The week is almost over - just a few more clients tomorrow and then the weekend.
Today was a tough day - and a good day - and filled with complexity. Lots of growth and celebration of hard work and the rewards that come in the outer world when the work in the treatment container is successful.
I know client intakes come in floods and famines. Last October - through January - I thought I would pop from the intensity of new clients. There were a few weeks when I was taking on four new clients a week. For me - for part time - that was intense!
And then things settled down. And I felt at peace. I can do this I told myself. This is sustainable.
And now - another flood - a flood out the door! I am in the middle of termination central.
This past couple weeks has seen several clients making leaps and having successes in the outer world and terminating or scaling back their sessions.
In a small practice setting - less clients = less income. So there is a small sliver of fear. But there is also a sense of liberation that fewer clients means more time at home with family and friends. More time for hobbies, reading, and personal interests. More time for self-care, leisurely lunches and quiet evenings. And with summer coming what isn't to love about less time in the office?
Can I trust the ebb and flow of this process of clients in and clients out?
The glamour of private practice is autonomy - and it is true - there is autononomy. The reality of private practice is risk. What is your tolerance for risk?
So for me for today - I am celebrating the lengthening days, more time for self care.
And you - what are you celebrating as spring begins to stream toward summer?
VL
Today was a tough day - and a good day - and filled with complexity. Lots of growth and celebration of hard work and the rewards that come in the outer world when the work in the treatment container is successful.
I know client intakes come in floods and famines. Last October - through January - I thought I would pop from the intensity of new clients. There were a few weeks when I was taking on four new clients a week. For me - for part time - that was intense!
And then things settled down. And I felt at peace. I can do this I told myself. This is sustainable.
And now - another flood - a flood out the door! I am in the middle of termination central.
This past couple weeks has seen several clients making leaps and having successes in the outer world and terminating or scaling back their sessions.
In a small practice setting - less clients = less income. So there is a small sliver of fear. But there is also a sense of liberation that fewer clients means more time at home with family and friends. More time for hobbies, reading, and personal interests. More time for self-care, leisurely lunches and quiet evenings. And with summer coming what isn't to love about less time in the office?
Can I trust the ebb and flow of this process of clients in and clients out?
The glamour of private practice is autonomy - and it is true - there is autononomy. The reality of private practice is risk. What is your tolerance for risk?
So for me for today - I am celebrating the lengthening days, more time for self care.
And you - what are you celebrating as spring begins to stream toward summer?
VL