Thrivival 101: A Fresh Take on Self-Care for Female Mental Health Clinicians

In this special podcast episode, we, Dr. Melissa Tiessen and Dr. Karen Dyck, dedicate our discussion to what is perhaps our favourite 'C' from our 4 C's model of self-care—Courage.  We provide a quick overview of our 4 C’s model of self-care and why Courage is the C that we like discussing the most, as well as why we view it as the essential fuel that helps to move us from thinking about and planning self-care activities to acting on them.  And we had the pleasure of incorporating audio clips submitted by members of our Intentional Therapist community to highlight the importance of Courage in self-care as well as how Courage intersects with our other C’s and with a willingness to be vulnerable.  We end the episode by sharing some of the ways Courage has shown up in our own self-care journeys.     Episode highlights:A brief overview of the 4 C’s model of self-careWhy Courage is such an important part of our modelHow Courage can show up in both our work and personal lifeThe connection between Courage and a willingness to be vulnerableHow we have incorporated Courage into our own self-careThank you so much to all the like-minded Intentional Therapist community members who shared their courageous self-care examples for this episode!  We would love to hear your own courageous self-care acts and plans!  Just go to:    https://www.speakpipe.com/IntentionalTherapist  Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Listening to the wisdom of our body is an essential component of self-care, yet how often do we truly embrace this?  Do we even know what that would look like? In this episode we speak with Courtney Amo, Dr. Julie Beaulac, and Casey Bergland, the authors of the book entitled The Mind Body Way: The Embodied Leader’s Path to Resilience, Connection, and Purpose. Our guests use the term “leader” in a broad sense to include both the traditionally recognized leadership roles but also those that we might not ordinarily think of.  So, whether you’re in a supervisory role where you’re leading a team or simply just leading yourself, this episode is for you.  Our guests discuss exactly what is meant by the term “embodiment” and some of the reasons we struggle to listen to our bodies. We also explore the authors’ 6 pillar framework and it’s overlap with our 4 C’s framework, focusing specifically on the importance of courage and connection.  We end off by hearing about our guests’ favorite “non-conventional” self-care practices.        Episode highlights:What exactly is “embodiment” and why is it so importantWhy we ignore the wisdom of our bodiesHow taking on risks and practicing courage contribute to embodied leadershipThe role of connecting with ourselves and others in being an embodied leaderJulie, Courtney, and Casey’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practicesCourtney Amo is a certified yoga instructor and the founder of Mahaa, an independent yoga, retreat, lifestyle coaching, and consulting practice that promotes inclusive and barrier-free access to well-being.  Julie is a certified yoga teacher and a clinical, health, and rehabilitation psychologist in private practice who helps individuals, groups, and organizations enhance their performance and satisfaction by becoming more engaged in their lives.  And Casey is a yoga instructor and certified professional coach who recently founded Worthy and Well, an online coaching and training company.  Casey focuses on helping her clients become embodied leaders without burning out or neglecting their bodies’ wisdom.  Connect with Courtney:https://mahaa.ca/Connect with Julie:https://drjuliebeaulac.com/Connect with Casey:https://letyourbodylead.com/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

As clinicians we often speak with our clients about the importance of boundaries but how often do we actually apply that same wisdom to our own self-care?  In this episode we speak with psychologist Kim Long about the incredibly important yet uncomfortable topic of boundaries.  Kim shares some of the common misconceptions about boundaries, some of the reasons why this is so hard for female clinicians, and how this might show up differently if we’re working in a public versus private setting.  We go on to explore the warning signs that might suggest we need to strengthen our boundaries and Kim shares her perspective about how resentment is actually envy in disguise.  Kim also explains why listening to our bodies is such an important step in identifying our boundaries.   Episode highlights:The common misconceptions about boundariesWhy setting boundaries is so hard for female cliniciansWarning signs that suggest we need to work on our boundariesWhy listening to our bodies is such an important step towards identifying our boundariesKim’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practicesKim Long has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a registered psychologist in Alberta.  In 2016 Kim opened Dochas (the Gaelic term for hope) Psychological Services.  Kim’s practice has grown over the years and now includes a team of professionals who work with clients to discover their strengths, identify what’s getting in their way, and help them find the life they want.  Kim and her team have also developed The Dochas Life Jacket App, a free app that provides self-regulation support: https://www.dochaspsych.com/lifejacket-app/Connect with Kim:https://www.dochaspsych.com/https://www.instagram.com/dochaspsych/https://www.facebook.com/DochasPsych/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

