Meet Joanna Rogers | Mental Health Therapist & Owner of Elevated Life Counseling

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

Hi Joanna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had joined a private practice in Arizona as an independent contractor and learned so much about how business’s work. I went on maternity leave for almost a year and during this time my family and I moved to Colorado to be closer to family. When we settled into our house, I knew right away that I wanted to start my business back up. Having my own business allows me the freedom to be home with my baby while scheduling my clients around my husband’s work schedule.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own Elevated Life Counseling and provide direct counseling services to adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, postpartum and pregnancy issues, perfectionism, people pleasing and life transitions. I am licensed to provide counseling to both Colorado and Arizona residents. I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) that helps my clients heal from symptoms of emotional distress and challenges.

When I was on maternity leave this past year, I realized how important postpartum support is for moms. I of course knew there were going to be mental health challenges, since I learned about it throughout my schooling years, however I truly still did not feel fully prepared for the changes. My hope and desires is to work very closely to the birthing community in Grand Junction, Colorado to support moms throughout their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. I had the opportunity to connect with the GJ Birth Collective this past December and provide a lecture at their Pregnancy and Postpartum Mental Health Event and it ignited my passion to support moms even more.

After we moved from Arizona to Colorado, I still took the time off to really soak in the early months of my new baby. However, I missed the therapist part of me and working closely with people through their healing journey. I only had my associate level licensed and had to study every single day while taking care of my baby to pass the LCSW exam. Once I passed the exam, I worked on my business and applied for licensure in both Colorado and Arizona. It was a stressful time, but the end goal of being able to support residents from both states that I love was in my sight. Through this, I learned that I am so much stronger and tougher than I think. Going through postpartum anxiety while working on this business has showed me that if I continue to take small steps every day, I can achieve what I desire.

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 absolutely love our little community of Grand Junction, Colorado. The Grand Valley has so many amazing areas to either hike, sip on some wine, or shop in the downtown area. The Colorado National Monument is one of the most beautiful national parks that I have seen. You can see the entire valley from the top and if your lucky, you can see some big horn sheep climbing the rocks. The neighboring town of Palisade have winery and vineyards that are stocked with delicious red and white wine varietal and blends. Palisade also grows many fruits such as peaches, pears and apples. Downtown Grand Junction have amazing shops where you could either find a cute dress in a boutique, rent bikes for some trails at Brown Cycles, shop for your new baby at Colorado Baby. grab a tasty coffee at Kiln or food at The Goat and Clover Tavern. The downtown area is so cute and welcoming to tourists. Grand Junction also has the most friendly people around!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate and send my love to my husband and my daughter. They are what keep me going every day to be the best business owner and therapist. I also want to shoutout to my friend and former business partner, Dr. Elizabeth Fedrick. Without her trusting to take me on as her first therapist in her private practice, I would not have learned the ins and outs of running a business.

Website: www.theelevatedtherapist.com

Instagram: the.elevated.therapist

Image Credits
Alisha Bean with Miss Moxie Photography Haley Chapman with Haley Bee Photography