Confident Private Practice’s Post

“Please remember, as therapists, we are very much part of the equation.” 🧩 “You can take your client only as far as you yourself have been.” 🚶♀️🚶♂️ Have you ever wondered about the concept of self-care for therapists? 🤔 It’s an intriguing thought. As therapists, we are often perceived as the guiding light for others, navigating through their challenges. 🌊 But what about our own wellbeing? The necessity for therapists to engage in therapy themselves is a topic worth exploring. 🌱 In this noble profession, we frequently confront our own shadows while endeavoring to be a beacon of hope for others. 💡 This dual role of personal and professional development makes self-care not just beneficial, but essential. 🌺 How can we effectively guide others if our own light is dimming? How can we fill others’ cups if ours are empty? 🥛➡️🥛 Acknowledging our humanity, recognizing that we are not infallible gurus, is crucial. 🙌 It’s about giving ourselves the same support and compassion we advocate for our clients. By doing so, we not only thrive personally but also honor the sacredness of our profession. 🎗️ I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. How do you perceive the role of therapist’s own self-care in therapy? 💬👂 #TherapistSelfCare #MentalHealthAwareness #SelfCareInTherapy #TherapistJourney #HealthcareProfessionals #EmbracingHumanity

I've worked with the same therapist for more than 7 years. Even in the months that I billed 250+ hours as an associate, I still made time for a weekly session. It paid off. But for many, therapy seems hand-wavy or opaque. Here are three core lessons from more than 300 therapy sessions: 1. You won't get this kind of support anywhere else Friends, family, coworkers - essential sources of support. But they also have their own conflicting incentives. And they might be too close to your problems to step back and see what you're trying to do. But a therapist is paid to be your advocate. Unbiased, without hangups on what's possible. 2. A therapist reflects back your values over time A good therapist isn't there to give you a set of values. They're there to listen to you and reflect back what you're saying, and help you discover things about yourself. They'll notice qualities you haven't or take for granted. They do this over time. My therapist notices achievements and helps me see how far I've come. 3. Therapy is an investment I have bi-monthly therapy sessions. There are plenty of sessions I head into thinking "I don't really have much to talk about". It turns out that there's usually something interesting to explore. Think about therapy like an investment. You buy stocks even when the market's down. You get to the gym or the mat even when you don't feel like it. You show up.

Think back to when you were a newly qualified therapist. 🤔 For some of you here, that might be relatively recent, while for others, it could be a long time ago. But either way… 👉 What do you wish you’d known when you were just starting out? 👉 What advice would you go back and give to yourself, if you could? We’d love to know - share with us below! We believe that we have so much to learn from each other - your experiences and insights could be a helpful resource for those just starting out or earlier on in the journey. Share your advice, lessons learned, or tips that could help new therapists navigate their early years. Let’s lift each other up and support each other 🙌

Embracing Empathy: Navigating Memory Lapses in Therapy Reflecting on my experience when a patient doesn't recall our previous session, I initially felt a twinge of disappointment and self-doubt. However, I quickly reminded myself that memory lapses are common and not a reflection of my abilities as a therapist. Instead, I approached the situation with curiosity and empathy. Listening to their uncertainty, I acknowledged their struggle and gently guided them through a recap of our last session. Sharing my understanding of their emotional journey and offering reassurance, I created a safe space for them to express any concerns or frustrations. In response, I integrated repetition and summary techniques into our sessions, ensuring clarity and continuity. Witnessing their gradual progress and growing confidence reaffirmed the importance of patience and adaptability in my practice. Overall, by embracing empathy and flexibility, I learned to navigate these moments with grace, fostering a stronger therapeutic bond and facilitating meaningful growth for my patients.

6 years ago, I scheduled my first therapy appointment. Here are my key learnings: It’s not just about attending sessions; it’s about how you engage. Reflecting on your experiences, understanding patterns, and applying insights to your daily life enhances the impact of therapy. There is NO QUICK FIX. If someone tells you that and promises to 'cure' you in 30 days, run in the opposite direction. Take the time to understand yourself and your emotions. There's so much to unearth. It is like peeling the layers of an onion. No therapist can magically solve your problems. They can provide you with tools, perspectives, and support, but you have got to do the work. Do not get swayed by the romanticization of therapy in popular media., especially Bollywood. My therapist doesn't accompany me on bike rides (I don't know why they should either?) Lastly, it’s okay to leave sessions with more questions — I used to doubt the effectiveness of therapy because I never had all the answers when the session ended. But now I know that it means I'm actively engaging and (hopefully) learning the skills I need to adapt to this confusing world.

