Summer can be slower for us therapists, which can be stressful and wonderful all at the same time. Clients tend to go on vacation and have more going on during the summer, which can make sessions less frequent and impact your income if you are in private practice. 

It is helpful to plan for the summer slowdown financially, but don’t stop there! Making plans for what you can do when your practice slows can make a world of difference and keep you feeling on top of things. 

Areas of Focus

  1. Self-Care: This is number one for a reason. As a helper, odds are that you’ve put yourself on a shelf a bit this year (and probably all the years before too). Take the extra time you have over the summer to focus on your own needs, and not just the big stuff. Remember the basics: drink water, eat vegetables, and get enough sleep!
  1. Personal Growth: Growth isn’t just for your clients. You deserve to learn and grow, too. Are there hobbies or interests that you haven’t been pursuing? It’s easy to take these things off your plate when there’s just too much on there. You’d never tell your clients to stop doing the things they enjoy to make more time for responsibilities, so be careful to follow your own advice and pursue things that fulfill you. 

 

  • Professional Growth: Are there other areas where you’d like to grow professionally? Perhaps you’d like to teach, write a book, get involved with speaking engagements, or get certified in a new approach. When you have more time this summer you can explore more aspects of your practice. This is a great time to allow yourself time to grow professionally. 
  1. Travel: Get the heck out of here! If your clients are traveling, this is the perfect time for you to travel as well. You know as well as I do that we can say things until we are blue in the face, if you never take time off your clients will notice. Modeling healthy practices is important. Go on vacation, you deserve it. 
  1. Open Up Your Practice: If your current clients are traveling this summer, perhaps you might open up your schedule to some new folks. This can be especially helpful if you haven’t been able to take on new clients for a while. You may also explore the idea of starting a group as well. This is another unique way to open up your practice, however it also takes time. You can use the extra time you have to get the framework started, and before you know it things will be picking up again and you’ll have more clients for your group!

To Sum It Up

Summer is a time when things start to slow down. We can fight this reality OR we can embrace it and use this time effectively. There are many areas you can choose to pour energy into. Find what works best for you and enjoy your summer, it goes quickly!

Practice what you preach, my therapist friend. See you next time.

*If you are interested in becoming an independent contractor with CCS and you are a licensed therapist in North Carolina, send your cover letter and resume to the following email: Applicants@CarolinaCounselingServices.com 

Jaime Johnson Fitzpatrick LCMHCS, LCAS is one of the Owners and Vice Presidents of Carolina Counseling Services. She is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist in the State of North Carolina as well as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in State of New York. Jaime is also certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and utilizes various other approaches in her practice.