Empower, Heal, Transform: Cynthia Giffen’s Journey in Mental Health Therapy

Success means different things to different people. For some, it’s about wealth or accolades; for others, it’s about personal growth and happiness. But for one dedicated mental health therapist, success is defined by the impact she has on others—the breakthroughs, the healing, and the transformative journeys she witnesses every day.

Defining Success Through Others

Success, in her view, transcends mere personal achievement; it embodies the profound impact she can have on the lives of her clients. She finds fulfillment in helping them flourish, heal, and realize their aspirations—both personally and professionally. The privilege of being entrusted with people’s stories, secrets, dreams, and struggles is not taken lightly. Every moment of clarity and every milestone reached in therapy stands as a testament to the meaningful work she is honored to do.

A Calling to Mental Health Therapy

Her journey into the world of mental health was driven by an unwavering passion for helping others navigate their emotional landscapes. Specializing in trauma therapy, she utilizes Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to assist clients in reclaiming their lives from past experiences.

Beyond working with clients, she extends her impact by training fellow therapists in EMDR, serving as a consultant to help others become certified in this transformative modality. By doing so, she not only aids individuals in healing but also contributes to a growing community dedicated to improving trauma care.

Understanding Organizational Well-Being

As a therapist, she also specializes in organizational well-being. She understands the critical role company culture plays in driving productivity, employee satisfaction, retention, and overall business success. A positive, inclusive culture fosters stronger relationships, boosts morale, and enhances team collaboration, all of which are essential to achieving long-term goals. Her expertise in mental health allows her to support organizations in creating environments that prioritize well-being and professional growth.

 

Finding Balance After a Long Day

At the end of an emotionally demanding day, she finds solace in the company of family and friends. Maintaining a balance between professional and personal life is crucial, and for her, that balance is achieved through physical activity and self-care. A workout on her Peloton helps her decompress, followed by the simple joy of preparing a nourishing meal.

And then there’s Stevie—her beloved dog, whose unconditional love and companionship provide a much-needed respite from the day’s emotional intensity.

A Motto to Live By

Her guiding principle? “Empower, Heal, Transform.” These three words encapsulate her therapeutic philosophy and professional mission. She believes in empowering her clients to take charge of their mental health, facilitating healing from past wounds, and guiding them toward profound personal transformation. Each session is a step toward resilience, growth, and a brighter future.

Starting the Day with Purpose

Each morning begins with intentionality. Reviewing her schedule and client notes ensures that she is fully prepared to meet the needs of each individual she works with. Setting professional objectives for the day helps maintain a structured and productive workflow, allowing her to offer the highest level of support to her clients.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Mental Health

For those looking to establish their own private practice, she emphasizes three crucial considerations:

1. Business Acumen: Understanding the business side of running a practice is essential—managing finances, marketing, and navigating insurance logistics can determine long-term success.
2. Self-Care and Boundaries: The emotional toll of working in private practice can be significant. Setting personal boundaries and prioritizing self-care is necessary to prevent burnout and sustain effectiveness as a therapist.
3. Client Demographics and Needs: Knowing the community you serve is key. Researching cultural backgrounds, mental health needs, and demographic specifics helps create a practice that is both welcoming and effective.

A Commitment to Mental Wellness

By sharing her journey and insights, she hopes to inspire others to follow their passion for mental health advocacy. Whether through direct therapy, training fellow clinicians, or simply offering a compassionate ear, she is dedicated to breaking barriers and fostering a culture of healing and empowerment.

Her work is not just about treating clients—it’s about changing lives, one step at a time.

Cynthia Giffen, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor with Synchronicity Counseling and specializes in organizational well-being. She works with evidence-based tools to help clients understand themselves and feel happier and more fulfilled as a person, partner and professional.

Reprints of Boss Babes Magazine featuring Cynthia Giffen on the cover can be ordered here.