Change happens . . . to clients and therapists alike.
In the last month, I’ve spoken with a lot of therapists about transitions:
- Four are in the midst of relocating their practices to new cities or states;
- One just lost a pregnancy;
- One was just diagnosed with breast cancer;
- Seven are just beginning their journeys into private practice;
- Three are increasing their fees for their professional services;
- Four are narrowing the focus of their marketing;
- Six are making new choices about how to support clients with financial needs;
- Three are beginning clinical supervision;
- Three are removing themselves from managed care panels;
- Two are applying to work on managed care panels;
- One is defending herself in a malpractice lawsuit;
- Two are starting to write their next books;
- Seven are making changes to their branding and online activities;
- 5 are terminating therapy with clients; and,
- One is closing her practice.
At least that’s what I’m remembering off the top of my head.
I mention them because all of us have to contend with change – whether by choice or whether it is thrust upon us.
That’s why I was happy to be interviewed about women in transition a few weeks ago by Dr. Chris Quarto.
Sometimes, in private practice, we often get so busy putting out fires and taking care of our clients and our families’ needs, that we fail to recognize the many changes that we are going through and the impact those changes may be having on our clinical and business choices.
Today I’m wondering what the changes are that you are going through and what impact they are having on your clinical work and your business practices . . . .
Care to share?
Tamara…love your new website design!! You may remember I was diagnosed with a return of a brain tumor in October 2015. I had my second brain surgery in Feb. 2015 (my first was Oct. 2006). Before this, I had built a great little private practice, seeing upwards of 24 clients within a three day period. I’m going to be honest…it has been a hard adjustment. I closed my private practice at the end of 2015 and at first felt as if all my work had come to a screeching halt. But some things happened and after a year of recovery I found I could still work and I still had my passion for helping others, so I went back to work for an agency very part time. Now I am back to working with clients privately, seeing just a few, as well as supervising two therapists in training. I am loving working such a limited schedule and making time for other pursuits (I’m a creative). Although what has happened to me is very hard and I wish I hadn’t gone through it (I have been left in a disabled condition), I refuse to stop living and am adjusting to a different, but valued life.
Linda, thank you so much for dropping in this morning to chat!
I remember well when you had your first surgery and your second one, too.
I believe we exchanged emails not long afterwards when you were just thinking about going to work for the agency.
I’m so glad to hear from you!
I’ve thought about reaching out several times (including last night) but didn’t want to be intrusive.
So glad to hear that you have clients again and that you are making peace with a new reality.
Blessings to you Linda, on your journey!
Thank you so much Tamara! Feel free to email me any time. I consider you a friend. <3
Thank you, Linda!
Hi Tamara!
I’ve been following you for a while now and this is the first time that I’m commenting…I guess it’s the first time that I feel like I really have something to contribute to the conversation. I began private practice February of this year and I left my full-time job in September to go all in. I have a small practice and I also do contract work with another practice. It’s both thrilling and terrifying but I’m enjoying it! So right now I’m going through a number of transitions. I recently launched my website and blog. I changed offices and I’ve registered my practice name…The Pursuit of Happiness Therapy. I’ve created new business cards and am engaging in more marketing efforts. I’m also narrowing down my target population. Future transitions include my hopes to eventually remove myself from managed care panels and continuing to increase the number of clients I serve. Thank you for all of your insight advise and wisdom!
Hi, Tracie! Thank you for following my work, being part of this online community, and for taking the time to join the conversation here!
(If you’ve been around for a while, then you know that often the juiciest parts of this blog are the comments that come afterwards! I appreciate your voice at the table!)
And . . . You really are going through a lot of changes all at once! WOW!
I totally remember that thrilled-scared rollercoaster!
Please don’t be a stranger here or in our Facebook Group.
Let me know if there’s anything I can do to support you on your journey!
Thanks for the info! I have my Gravatar and I’ve joined the facebook group. I look forward to being a part of the conversations to come.
Tracie! I SEE YOU!!!!! Love that!
Tracie! I SEE YOU!!!!! Love that!