The 5 Self-Beliefs You Need to Overcome Fear and Launch Your Therapy Practice

Starting your own therapy practice can be both an exciting and scary endeavor. I know because I have done it myself and it has been the best, and hardest decision of my life.

You may have all the necessary qualifications and experience to be a private practice owner, but launching requires more than just technical skills. A winning mindset is essential for private practice success.

Often, fear and self-doubt can hold you back from taking the leap into entrepreneurship. It’s important to recognize that such fears are common, but important to overcome.

In this blog post, I’ll discuss the five self-beliefs you need to cultivate in order to overcome fear and launch your therapy practice. Whether you’re just starting out or have been considering launching your practice for some time, these self-beliefs will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards your goals.

I strongly recommend you pick one or multiple of these affirmations to tell yourself regularly in order to bein cultivating a entrepreneurial mindset.

“I have a unique set of skills and talents that can be used to create something new and valuable.”

Believing in your unique set of skills and talents can be a powerful tool in building a successful private practice as a therapist. By recognizing your individual strengths, you can leverage them in your marketing efforts and attract clients who are seeking exactly what you have to offer.

There may be millions of therapist in the world that address anxiety and depression, but none of them will have your exact mindset, examples, and teaching styles. These traits make you the perfect therapist for someone out there that is needing your specific set of help.

The best example I can give you of this phenomenon is this:

Have you ever been told something a thousand times, and then one day it finally clicked? Maybe you had a math teacher that drones on and on about equations, but all you heard was the noise from the Charlie Brown teacher? You had NO IDEA what they were talking about, despite trying really hard to understand.

Coming home, you presented the same math problem to your tutor and they explained in in once sentence that make perfect sense. This is because something in them helped you relate and understand the lesson that they were teaching. The same things applies to our therapy clients.

Your knowledge, delivery, examples, styles and perspective all influence how effective you are as a therapist. There is someone out there that is in need of your exact skillset. Turning an “oversaturated market” into no competition.

Additionally, this belief can help boost your confidence and sense of purpose in your practice, leading to a more fulfilling and successful career.

Creating something new and valuable doesn’t have to mean reinventing the wheel; by utilizing your unique skills and talents, you can offer a fresh perspective and approach to therapy that sets you apart from others in the field. Clients will appreciate your individualized approach and the expertise you bring to their sessions.

Overall, embracing your unique qualities as a therapist can be a key factor in building a thriving private practice.

Stumped as to what makes you unique: Here are 3 questions to ask yourself in order to help identify your unique skillsets:

1. What do I enjoy doing in my free time?
2. What tasks have I excelled at in my past jobs or experiences?
3. What do others often come to me for help or advice on?

Pro Tip: Ask your spouse or friends to describe your in 3-5 words. By hearing what they come up with, this might give you an idea of where your talents hide.

For more ideas on unique skillsets, read: These 6 Characteristics Will Make You a Successful Mental Health Therapist

“I have a strong work ethic and am willing to put in the time and effort required to succeed.”

Your willingness to put in the work and effort required to succeed is a key element that sets you apart from others. I am not going to lie, starting a private practice is A LOT of work, but it is also an investment that keeps growing and giving back proportional to the energy you put in.

Set yourself up with a schedule of when and how long you are going to work each week on your private practice. Bonus points if you tell someone about your schedule to serve as an accountability buddy.

Here are some ways that you can further cultivate and demonstrate your strong work ethic:

• Prioritize your tasks: Make a to-do list of all the tasks you need to complete for the day, and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting bogged down by less important tasks.
• Stay organized: Keep your workspace clean and tidy, and make sure that everything you need is within reach. This will help you stay on top of your tasks and avoid wasting time searching for things.
• Be proactive: Don’t wait for tasks to be assigned to you – look for opportunities to take on additional responsibilities and contribute to your team’s success. This will show your employer that you are a go-getter and willing to take initiative.
• Communicate effectively: Keep your colleagues and supervisors in the loop about your progress and any challenges you are facing. This will demonstrate that you are accountable and committed to achieving your goals.

