Intentional Therapist: Putting You In Your Schedule

Explore the empowering concept of a Personal Bill of Rights, vital for both therapists and clients. Discover three key rights that support self-care, including the importance of personal space and the freedom to make mistakes. Learn how acknowledging these rights can reshape the mindset of female mental health therapists. Delve into practical strategies for embracing self-care, fostering connection and compassion, and creating a unique bill of rights to prioritize well-being in both personal and professional realms.

How often do you take time to reflect on your beliefs and the ways they might be influencing your self-care?  If you’re like most female mental health therapists, you’re likely so busy tending to your professional and personal roles and responsibilities that this hasn’t even crossed your mind.  Yet, the reality is many of us may be unknowingly buying into beliefs that could be sabotaging our self-care.In today’s episode we look at three types of unhelpful beliefs and the ways they might be sabotaging your self-care efforts.  We're also talking about how connection, compassion, and  courage can provide powerful antidotes to these unhelpful beliefs. So if you are ready to stop “shoulding” on yourself, please tune in!Episode Highlights:Three types of beliefs that can sabotage our self-careTherapist "musturbations""Shoulding" on our self-care"Canning" our self-careSelf-Care Experiments:Be an objective observerConnect with othersChallenge your unhelpful beliefsResources Mentioned:Book:  Leaving It at the Office by Drs. John Norcross and Gary VandenBosVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

As a mental health professional, you undoubtedly know the significant role our relationships can have on our overall well-being.  In fact, it’s probably something you discuss with most, if not all your clients at some point during therapy.  But how often do you take the same time and care to reflect on your own relationships with others? In today’s episode we revisit the connection pillar of our 4 C’s model, this time, focusing on our connections to others and the important role this plays in our self-care.  We’ll also be talking about how connection plus courage can offer a particularly powerful boost to our self-care and our self-care culture and how all of this relates to compassion.       Episode Highlights:The powerful benefits of connection plus courageConnection and compassionConnection as a way of overcoming limiting beliefsSelf-Care Experiments:Taking stock of our connections with others Adding a dose of courage to our connectionsConnection as a way of overcoming limiting beliefsResources Mentioned:Visit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Discover how documentation can transform from a dreaded chore into a crucial self-care practice. By embracing the 4 C's—Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity—you can enhance your well-being as a therapist. Learn practical strategies to tackle documentation challenges and integrate it into your self-care routine. Explore innovative approaches and self-care experiments, like creating notes templates and ensuring timely session endings, to alleviate stress and improve efficiency.

How often do you think of values when you think about self-care?  If you’re like many of us, probably not very often or at all.  Yet the reality is our values can play a huge role in our self-care, whether we think about them or not.  In this week's episode we explore three important ways values are related to self-care.  And although most of the time connecting with our values is truly a valuable thing to do, you might also be surprised to hear that sometimes values can actually get in the way of our self-care.  So we hope you will stick around to hear more about how we can get our values to work for us, not against us!    Episode Highlights:3 ways values can impact our work life and self-careValues and our work settingSelf-care as value-driven Value-driven work and burnoutSelf-Care Experiments:Ideal work dayRelationship valuesPlanning for getting wetResources mentioned:Book:  Values in Therapy by Drs. Jenna LeJeune and Jason LuomaBook:  The Resilience Plan by Dr. Marie-Helene PelletierOur past podcast interview with Dr. Marie-Helene PelletierVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Do you ever find yourself wondering why self-care seems to come so easily for some of your colleagues or why you and your colleagues struggle in different ways with self-care? Or maybe you’ve been disappointed with the “one-size fits” all self-care messages you’ve been fed. If so, you’re not alone.In today’s episode, we’re diving into the topic of individual differences. As female mental health clinicians, we share a lot in common, but we’re also each unique, and that uniqueness can play a huge role in how we approach self-care. We hope you will tune in as we explore how unique aspects of ourselves can impact the way we experience work, self-worth, and even the imposter syndrome. And what we can do to use this information to tackle self-care in a truly personal way.Episode Highlights:3 Individual differences we need to consider:Neurodiversity Image of a “successful therapist”Personal history and life circumstancesSelf-care experiments Review your workdayTalk about individual differences with trusted colleaguesFind colleagues who share similar life circumstancesCelebrate the everyday “wins” at work Resources Mentioned:Our past podcast interview with April SnowOur past podcast interview with Dr. Kelly Yanek & Dr. Michele KindermanOur past podcast interview with Silvana Espinoza LauVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

