Growing Self Counseling & Coaching

Therapists, I learned this the hard way—never stop assessing your clients, especially the long-term ones you think you know inside out. Complacency can sneak in when you’ve worked with someone for years. You feel comfortable, and that’s when things can start to slip through the cracks. I had a situation where I didn’t realize my client’s needs had shifted, and I wasn’t asking the right questions. It caught me off guard when deeper issues emerged that I should have seen coming. As therapists, we have a responsibility to stay sharp. It’s not just about helping clients when they first come in with a presenting issue. It’s about keeping up with them as they grow and evolve. Ongoing assessment isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity. We need to be thinking around corners, asking the tough questions, and making sure we’re always fully aligned with our clients’ current needs. If we’re not careful, we risk missing the subtle signs of change or crisis in their lives. I do a deep dive into not just why but HOW to put this into practice on the latest episode of Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists - I hope you check it out. https://lnkd.in/gcudgBQu xoxo Lisa

I thought I had it all under control. I mean, isn’t the whole point of being a therapist to help as many people as possible? I was driven by that, saying “yes” to every client that came my way. But what I didn’t realize was that by trying to do it all, I was putting everything—my clients, my license, my career—at risk. 🚨 It started with small things. I’d miss a follow-up email here or there. Then, I’d forget to respond to a client message for a few days. My caseload was overflowing, and while I thought I was handling it, the cracks were starting to show. 👎 One day, a client didn’t get the follow-up they needed from me for weeks. And suddenly, I was staring down a potential client abandonment issue, one of the most serious ethical violations a therapist can face. That moment shook me to my core. Was I actually putting my career on the line by being too busy? It was a wake-up call, and I realized that something had to change—fast. I started scaling back. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I built time into my day for client communication, ensuring no message was left behind. I reinforced my boundaries, staying mindful of the slippery slope of oversharing during sessions. And then there was documentation—the thing I had been neglecting. I committed to documenting every session, every decision, so that if a complaint ever did come, I’d be ready. 📝 The most significant shift, though? I gave myself permission to refer out. I no longer felt the pressure to handle every case. If a client’s needs were outside my expertise, I referred them to someone who could better serve them. It took a load off my shoulders and ensured my clients got the care they deserved. Now, I’m not just staying afloat—I’m thriving. My caseload is balanced, my boundaries are solid, and I’m confident I’m doing right by my clients and my license. Continuing education is also a priority now, helping me stay on top of evolving ethical standards. If you’re a therapist feeling the pressure to do it all, let me tell you: it’s not worth the risk. Take care of yourself, your clients, and your license. ✨ What changes have you made to protect your practice?

I thought I had it all under control.  I mean, isn’t the whole point of being a therapist to help as many people as possible? I was driven by that, saying “yes” to every client that came my way. But what I didn’t realize was that by trying to do it all, I was putting everything—my clients, my license, my career—at risk. It started with small things. I’d miss a follow-up email here or there. Then, I’d forget to respond to a client message for a few days. My caseload was overflowing, and while I thought I was handling it, the cracks were starting to show.  One day, a client didn’t get the follow-up they needed from me for weeks. And suddenly, I was staring down a potential client abandonment issue, one of the most serious ethical violations a therapist can face. That moment shook me to my core. Was I actually putting my career on the line by being too busy? It was a wake-up call, and I realized that something had to change—fast. I started scaling back. It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I built time into my day for client communication, ensuring no message was left behind. I reinforced my boundaries, staying mindful of the slippery slope of oversharing during sessions.  And then there was documentation—the thing I had been neglecting. I committed to documenting every session, every decision, so that if a complaint ever did come, I’d be ready. The most significant shift, though? I gave myself permission to refer out.  I no longer felt the pressure to handle every case. If a client’s needs were outside my expertise, I referred them to someone who could better serve them. It took a load off my shoulders and ensured my clients got the care they deserved. Now, I’m not just staying afloat—I’m thriving. My caseload is balanced, my boundaries are solid, and I’m confident I’m doing right by my clients and my license. Continuing education is also a priority now, helping me stay on top of evolving ethical standards. If you’re a therapist feeling the pressure to do it all, let me tell you: it’s not worth the risk. Take care of yourself, your clients, and your license. What changes have you made to protect your practice? 

Think you truly know your long-term clients? 💡 What if YOUR comfort zone is holding them back from THEIR next big breakthrough? 🚀 Time to shake things up and unlock their full potential. The key? Stay curious, ask deeper questions, and never stop growing alongside them. 🔑✨ hashtag #TherapistLife #ContinuousGrowth #ClientSuccess #UnlockPotential #StayCurious

Let’s be real: if you felt completely confident all the time and thought you had everything figured out, here’s the truth — 1) you’d be wrong, 2) you’d stop growing, and 3) you’d probably be emotionally checked out from your clients. Sound harsh? Maybe. But it’s real. Every thoughtful, ethical therapist has that moment of wondering, “Am I even helping anyone?” That nagging doubt? It’s actually a good thing. Why? Because this healthy anxiety is what pushes us to evolve. It motivates us to work hard and grow, all for the benefit of our clients. But here’s the catch—if you let imposter syndrome paralyze you, all that growth potential goes down the drain. The key is learning to listen to that feeling and use it as fuel for your professional evolution. Want to learn how to harness it instead of getting stuck in self-doubt? Tune into the latest episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists  to learn how to turn imposter syndrome into your secret weapon for growth.🌱 https://lnkd.in/eXyyU5XH And, let’s connect here on LinkedIn! Send me a DM to connect! 💙 #TherapistLife #ImposterSyndrome #GrowthMindset #MentalHealthProfessionals #ProfessionalGrowth

