Today we’d like to introduce you to Mirsha Etienne Alexandre.
Hi Mirsha Etienne, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I love what I do. I genuinely love it! I knew in 2012 that this was going to be it for me. I left the teaching world, pressed forward with this career change, and did everything I could to be good at what I did. I’ve worked in addictions, with personality disorders, and eventually worked in an office where I grew in using the modality of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and focused primarily on anxiety disorders. I recently decided to make some life changes and offer counseling services at a local High School. Fast forward, and now I own my practice. Holding a private practice counseling office has always been a goal of mine. I wanted to know how or when, but when it was time, I was ready and had little hesitation. The timing was right for my family and me. I’m so happy to offer what I get to do with my clients.
Would it have been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Hahaha. I work hard at being intentional and present with my family and clients, but running a business requires time outside of seeing clients. Not a smooth road! Sometimes I get in my way, but time has probably been my biggest struggle.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about Connect Counseling and Therapy, LLC?
My practice offers adult Counseling services in the West Orlando area. I work primarily from a CBT framework. Occasionally I will use resources from REBT, DBT, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I specialize in Anxiety disorders such as phobias, social anxiety, and panic disorders. I also help clients manage stress and perfectionism behaviors and thinking patterns. I love working with high-achieving professionals, athletes, and young adults who have transitioned into the professional world. I also offer Pre-marital counseling using the Prepare and Enrich program. I offer virtual and in-person sessions. In-person sessions are held in Winter Garden. When clients get to know me and work with me, they will see that I am here to show love, compassion, and understanding, yet I know how to be firm when needed. Change doesn’t always feel good, but sometimes a gentle toughness is necessary to start the momentum to see, think, and do things differently. I love that I can offer a Christian foundation and Biblical perspective in our sessions if clients want me to counsel from that posture. I desire to help people find value, authenticity, and acceptance even when the storms of life are thrashing around. With that, I hope my clients can better understand and connect to themselves, to others they are in a relationship with, and if so desired, connect with God in their personal life.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting.
Get a mentor and a support team. You will need some guidance, trust me! You can’t do this alone. Also, give yourself a realistic timeline and space if you still need to meet specific deadlines. Go at your own pace and be gentle with yourself. Having a counselor while adjusting to being a business owner is a good idea too.
Pricing:
- $160 for 50 minute individual sessions
- $185 for 75 minute pre-marital counseling sessions
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myconnectcounseling.com
- Instagram: connect_counselingfl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088258071929
Image Credits
Professional Headshot photos: Justin Wu with the Wu Gallery
