Phase 3 of Practice Development ideally is the stage when the seasoned professional has accomplished their goals in their field of choice and is ready to expand. They are ready to pass on what they have learned and possibly move into new arenas they can apply their expertise to. This could be in the form of teaching, writing, speaking, consulting, or a myriad of other ways professionals can remain creative and curious about their field.
Unfortunately in this phase we sometimes loose the wisdom and experience of many of our senior clinicians because they don't see their way to new endeavors and suffer compassion fatigue. I haven't found any resources that specifically address this phase of our work so may be looking at "the next" book. I have found that many of the potential Phase 3 activities are discussed in the plethora of practice development books and websites that are out there today, but they are not framed as a developmental step for professionals. Often a new professional that tries to step into this kind of work fails or looses their motivation and doesn't understand why.
In the service of helping those who still love their field of expertise, I'd like to offer some ideas to help keep you in the field and alive and vital in your work. You'll find below two suggestions I feel strongly about right now and will expand these as I research and hear from others.
There are two arenas I suggest:
1 - Finding your own voice. In my second book, How to Get Referrals, I suggest professionals look to themselves and their relationship to the niche markets they are looking to for referrals. Look at this blogs 3-11 post for an example of the Wounded, or I like to re-frame to Happy, Healer. You may discover that the reason/s you had that started you on the path to your work, may be where you find the passion to move through Stage 3.
2 - MindSight - walking your talk and expanding and integrating your mind. Explore the leading edge of psychology and check out the MindSight website http://drdansiegel.com/
"Mindsight is the ability of the human mind to see itself. It is a powerful lens through which we can understand our inner lives with more clarity, transform the brain, and enhance our relationships with others." Dr. Dan Siegel
I've followed Dr. Siegel's work for many years now and I find he deepens and expands in an honest, approachable way, the future of our field. If you've never been to one of his workshops, I can recommend them highly, along with his books. Check out the bookstore connected to this blog for specific book references.
I'm also interested in hearing from other Phase 3 professionals about their transitions. I believe Phase 3 is a powerful place for clinicians to arrive at. It holds the potential of changing the world with our wisdom and insights. As mental health and other healing professionals take their skills into their communities and business activities, they help create healthier societies and add to their success in their own lives.
Onward
Linda
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