dianegclark

Starting a Practice

What a terrifying and exciting adventure to start a therapy practice! Thought it would be fun to catch my readers up on this venture but also maybe help anyone out there thinking of doing this.

I can’t remember when or where the idea started. Dave and Scott and I decided it would be cool to start up a practice with Life Coaching, Pastoral Care and Therapy. I guess it started back when we started TRU and dreamed someday of putting a therapy practice in the community center. And then when Dave stopped Pastoring at TRU, the idea started coming together.

Here is where we are right now then I’ll catch you on on how we got to each stage.

The vision is this: We will offer therapy, faith based therapy, trauma therapy, life coaching, pastoral care, and massage therapy. Right now it is myself, Dave, and Scott’s sister Shari. Scott hopes to get his life coaching certification and finalize what he needs to do conflict mediation down the road and join us. Shari will come once a week to start offering massage therapy then when Dave gets full, she will do some life coaching. I am praying about another therapist to join us but will start without one and join a consultation group until I do.

Name. This was hard. We had done a lot of brainstorming and picked a name we thought we would use but no one loved it. We were in Arkansas and did more brainstorming and someone said, “Let’s ask Chad!” So Chad thought for about two minutes and started talking about how they came up with the name of their leather shop, Ethos Custom Leather, and we all stopped and said, “Ethos.” He said it means, basically, the essence of a person. I googled it and found it is

Ethos…the set of moral beliefs, attitudes, habits, etc., that are characteristic of a person or group.

— Cambridge Dictionary.

I love it. We get to use their old logo and everything. (see below). The official name is Ethos Therapy and Life Coaching.

Space. We are in final negotiations for a space to rent. Dave and I looked at several properties and decided that if we had trouble locating them to look at them, they might be hard for our clients to find. We looked at several size offices and several locations then found the one we are hoping/planning to secure. Initially, we were wanting a space that is 900 square feet that the landlord would have built out into three offices. It had waiting room, a tiny kitchen space and a bathroom, a back entrance and would have a tiny staff water closet. Then he showed us an older office that has all of that but two full bathrooms, tons of storage, a little bit more space at 1100 square feet, and two full bathrooms. It needs some updating and some upgrades. It also has just a little bit more privacy but is easy for clients to find, along with being walking distance from k-state and MCC and only 2 minutes from my house. So that is exciting. I’ve started thinking and dreaming about the furniture and decorating but that is overwhelming (but fun).

Business stuff. I have done all the paperwork, HIPPA, etc.. releases, stuff like that, priced business insurance, and found someone to do the credentialing and file insurance. I have started the website and should have an email address and start the social media stuff soon. I will get the LLC and tax numbers and all that rigamaroll after the first of the year.

The website has a good start and I’m doing it myself! It’s hard! I watch tutorials and dig in. Its pretty cool! There was a lot to write. I stilll need our pics and our bios.

In January, we will get spruce on our phones which will give us a phone number. Then we can get the business cards and stationary and start advertising and get the website out there. We will get therapy notes going. Dave plans to do all the phone answering, scheduling, and outreach. Go Dave!

Because I don’t yet know when the space will be ready to go into or when the lease will start, I can’t say for sure when the doors will open, but we are hoping to start up March 1.

(The significance of using the same name as Chad’s shop is crazy. A total God thing. We decided that the album we are recording will be a concept album based on the book I wrote which is based on the work I do at Homestead. Dave has started a facebook live show which will become a podcast/you tube channel. He will set up his office in the practice to be a recording studio for that. I’ve already been a guest on his show and so has Scott so we can advertise the practice on that as well as deal with pertinent topics. The practice is using a tag line that is actually a song Dave did in the past, Healing, Help, and Hope. So each of us has separate business ventures that all fall under one umbrella, Midwest Meets Manhattan, but that overlap and support and promote each other. Just as an aside, the album and the book will come out and be co promoted in early spring also.)

Lessons

Warning: this post is raw, real, philosophical, maybe even a bit preachy. Sorry, not sorry.

I have learned so much over the past two years. So, so many valuable lessons. I feel like I’ve been wandering in the wilderness like an Israelite, with the promised land just beyond reach. Maybe I’ve been wandering my whole life.

First. We can’t keep up the pace of life that this culture demands. I’ve blogged about this before. We have to stop, be still, listen, rest. School Social Work almost killed me. Literally. I just worked for the weekends.

Second. Its all temporary. Jobs, relationships, family members, churches, health, communities you are a part of, even mental health. It can all be stripped away in an instant. We put our hope, our confidence, our identities, our faith, in what we do, in who we think we are, in our feelings, in others. It shouldn’t take losing these things to have our eyes opened. It did for me.

Third. You don’ have it all figured out. If you think you do, you are wrong. Keep searching, keep growing, keep learning, keep leaning in.

