One of the most common things that I hear from therapists in private practice is that they feel isolated. They work one on one with clients, they meet their supervisor or their own therapist, but they notice the lack of other human interaction at work.
There’s a balance to be found between pulling back when we need space and rest and isolating in fear of being hurt in relationship. Finding the right balance is crucial if you are a therapist in private practice. We need not only to tolerate being with others, but to embrace it, to make space for it, and to honour the part it plays in supporting the business that is our practice.
We have all been hurt in relationship. We have all experienced hurt, even, or perhaps especially, in relationship with those who we love the most. And those wounds can run deep. Why would we chance it again?
However, there are lots of good reasons for allowing ourselves to connect with others. The first (and most important) reason is just for you, because when we connect with someone supportive and loving, it feels good, and releases endorphins!
The second reason is for your business. Clients come through people, support comes through people, money comes through people. People know people who might be clients, who might have expertise we need, who might have walked the road before us. So, we may have to meet with many people in order to create the client base or find the support and the money we need.
Notice today when you pull away from contact with others. And when you notice yourself pulling back, just be with the feeling for a moment. Ask yourself, am I moving towards something, such as peace, or space, or rest? Or am I moving away from something, such as contact, connection and intimacy, and the risk that it might bring. And if you can, take that risk. Reach out and have a conversation. You never know who you are talking to!

If isolation is preventing you from growing your practice as you would like, perhaps I can help? Contact me here for your free 20 minute consultation.