Kelly Lynch joins me in this new episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast where we explore the GRIIT and POWER methods she developed for enhancing mindset, resilience, identity, and problem-solving. She explains that often clients don't need new modalities but instead new ways of understanding the tried-and-true concepts you’ve already been using and teaching. She outlines the GRIIT method, focusing on growth, resilience, identity, integrity, and training, and the POWER method, which emphasizes pause, observation, working the problem, expressing impact, and recovery. We explore the applicability of these methods for both clients as well as the therapist. Kelly has been using these methods with populations such as first responders and entrepreneurs, and she highlights the importance of psychoeducation, rapport building, and using these strategies to empower both clients and therapists in managing professional and personal challenges.   “ As therapists, we can also use GRIIT to get back to that, to really be able to keep ourselves in alignment with what it is that we value in terms of what we want our clinical work to look like, being able to remember, okay, here's what my value system is under that integrity pillar to say I want to work with first responders or these are not my people, and that's okay to really let that be acceptable, because not every client should be the right fit for us”- Kelly Lynch   Highlights to discuss:   ***GRIIT and POWER Methods: Kelly Lynch developed these methods to enhance mindset, resilience, identity, and problem-solving.   ***Focus on Understanding: Clients often benefit more from new perspectives on established concepts rather than new modalities.   ***GRIIT Method Components: Includes growth, resilience, identity, integrity, and training.   ***POWER Method Components: Encompasses pause, observation, working the problem, expressing impact, and recovery.   ***Clinical Applicability: These methods are useful in clinical settings, especially with first responders and entrepreneurs.   ***Importance of Psychoeducation: Education about psychological concepts is crucial for effective therapy.   ***Rapport Building: Establishing a strong connection between therapist and client is essential.   About the Guest:   Kelly Lynch, LCSW, EMT (ret.), CPT, PN-1 is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Life Coach, Personal Fitness Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and retired EMT. She has been walking with people through their journeys and challenges for over 20 years, beginning as an EMT in 2002, and moving into the mental health field in 2009. Kelly launched her first business, Turning Point Wellness, in 2014, and her clinical specialty is Acute Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injuries in EMS professionals.   Kelly launched The GRIIT Project in 2022, offering mindset coaching through her transformational GRIIT and POWER coaching systems. She speaks nationally and internationally on topics related to mindset and problem-solving, as well as teaching clinicians in private practice how to brand and successfully market. Kelly is also a bestselling author, with her breakout book, ‘F*ck the Rules.’ She specializes in teaching people how to practice authenticity and find alignment through the power of self-leadership.   Connect with Kelly:   Website: www.thegriitproject.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamkellylynch/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamkellylynch/   Don’t miss out on Kelly’s transformative insight by grabbing her book, “F*CK the Rules!” Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

“Any note is better than no note.” In today’s episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey joins me to talk about her expertise; clinical documentation in therapy work. She discusses the challenges therapists face when it comes to writing treatment plans and progress notes. She delves into issues such as getting behind on progress notes, lack of confidence in note-writing and not understanding the implications of certain documentation choices. She provides practical tips for therapists to improve their documentation, including the key components of a progress note and the need for customization based on individual needs and legal considerations. She also touches on the use of AI in private practice. The goal of this episode is to normalize the challenges therapists face with clinical documentation, review the basics that need to be in every progress note, provide guidance on common mistakes, encourage therapists to approach documentation with confidence and practical strategies, and explore the use of AI in private practice.   “If you're going to have a private practice and do this stuff on your own, you have to be willing to take a little bit of that extra step. A little extra time to review those things and make sure that it is personalized to you and same with note templates. I see so many people who are like, you'll hear people say, you know, I thought I was supposed to put this in a note, and I thought I was supposed to put this in a note, and someone told me this or when I worked at this agency or this group practice, we had to write our notes this way. 99% of those are arbitrary guidelines. There are very few guidelines around what goes into note and so it does require a little critical thinking about one - what should go in and out for you based on your clients in your profession, but also two - what's helpful, what's useful.”- Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey   The key highlights: The importance of understanding the "why" behind documentation recommendations and thinking outside the box while maintaining ethical standards. The impact of the pandemic on increasing the number of therapists seeking support for documentation issues. Addressing the common struggle of therapists feeling unprepared due to a lack of training in documentation during graduate school. The stigma and stress surrounding documentation issues, creating a cycle of shame in the profession. Therapists often feel hesitant to seek help or admit their struggles with documentation due to fear of judgment. The common mistakes therapists make, including being behind on paperwork and lacking confidence in their notes.  The lack of specific guidelines for documenting and decision-making in the gray areas of therapy work. Specific tips for more efficient and effective progress note writing. The insights on AI adoption in private practice.   About Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey: Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Through her business QA Prep, she empowers therapists with trainings and consultation on clinical documentation. Maelisa focuses on the “why” behind the usual recommendations and encourages clinicians to think outside the box, while also keeping their ethics intact. As someone with ADHD who’s had to figure out what works through trial and error, Maelisa aims to make sure her trainings are practical, while also allowing for plenty of laughter and fun.   Connect with Dr. McCaffrey: QA Prep website: https://www.qaprep.com (Sign up for the FREE Private Practice Paperwork Crash Course)  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytXRIFI17MtbmTh5QTJhsg   Connect with Jeanene: *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Dr. Janette McMurtrie is here with me in this new episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast. Janette discusses the unique challenges and nuances involved in providing mental health support to individuals in high-stress, highly regulated professions such as aviation, law enforcement, and the military. She talks about the need for mental health professionals to understand the specific cultural and professional environments of these populations to offer effective and non-detrimental care. She stresses the importance of appropriate documentation and the delicate balance required to ensure that clients receive the help they need without jeopardizing their careers. She also discusses the barriers posed by insurance and documentation requirements.   “You have to realize you're dealing with a very unique personality type when you're dealing with that group. So in that group, if you don't have any understanding of what that job is like, there are times in that job when you're on the line and you've got to make a split second decision, life or death, and you don't get to make a mistake, you don't get to second guess, you don't get to analyze, you get to just react. And that's what all their training is about, is to react and do it correctly. Well, the problem happens when they go home, that personality type does not switch off as you and I both know It stays there.”- Dr. Janetter McMurtrie   In this episode, we’ll talk about:   ***Mental Health in Aviation: The episode focuses on mental health in aviation, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by pilots and other professionals in high-stress jobs like law enforcement and the military.   ***Cultural Understanding: Therapists need to understand the specific cultures and stressors associated with these professions to provide effective mental health support.   ***Career Vulnerability: Pilots face significant career risks when seeking mental health treatment. Historically, seeking counseling could lead to being removed from flight status without eligibility for unemployment or disability payments. These same risks occur with military service members and law enforcement officers.   ***Regulatory Barriers: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stringent regulations regarding pilots' mental health. The FAA has full access to counseling records, and HIPAA does not apply, creating additional barriers for pilots seeking help.   ***Pilot and Clinician Challenges: Clinicians must navigate complex documentation requirements and the risk of unintentionally grounding their pilot clients due to specific diagnoses. The process for pilots to be cleared to fly again can be lengthy and complicated.   ***Personality Types: Understanding the typical personality types of pilots (mostly ESTPs for men and ESTJs for women) and how these types influence their behavior is crucial for effective therapy.   ***Support Systems: Pilots and law enforcement often have internal peer support systems, but professional help is crucial for addressing deeper issues effectively. About Dr. Janette McMurtrie:   Dr. Janette McMurtrie is known by most as a “Jill of all Trades,” a retired Captain from American Airlines with nearly 50 years of flying experience. She is currently an instructor pilot at American Airlines Flight Academy. She has been a Chief Pilot and Check Airman in leadership airline. She is also retired as a deputy sheriff from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and an ordained pastor.   She holds a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, with a master’s in counseling psychology, & pastoral counseling. She is an expert in aviation issues, trauma, & marriage, with over 20+ years in clinical practice. She has owned and consulted in multiple businesses - including her flight school, brewery, and the family furniture manufacturing businesses.   Dr. J’s goal is to help others by helping them cope with aviation-related issues and develop into effective leaders. When she’s not flying or teaching, Dr. J volunteers with Women in Aviation International (WAI), ALPA, ISA-21, and Amelia Earhart’s the Ninety Nine’s. She provides education in mental health, leadership, business development, and aviation-related issues. She has hosted multiple public and private seminars in these areas as well as published articles in magazines.  