Fourth. Growth hurts. Its a slow, painful process that can’t be rushed. When you think you’ve stripped away all, you haven’t. But there is hope on the other side, even along the way.

Fifth. God shows His grace and love through others. Others who come alongside you, accept you, love you even in your brokenness. You can’t put your faith in others, because humans can fail you, after all, they are humans. But you can let them love and support you, you can love and support them. They can speak truth to you, give you a glimpse into the love, acceptance, grace and wisdom that God has for you. Appreciate them and hold them dearly, spend time with them, love them well and intentionally, because they can be taken away.

Sixth. Be present. Look for His gifts all around you. Be grateful. Joy is found in the little things, that cup of coffee, the warm bed, sunshine, a hug.

Seventh. God is so very faithful. He is always there with you and always has been, even when you didn’t know it. You are never alone. He sees you and knows you. He accepts you and loves you. He forgives you and never gives up. He has good gifts for you. He has your best in mind. Always. Put your faith, your identity, your confidence, and your hope in Him, in Him alone. Not the fleeting things of this world.

Fort Smith

Scott and I and Dave and Mel traveled this last weekend to Fort Smith, Arkansas to visit Chad and Bobbye and see where it all began. We left Thursday morning for the 6 hour drive. Scott and I played Wordscapes and hit the unhealthy snacks at each stop. You gotta do that on a road trip, right?

We arrived at Bobby’s apartment to unpack. Oh my goodness. The apartment is so Bobbye. Cozy, warm, and decorated to the hilt. Every nook and cranny had a personal saying or memorable photo. There were pillows and throws and lamps everywhere, pink and glittery. Bobbye and Chad gave up the apartment and stayed at Chad’s parents’ so the four of us could stay together. Bobbye is the most amazing hostess, making sure our every need was taken care of. There were coffee and muffins, waters, pop…. We felt so loved.

We went immediately to the shop, Ethos Custom Brands. This is the leather shop where boots and guitar straps and all the amazing accessories are designed, created and shipped out. But it is also filled with music. When we arrived and for the next several hours, there was the most beautiful soft voice singing Billie Eilish songs coming from the back. As I rounded the corner, I was amazed to find it was Chad’s 9 year old daughter singing karaoke! Such a beautiful voice. Chad’s older daughter also treated us to a tune. Both were impressive.

We toured the shop, Chad’s office, Cody’s, Bobby’s work space. We saw the comfy break room filled with every imaginable snack (mostly unhealthy kid food:), the yet unused spaces.

We spent our time in two other very special places. One of the biggest purposes of our trip was to give Scott and I first time experience singing in the studio. So Dave and Chad recorded their parts on the two newest songs and then Scott and I dove in. It was both easier and harder than I thought it would be. I am out of my element, singing the fifth above. Dave had patiently pored into us to teach us the parts. Then we took turns putting on the headphones and stepping up to the mic. Scott killed it. I struggled some and cussed a lot but got my feet under me and did it. At one point, Chad said I sounded like Linda Ronstadt.

The studio itself, by the way, is such a cool, comfortable place, dark, with super comfortable couches. I took naps in there, one with a cuddly cat on my chest. I also spent a lot of time playing with their rescue pup, Gibson.

The last day, we put on our fancy rock duds and took professional photos in the studio in the back. It was the perfect setting, a rock wall, a wood wall, and a garage door with just the right lighting. We did lots of posing and changing poses and changing the lighting, our clothes, our hair. Then we looked at the products and Cody started the editing process. We look like a badass old band reunited. We are purposely leaving some of the wrinkles. I can’t wait for you to see it.

So the weekend was about collaboration, teamwork, bonding. We spent quite a bit of time listening to some of the old music they wrote that has never been produced. We dreamed and planned. One of the most exciting take aways, for me, is a new name for my private practice (yet to be announced–stay tuned).

Saturday night we were invited to Chad’s parents’ house for dinner. This is the house that Chad grew up in, that he and Dave have spent hours and hours in. Chad’s Dad gave us a tour of his woodshop. His Mama cooked us a southern cooked meal that blew our minds, black eyed peas and beans, squash, stewed cabbage, roast, corn, veggie trays, pickle trays, cornbread, and the most amazing peanut butter pie. So tasty and prepared with such love.

After dinner we did a live show, a collaboration of Ethos Custom Brands (they do facebook live regularly and have a faithful following), Without Walls Real Talk and Midwest Meets Manhattan. The theme was music so we did some singing and interacting with the live audiences. I love singing with those guys!

Professionally, the weekend was a huge success. Its so encouraging to see all of the visions and dreams starting to come together. Pray for us, as when great things start to happen and you fall into His plan, along comes the testing.

Grateful

Feeling reflective this Thanksgiving morning as I sit here with my son in my kitchen, waiting for more family to arrive, food spread out ready to cook. I am reflecting on this year, remembering to be grateful. Then at New Year’s, I can put 2019 to rest. Seal it up forever. 2020 promises to be a year of new beginnings, risks, trust.