As female mental health clinicians we receive multiple messages or “scripts” through our socialization as women and mental health clinicians about things like professionalism, productivity, caregiving and even what it means to be a “good therapist” and a “good woman.”  And the reality is, these messages come from systems that are based in a western, capitalist, patriarchal society.  In this episode we speak with Silvana Espinoza Lau about how these “scripts” and oppressive symptoms impact female mental health clinicians in general, as well as some of the unique impact these messages have on female clinicians with marginalized identities.    Episode highlights:How the “scripts” we receive about professionalism, productivity, serving others, and being a “good therapist” impact female cliniciansThe key topics missing from clinicians’ conversations with one anotherFactors contributing to the Imposter Syndrome and how it affects clinicians differentlyWhat clinicians can do to limit the negative impact of oppressive symptoms on their self-careWhy embodied connections are so importantSome of Silvana’s best non-conventional self-care practicesSilvana Espinoza Lau is an embodied liberation and decolonization consultant and coach for mental health professionals. Silvana coaches mental health professionals who want to incorporate decolonized, liberation focused and anti-oppressive values in their practices in an embodied way and consults with mental health agencies that want to center therapy seekers with minoritized identities.  Silvana is also an LMFT in private practice in the unceded Kalapuya territory (Oregon), and a clinical supervisor and consultant to both licensed and pre-licensed clinicians with a focus on anti-oppressive and decolonized practices.Connect with Silvana:https://seventhselfcounseling.comhttps://www.instagram.com/seventhselfcounseling/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

In this long overdue episode, we, Dr. Karen Dyck and Dr. Melissa Tiessen, discuss the factors that led us to start Intentional Therapist and begin hosting this podcast, Thrivival 101.  We also explain why we believe self-care is a four-letter word, share how we are redefining self-care, and how our 4 C’s framework - Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity - can help female clinicians (regardless of our work setting) put more of ourselves into our schedule and create a life from which we don’t need to escape.        Highlights:What led Melissa and Karen to start Intentional Therapist and Thrivival 101How self-care has become a four-letter word How we’re redefining self-care for female cliniciansThe 4 C’s framework:  Connection, Compassion, Courage, and CreativityHow getting “messy” is such an important part of self-careSome more of Melissa and Karen’s favourite nonconventional self-care practicesDr. Karen Dyck completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at the University of South Dakota.  She currently works in private practice in Oakbank, Manitoba and is also the Executive Director of the Manitoba Psychological Society.  Before shifting to private practice, Karen spent the bulk of her career working within the Rural and Northern Psychology Program at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Clinical Health Psychology and was the founding chair of the Rural and Northern Psychology Section of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA).    Dr. Melissa Tiessen completed her doctoral degree in clinical psychology at McGill University and currently works in private practice in Winnipeg, Manitoba, having recently moved from a group practice in Ottawa, Ontario.  Melissa has previously worked in the Rural and Northern Psychology Program at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Clinical Health Psychology, within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program through the University of Ottawa/The Ottawa Hospital Heart Institute, and has served as the Education Director for the CPA, overseeing the organization’s accreditation and continuing education activities.In 2019 Karen and Melissa co-founded Intentional Therapist, which we developed to help female mental health clinicians redefine our approach to self-care and start putting more of ourselves into our schedule. Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

In this episode we connect with Dr. Stephanie Grunewald, psychologist, coach, and entrepreneur, to learn more about her RESET model and how she helps her clients achieve a life and business aligned in purpose.  Stephanie shares some of the common traps impacting ambitious women and how her own experience of connecting with her values resulted in her making the very intentional decision against expanding her own counseling business.  She also explains her RESET model and how her work highlights the importance of community and nature.  We end the episode, as always, hearing about Stephanie’s “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Episode highlights:Common traps impacting ambitious women’s self-careHow connecting with her own values influenced Stephanie's decision to NOT grow her own businessHow she incorporates her RESET model into her workThe importance of community and nature Stephanie’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceStephanie Grunewald, PhD is a psychologist and holistic coach. After experiencing burnout while building her group counseling practice, she realized the toll of deprioritizing herself. Following the death of her mother, she felt a calling to incorporate lessons from nature to change the way women build their businesses. She expanded her work to coaching where she focuses on developing the whole person — working on the personal mindset and habits that unlock business growth. Dr. Grunewald offers mastermind groups and reset retreats to help women entrepreneurs prioritize their wellbeing to create intentional and sustainable success.   Connect with Stephanie:www.ancorio.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-grunewald-phd/Instagram: @stephanie_grunewaldFREE Guide to Break Free from Busy: Unlocking Success through Efficiency  https://ancorio.com/guides/break-free-from-busyConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

