How to Develop a Growth Mindset as a Therapist
Let’s take a moment to take out the trash. We like to refer to it as head trash. You know what we’re talking about…all the things you tell yourself that aren’t kind, necessary, or true, sometimes on the daily. You might find yourself saying unhelpful statements like “I’m just…” “I can’t…” or “I don’t...” Here are some other negative self-held beliefs we’ve heard:
“I’m just an intern”
“I’m not technologically savvy”
“I can’t keep up”
“I’m no different”
“I’m just like everybody else”
“I’m too old”
“I’m too young”
All these limiting thoughts hold you back from reaching your true potential and becoming the therapist you’ve always wanted to be. We’re sure you get it as a therapist. You know the impact of negative beliefs, AND you also know that you’re human and these can come up within yourself from time to time. Negative beliefs have a huge impact on your business, your own personal development process, and your ability to show up as a therapist for your clients.
Today, we dive in to help you discover what’s blocking you and provide you with confidence-boosting tips to help you develop a growth mindset.
Building Confidence as a Therapist
We’ve heard a lot of negative beliefs and have even held onto some ourselves. It happens, but it doesn’t have to! Many of us hold onto beliefs about being a therapist and a business owner around how hard to work, what an appropriate work/life balance is like, and when (or even if) you can say “no” to work. Unfortunately, that can lead to stress, burnout, and a less-than-ideal work/life balance. Let’s change that. Instead, try practicing new beliefs that suit you and the life you want to build. Some of our favorites include “I work to live, not live to work,” and “I can be successful while still saying ‘no.’”
The next time you find yourself holding onto a negative belief, ask yourself where it’s coming from, and try to reframe that belief into something that best suits the life you’re building.
Building a Growth Mindset in Private Practice
Individuals with a growth mindset are confident in their ability to achieve their goals. They know that even despite setbacks, what they want is possible. They focus on gratitude and keeping negative, limiting beliefs at bay. Here are some techniques to help you build a growth mindset as a therapist:
Pay attention to your thoughts AND your words.
Notice your thought patterns, the way you speak to yourself, and the words you use when talking about yourself and your business. Aim to replace any negative beliefs with more positive ones. We know this might take time, and that’s okay! Doing this over time will help boost your self-esteem and mindset.
Find grace in your imperfections.
You’re human, which means you’re not perfect. It’s okay if you showed up a little tired to a client session or didn’t take the perfect progress notes. Know that you did the best you could in that situation. And adapt if you need to. Learn more about what helps you show up as your best self as a therapist and business owner and take mental notes to do just that.
Consider challenges as opportunities.
Let’s face it, you’re going to have to overcome some challenges as a private practice owner. Whether you need help generating a business plan or understanding how to market your practice, you get to decide how you’re mentally going to take on these opportunities. Because that’s what these are: they’re opportunities for growth! Framing these steps in this way makes doing the tasks that accompany them a lot easier.
Note: This doesn’t mean not asking for help or acknowledging when things get difficult as a private practice owner. Those feelings are normal!
Fall in love with the process, not the end result.
Being too results-oriented can distract you from why you want to achieve what it is you’re doing. If you want to grow your private practice, take the time to enjoy each step. Be sure to celebrate the wins and learn to love the process and the new opportunities that arise.
Appreciate your strengths and improve your weaknesses.
While you’ll excel in certain areas as a therapist, other areas might not be as easy for you. And the same applies to being a business owner – you’ll need to ask for help, gain more knowledge and experience, or a combination of the two. But that doesn’t mean you’re not capable; learning and growing is simply part of the process.
Go slow to go fast.
Trying to work at an unreasonably fast pace to get more done in a day can contribute to anxiety, stress, and burnout. Instead, fully engage in whatever it is you’re working on and put your effort into finishing the task at hand. Sometimes it pays off to go slow and you might find you’re more productive that way.
—
If you need additional support around mindset or resources to help you as a private practice owner, be sure to check out our free therapist trainings online.
