Inspiring Conversations with Lisa Illingworth of Guiding Strength Therapy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Illingworth.

Hi Lisa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started in my youth. I have a younger brother with Autism, and I have always been like a secondary caregiver and advocate for him. Assisting him and volunteering in his programs seeded the idea for me to get into the caring and helping profession. Several years later, I experimented and participated in various mental health programs including County, Non-Profit and Community Mental Health. I started off as a Field Based Therapist then gradually promoted to Clinical Supervisor, Assistant Clinical Director and then Clinical Program Director. While I did find being a Director rewarding, and I enjoyed being able to expand my reach in helping others, I also found myself missing the heart and soul of why I started working in the field of Mental Health. I found myself missing doing direct care in helping clients, and I missed providing Clinical Supervision and training to other Therapists. With the support of my husband, we decided to take the leap of faith and start our Group Private Practice where I could meld my two passions together. When we decided to start this journey, I reached out to my old supervisees and colleagues. Even now, about half of my therapists are those I have known and worked with a long time – 4 and 5 years. Some I have known since they were practicum students. I believe it was those relationships that I fostered that helped our practice get off the ground. I couldn’t have done it without the teamwork and collaboration of my therapists.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The beginning was definitely the most challenging and required a lot of patience. When you are eager to get started, you want to push through as fast as you can, but working in collaboration with Therapists, clients, and insurance providers requires an immense amount of patience. It took over a year to research, coordinate, and credential our practice. Patience was the key element. This is also where quality relationships become essential. Being able to collaborate efficiently, and work with understanding people, has helped tremendously. What I learned is: if you set your mind to something, stay persistent, and maintain good relationships, you can accomplish your goals.

As you know, we’re big fans of Guiding Strength Therapy. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My business is a Therapy Private Practice. We provide mental health services such as individual, couples and family psychotherapy. We have multiple therapists working under the practice and each have their unique skill set and experience which helps us reach a wide variety of clients with varying needs. What sets us apart is our selection process for Therapists. We strive to select therapists that have had prior experience with more intense populations from Community Mental Health or Residential Treatment Facilities. That intensive experience helps Therapists adapt to the varying needs of their clients in a way you just can’t get from private practice alone. Ultimately, it is the client who benefits from this dedication to quality mental health care.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is being out in nature and enjoying life. We tend to take so much for granted and get lost in the hustle and bustle of life. Taking a hike amongst the trees, hearing the birds, smelling the pine, and feeling a cool breeze is my form of grounding and meditation. I have always been into the outdoors and being active. It does also bring back my favorite childhood memories. My father took us camping and backpacking since I was little, and he also fostered my second passion for nature photography. I appreciate slowing down and taking the time to be present and enjoy the beauty and serenity that nature provides.

Pricing:

• Intake Assessments: $120 for Licensed Therapists and $100 for Associate Therapists
• Individual Psychotherapy Sessions: $100 for Licensed Therapist, $80 for Associate Therapist
• Couples/Family Psychotherapy Sessions: $120 for Licensed Therapists, $80 for Associate Therapistswith a Licensed Therapists

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.guidingstrengththerapy.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100074412384608
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/guiding-strength-therapy/