Today we’d like to introduce you to Payal Patel.
Hi Payal, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. Before we get into specifics, please briefly describe how you got to where you are today.
Manu Counseling holds a deep connection to my heart. I dedicated this practice to my late grandfather ( Manu Patel) to continue his legacy after passing away in 2015. My most treasured memory of my grandfather was his overwhelming feeling of gratification and joy regarding my education. I remember he would always boast to his friends about my Master’s in Psychology. He always encouraged education as a key to becoming successful in life. I moved to Charlotte from New Jersey in 2015, after getting my Master’s, without knowing anyone in the counseling community. I took the leap of faith in 2017 and opened the practice; I knew I would carry on something important to me: my culture. I wanted to create a space for South Asians to seek therapy but offer services in my native languages (Hindi and Gujarati). I vividly remember months of networking, just trying to get my name and practice out there. Fast forward to 2019, I created the caseload I dreamed of and built a social media presence on Instagram. People reached out left and right via IG to schedule sessions with me. I was fortunate enough to connect with a few people via Fox 46 News Charlotte. I was a guest a few times. I am now featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, Women Health Mag, Bustle, Wall Street Journal, and Insider Magazine. The sole purpose of my practice has been to normalize mental health and therapy for the South Asian community; as of 2021, my entire caseload is South Asian, and I’m so proud of it!
Has it been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced?
Of course not! I moved to Charlotte without any friends or family and am a recent graduate. I had to hustle and put myself out there to get to know other clinicians in the area. What helped me was that there were few South Asian therapists in Charlotte, which meant I stood out. There were many months when I only had clients a week, but I still networked as much as possible. I eventually took on a part-time job at Safe Alliance for 3 years while building the practice. It’s hard when there is little education on running a business in grad school. I don’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, so everything was self-taught. I built my website by watching YouTube videos and researching how to use Google ads. I was creative when it came to marketing. The slow months were super discouraging, but I kept reminding myself that my practice was named after my grandfather, and there was no way it could fail.
As you know, we’re big fans of Manu Counseling. What can you tell readers who might need to be more familiar with the brand?
Manu Counseling is a private practice named after my paternal grandfather. I proudly built this practice to cater to the South Asian community. Most of my clients are South Asian couples, but of course, I also work with individuals and families. I really work hard to build rapport with my clients. Most people from my community are seeking a therapist who understands the culture and family dynamics. I can provide therapy in Hindi and Gujarati, which opens up a portal for those whose first language isn’t English.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from growing up.
I was spending weekends at my grandparent’s home with my cousins!
Pricing:
- $200 Couples Counseling
- $180 Individual Counseling
Contact Info:
- Website: www.manucounseling.com
- Instagram: @manucounseling
Image Credits
Tiffany Carr Photography, Meagan Senior Photography