For those of you who are familiar with Intentional Therapist and the 4 C’s model of self-care you know our Connection pillar includes not only connecting with others but also connecting with our own values.  For many people, faith and spirituality are important values that we often don't talk enough about. In this episode we speak with Whitney Owens about the ways she incorporates faith into her practice.  Whitney talks with us about some of the common misconceptions about faith-based practice, some important considerations for running an ethical faith-based practice, and how connecting with her faith has been an important component of her own “soul-care.”    Highlights:Differences between incorporating faith into our business practices versus clinical practiceCommon misconceptions about faith-based practiceHow Whitney defines ethical faith-based practiceHow to ethically counter religious messages that negatively impact women’s’ self-careThe distinction between “tired” and “weary”Whitney’s favorite “self-care” and “soul-care” practicesWhitney Owens is a licensed professional counselor, group practice owner, and faith-based private practice consultant. She is located in Savannah, Georgia, where she manages a private pay group practice with 10 plus clinicians. Along with running her practice, she consults practice owners around the country on how to start and grow a successful faith-based practice. She hosts summits, a weekly podcast, and a membership community for faith-based practice owners called Wise Practice. She has spoken at numerous events such as both the Georgia and Maryland annual professional counselors conferences as well as trainings for Florida’s Counseling Association. In 2023 she will be speaking at Meet you in Kentucky, which is for group practice owners, as well as hosting her own summit in Savannah. In her free time, Whitney enjoys spending time with her husband and two girls, running, reading, and relaxing in the backyard.Connect with Whitney:whitney@whitneyowens.comhttps://www.whitneyowens.com/https://watersedgecounseling.com/Instagram: @WhitneyOwensConsulting FREE PDF on Tips for Marketing with Churches:https://www.whitneyowens.com/Free Facebook Membership Community for Faithbased Practice Owners: https://www.facebook.com/groups/533909554128629 Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Supervision and consultation are important components of mental health clinicians’ training and professional development.  These activities can also play an important role in clinician wellness and self-care.  In this episode we speak with Shannon Heers, founder of Firelight Supervision, about the differences between consultation and supervision, how these activities contribute to clinician wellness and what we can do to get the most out of supervisory/consultation experiences.  Shannon also shares her perspective about what tends to get in the way of clinicians accessing these beneficial activities.  Highlights:Differences and similarities between supervision and consultationHow supervision and consultation contribute to clinician well-beingWhat clinicians can do to get the most out of their supervisory/consultation experienceReasons why clinicians don’t access supervision and consultationWhat clinicians can do to access supervision/consultation supportsShannon’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceShannon Heers is a therapist, approved clinical supervisor, and the founder of Firelight Supervision.  Firelight Supervision provides clinical supervision to counselors and social workers pursuing licensure, as well as clinical consultation for post-licensure professional growth and development.  Shannon is also the owner of Catalyss Counseling, a private-pay group private practice located in Colorado.  Shannon is passionate about burnout prevention in the counseling field and ensuring that all therapists and supervisors get the clinical support they deserve.  Connect with Shannon:info@firelightsupervision.com https://firelightsupervision.com Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Remember that feeling you had as a kid, when your interests were held with such intensity and passion that they couldn’t help but bring you joy?  When was the last time you experienced - or allowed yourself to experience - that type of passionate interest in something?  In this special bonus episode we speak with author Tabitha Carvan about how Benedict Cumberbatch helped her do just that, and why it’s so hard, yet so important, for women to reclaim this part of themselves.  Although Tabitha may not be a mental health clinician by training, the insights she shares with us offer a very therapeutic and fresh perspective on the importance of connecting with joyful pursuits and how this is such a foundational part of our self-care.    Highlights:What brought Tabitha to write a book full of references to Benedict Cumberbatch but ultimately not actually about him at allWhy its so easy for us, as women, to get disconnected from our passionsWhy connecting with joyful pursuits can cause women to feel like there’s something “wrong”How embarrassment and shame get in the way of our passionsTabitha’s important take-home messageTabitha’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceTabitha Carvan is the author of This Is Not A Book About Benedict Cumberbatch and a science writer for the Australian National University.  She lives in Canberra, Australia.  Connect with Tabitha:http://www.tabithacarvan.com/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Female mental health clinicians face many barriers to engaging in truly meaningful self-care practices, perhaps the most powerful of which are societal messages that encourage us to adopt a self-sacrificing way of being that focuses primarily on the needs of others.  In this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Enid De Jesus, a Florida Licensed therapist and coach who’s made it her mission to help sensitive introverted women create lives that honor their own needs.  Enid shares how her own experiences of breaking free from unhelpful narratives and unapologetically honouring her own introverted needs led her to creating an authentic, energy protecting lifestyle.  Now if that isn’t self-care, we don’t know what is!  Enid also discusses the fears that showed up along the way, what she found helpful to overcome them, and how protecting her energy was an integral component of this process.Highlights:What is meant by the terms “introverted” and “highly sensitive” womenSome of the unhelpful narratives that were particularly impactful for EnidThe patterns/trends of energy draining activities for womenHow Enid managed the fears that showed up in her journey to live a more authentic lifeOne step listeners can take to develop a more authentic, energy protecting lifestyleEnid’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practicesEnid De Jesus is a Florida licensed therapist and introvert coach for sensitive women around the world. She’s figured out the secret to being a successful, sensitive, introverted woman — and loves to help other ambitious introverts do the same. As a highly sensitive person (HSP) and introvert herself, Enid knows the challenge of balancing authenticity with societal pressures. That is why she created The Radical Introvert coaching program designed specifically for sensitive introverted women who want to live life on their terms.Connect with Enid:https://eniddejesus.com - The Radical Introvert Coaching ProgramConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

