Private practice as a psychotherapist or counsellor can be isolating, there’s no doubt about it. Even with a full caseload. Even with an excellent supervisor (or two). You don’t have the shared vision of a multi-disciplinary team, someone to bump into and ask how your weekend was or colleagues to chat to. It’s just you, holding space for others, without a space of your own to vent to or chat about the weather (or vent to about the weather, because UK).
Supervision, in our profession, is essential. It keeps us ethical, accountable, and does give us somewhere to be contained when we’re usually the container. But, like any relationship, it’s not going to meet all our needs. We need more than supervision. We need community. We need a village.
As counsellors and psychotherapists, we have the same needs as any human, and that includes in the workplace. We need space to decompress, connect, have camaraderie, someone to put the kettle on for and to check in how your dog’s doing after the visit to the vet. Unlike most workplaces, the work we do is not about us at all and we have no colleagues to share the load. Yes, we bring ourselves into the therapeutic relationship, and there might be the odd relevant self-disclosure, but the focus is on the client (exactly where it should be) and this can leave us feeling a little lonely, a little untethered, a little wanting. Even for those of us who enjoy working alone.
We need the kind of connections that you can’t invoice for, the kind that keep you going.
I began looking for these kinds of community or connections within the therapeutic world when I stepped fully into private practice, but quickly discovered that they’re few and far between. The ones I found that already exist felt very gate-keepy. To be a part of something, before you’ve even given your name, the fees often include your firstborn child, a pound of flesh, and your left shoe. They were expensive, often quite corporate and chillingly performative – Instagrammable rather than authentic.
My thoughts on that? Absolutely bloody not. Let’s break down the barriers, make it accessible, affordable and values-led. No need for a shiny logo or a 10k following. Let’s create space to meet each other’s needs – because although it’s a trite saying, it’s not wrong – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Want to be a better human, friend, partner, parent, practitioner? You have to have your needs met first.
What I’ve created (so far!) is hopefully a step in the right direction.
A free monthly drop-in space on the last Sunday of every month, for therapists, counsellors, and mental health practitioners (and those in training) to use how they see fit. Use a desk to catch up on admin (WiFi included), grab a book from our library (240+ therapy books and counting), chat with other practitioners or just sit quietly with a brew (also included free of charge).
A professional book club (just £2.50 a session!) where we discuss a book, related to our practice, that we’ve read over the past month (texts to date include On Becoming a Person, Dibs In Search of Self and Staring at the Sun). It’s informal, semi-structured, thought-provoking, includes drinks, snacks and a PDF certificate for CPD purposes.
Room hire that isn’t overly complicated and relieves you of having to think about as many things as possible. A key to come and go as you please. A booking system so you’re in charge of when you’re there without having to check in with someone. Utilities, WiFi, tea, coffee and snacks included. Storage available, if you need it. Sanitary products, hair ties, body sprays, essential oils, face wipes, heat packs, even single-use toothbrushes if you really need them, all complimentary.
I’m not saying it’s perfect. It’s certainly not polished, definitely includes more than a few swear words and our furniture is well-loved. But it’s authentic, meaningful and the kettle is pretty much always on.
I’ve got more plans in the pipeline – we’ll be hosting trainee placement students early next year, and I’m hoping to create a small, invite-only referral network. But for now?
We’re people first. Practitioners second. And that will be the driver for every decision I make.
If any of these things sound like something you’d want to be a part of, and you’re in/around Cheshire East, drop me a message here or email me on lyndsey@insightfullife.co.uk. Despite my jibe at things being ‘Instagrammable’, I do have an Instagram account that is for professionals only, with all the details of upcoming events and our not-perfect-but-beautiful-space here at Insightful Life which can be found here.
I’d love to see you – get in touch and I’ll get the kettle on.
Lyndsey x
Thanks for reading. If something in this piece stirred something in you, you’re welcome to reach out. You can find out more by heading to Insightful Life – Therapy & Counselling Centre
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