She is currently writing two books that hope to be published soon.   Connect with Janette: Website: www.Drjanettem.com; Facebook: DJM Innovative Solutions Connect with Jeanene: *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Mary Crutchfield joined me in this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast to discuss the impact of clinical hypnotherapy and hypno-breathwork on personal transformation and healing. Mary shares her journey and discusses the misconceptions and powerful benefits of these modalities for both clients and therapists. Our conversation also touches on the importance of being open to alternative healing methods, the role of vulnerability in therapy, and the evolving landscape of mental health practice. The conversation aims to educate and encourage therapists to consider these alternative healing approaches for deep emotional and psychological healing.   “I have had some people that I referred to use medication to help them drop past the resistance. But we even explore resistance. Let's say someone comes in and they say, ‘I don't like this feeling. It's uncomfortable’. We go into that. Where's this resistance from? ‘I'm afraid’. What happens if you're afraid? ‘I might get hurt’, you know? And try to show people we're safe here right now, and let's learn to calm your nervous system right here, right now.”   In this episode, we discuss:   ***Therapeutic Benefits: Clinical hypnotherapy and hypno-breath work are powerful tools for personal transformation and healing; how can non-traditional methods like hypnotherapy, sound healing, dance, and art can be integrated alongside traditional western medicine.   ***Misconceptions About Hypnotherapy: Hypnotherapy is often misunderstood as mind control; it is actually a state of focused attention similar to daydreaming.   ***Professional Evolution: Mental health practitioners are increasingly embracing alternative healing modalities, enhancing their ability to help clients. Trust in the practitioner is crucial for clients to feel safe and supported in their healing journey. There is some societal stigma around alternative healing practices, but openness and authenticity can foster acceptance and understanding.   ***Group vs. Individual Therapy: Hypnotherapy can be effective in both one-on-one and group settings, with group settings enhancing collective healing. Offering group therapy can also be a more affordable option for clients, allowing them to access several hours of treatment for the same cost as multiple individual sessions.   ***Holistic and Integrative Approaches: Combining traditional and alternative therapeutic methods can provide comprehensive care, addressing the whole person and their unique needs.   ***Self-Healing Belief: There's a strong belief with these alternative modalities that the body and mind have inherent healing capabilities, and therapists using alternative approaches can help unlock these abilities.   About the Guest: Mary Crutchfield is a clinical hypnotherapist, Go-Within Hypno-Breathwork Practitioner as well as a Psychiatric and Family Nurse Practitioner. She’s a trauma specialist and has continued on her self-healing journey since her early 20s. She shares the healing methods that transformed her life and radically changed her by leading groups through her alternative healing practice:  Ignite Your Spark: Holistic Healing.     Connect with Mary: Website: www.igniteyourspark.club Social Media Handles: @psychbosspmhnp; @igniteyoursparkhh   Connect with Jeanene: *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, Ashley Comegys joins me for an insightful conversation about the logistics, challenges, and emotional aspects of taking maternity leave while working in private practice. We dive into the challenges, necessary preparations, and flexibility required to balance professional and personal life during this time of life. Ashley emphasizes the importance of preparing clients, the personal and professional adjustments needed, and the supportive aspects of private practice in accommodating maternity leave, while also touching on the broader societal issues and pressures faced by working mothers in the United States.    “I think it's one of those things you were talking about like there's a lot of fear with taking leave. And I think the financial piece is a part of that. But we can make informed choices; let's actually crunch the numbers. What do I have to cover business-wise? What are the expenses I need to cover family-wise? What does it look like to be able to save that? Are there things that I can put on pause if I'm in private practice? When I went on maternity leave, I put my EHR on a lower tier because I didn't need all of the things when I was on leave, but I still wanted to have it all maintained so I dropped it down two tiers and saved money that way. I can still do this and not feel I'm beholden to going back before I really feel ready, but being able to make a decision that's informed. Information is power, it’s cliche but it really is.”- Ashley    Key takeaways:   ***Experiences and Challenges: Ashley shares her experiences and insights into the difficulties and decisions women face when planning maternity leave. This includes the financial implications, emotional challenges, and the balance of personal and professional responsibilities.   ***Flexibility of Private Practice: Both speakers discuss the flexibility that private practice offers compared to traditional employment, such as the ability to adjust schedules and the challenges of not having paid leave. They emphasize the importance of planning and preparing for maternity leave, including saving money and adjusting expectations.   ***Client Management: The conversation delves into how to communicate with clients about maternity leave, manage their expectations, and ensure continuity of care. This includes planning for coverage, discussing availability, and dealing with client reactions and needs.   ***Postpartum Realities: Ashley highlights the realities of postpartum life, including dealing with sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety, and the physical and emotional recovery process. She stresses the importance of giving oneself permission to take the necessary time off and being flexible with return dates.   ***Support Systems: The need for support systems, including discussions with partners about shared responsibilities and planning for childcare, is emphasized. The speakers also discuss the broader societal context of maternity leave in the United States and the support (or lack thereof) for new mothers.   ***Personal Assessment and Timing: The speaker shares their experience of needing to assess their readiness to return to work, considering personal challenges like stress and exhaustion. They highlight the importance of waiting until mentally prepared to re-engage with clients.   ***Client Reassurance: It’s important to reassure clients of the intention to return while being honest about potential delays or changes. This transparency helps maintain trust and manage client concerns effectively.   ***Use of Scripts: The speaker advocates for using prepared scripts to communicate with clients about sensitive topics, including maternity leave. Practicing these scripts can reduce anxiety and ensure clear, confident communication.   About the Guest:   Ashley Comegys is a licensed clinical social worker with a multi-state online therapy practice that helps women with anxiety navigate life transitions, and specializes with working with women in the perinatal period as well as military spouses.    Outside of the therapy room she is passionate about empowering other women and mom clinicians to build their own online therapy practices, so they can have the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy. Ashley also has her own podcast called Raised to Empower, that helps challenge listeners to break free of mindsets and oppressive systems that often hold us back from stepping out and creating the practices of our dreams.    Outside of work Ashley can be usually found chasing around her two wild boys and baby girl, or binging trashy reality TV shows.   Connect with Ashley:   Raised to Empower:  https://www.raisedtoempower.com Maternity Leave Blueprint:  https://bit.ly/maternityleaveblueprint Instagram: @RaisedtoEmpower   Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In today’s episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Charese Josie joins me to talk about how to achieve personal and professional growth as clinicians, particularly through the lens of leadership and self-discovery. Charese shares her insight on the importance of aligning personal and professional goals with one's values, prioritizing emotional energy and well-being, and creating a supportive community. Our discussion highlights the need for community, support, and the development of emotional intelligence to navigate the complexities of clinical work and leadership effectively.   “I'm like, I need to try so many things outside of my comfort zone because I had to prove to myself that I don't have to live a cookie cutter box cutter life, I needed to do things by myself, not always with the crutch of a friend with me. I was like, I just want to go by myself. If I meet people, fine, if I don't, fine. I just had to hear my own voice and feel my own feelings. And then trust that I can work through whatever comes from that. And so, courage is a huge, huge factor in doing”- Charese Josie   Key highlights: ***Empowerment Through Self-Discovery: The importance of self-discovery in personal and professional growth. Understanding our strengths, values, and motivations is crucial for becoming effective leaders and clinicians. ***Intentionality in Actions: Aligning our actions with our intentions can lead to more fulfilling and impactful work.  ***Leadership Development: Developing leadership skills is essential for clinicians; The significance of mentorship, continuous learning, and embracing new challenges in order to grow as leaders in the healthcare field. ***Work-Life Balance: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for sustained success and well-being. Tips on setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and finding joy outside of work. ***Building Resilience: Resilience is key to navigating the challenges of the healthcare profession; The insights into building mental and emotional resilience through mindfulness practices, support systems, and maintaining a positive outlook. ***Community and Collaboration: The power of community and collaboration was another focal point. Charese stressed the importance of building supportive networks and collaborating with colleagues to foster a positive and dynamic work environment. About the Guest: Charese L. Josie is a Leadership Development Trainer, Licensed Clinical Therapist, Author, and Speaker. She's the founder of CJ Counseling and Consulting Services, a private practice and consulting agency. Charese's mission is to empower leaders through emotional intelligence. With a career journey spanning from leadership in foster care to co-starting and leading a thriving federal government agency.   Charese inspires growth, captures profound wisdom through her book "Two Witty Girls," and has been featured in renowned publications like Cosmopolitan, SHAPE,The Lily-The Washington Post, TODAY, and Essence. Her expertise is sought after on programs such as WHRO NPR's 'Another View' 89.5 FM and WTKR News 3. Connect with Charese: Website: https://charesejosie.