Meet Laura Jasen of Sage & Sunshine Therapy!
Photo by Regina As The Photographer
Hey, girl, hey! I hope you’re having a fantastic week. We’re back with a feature on Laura Jasen of Sage & Sunshine Therapy. Laura is so down-to-Earth & relatable that she can put anyone at ease. She’s also really great at getting to the heart of what really matters— both in conversation and in relationships. Which is great because, you know, she’s a mental health professional! It’s always an absolute pleasure to meet someone who’s not only passionate about what they do, but who’s also really good at it and is striving to make the world a better place. Laura’s doing just that, one session at a time. I hope you enjoy getting to know Laura through hearing about her goals, how she got started, & even what advice she has for boss babes looking to start their own business. Find her on Instagram, enjoy her words, & stay boss. xx -G
Take a peek into Laura’s daily life!
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
Hello, I'm Laura Jasen and I am the owner of Sage and Sunshine Therapy. I am a Florida native who has lived in two foreign countries but never a different state. I completed my Bachelor’s degree at FSU in Communications and my Master’s degree at USF in Counseling. I offer mental health therapy for individuals and couples who are seeking to improve their lives. Therapy sessions with me provide hope to individuals who are experiencing stress, sadness, or heartbreak. I take pride in empowering people to overcome problems they face in their lives, career, or relationships. My practice focuses on mental wellness, not mental illness.
How did your business begin?
Sage and Sunshine Therapy began as an idea when I worked at the Department of Veterans Affairs assisting our nation’s veterans secure the medical treatment and benefits that they earned. I’ve always enjoyed helping others but that experience compelled me to engage in a more direct way. Consequently, I enrolled in graduate school and obtained a Master’s degree in Counseling. During the last two years I’ve performed in home family therapy, worked in a residential facility, and at a psychiatric hospital in order to sharpen my insight but I’ve always known that I wanted to be self employed. Last year, I turned that dream into a reality!
Photo by Regina As The Photographer
What’s 1 challenge you’ve faced and 1 success you’ve had since you’ve created your business?
Hurricane Irma made landfall in my business two weeks after I opened my doors. This projected category 4 hurricane not only threatened to wreak havoc on the population and property of the entire state of Florida but also my fledgling client base and personal confidence. Despite losing power and mandatory evacuations, I survived…barely. :-)
I am most proud that the growth in my business has been consistent, sustained, and primarily achieved through referrals which I take as the ultimate compliment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received and has it come in handy for you?
The best piece of advice I’ve received was to establish and operate my business debt free. This philosophy has challenged me to be creative to deliver quality service while being fiscally responsible.
Photo by Regina As The Photographer
When are you at your happiest?
I am happiest when I am helping others. For me, there is no greater feeling than fostering personal growth and seeing others overcome obstacles.
What do you tell yourself when things get difficult?
Each day provides new opportunities to learn. I view tough lessons as necessary for growth. They also allow me to more easily empathize as a friend and a therapist.
What are you grateful for?
I am grateful that I live in a country that allows me to pursue my passion without limitation. I've lived and traveled abroad where I've gained a full appreciation for the American ideal and our rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
What’s 1 personal goal and 1 business goal you plan to accomplish this year?
In the next year, I would like to expand my practice by hiring other therapists and creating a healing center that focuses on wellness. On a personal level, I would like to take up painting as a new way to express my myself.
Photo by Regina As The Photographer
Where can you be found on a Tuesday afternoon?
On Tuesday afternoons, I am usually at my office working with clients.
Where can we find you on a Friday evening?
Fridays are for relaxing and spending time with my boyfriend, Russell.
Where can you be found on a Sunday morning?
Most Sunday mornings I find myself spending time outdoors or meeting some ladies for a bubbly brunch.
Finish these sentences:
I love: I love watching the sunrise on the water.
I’m always looking for: I’m always looking for the positive perspective as there is always a silver lining.
My inspiration is: My mom and dad are inspirational. They started their small business over 30 years ago and were a living example of the courage and determination it takes to be successful in business.
I’ll never: I never say never because life can change in an instant. We never know what the future holds. I choose to Sage and Sunshine.
