Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Sullivan.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Heather. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was inspired to become an acupuncturist when acupuncture had played a vital role in my own health. I have long suffered from anxiety, insomnia and depression, battling it from puberty on. In my late 20s, panic attacks became a regular part of my life. I was in a high-pressured job as a corporate buyer for a fortune 500 company and the stakes were high. It was not uncommon for buyers in my position to last only one year or less – either because they were fired or quit. I found myself up till 5am in the morning with insomnia, only to get one hour of sleep before I had to go to work. After suffering from a bout of vertigo which left me with a nervous breakdown, I sought any treatment that could help me. I took ten treatments of acupuncture and found my emotional health coming back into balance. What I didn’t understand back then was that acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to calm down and boosts dopamine/serotonin into the body. As my body balanced out, I was able to handle stress better and sleep well. It became my only salvation at that time. After a few more years as a buyer, I realized that the corporate world did not make me happy….helping people made me happy. I looked back on how acupuncture healed me and choose it as the profession where I help others. There’s not a week that goes by where someone is in my office, stating I am their last hope, nothing else has helped them. And there’s nothing more gratifying than when I am able to help those people find the relief they so desperately sought for.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There were several pitfalls that I experienced. The first was the training program itself. It’s not common knowledge to the general public that, in order to be an acupuncturist, one must complete at least a three year program (four years for acupuncture and herbal therapy). From that point on, one must pass three to four national boards. In the end, a student forks out at least $50,000 worth of education to get a license and it can be upwards of $100,000. In short, being an acupuncturist is nothing short of being a fully licensed physician of preventative/allopathic medicine. The other struggle that I, and many acupuncturists, must overcome is succeeding as an entrepreneur. That does not come naturally for most people and there are not enough hospital or clinic jobs for those who do not want to own their own business. I, unfortunately, had to go back into the corporate world for a few years while I built my patient load and learned the basics of marketing/sales, even quickbook basics. Gratefully, I now have a steady base of patients and a keen understanding of business management.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Sullivan Acupuncture can handle a number of different common symptoms – anywhere from bronchitis and digestion disorders to reproductive irregularities and cardiac health. In China, it is used for any symptom and, in many cases, it works quite well. However, in the U.S., it is most known for its pain relief effects. This has been both of blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing because acupuncture really does work significantly well for pain management. Over 50-60% of my patients are those seeking pain relief. Insurance covers out for musculo-skeletal pain and headaches/migraines so I get those patients as well (as I am one of the few acupuncturists in my area that is in-network with insurance companies). The relief a patient can find is instant and gratifying. However, it can be a curse, because acupuncture can help so many more symptoms. Unfortunately, until enough research comes out on the other issues it treats, both doctors and the public will be unaware of it. As far as the thing I am most proud about in my company, I would say it’s me. That sounds arrogant, but I really take pride in being there for my patients. I want my office to be viewed as a refuge, a sanctuary, where my patients can come to get away from the world and heal. I actively listen to all my patients’ problems and concerns. I make an effort to be as compassionate and capable healer as possible and I aim to make sure my patients walk out of the clinic feeling better than when they came in. If I am not an effective and caring healer, then I have to ask myself, why am I in this profession?
What were you like growing up?
Growing up seemed as hard to me as it probably was for many people. I was very shy and very sensitive. I easily absorbed any criticism or perceived slight towards me. I was anxiety-ridden around people, afraid to talk to them and, when I was alone, I was depressed. I think hitting puberty aggravated it worse. The teenage angst was great. It drove me to hunt for anything that would make me happy. For me, that was religion and spirituality. I got into the Course of Miracles and Taoism in my teens. I ended up doing yoga and tai chi in my early 20s. I became pagan for a time in my late 20s and reviewing Christianity again in my 30s. I ended up finding a sense of happiness when I incorporated the values of Buddhism (that is the foundation of a lot of religions), being compassion and loving-kindness. When I became an acupuncturist, it became my goal to practice these values. What I found when I listened to my patients is that I was not the only one suffering. Many people were suffering a lot worse than me. I started to feel grateful for what I had and happy when I was able to help others with theirs. In my humble opinion, service can produce the greatest levels of happiness. So far, I haven’t found anything else that matches it.
Pricing:
- For Acupuncture/Dry Needling, Initial Exam/Treatment is $100, and Follow-Ups are $75
- For Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture, $50 for Initial Consultation, $150 for Treatment
- For Hypnoacupuncture (combo hypnosis/acupuncture), $150 for Treatments
Contact Info:
- Address: 495 N Rt 21, Ste 104
Gurnee, IL 60031 - Website: www.sullivanacupuncture.com
- Phone: 224-440-7373
- Email: heather@sullivanacupuncture.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sullivanacupuncture
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/sulivanacupuncture
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