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

Hi Alysha, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
As anything, words can have so many meanings. The word “success” has had many definitions throughout my life and career, but current day the word “success” means intentionally working towards my conscious purpose of supporting and connecting people in their healing journeys.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
In the past, I was very narrow minded in my focus to make money and to prove to others around me that I could be “successful” on my own, even though I had a lot of discouragement from peers, professors and other mentors in the field.

I can humbly admit that I got to where I am today due to a set of unprocessed trauma responses and individualistic social conditioning that told me I had to be “successful” and do it on my own. I wasn’t aware of this at the time, as most of us in pursuit of “success” aren’t.

Once I executed the societal expectation of “success” I stopped trying to do what I had been taught and what I felt I subconsciously had to fight for, and stepped into a more authentic version of myself. This has allowed my work as a therapist, as well as my business model and mindset to continue to grow in ways I feel is more genuine and purposeful. It’s become easy.

I had to get to know my authentic self and become very in touch with my “whys” in life in order to get here. This was the messiest, most toxic and uncomfortable process of my entire life, as I basically had to restructure my entire mode of functioning. At one point, I felt like an imposture, only to find that in the end, I am actually exactly who I really am. “Success” or not. “Success” is stepping into my truth without having to defend myself and doing what I believe is good for myself.

This all lead me to the natural creation of the team that currently exists within Modern Love Counseling, and I have been thoroughly enjoying the mentorship, advocacy and leadership role that I am often in within the team dynamic. I have also started to shift my work with my direct clients and am still in the process of determining what and how exactly it lands. I am excited for that evolution!

I have learned a lot of lessons along the way, and continue to be inspired by my intuition rather than my ego or society’s demands. I encourage my team and my clients to do the same.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Nature is our medicine. I was born in Denver, and although it has changed many forms throughout the last couple of decades, the mountains will always be consistent. I love going to Eldorado Cannon for a long solo hike, or walking around Standley Lake to see water. I also love Golden and everything that little town has to offer.

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?
When I was growing up, I absolutely despised school, so college was really hard for me. When I met my current husband, I was 22-years-old and he supported me daily to finish even though my undergrad degree was taking over 6 years to complete. I really do owe him much gratitude for having that kind of impact on my decision to complete school, because had it been up to me, I would have probably quit and travelled the world instead. Now, I think eventually my path would have taken me down a scholarly path in some sort, but his motivation and support was incredibly profound in helping me see my potential at the time.

In graduate school my professor and supervisor post graduation, Joanna Stratton, was also another person in my life who encouraged me to pursue my truth in the way that I felt I needed to. Although she had a very scholarly process for her own professional journey, she was always super encouraging of my own wisdom, creativity and goals. She was always super validating and encouraged me to pursue what my heart desired. I owe a lot to her encouragement and support.

I have also been incredibly supported by the members of my group practice and cannot speak highly enough about the family that we have created as women and relationship therapists. We all support each other in ways that I didn’t realize was possible, as well as teach each other things about our own journeys and development. I am deeply appreciative of each of them.

I am also incredibly moved by all of the work by Gabor Mate.

Website: Www.modernlovecounseling.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alysha-jeney-ma-lmft-0537a47a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernlovecounseling/

Yelp: https://yelp.to/G0RJnGTFGB

Other: Our new business is shortly on its way! Be sure to check out www.ModernLoveCouples.com!

Image Credits
Felipe Jimenez https://www.felipejimenez.com/

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.