We’re about to explore something that may surprise you—your brain’s survival instincts are still influencing how you approach self-care, and they might be working against you. Have you ever wondered why saying "no" feels impossible or why you can't seem to prioritize yourself no matter how hard you try? What if the answer lies in how our brains are wired for survival, and how that wiring affects everything from guilt to stress?In this episode, we’re going to unpack how your evolutionary wiring could be sabotaging your best self-care efforts. But here’s the good news—once you understand this, you’ll have the power to work with your brain, not against it. We’re sharing insights on why it’s so hard to break the cycle, along with practical strategies you can start using today to make more room for yourself. So, stick around—by the end of this episode, you’ll have a whole new perspective on your survival and your self-care.  Episode Highlights:4 ways evolutionary wiring impacts self-care:Conservation of energyAcceptance of the tribe and the role of guilt Scarcity of resourcesLiving for todaySelf-Care Experiments:  Recognize your signs of ‘survival mode’Respond kindly to guiltCreate a ‘Not to do’ listResources Mentioned:Healthy Habits Suck: How to Get Off the Couch and Live a Healthy Life...Even if You Don't Want To by Dr. Dayna Lee-Baggley Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection by Dr. Yael SchonbrunOur past podcast interview with Dr. Dayna Lee-BaggleyOur past podcast interview with Dr. Yael SchonbrunVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Ever feel like you’re always giving—whether it’s to your clients, your family, or even strangers on the street—and somehow your own needs get pushed aside? You're not alone. In fact, this might be part of a much bigger issue that’s rigged against women when it comes to self-care. If you're a female therapist, juggling the demands of your clients, family, and personal well-being, this episode is going to shine a light on why that balance feels so elusive—and what you can do to break the cycle.Today, we're talking about the hidden forces that keep women stuck in the 'human giver' role and leave little room for genuine self-care. We’ll dive into the cultural expectations and productivity systems that make it harder for women to prioritize themselves. But here's the good news: You can change the game. Join us as we explore how to reclaim your time, passions, and well-being—without guilt, shame, or burnout. Ready to shift the paradigm? Let’s dive in. Episode Highlights:3 ways the self-care game is rigged for women: Seeing ourselves as ‘human givers’Pressure to fit into male-dominated productivity systemsNot feeling permission to have passionsSelf-Care Experiments:  Let yourself be a human being, not a human giverGather up the ‘time confetti’Focus on integration over ‘greatness’Give yourself permission to have passionsResources Mentioned:Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski Find Your Unicorn Space and Fair Play, both by Eve RodskyOverwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid SchulteThe Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius by Kendra AdachiThis is Not a Book About Benedict Cumberbatch: The Joy of Loving Something - Anything - Like Your Life Depends On It by Tabitha CarvanOur past podcast interview with Tabatha CarvanVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Do you often find yourself working hard, yet questioning your abilities, feeling like you’re just pretending to be competent, waiting to be found out? If you’re a female therapist wrestling with imposter syndrome and the pressures of a lingering student mindset, you’re not alone, and this episode is for you. We’ll explore how these internal struggles can impact your self-care and professional fulfillment.Join us as we explore the traits that once helped you succeed but may now be holding you back.  How can recognizing these patterns empower you to move past the fear of being an "imposter"?  Listen in as we share valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you push back on that inner critic and reclaim your confidence.  Episode Highlights:Understanding the ‘student mindset’ and ‘imposter syndrome’Factors that increase the likelihood of experiencing imposter phenomenaKey starting points: Know that you are not aloneUnderstand how and why imposter feelings show up so can respond with compassion Self-Care Experiments:  Notice your perfectionism cycleRelax your standardsGet to know your inner criticEmbrace your non-student life (*assuming you are no longer a student!)Resources Mentioned:Book:  Imposter No More: Overcome Self-Doubt and Imposterism to Cultivate a Successful Career by Dr. Jill StoddardVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study *Special for Cyber week - save 40% until December 8 with the code: CYBER2025 Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Mental health professionals often carry the emotional weight of their clients long after sessions. The podcast explores the hidden challenges, such as emotional depletion and psychic isolation, that come with the job. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and resilience strategies. Listeners learn about navigating workplace hazards and the significance of embracing uncertainty in therapy. The discussion also includes key self-reflection tools to enhance personal well-being while providing quality care, creating a supportive community for professionals.