2. The Power of a Clear Model
This is where the importance of having a clear model comes into play. A therapeutic model acts as a guiding framework, helping us navigate through the complexities of our clients’ experiences and our own responses to them. If you find yourself frequently mulling over your sessions, it might be an indicator that it’s time to look closely at your model, or become more grounded in one if you haven’t already.
3. Writing it Down: Case Conceptualization and Planning
Taking the time to write down your case conceptualization can be a game-changer when you’re feeling stuck. It’s a process that allows you to lay out your thoughts, understandings, and hypotheses about the client’s situation in a structured manner, which you can walk away from and then follow up with a clear and concise plan. Putting your case conceptualization in writing not only provides a tangible reference for future sessions, but also helps in mentally closing the loop, giving your mind permission to rest.
4. Mastering the Art of Mental Redirection
Not being able to turn off your brain is a challenge many therapists face, and it’s one of the biggest contributors to burnout in our profession. Learning the art of mental redirection is crucial. This could mean engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, or simply allowing yourself a moment of quiet reflection.
5. Growth Opportunities
While it’s vital to learn how to stop the post-session mental churn, it’s also important to recognize that these moments of reflection can be valuable growth opportunities. They encourage us to constantly learn, evolve, and become better versions of ourselves, both for our clients and us.
And the reverse is also true: Seeking out growth opportunities so that you feel that you’re practicing your craft at your highest and best potential will help you ruminate about how you’re working with your clients less often outside of sessions. Seeking out professional trainings and certifications, reading career advice for therapists and listening to industry podcasts are all ways to maintain your edge.
6. Consider Your Context
Finally, I want to validate something that’s very real for therapists, and that needs to be addressed if it’s becoming an issue in your career: the culture where you’re doing your work, and whether it allows you to unplug and have a personal life outside of your working hours.
Many early-career therapists end up working in agency environments with high-needs populations and unreasonable caseloads that literally keep them up at night. These environments can wear therapists out before their careers have even begun. Unfortunately, solo private practice can present its own headaches that make it difficult to put work aside at the end of a long day.
If you think your work environment is preventing you from having balance, consider other possibilities. Many group private practice opportunities offer access to higher-functioning clients, fewer non-billable hours, and more manageable caseloads.
