We sat down with a leading financial therapist, Aja Evans, LMHC to discuss the crucial link between mental well-being and financial wellness. Discover actionable strategies to alleviate financial stress and make informed decisions for a brighter future.
Question:
What is a financial therapist? And how do you approach helping clients understand the emotional and psychological aspects of their financial behaviors?
Answer:
“A financial therapist helps clients navigate how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors impact their financial behaviors, mindset, and relationship with money.”
Question:
How do you help clients move past their fears and limiting beliefs around money?
Answer:
“A lot of our money beliefs stem from experiences that occurred during our childhood, moving past those hard, potentially traumatic moments in life, takes time. A lot of times people dont want to go back and experience the discomfort of how impactful those moments are, allowing yourself to admit the harm it caused, process those feelings, and start the process of healing helps. Sharing what your fears are and pushing yourself to test your money belief can help shift your limiting beliefs to an abundance mindset.”
Question:
How does financial therapy contribute to narrowing the gender and racial wealth disparities?
Answer:
“Our histories are loaded with hard times, both on the micro and macro level, understanding how the lived experience or passed-down beliefs impact how you look at earning, saving, and spending money can shift disparities. Of course, there is a lot of work to be done, but understanding that some strategies and way of thinking were built out of survival rather than access can help ensure that we push through some of the mindless behaviors that can come with money.”
Question:
What piece of advice would you give to someone who is just starting their journey towards financial wellness?
Answer:
“You are not alone. When we feel shame it is easy to isolate ourselves or feel like we should have known better. So many of us weren’t talking about money in this way. We weren’t given the space to express our emotional selves either. Understanding that there is no shame or weakness in having feelings about money. Vulnerability is a strength.”
Question:
How can women prioritize self-care and mental health while pursuing their financial goals?
Answer:
“Taking care of our mental and physical health is of the utmost importance. Most frequently women do the bulk of family care and not to be morbid but we live longer. We cant help ourselves or anyone else if we are falling apart. You have to take time for yourself, to rest, to take a break, to breathe, and attune to what your body needs. Understanding our money and taking care of ourselves are both ways we make sure we can meet our goals and feel good while doing it.”
If you’re ready to take the next step towards financial wellness and explore how financial therapy can support you on this journey, visit Aja Evans, LMHC’s website or schedule an introductory call with Zenith for personalized financial guidance. Remember, your financial well-being is worth investing in, and there are resources available to help you thrive!
– Aja Evans, LMHC
All written content is for information purposes only. Opinions expressed herein are solely those of Zenith, unless otherwise specifically cited. Material presented is believed to be from reliable sources and no representations are made by our firm as to another parties’ informational accuracy or completeness. All information or ideas provided should be discussed in detail with an advisor, accountant or legal counsel prior to implementation.