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

Hi Rachel, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
As a small business owner and Somatic Psychotherapist, work/life balance, or as now I say life/work balance, has shifted significantly for me. Initially, boundaries were blurred between work and personal life – I found that anytime I had some down time away from my business that was an opportunity for me to work on various projects and setting up systems. I just didn’t seem to have the time to tackle various projects and goals during the week, as my time and energy were focused on showing up for with my clients. After a few months of long working hours and blurred boundaries, feelings of burnt out began to show up. And, because I had felt these similar feelings in the not-so-distant past, I felt called to do things differently. And interestingly enough, I got to practice work/life balance skills that I teach my clients regularly – themes about belief systems (how am I blocking myself because of an old outdated belief), boundaries, prioritizing self care, connecting to a supportive network, as well as prioritizing tasks and delegating when possible.

This looked like deconstructing and rebuilding on beliefs around being available 24/7 and modeling appropriate boundaries to my clients (which meant not responding to non-urgent texts or emails during my off days or after hours). I practiced and prioritized self care by blocking off time on my schedule for weekly self care (attending a hot yoga class, acupuncture, massage, and scheduling those maintenance doctor appointments) and reached out to colleagues for support. I have to take care of me/my needs so that I can show up and care for my clients and my business. I worked on blocking off my schedule for tasks that were a priority, and delegated tasks to other individuals or electronic systems (such as automated booking for new clients). This allowed for me to step away from working on the weekends, ultimately to be present for myself and my family.

I really see that work/life life/work balance is an ongoing process – it requires us to be attentive and attuned to both the needs of our business and our individual needs as we grow and evolve. This is especially the case for both a business and practitioner in the healing profession.

     

What should our readers know about your business?
Head and Heart Collective was founded with the goal of creating a healing space for fellow healers and heart-centered humans to experience transformational change. The focus is on healing the mind and the body using transformational Somatic (body-based) and Trauma informed care. The mind-body connection is integral to healing, which requires for us to befriend our nervous system and connect to the subconscious mind. Clients come to work with us who are looking to release old patterns and limiting beliefs, tap into their inner wisdom and potential and expand their self-care practices. We specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and Somatic based approaches for adults. We also offer workshops, retreats, and healing intensives, all rooted in self-care, safety, and connection.

My goal with Head and Heart is to help people truly heal and evolve into their highest and best selves. I truly enjoy working with fellow healers – individuals that work in the helping and healing profession. As healers, we tend to always want help others before we prioritize our own healing and self care. It is in this space that we can learn to fill our own cup first. As a therapist, I know the value in having my own therapist (who also has a therapist!) and coaches to help me identify my blind spots and growth areas, to attend and attune to what I need as an a business owner, a partner, a mother, a therapist, and human in todays world.

Over the next year, I am excited to expand my business into offering embodied education and consultation for healers, with the focus on self-discovery, burnout/burnout prevention, and what it means to be a healer and human. Offerings will include trainings, continuing education, workshops, and retreats; as well a community rooted in the importance of connection. I have been wanting to launch this branch of my business, it’s time to revolutionize how healers are supported!

I am where I am today with my business as result of the various opportunities that have shown up in my path. I am in gratitude for the doors that opened along the way as well as those mentors and supervisors that have pushed me to grow and expand. Every single step along the way (various job, positions, people, places) led me to here and I am forever grateful for all of it.

There are so many lessons I’ve learned along the way. I’ve found that every experience, no matter how difficult or challenging holds within it a lesson. The trick, in these moments is to find that nugget of wisdom. Another lesson I’ve learned to embrace: trust the process. Oftentimes, I had to blindly trust and take a leap into various aspects of my business. The biggest leap was leaving the security of a full time job and starting my own business. Pushing through that fear and doubt is no small feat. But it’s all worth it. Finally, when I’m feeling challenged, I always fall back onto this quote from Buddha to ground me in the moment, which says: “In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.”

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?
There is so much to do and see…A day at the beach would be on the list – my two favorite places to go are Pompano Beach and Key Biscayne. I also recommend renting a boat and check out the inter coastal waterways of Fort Lauderdale. I also often bring visitors over to Hugh Birch State Park. There you can rent some kyacks or bring bikes and explore the trails and mangroves. I love the vibe of this park, between the huge banyan trees, turtles, giant banana spiders, lots of playgrounds. I would also take them down to Wynwood to check out the art shops, Wynwood walls, and the food. Some of my favorite food spots are The Taco Truck, Le Chick Miami, Doya and Zak the Baker.  Some of my favorite places to eat in Fort Lauderdale where you can experience the outdoors and even get to enjoy the boats: Beachhouse in Pompano; Shooters Waterfront and Boathouse At The Riverside. A fun spot for great Italian food is Anthonys Runway 84 – get the twice baked potato! For brunch, I would recommend Java & Jam in Downtown Ft Lauderdale, Kristof’s Kafe in Davie or head down to Big Pink in Miami Beach.

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?
First and foremost, to all the mentors, supervisors, leaders, colleagues and guides that have helped me to evolve to where I am at today. A special thanks to my entire family and sisters from another mister (you know who you are!) who have supported me behind the scenes, taught me many lessons, and provided unconditional support and love. A special thanks to all the practitioners that I have had the honor of sharing space with and all the amazing clients that have trusted me along the way. You have all taught me so much and continue to inspire me every day. And finally, thank you to my two children who continue to remind me of what is really important – connection and love! And, to my husband Steve, for always believing and supporting me in my vision. Let’s see where this wild journey takes us next!

Website: headandheartcollective.com

Instagram: head_and_heartcollective

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelpires/

Youtube: @_rachelpires

Other: Second Instagram (business account): _rachelpires

Image Credits
Photos by Cat Ayubi of Ayubi Photography

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