This month’s Vibrant Therapist Spotlight features Ili Walter, Ph.D, LMFT. After hearing Ili talk several times about the way in which she approaches her work, I knew she should be included in this series. Ili has so much self-awareness about the strategies that actually work to help her manage tasks in her business and uses that awareness to navigate running her business + caring for her family with more energy.
After becoming a mom, Ili realized that running a private practice was no longer a good fit for her. She made the decision to close her private practice and now focuses on supporting other therapists in a variety of ways including; blogging, supervision, consultation and running The Refreshed Therapist Network.
Please introduce yourself to the readers and tell us a little about the work that you do.
Hi! I’m Ili Walter, and I am an intentional career coach and wellness warrior for mental health professionals. Essentially, this means that I live to help therapists create careers and businesses that suit who they are and will prevent burnout.
Can you tell us a little bit about the Refreshed Therapist Network and what led you to create this program?
Sure! As a new mom, I realized that traditional private practice would not meet my increasing desire for flexibility, creativity, and adventure. I began a plan to close my practice, which took 2 years, and I started blogging.
After at least 6 months of blogging, I wanted to interact more meaningfully and consistently with my readers, so I created The Refreshed Therapist Network. It’s an online membership community where therapists find support and encouragement for the therapist life. In the network, I address best practices for self development, business, and therapy, with the help of guest experts.
Share a little bit about the way in which you’ve been mindful about structuring your work in order to best accommodate your energy level?
I have very specific energy highs and lows. Mornings are when my energy is highest, and, it starts to drain around late afternoon. I work hard to schedule meetings, recordings, and writing during the morning hours (before noon), and I save 4PM through bedtime for family, fun, and play.
If I have something important to finish, I may work on it after my daughter goes to bed at night; however, I have to stop work at least an hour before I want to go to sleep. If not, my mind gets too stimulated by what I’m doing. My creative side kicks in, and it can be hard to quiet the ideas.
What types of doubt and fears have you encountered in your career and how have you addressed them?
My first fear in this field was related to going into private practice. I was scared about giving up a salary and a great career track. I dealt with the fears by taking the leap, and I’m so glad I did! There’s so much I would never have learned without taking that first, big risk.
As I moved my practice to center around mentoring therapists, I experienced the typical doubts. I see others offering similar services, and they are doing amazing things. When I am in a mental place of comparison, it’s hard to notice the expertise I hold. When I feel particularly impacted by this feeling, I tell my husband, and he’s great at re-focusing my doubts and reminding me of the many ways in which my clients affirm what I offer daily.
I also celebrate what others are doing, because I love learning about innovative therapists who are serving our community of healers. I find that I cannot celebrate others and hold gratitude for their work while having doubts and fears. It’s impossible for those feelings to co-exist.
For me, so much of dealing with doubts and fears is solved by two things: 1) taking action, and 2) managing my mindset.
How do you personally manage overwhelm when working on multiple projects?
Oh my! I plan. I have a schedule for what needs to get done on a weekly and monthly basis for Family Therapy Basics and The Refreshed Therapist Network. For my branding clients and other one-on-one work, I create a project template. That’s where I keep track of the project details. I also have an amazing assistant who helps me stay organized.
How do you approach your work and self care in order to avoid becoming burnt out or depleted?
I have very strict boundaries, both personal and professional, for how I spend my time. Due to my personality, I have to guard against mental fatigue, especially.
I keep a list of the top 3 things that must be done on any given day. I work to complete these tasks, and if I have more work time, I’ll complete tasks scheduled for the future.
Taking quality time for exercise, nutrition, and sleep are a daily priority for me, so, as much as possible, I try to sit at a table to eat, exercise before work, and sleep 8 hours per night.
I would describe my main approach to work and life as a “self-aware approach.” As long as I am tuning in, I know what I need in any given moment. If I am not able to offer myself what I need right away, that’s okay. I take notice and make an effort to create room in my schedule.
If you could go back in time, what tip or advice would you share with yourself at the beginning of your career?
Don’t stress. You’ll know what to do when the time comes. Trust yourself.
Want to know more about Ili?
Ili Rivera Walter, Ph.D, LMFT, is a therapist mentor, supervisor, and consultant. She writes on therapy, business, and lifestyle topics for therapists on Family Therapy Basics, and she supports therapists in the refreshed life as facilitator of The Refreshed Therapist Network. Connect with Ili on Pinterest, Facebook, or Instagram.
Thank you to Ili for participating in The Vibrant Therapist Spotlight!
Please feel free to leave a comment below and let me know how Ili’s interview has inspired you to think about new ways to approach your work in order to feel more vibrant.
Take Care,
Sarah