Who is Liz Khalighi, could you please introduce yourself?

I am a Psychotherapist registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.  I specialize in offering mental health services to adults, children and families.

What is your business and when did you start?

My private practice was launched in December 2018 after many years of dreaming. I began my career in 2002 working for Ministry funded children’s mental health agencies in Toronto and Peel Region.  During this time, I worked directly with clients, in addition to providing clinical supervision to front line clinicians. I often found that due to limited funding, I was not always able to provide the individualized and flexible treatment modalities that I wanted to.  For this reason, it was hard to fit my clients into a “one-size-fits-all box”. I started my practice so that I could offer specialized and individualized treatment to each family and client I worked with.

What inspired you to start your business?

I wanted to streamline my clinical expertise, provide specialized treatment to my clients, and to make my own path as an entrepreneur, wife and mother.

What were the challenges in the initial stages of your business and how did you overcome them?

Business planning and entrepreneurship were never discussed during my clinical training. I decided to surround myself with the expertise of other therapists who had launched their own practices as well as many other women entrepreneurs from different disciplines.  This helped me to develop a plan that would allow to see my own vision come to life, and to believe in the importance of taking risks.

What motivates you about your business?

Being my own boss has given me the flexibility and time to enhance my clinical skills while balancing the responsibilities of being a mother to two young children and a wife.  As well, I love to see my clients make gains in their journey toward wellness.

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?

Surround yourself with knowledgeable and supportive people who are willing to share their expertise.  Most importantly, learn to lean into the discomfort of taking risks.  Nothing good comes from staying within your comfort zone!

Interesting fact most of the people do not know about you?

I am painfully introverted and find large gatherings overwhelming despite my outgoing personality.

The best business advice I ever received was …

Generating business comes from making connections and being unapologetically authentic.

My definition of success is …

Achieving work/life balance on your own terms at your own pace.

If I could go back in time when I started my business, I would tell myself to …

Stop doubting yourself and take the leap!

Three books I recommend for entrepreneurs are ….

“Girl Wash Your Face” Rachel Hollis

“A New Earth” Eckhart Tolle

“Daring Greatly” Brené Brown

My personal tagline is … 

“If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!” –Richard Branson