Liquic Professional's Blog - The business of helping people

Liquic gets to pick the brain of a man who makes it his life’s work to pick brains. Director of Gray Matters International, Dr. Kevin J Fleming has travelled the world coaching and consulting world leaders on improving their thinking and acting. Via the Liquic Live system, you can book your own coaching session one on one with Dr Fleming. Read the full interview here.

Book an online coaching session with Dr. Kevin Fleming

Liquic gets to pick the finance-savvy brain of Financial Therapist Melissa Mitchell-Blitch. Once a CPA she noticed the beliefs her clients held about money were the real issue. She went off to study Psychology and now guides others in their financial psychology.

What’s your background?

My professional career started as a CPA in the field of wealth management. It was there I first observed that we each have a relationship with money. Our relationship with money impacts not only our financial decisions, but also – and more importantly – all other areas of life, including relations with others, with our work, and our life satisfaction. I was inspired to change careers, to the field of psychology, by a desire to help others live richer, more authentic lives by enhancing their relationships with money.

Tell us about your practice?

Vineyard Counseling, LLC is located in Mt. Pleasant, SC – just across the Cooper River from charming, historic Charleston. I specialize in Financial Therapy.

The symptoms of a less-than-optimal relationship with money are easy to spot, yet insight and action are two different things. Many times we know better, yet struggle to do better.

In a solution-oriented manner, I help clients get to the roots of the symptoms – to address the thoughts, emotions, and relationship factors which drive them.

Since financial stress can lead to depression, anxiety, strained relations, and a host of other issues, the impact of Financial Therapy is quite broad.

Who are your clients?

I counsel women and men, individuals and couples, single and married. I tend to attract clients who are looking for someone to come along side them in the process of growth, healing, and change.

What makes a financial therapist a good financial therapist?

In our culture, money is more taboo than sex. In order to provide Financial Therapy, the professional must have a genuine comfort with the subject matter. The professional must also be able to work non-judgmentally and appreciate the complexities of our relationship with money. Some today would suggest that folks need to “get over” their “hang ups” regarding money or have difficulty empathizing with others of significant financial means. In order to help, the therapist must have genuine empathy for clients’ areas of challenge.

When is it time to go to a financial therapist?

The saying goes “An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.” And yet most of us seek professional assistance only after warning signs appear.

If you’re experiencing distress regarding financial matters, a financial professional may or may not be the first call to make. I devote a sizeable portion of my time to educating others, both allied professionals and others in the community, on Financial Therapy and how it’s different from but highly complimentary to financial planning. Again this gets back to helping others “do better” once they “know better.”

Since financial issues are a major contributor to marital conflict, I find great satisfaction in working with engaged and newly married couples. More often than not, spouses have different “Money Personalities” (preferences, priorities, risk tolerances) and experiences with money. Financial Therapy can help them recognize these differences, utilize them as a strength, and learn to anticipate and manage times when these personalities clash.

How can someone find a good financial therapist?

Unfortunately, the number of financial therapists is highly limited, but most have websites and many utilize listing services, such as Liquic. Therefore, the one closest to you may be found via a web search on “Financial Therapy.” I am in a network of professionals who offer Financial Therapy, so I would also be happy to assist someone in connecting with a professional in their area.

Why are you a financial therapist?

While working in wealth management, there were times when I wished to refer a client to Financial Therapy, but I could not find anyone is my area, state, or even national region who offered such services. Over the period of a few years, I discerned that this is my calling, and thus began the process of changing careers. More professionals are needed to provide this important, life-changing service.

I provide Financial Therapy because our relationship with money is played out in all areas of life. My desire is to help others lead richer, more authentic lives by enhancing their relationship with money.

If you could say one thing to the world about finances and money what would it be?

Money is not the measure of personal worth or success, nor is it inherently good or evil. Let it be a tool, not a master, and it will serve you well.

Thanks Melissa!

Check out her profile on Liquic