Intentional Therapist: Putting You In Your Schedule

Remember that feeling you had as a kid, when your interests were held with such intensity and passion that they couldn’t help but bring you joy?  When was the last time you experienced - or allowed yourself to experience - that type of passionate interest in something?  In this special bonus episode we speak with author Tabitha Carvan about how Benedict Cumberbatch helped her do just that, and why it’s so hard, yet so important, for women to reclaim this part of themselves.  Although Tabitha may not be a mental health clinician by training, the insights she shares with us offer a very therapeutic and fresh perspective on the importance of connecting with joyful pursuits and how this is such a foundational part of our self-care.    Highlights:What brought Tabitha to write a book full of references to Benedict Cumberbatch but ultimately not actually about him at allWhy its so easy for us, as women, to get disconnected from our passionsWhy connecting with joyful pursuits can cause women to feel like there’s something “wrong”How embarrassment and shame get in the way of our passionsTabitha’s important take-home messageTabitha’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceTabitha Carvan is the author of This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch and a science writer for the Australian National University.  She lives in Canberra, Australia.  Connect with Tabitha:http://www.tabithacarvan.com/Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

Enid De Jesus, a licensed therapist and coach, shares her journey of breaking free from negative narratives and helping introverted women honor their needs. Highlights include understanding introverted and highly sensitive women, protecting personal energy, connecting with like-minded women, staying true to oneself in a society that values extroversion, and granting permission for self-care and connection.

When’s the last time you sat down to really reflect on your values?  In this busy world it’s so easy to go through life without really giving this much thought.  Yet, setting some time aside to do just that can help us truly create a life from which we don’t need to escape.  In this episode we speak with Lisa Mustard, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (and co-member of the PsychCraft Network), about a pivotal time in her career and how examining her values and priorities set her on a journey to becoming a Coach and podcast host of The Therapy Show.  Lisa speaks with us about how these side businesses align with her values and how the concepts of “grace” and “fail forward” have helped her remain compassionate towards herself and stay motivated even in the face of disappointment.    Highlights:The “wake-up” call that triggered Lisa’s revised self-care journeyLisa’s top values and how these shape her workThe importance of adopting “grace” and a “fail forward” attitude to move through challengesHow the concept of “courage” showed up in Lisa’s journeyHow creativity shows up for LisaOne step female clinicians can take today to start developing a work life that aligns with their valuesLisa’s best non-conventional self-care practiceLisa Mustard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina. She’s also a wife to Billy, mama to two daughters, puppy wrangler, lover of health, wellness, and fitness, and a personal development junkie.  When she turned 40 she decided to pivot her skill set and try some new things which has brought her to where she is today – a Podcaster and Coach.  Her podcast, The Therapy Show, provides therapists with a convenient way of accessing continuing education and professional development and her coaching sessions help her clients move forward in living their best lives.     Connect with Lisa:https://lisamustard.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lisamustardpodcaster/ https://www.facebook.com/thetherapyshowwithlisamustard Access a FREE CE hour by competing one of Lisa’s podcourses: https://www.lisamustard.com/podcoursesUse the code: intentional (before June 1, 2023)Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

Liz Gray, licensed clinical social worker, shares how organizational systems are crucial for self-care. She discusses barriers to setting them up, gender differences, and practical tips for organization. Liz also talks about Focusmate for accountability, non-conventional self-care practices, and the benefits of pole dancing.

If you’re like us, there was probably a time in your career when you sought after that oh so elusive “work-life balance” and saw that as the true mark of self-care.  The only problem, of course, is that “balance” is incredibly hard (if not impossible) to find and, as it turns out, may not actually be what we truly need to thrive.  In this episode we speak with clinical psychologist and parent of three, Dr. Yael Schonbrun about “work-family enrichment” and how adopting this mindset can help us appreciate the gifts inherent in our multiple roles and how these roles can work together to help us truly thrive.  We also discuss the importance of values and how the evolutionary perspective can put us in a better position to understand and work with our hardwired tendencies to experience guilt and feel overwhelmed.  Yael also shares her perspective on rethinking the concept of rest.     Highlights:Why “work-family enrichment” is such a helpful mindsetHow the evolutionary perspective can help us understand the common experiences of guilt and overwhelmHow values fit into helping us navigate our multiple rolesThe importance of redefining the concept of restOne step female clinicians can take today towards better “work-family enrichment”Yael’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceDr. Yael Schonbrun is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, and author of Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like too Much). Connect with Yael: https://yaelschonbrun.com/https://twitter.com/DrYaelSchonbrunConnect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

