Meet Carlee Krichmar | Founder and Creator of Explore to Heal

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlee Krichmar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlee, what do you attribute your success to?
I believe the authenticity and passion behind what I do and why I do it is the most important factor behind my success. I didn’t insert myself into the mental health industry because I saw a market for it, I did it because I saw a disturbing gap that I wanted to contribute to filling. I think more people than we realize have some sort of mental health deficit or need that isn’t being met or recognized, and in most cases those individuals don’t know how to help themselves, and there’s a reason for that. Most people aren’t taught from a young age how to show up for themselves or how to be an effective support to someone else. The foundation of my businesses IS social support. I empower people with the tools to increase their own mental health while practicing supporting others at the same time. I never wanted or want to be a business that just succeeds financially, I have to feel like what I am doing matters, otherwise I wouldn’t consider it a success. I think that when you are truly passionate about and believe in what you are doing, others will see that and want to be part of it. I think something else that contributes to my success is that I am my target market, so I know exactly what I would want as a client I am serving.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My business is pretty multifaceted and I plan for it to continue to expand in the services we offer. Everything is based on an original counseling technique I created that helps people learn and apply interpersonal communication skills to learn more about themselves, connect closer to others and have healthy supportive relationships. Learning through play and interactiveness is also a pillar in everything we do. Right now we’re working with mental health facilities in providing weekly group counseling sessions that specialize in social skills, life skills and family healing for parents of individuals in recovery. We also just launched social support groups which acts like a sort of “friend therapy”. We equip people with the tools to practice giving and receiving meaningful support while building a community of trust and support with their group members.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have them checkout the Whistle Stop in South Park for a stand-up comedy show or to attend a VAMP show. I would also recommend they get dinner at Kindred, an all -vegan restaurant down the street. They should try out ultimate frisbee at balboa park on a Sunday morning if they are up for a little running and good company.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of the most impactful books I have read that continues to influence how I create in my business is Dr. Perry and Oprah’s book “What Happened To You?” It’s a very therapeutic tool that has helped me learn more about myself and transform my adverse experiences into wisdom I can use in my business and in my life. I have also had so much help and support from friends and family since the beginning.

Website: exploretoheal.com