We were lucky to catch up with Dr. Rachel DuPaul recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Rachel, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
Though I am not unique in that I am a human who has gone through trials and tribulations, the cliche of “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” holds true for me. From a young age, I struggled with uncommon medical issues resulting in feeling “different from” and “less than” my peers. In order to compensate for these feelings, I worked longer and harder than my peers in order to feel I was even on the same playing field. This held true all through my academics, resulting in a desire to get the highest degree possible – a PhD. It’s almost like I needed to prove it to myself that I wasn’t anything but “normal”. Though the feelings of unfairness were present occasionally, and I had plenty of struggle, my stubbornness to overcome and prove to myself and others that I am capable kept me pushing forward. This grit is now what I lean on day-in-and-day-out as an entrepreneur. I know I can be successful because I have shown up for myself before. The unfortunate reality about being resilient is that you have already gone through sh*t. The benefit is, with the right mindset, you can be a force to be reckoned with and that is awesome.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
You know how when you are a kid and you are all excited to grow up and become an adult, and now that you’re here it isn’t what it’s cracked up to be? Yeah I get it. Adulting is hard. And sometimes it is lonely, stressful, and confusing. From careers to money to self-confidence to relationships, there are decisions and demands galore. As an all online therapist, I specialize in offering support for people who are stressed out, struggling with indecision or feelings of overwhelm, or are prioritizing others instead of putting their own needs first. The convenience of meeting online for one hour can’t be beat, especially in this fast-paced world.
I’m very active in session. I will share my thoughts with my clients if they would like to hear them and I will ask permission to challenge the thoughts/fears that may be getting in their way. Therapy doesn’t have to be serious all the time; With me, dark humor is OK!
Past clients have told me I am a “bad influence” – the kind that can help people feel brave & free. I may challenge clients to change a few things up in their life, and though they may experience pushback from others, I promise it will be worth it.
I take caring for my clients very seriously and I will treat my clients the way I would like to be treated. Fit is everything in therapy, which is why I offer a free phone consultation with every possible client so we can be sure we are a good match.
Additional background: I have my PhD in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado and over a decade of experience providing care to clients. I currently have a 3-year old business that is completely virtual. I am a Licensed Psychologist in MN and also a PsyPact-approved member which means I can see clients in almost all 50 states through my virtual practice.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Trusting myself, grit, and a willingness to ask for help
Trusting myself: Your internal guidance/compass/gut feeling/intuition will NEVER lead you astray, Find a way to tap into it!
Grit: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart. Your own personal stuff will get triggered and challenged. You have to believe in yourself even if no one else does. You also have to shot up every day and grind, waiting for that delayed gratification.
Willingness to ask for help: Many others have gone before you. Stand on the shoulders of giants. Seek mentorship, guidance, and support. Don’t be too proud to admit that you don’t know what you don’t know. That’s how we grow.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
My default action when I feel overwhelmed is avoidance. I cancel all social obligations, avoid non-client-facing work, and just do the “bare minimum”. When I realize I am doing this, I pause and take inventory. Instead of willy-nilly canceling things, I intentionally think about what is serving me and what is just taking from me. I ask myself what I need. Do I need exercise or do I need a nap? Do I need to power through and knock a few things off my to-do list or do I need to disengage trusting I will accomplish it all at a later date? By slowing down and actually asking myself what I need, I will come to the answer. Our bodies and brains are smart. If we give them enough time and space, they will guide us in a way that is authentic and aligned with our interests and energy levels.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://betterbalancepsychology.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/better_balance_psychology/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/betterbalancepsychology
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/better-balance-psychology/
