Meet Amy Seligson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amy Seligson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Growing up, I never imagined becoming a mental health therapist, but life has a way of surprising us. In college, I majored in broadcasting with dreams of working in radio. However, after graduation, I moved to Japan for a year to teach English. This experience was incredible in many ways, as it allowed me to learn about the world, different cultures, and people.

While teaching English in Japan, I realized that people needed more than just language skills; they also needed help with life’s challenges. Although I enjoyed being an educator, I felt a calling to go deeper and assist people with their personal issues. As a child of divorced parents, I frequently visited a counselor, which had a profoundly positive impact on my life.

Reflecting on my past and present, I decided that becoming a therapist was the best way for me to help others. I have a strong desire to meet people where they are in life and walk with them through challenging times. My faith also drives this desire to support and guide others.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

COVID-19 caused a significant amount of heartbreak and trauma, but it also brought some positive changes. One of these was the increased acceptance and use of telehealth, which allowed me to open my business, Sunrise Counseling, entirely online. Telehealth provided crucial access to help and support when in-person contact was restricted. It also made therapy more accessible to underserved populations, such as those with disabilities or those living in rural areas.

Throughout my career, I have had the honor of working with people facing various challenges. A significant majority of my clients struggle with self-esteem and self-confidence, often expressing a deep dislike or even hatred for themselves. This can be heartbreaking to hear. After working with so many individuals dealing with these issues, I wrote a faith-based book on self-acceptance and mental health titled “According to God…You are Absolutely Wonderful!” Published in June, my hope is that this book will help people grow spiritually, understand themselves better, and embrace self-acceptance.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

As a therapist, having empathy is a requirement. It not only helps in understanding clients’ experiences but also in building a strong therapeutic alliance, which is essential for effective therapy.

Having a professional network is also important. It ensures that clients receive the best possible care through appropriate referrals and allows therapists to seek supervision and support when needed. This network can also provide opportunities for professional development and collaboration.

Understanding the business side of owning a mental health private practice is crucial for sustainability. Knowledge of business expenses, marketing strategies, legal requirements, staffing, and insurance processes can significantly impact the success of a practice.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

As an entrepreneur and self-starter, I am always seeking new opportunities to address unmet needs. Making an impact involves taking risks and experimenting with new approaches. I am eager to continue growing in the mental health field and make a positive impact in any way I can. I am open to exploring new methods and collaborating with others to enhance mental health support and accessibility. This is truly an exciting time in this field, as mental health is becoming less stigmatized, presenting a significant opportunity to make a lasting impact on people for generations to come.

I am interested in working with both mental health and non-mental health professionals. It is important to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds, as everyone can bring something valuable to the table. A good way to connect with me is through my website at www.sunrisecounselingco.com.

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