Setting Limits With Your Practice, Even If You Love It

Setting boundaries is essential to having work life balance. As a therapist, you know how important boundaries are. If you’re anything like me you talk about setting limits in most sessions. There’s a reason for this, it is important AND healthy. We have to know when to say no, stop and focus on other things. But… are you doing this in your practice?

It’s Easier When We Are Frustrated

Boundaries are important but not always easy to set. It can also be a lot easier to say no when we are irritated or frustrated. If you are overwhelmed at work or not enjoying what you do you’re more likely to sprint out of that office at the end of the day. It is natural to want to get away from what makes us feel uncomfortable. 

Now, what happens if you love your job? You find fulfillment in what you do and feel energized by your work. This is an amazing feeling and a wonderful scenario. This doesn’t happen for everyone, though as a therapist many of us find fulfillment in our work. Like all good things, there can be a downside to this, especially if you aren’t setting boundaries at work.  

What Makes Loving Your Job Not So Great

Let me be clear, loving your job is amazing. This is a goal for most people and not everyone achieves this. The upsides to enjoying your work are infinite, and therefore don’t necessarily require a list. 

What can be detrimental does require focus. When we love what we do we may be more likely to: 

  1. Work through breaks or lunch

  2. Go in early

  3. Stay late

  4. Take on “just one more” client

  5. Not go on vacation

  6. Work through holidays

The list can go on and on, though I’m sure you see where I’m going here. There aren’t a lot of boundaries being set and there’s a good reason for this!

Why Don’t We Set Boundaries With What We Enjoy? 

Boundaries are often set when we are uncomfortable. They aren’t easy to set so that discomfort or frustration can be wonderfully motivating. As I mentioned, we tend to want to get away from discomfort which can be a fantastic driving force behind saying no. 

When we really enjoy something we tend to want more of it. Sounds rather obvious, right? While this can be wonderful, even things we enjoy take time and energy. Those resources are NOT infinite. 

Unfortunately, we don’t tend to see the toll of spending too much time with things we enjoy until we are extremely overwhelmed and perhaps tap dancing on burnout. You don’t have to let this happen to you. 

Setting Limits with What You Love

As a therapist, you know that you can’t pour from an empty cup. Burnout is so common in our line of work that it’s essential you create work life balance far before you need it. This can be a tough lesson to learn and the reality is most of us don’t learn this until we need to learn it. 

Set boundaries with your work EARLY. This can make a world of difference. Make sure that: 

  1. You make time for a life outside of work. This may sound obvious, but it isn’t. Make sure it happens!

  2. Work in a setting that fulfills you. There are so many different settings and programs out there for therapists to thrive in. Find what works for you and be sure to not stay somewhere too long that you find draining. You deserve to be somewhere that you feel aligns with your approach and practice. 

  3. Use supervision and Consultation. We are NOT in a field where you ever know everything. I’d debate there is no such field, but ours certainly isn’t it. Reach out and get feedback. We do tough work and you deserve support. 

  4. Create a schedule that works for you. If you are a morning person, schedule clients then, if you aren’t a morning person, schedule later. I realize not all settings allow for this, however, if you feel this is something you need it may be worthwhile for you to look into a contracting position that gives you more flexibility. 

  5. Take vacations. You don’t have to go anywhere extravagant but you do have to get out of the office on a regular basis. 

  6. Have a caseload that works for you. There’s no magic number, it’s what is best for you. Some providers thrive with a busy, robust caseload. Others work better with less, it is up to you to decide what fits for you. 

To Sum It Up: Start Setting Those Boundaries!

Loving your work is a beautiful thing. Loving yourself is even better. Setting limits with things we enjoy can feel strange at first, but it is essential. Finding a practice that aligns with your needs can truly help. 

Are you passionate about mental health, value independence, and want to work in a supportive, client-centered environment? We’d love to connect with you. If you are a licensed therapist in North Carolina and interested in learning more about contracting with a supportive private practice, reach out! Carolina Counseling Services is here to help you grow in your practice!