This is part 2 of a 3- part series by Joanne B. Kim, AMFT.
I was impressed with how Ms. Kim conceptualizes the many messages that flood pre-licensed clinicians about their Lack of VALUE or WORTH. We know this generation of pre-licensed clinicians coming into the mental health system need to be nurtured and supported along their journey; without being torn down with minimal support from the licensed therapists. We all share in Ms. Kim’s feelings of just not being enough; especially when we are pre-licensed. Ms. Kim provides hope by sharing her journey as she finds her worth.
So many messages flood our minds, discouraging us from pressing onward: “You’re just a _______,” “You don’t even have a license,” “What do you have to offer?”
We slave away, trying to crank out the 3,000 hours as soon as possible at the expense of our (and our clients’) wellbeing, hoping that LICENSURE will end of this Sisyphic journey. We think to ourselves
“WHEN I BECOME LICENSED, THEN I CAN BUILD AND ENJOY MY PRACTICE.”
I don’t buy it. We teach our clients to build an internal locus of control, to be self-controlling, not others-control or others-controlled. Why should we as their therapists let OTHERS dictate what happens within OUR practices and lives? Sounds like porous boundaries.
The truth is, there’s no guarantee that things will get easier after licensure.
There’s no guarantee that your license will help you feel good about yourself.
There’s no guarantee that licensure will give you clarity about your ideal practice.
If there’s no guarantee, WHY WAIT? Why not take ownership of your practice NOW?
Not going to lie – it takes hard work, dedication, knock-downs, and bounce-backs. But this is what your clients do every day, right? You instill hope and celebrate their end-of-the-tunnel experiences while they’re still in it, right?
Can you do this for yourself?
It’s possible to grow into who you’re meant to be before you get licensed.
It’s possible for you to hit your sweet spot before you get licensed.
You can create a practice that is thriving, successful, and enjoyable (!!!) before you get licensed.
Ms. Kim shares valuable words of wisdom and she has become a success in building her dreams. In the first of this 3- part series, she outlines in her blog Out of the Pre-licensed Trenches: The Journey Begins within a 10-month of building her practice where she grew her earnings from $48.86 on average per client (May 2017) to $105. 65 average, (Mid- March 2018) That is a $56.79 jump in income, WOW.
In next week’s blog, the 3rd of this 3-part series Ms. Kim details her 6 Steps to Building Your Practice NOW this is the blog you won’t want to miss as she gives her personal roadmap.
Joanne B. Kim, AMFT
www.OliveMeCounseling.com
Joanne is an Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Jose, CA. She helps adult survivors of emotional abuse/neglect and high-conflict couples – those who feel stuck, anxious, and frustrated in their significant relationships – create emotionally thriving relationships.
Blogs of Interest
What’s Missing from Your Marketing Plan & It Doesn’t Cost A Lot?
The 4 Keys to Vanquish Fears as You Build a Private Practice
I have my elevator speech down…where are my clients?
Take That Leap Into Private Practice
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