Intentional Therapist: Putting You In Your Schedule

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/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.

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/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.

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/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.

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/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.

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/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.

“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.comConnect 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.

Copywriting and self-care?  In this episode Arianna Smith, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and copywriting coach for therapists explains exactly what copywriting involves, its appeal to her personally, and how it relates to self-care for therapists in both public and private practice settings.  Arianna also shares how the pandemic contributed to her own burnout and the steps she took to plan her 2-month sabbatical.  She offers some suggestions for therapists who are interested in attracting more of their ideal clients or are looking for ways to infuse more creativity into their work.  We end this episode with all 3 of us sharing some of our best “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Highlights:What led Arianna to include copywriting services in her practiceHow the right “copy” can help us attract our ideal clientsHow copywriting is relevant for therapists working in both public and private settingsSome initial steps therapists can take to infuse some creativity into their practices or to start attracting more of their ideal clientsThe steps Arianna took to set up her sabbaticalArianna’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practice (and some of ours!)Therapist 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:www.thecopycove.comarianna@thecopycove.comwww.facebook.com/thecopycoveDownload Arianna's free guide “Banish Bad Copy: 5 Copywriting Hacks for Private Practice Success!” for a no-nonsense approach to uplevel your copy.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/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.

Can rest and success actually co-exist in the lives of female mental health clinicians?  Indeed they can!  In this episode we speak with Maegan Megginson, about her own experiences with burnout and how this ultimately led her to developing the Rest and Success Code.  Maegan talks about how deep rest is an integral component of our success as therapists, some of the biggest barriers to adopting a less pressured approach to our work, and what we can start doing today to adopt a less pressured, more fulfilling approach to our work. Highlights:What lead Maegan to develop the Rest and Success CodeHow the messages from capitalism, the patriarchy, and graduate school get in the way of female therapists adopting a less pressured approach to their workSigns that tell Maegan it’s time to include more rest in her practiceExamples of ways to bring more rest into our work The difference between rest and deep restMaegan’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceMaegan Megginson is a sex therapist turned business coach on a mission to help successful entrepreneurs fall madly in love with their businesses. After years of struggling with overwhelm and burnout, Maegan finally figured out how to leverage her introverted and highly sensitive strengths to create two businesses she loves. She believes the key to happiness is to design your business to serve you first and your clients second – only then will you discover how to become deeply rested and wildly successful. Connect with Maegan:www.maeganmegginson.comConnect 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.

April Snow, a licensed psychotherapist and author specializing in Highly Sensitive Introverts, shares her journey as a Highly Sensitive Therapist. She discusses the unique challenges faced by sensitive therapists and emphasizes the importance of personalizing therapy practices. April dispels common misconceptions about sensitivity and provides practical self-care strategies to combat burnout. She advocates for a supportive community and encourages therapists to embrace their uniqueness as strengths in their practice.