Exploring Life & Business with Valery Krieg of Evergreen Counseling and Wellness

Today we’d like to introduce you to Valery Krieg

Hi Valery, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Opening a private therapy practice wasn’t my plan. But after about 10 years working in community mental health, I needed a change. I loved my job, but I had a toddler and a baby on the way . . . and I couldn’t afford the commute, the hours, or the pay. As a therapist, I had been playing with the idea of opening my own private practice for years. But, I always told myself that I’d get to that “later,” when I had more time, more experience, and more confidence.

I love being a therapist, and I feel incredibly privileged to do the work that I do. But, like so many business owners and entrepreneurs, I was scared to go out on my own. Having a second kid – and looking at daycare costs – was the push I needed to open my own practice. I wasn’t ready, and I felt really scared. But, opening my private practice in Evergreen was hands down one of the best things I’ve ever done, and one of the things that I’m most proud of.

I specialize in helping couples learn how to stop fighting and start communicating. I’m a therapist because I know that therapy works. Therapy changed my life, it helped my marriage, and it taught me how to be a better parent. I feel incredibly privileged to help other couples on that journey.

I love working with couples because I know, up close and personal, how difficult juggling marriage, family, and work can be. I’m a wife, a mom, a therapist, and a business owner, so I understand how hard it is to maintain a strong relationship while juggling real life. I go to work every day excited about the work that I do and passionate about the business and the life that I’ve built.

Now, not only do I have a thriving private practice, but I also coach other therapists along their journey to building a thriving private practice as well.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to thriving has been anything BUT smooth! When I opened my private practice, I had no idea how to run a business, how to market therapy, or what it meant to be a business owner and an entrepreneur. I had to learn (very quickly) all the skills no one taught me in graduate school. (I have a masters in social work, not an MBA!). I made a lot of mistakes building my private practice, and my journey to thriving was far from perfect. But, I never stopped moving forward, and I never let my business mistakes, whether it was figuring out how to write a marketing plan or how much to save for taxes, define my progress. Now, I feel confident NOT ONLY in the work that I do (as a therapist), but also in the business that I run.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Evergreen Counseling and Wellness is my private practice. I specialize in working with couples who are ready to build a better relationship, whether that means improving their communication, learning how to manage conflict, or reconnecting after years of drifting apart. As a couples therapist, I see my role as a facilitator, a coach, and a support to help couples find their best path forward, to learn how to communicate, and to create the best life for themselves, their partners, and their families. Relationships are hard. Talking about emotions and working through conflict is even harder. That’s why I’m here to help.

What matters most to you? Why?
Helping couples move forward is the most important part of my job, whether that means helping them reconnect and repair their relationship, work through the pain of separation and divorce, or figure out how to communicate and heal. It’s important to me to create a safe, supportive space for couples to explore their thoughts, feelings, and needs and to find clarity, whether that means recommitting to their relationship with renewed hope and joy or making the difficult decision to part with compassion and peace. I help couples learn how to talk to each other again . . . without fighting, lashing out, or hurting each other.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.therapyevergreen.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapyevergreen/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therapyevergreen

Image Credits
Janae Lopez