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"It Has Been a Dream!"

Thursday, 08 January 2026 00:10

ED. Katie Deregnier possesses elite triathlon credentials. Her professional credentials are elite, also. Check out the cool Q&A she had with VoyageMinnesota.com.

By VoyageMinnesota.com

VM - Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie DeRegnier.

Hi Katie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?

KD -  In February, 2020, I decided to start my own mental health clinic. I was an independent contractor in Lakeville at the time, and the time was right for me to progress forward. I had help from my husband and mother-in-law organizing tasks, and identifying needs in order to own my own business. My first client was online in April 2020. I did not anticipate the pandemic, but it did allow me to start seeing clients online at home while saving money to own an office in the future....

In July 2021, I started looking for office space. It was very difficult because I wanted to own a place that allowed me to expand to a group practice (it was only me at the time). We were initially looking at places in Eagan and Apple Valley, but to our amazement, an office building that used to be a farmer’s home opened up in Farmington. The building was exactly what we were looking for- it allowed me to rent out offices while I worked on expanding my practice. It was a very comfortable place, with a home-like feel.

One by one I added therapists and eventually filled each office with another therapist. Almost 6 years later, we have 7 total therapists and one incredible administrator working here. It has been a dream!

VM - 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?

 KD - Some struggles were interviewing and finding therapists that were a good fit. I was very intentional about wanting therapists that seem to have similar values and motives to help others.

It can also be very difficult to be in network with certain insurance companies. I had to appeal 3 times before becoming in network with HealthPartners. It has taken a lot of resilience and determination to be where we are now.

VM - Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

KD -  Pure Potential Counseling offers a variety of therapists who specialize in different populations and areas of mental health. Clients are able to choose the best fit for themselves. What sets us apart from other practices is the human nature in our therapists. I carefully select only therapists who deeply care about others to be a part of our practice. We all have similar values and characteristics that allow us to connect with clients on a deeper level. Our work environment is phenomenal because we care about each other and the work that we do.

VM - How do you think about happiness?

KD -  Feeling connected to others and helping others, quality time with loved ones, and self-care.

• Website: https://www.purepotentialcounseling.com

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Pure-Potential-Counseling-