Meet Andrea Vargas | Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist and Group Practice Owner.

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

Hi Andrea, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Being a mom has definitely required me to balance work and life differently. As a child therapist, I know that children value quality time with their parents. I try to practice what I preach and make sure I schedule work so that I can be there for my own kids as well. This is the main reason I went into private practice, I wanted to be able to have some flexibility over my work hours. At the same time, I work with children so afterschool hours are prime-time appointment times. During COVID, I homeschooled so I was with my kids A LOT, and while I had less mom guilt it was tiring. It was a lot to juggle and when I found the drop-off homeschool co-op program they attend now, it was a huge relief. This allowed me time to work on expanding from a solo to a group practice, My current work week is 3 days but I still want to be there for all the after-school activities. I think the work-life balance is constantly changing as my priorities change.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
We are a boutique group practice specializing in child and adolescent counseling located in Weston Florida. We offer in-person sessions and telehealth to children ages 3 and up, teens, their families, and college students. Our therapists are all passionate about working with children and play therapy. Our style might differ but our approach is holistic and attachment-based, we focus beyond behaviors and partner up with parents throughout the treatment process.

Therapists don’t learn the business side of private practice while we are in school. Private practice has been a learning experience and I often needed guidance from business coaches, consultants, and mentors.
I have found that networking with other providers in the community and paying it forward has been helpful. I enjoy linking fellow colleagues to others that I think would benefit from networking. I have been inspired by others and I am happy to share what I have learned throughout my journey with others.

I was a solo private practice for 10 years and last year I expanded to group practice. It has not been easy but the goal has been to be able to offer quality treatment to more children and families in the community. I am happy to have found amazing therapists to add to my team.

I’m excited to continue to grow, “it is a beautiful thing when a career and passion come together”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live and practice in the beautiful city of Weston Florida, It is very family-friendly and has tons of places to eat. We would definitely have brunch at Little Hen or Olenka and have lunch at the Cheese Course in Town Center. Make it a beach day at Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale which is not too far of a drive. We could grab lunch at Sobe Vegan so yummy and guilt-free! For an adventure, we’d go kayaking at Whiskey Hideout in Fort Lauderdale or the mandatory Everglades airboat ride. While it is a little further south the drive to Wynwood is so worth it. We would start with coffee at Panther Coffee and walk around taking cute pics with all the art on the walls. Then have a bite at Talking Tacos and check out the Paradox Museum. Shopping is always a good idea, the outlets at Sawgrass Mills Mall have great deals we could be there all day! Weston has some of the most beautiful sunsets and it is such a nice way to end the evening, poolside relaxing at my house.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My number one supporter has been my husband. He believed in me even when I didn’t and helped me so much. He has helped me move my practice to several office spaces, assemble new furniture, hang wall decor, and listen to me vent my frustrations. He holds down the fort at home while I am at the office, He’s a great husband and an amazing father and I am so lucky to have him.      

Website: www.andreavargaslmhc.com

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