In this episode we reconnect with Arianna Smith, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and copywriting coach for therapists, to learn more about her 2-month sabbatical and her transition back to work.  Arianna shares some of the challenges associated with planning and returning from a sabbatical, what she learned about herself as a person and a therapist, and how she’s used this information to reshape her work and personal life.  She also shares some tips for how to make the most of a sabbatical and talks about other ways therapists can intentionally take breaks in meaningful ways.  We end this episode, hearing about Arianna’s newest “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Highlights:The important difference between “time off” and a “sabbatical”Some of the challenges of planning for and returning from a sabbaticalSteps Arianna took to maximize her time away from workWhat she learned about herself during her sabbaticalHow pre-planning/over-planning for your return can interfere with the processHow her sabbatical helped her develop deeper connectionsArianna’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceTherapist by day, copywriter by night, Arianna Smith, LPC (she/her), helps therapists write words that sound like them and attract their ideal clients.  Her mission is to help therapists shatter their creative blocks and write words brimming with punch + personality.Connect with Arianna:arianna@thecopycove.comwww.thecopycove.com www.courageouscopywriting.comwww.facebook.com/thecopycoveAccess Arianna's free training Banish Bad Copy: Masterclass for Therapists to help you up-level your copy.   This is also the best way to find out more about her upcoming webinars and other offerings.  Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

When most of us think of self-care we probably don’t think about developing a side business.  We know that wasn't our expectation when we started Intentional Therapist.  And yet, enhanced self-care is exactly what a side business can offer!In this episode we speak with Dr. Tamara Soles about what led her to create her side business (including a podcast and online parenting course) and how these activities fit into her self-care.  We specifically talk with Tamara about how the 4 C’s of self-care (connection, compassion, courage, and creativity) show up in her side business, as well as how to navigate some of the risks to our self-care that might show up when developing a side business.  As always, we end the discussion with Tamara's favourite non-conventional self-care practices - which just happen to be things that each of us can likely do today!  Highlights:What lead Tamara to develop her side businessHow the 4 C’s of self-care show up in her side businessWays to navigate some risks to self-care that may arise when developing a side businessLessons learned along the wayOne step to take towards developing your own side businessTamara’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practicesDr. Tamara Soles is a child psychologist, parent coach, and founder of The Secure Child Center for Families and Children in Montreal, Canada. She’s also the mom of twins who present everyday opportunities to live what she’s practiced with families for over 15 years - that harnessing the power of connection helps children thrive!  Dr. Tamara created No More Power Struggles, a positive parenting course using based-based and attachment-focused strategies.  She’s also the host of a podcast for therapists called This Hour has 50 minutes, which offers continuing education credits. Connect with Dr. Tamara Soles:https://www.thesecurechild.com/Listen to the episode on Writing Therapy Notes and get 1 hour of CE credit free:https://drtamarasoles.com/episode-38/Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

All of us undoubtedly know firsthand how challenging it can be to regularly incorporate wellness strategies into our workday.  The idea of moving into private practice can become particularly appealing as it is often seen as providing opportunities for us to take more control over our work life and build a practice that supports our wellness.  Sadly, many female clinicians quickly learn that by moving into private practice they have simply traded one demanding boss (and work environment) for a new one (those darn unrelenting high standards!).  Sound familiar?  If so, please know that you’re not alone and that it doesn’t need to be this way.  In this episode we had the opportunity to discuss how to combat these challenges with the lovely Dr. Kimberly Grocher, a licensed social worker and coach with the Private Practice Startup, who loves helping clinicians integrate wellness into their practice.  Highlights:What led Kimberly to become a coach with the Private Practice StartupHow she helps other clinicians incorporate wellness into their practice How the work she does honours her own values and why that’s importantWhat hinders clinicians from reaching out for help from a therapist or coachOne step clinicians can take to begin integrating wellness into their practiceKimberly’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceKimberly provides psychotherapy to couples and women who are navigating mood, anxiety and trauma disorders as well as reproductive mental health. As an executive coach, she loves working with professional women and entrepreneurs to help them align their business/professional goals with their ideal lifestyle while being physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. She integrates yoga and mindfulness practices into her work with clients. Kimberly is also the coach for the Private Practice Startup, helping other therapists build and grow their dream private practices. Fun fact: Kimberly loves photography, has a background in film and media production, and  is a huge Game of Thrones fan. Connect with Kimberly:https://kimberlybondsgrocher.com/  https://www.privatepracticestartup.com/Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

