HER STORY ⟡ Emily Lacy
Hey all!
My name is Emily Lacy and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Ohio and the owner of Aligning Intimacy Therapy. I live outside of Cincinnati on our mini farm with my husband, two beautiful daughters, and what feels like a small zoo of animals.
After repeatedly resisting the idea of launching my own practice, I eventually opened Aligning Intimacy in December of 2022 and it has been nothing short of one of the most fulfilling and exciting experiences of my life.
Why I started:
As I mentioned above, I did not enter into the mental health field with the goal of one day opening my own practice. To be honest, the thought put me into a state of panic so I refused to even learn more for a long time. I just chalked it up to “not being cut out for it.” After working in both community mental health agencies and private practices, I found that I craved a certain kind of freedom and more opportunity to create and grow as an individual and professional. Even more, I started to learn that I was good at it and happier for it. I have a deep passion for my work and providing services and education that can promote healing in our community, while also balancing my time with my friends and family. I needed an outlet for my ideas as well as the freedom to explore more.
What I love about being a business owner:
I think the word “freedom” is the theme here. I feel like I can actually harness my potential and allow it to flourish, which has built my previously suffering self-esteem and confidence. Sure, imposter syndrome is my rent-free roommate, but I have proven to myself that I can do the hard scary things and even be good at it! I can meet my clients where they are, offer the adaptability we all need, and create systems and opportunities when I see unmet needs. I feel free and optimistic. I can’t fail to mention that I’ve encountered some of the most AMAZING female business owners and fallen into a community of support that one could only dream of.
Who or what inspires you?
Wow, this question has me all over the place. There’s just so much! My children, who are one of the primary reasons I work so hard. Raising two little girls brings with it a responsibility that I often feel unworthy of while also creating an opportunity to play, dance, laugh, and sing like I’m a kid again. My husband who has worked so hard his entire life and overcome so many obstacles while never skipping a beat. The absolutely phenomenal women I’m surrounded by personally and professionally who never give up and are breaking down barriers everyday. Authenticity, autonomy, and women empowering women.
What is your favorite piece of advice you’ve ever received or favorite quote?
“Peace begins when expectation ends.” This quote is displayed in my office as a regular reminder that I can only live my most fulfilling life full of peace, joy, and happiness when we recreate expectations and obligations as opportunities and growing. Every expectation can be reframed as an opportunity to explore potential and offer ourselves compassion.
What does BEAUTY mean to you?
Personally, authenticity has been my word of the year. I have made massive strides in working toward my most authentic and genuine self while watching more and more women do the same. Beauty can be observed from the outside, as it should, but the definition of beauty comes from within the observer. You define and determine what you find to be beautiful based on a feeling that it creates within you. I find nature to be one of the most beautiful things in this universe because it doesn’t have to change its authentic purpose and appearance to provide healing and comfort.
What advice would you give your past self just starting your business?
You are absolutely and unequivocally enough. Don’t let that nagging voice in your head tell you that you can’t do it or are reaching too far. You go as far as you want and share that energy with only those who encourage you to do the same. I would make sure that I knew that I didn’t have to achieve the end goal immediately. Enjoy the beginning stages, even if they come with fear and uncertainty. I have a tendency to want to rush to my goal as quickly as possible and completely miss experiencing the process. Soak it in. The anticipation, the connections, the time spent with clients, growth. The end goal does not feel as good if we don’t appreciate the hard work and beauty that accompanies us throughout the process.
What would you like our Beauty Boost members to know?
Please ask any and all questions you may have! Trust me, we love to answer questions, build connections, grow our community, and spend time getting to know others. We love to share about what we do and will help however we can!
Where our community can find you?