Planning your first therapy session soon? It takes a lot of strength to make that first therapy appointment, but now that you have, you might be wondering what it will involve. Your therapists aren’t there to tell you what to do, or even to tell the people who’ve hurt you just how wrong they were. They are there to explore your hurt with you… bring out the buried issues and deal with them head on! In this initial meet-up, it's all about building a strong connection and trust with your therapist. Here's the lowdown: 1️⃣ Getting acquainted: You'll dive into sharing your backstory, what led you to therapy, and your aspirations. 2️⃣ Ground rules: Your therapist will walk you through the therapy process, confidentiality, and how sessions roll. 3️⃣ Speak your mind: It's your safe space to unload thoughts and feelings without any judgment. 4️⃣ The start of something new: Exploring various approaches to tackle your challenges and ignite your growth. Remember, each therapy journey is as unique as you are. Embrace this moment, be patient with yourself, and get ready to embark on a fulfilling path to self-discovery! 🌈 #TherapyUnveiled #SelfDiscovery #EmbraceGrowth #kavach #mentalhealthawareness

Some people wonder if they should choose IOP over individual therapy? But actually, there is no need to choose. Both offer invaluable things. In fact, we help connect each of our clients in group with an individual therapist. Some benefits of individual therapy: - This is time focused just on you. For many, this is the only time in their lives that they are not caring for others, pulled in several directions at once, or subjected to others’ emotional reactions about how they feel. This is time to breathe, to focus solely on you. - You are able to go more deeply into your own mind and emotions. In group, you may choose to share more carefully about sensitive topics. Also, time doesn’t allow for the depth of processing that can occur one-on-one. - Due to the private setting, you can develop a strong connection and trust with your therapist. The most important thing for any therapeutic relationship to work is a good connection. When you develop a trust and level of respect with your therapist, you can depend on a sense of safety and support, may have something to look forward to, and feel there is someone in the world who understands and accepts you on a deeper level that you don’t show to just anyone. Now, sometimes individual therapy is enough. But there are times in life where you need more support. Where you need need concentrated time to learn about yourself, build a blueprint for how things can get better, and to think without so much stress. This is what attending IOP can provide. Call our office at 314-388-2225 to learn more. #therapy #mentalhealth #connection #healing

I had some strong reactions to New York Magazine’s theCut’s new series on “falling out of love with therapy.” So strong that I recorded before bed last night in my crooked glasses 🤓 Article I’m referencing here: https://lnkd.in/erGjHHti I often say to clients that we therapists aim to work ourselves out of a job as clients become equipped with skills, etc AND there are clients who will come for longer periods of time but we’re still clear on the value to them and the progress towards their goals. Just these past couple weeks even, I’ve had specific conversations with clients about their reliance on our process and have suggested they move to less frequent meetings. I’ve ended a session at 30 minutes because we were truly done - didn’t make them stay or pay for 50 minutes. I am consistently checking in with clients and allowing them freedom to play with the frequency of sessions, as appropriate. And my heart aches when I hear cringey things bad therapists have said to clients or when processes haven’t been clear. This is all literally why I wrote my book- particularly part 2 with all the FAQS. (Get it in the comments 😉) Have you read the article and what are your thoughts? #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #therapist

As therapists, the way we begin our sessions can set the tone for the entire conversation. It’s about creating a safe, supportive environment where our clients feel heard and understood. Here are some approaches I use to start a session on the right foot: 1. Check-In on Their Current State: Asking clients how they’re feeling today or what’s been on their mind since our last session helps them open up and focus on what’s most important. 2. Reflect on Positive Experiences: Beginning with something positive can set a constructive tone and help clients recognize their strengths. 3. Discuss Any Homework or Tasks: Reviewing exercises or tasks from the previous session can provide continuity and gauge progress. 4. Explore Current Challenges: Asking about recent challenges allows clients to express their struggles and receive the support they need. 5. Use Silence: Sometimes, starting with a few moments of silence allows clients to gather their thoughts and speak more authentically. Each session is unique, and finding the right way to start can make all the difference in how the conversation unfolds. What approaches do you find most effective in your sessions? Share your thoughts below! 💬👇 #TherapySession #MentalHealthMatters #TherapistLife #ClientCare #SupportAndGrowth #TherapyTips #TherapeuticProcess #WestIslandTherapy #witwc3 #montrealtherapy

If you're a therapist, you've probably faced the challenge of trying to distinguish yourself in a crowded field. You have the skills and the passion, but how do you make sure your unique approach shines through without coming across as pushy or losing your authenticity? We've all been there, and that's why I'm excited to introduce you to something special – my FREE masterclass: "4 Step Framework to Maximize Impact & Income for Therapists." 🌟 It's time to break free from that struggle and embrace your therapist identity. In the world of therapy, each of us is like a unique puzzle piece in a diverse field. 🧩 In this FREE masterclass, we'll show you how to fit perfectly into the grand mosaic of therapy while also making a standout impression. We'll delve deep into strategies that not only set you apart but also help you thrive in this competitive market. 💪 Now, here's the key – knowledge alone won't cut it. To become the preferred choice therapist in your area, you need to take action. Don't wait another moment! Click the link below and secure your spot in the FREE masterclass today. This is your opportunity to take the first step toward transforming your practice and achieving the success you've always dreamed of! https://lnkd.in/gckBYRxP Remember, you don't have to walk this path alone. I'll be right there with you, sharing insights, answering your questions, and providing the support you need. 💪✨ Are you ready to be the preferred choice therapist in your community? Click that link, sign up for the FREE masterclass, and let's embark on this exciting journey together! I can't wait to see you there! Until then, stay inspired, keep believing in yourself, and remember, you have the power to make a real difference. Let's make it happen! 🚀🌟