Business Profile: Clear Dawn Counselling

Name: Dawn Little

Business: Clear Dawn Counselling

Facebook Clear Dawn Counselling 

Contact: 07740326949

Can you describe your business?

I offer a counselling service that involves me as a qualified Counsellor listening to you and helping you find ways to deal with emotional issues. This service is carried out in a private, safe and confidential space.

As a trained counsellor my goal is to empower individuals to accomplish mental health wellness, encourage education and set and reach goals. Our work together in a non judgemental and emphatic relationship will encourage clients to embrace new strategies to overcome obstacles and professional challenges that they are facing.

Why did you start your own business?

I started Clear Dawn Counselling to give something back, I have such a passion for counselling and working within mental health and have experienced first hand how powerful it can be. Seeing a person walk away feeling lighter, freer and with genuine excitement to live their own unique journey after healing from deep wounds, and obstacles in their paths is so rewarding.  It drives me to do what I do.  I decided to start my private practice after much demand due to lengthy waiting lists on the NHS.  A private practice offers no waiting lists, and no limit on sessions, you can work through things at your pace.

What are the best things about running your own business?

There are lots of things…. Flexibility  and the ability to work my own hours is a huge advantage especially with a young family who are deserving of mummy time and also the feel good factor that creating something from scratch and seeing it grow is so rewarding.  In my job I get to meet amazing people and along the way I get to see them flourish and grow into happy, determined individuals, its one of the best feelings ever and why I love what I do. 

What are the main challenges facing the business?

The most significant challenge facing myself and any business that works within mental health is the lack of investment and funding, Professionals like myself  have to work even harder to spread the word and make it widely known that mental health is important and needs to be priority. The message that I try to put across is that its ok not to be ok!

What advice would you give to someone starting a business? 

Go for it, if you have a dream follow it and reap the rewards.  it is tough but there is loads of help out there.  My greatest learning was to learn to listen and be like a sponge absorbing it all in and write things down, Make a business plan, know your strengths and limitations and work it out.   My main advice however would be to enjoy and embrace all it brings!

Can you describe the experience of running a business in three words?

Rewarding, flexible, empowering