2019 has been a hard year. So much loss, so much change, so many realizations, so much growth. It has been filled with pain and reflection, brokenness, shame, and heartache. I have never experienced anything like this year and I hope I never do again. I will learn to be thankful for this period because I trust God that He means what He says that He will bring good out of bad, that He will finish the work He has started in me. At the end of everything, His love is all that endures. I am learning so much about trusting and leaning in.

I have so much to be grateful for, a family who loves me, grand babies who bring joy, happy and successful children, a husband who stands by me through everything, a beautiful home, a strong, healthy body, good finances, and many many who love me.

I truly have so much to look forward to. A book to publish. A musical venture to embark on with recording a concept album and hopefully performing. A new practice to start up. And so much more.

But I also find peace and joy in the little things, being so grateful for each moment. I count my blessings every single day. I look for the little ways that God shows me He loves me and He’s got me.

Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you for loving me.

Just a Little Road Trip

Scott had a four day weekend so we decided to go to Golden to see Hannah and Kent. We talked and sang all the way there.

Went that evening to Royal Burger on Tennyson street.

Had a great night sleep and Hannah made us a yummy brunch in their adorable home.

Then we went in a lovely walk along a stream on Lair o’ the Bear trail.

Then drove up a cool winding road to Look Out Mountain.

A quick stop at Whole Foods and a yummy sandwich and nap.

Gussied up a little and headed to Union Station to meet up with Joel’s girlfriend Molly and her sister as Molly happened to be in town.

Ubered to a restaurant but the wait was too long then decided to return to the home front and eat pizza and play games.

Another good night sleep, Kent and Hannah fixed us another yummy breakfast then a long drive home. So good to get away.

Cousin Time

Great to have my cousin Sue visit from Seattle this week, her first time in Manhappiness. We ate ( Taphouse, Chef Cafe, Chipotle, Bluestem) shopped, walked, talked, hiked, and spent time with family. We went to Aggieville, campus, downtown, the Konza, and North Newton (and all the hot spots there: Prairy Market, Mainstreet and Company, Mojo’s, the park, and Leah’s). Jon came by and we spent time with Mom then took a trip to Aberdeen to see Dad and Jean and Dave and Lisa. An event filled few days. Great to catch up with my long lost cousin.

Next Steps Midwest Meets Manhattan

What a great weekend with our friends and Midwest Meets Manhattan. Chad and Bobbye joined us this weekend to spend time together, collaborate next steps, hear the new songs, and do a quick livingroom concert for our fans. Dave and Mel are using their home for Airbnb so everyone stayed here at the Clark home.

Friday night we went out to eat at Tallgrass Taphouse. We enjoyed blackberry cider boys, great food, and the KState pep band. When we returned to the house, Chad played the newest songs and let me tell you, they are amazing! Chad is reading the book and finding inspiration for songs. We are creating a concept album based on the book and the cause of helping those caught up in sex trafficking. God is revealing His plans to us and we cannot be more excited.

Saturday morning was coffee and bagels and fellowship as the group readied for the KState game. And what a great game for those who attended beating OU! After the game was naps, preparations and fun getting ready for the livingroom concert.

Saturday night we were joined by some of our fans including the infamous Sophie of the book (name changed). We had a blast singing our songs, some covers, a few worship songs and sharing next steps. We taped it so stay tuned to hear more!xAfter the concert, we sat with Lonnon and Kayla and Sam and Rick, around the fire pit, sharing, drinking, eating s’mores, and laughing. What a special time together.

Sunday morning business meeting, more fellowship and coffee and plans made.

The new songs are amazing. One we think will be called, “The Fall”, is a story of hitting the rock bottom of addiction, based on the jail chapter of the book.

The book is completed and ready to move forward. Next steps are to finish writing the lyrics to a song that has a super exciting tune already written, redo “Be Still” in the studio, and record “The Fall” and “Life Happens”. We will combine those songs with the songs already recorded that also fit with the book and create a concept album. As we build the following for Midwest Meets Manhattan and the album, we will be able to move forward with approaching literary agents to get the book published.

At the same time, we will be starting a YouTube channel (and podcast? Twitch channel?) led by Dave that offers healing, help and hope to listeners and followers. This is Dave (and our) call to reach the 90% out in the world with the hope of Christ. As the followers are already out there ready and waiting, we can use this outlet to promote both the book and the music moving forward.

Blessing

I have been blessed to spend time lately with my dear friend Heather and her newborn girl Taylor. Heather is a new mom home alone all day with her little punkin. Taylor is snuggly and so cute but her little digestive system makes her hard to settle. In swoops Grandma Diane. I love being available to hang out and get to hold this cuddly baby. Today we made a Target run and napped together.