Show Notes
John Sovec is a psychotherapist who works with LGBT teens and their parents, particularly in the coming out process. John shares that he chose this niche because he saw a need for it and not many therapists focus in this area. He discusses the issues LGBT teens face and how he built and sustains his private practice without taking insurance. Listen to this interview to hear more of his journey and his business strategy. You can also read his bio and check out his website below.
Interview Highlights
[1:35] John shares his story about why he became a psychotherapist and why LGBT teens are his main focus. He states that this is a 3rd career for him. He is a yoga teacher and has been an actor. He did volunteer work with the HIV community and it really “sang to his heart”. This experience inspired him to become a therapist.
[4:20] John discusses his recent work with LGBT teens in the coming out process. He discovered that not a lot of therapists focus in this area in the Los Angeles area. He mentions that he is known throughout the country for his work.
[6:08] John shares the common issues that teens have who come to him for counseling.
[7:00] John states that the teens he works with usually have supportive families, but some of them do not.
[7:32] John explains a key issue for the teens he works with is feeling like they don’t fit in.
[10:29] John tells families that he works with that “coming out” is a process. There are many levels of discovery that teens and parents will experience.
[11:15] John talks about some of the educational talks that he does.
[16:39] John mentions that although LGBT issues are discussed more openly, issues for LGBT teens are still not.
[18:08] John says that when he trained to be a therapist, there wasn’t any training on building a private practice in his graduate program. Fortunately, he had a professor who suggested that he start to build his practice while he was still training to be a therapist. John then took a marketing course while he was in graduate school.
[20:55] John discusses his brand and how it relates to his belief system.
[22:23] John shares the process of building his website and how he marketed his business through speaking.
[23:45] John explains how he approaches people to offer to do a presentation for them. He shared that many organizations are looking for speakers.
[28:00] John shares that he needs to continue to market his practice to sustain it. He talks about his newsletter and writing for the Huffington Post and other online sources.
[30:39] John states that he does not take insurance and sees 20-24 clients per week.
[31:12] John says that he works about 30-32 hours a week which includes administrative work, marketing, and writing time.
[32:20] John shares the challenges he’s experienced building his practice.
[35:46] John gives his advice to those who are starting a business. He mentions that you shouldn’t let fear prevent you from the dreams you are pursuing. He also states the importance of committing energy to building your practice every day.
Bio – John Sovec, Teen Therapist for LGBT Teens – Pasadena, CA
John Sovec is a psychotherapist and coach in Pasadena Ca who specializes in working with LGBT teens and their families during the coming out process. His knowledgeable, insightful, frank and sometimes humorous approach helps families and individuals to travel safely through the amazing journey of coming out.
John is a highly sought after expert on the topic of LGBT teens with his work featured on The Riki Lake Show, OWN, FOX, The Advocate, YHTV, LA Talk Radio, Broad Topics and regular columns for Huffington Post and Good Therapy. In addition, John offers trainings to organizations, schools, non-profits, and professional consultation on how to successfully support LGBT teens during the coming out process.
To learn more about John and his work please visit www.JohnSovec.com and www.GayTeenTherapy.com
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Replays of past Business in Bloom episodes can be found here.
