In September, I will celebrate the four year anniversary of being in private practice. I can’t even imagine where all the time has gone. I’ve learned many lessons and grown my practice quite a bit in these four years. As you know, being a therapist and owning your own business are both much more than a “job.” I’ve been spending a lot of time lately reflecting on my relationship with my private practice and thinking about what I’d like this relationship to become. Although I am still very early in the reflecting and planning stage, I thought I’d share some of my thoughts with you about what my private practice is for me at this point. I’d love to hear about how you see your practices, too. So, please feel free to share some comments below.
My private practice is:
- My creative outlet. I am able focus my energy where I want to and have the opportunity to dream up my own ways to approach the work.
- Something that is all my own. Although many people offer me insight and support on a daily basis, my practice is truly a project of my own. This is exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Sometimes the responsibility seems so heavy.
- My teacher. I learn and grow each and every week.
- My third child, in a way. It needs my attention and nurturing to grow.
- An attempt to maintain some semblance of work-life balance…which works sometimes and other times doesn’t.
- My passion at times and my ambivalence at other times
My private practice is a source of:
- Joy
- Pride
- Anxiety
- Responsibility
- Frustration
- Excitement
- Overwhelm
- Growth
These emotions ebb and flow and sometimes hit me all at once.
How about you?
What joys, struggles and opportunities does your practice offer you? Please feel free to leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your take on this adventure we are all a part of as practicing therapists.
Sarah
If you’d like to take a closer look at how your personal and professional roles are impacting how vibrant you are, please schedule your free 20 minute Vibrant Therapist Strategy Session.
Contact Sarah at 952-457-2322 or Sarah@SarahLeitschuhCounseling.com
Sarah- Thank you for sharing your journey with your private practice. I can relate to your feelings about being in business and what that brings you. It seems there are times when I feel like I’m all that and other days where I wonder if I’m doing enough!
Yes! So many ups and downs to learn how to navigate in owning a private practice. Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth.
My private practice is so brand new, so it’s nice to hear from someone who’s been at it awhile, thank you! I too feel more creative, and envision more balance as a result of this change. Right now, I am struggling with patience. It’s hard to stay in the moment and be present (and therefore creative!) when we are worrying about never having enough clients. But I hear that’s normal and everyone says I will be full before I know it!
Alexis, Thanks for taking the time to comment. Congratuations on starting your practice. It is an exciting and anxiety provoking time for sure. You will find your groove and your relationship with your practice will go through ebbs and flows and changes throughout.