"Ever feel like a total fraud as a therapist? Yeah, me too." 🙋♀️ Let’s be real — therapist imposter syndrome is super common. That sneaky voice that makes you question, “Am I even helping anyone?” Here’s the deal: Imposter syndrome isn’t a sign you’re bad at your job. It’s a sign you care! And guess what? If you felt totally confident all the time, 1) you’d stop growing and 2) your clients wouldn’t get the best version of you. In my latest episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I break down where this self-doubt comes from and how you can use it to level up instead of holding you back. 🔑 Here’s what you’ll learn: How to turn self-doubt into your growth engine Why every therapist experiences this (and why that’s good!) Actionable tips to kick imposter syndrome to the curb 🎥 Watch it here and let’s connect in on LinkedIn! https://lnkd.in/eXyyU5XH #TherapistLife #ImposterSyndrome #TherapistGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment #MentalHealthMatters

"I felt like a fraud in every session." There it is — my deepest fear as a therapist. For years, I was waiting for someone to “figure me out.” I thought I was the only one feeling this way, wondering if I was truly helping my clients or just faking it, hoping no one would notice I didn’t have all the answers. 😅 Turns out, almost every therapist feels this way at some point in their career. Imposter syndrome sneaks in, making us question our competence, no matter how much training we have. But here’s what I’ve learned: those doubts? They don’t define you. They’re a sign that you care. That you’re growing. 🌱 If you’ve ever felt like you’re not “enough” as a therapist, trust me—you are. Imposter syndrome isn’t the end; it’s an opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive. Let’s talk about it. Drop a comment if this hits home.💙 And, let’s stay connected here on LinkedIn! Send me a DM to connect! #TherapistLife #ImposterSyndrome #MentalHealthProfessionals

I’ll never forget the day I realized I had unintentionally created a rupture with a client. We had been working together for a few months, and I thought things were going well—sessions were productive, and the client was making progress. But one day, she came in and seemed distant, guarded. The energy in the room felt different. 🧐 I tried to engage her in the session as usual, but I could feel something wasn’t right. Then, toward the end, she hesitantly said, "I didn’t know if I should bring this up, but... I felt really hurt after our last session. I was hoping you’d check in with me." It hit me hard. I hadn’t checked in with her between sessions, assuming that giving her space to process was the right thing. But for her, it felt like I didn’t care, like I wasn’t there for her in a moment when she needed more support. In my attempt to hold a professional boundary, I had unintentionally made her feel abandoned. 👎 That moment taught me the power of addressing potential ruptures before they grow. Now, I always make a point to talk openly with clients about why I do certain things, why I might not check in between sessions unless there’s an emergency, and that I’m always available if they need to reach out.✨ It’s a reminder that, no matter how skilled we are as therapists, we’re all human—and our clients need to know we see them, understand them, and are truly with them every step of the way. ❤️ How about you? Have you blundered into a rupture that your healthy, appropriate therapist boundaries unintentionally created? #TherapistLife #TherapeuticBoundaries #LoveHappinessSuccess

Did you know your totally normal, healthy therapist boundaries might make your clients think you’re a bit of a weirdo? 🤨 Yup, even the best of us have been there! Our ethical, totally appropriate boundaries—like NOT accepting that friend request from a client or giving them “the nod” instead of saying hello at the grocery store—can leave clients feeling like, “Wait... did I do something wrong?” In my latest episode, I’m spilling the tea on those awkward therapist moments (you know, the ones that make you cringe just a little). 😬 I’m sharing why it happens and how we can stop these healthy boundaries from turning into big ol’ therapy ruptures that could confuse or frustrate our clients. Want to turn these "weird" moments into trust-building wins? 🎯 I’ve got you covered! We’re talking: 🙅♀️ How to navigate that oh-so-awkward public encounter. 🤫 The role of silence in therapy—aka “is something wrong, or...?” 🧠 How to be proactive and transparent about boundaries from day one. ✨ Spoiler: Boundaries don’t have to be buzzkills. They can actually make your client relationships STRONGER! 🙌 Watch now for the strategies that will turn the “weird” into wonderful! 🌟 https://lnkd.in/eH2A7qjB 👇 Timestamps 👇 02:40 Navigating Social Media & Public Encounters (You know the ones...) 03:45 Proactive Communication & Transparency 04:46 Handling Open & Closed Client Files …And SO much more! Xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby #TherapistLife #ClientBoundaries #TherapeuticBoundaries #LoveHappinessSuccess

Ever feel like your therapy clients think you’re a little weird? You're not alone! 💡 Our boundaries are essential, but they can be confusing or even hurtful if we’re not talking about them. Here’s how you can keep strong relationships with your clients while holding firm on your boundaries: 1️⃣ Be proactive—explain your boundaries clearly from the start. 2️⃣ Normalize the process and share the why behind your actions. 3️⃣ Use transparency and empathy to make your clients feel seen and supported. Listen to my latest podcast for more strategies to keep your boundaries strong and your relationships even stronger! 💪🎧 https://lnkd.in/epWppi6Y #TherapistLife #TherapeuticBoundaries #LoveHappinessSuccess