The Red Thread is an ancient Chinese metaphor that symbolizes that which connects us all — each one to another.
"Red Thread at WSDP Nepal" by Sara Parker
It is my hope that by offering Red Thread opportunities to you throughout this blog, you will offer and find your connection to other professionals, other ideas, and other ways of being in private practice.
Previous opportunities for Red Thread dialogue may be found here, and here.
I hope you will introduce yourself and join in.
The director/teacher of Philadelphia Playback for Social Change has spoken of the red thread that weaves through the stories in a session: the theme that they have in common or that binds them together, but it seems to emerge. Although a theme for the evening may be announced, there is another theme that emerges, because one person’s story is a response to, echo of, or resonance to the story(ies) told just before.
Hi, IZI! Welcome back! Yes, yes! The red thread is a concept that I actually learned about first from my work with Playback Theatre. And, if you think about our work in mental health, those red threads are obvious among our clients. But they are also obvious among therapists. Think about it . . . all therapists deal with boundary issues, difficult clients, stereotypes of the professions, etc. For all of our differences in training and life experiences, there is still much that we have that ties us together.
Hi Tamara, stopping by to say hi. My practice is doing so well, we took on another therapist (LCSW). It’s been a wonderful year for us. I am learning so much and enjoying my work. I’d have to say I think my favorite clients are couples and individuals struggling with family of origin issues. Helping them find the missing link, going back to childhood and parents, etc, is fascinating. Sometimes the breakthroughs are very emotional and I often feel very grateful and privileged to do what I do. I just registered the domain familyoforigin.com and I think I am going to set up a blog/forum and see how it goes. Hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Todd Atkins, LCSW
Baton Rouge Counseling
Hi, Todd! Thanks for dropping in to chat! Congrats on the success of your work this year. It gives hope to those who have continued to struggle.
Loving the URL that you have registered. I’ll definitely drop in to check it out! Hope you’ll drop back in often to join the conversations.
Hi Tamara,
I recently went into private practice full-time last month and a friend/mentor of mine who has been in the business much longer forwarded me your website. She warned me of the initial anxiety in the process but assures me that in time I will be successful. I’ve heard from more than one person that in order to increase those chances I need to specialize. Although I’ve identified my ideal candidate as female teenagers and young adults with behavioral issues or struggling with anxiety or depression, since I am still trying to get my practice off the ground I am accepting any referrals I feel competent enough to work with. How do I market myself to maximize referrals in the beginning, without being too general but still focusing on the specified population?
Hi, Kathleen! This is an excellent question!
I would tell you that “specializing” is not necessary – but can certainly be an asset; however, “nicheing” is key to building a practice.
Some therapists, and perhaps your friend, use these two words interchangeably.
However, in the world of marketing, they actually mean different things.
Specializing is obviously not possible for someone who is new to the mental health field since that requires time and experience.
However, you can (and should) niche your practice as soon as you are able!
Virtually every new licensee is trained to be competent in working with teens and young adults who are struggling with behavioral issues or anxiety or depression.
That’s not a niche . . . and it’s not anything that will set you apart from the other therapists in your part of town.
Consider setting aside your own fears and anxieties and consider what makes working with you different – qualitatively different.
Hint: It won’t be the fee you charge or who you work with. Instead, it will be about who you are . . . about your life experiences and unique challenges . . . .
If you need help figuring this out, feel free to reach out – I talk with therapists every week about narrowing down your niche so that you can stand out from the crowd.
And, if you learn better own your own, the here are 4 great books to help you niche your practice.
Best wishes on your journey!
Hi Tamara,
Thanks you for your response, it was very helpful. How do I become a registered user on your site? I am trying to access the link you suggested but it’s asking me to login.
Thanks for your help.
Kathleen
Hi, Kathleen! It’s great to have you here in this community!
Here is the easiest way to sign up for my site.
You’ll get updates every time I post new information on this site.
And, thank you for pointing out that the link I had included was not working.
I have fixed it now.
I look forward to networking with you!