In this episode of The Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene shares productivity tips tailored for neurodivergent therapists navigating the complexities of running a private practice. Jeanene, who is neurodivergent herself, emphasizes leveraging unique strengths like creativity, empathy, and big-picture thinking while addressing common challenges such as scheduling, admin tasks, and time management. She encourages therapists to experiment with strategies, adjust systems when needed, and practice self-compassion.

“Remember the ND brain loves affirmation. Now I encourage you to experiment and adjust. Not every system or strategy will work for you, and that's okay. The key is to keep experimenting until you find what feels natural and sustainable. And for many neurodivergent people, something works great until it doesn't. I find this especially true as an ADHDer, or offer yourself some kindness and flexibility. When this occurs, you just need to find a new system, and you already have the skills for doing that. So instead of feeling shame that it's no longer working, put that energy into finding the next best thing.”

Key takeaways include:

***Embrace Strengths: Recognize the value of neurodivergent traits like empathy and intuition to build a thriving practice

***Flexible Goal Setting: Experiment with a variety of strategies to find what works for you

***External Structures: Leverage digital tools

***Time and Energy Management: Honor energy patterns

***Environment Optimization: Create organized workspaces that suit your needs

***Wellness Matters: Prioritize your own needs

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of The Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe dives into a timely topic for therapists: managing the reality of increased client cancellations during the holiday season. From early scheduling conversations to reinforcing cancellation policies and encouraging self-care, Jeanene shares practical strategies to prepare for and navigate the challenges this time of year brings.

Learn how to anticipate cancellations, adjust your workload, and use unexpected downtime effectively. Whether it's consolidating schedules, offering telehealth options, or setting boundaries, this episode provides invaluable insights to help therapists balance client needs with their own well-being. Remember, the holidays can be hectic, but with preparation and flexibility, they can also be an opportunity for growth and rest.

“Bring up scheduling early, proactively ask clients about their holiday plans and how they might impact their sessions. For example, you can say “The holidays are coming up and I know things get busy for many people. Let's look ahead and see if there are any sessions you might need to cancel or reschedule”. This gives clients an opportunity to make changes with plenty of notice.”

Key takeaways:

***Proactive Planning for Client Cancellations: Address holiday scheduling early with clients by discussing potential conflicts and rescheduling options. Reinforce cancellation policies while deciding whether to maintain flexibility during the season.

***Adjusting and Condensing Work Schedules: Anticipate lower caseloads by consolidating appointments into fewer days or offering telehealth options to accommodate clients’ travel and holiday commitments.

***Maximizing Downtime: Use any cancellations or lighter schedules productively by focusing on administrative tasks, professional development, practice growth, or personal care. This ensuring a refreshed start to the New Year.

***Encouraging Therapy as Self-Care: Highlight the importance of therapy during the holiday season, emphasizing its value in managing stress, complex family dynamics, and maintaining mental health amidst the busy time.

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this another episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe sits down with Darlene Sousa, a testing psychologist and former counselor, to discuss how professional development can promote access and culturally responsive care in the evaluation process. Darlene shares her journey, including her motivation to create training programs that address the challenges of traditional evaluation methods, such as their often invalidating nature and lack of therapeutic value. They explore critical topics, including the complexities of 2e (twice-exceptional) individuals, the gatekeeping mentality in psychology, and the importance of accessible training for Master's level clinicians and more. The conversation concludes with a hopeful look at the future of assessment, including more inclusive training opportunities and the potential for Master's level clinicians to play a larger role in addressing public need.

“We have people who are mislabeled under-identified, misidentified women, in particular, individuals of color, who are not getting the diagnosis they need. And one of the growing groups right now is women, and it isn't until they hit menopause where they start to go like, wow, things were a struggle for me, but perimenopause hit, and now I'm at a complete loss. What is this? Am I losing my mind? Am I becoming psychotic? They just, they really don't know, if you don't know, you don't know, you're a lay person, and you come to find out that they just didn't have a diagnosis, or they're mislabeled, usually with a personality disorder or some kind of mood instability, and it wasn't until that point that they sought help, and someone properly trained in evaluation was able to really identify what was going on.”- Darlene

Key takeaways:

***Culturally Responsive Care: Traditional evaluation methods can feel invalidating and overly rigid. A collaborative, therapeutic approach fosters better understanding and outcomes.

