From Car Dealership to Private Practice: One Therapist's Journey to Finding Her Purpose

For Angel Hiles, the path to becoming a therapist wasn't straight or easy. She worked at a car dealership for over a decade while raising a child as a single mother. During that time she harbored a dream that had been with her since high school: becoming a therapist. Today, she runs her own successful private practice, The Garden Approach, helping adults, couples, and families break behavioral patterns and build self-worth. Her journey offers valuable insights for therapists considering the leap into private practice.

The Winding Road to Finding Purpose

"I got into the field because I had a lot of challenges growing up and found myself always wanting to help people," Angel reflects. "I needed so much help and didn't really have it." Despite identifying her calling early on, various obstacles – including ADHD, which made traditional learning challenging – kept her from pursuing it immediately.

The turning point came when Angel discovered a night program that allowed her to work during the day and study in the evenings. "When I finally was learning something that seemed natural to me, it was empowering," she says. "I was like, 'I'm so smart!' It felt good."

Building Experience Before Taking the Leap

After graduating in 2014, Angel didn't immediately start her private practice. Instead, she built a strong foundation of experience:

• Learned how to work with children and adolescents during her practicum
• Gained experience in chemical dependency and addictions during her internship
• Worked in schools to support kids and families

It wasn't until a few years into her career that she felt ready to transition into private practice.

Overcoming the Fear of Starting a Private Practice

"It's scary," Angel admits frankly about starting a private practice. "It's that kind of limiting belief – I'm not smart enough. I don't know how to do it. Some of those negative core beliefs get activated when something's new and challenging."

For therapists facing similar fears, Angel offers both practical and emotional guidance:

The Emotional Side

• Listen to yourself and gauge whether your excitement is stronger than your fear
• Trust that pieces will fall into place and you'll meet the right partners and mentors
• Lean into faith and embrace the unknown

The Practical Steps

"When I doubted myself, it took a lot longer. If we have mixed energy, then it's going to show up. Once I decided to go all in on this path it fell into place."

1. Make a firm decision
2. Create a detailed outline and plan
3. Take it one step at a time
4. Build connections and network with other professionals
5. Find the right platforms and support systems

The Power of Commitment

Perhaps Angel's most powerful insight is about the importance of complete commitment. "If you make a firm decision – 'this is what I want' – and have an outline and plan of how you want it to be, just take one step at a time," she advises. She admits to making the mistake of going back and forth before fully committing, which only prolonged the process.

Looking Forward

Today, Angel's practice focuses on helping people break unwanted habits, build self-esteem, and understand their worth. She takes a collaborative approach, acting more as a guide than an authority figure. "It's not so much I'm telling you what to do. It's very much collaborative and empowering," she explains.

Her journey from working at a car dealership to running her own practice demonstrates that with persistence, the right support, and unwavering commitment, therapists can overcome their fears and build the practice they've always dreamed of.