Nine Things I Believe Every Therapist Should Have
As a therapist, I often come across new courses, templates, and tools, and I wonder, "What do I really need right now, and what can I purchase later?" Over time, I’ve learned that with the abundance of resources available, it’s crucial to create a sustainable plan for purchasing and to utilize as many free or low-cost options as possible.
Here are my recommendations for what every therapist needs to effectively practice, regardless of their environment. These are in no particular order, but I believe all are quite important!
A Water Bottle: Let’s start with the most practical. As therapists, we do a lot of talking, head nodding, and listening, and we hold many emotions for ourselves and others. This can take a significant toll on our physical bodies, leaving us feeling lethargic and tired after a long day. In my experience, having my favorite teal water bottle with me and sipping from it throughout the day helps me stay hydrated and sane. Research shows that dehydration amplifies symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and more. So, incorporating more water into our day is a simple but essential step.
A Tupperware/Lunch Box You Love: Just like water, we need to ensure we’re replenishing our bodies with food throughout the day. When I started my career, I booked sessions back to back and struggled to find time to eat. My physical health suffered, even though I grew professionally. It wasn’t worth it. Find a Tupperware or lunchbox you love and keep it visible.
A Laptop/Electronic Device: This might seem obvious, but having a strong and reliable electronic device can make a world of difference in your practice. It enables you to provide telehealth services effectively and keep your documentation organized. Invest in a good device; it will serve you well in the long run.
A Separate Work Phone/Work Phone Number: This leads to a conversation about boundaries. As therapists, our work can deeply impact us personally. It’s crucial to be mindful of the boundaries we set, and this starts with how clients can contact us. Along with email, having clear boundaries around phone calls and phone hours allows us to make necessary time for ourselves to rest and rejuvenate. Outside of crisis situations, knowing our phone call boundaries helps us show up better at the end of the day. For me, having a separate work phone helps me focus on being myself, not just a therapist.
Liability Insurance: To be clear, we need this to practice along with our state requirements. However, beyond its mandatory nature, strong liability insurance is vital. Our liability insurance companies answer legal questions and help us navigate difficult situations. Sometimes this is covered by your employer, other times you need to cover it yourself, but in either case, having liability insurance is crucial and provides peace of mind during tough times.
A Budget for Continuing Education: We see many opportunities for continuing education credits. But do you have a budget set for how much you can spend without stretching your finances? If not, I highly recommend doing so. It’s easy to want to absorb all the knowledge, but remember that we have time to learn and grow. There are seasons for learning and seasons for saving.
A Therapist Friend You Can Call When Stuck or Overwhelmed: This may be one of the most important points. As therapists, we work with people, so it makes sense to seek support from others in the same field. Building sustainable friendships that honor your strengths, challenge you, and provide understanding can be a healing experience. It helps us take beneficial leaps and reflect on our practice and ourselves.
A Mentor to Confide In: Along with a friend, a mentor can make a significant difference. I define a mentor as someone who has been in the field longer, shares some life experiences, and can provide guidance. For me, having a mentor meant working through professional worries and fears in a non-therapeutic setting and being encouraged to think about my career in new ways. Having a mentor is truly a gift, and I recommend everyone find one. I’m building a module on how to reach out to a mentor, which can be found on our mini-courses page HERE.
Short and Long-Term Goals for Yourself in the Field: Last but certainly not least, every therapist should set short and long-term goals. Having a trajectory of who you want to become can motivate you to pursue your dreams confidently. Evaluating and reflecting on your journey so far is crucial. Achieving our goals motivates us to stay grounded and committed to our work. Creating this platform was once a dream, turned into a long-term goal, and has now become a reality. It can be done!
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