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Name: Kate Lecci
Licensed Professional Counselor
Q: What’s your professional experience?
Prior to my work in the mental health field, I worked in higher education where I mentored students, and coordinated social justice education and community engagement opportunities. My mental health career has included work with the following populations: substance use disorders, LGBTQ+, and school based placement with children and adolescents. I have lived and worked internationally and consider myself so lucky to have been able to experience a variety of cultures different from my own and form meaningful relationships with people I have encountered in my work. This continues to frame my perspective as a therapist and influences my work daily.
Q: Do you have a speciality area?
Trauma, life transitions and LGBTQ+ affirming
Q: How did you end up in Private Practice?
I have always wanted to form some type of business of my own. Alyssa was the one to encourage and mentor me through the process of starting my own practice and taking the fear out of the process.
Q: What’s been the biggest benefit of making the leap?
The confidence boost in my capacity as a clinician, and flexibility in scheduling. But ultimately, it took away the noise of worrying that i'm not “doing enough’ or “billing enough.”
Q: Hardest part about being your own boss?
Setting limits to the number of appointments I see each day. It can be tempting to bulk up when what I need is a rest.
Q: Biggest misconception about therapists?
That we want to hear your problems all the time. When I am with a client, I'm fully present. When I close my laptop, I am off the clock and most likely want to hear no one’s voice for a while. It’s not that I don’t care, I am just protecting my energy.
Q: What gives you “The Ick” (therapist edition)?
Therapists that can’t “turn it off,” or are constantly trying to therapize during each interaction. My friend said she was at a Friendsgiving once where a therapist made reflection cards for everyone at the table to use in conversation during dinner. Nothing could be more of a nightmare situation for me. Sometimes just enjoying being in the presence of others, with no alternative intention, is just as (if not more) healing!
Q: How about the Soap Box you will always stand on?
JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE IN A HELPING PROFESSION DOES NOT MEAN YOU MUST BE UNDERPAID! Also…. Just because you are a helper, does not mean you need to constantly be helping. Boundaries are the most important tool you have.
Q: You found a Magic Lamp, what's your third wish? (Aladdin rules apply)
Unlimited air miles, so i can fly wherever, whenever (s/o Shakira)
Alyssa Krchmar
Licensed Professional Counselor
Q: What’s your professional experience?
I’ve worked in a variety of community mental health settings, the most significant for me being my time working in a residential drug and alcohol rehab program and later a first episode psychosis clinic. I feel I really cut my teeth in these spaces as a clinician and learned the ropes of the mental health system.
Q: Do you have a speciality area?
Drug and Alcohol recovery will always hold a special place in my heart but where I really gravitate towards is Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive disorders. I was lucky enough to learn from some of the best in the business (shout out Center for OCD and Anxiety Pittsburgh) and truly enjoy the challenge of exposure work. There isn’t anything quite like it”
Q: How did you end up in Private Practice?
A colleague from a community agency asked me if I ever entertained the idea. She had been doing private practice part-time and encouraged me to take the leap. After that, I never really looked back. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to do, honestly. They don’t let on that it is even a possibility in grad school. We’re hoping to change that misconception.”
Q: What’s been the biggest benefit of making the leap?
Getting back my time and energy. I set my own hours, create my own goals and have the freedom to work within my area of expertise, rather than being made to take on anyone who walks through the door, as is so often the norm in an agency setting.
Q: Hardest part about being your own boss?
Knowing my limits and holding myself accountable. It’s easy to overdo it.
Q: Biggest misconception about therapists or therapy?
I feel like people think therapists are quiet, emotional creatures… and we can be, but that’s not always the case. Humor and laughter are some of the best therapy tools I have, and they aren’t subdued! There is a lot of laughter coming from my office.”
Q: “What gives you ‘The Ick’ (therapist edition)?
A: “When Clinicians check every “specialty” box on psychology today. You know who you are and yes, we are judging you.”
Q: How about the Soap Box you will always stand on?
Clinicians (or anyone!) not taking their lunch break. Like, for what? I know you’re hungry…”
Q: “You found a Magic Lamp, what's your third wish?” (Aladdin rules apply)
I feel like if you don’t free the genie, you’re kind of a jerk.
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