Your office is sacred space

Aug 6, 2013 by Ann

As therapists, we’re crazy about containers.

We’re always talking about ‘em.

We talk about “holding space” for clients.

We say the therapeutic relationship is a container.  It’s a space clients pour affects and needs into.

And we are picky about where we office.

Why?

Because we know those four walls hold a lot more than our diplomas and licenses.

They hold our clients.
They hold our practices.
They hold our intentions about growing a business instead of having a hobby.

And they hold us as we do this important work.

The office as a sacred space

There’s more to an office than nice views.

And don’t get me wrong– I love me some nice views.

As a client, I know that I like to have a window to stare out of sometimes.

In those moments I’m trying to incorporate an important truth.

Or avoid eye contact.

You know—depends on the day.

But there’s so much to consider when picking a space.

How you furnish it.

Where it is located in town.

What kind of seating is available.

Is it accessible, but also private?

How’s the soundproofing?

A good office is so much more than just good soundproofing and nice views.

But how do you know you’re getting the most important ingredient of all?

The most important ingredient

We may disagree on this.

That’s because what matters to you may not be the same thing that matters to me.

But I’m willing to bet that you wouldn’t want to compromise on any of these when picking space:

+ safety

+ confidentiality (soundproofing!)

+ healthy, collaborative office environment with courteous, supportive colleagues

If you aren’t supported in your own work as a therapist, it will be hard to offer the very best to your clients.

For some, this support might look like twice monthly meetings with office mates to staff cases.

It could mean cross-referral within a practice.

It might be working with therapists who share your business model—fee for service, or insurance, or a combination of the two.

Do you notice what is in common with all the supports I just listed?

Creating community

 

It all has to do with who you work with.

One of the beautiful things about private practice is the autonomy it gives you.

But the strongest practices are ones that are pieces of a larger community—whether that community is within the office space, among mental health professionals in your town, or something in between.

Work in private practice can be isolating.

So make sure that you’re part of a community.
Better yet, be a part of a practice that offers you healthy community in your space year round.

Putting my money where my mouth is

Many of you know that I started to offer supervision last spring.

I’ve made an important decision about that.

I’ve decided to lease an office in my space for my interns to use.

I feel it is important for my interns to have their own space.

I want to create a good container for them as they grow.

So, I’m opening up two spots in my south Austin practice for LPC interns this fall.

And I’m looking at least one female intern to join my team.

I’ve had a couple of prospective clients ask for a female intern and I’ve had to refer them elsewhere!  Frustrating.

If you’d like to set up an interview, just send me an email.

And whether you’re still a student, an intern, or just beginning to launch your practice… I wish you the best of luck in finding and creating your own sacred office space someday.