“It’s not the right time”
“I need more experience first.”
“I want to but I don’t think I’m ready.”
As therapists, we are familiar with negative self talk. We know how often and how easy it is to tell ourselves that we’re not good enough or not ready.
But you’re probably a lot more ready than you think.
Sure, there are some industries where you probably want a few years of experience before embarking out on your own. Insurance agents, for example, typically work a few years for someone before starting their own agency – not because they have to, but because the insurance world is very complicated, and it’s better to work within it for a while and really understand its laws and regulations before starting your own business.
Psychotherapy, however, is not like that.
You already know how to be a therapist. Some of you are working as therapists right now, just in public health settings. Or you’re offering therapy-like services as part of your social work experiences. The only difference is that you’re doing it for other people and not for yourself.
Working for a few years as a therapist under someone else can be helpful if you’re not feeling confident with your psychotherapy abilities. But it is not related to starting a private practice. Whether you do therapy under your own banner or under someone else’s, the therapy is the same.
Why Do We Feel Like We’re Not Ready?
That said, it’s certainly common to FEEL like we’re not ready to start our own practice. After all, if you haven’t worked as a therapist for very long – or at all – it probably feels like you’re going to need more time before you’re ready to start a business.
But working in public health will almost *never* train you to start a business. We, as therapists and social workers, almost never receive that kind of training from anyone, let alone working in public health or under someone else’s brand.
So, take a moment to really think about why you don’t feel ready, and why you’re giving yourself that kind of negative self-talk.
- Is it because you really do feel like you need more training?
That’s fair! Sometimes, especially if we just got into the field, it might feel like we need to get out feet wet a bit longer before diving in. As long as you’re not experiencing burnout over the long hours in public health, take a bit of time if you need to.
- But is it actually because you’re afraid to start, or you think you’ll be more prepared to own a business after working longer?
Because none of those things should hold you back. You’re likely not going to get training that prepares you for starting a practice, and it’s going to feel just as scary in a few years as it feels today.
Instead, let’s chat. As a private practice coach, that’s my job: to help you be ready to start your own practice. I train you on the business side, I help on the personal side – I make it my role to make it so that you ARE ready.
Book an hour appointment today or, if you have questions about the service, please reach out to me today through my form to schedule a brief chat!