Meet Courtney Milligan | LPC

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Milligan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I initially was following a more traditional path of working for an established company. However, after realizing that I didn’t want to work for a company that put profits over people I decided to create other options for myself. I sought business mentorship at Solace Counseling and Coaching. This experience provided the framework to venture into running my own private practice, Peaceful Life Counseling. Feeling both ready and worried, I dove in, preparing and researching while also doing it. Sometimes we have to move forward while still unsure and learning. Owning and running a business can be intense and time-consuming, but I was motivated by the belief that I could offer valuable services in a way that prioritized my clients, community, and values.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I started my own counseling practice with a focus on prioritizing my clients, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and staying true to my core values. For me, client-centered care involves continuous learning about the human brain, emotions, and experiences. I love learning new and interesting information and apply that sentiment to expanding my knowledge of psychology to offer effective techniques and modalities tailored to meet the needs of my clients. My specialities include late diagnosed ADHD, anxiety management, complex trauma, and teaching clients healthy coping skills, which I believe are needed services. I consistently read new counseling specific books and participate in trainings to stay current and well-informed on leading counseling practices. I think my trauma informed yoga teacher training course also helps set me apart by allowing me to incorporate that type of movement based mindfulness, embodiment, and somatic modality into counseling.

Launching and managing a business came with its own set of challenges. As a do-it-yourselfer, I took on the new to me tasks of building a website, establishing a PLLC, and marketing my services. These were definitely stressful, and yet in the end, rewarding tasks. Creating a counseling business, balancing caring for my clients, and raising my children was a lot to handle all at once. It helped me learn to keep my priorities in order, embrace acceptance, and to trust myself. I have made my brand to reflect a holistic approach, emphasizing mind, body, and spirit, as represented by my triskelion logo, symbolizing movement, progress, and strength.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love this question! Traveling, exploring new places, and having new experiences are truly some of life’s greatest joys. I always enjoy playing the role of host and guiding visitors around my area. In Houston, we are fortunate to have a wonderful museum district, featuring must visit places like the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Houston Museum of Natural Science, The Health Museum, and Holocaust Museum Houston, as well as Space Center Houston located outside the city. I would also make sure to showcase some of the beautiful green spaces like the Houston Arboretum, Brazos Bend State Park, and one of my favorites outside the city, Seabourne Creek. For a fun dining experience and a taste of some meads, the Hobbit Hole Cafe is a great choice with delicious food, drinks, and a novelty theme. St. Arnold’s Brewery is another fun spot for food and drinks, including their amazing root beer and kid friendly playground. Near my office, I would recommend Sushi Masa or if you are up for venturing a bit further, Aji Izakaya or Hunan Garden. The greater Houston area has a wonderful array of tasty cuisine, so the list could go on and on. For a night out filled with laughs, The Punchline is a great comedy club, Go Ape Zipline is an option for adventure, a night of live music would be a must which Houston has some great choices like White Oak Music Hall or The House of Blues, and Galveston Island State Park would definitely be on the itinerary for the beach, bird watching, and hiking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I was fortunate to have the support and guidance of some incredible women on my path to becoming a licensed professional counselor and business owner. Dennette Gardner, an LPC-S and fellow counseling practice owner, played a crucial role as a supervisor during my internship. Amanda Trost, LPC, provided invaluable business mentorship that helped me successfully launch Peaceful Life Counseling. Lacie Hamilton, an LPC-S, was a fantastic supervisor in both business and client support during my first year of running my own practice. Messina Delgado, LPC, has been a valuable sounding board and colleague on our parallel journeys. Surrounding yourself with the right community is essential for success, and I am grateful to have worked with these amazing women. I have also been warmly received by an encouraging group of fellow counselors in my local networking group. Running your own solo business can be isolating, but the like-minded counselors in this networking group are a real support.

Website: https://Peacefullifecounseling.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/peaceful.life.counseling

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/peacefullifecounseling

Facebook: https://facebook.com/peaceful.life.counselor