Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Fournier.
Denise, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
The story of how I got to where I am today began when I was a college freshman, starting therapy for the first time, learning about Buddhism through my therapist, and taking my first psychology course. These simultaneous experiences, of exploring the subject of human psychology at an academic level while exploring my own inner world with a therapist, inspired me to pursue more learning, more training, and more experience in this realm.
I went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in mental health counseling, and then a Ph.D. in marriage and family therapy. While pursuing my academic training, I kept working on myself, learning more about my own process, and cultivating new insights and wisdom by exposing myself to various techniques and traditions, such as psychedelics, indigenous healing approaches, yoga, breathwork, and many more.
In 2015, several years into my career, I experienced a personal, professional, and spiritual crisis. At the time, I was the Clinical Director and lead therapist at a substance abuse treatment facility, and the many gut-wrenching challenges that come with working in such a capacity had me at the point of burnout.
As I was contemplating an exit plan, I was diagnosed with cancer and suddenly had to organize my life around medical appointments, surgery, and treatment. This was a dark, yet paradoxically illuminating, moment that resulted in my choosing to make a major career and life adjustment.
At the start of 2016, I ventured into solopreneurship and opened my private practice, Evergreen Therapy. It was one of the greatest decisions I ever made. Today, my practice is thriving, having transitioned to fully virtual during the pandemic, and has evolved to include other offerings such as coaching, workshops, consulting, media engagements, and soon, retreats.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve definitely faced many obstacles and challenges along the road to get to where I am at this point. Starting a solo business was extremely difficult, for reasons both practical and personal. In my many years of training to become a mental health professional, I didn’t receive a single hour of education on opening a private practice, so I had to find my way independently, without a map or model.
At the time, nobody in my life was encouraging my decision to enter solopreneurship; if anything, I was met with a lot of resistance and projected fears about how hard it would be to build a successful business. Overcoming all of those odds was difficult but exhilarating. My belief in myself, and my willingness to do whatever it takes to overcome the obstacles, helped me traverse the bumps in the road.
Over the years, other struggles have come up—such as managing a healthy work/life balance, responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, innovating strategies for continued business growth, etc.—and I’ve been able to cope with and overcome them all because of the knowledge, strength, and grit I gained at the start of this process.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a mental health professional who owns and operates a virtual private practice, Evergreen Therapy, based in Miami, FL. I’ve been in the mental health field since 2002, starting out in social psychology research, and have been working with clients since 2007.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a vast range of diverse individuals in numerous contexts and capacities. And, alongside those professional experiences, I’ve been committed to evolving as a person, expanding my worldview, and experiencing emotional/psychological/relational/spiritual development.
What I’m most proud of, and what I’ve come to be known for, is the way that I conduct therapy from a humanistic, person-centered, and existential framework. I sincerely approach each therapy session with gratitude for the privilege of keeping company with another human being, a fellow traveler on this crazy life journey.
Though I bring over 20 years of formal training and over 15 years of practical experience to my work, I never lead from a place of expertise or authority; rather, I lead with curiosity, openheartedness, and presence to the person in front of me. With this approach, I’ve been able to support hundreds of people in achieving extraordinary insights, changes, and breakthroughs in their lives and relationships.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Over the years, I’ve had numerous mentors and supporters, both in my field and outside of it, who have taught me, trained me, inspired me, motivated me, challenged me, and cheered me on. Their influence on my mindset and my work has been integral to my success.
But the ones who deserve the most credit, and who have played the biggest part in my success, are the many clients I’ve had the privilege of working with over the years. Their trust in me, their willingness to be raw and open with me, and their courage in the therapy process have been a source of ongoing inspiration and motivation to keep going.
Pricing:
- $250 per virtual session, FL residents only
- Contact me directly for pricing on Consulting, Coaching, & Speaking Engagements
Contact Info:
- Website: www.evergreen-therapy.com
- Instagram: @dr.denisefournier
