Rachel Shanken is mental health counselor and yoga therapist
BASED IN: NEW YORK
What do you do?
I am a mental health counselor and yoga therapist.
What would you say are the top three things to keep in mind while running your own company?
a) Continue to move forward and try things out, to be wrong and make mistakes. Some of my best learning has come from the mistakes I've made.
b) Learn from others who have been successful in building businesses and absorb as much of their knowledge as well as reach out for support when possible.
c) Take risks and trust your instincts. This isn't always easy, but I have seen that time again, in order to build value and model vulnerability for my clients, I must take risks and challenge myself in order to create change.
Most thrilling moment in your career?
Renting my first office space and having a full day of clients. Each session that day confirmed for me that I am living my purpose and helping other people to live theirs. What an honor and privilege!
How did you get into your industry? Did you always know that's what you wanted to do?
My parents are both psychotherapists and so perhaps helping people was bred into me from birth. I avoided going into mental health for many years, but ultimately it became clear that this is my passion and it's where my talents reside. I have been practicing yoga for many many years and after getting my mental health counseling license, it soon became clear that my path was to bring movement and mindfulness together to help people heal from a whole-body perspective. I've never looked back since.
How do your services stand out from everyone else's?
I offer an integrated mind-body, "bodywise" approach to all facets of mental health and healing. I'm one of the few psychotherapists who integrates the body in this unique way to help with the effects of trauma, anxiety, depression (and so much more). Also, there are very few who offer this work in the variety of ways that I do: individual sessions, group sessions, workshops, or virtually on the phone and/or via Skype or FaceTime.
What advice could you offer to other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don't give up. It's not easy, but the reward of building something that you are passionate about, that is fully with who you are and that can help others is priceless. Self-care is a must - without it, you will fail at having a good life and your business will most likely fail too. When the going gets tough, do more self-care and reach out for support as much as you can.
What is your favorite inspirational quote?
I have so many that I love. I post a lot of them on my instagram (@mindbodywise). A few of my favorites include:
"Every setback is a setup for a comeback." -unknown
"Today, as with every day, I remind myself to live from my heart." -MindBodyWise
"Cram your life with people and experiences that you love." -MindBodyWise
"Leverage love to do good in the world." - MindBodyWise