The Confident Private Practice Series Part #3: Be Present
You know why confidence is important, who you are, and you are leaning in to be more YOU in your private practice… what is next? This is one of the hardest steps in the process long-term. In order to build confidence, you have to practice being more present in three main areas. You need to be present when you DO feel confident, you need to be present when you feel anything but confident, and finally you need to be present when you feel checked out.
When Do I Feel Confident?
If I asked a group of 100 therapists to identify 10 areas they struggled in and were truly terrible at- I could get a list longer than 10 in less than 5 minutes… but if I ask a group of therapists to identify 5 things they are truly great at… for many it is a serious struggle.
In order to become more confident, you need to become aware of what it feels like when you feel a sense of ease and self-assuredness. Give yourself permission to “own” that you feel confident in certain areas of your private practice- no matter what those areas might be.
When Do I NOT Feel Confident?
Of course, next we need to lean in a little bit into the area of when you don't feel confident… but maybe approach it in a new way. It is time to honor that you don't feel confident, note it, and identify what you might need in order to feel confident. I have talked to a LOT of therapists who identify that they feel like they need a different brain, a different learning style, etc.. to feel confident in certain areas of their private practice- and it just is NOT true. No matter what your personality, skills, learning style, relational style, etc. there are ways to builid up confidence and become more skilled in all areas of your business. You ARE capable- just because you haven't found “your way” yet doesn't mean you can't do it!
When Do I Feel Checked Out?
This final area is a little bit harder. Some business owners feel nothing in certain areas of their private practice because they never give that area ANY attention. There is no room to feel anxious, insecure, etc. because they live as if those areas just do not exist. A few common areas where therapists sometimes check out: finances, taxes, scheduling, saying no, referring out, setting business boundaries, savings, and retirement. These are areas that can make a huge difference in the longevity of your business, and your effectiveness as a therapist long-term.
Homework: OK- now for your homework. Comment below and share ONE area where you feel CONFIDENT! Let's own that area and shout it from the rooftop! Privately, start a little tally so you can see where things are at!
Need more support in the nitty, gritty nuts and bolts of running a private practice? Learn more about the next round of Business School Bootcamp for Therapists
