Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Larson.
Jennifer, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Pursuing a career in the field of psychology or counseling did not dawn on me until my sophomore year in college when I was in limbo trying to figure out a major change. At that time, one of my college friends urged me to take Psychology 101 as he remarked how immersed I was in trying to understand human behavior and what contributes to people’s ways of existing. I took Psych 101 and was immediately hooked, shortly followed by declaring a double major in Psychology and Sociology.
As I took psych courses, it did not take long to reflect back on my childhood and the connection to my psychological interest as it probably started to emerge around 11 years-old. Facing and enduring my own families’ hardships not only was met with mental anguish as I had to learn to navigate and survive the emotional and psychological currents, but it also later ignited a very strong desire to heal and grow.
Seeking answers, self-reflection, solutions and supports for my own and others’ mental well-being just seemed like a normal way of living for me, not something to study or pursue a career in.
Fortunately, I have met some amazing people along the way, whether it was a high school counselor who connected me to a 12-step support group, inspirational bosses at University of Wisconsin-Madison who offered guidance, or folks who gave me a nugget or two of wisdom.
Experiencing trials and tribulations, supports, opportunities, growth, and passion ultimately led me to wanting to be on the other side, giving back and helping others as a psychotherapist and counselor.
Regarding the entrepreneurial side, I knew in my 20s that I wanted to be my own boss and have a private practice. If I had to really think about it, perhaps having had to learn at an early age how to be self-reliant, and then later self-disciplined and creative at mapping out my life gave me a set of skills to feel confident in starting my own business.
I can recall in high school a sense of family pride due to my step-father owning a business without a high school degree. All of this gave me motivation and hope to have my own business.
In 2010, I started my own solo private practice and after doing it for 3 years, I realized that I could not contribute and help as many people as a solo practitioner. I wanted to be a part of something bigger and contribute to a greater number of people in their mental health journey. In 2013, this sparked the birth of Concentric Counseling & Consulting, my private practice group in Chicago.
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?
Owning and operating a solo practice had fewer challenges compared to having a group practice.
There most certainly have been struggles along the way. I did not go to school for business or marketing, so I am faced with the challenges that come with operating and growing a business.
Psychotherapy and counseling skills do bring some value in being a business owner; however, I most certainly recognize the areas that I need to grow and develop, and as importantly let go of.
The to-do list seems never-ending, and I realize it is important to quiet the noise around me that tells me to say ‘yes’ or ‘stay plugged in’ and instead remain focused and mindful of what’s most salient in my business. In all honesty, some days it is easier to do that than others. I recognize and accept there will be struggles and I will make mistakes along the way. I think what is key is how I perceive and respond to the struggles. It is important I engage in good self-care, hit the pause button when needed, but learn to act quickly when certain opportunities or needs arise – it is all a balancing act, really. And also important, being open and flexible, but having boundaries and remaining committed to learning along the way.
The learning is endless. I learn by listening to others, whether it’s my own staff or other business owners, attending business workshops, reading or listening to podcasts on leadership, and taking calculated risks. Recently I attended an entrepreneur workshop with left me with a kernel of advice that has stuck with me. Know your business issues, confront them, but don’t stew in them. Keep looking ahead and keep the entrepreneurial and creative spirit going.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Concentric Counseling & Consulting is a psychotherapy and consulting group practice located in downtown Chicago (we are looking to expand to the North or Northwest side of Chicago). We are dedicated to our clients’ mental health and well-being drawing from a variety of therapeutic approaches. We serve individuals, couples and families in the city of Chicago and throughout Illinois. The therapists at Concentric are experts in relationship problems, marriage, couple and family issues, mood and anxiety disorders, and compulsive and addictive behaviors. We are proud to offer services both in-person and through teletherapy which is online, video sessions.
We also offer a variety of consulting services to clients.
Our consulting services include short-term, abbreviated consultation around a particular issue, such as how to be a more mindful parent. Additionally, I offer clinical and business consulting services to therapists who either are working towards licensure requirements or who simply need clinical and business support.
Concentric Counseling & Consulting is known for a few things. We believe in great customer service. From the first time a client reaches out to us, we take pride in responding in a timely manner and providing all of the information needed in order for them to feel safe, comfortable and informed about attending their first appointment with us.
We truly are interested in getting to know our clients in terms of what is unique about them and their needs. We help our clients to better understand themselves through the lens of concentric circles in effort to understand both their struggles and strengths.
We do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach when providing therapy and consulting services.
Offering a variety of services, whether it’s a one-time consult, long-term therapy, or online teletherapy and drawing from different therapeutic modalities allows us to tailor our work with our clients and their needs.
We are relational and we believe in establishing and maintaining strong therapeutic relationships with our clients. Our hope and goal is by honoring and strengthening our relationships with our clients, that they too, can improve their relationships with others in their lives whether it is with oneself, one’s partner, a family member or classmate.
Another aspect of Concentric that sets us apart is the therapists at Concentric meet regularly with one another to provide support, clinical consultation, and coordination of care to our clients.
People may think this is a given in a practice, but surprisingly it is not always present.
Last, I believe in the importance of social responsibility. Many know about the struggles Chicago Public Schools (CPS) endure, and I am proud that Concentric stepped in and donated counseling services for an entire school year to students at my son’s local neighborhood CPS school. Recently we hosted at Millennium Park our first On The Table 2017 discussion (partnering up with The Kennedy Forum and The Chicago Community Trust) to help combat stigma around mental illness and addiction.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I believe there are a number of characteristics that are essential in being successful both as a therapist and business owner. If I had to identify one overarching quality or characteristic to my success, it would be my commitment and dedication to helping others.
Contact Info:
- Address: 30 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1217 Chicago, IL 60602
- Website: www.concentricchicago.com
- Phone: 312.725.3093
- Email: info@concentricchicago.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LarsonCCC
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Larson_CCC
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/concentric-counseling-and-consulting-chicago
Image Credit:
David Larson
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