What Therapists Need to Know
If you’re like me, you might already be thinking, “Okay, how do I get this into my practice?” You can start here:
- Start Screening for Sleep Issues: Integrate tools like the PROMIS Sleep Disturbance Scale into your intake process to identify potential sleep disruptions.
- Know When to Refer: If sleep apnea or other medical conditions are suspected, refer clients to a sleep study. Use organizations like the Society for Behavioral Sleep Medicine to find local specialists.
- Get Trained in CBT-I: Universities like Stanford, Harvard, and the University of Pennsylvania offer certification programs. For a quick-start option, check out Dr. Okun’s seminars through the Institute for Brain Potential.
- Collaborate with Specialists: Build relationships with local sleep medicine providers to create a referral pipeline for your clients. This team-based approach ensures clients get the right care for their unique challenges.
Sleep Isn’t Optional (for You or Your Clients!)
Here’s the truth: As therapists, we can’t ignore our own sleep either. How can we show up fully for our clients when we’re running on fumes? Sleep is essential selfcare for us therapists and as non-negotiable as eating or drinking water. When we prioritize it—for ourselves and our clients—everything else gets easier and we protect ourselves from therapist burnout.
Ready to Elevate Your Practice?
Was this info helpful to you? There’s more where that came from! Every week I’m sharing critical info every modern therapist must know, and talking to thought leaders in our field. This is all for you! Sign up for my newsletter so you stay in the loop.
Also, let’s connect on LinkedIn! I share evidence-based techniques, personal growth tips, and professional development opportunities designed specifically for therapists. It’s a place where us therapists can come together to share insights, support one another, and learn actionable strategies to elevate your practice. I’d love to hear from you! You can find me at linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby.
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. Think of a colleague who’d love to learn about the game-changing effects of sleep therapy for their clients? Share this article with them. Let’s spread the info (and the sleep wisdom).
Resources:
Murawski, B., Wade, L., Plotnikoff, R. C., Lubans, D. R., & Duncan, M. J. (2018). A systematic review and meta-analysis of cognitive and behavioral interventions to improve sleep health in adults without sleep disorders. Sleep medicine reviews, 40, 160-169. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079217301661
Reynolds, A. C., & Banks, S. (2010). Total sleep deprivation, chronic sleep restriction and sleep disruption. Progress in brain research, 185, 91-103. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444537027000063
Mitchell, M. D., Gehrman, P., Perlis, M., & Umscheid, C. A. (2012). Comparative effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia: a systematic review. BMC family practice, 13, 1-11. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1471-2296-13-40
