Fear-based decision making is one of the many things that can lead to the demise of your private practice.

If you believe taking time off will result in your clients ‘realizing’ they don’t need therapy anymore.

I have a question for you…

Isn’t the point of therapy?!

To help people feel better?!

Helping People

Let me be clear, you taking time off isn't the catalyst for a therapeutic termination.

With your help, if the client works within and beyond the session, they'll reach a point of healing.

They'll be able to “live, laugh, love”, without being dependent on an external influence.

So, I'll ask again.

Isn't that the point of therapy?

Hint: If you claim to take a decolonized approach to mental health the answer is Yes!

Clients are People

Self-determination and autonomy are two values that the helping industry claims to uphold.

Yet when it comes to clients getting better, that’s when some clinicians start to get a bit territorial.

Your clients are not property.

Despite what corporations want you to believe, our role is NOT to hold on to our clients.

Yes, I'm aware that you have “bills to pay”

But are you aware of what your role is?

Know Your Role

As helping professionals, your role is to help people reach their self-determined goals.

And once they reach those goals, we’re supposed to celebrate, wish them well, and let them skip off into the sunset.

Don’t confuse your role as a therapist with your role as an entrepreneur.

Both roles can co-exist, IF you infuse your values into your private practice.

Keeping your clients beyond what's necessary, prohibits future growth.

And running your private practice without a stable plan is irresponsible.

Taking Time Off

Don’t let fear hold you back from making decisions that are in the best interest of you & your clients.

If you’re struggling to take time off, because you think it’s going to impact your bottom line, it doesn’t have to be that way.

1. Consider your needs first, then the needs of your clients, and your business. You didn't work this hard to have a private practice that doesn't meet your unique host of needs.

2. Have a plan, not an ad hoc approach, when it comes to taking time off, so that your revenue doesn't take a nose dive.

3. Refresh your approach as needed. There's no need to etch anything in stone. Remember, you're in charge, so if you're unhappy with what's going on…

Great News!

YOU CAN CHANGE IT!!

If you want to keep your private practice for years to come, try one of the above strategies, and see what happens!

Conclusion

It's easy to fall into the trappings of fear-based decision making.

Chances are your toxic employer of the past made decisions that way, but you don't have to be a product of your past.

Remember why you started your private practice in the first place – to help people.

And to help people in an environment that welcomes growth & healing.

Being the decision-maker can be intimidating and wearing many hats can get confusing.

You're a therapist, helping professional, private practice creator, and entrepreneur.

But don't forget, above all else, you're a person first.

A person that deserves to take time off without fear or guilt.

If you’re a mental health therapist, subscribe to my weekly newsletter and be the first to know when Part 2 of How To Take Time Off is live.