***Challenges in Accessing Evaluations: Long waiting lists for evaluations can delay critical support; and evaluations often lack therapeutic elements, leaving clients uncertain about next steps.

***Understanding Neurodivergence and 2e (Twice-Exceptional) Individuals: Mislabeling and underidentification of certain groups, including women and people of color, are common.

***Quality and Accessibility in Reports: High-quality reports that are standardized, detailed, and respectful are crucial. Coaching and feedback during evaluations ensure client satisfaction and better outcomes.

***The Role of Master's Level Clinicians: Many clients are unaware of distinctions between Master's and doctoral clinicians, emphasizing the value of skill and reputation.

About Darlene Sousa:

Darlene is a testing psychologist and former counselor. She saw and experienced for herself as a neurodivergent person in a new culture, how systems of support did not connect, with each having different requirements for entry, leaving families lost.

She has since found her path through consulting and advocacy. In 2023, she co-launched an edtech start-up focused on promoting access and culturally responsive care through quality professional development in areas often protected by the “old guard.” Many clinicians are unable to return to graduate school to further their education, nor should they need to with technology. Darlene’s mission is to promote greater access to progressive services for the community, through the promotion of practical training for clinicians, all within the neurodiversity, cultural, and gender affirming framework.

Connect with Darlene:

Website: www.mindfulu.net

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of Colleague Down the Hall, Jeanene invites Jordan Coiner to discuss hot-button topics in the therapy world. Together, they explore shifts in therapy since COVID-19, including the rise of telehealth and the use of online forums for support. They tackle controversial issues like long-term therapy stigma, trainings for therapy modalities and certifications, and the impact of social media on mental health awareness. They delve into balancing personal values with professional boundaries, including political views. Listen in for an engaging conversation packed with perspectives on current hot topics.

“I definitely had several clients this week that they brought up their curiosity and caution about, can I talk about this with you today? Because I'm not sure where you stand, and I'm just, I guess, questioning my safety in talking about this with you. That right there is, personally, the kicker for me that I will then disclose. I might not go on a huge rant, but say, just letting you know you are safe in whatever you might want to explore here and then that, sometimes even becoming a discussion. So I think that is the question that when I see those posts like the clients have no idea about you, is flipping that. Imagine being in your client's shoes, especially if they're wanting to talk about something that might be a politically charged issue, and just wondering how is this person going to receive it? Yes, professionally, they should receive it without an ounce of reaction or judgment. That is our job.”- Jordan

Key highlights:

***Therapists and Controversy: Therapists often adhere rigidly to grad school teachings, leading to inflexibility in therapy practices. Respecting colleagues' training and approaches fosters healthier professional dialogue.

***Therapy Certifications:

Discussion about the high cost and legitimacy of some certification training programs.

***Social Media's Role in Mental Health:

How therapists can educate clients on discerning reliable online information.

***Political Views in Therapy: Disclosing political views is controversial but can be situationally appropriate based on client needs and therapeutic value.

About Jordan Coiner:

Jordan Coiner is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Virginia since 2013. Her background is in structural family therapy. She has experience in community mental health, outpatient individual, group, and family counseling, providing counseling in a school setting, crisis counseling and emergency services, and supervisory experience. She is trained in EMDR and enjoys incorporating creative approaches in her sessions, such as through art, music, and movement.

Connect with Jordan:

Website: www.jordancoinerlpc.com

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe leads a fictionalized case discussion with colleagues about navigating complex client care. The case involves Sherry, a 28-year-old marketing professional experiencing anxiety and depression, who may also have traits of borderline personality disorder. Therapist Emma, feeling unequipped to address this diagnosis, must decide whether to refer Sherry to a specialist or expand her own training while maintaining ethical care. The group explores treatment strategies, addressing therapist scope, client transition concerns, and the importance of compassion in clinical practice. Listen in for practical insights and thoughtful perspectives!

