Today we’d like to introduce you to Yvette Pelikan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was raised by two parents who were educators, so education, teaching, and special education were truly ingrained in me from the very beginning. Growing up, I watched my parents model a deep respect for learning and a genuine passion for supporting students, and that foundation played a significant role in shaping the career path I ultimately chose.
For more than 23 years, I have had the privilege of working as a social worker in both school and hospital settings. While this work was incredibly meaningful, I reached a point where I knew I wanted greater flexibility in my schedule and the opportunity to use my knowledge and expertise in a more personalized way. I felt called to take a leap of faith and open my own private practice.
I wanted the freedom to support children and families therapeutically with a creative approach—tailoring each session to meet the unique needs of every individual client rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all model. I strongly believe that parent involvement is a crucial part of the therapeutic process and plays a key role in helping children make meaningful and lasting progress.
Nearly six years ago, I founded Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens. I began this journey part-time, continuing to work in the schools during the day while slowly building my private practice after school hours. Those days were long and often exhausting, but they were also incredibly rewarding. Then 3 years ago I was able to expand and grow the practice with the help of my good friend Jennifer Iverson. Without Jennifer’s help, Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens would not be what it is today. Looking back, every hour and every bit of effort was well worth the investment, as it allowed me to build a practice rooted in passion, creativity, and a genuine commitment to children and their families.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As anyone would expect, the journey was not without its bumps and bruises. I made plenty of mistakes along the way, some costly ones including losing money and, at times, charging far less than what my experience and expertise truly warranted. Those early missteps were humbling and, at moments, incredibly intimidating. There were times when the fear and uncertainty led me to question whether this was truly the right career path for me.
Yet, through those challenges, I gained something far more valuable than I lost. I learned resilience, perseverance, and most importantly the importance of believing in myself and my worth. Each obstacle became a lesson, helping me grow not only as a business owner but as a clinician.
Looking back, I know with complete certainty that I would have deeply regretted not taking this risk. Choosing to step outside of my comfort zone and pursue this dream has been the best risk I have ever taken, and it continues to affirm why I began this journey in the first place.
As you know, we’re big fans of Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens is a child/adolescent centered, family-focused therapy practice dedicated to supporting children and their families through meaningful, individualized, and developmentally appropriate mental health care. Our work is rooted in the belief that children/ adolescents communicate best through play, creativity, and connection and that therapy should meet children exactly where they are.
We specialize in working with children with ADHD, Anxiety, OCD, Phobias,Depression, Emotional Regulation Challenges, Parent Coaching, as well as supporting families as they navigate school-related stressors, social challenges, and life transitions. Our services integrate play therapy, creative interventions, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help children/ adolescents build coping skills, confidence, and emotional awareness in a way that feels safe and engaging rather than intimidating.
What truly sets Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens apart is our highly personalized and collaborative approach. There is no “one-size-fits-all” model here. Every child’s therapy plan is thoughtfully tailored to their unique needs, strengths, and learning style. We place a strong emphasis on parent involvement and education, recognizing that meaningful progress happens not only in the therapy room but also at home, at school, and in everyday life.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust we have built with families and the reputation we have established for being warm, creative, and deeply invested in the children we serve. Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens is known for thinking outside the box, advocating for children, and creating a space where kids feel understood, empowered, and celebrated for who they are.
I want readers to know that this practice was built from passion, lived experience, and years of professional expertise. Every service we offer is grounded in the belief that children are capable, resilient, and deserving of support that honors their individuality. At Creative Counseling 4 Kids & Teens, we are not just providing therapy, we are building skills, confidence, and connections that help children and families thrive long beyond the therapy room.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe that luck, good or bad, has played a defining role in where I am today or in the growth of my business. I truly believe this work is my calling, and that I was given the talents, passion, and drive to serve others in this way. Every step of this journey has felt purposeful, even when it was challenging.
Building this practice has required unwavering dedication, countless hours of hard work, and more sacrifice than most people ever see. There were late nights, early mornings, moments of doubt, and plenty of blood, sweat, and tears poured into making this dream a reality. Nothing about this path was accidental, it was earned through perseverance, commitment, and a deep belief in the mission behind my work.
Rather than luck, I credit faith in my purpose, resilience through adversity, and an unrelenting willingness to keep going. Those elements, more than chance, are what have shaped my life and business and continue to guide the work I do every day.
Pricing:
- Insurance and private pay accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.creativecounseling4kidsandteens.com
- Instagram: @creativecounseling4kids
- Facebook: Creative Counseling
