One Year in Private Practice: A Journey 25 Years in the Making
I remember when I first earned my master’s in social work, private practice wasn’t even on my radar. Many of my peers were eager to start their own therapy practices, but I felt drawn to serving those with the greatest need. My journey started in child welfare, where I worked with families navigating unimaginable hardships. At the time, I didn’t see myself as a therapist—I believed I needed more experience, more training, more time before I could hold that space.
I watched as colleagues took the leap into private practice, and I told myself, “It’s too soon. I’m not ready.” I wanted to build my skills, deepen my understanding, and truly know what it meant to support people through life’s most difficult moments. So I spent years—decades—immersed in this work, showing up in community mental health, hospitals, and schools, in crisis response, and in leadership roles. I grew, I learned, I made an impact.
And now, 25 years later, the time was finally right.
A year ago, I took a leap and launched KWD Wellness, a space where caregivers and healthcare professionals could find support for trauma, grief, and the weight of compassion fatigue. This past year has been filled with learning, stretching, and deep gratitude. I’ve had the privilege of holding space for those who give so much to others—those who show up day after day for their patients, their loved ones, and their communities—helping them find balance, healing, and resilience.
But no matter what role I’ve held, at my core, I am a clinical social worker—rooted in the values that first called me to this profession. Whether in therapy, supervision, leadership, or advocacy, I continue to work from a lens of social justice and a deep belief in the dignity and self-determination of all people. This work isn’t just about what we do—it’s about how we show up, how we listen, and how we create space for people to reclaim their own healing.
KWD Wellness has become more than just a therapy practice. It’s a place where I offer clinical supervision to new social workers and therapists, helping them build confidence and navigate their own journeys. It’s a space where I provide continuing education trainings to support professional growth. It’s where I facilitate pet loss support and mindfulness groups, honoring the deep and often unspoken grief of losing a beloved companion. It is here that I integrate my passion for mindful living into every facet of my work, assisting others in finding ways to reconnect themselves and create ease in their daily lives.
This year has reaffirmed that timing is everything. The path to private practice wasn’t one I rushed into—it unfolded in its own time, when I was ready. And now, I’m here, deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this work and excited for what’s ahead.
If you’re looking for support—whether through therapy, supervision, training, or mindfulness—I’d love to connect. KWD Wellness is growing, and I can’t wait to see what the next year brings.
Thank you for being part of this journey with me.
Be well,
Kristin
