Confessions of a Therapist Looking for a Therapist: 5 Unexpected Lessons | IP 199
Have you ever looked at your own practice through the eyes of someone who's trying to become your client?
Recently, I found myself on the other side of the consulting room, searching for a therapist of my own. It’s been a lonnnnng time, y’all. And - turns out - It’s been a much harder process than I expected!
As I worked my way through Psychology Today profiles, made initial phone calls, filled out forms and even tried out a few places - I was searching for someone who’d be a good fit in the ways I knew I needed…
And - because I can’t help myself - I couldn’t help but put on my coaching hat a few times along the way. I found myself paying attention to something I hadn't expected: the client experience.
I’m not talking about the therapy itself.
I’m talking about everything that happens before the work even begins.
So today, I’ve decided to share five unexpected lessons from that whole process, along with a gentle invitation to step back and see your own practice with fresh eyes.
This will be good for you. ;)
In this episode, you'll hear...
- The many ways in which your first conversation with a potential client matters so much more than you may realize.
- The surprising difference between being kind and inspiring confidence.
- What your office, website, and even your onboarding process could be communicating before you ever say a word. (There are so many ways to get this right…or not.)
- How even small touch points - and friction - can give potential clients another reason to put off reaching out, rather than taking the step forward we know they need.
We’ll also explore how the smallest moments of curiosity, warmth, and genuine interest often matter more than perfect marketing.
MUCH more, actually. 🙂
Each of these is important in ways that we may not always realize… But oh-my-goodness when we get it right, we create the space that helps people feel welcomed, understood, and ready to begin the kind of work that could literally change their lives.
And isn’t that a wonderful thing? 🤗
Here's my invitation for you.
As you listen, I encourage you to think about your practice from the perspective of someone who's never met you before. Where are you making it easy for people to instinctively trust you?
And where might one small change make that experience even better?
I learned so much from this experience.
I hope you will too.
~Wendy
P.S. If this episode made you stop and think about your own practice, would you share it with another therapist or practice owner who might appreciate the reminder? Sometimes the smallest shifts create the biggest difference. 💙
______________
MENTIONED