When’s the last time you sat down to really reflect on your values?  In this busy world it’s so easy to go through life without really giving this much thought.  Yet, setting some time aside to do just that can help us truly create a life from which we don’t need to escape.  In this episode we speak with Lisa Mustard, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (and co-member of the PsychCraft Network), about a pivotal time in her career and how examining her values and priorities set her on a journey to becoming a Coach and podcast host of The Therapy Show.  Lisa speaks with us about how these side businesses align with her values and how the concepts of “grace” and “fail forward” have helped her remain compassionate towards herself and stay motivated even in the face of disappointment.    Highlights:The “wake-up” call that triggered Lisa’s revised self-care journeyLisa’s top values and how these shape her workThe importance of adopting “grace” and a “fail forward” attitude to move through challengesHow the concept of “courage” showed up in Lisa’s journeyHow creativity shows up for LisaOne step female clinicians can take today to start developing a work life that aligns with their valuesLisa’s best non-conventional self-care practiceLisa Mustard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in South Carolina. She’s also a wife to Billy, mama to two daughters, puppy wrangler, lover of health, wellness, and fitness, and a personal development junkie.  When she turned 40 she decided to pivot her skill set and try some new things which has brought her to where she is today – a Podcaster and Coach.  Her podcast, The Therapy Show, provides therapists with a convenient way of accessing continuing education and professional development and her coaching sessions help her clients move forward in living their best lives.     Connect with Lisa:https://lisamustard.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lisamustardpodcaster/ https://www.facebook.com/thetherapyshowwithlisamustard Access a FREE CE hour by competing one of Lisa’s podcourses: https://www.lisamustard.com/podcoursesUse the code: intentional (before June 1, 2023)Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

When female clinicians think of self-care the term “organizational systems” probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind (probably not even the last thing).  Yet, having effective organizational systems in place at work (and home) can be such an important step in our self-care journey as they have the potential to help us feel less overwhelmed, work more efficiently, and (by doing so) can help us put more of ourselves into our day.  In this episode we speak with Liz Gray, the founder of Organize and Thrive, about her passion for organizational systems, why so many of us avoid putting them in place, some early warning signs that suggest a clinician might need some support with organization, and some simple steps clinicians can take right now towards developing a more organized work system.     Highlights:How organizational systems fit into self-care for Liz.Some common barriers to setting up effective organizational systemsHow the barriers differ across settings and gender Simple steps clinicians can take to become more organized How Focusmate has become an important part of Liz’s accountability systemLiz’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practicesLiz Gray is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and "Organization Queen" on a mission to help highly sensitive entrepreneurs gain time, flexibility, and freedom by harnessing the power of systems in their businesses. Using her royal combination of mindset and systems savvy, Liz delivers powerful transformations for overwhelmed therapists during her signature Organize & Thrive VIPDays. When she's not creating spreadsheets or color-coding lists, you can find Liz cuddling with her mini goldendoodle Bailey or exploring Chicago with her husband Dave. Connect with Liz:https://organize-and-thrive.com/https://www.facebook.com/groups/organizeandthrive1 https://www.instagram.com/organizeandthrive1/ https://www.focusmate.com/organize-and-thrive.comSchedule a Focusmate coworking session with Liz: https://www.focusmate.com/i/8eVvELjnFZSchedule a 90-minute consultation with Liz: https://organize-and-thrive.com/quick-fix-consult-2022Access Liz's free resource - Simple Screening System for New Client InquiriesConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

