Let’s just be real for a second: change is hard. Like, how do I even function without coffee and five hours of uninterrupted quiet to process this? hard. Over the past few weeks since officially acquiring Connect Counseling Center in November 2024, I’ve been riding this rollercoaster of this is so exciting! to what in the actual heck did I just do? It’s been a lot of meetings, a lot of deep breaths, and a to-do list that feels like it grows while I sleep. But even in the chaos, one thing is clear—this is going to be something special.
Taking on Connect Counseling Center wasn’t just about “buying a business.” It was about stepping into something much bigger—a legacy. For years, Connect has been a place where people could show up as their most vulnerable, messy, real selves and feel truly cared for. That’s the magic of Connect. And let me be the first to tell you, that magic isn’t going anywhere.
But let’s be honest: even the best legacies need a little TLC to keep them thriving. Over the last few weeks, my co-owner, Alex Varkonda, and I have been diving in headfirst, figuring out how to take the already amazing foundation of Connect and grow it into something even better. The goal? To create a space where both clients and therapists feel valued, supported, and like they’ve found a home.
I know “change” can sometimes feel like a four-letter word. So let’s break it down—what’s staying the same, and what’s actually changing?
What’s Staying the Same
What’s not changing at Connect? The heart and soul of everything that makes this place extraordinary. The therapists who are fully bought into our vision are here to stay, and they’re more committed than ever to fostering healing and growth for individuals and families. The locations are staying the same, so you’ll still find that familiar sense of home in Mount Juliet and Clarksville. The fun, welcoming vibe? It’s not going anywhere either. The culture we’ve cultivated—authentic, connected, and deeply supportive—remains at the center of who we are. Simply put, we’re keeping everything that makes Connect special and giving it room to grow.
What’s Changing
Okay, here’s the fun part: we’re making some upgrades. Think of it like spring cleaning but way cooler.
First, we’re making things cleaner and clearer. Literally. We’re brightening up the lobbies and offices with fresh paint and a vibe that says, “You’re welcome here, and also, wow, this place feels like a hug.” Therapy is hard enough; your environment shouldn’t make it harder.
Second, we’re setting new expectations for our therapists—not in a scary micromanaging boss way but in a hey, let’s crush it together way. Everyone deserves a roadmap for success, whether that’s mastering a specialty like trauma work or just having the tools to balance work and life without losing their sanity.
We’re also investing in our team in big ways. More trainings are coming down the pipeline, so our therapists can sharpen their skills and offer even better care. Play therapy? OCD treatment? Trauma work? We’re on it. But it’s not all work and no play. We’re prioritizing team bonding—because let’s face it, nothing says “I feel supported” like laughing with your coworkers over bad karaoke or a team lunch that isn’t just a sad PowerPoint meeting with stale bagels.
One of the most exciting changes? We’re introducing “maturity models” for therapists. Basically, these are career roadmaps designed to help our team figure out where they are, where they want to go, and how we can help them get there. Whether it’s professional certifications, leadership roles, or just crushing personal financial goals, we’re here to support it.
Ultimately, these changes aren’t just about sprucing up the business. They’re about people. When therapists feel seen, supported, and empowered, they do their best work. And when that happens, clients thrive, and the ripple effects spread to families, workplaces, and communities.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been reminded again and again just how much Connect isn’t “just” a therapy practice—it’s a vital part of the community. That’s why these changes aren’t about growth for growth’s sake. They’re about accessibility, inclusivity, and creating a space where healing can happen for everyone who walks through our doors.
Look, I’d be lying if I said stepping into this role has been a breeze. There have been moments of pure overwhelm where I’ve stared at my laptop, eating snacks in silence, wondering if I’m doing enough. But then, I’ll see a therapist light up after a breakthrough with a client or hear a story about how therapy changed someone’s life, and I know we’re doing something that matters.
This isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. It’s about creating spaces where people feel safe, supported, and valued. It’s about showing therapists that they can grow and thrive here, both professionally and personally. It’s about making mental health care not just accessible, but extraordinary.
To everyone who has been part of Connect’s story—clients, therapists, and the broader community—thank you. Your trust means everything to me. And I promise, as we move forward, to honor that trust in every decision we make.
Over the next few months, you can expect new services, fun team events, and plenty of updates. This isn’t just a new chapter for Connect Counseling Center—it’s a whole new era. And the best part? You’re part of it.
Welcome to the new Connect. Let’s build something amazing together.