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leadershipdevelopmenttrainer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chareselj Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charese_josie/   Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down The Hall Podcast, I dive into the concept of “Emotional Echoes” and how our clients’ experiences can sometimes resonate with our own life experiences. I talk about ways for therapists to recognize and manage these emotional reactions to maintain professional efficacy and personal well-being. I touch on the importance of self-awareness, support systems like peer consultation, and self-care strategies to navigate these challenges, and encourage sharing these experiences with colleagues to normalize and address them within the therapeutic community.   “Recognizing our personal reactions influence our professional duties is crucial. It's about asking ourselves, am I reacting as a therapist? Or is this my personal feeling surfacing? This recognition is the first step towards effective management of these emotions. And it gets easier with time and experience. But nevertheless, it makes those sessions much more complex for us.”   Key takeaways: ***Emotional Echoes: Understand how clients' experiences can resonate deeply with therapists' own personal histories, creating emotional challenges. ***Self-awareness: Recognize the importance of distinguishing between personal feelings and professional reactions during therapy sessions. ***Support Systems: Utilize supervision, peer consultation, and support from colleagues to navigate personal impacts in therapy. ***Self-care and Resilience: The importance of engaging in activities that help detach and recharge. ***Boundary Setting: How to establish and maintain clear professional boundaries to protect both the therapist and the client. ***Preparation and Recovery: Tips to prepare mentally before challenging sessions and to take care of personal needs afterward. ***Self-compassion: The need to be self-compassionate and seek support when feeling frustrated or uncomfortable about personal reactions during therapy sessions.   Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In today’s episode of the Colleague Down The Hall Podcast, Chris Conley joins me to talk about religious and spiritual abuse, which is the manipulation or exploitation of a person by a religious or spiritual authority. Chris shares a variety of dynamics for assessing and treating this type of abuse including knowing when to refer out. He also discusses how important it is to be mindful of one's own biases and limitations when dealing with clients' spiritual concerns and the role of therapists in maintaining professional boundaries.   “You as the therapist are somebody who is feeling very needed in that moment, if you're not careful to mind your own feelings. Meanwhile, your client is somebody who has potentially struggled to feel connected and is feeling connected. So you take somebody who's struggled with connection or relationships, they have a connection with a therapist who gets them, that therapist starts to feel really needed and important, it's only a matter of time before those lines can blur if we're not careful. And that is the exact same dynamic that can happen in a religious or spiritual relationship.” - Chris Conley   Key takeaways: ***Characteristics and Examples: This type of abuse can manifest in various forms, including financial exploitation (e.g., mandating tithes even at the cost of personal hardship), emotional manipulation, and misuse of scripture or spiritual practices to control or harm individuals. ***Impact on Mental Health: Victims of religious and spiritual abuse may experience a wide range of emotional and psychological issues, including guilt, anxiety, confusion, and a disturbed sense of spiritual identity. ***Therapeutic Approaches: It's important for therapists to recognize signs of religious and spiritual abuse and approach such cases with sensitivity. Therapists should maintain professional boundaries and avoid imposing their own religious beliefs, while supporting clients in exploring and healing from their experiences. ***Challenges for Therapists: Therapists need to be aware of their own biases and the potential to either over-identify with or reject the client’s religious beliefs. Ethical considerations include not providing theological guidance unless specifically qualified and requested by the client. ***Resources and Tools: Therapists can utilize specific tools, such as the Spiritual Abuse Harm Scale, to assess the presence and impact of spiritual abuse. This can guide the therapeutic process and help identify specific areas that need addressing. ***Normalization and Validation: It's crucial for therapists to normalize and validate the experiences of those who have suffered from religious and spiritual abuse. This includes acknowledging the complex feelings associated with betrayal by trusted religious figures and institutions.   About the Guest: Chris Conley is the co-creator of Clinician Connection and the Clinical Director of Turning Point Counseling and Consulting in Hampton Roads. He is a doctoral student at the University of the Cumberlands, where his focus is on religious and spiritual abuse, and has been a licensed professional counselor since 2014, having worked in a wide variety of mental health settings, including private practice, nonprofit organizations, and large community mental health corporations. He loves punk rock music and often wishes he was a comedian.     