As we step into another year, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you all and wish you a very Happy New Year! My January has had a slightly slower start than planned, thanks to a wonderful experience that I’d love to share with you.
This month, I have just returned from an incredible five-day Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) retreat in Thailand, led by Dr. Russell Kolts and organised by Mind Works in Denmark. It was a truly transformative experience filled with compassionate practices, self-reflection, and invaluable learning.
As therapists, it’s so important to prioritise our own emotional well-being, and retreats like this provide the space to do just that. There were so many inspiring therapists there who make it a point to dedicate time each year to their personal growth and therapeutic practice. I’ve decided to join them in committing to a yearly retreat—Thailand is hard to beat as a location, but I’ll also be exploring other options!
Planning for a Meaningful Year
For those of you diving back into private practice this January, I hope the quarterly planning template I shared has been helpful. If you haven’t downloaded it yet, now’s the time to set your goals and map out your first quarter. A clear plan helps turn your aspirations into actionable steps—and ensures you’re building a practice aligned with your values.
On Therapist Corner, things are picking up as we head into February. January has been a bit quieter with fewer Q&A sessions, but we’re making up for it soon! Our next Q&A is scheduled for Friday, January 31st, featuring Caz Binstead, a counselor, lecturer, and author. Her new book explores the ethics of private practice, including considerations around marketing, social media, online therapy, and cultural sensitivity. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, it's an essential read.
Looking Ahead: February Highlights
February promises to be packed with activity! Here’s what’s coming up:
Getting Started in Private Practice Course: Our next course kicks off on February 10th. It’s always exciting to welcome new therapists into the community and guide them through building their practice.
Q&A with Anna Kingsley: Later in February, Anna returns to discuss working with clients dealing with addictions. Her expertise in psychosexual therapy and addiction recovery makes this a must-attend session for anyone working with complex client needs.
CPD Opportunities: Don’t forget, many of our expert guest Q&As count toward your Continuing Professional Development. I’ll be sharing a reflection sheet soon, so you can log these sessions as part of your professional growth.
Join the Conversation
If you’re in private practice and have a specialist area of expertise, why not consider becoming one of our expert guest speakers? It’s a great opportunity to share your knowledge, connect with peers, and expand your supervision or teaching offerings. Drop me a message on Substack or email me to explore the possibility.
Finally, on a personal note, I’m celebrating a milestone this weekend—with the help of a little bottle of Prosecco—to ease my way into my 50s! I’m feeling reflective, refreshed, and ready for the year ahead, and I hope you are too.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful community. I’m excited for all the opportunities, learning, and growth we’ll share in 2025.
Here’s to a compassionate, fulfilling, and value-driven year!
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