Much of the public, sees a thriving therapist like you and thinks
What a saint!
You're a super hero!
You're the “salt of the earth”
Maybe these words of adoration are shared with good intentions, but
it doesn't highlight the fact that you're a person, not an infallible being.
Your career as a therapist requires a lot of emotional labor,
and if you dismiss that fact, well you too can find yourself in a bit of a slump.
So, what can you do if your slump is less about a lack money and more about the emotional side of the work?
Embrace Your Passions
I cannot say this enough but, you’re more than a therapist, you’re a person FIRST.
So let’s make sure that you’re connecting with what makes you who you are, beyond the session.
You can start by asking yourself – what do you like to do?
And if it’s been too long, think about what you used to do for fun in the early days of your life and try to reconnect with that part of yourself.
And if you feel like you don’t have the time, guess what?
You can make the time because as a therapist in private practice, you’re in charge of your schedule, more so than you’ve ever been before.
Create a Learning Opportunity
Learning something new could be the healing salve to your seasonal slump.
And remember, just because you’re a therapist doesn’t mean you have to limit yourself to only learning about therapy.
Just last week, I attended a one-day conference geared towards educators and I learned so much and gained insights on how public schools are reframing their role to be not only more socially conscious but more in tune with their student's mental health needs.
And if you do choose to attend a therapy-focused professional development event, with or without CEUs, take advantage of the opportunity and seek to understand something new, rather than seeking to be the “expert” in the room.
Build Community
Building community around the things you love is just as important as building community around the things you feel insecure about.
Back in 2019, while I was thumbing through the brochure rack in the lobby of a yoga studio, I came across an announcement for two writing classes.
I’ve always considered myself a writer, but at the time never felt confident enough to share my writing with anyone.
Well, after thinking about it for a few days, I signed up for not one but two classes at the Art Institute and not only had the chance to practice writing for my classmates for an open critique, I was introduced to a local writing community that I’m still a member of, almost 3 years later.
If I hadn’t taken the chance to engage with my passion, learn something new, and build community, I wouldn’t have had the courage to publish two blogs and regularly submit mental health insights to journalists.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that being in a slump can take its toll and the great news is there’s always a way to recover and regain a pep in your step.
And just know that perfectionism is not the goal.
You’re not doing all of this for the sake of doing more work and being “the best therapist you can be”
but you’re doing this for the ultimate gain, to live a fulfilling and thriving life on your terms.
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