How to Start, Grow, and Manage a Private Therapy Practice: 5
Self-Care for Therapists
Prioritizing your own health and stress management is imperative to running a successful private therapy practice. We’ve all heard the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” and no one relates to this better than mental health practitioners.
While incredibly rewarding, therapy is an emotionally demanding profession that can lead to distress and burnout. In fact, research indicates that 21-61% of mental health professionals experience burnout, negatively affecting their own health as well as the quality of care provided to clients.
Therapist burnout may manifest in signs and symptoms such as:
Emotional apathy
Lack of concentration
Physical, mental, or emotional fatigue
Dreading and/or canceling appointments
Sleep issues
Feeling overwhelmed
Irritability
Exhaustion
Proactively incorporating self-care strategies, setting boundaries, and connecting with a peer consultation group can prevent and reverse work-related burnout.
Here are some tips to level up your self-care:
Meet with your own therapist
Eat a nutritious diet, drink plenty of water, & get adequate sleep
Move your body
Commit to daily positive affirmations
Take time for self-reflection
Spend time in nature
Read for pleasure
·Meditate/breathe/yoga
Make time for hobbies (if you’re not sure where to start, pick up a new one!)
Schedule breaks throughout the day
Turn off your dedicated work phone after hours
Connect with other therapists
Finding a Professional Consultation Group
A peer consultation group is a safe and supportive community where clinicians meet informally with colleagues to discuss professional issues. These confidential forums reduce the isolation that comes along with private practice. The group understands what you are going through, may provide new perspectives, and can help you overcome obstacles with clients.
The best way to find a peer consultation group is to reach out to other therapists in your area for recommendations. TTN is the leading online resource for connecting with established therapists that can offer recommendations and resources.