If you’re like us, there was probably a time in your career when you sought after that oh so elusive “work-life balance” and saw that as the true mark of self-care.  The only problem, of course, is that “balance” is incredibly hard (if not impossible) to find and, as it turns out, may not actually be what we truly need to thrive.  In this episode we speak with clinical psychologist and parent of three, Dr. Yael Schonbrun about “work-family enrichment” and how adopting this mindset can help us appreciate the gifts inherent in our multiple roles and how these roles can work together to help us truly thrive.  We also discuss the importance of values and how the evolutionary perspective can put us in a better position to understand and work with our hardwired tendencies to experience guilt and feel overwhelmed.  Yael also shares her perspective on rethinking the concept of rest.     Highlights:Why “work-family enrichment” is such a helpful mindsetHow the evolutionary perspective can help us understand the common experiences of guilt and overwhelmHow values fit into helping us navigate our multiple rolesThe importance of redefining the concept of restOne step female clinicians can take today towards better “work-family enrichment”Yael’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceDr. Yael Schonbrun is a clinical psychologist, assistant professor at Brown University, co-host of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast, and author of Work, Parent, Thrive: 12 Science-Backed Strategies to Ditch Guilt, Manage Overwhelm, and Grow Connection (When Everything Feels Like too Much). Connect with Yael: https://yaelschonbrun.com/https://twitter.com/DrYaelSchonbrunConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

In this episode we reconnect with Arianna Smith, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and copywriting coach for therapists, to learn more about her 2-month sabbatical and her transition back to work.  Arianna shares some of the challenges associated with planning and returning from a sabbatical, what she learned about herself as a person and a therapist, and how she’s used this information to reshape her work and personal life.  She also shares some tips for how to make the most of a sabbatical and talks about other ways therapists can intentionally take breaks in meaningful ways.  We end this episode, hearing about Arianna’s newest “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Highlights:The important difference between “time off” and a “sabbatical”Some of the challenges of planning for and returning from a sabbaticalSteps Arianna took to maximize her time away from workWhat she learned about herself during her sabbaticalHow pre-planning/over-planning for your return can interfere with the processHow her sabbatical helped her develop deeper connectionsArianna’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceTherapist by day, copywriter by night, Arianna Smith, LPC (she/her), helps therapists write words that sound like them and attract their ideal clients.  Her mission is to help therapists shatter their creative blocks and write words brimming with punch + personality.Connect with Arianna:arianna@thecopycove.comwww.thecopycove.com www.courageouscopywriting.comwww.facebook.com/thecopycoveAccess Arianna's free training Banish Bad Copy: Masterclass for Therapists to help you up-level your copy.   This is also the best way to find out more about her upcoming webinars and other offerings.  Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

When most of us think of self-care we probably don’t think about developing a side business.  We know that wasn't our expectation when we started Intentional Therapist.  And yet, enhanced self-care is exactly what a side business can offer!In this episode we speak with Dr. Tamara Soles about what led her to create her side business (including a podcast and online parenting course) and how these activities fit into her self-care.  We specifically talk with Tamara about how the 4 C’s of self-care (connection, compassion, courage, and creativity) show up in her side business, as well as how to navigate some of the risks to our self-care that might show up when developing a side business.  As always, we end the discussion with Tamara's favourite non-conventional self-care practices - which just happen to be things that each of us can likely do today!  Highlights:What lead Tamara to develop her side businessHow the 4 C’s of self-care show up in her side businessWays to navigate some risks to self-care that may arise when developing a side businessLessons learned along the wayOne step to take towards developing your own side businessTamara’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practicesDr. Tamara Soles is a child psychologist, parent coach, and founder of The Secure Child Center for Families and Children in Montreal, Canada. She’s also the mom of twins who present everyday opportunities to live what she’s practiced with families for over 15 years - that harnessing the power of connection helps children thrive!  Dr. Tamara created No More Power Struggles, a positive parenting course using based-based and attachment-focused strategies.  She’s also the host of a podcast for therapists called This Hour has 50 minutes, which offers continuing education credits. Connect with Dr. Tamara Soles:https://www.thesecurechild.com/Listen to the episode on Writing Therapy Notes and get 1 hour of CE credit free:https://drtamarasoles.com/episode-38/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

