In this episode, Valynn Barnes, LCSW, reveals how she went from juggling multiple agency jobs to building a sustainable, private-pay therapy business. Hear her honest take on time capacity, mindset blocks, and the power of asking for help while serving her community and scaling with purpose.

Valynn Hawkins, LMFT, is a California-based therapist and founder of Valynk Therapy, known for helping teens and professional women break free from feeling stuck and start living with boldness and intention. With 10+ years of experience across school counseling, youth probation, and outpatient care, Valynn creates empowering spaces to process trauma, build confidence, and rewrite your story.

She’s re-launching Valynk Therapy in May 2025 with a fresh vision for client-centered care and community-rooted healing. When she’s not supporting clients, you’ll find her dancing around the house or walking the boardwalk with her loved ones.

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/valynnakendrick

0:00 – Welcome & Intro to Valon

1:03 – Becoming a Therapist & Early Influences

5:04 – Earning Hours & Licensing in California

6:19 – Work Experience Across Diverse Settings

9:02 – Why Exposure to Multiple Roles Mattered

12:44 – Entering Entrepreneurship & Mindset Shift

16:01 – Starting Private Practice with Private Pay

20:16 – Time Capacity, Overwhelm & Asking for Help

26:32 – Future Goals: Groups, Schools & Life Skills

35:44 – Advice to Her Younger Entrepreneur Self

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