Meet Patsy Carlson | Therapist

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

Hi Patsy, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I imagine many people have a belief that Therapy only exists in a 60 minute window of time, for both the Therapist and the Client, like this vacuum sealed moment that presents itself, is felt and experienced and then is sealed-off once again. I think it would be surprising for many outside of this field of work to understand the truly intentional “knowing” of another person that accumulates over time in a therapeutic relationship and how that extends well beyond a session. The curious exploration of another human life; their thoughts and their suffering, their patterns of behavior and their feelings, it is a very sacred and humbling part of the work we do and it stays with us as Clinicians. It shapes how we approach sessions in future, what Continued Education or Supervision we receive and how we think of, hope for and consider our Clients well after a session (yes, your Therapist thinks about you outside of Therapy sessions!). I have a hope for anyone who does not have experience with Therapy or is curious about seeking Therapy, to fully understand that it is more than a “session time”: it’s one of the (or for some the only) places you will begin to feel fully known by another person, but most importantly feel fully known to yourself. That is felt and experienced outside of the session – it shows up in your LIFE. Any good Clinician in this industry, and I am surrounded by many, knows the deep significance of that for every Client we see and they access it before, during and after every “60 minute window of time”.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 12 years of experience in the field of Mental Health. I am the Owner and practicing clinician of my Private Practice called Mind & Mend, PLLC located in Downtown Erie. I offer both in-person and virtual therapy services aimed at helping individuals explore their mind and mend their relationships, which is the main philosophy of my brand. Whether you are looking to explore better knowledge, understanding or transformation of your mind or seeking to mend relationships in your life or to painful feelings or experiences, I think there is hope and value in asking for help. I think what sets my practice apart is that, within this philosophy, my Clients feel safe to be deeply and unapologetically HUMAN and this frees them up to really tend to the most important relationship in their life – the one with themselves. Maya Angelou says, “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.” At Mind & Mend, people tell their stories, they slowly open to curiosity and they begin to find hope – there is no greater measure of ‘success’ for my work than that.

As for my practice itself, I would say that it has “lived in my dreams” for a long time and it often feels surreal that it has taken shape in the ways it has. I started drafting my business plan and the text for my website in a local cafe. I had just had my third child 6 months prior and I was fitting in the planning when and where I could. The first year, I only provided virtual services and worked out of an open office in my Church. I believe it happened this way for me so that I would always hold gratitude for what I am able to do and where I get to do it now, 3 years later. I feel thankful and honored to be doing the work I am, in the ways that feel most aligned with who I am. If you are building a business, dreaming up an idea or contemplating a change – lean in. The ambition, conception and execution of building and operating a business is absolutely a challenging one. And, it has been a process of growth, a test of self-belief and an active relearning for me that has only connected me deeper with my work and my confidence as a professional serving our Community. I want anyone who questions their capability to hear that whatever “it” is for you, it is possible – your idea is worthy and you are enough. The greatest lesson in my personal and professional life is that we all have a “degree of impact”. I want people to stand tall in their own significance of impact, no matter how small; it matters – and when you let that be enough for yourself, that is when you’ll see it grow.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The wonderful thing about Erie is that you are close enough to Denver and a stones throw from Boulder, with gems in between! I would start with brunch at Tangerine in Lafayette, they have a beautiful menu and keep the coffee flowing! If you miss a cup at brunch, coffee shops dot the old town streets of most of our cities, but my favorites are Fox Dog Coffee in Erie, which is in walking distance from my office, and Bittersweet Cafe & Confections (it’s all in the name) in Louisville. Take your time, bring a book or a friend and make it a point to engage a local in conversation. Cafes, bookstores and eateries are all invitations to slow down and find connection, if you’re really looking for it. If you feel like exploring or disconnecting, drive West to Boulder and you’ll have your pick of beautiful hikes and scenery, a favorite of ours is the South Mesa Trailhead which is also phenomenal for family photos! Do a little shopping on Pearl Street and stop for gelato at your pick of parlors. For dinner, our family enjoys 24 Carrot in Downtown Erie and the Erie Social Club on Wells Street if you’re looking for unique drinks and a phenomenal atmosphere where you can order charcuterie and play board games! Outside of our little corner of the world, we always take friends and family to Estes Park, Red Rocks Amphitheater, the Muddy Buck in Evergreen and Nuance Chocolate (yes, you need to go) in Fort Collins. As I always tell people, if you’re willing to drive within Colorado, you’ll never need to leave for all you get to experience right here.

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?
One of the most impactful aspects of my journey as a Clinician has been intentionally seeing people that I interact with in daily life as deeply human, valuable and in need. My practice is called “Mind & Mend” because I have been surrounded by people in my life who have shaped my belief that each of us is seeking exploration, knowledge and understanding of our own ‘mind’, as well as the need to ‘mend’ our most painful relationships, experiences and feelings. This was largely shaped by both of my parents, Thomas & Patty Smagala, who model such authentic and compassionate care of those in need around them. My parents’ love of others is often at the foundation of every good thing in my life and, now, in my work. I also reflect often on the incredible mentorship I have had as a Therapist over the years, from my previous Clinical Directors Elizabeth Easton and Liza Feilner to my esteemed colleague Bryn Miller, all of whom played instrumental roles in my growth as a Therapist, a business owner, a mother and a human being. I am inspired by, grateful for and in awe of each of these women. Lastly, I would recognize Dr. Becky Kennedy and her work on “Good Inside”, which really offered me the hopeful perspective that: no matter what happens on the outside, we are all GOOD on the inside. If only we could all live our moments, both joyous and painful, from this place. Thank you, all!

Website: www.mindandmend.com

Other: mindandmendtherapy@gmail.com