Erin Frey on Therapy

TL;DR

The CEO of Kipp, a therapy startup, explains the benefits of therapy for founders and how it helps improve their performance and mental well-being.

Transcript

hi I'm Erin I'm the co-founder and CEO of Kipp Oh Y Combinator startups that helps you get amazing therapy I started going to therapy when I realized that stress and anxiety were affecting my ability to do good work I was waking up anxious every morning thinking through the list of things that I would not get done that day I realized I was thinking... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧠 Therapist start-up founder: The CEO of a therapy start-up realized that her stress and anxiety were hindering her ability to be her best self at work. She took her own advice and sought therapy, experiencing immediate relief and improved thinking.
• 💼 Importance of therapy for founders: The CEO emphasizes the importance of therapy for founders, as stress, anxiety, and depression are predictable patterns in their lives. By seeking help early on, they can navigate the pressures and uncertainties of entrepreneurship more effectively.
• 🏥 Therapy as brain training: Therapy is described as a scientifically proven process that changes the way the brain works for the better. It involves learning about thought patterns, emotions, and behaviors, and acquiring tools and skills to navigate them effectively.
• 🔑 Overcoming fear of failure: Founders can learn with their therapists how to manage the fear of failure by challenging negative thoughts and examining evidence. By reframing their mindset, they can approach challenges as exciting problems to solve rather than insurmountable obstacles.
• 🛡️ Creating a safe space: Therapy provides a safe space for founders to discuss problems they may not feel comfortable sharing with others. Having a therapist to confide in and seek guidance from can alleviate stress and provide relief.
• 🚀 Improved thinking and problem-solving: Through therapy, the CEO noticed a significant improvement in her ability to think clearly and tackle problems. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, she began viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and success. ⏰ Time for self-care: The CEO recognizes that as a founder, it is crucial to invest in one's mental health. Stress, anxiety, and depression can negatively impact a founder's performance, and seeking therapy early on can help address these issues and improve overall well-being.
• 🌐 Normalizing therapy: The CEO hopes that one day therapy will be seen as essential as regular medical check-ups. Just as people visit dentists and doctors for physical health, investing in mental health through therapy should become a common practice for individuals, especially founders who rely on their brain as their most important asset.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does therapy work and can it really be effective?

Therapy is a scientifically proven process that improves the way our brain functions. It helps individuals understand their thought patterns, develop healthier behaviors, and navigate their emotions more effectively. It may not work for everyone, but it has been helpful for many people in managing their mental health.

Q: What are the goals of therapy sessions?

In therapy, individuals work with a therapist to set goals and figure out what needs to be addressed. The therapist helps individuals uncover thought patterns, behaviors, and emotions that may be hindering their progress and guides them in developing skills to overcome these challenges.

Q: How can therapy help founders deal with the fear of failure?

Therapy can teach founders how to challenge negative thoughts that contribute to the fear of failure. By examining the evidence behind these thoughts and considering the worst-case scenario, founders can develop a more realistic perspective and alleviate some of their anxiety surrounding failure.

Q: How can therapy provide relief for founders?

Therapy offers founders a safe space to discuss their problems and concerns without judgment. It provides a sense of relief in knowing there is someone they can rely on for support. Additionally, therapy gives founders a path to improvement and helps them feel more confident about their journey towards better mental health.

Q: When should founders consider seeking therapy?

Founders should consider therapy if they are experiencing prolonged stress, anxiety, depression, or if their mental health is impacting their work performance. Seeking therapy earlier on can help manage these issues more effectively and prevent them from escalating.

Q: Why should founders prioritize their mental health and invest in therapy?

As a founder, a healthy mental state is crucial for success. Investing in therapy ensures that founders are taking care of their most important asset—their brain. Therapy helps improve cognitive functioning, decision-making abilities, and overall well-being, ultimately making founders better leaders in the long run.

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Summary & Key Takeaways

• The CEO started therapy when stress and anxiety began affecting their ability to work effectively.

• Therapy helps founders manage the ups and downs, stress, and uncertainty of running a startup.

• Through therapy, founders learn to navigate their emotions, challenge negative thoughts, and improve their overall well-being.