Connect with Chris Conley: Website: www.clinicianconnection.net Facebook: @ iamconley Instagram: @iamconley      Connect with Jeanene: *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In today’s episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, I delve into how to enhance your marketing strategy for your private practice using a simple and accessible method. I share insights to guide you on how to create short, engaging, and authentic videos to enhance your online presence. I also touch on leveraging these videos for SEO benefits and building connections with potential clients and other therapists. The more accessible and authentic your marketing, the more clients you attract and connect with.    “As therapists, we know the issues that our clients deal with, we are in a great position to market ourselves, and to be able to define the issues and talk about how we can help people. So some of the videos will be about what are the issues that you work with, and some of them are going to be about how you work with clients to resolve these issues. And you might even consider having a colleague come on. And maybe you can do a swap, they can talk about what they do in their practice. And then you can talk about what you do in your practice.”   Let’s delve into:   ***Video Content Creation: how to plan and create short, five to six-minute videos on topics relevant to your ideal clients   ***Utilization of Multiple Platforms: The videos were not only hosted on my personal blog for SEO benefits (the transcripts) but also on a dedicated video page and a YouTube channel, taking advantage of YouTube's function as a search engine.   ***Authentic Presentation: The importance of therapists presenting themselves in an authentic manner in videos.    ***Content Driven by Client Interactions: The topics for the videos are inspired by common themes and issues discussed during therapy sessions with clients. This ensures the content is relevant and engaging for the target audience.   ***Simplifying the Technical Aspects: using simple tools for recording videos, such as Zoom or Canva, highlighting that no expensive equipment or software is necessary to get started.   ***Regular Content Creation: Setting a regular schedule for recording videos to maintain a consistent presence and suggests using downtime effectively by preparing content in advance.   ***Engaging with Colleagues for Cross-promotion: Collaborating with other therapists for video content can help widen reach and establish a supportive network. Cross-promotion through these connections also enhances SEO through backlinks.   ***Overcoming Nervousness: Recognizing that being on camera can be nerve-wracking, push through the discomfort, picture a conversation with a client to ease anxiety, and recognize the professional benefits of this marketing approach.   ***Listen In: I share the audio from one of my first videos, completely unedited.  Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this new episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, I provide some supportive suggestions and activities for therapists to make sure they are taking care of themselves. I reflect on my observations of stress and challenges among my peers. I also talk about the  necessity of therapists incorporating self-care into their routines, similar to the advice they give their clients. I provide practical tips on managing workloads, offer sensory and somatic exercises for stress relief, and encourage building a supportive community among therapists.   This episode not only highlights the pressures therapists face but also provides practical strategies for maintaining mental and emotional health.    “Think about what are the ways that you can get a release? What are the ways that you can check in with your body? What are the cues you need to be paying attention to and at what point when you've had those cues do you need to do what you tell your clients to do? Take some time to take care of the things that your body needs.”   Key takeaways:   **Recognition of Challenges: Therapists face significant stressors, still heightened from the pandemic, and often lack support from those in their lives who do not understand the demands of their profession. **Importance of Care of Self: It is crucial for therapists to implement the same strategies they recommend to their clients, such as managing their nervous system, building resilience, and taking necessary time off. **Community and Support: Building a supportive community among therapists is vital, as understanding and empathy from peers can significantly help in managing the emotional toll of their work. **Practical Adjustments: Therapists should consider making practical adjustments in their work, such as changing office hours, client types, and the structure of appointments to help make their workload more sustainable. **Reflective Practices: Therapists are encouraged to reflect on their own needs and stressors regularly, making notes and adjustments as necessary to prevent burnout and maintain well-being. **Empowerment to Make Changes: Therapists should feel empowered to make changes that support their well-being, including potentially referring out clients who are not a good fit or are particularly draining. **Engagement in Relaxation Techniques: Jeanene guides therapists through sensory and somatic exercises to help them relax and manage stress, illustrating the importance of regular practice of such techniques. **Advocacy for Self Inclusion: Therapists are reminded to include themselves in their clinical care equation, moving away from being a 'blank slate' to recognizing their own needs in their professional practice.   Connect with Jeanene:   *Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook *Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/ *Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt *Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/