“I think building a strong clinical alliance is very helpful, teaching them grounding skills, supporting them, helping them to understand their experience, what's going on, where it's coming from. All of those things are just as important as processing through the trauma. And so I think also, if we change the narrative that you have to go through five different trainings or a two year long training to be able to help these individuals, that really hinders what we can do. And in fact there's so many different, I don't want to say sub types, but borderline personality shows up in so many different ways, so we're already dealing with it. It's just one of the lesser common known subtypes that we see. So I just would like some change of the narrative in terms of that aspect of it as well”- Patrice Griffin

Key takeaways:

***Balancing Scope of Practice and Client Needs: Therapists must navigate their competence boundaries while ensuring clients receive appropriate care.

***Addressing Diagnostic Uncertainty: When facing a potential diagnosis like borderline personality disorder, seeking consultation or further training can be helpful for therapists who are new to working with these clients.

***Referral Considerations: Transitioning a client to a specialist requires careful communication to maintain trust and therapeutic continuity.

***The Role of Compassion: Therapists should approach complex cases with empathy and understanding, balancing professional challenges with client-centered care.

***The Value of Peer Consultation: Collaborative discussions with colleagues can provide fresh perspectives and support ethical decision-making.

Ready to elevate your therapy practice? Discover valuable tools, resources, and insights with Therabundle! Learn more at https://therabundle.com/jeanene (affiliate link, time sensitive) and take the next step in building a sustainable, impactful career in therapy.

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe introduces Monica Helvie, a licensed marriage and family therapist and burnout recovery expert, to explore the complexities of burnout among mental health practitioners. She shares how her husband's intervention in 2017 led her to confront the toll burnout was taking on her personal life, and she discusses starting a private practice, where she found herself recreating the same unsustainable patterns. Monica and Jeanene discuss defining burnout, recognizing its signs, and the importance of setting boundaries, even when guilt and societal expectations make it difficult. Monica emphasizes aligning business practices with personal values and offers practical techniques for managing burnout, including somatic coping skills and a free burnout clarity checklist.

“I think the more that we can start encouraging and empowering people to really sense into what environment do you need to be able to thrive and not experience burnout, some folks might motor really high, and they're like, I want three back to back, and then I want three hours off, right? Or I want one and then I need an hour, and then I need another one, then I need another hour. Everybody runs differently. And so I think when we can start to create spaces where therapists can really start to sense into what is working and what feels right for them and their nervous system, then that's going to be really what keeps folks able to sustain the work that they're doing for longer and longer periods of time.”- Monica

Key highlights:

***Impact of Burnout on Mental Health Providers’ Lives and Their Client Work: Monica’s 2017 marriage crisis underscored the toll her workload was taking on her life, prompting her to reassess her work-life balance. How transitioning to private practice didn’t immediately solve her burnout; she found herself recreating similar stress patterns, revealing that burnout often follows us if underlying issues remain unaddressed.

***Preventing Burnout through Deep Healing and Nervous System Regulation: Addressing burnout goes beyond quick fixes; it requires deep work on limiting beliefs, aligning with personal values, and, as Monica learned from her experience with perfectionism, developing tools to regulate the nervous system. This approach supports clearer decisions and reduces negative thought patterns—both crucial for managing burnout. Often, resentment toward clients or work signals a lack of alignment and the need for stronger boundaries. Just as they encourage their clients, therapists must prioritize boundaries to protect their own well-being.

About Monica Helvie:

Monica Helvie is a licensed marriage family therapist in California and Texas and a trauma informed burnout recovery expert. She helps high-achieving career women overcome chronic stress and find work-life balance. Together, we create sustainable success without burnout, so you can thrive in your career and personal life.

Connect with Monica Helvie:

Social Media: @monicahelvielmft

Free Burnout Clarity Checklist: https://monicahelvie.aweb.page/p/8f6d0a69-2efd-4521-8d6c-bb2a1a9d815d

Ready to elevate your therapy practice? Discover valuable tools, resources, and insights with Therabundle! Learn more at https://therabundle.com/jeanene (affiliate link, time sensitive) and take the next step in building a sustainable, impactful career in therapy.

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/