As a therapist we help our clients answer that question on a fairly regular basis, however, I wonder how often we ask ourselves this question. Odds are, not as often as we’d like.
You may say things like “each day is a new opportunity to start again” or “no day like the present”, there’s a never ending supply of sentiments that convey the same message. We can always start something new, it’s never too late to begin again. We know this in our bones, fellow therapist but I ask you, how often do you practice this.
We all know that therapists are the worst clients, I remember hearing this for the first time and scoffing. I thought that it was a funny statement but it couldn’t be true. Then I thought about it. As therapists we know what we need to do….. though that doesn’t mean we do it. I can only speak for myself and if I’m being honest I definitely don’t practice all the wonderful skills I know on a regular basis.
Helping others day in and day out is exhausting. Let’s be honest, it’s rewarding work but it is A LOT. When you are doing this type of work burnout is not only a possibility but an inevitability if you aren’t on top of it. The thought of trying something new, even if your current situation isn’t ideal, can just feel like too much.
Do I sound like I’m speaking from experience? It’s because I am.
Being in a less than ideal work situation while being a helping professional is a recipe for disaster. That may sound dramatic, but if you’ve been in that type of situation you are likely emphatically agreeing with me right now.
We became therapists to help people, to foster change, to leave things better than how we found them. Everyone has their own unique motivations for being a therapist but it’s likely some of your reasons align with this. It can be hard to do this kind of work when you love what you do but not where you do it.
So as we begin a New Year, I encourage you to ask yourself what you really want to be doing and the type of setting you want to be doing it in. If you aren’t happy with what you are doing, change it.
I know that may sound exhausting and overwhelming, though I promise you, your future self will thank you. Playing the long game is tough, but if you make a positive change for yourself and your future, it’s likely your future self will be eternally grateful.
Ask yourself what you want to do. You know, the famous magic wand question. If you could wave a magic wand and wake up going to work at your dream job, what would you be doing?
Now, I’m guessing if you’re asking yourself that question you aren’t going to be driving to your current place of employment in this scenario. Where are you going, what will you be doing, what is your job title? Dream big my therapist friend.
It’s likely, whatever that dream job is, it’s within your reach. If you’ve always dreamed of being a professor, look into being an adjunct at a local community college or perhaps an online school.
If working at a hospital has always seemed exciting, look into PRN positions at your local hospital(s) so that you can explore this option without even having to leave your current position. If the idea of leaving your job entirely creates anxiety for you right now this may be an excellent alternative.
If private practice is your dream, look into contracting. Contracting with an established practice allows you to have your own private practice without having to do tedious things like marketing, credentialing, billing…. The list of undesirable things goes on and on. Contracting with a reputable practice allows you to be a therapist and receive support with all the other things you didn’t go to school for and may have no interest in. That’s how I found myself with Carolina Counseling Services and it was probably one of the best career decisions I ever made.
Start small, life isn’t all or nothing. You can try something new without having to go full speed or put yourself in a bad situation. Most new career beginnings can be part time, allowing you to see if it’s for you and slowly transition into making it your full time dream gig.
Starting again and living your passion is not just for your clients, it’s for you too my fellow therapist. Ask yourself where you want to be on New Years Day 2024 and start working toward it! Practice what you preach therapist friend, see you next time.
