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

Hi Molly, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Before starting my own business, I was risk adverse. I want to connect my beliefs around risk to the way I was raised but I think it goes much deeper than that. I believe the way we think creates our reality. I used to be so scared of failing. I assumed the path of a steady job for a corporation with decent pay, a 401k and benefits. Up until 2020, I hardly took risks. I tried out different jobs but nothing really felt fulfilling until I took the biggest risk of all and worked for myself. I am committed to my own self development and when I was in therapy January 2020, my presenting “issue” was being unhappy in my work. Within minutes of meeting my therapist for an initial visit looked at me and asked, “Do you want to rent out the office next door?”I looked around and thought, “Is he talking to me?” Working with someone who was running their own business very successfully, empowered me to take the leap into the “unknown.” Before launching my business full time, I metaphorically was standing on the edge of my past life with a stable job and looking out to a life of creativity, flexibility and entrepreneurship. I got really clear about WHAT I was risking and my biggest risk was going back to working the same job 40 hours/week and having the same lifestyle that was making me unhappy—it was a risk I willing to take. I truly believe that as we evolve we all have to take risks for the better. Risk taking is what brings us closer to our desires. I continue to take risks like starting a podcast “Therapy Snacks.” The podcast is a way to connect with more people and de-stigmatize therapy. Earlier this year I decided to take a risk and offer workshops around self love. As my practice has been full with 1:1 clients for over 6 months, I plan on taking more risks in 2021 by creating groups to help people connect in a safe container.

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?
I am proud of the fact I finally feel effective in my work as a social worker. Having my own business has allowed me to work with people who are willing and able to heal themselves with the guidance of therapy. I recognized I would be able to attract clients by being myself. I think this could be very difficult and challenging because in a lot of ways, I had to be vulnerable. I practice therapy in a very humanistic way, which emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. How can I expect others to be their true selves unless I am? I’ve learned TOO MANY lessons along the way but I recognize everything is figureoutable. The road to owning a successful business is a steep learning curve however, is absolutely worth it! Identifying internal and external resources, having a vision and a team to support me are the keys to my success. My brand is all about acknowledging our own individuality while acknowledging that no one judges us as much as we judge ourselves –so stop holding yourself back from your goals! I have a logo of a 3rd eye cat is inspired by my Luna Belle. She represents the mindfulness that each cat possesses and keeping our third eye open to connect with our abundant intuition.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friend up the coast using the 101 to visit Pannikin Coffee & Tea in Encinitas. I love the yellow house it is in and their coffee beans. We would relax on the beach and check out the surfers. For dinner, I love El Comal in North Park their authentic homemade Mexican food is the best. I love their selection of margaritas. I am a tequila lover! Hang out in Barrio Logan on Saturdays there is an event called walk the block where you can visit the local boutiques–I love Simon Limon. There are tons of vendors, cute dogs, tacos and plenty of San Diego/Latinx culture. I love the 7 bridges hikes for the urban hikers. Take a stroll across some bridges, chill in Balboa Park, pick up coffee along the way!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
As I mentioned before, my therapist at the time was a beacon of hope for launching a private therapy practice. When I started on this journey, I attracted people who wanted to help me. I remembered I mentor I had in grad school who was very generous offering consultation, advice and even her office on the weekends to launch my practice. She has been in private practice for over 16+ years. Her wisdom and encouragement became a touch stone for me as my practice began to build and my phone was ringing. I highly recommend the books, “You are a badass” and “You are a badass with money” by Jen Sincero, “The science of getting rich,” by Wallace Wattles, “The Power of Now” by Eckart Tolle. My partner was also very supportive in following my dreams. I remember sitting in the car one evening as we picked up dinner and I told him I was thinking about getting another job at a non profit. His initial reaction was upset. He stated, “Aren’t you going to give your business your full attention? Don’t you at least want to try doing it first before you give up?” It was the push I needed. He knows what I need to hear in times of self doubt.

Website: https://www.therapywithmolly.com/

Instagram: @mollyzivetherapy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mollyzivetherapy

Other: Podcast: Therapy Snacks https://anchor.fm/therapysnacks

Image Credits
Kelly Zive

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