How Asking for Help as a Psychotherapist Helped Skyrocket My Career

Have you been feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn to? Have you been taking on all the tasks of running your therapy practice and afraid to ask for help? 

I'm Dr. Logan Jones, a psychotherapist based in the vibrant heart of New York City. Over the last decade, my practice has evolved from a solo venture into a group practice, with over 25 talented therapists. As I reflect on this journey, I can't help but credit a crucial lesson I learned early on in my career. That lesson is the power of asking for help.

Within a busy practice, the psychotherapist's time is under a lot of demands. I understand that this can be overwhelming. My first few years in private practice were filled with long hours. I quickly showed signs of burnout, and a felt a persistent feeling of being stretched too thin. Despite all my good intentions, I realized that I needed to make a significant change in my work habits. These changes still help me today with sustaining the longevity of my career, and upholding the quality of care my clients deserve.

The turning point came when I acknowledged that I couldn't do it all alone. I was afraid of looking weak by asking for help. Now I know that it showed my commitment to helping my clients, myself, and also the health of my business. 

The Benefits of Asking for Help for Therapists

Feeling the Support from a Team Environment

I worked for several years as a one-man show. I decided it was time to form a team of like-minded therapists who shared my passion for helping others. This collaborative effort not only relieved the burden on me, but also benefitted the therapeutic experience of our clients. We became more effective at addressing a broader range of issues with our diverse backgrounds and perspectives. 

Diversifying Therapy Offerings and Attracting More Clientele

Thanks to our client-therapist matching service, we can easily understand and address the mental health needs of our community. As a response, we've increased our sliding scale therapy options. We also added more therapists who specialize in trauma-informed therapy and EMDR to keep up with rising demand. 

Continuous Learning and Growth

By embracing the expertise of my colleagues, I can also grow as a therapist myself. This pushes me to stay updated on the latest research, best practices, and trends in the therapeutic community. It’s okay to not always have to have all the answers, and learning from others whether through consulting or professional development is not only acceptable but essential.

Collaboration Offering a More Comprehensive Approach 

One of the greatest advantages of therapists asking for help is that our clients can see the positive changes in our practices. By collaborating and consulting with each other, we can provide each client a more personalized approach to therapy. The feedback from our clients has been very positive. It's both humbling and reassuring to see our collective efforts positively affect our community.

Collaborative Energy and Enthusiasm Reducing Burnout 

The biggest change we've seen has been a decrease in burnout, for both myself and my team. We've built a supportive, self-care-oriented culture in our practice. Knowing that I can depend on my colleagues and administrative team when I take time off helps me. I'm able to recharge and come back to my clients with fresh energy and enthusiasm.

Having a diverse team brings in new perspectives, therapeutic approaches, and a referral network. It’s amazing how much asking for others' insights and guidance can significantly help us grow. 

How to Ask for Help and Lead with Humility

As the owner of a group practice, I've learned that true leadership involves more than just directing others; it also means listening and learning from those around you. I've grown as a therapist and a leader by being open to seeking help and advice from my colleagues.

Transitioning from a solo psychotherapist to leading a group has shown me how valuable it is to ask for help. This has not only enhanced the quality of care we provide but has also helped us make a greater impact on our community's mental health.

One key takeaway from my experience is that seeking help is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it’s a powerful strength that fosters growth, success, and fulfillment, both personally and professionally. This approach has been crucial in building a successful therapy practice.

For more tips and resources for therapists starting out in private practice, check out Clarity Cooperative’s Pro subscription with a free two week trial. All of our tools are developed and tested by working therapists with the goal of helping other therapists.