The 13 Characteristics of a Professional Who Thrives in Private Practice

1 - It all starts with YOU. YOU need to be someone who is curious about, and continuously explores who you are, where you get meaning in life, and how you are aware of and manage your personal, professional and social life.

2 - Is a skilled clinician who engages in continuing education and supervision and is aware of their developmental phase in their work.

3 - Sets clear boundaries with clients, their families, and other professionals connected to any case.

4 - Manages their office effectively, staying on top of paperwork and legal and ethical changes in the business of psychotherapy.

5 - Is able to sit with diversity, acknowledge when a client's "culture" is foreign or new to them and knows how to manage it in the best interest of the client.

6 - Manages themselves well. Has a personal and professional mission, sets goals, works a plan to reach them, and shows up on time to any commitment.

7 - Has reframed any fear of or resistance to "marketing," in a way that allows them to reach out to the client's and organizations who can benefit from their skills and experience.

8 - Is active in their community and donates time and/or money to causes they support.

9 - Enjoys the challenge of private practice.

10 - Stays abreast of changes in the field of mental health, i.e., the marketplace, legal, ethical issues and uses them to keep their practice current and effective.

11 - Manages money well and budgets and plans for retirement or moving into another work arena.

12 - Continues to grow themselves in their work so is able to be fully present with, and available to clients.

13 - Extreme Self-Care - You are more effective and a better role-model to clients and colleagues when you are healthy and vital. Self-care includes time for yourself on a daily basis, retreats and vacations that nurture your spirit, healthy boundaries, supervision, consultation, a wide support network, and the ability to allow yourself to be an imperfect human who learns from your mistakes, dialogues about them, learns from them, and remains open to change.