Today we’d like to introduce you to Jodi Peterson.
Hi Jodi, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Well, once upon a time I wanted to be a neonatologist but since I got pregnant in college and med school is not designed for single parents without support I recognized I had to change. So, I found a corporate job that would allow me to have consistency and stability while I was a single parent. Fast forward ten years and two additional kids I want burnt out of the corporate grind, I was seeking something more fulfilling and flexible. I researched careers which are family friendly and also offer financial sustainability. Mental health popped up, I thought “I’d be good at that!” So I returned to college, finished my degree (9 months pregnant LOL). From there I worked at a non profit while I found out the hours needed to become fully licensed. Then I recognized a private practice is the way to go. I am an intense person so I opened my practice June of 2020- yes early pandemic. This might have been really insane or really stupid, often there is a fine line between the two. Once the practice opened I realized there is a high need for mental health services for children and family, so I added a Portland office. Currently We have an office in Redmond and Portland with a total of 8 therapists on staff, and growing!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles! Almost all our clients are on medicaid so the political administration is greatly impacting the business at this time. In addition to this the stress of running a business, worrying about work flow,, employee retention, creating a positive corporate culture and marketing etc is always there. There have been other struggles as well grow to continue to support staff in the manner in which I see fit. Of course also personal life impacts professional life. Developing a business while I have three kids is a struggle, and so worth it!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Central Oregon Family Therapy?
We are a small mental health/behavioral health clinic. We specialize in relationships. This can mean families, couples, etc. We are known for integrity of client care, nothing matters more than doing right by our clients. I tell all clients, employees etc that you need to be happy, healthy, safe and connected in all the domains of your life (mental, physical, and so forth) because once you have those things nothing else matters. We are people helping people and believe in the value of humanity and the absurdity of being human. We office mental health services for trauma, depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders with the focus on allowing clients to find what is best for their own lives. I think what sets us apart is the compassion and integrity we offer to clients. Client come to us on their worst days and it is an honor to support them through those times. We enjoy getting clients out of the office, learning about their lives and integrating nature into mental health.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Well which city are we talking about? I ADORE Portland! I love keeping it weird! We are a weird practice, non conventional so we find value in fitting into a “weird” culture. I deeply value the diversity Portland has to offer. And Redmond offers such an amazing family environment. So both are different and highly valuable in their own ways.
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