Meet Stacey Rowland

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

Hi Stacey, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
This is a great question. But it’s not really about overcoming imposter syndrome, it’s about working with imposter syndrome. I think of imposter syndrome as the nasty little side effect of having success. Imagine you’ve achieved something significant, but that nagging voice in your head dismisses it as luck. Or you compare your achievements with those of other people and you start to question yourself and your abilities. That is imposter syndrome trying to sneak in and talk you out of accepting that you’ve succeeded. I think it happens to everyone.

Working with imposter syndrome has been quite the journey for me! It’s not something you completely get over, you know? It’s more like a dance we learn to do. So, one of the things that really helped me was acknowledging my wins – big and small. Taking a moment to say, “Hey, I did that, and I did it well.”

Then there’s this ongoing conversation I have with myself. Whenever those sneaky thoughts of doubt pop up, I challenge them like I’m debating with a friend who’s not seeing the full picture. I ask myself, “Why am I undermining my achievements?” and actively search for evidence that supports my competence.

Breaking down big tasks into bite-sized pieces made me realize that progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrating those little victories along the way helped me build this positive momentum.

I also think that opening up to trusted folks – be it a mentor, friend, or even a colleague – makes a world of difference. Their perspectives and encouragement can act as a reality check, reminding me that we’re all in this together.

So, it’s a journey, not a destination. I’ve learned to work with imposter syndrome rather than expecting it to magically disappear. By embracing accomplishments, challenging negative thoughts, setting achievable goals, seeking support, and fostering a growth mindset, I’ve found my own rhythm in this dance with imposter syndrome.

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 and what you do?
I’m a licensed professional counselor and I own Strive Counseling and Consulting. Strive is a private mental health practice, with offices in Phoenix and Scottsdale. Collectively, our therapist team has extensive experience in treating various mental health concerns with specialties in trauma, relationship issues, and depression/anxiety management. We value having a broad set of skills, certifications, and trainings to be able to help just about everyone who reaches out to us.

Ideally we aim to help people live the life they have always wanted to live. We provide the knowledge, tools, and support so that our clients can not only feel better in the moment, but we hopefully set them up to continue functioning at their best, and reach their goals.

I am definitely proud that we are able to provide these services while also taking care of ourselves. The work-life balance for us is so critical. Burnout is high among mental health professionals, so I always aim to allow our providers to set themselves up in a way that works best for them, so that they can provide the best care for their clients, and so far that is working!

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?
Reflecting on my journey as a mental health provider and a practice owner, I think the three key qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have proven to be exceptionally impactful are empathy, adaptability, and effective communication.

Firstly, empathy has been foundational in my role as a mental health provider. The ability to connect with clients on a deep, empathetic level fosters trust and establishes a strong therapeutic alliance. Simultaneously, in the realm of practice ownership, empathetic leadership has been crucial. Understanding the needs and concerns of my team has allowed for a positive and collaborative work culture.

Adaptability is another key quality that has played a dual role. As a mental health provider, staying adaptable to new therapeutic approaches and research findings has enriched the quality of care I offer. Similarly, as a practice owner, adaptability to changing business landscapes, market trends, and team dynamics has been instrumental. Encouraging early-career professionals to embrace adaptability means fostering a mindset of continual learning, whether in therapy techniques or business strategies.

Effective communication, to me is probably the most important. As a mental health provider, clear and compassionate communication is central to building rapport with clients. In the context of practice ownership, strong communication skills are essential for leading a team, managing client expectations, and navigating the complexities of business relationships. Investing in the development of communication skills early on is my advice to those starting their journey, recognizing its far-reaching impact on both client satisfaction and team cohesion.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I’ve got a couple of go-to strategies to help me navigate those moments. First off, I’m a big advocate for taking a step back and giving myself a moment to breathe. Whether it’s a few deep breaths or a short walk around the room, taking that mini-break can work wonders.

I’m also a fan of the good old to-do list. It might sound simple, but jotting down what needs to be done and breaking it into smaller, manageable tasks helps me regain a sense of control. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about crossing things off the list.

Asking for help can also be a game-changer. Whether it’s delegating tasks at work or leaning on my support network personally, reaching out is key. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a smart move. We all need a little help from time to time.

Another really important one for me is setting boundaries. I’ve learned that it’s okay to say “no” when I need to. Overcommitting only adds to the chaos, so being mindful of my limits has become a non-negotiable. My friends and those close to me know that when I say “no”, it’s because I need to re-balance things. They don’t take it personally, and respect me for it.

And of course, self-care is non-negotiable. Whether it’s a good book, some downtime with my favorite show, or even a weekend adventure, taking care of myself is crucial. It’s like hitting the reset button. With two kids and a business, I sometimes have to get creative with this, but it is so important.

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Image Credits
Headshot Photographer: Cori Taran

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