Balancing Life as a 40-Something Mom and Solo Mental Health Practice Owner
Being a mom in my 40s with a young child and running a solo mental health private practice is a life of joyful chaos. Mornings are packed with lunchboxes and school drop-offs, followed by client sessions, documentation, and the occasional puzzle on the living room floor. As an older mom and therapist, I’m constantly balancing the needs of my child with the responsibilities of being a business owner in the mental health field.
One of the biggest challenges? Energy management. Working moms in their 40s know that raising a young child while supporting clients through deep emotional work takes both physical and emotional stamina. While I may not have the same energy as some younger moms, I bring life experience, emotional resilience, and a strong sense of purpose to both motherhood and my practice.
Connecting with younger moms was a hurdle at first. Many of them are in a different life stage, and I sometimes felt out of place. But I’ve learned that shared parenting experiences—meltdowns, milestones, and everything in between—create common ground.
If you're a fellow older mom or therapist-mom, here are a few ways to feel more connected:
Be curious and open—start conversations at school pickup or playdates.
Focus on what unites you—your children.
Create small communities—coffee chats, weekend outings, mom groups.
Embrace your story—you bring value and wisdom to every table you're at.
Running a mental health business while raising a young child isn’t easy—but it’s incredibly meaningful. If you're navigating the same path, know this: your age is not a limitation. It’s a strength.
