11/25/2025
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 50% of small businesses survive (and not all thrive) past 5 years of operation. Only 1/3 of all small businesses survive past 10 years of operation. Many have to work other jobs to supplement income. I have been solo running (literally all roles and aspects of the business are carried out by me and no I’ve learned I don’t want to hire and manage the work of others) a highly successful and equally authentic and fulfilling small healthcare business as my “full time” career. Most days I feel like not many really understand what I do and all that goes into this part of my life. The one in one sessions I hold with my (amazing and cool!) clients are just a tiny piece. I also am not a frequent and public sharer so how would people know, right?
It hit me today that the 5 year birthday🥳🎂 of my psychotherapy practice passed me by last month. I took the leap at the beginning of a literal pandemic to become completely self-employed at age 26 years old. I am working on not absorbing the intense urgency and unrelenting productivity norms of our world but it felt heavy to me that I did not hold space for the significance of this. I don’t come from a lineage of financial freedom, excess privilege, prominent social or community connections, or entrepreneurs but I do come from a set of teen parents with families that are/were back-breaking Appalachian hard workers and genuinely good humans. I realize that I have actually defied so many statistics personally and professionally already.
I struggle with anxiety, hyper-independence, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome like many others but I have overcame and continuously have to force myself to take a breath. To recognize and fully FEEL my successes, accomplishments, and their outcomes. So here I am embracing the vulnerability of “giving myself my own flowers”. Women are socialized to keep ourselves small, nice, selfless, hyper-vigilant, and quiet. Our accomplishments are often patronized or compared next to our male partners or counterparts. I refuse to perpetuate and show up in the world that way.
My practice and my clinical work with my clients are very sacred to me. I am so grateful and privileged that so many others personally, outside of client facing work, have felt safe enough to reach out to me whether that be for referrals, resources, business/personal guidance, or my listening ear. I keep the resources tab of my website up to date with a variety of mental health and wellness resources.
At this 5 year business, professional, and personal milestone, I have decided to offer a specific service where others specifically interested in starting their own private practice or similar path can book one-on-one professional consultation sessions with me. I frequently get folks who reach out and I want to be able to incorporate this into my business structure and schedule to give those interactions the time and energy they deserve without disrespecting my own work-outside life boundaries or burning out.
I have SO many ideas for things I want to do, offer, and things I feel passionate about but I’m still one human. We will start here with this new offering that I know with be rewarding for me while reminding myself to pause and be present along the way. So all of that to ultimately say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Guidance & Growth Psychotherapy Services, LLC and celebrating FIVE YEARS in the business of honoring the privilege of witnessing raw humanity and intending to leave this world better while and after I cease to exist in it.🤲🏼🧠🌱✨🤎
With gratitude,
Owner of G & G, Kelsi Amerine