Unfortunately as women and mental health clinicians, we receive many messages (from society, and also through our training and work experiences) that contribute to us developing beliefs and behaviours that get in the way of creating full, sustainable, and happy private practices. In fact, these messages are so strong that many of us can’t even imagine what a full and happy clinical practice might look like.  Allison Puryear knows this experience all too well and is using her “nearly diagnosable obsession with business development” to help other therapists break free from these unhelpful beliefs and behaviours and build practices that truly make them happy. Now, if that isn’t self-care, we don’t know what is! Highlights:What led Allison to develop Abundance Practice BuildingSome of the biggest barriers for female clinicians building sustainable, full, and happy practicesEarly warning signs that suggest a clinician needs extra support in building their ideal private practiceSome initial steps listeners can take today to develop their ideal practiceAllison’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceAllison Puryear (rhymes with “career”) is a therapist who burned out on agency work & then built successful private practices in 3 wildly different markets.  After her caseloads grew faster in each “saturated” market, Allison realized that practice building is not rocket science when you have clarity, confidence, and a figured-out-formula.  So Allison started Abundance Practice Building to help other therapists build their own full and happy private practices – because a happy therapist is a better therapist, y’all!Connect with Allison:https://abundancepracticebuilding.com/https://www.facebook.com/abundancepracticebuilding/ Instagram:  @abundance_practice_building Connect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.

“I’m not sure I’m well suited for this profession.” Sound familiar? We’ve heard this from other female therapists more times than we can count. But is it really about us being ill suited for this profession or is it really more so that our practice/work setting is ill suited for us?In this episode we speak with psychologists, Dr. Kelly Yanek and Dr. Michele Kinderman, about what led them to leave their standard jobs and develop their innovative therapy practice, Wellness Outside the Box – Therapy Redefined. Kelly and Michele talk with us about how they incorporate nature-based therapies and their unique Dual Therapist Model into their practice and how these approaches have been beneficial for both them and their clients. Our guests also offer tips on how other therapists can begin experimenting with novel approaches to treatment and we end off by hearing about some of Kelly and Michele’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practices.Highlights:What lead Kelly and Michele to develop Therapy Outside the Box – Therapy RedefinedWhat helped and hindered their willingness to try something different and novelSome of the logistical aspects of the Dual Therapy ModelHow the development of Therapy Outside the Box contributed to their own self-careInitial steps therapists can take to experiment with a new approach to their workKelly and Michele’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practices.Dr. Kelly Yanek is a nationally certified School Psychologist and co-founder of Wellness Outside the Box. She has a longstanding love for the outdoors and incorporates this passion for nature and adventure into her work, whether taking walks with high school students or leading mindfulness exercises with kindergarteners. Dr. Yanek has specialized training in adventure based counseling and the technical skills of high and low ropes/adventure courses. She is also a RYT- 200 yoga instructor. She combines her expertise in adventure, mindfulness, and nature-work to offer non-traditional paths to wellness.Dr. Michele Kinderman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Wellness Outside the Box. For nearly two decades, she has worked with children and adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationships and parenting, and the stresses of everyday life. Dr. Kinderman combines the more traditional therapies (CBT, DBT, insight oriented) with music, movement, and nature to assist clients in building their strengths and achieving their goals. She also uses Pet Therapy to help individuals work through grief via connection and interaction with animals.Connect with Kelly and Michele:info@wellnessoutsidethebox.comhttps://wellnessoutsidethebox.comhttps://www.facebook.com/wellnessoutsidetheboxllcConnect 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/intentionaltherapistDisclaimer: 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.