Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Hayes.
Hi Andrea, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started this journey as a 7th grade language arts teacher who had a passion for understanding my students. I would always tell them… “I cannot get to you academically if I don’t connect with you emotionally.” The area I taught in was a very rural area, and many of the students experienced a lot; as a result, some of the negative behaviors found their way into the classroom. So, I decided I wanted to do more, which led me into the field of mental health counseling.
I considered school counseling, and many people tried to convince me to do it because of my background in the school system. However, I have always been a person to follow my heart and listen to my “gut” instinct, so needless to say, while I taught, I earned my counseling degree.
After graduating, I taught for a while. When I was hired for my first counseling job, it confirmed within me that I made the right choice. Although I was doing what I love, I know that I did not want to work for someone else for the rest of my life. With the strength of my faith in God, and sheer determination, I decided to start my own counseling business. I began by working full-time on my “regular” job and part-time in my counseling business.
Eventually, my business grew enough that I decided to work my counseling business full-time. I now have my own office and am in the process of building my business. It is my goal to have several clinicians working for me and expand to the point that I can hire a clinical director and oversee the practice.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been easy. There have been some financial challenges and concerns about whether or not I would receive enough referrals to sustain.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rivers of Peace Counseling Services ?
I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and one thing that sets me apart from others is that although I am not a Christian counselor, I lead with my faith. I don’t force it on my clients, but the way I interact with them is not only based on my training, but I am guided by God.
The thing that I am most proud of brand wise is the atmosphere I set within the space and the presence on my website as a place of relaxation, peace, and calm.
The main thing that I want readers to know is that our main focus is to make sure individuals feel heard and know that we are a safe space.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
In 5-10 years I see the company expanding in the area of group homes and a larger space for our clinicians to provide quality therapeutic services. A population that I also aim to service even more is the veteran population. Although about 85% of the caseload are veterans, I want to grow and establish transition homes for the veteran population as well as youth.
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