Developing a strong work ethic takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By consistently demonstrating your dedication and commitment, you will set yourself up for success and stand out in the see of private practice owners.

“I am confident in my ability to make decisions and take calculated risks.”

Even with the best of coaches and mentors, there is always a risk in going out on your own. It is important for you to take a look at your life and evaluate if (and when) moving into private practice is best for you and your family.

Here are some tips to ensure that your decision-making process is effective and leads to positive results:

• Gather information: Before making a decision, make sure you have all the necessary information. This could involve researching online, speaking to experts, or consulting with colleagues. The more information you have, the better equipped you’ll be to make an informed decision. I strongly recommend joining our free private Facebook group, to talk with other therapists and learn their impressions of private practice.
• Weigh the pros and cons: Once you have all the information, take some time to weigh the pros and cons of each option. This will help you to understand the potential risks and rewards of each decision. You may be interested in the following article: 6 Reasons Why Therapist Choose to Start Their Own Practice
• Consider the worst-case scenario: While it’s important to be confident in your decision-making abilities, it’s also important to consider the worst-case scenario. What’s the worst that could happen if you make a certain decision? If you can live with the worst-case scenario, then you’re likely making a good decision.
• Trust your instincts: Sometimes, despite all the research and analysis, you just have a gut feeling about what the right decision is. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to go against conventional wisdom if it feels like the right thing to do.

Remember, confidence is great, but it’s important to back it up with a solid decision-making process.

“I am comfortable with uncertainty and am willing to embrace change.”

Embracing change and being comfortable with uncertainty are important traits to possess in today’s fast-paced world. It shows that you are adaptable and willing to take risks in order to achieve your goals. Here are some reasons why being comfortable with uncertainty can be beneficial:

• It allows you to be open to new opportunities: When you are comfortable with uncertainty, you are more likely to take on new challenges and opportunities that come your way. This can lead to personal and professional growth, as well as help you learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
• It helps you to be more resilient: Life is unpredictable and things don’t always go according to plan. When you are comfortable with uncertainty, you are better equipped to handle unexpected setbacks and challenges. You are able to bounce back more quickly and find new solutions to problems.
• It encourages creativity and innovation: Being comfortable with uncertainty means you are not afraid to think outside the box and come up with new ideas. This can lead to innovation and creativity in your work, as well as help you to find new solutions to old problems.
• It can lead to greater self-awareness: When you are comfortable with uncertainty, you are more likely to reflect on your own beliefs and values. This can help you to gain a better understanding of yourself and what is important to you. It can also help you to develop greater empathy and understanding for others.

Overall, being comfortable with uncertainty is a valuable trait to possess. It can help you to grow both personally and professionally, and to navigate the challenges of life with greater ease.

“I have a support system of mentors, advisors, friends, and family who can provide guidance and encouragement.”

Having a support system is crucial for personal and professional growth. It provides a sense of security and comfort knowing that there are people in your life who genuinely care about your well-being and success. Here are some benefits of having a strong support system:

• Guidance and advice: Your mentors and advisors can offer guidance and advice based on their own experiences and expertise. They can help you navigate difficult situations and provide valuable insights that you may not have considered.
• Encouragement and motivation: Your friends and family can be a great source of encouragement and motivation. They can lift you up when you’re feeling down, celebrate your successes, and remind you of your strengths when you’re facing challenges.
• Accountability: Having people in your life who hold you accountable can help you stay on track towards your goals. They can help you stay focused and motivated, and remind you of the importance of taking action towards your aspirations.
• Emotional support: Life can be tough at times, and having people who you can turn to for emotional support can make all the difference. Whether you need someone to listen to you vent, or to offer words of comfort and encouragement, having a support system can help you feel less alone and more resilient.

Remember, building a support system takes time and effort. It’s important to surround yourself with people who share your values and aspirations, and who you trust to support you through life’s ups and downs. If your family and friends are not supportive, I invite you to build a network of “chosen family,” one place you can start the search is in our free private Facebook group.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurship is not for everyone, but if you have the drive, determination, and belief in yourself, it can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding journey. If you are looking for help getting your private practice off the group, click here to learn more about what coaching services area available to you.