Dr. Alaina M. Puff is currently completing her Postdoctoral Residency at Katz Psychological Services.
“My work is supervised by the wonderful and talented Dr. Jamie Katz, who is also a fellow Foundress member. At Katz Psychological Services we offer distinguishable therapy and assessment services that are rooted in a deep sense of self-discovery and acceptance. Together, we foster a safe and inclusive space for children, adolescent, and adult clients to receive comprehensive mental health care supports in a warm, authentic, and compassionate manner. It can be incredibly challenging to ask for help especially when it comes to you or your loved one’s mental health needs but I’m committed to walking alongside you in this journey.”
AZF: Did you always know that you wanted to be entrepreneur? If not, when did you realize that it was the right path right for you?
AP: Entrepreneurship found me. After burnout led me to switch professions, go back to school, and make numerous job changes, I finally realized that my work was far too expansive to be boxed up into the typical 9-5 hustle. However, taking the leap into private practice was the proverbial “full send” and incredibly scary because there are many unknowns. However, once I started meeting my clients and their families everything began to click and it all made sense that this is where I belonged.
AZF: What excites you most about being an entrepreneur?
AP: Through my training and previous professional endeavors, I worked in a variety of settings providing mental health care to kids and their families. However, since joining Katz Psychological Services, it has been transformational to finally have the opportunity to provide the high-quality care that I believe all clients deserve! In previous settings, I was held to the confines of insurance companies and limited timeframes, but now I’m most excited for the freedom to truly get to know my clients and their families at a pace that is dictated by no one else but them.
AZF: How do you feel best supported?
AP: I feel most supported through my community. Not just having people there to cheer you on during your big wins, but also to be there during the silent struggles, the doors in your face, and the times that self-doubt nearly consumes you. I would not have been able to accomplish as much as I have, without this beautiful community to rally around me. For that, I’m truly grateful.
AZF: What is your “life motto”?
AP: My life motto is “Find your flow. Where things naturally come in and out of your life. Nothing is forced, what is meant to find you will do just that.”
AZF: Describe your perfect Saturday morning.
AP: My perfect Saturday morning would consist of journaling on the porch with a coffee in my hand. It’s a perfect 70-degree day with a light breeze. Then, an easy walk around my neighborhood before heading over to Orange Theory Fitness to see my gym fam and crush a workout.
AZF:What motivates you to keep going amidst of the challenges that come with being an entrepreneur?
AP: Without any hesitation, my clients. They make it so easy to roll out of bed each day and show up. They give me purpose and drive to persist in the face of doubt or any challenges I may face. It is an incredible honor and privilege to do this work.
AZF: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a young entrepreneur who is just starting out?
AP: Make this a “full send” moment and get out of your own way. The biggest lesson I have gleaned from this journey thus far, is to not fall victim to your own fears or “what if’s.” Fear will keep us tucked away in our safe yet unfulfilling boxes. By taking the leap into becoming an entrepreneur, you are breaking out of that cycle and creating something beautiful to call your own. If it scares you, my advice is to chase it!
Follow Dr. Alaina on LinkedIn and Instagram
About The Foundress
The Foundress is a creative community of female entrepreneurs established by Coley Arnold and Lindsey Holt, owners of Junk in the Trunk Vintage Market. The women-led networking group currently has over 120 members who receive exclusive access to mentorship from experienced female entrepreneurs and industry leaders; community gatherings that feature expert speakers and the opportunity to connect with like-minded women; as well as monthly Mastermind Groups where members can brainstorm and collaborate together.
Every Friday AZF will spotlight a member of The Foundress and her business in the online series Foundress Fridays. Learn more about The Foundress and join the community at www.foundress.co.