All of us undoubtedly know firsthand how challenging it can be to regularly incorporate wellness strategies into our workday.  The idea of moving into private practice can become particularly appealing as it is often seen as providing opportunities for us to take more control over our work life and build a practice that supports our wellness.  Sadly, many female clinicians quickly learn that by moving into private practice they have simply traded one demanding boss (and work environment) for a new one (those darn unrelenting high standards!).  Sound familiar?  If so, please know that you’re not alone and that it doesn’t need to be this way.  In this episode we had the opportunity to discuss how to combat these challenges with the lovely Dr. Kimberly Grocher, a licensed social worker and coach with the Private Practice Startup, who loves helping clinicians integrate wellness into their practice.  Highlights:What led Kimberly to become a coach with the Private Practice StartupHow she helps other clinicians incorporate wellness into their practice How the work she does honours her own values and why that’s importantWhat hinders clinicians from reaching out for help from a therapist or coachOne step clinicians can take to begin integrating wellness into their practiceKimberly’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceKimberly provides psychotherapy to couples and women who are navigating mood, anxiety and trauma disorders as well as reproductive mental health. As an executive coach, she loves working with professional women and entrepreneurs to help them align their business/professional goals with their ideal lifestyle while being physically, mentally and spiritually healthy. She integrates yoga and mindfulness practices into her work with clients. Kimberly is also the coach for the Private Practice Startup, helping other therapists build and grow their dream private practices. Fun fact: Kimberly loves photography, has a background in film and media production, and  is a huge Game of Thrones fan. Connect with Kimberly:https://kimberlybondsgrocher.com/  https://www.privatepracticestartup.com/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Unfortunately as women and mental health clinicians, we receive many messages (from society, and also through our training and work experiences) that contribute to us developing beliefs and behaviours that get in the way of creating full, sustainable, and happy private practices. In fact, these messages are so strong that many of us can’t even imagine what a full and happy clinical practice might look like.  Allison Puryear knows this experience all too well and is using her “nearly diagnosable obsession with business development” to help other therapists break free from these unhelpful beliefs and behaviours and build practices that truly make them happy. Now, if that isn’t self-care, we don’t know what is! Highlights:What led Allison to develop Abundance Practice BuildingSome of the biggest barriers for female clinicians building sustainable, full, and happy practicesEarly warning signs that suggest a clinician needs extra support in building their ideal private practiceSome initial steps listeners can take today to develop their ideal practiceAllison’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practiceAllison Puryear (rhymes with “career”) is a therapist who burned out on agency work & then built successful private practices in 3 wildly different markets.  After her caseloads grew faster in each “saturated” market, Allison realized that practice building is not rocket science when you have clarity, confidence, and a figured-out-formula.  So Allison started Abundance Practice Building to help other therapists build their own full and happy private practices – because a happy therapist is a better therapist, y’all!Connect with Allison:https://abundancepracticebuilding.com/https://www.facebook.com/abundancepracticebuilding/ Instagram:  @abundance_practice_building Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

