, contractor jobs or jobs that require a clientele, I realized it was do-able and if all of these other people could figure it out, so could I.

I began working to accept the ebs and flows of referrals that come with the nature of having your own business. I started being mindful of setting myself up for success to navigate the ebs and flows while also working to not internalize or take it personal. This was business, after all.

I am so proud of myself for believing in myself and pushing myself out of comfort zone to fulfill a lifelong dream of mine. My business is something that I treasure and never take this opportunity for granted. Believing in yourself is never a bad idea.

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.
I love being able to show this beautiful state off when I have visitors! My go to spots are:
– The Wild Animal Sanctuary- It is such a great cause that I am always happy to support. Every person I have taken there, from kids to adults, has enjoyed the unique experience to see wild animals who have been rescued from horrific situations to now living in a safe, free and wild-like environment.
– Monarch Casino and Spa- The spa at Monarch in Blackhawk is such an amazing experience. If you want to feel pampered and spend the day hopping from various spa rooms to ordering lunch and mimosas at the pool, all while looking out at beautiful mountains, then this is a place for you.
– Pearl street in Boulder. When I first moved to Colorado 10 years ago, I moved to Boulder. I have so many nostalgic memories on Pearl Street and feel proud of the unique and fun vibe that comes with that street. A personal favorite of mine is grabbing some pasta at Pasta Jays. Just follow the smell of garlic and you will be in for a wonderful Italian meal.

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?
Jefferson Center for Mental Health hired me right out of graduate school and took a leap of faith on me. I was the first unlicensed counselor to be hired by my team at JCMH. As a counselor, after you graduate from grad school you need to obtain a certain number of sessions hours under a licensed supervisor for at least your first two years. During these first two years it is essential to work in a supportive environment since you are learning as you go. Jefferson Center not only took a leap by hiring me as an unlicensed counselor, but also provided me weekly supervision, group supervision and consistent training opportunities to learn and grow my skill set. If they had not taken a chance in hiring me and then provided a supportive environment when I was fresh out of school, I would not be the counselor I am today. Due to the guidance, training and genuine caring about me, I was allotted a safe space to grow during the most vulnerable time in my profession.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/975663