“I’m not sure I’m well suited for this profession.”  Sound familiar?  We’ve heard this from other female therapists more times than we can count.  But is it really about us being ill suited for this profession or is it really more so that our practice/work setting is ill suited for us?  In this episode we speak with psychologists, Dr. Kelly Yanek and Dr. Michele Kinderman, about what led them to leave their standard jobs and develop their innovative therapy practice, Wellness Outside the Box – Therapy Redefined.  Kelly and Michele talk with us about how they incorporate nature-based therapies and their unique Dual Therapist Model into their practice and how these approaches have been beneficial for both them and their clients. Our guests also offer tips on how other therapists can begin experimenting with novel approaches to treatment and we end off by hearing about some of Kelly and Michele’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Highlights:What lead Kelly and Michele to develop Therapy Outside the Box – Therapy RedefinedWhat helped and hindered their willingness to try something different and novelSome of the logistical aspects of the Dual Therapy ModelHow the development of Therapy Outside the Box contributed to their own self-careInitial steps therapists can take to experiment with a new approach to their workKelly and Michele’s favourite “non-conventional” self-care practices.Dr. Kelly Yanek is a nationally certified School Psychologist and co-founder of Wellness Outside the Box. She has a longstanding love for the outdoors and has incorporated this passion for nature and adventure into her work since her career began, whether taking walks with high school students or leading mindfulness exercises with kindergarten students. Dr. Yanek has specialized training in adventure based counseling and the technical skills of high and low ropes/adventure courses. She is also a RYT- 200 yoga instructor. Her expertise in adventure, mindfulness, and nature-work enables her to successfully treat those who prefer non-traditional paths to wellness. Dr. Michele Kinderman is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and co-founder of Wellness Outside the Box. For nearly two decades, she has been successfully treating children and adults struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship and parenting, and the stresses of everyday life. Early on, Dr. Kinderman found that employing the same textbook theories or techniques with every client was often ineffective and significantly limiting.  This prompted her to explore creative and unique approaches to wellness that highlighted the warmth and support of human connection. Dr. Kinderman continues combining the more traditional therapies (CBT, DBT, insight oriented) with music, movement, and nature to assist clients in building their strengths and achieving their goals. In addition, her love of animals became a natural segue into the field of Pet Therapy where she helps individuals and familieConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Copywriting and self-care?  In this episode Arianna Smith, licensed professional counselor (LPC) and copywriting coach for therapists explains exactly what copywriting involves, its appeal to her personally, and how it relates to self-care for therapists in both public and private practice settings.  Arianna also shares how the pandemic contributed to her own burnout and the steps she took to plan her 2-month sabbatical.  She offers some suggestions for therapists who are interested in attracting more of their ideal clients or are looking for ways to infuse more creativity into their work.  We end this episode with all 3 of us sharing some of our best “non-conventional” self-care practices.  Highlights:What led Arianna to include copywriting services in her practiceHow the right “copy” can help us attract our ideal clientsHow copywriting is relevant for therapists working in both public and private settingsSome initial steps therapists can take to infuse some creativity into their practices or to start attracting more of their ideal clientsThe steps Arianna took to set up her sabbaticalArianna’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practice (and some of ours!)Therapist by day, copywriter by night, Arianna Smith, LPC (she/her) helps therapists write words that sound like them and attract their ideal clients. Her mission is to help therapists shatter their creative blocks and write words brimming with punch + personality.Connect with Arianna:www.thecopycove.comarianna@thecopycove.comwww.facebook.com/thecopycoveDownload Arianna's free guide “Banish Bad Copy: 5 Copywriting Hacks for Private Practice Success!” for a no-nonsense approach to uplevel your copy.Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

Can rest and success actually co-exist in the lives of female mental health clinicians?  Indeed they can!  In this episode we speak with Maegan Megginson, about her own experiences with burnout and how this ultimately led her to developing the Rest and Success Code.  Maegan talks about how deep rest is an integral component of our success as therapists, some of the biggest barriers to adopting a less pressured approach to our work, and what we can start doing today to adopt a less pressured, more fulfilling approach to our work. Highlights:What lead Maegan to develop the Rest and Success CodeHow the messages from capitalism, the patriarchy, and graduate school get in the way of female therapists adopting a less pressured approach to their workSigns that tell Maegan it’s time to include more rest in her practiceExamples of ways to bring more rest into our work The difference between rest and deep restMaegan’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practiceMaegan Megginson is a sex therapist turned business coach on a mission to help successful entrepreneurs fall madly in love with their businesses. After years of struggling with overwhelm and burnout, Maegan finally figured out how to leverage her introverted and highly sensitive strengths to create two businesses she loves. She believes the key to happiness is to design your business to serve you first and your clients second – only then will you discover how to become deeply rested and wildly successful. Connect with Maegan:www.maeganmegginson.comConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:intentional@intentionaltherapist.cahttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Sign up for our newsletter to receive access to our FREE '4 C's' mini-course:https://www.intentionaltherapist.caThrivival 101 is proud to be part of the PsychCraft Network - a collaboration of independent podcasters out to change the world! Learn more at:https://psychcraftnetwork.com/ Disclaimer: Thrivival 101 is a podcast that seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.