Ep 165: Therapist Moms: Why You Need Your Own Therapy Too

Why Therapists Need Their Own Therapy: Real Talk for the HelpersThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest encouragement and real-world strategies to help you honor your needs as a clinician-mom navigating private practice. If you’ve been struggling with putting everyone else’s care ahead of your own, or wondering how to realistically fit your own therapy (or ANY self-care) into the chaos of motherhood and business-building, you’re in the right place.As someone who’s lived through the trenches of perinatal depression and juggled the invisible load of mom-life, while guiding countless women through their darkest seasons, I know that sometimes, the bravest step is asking for the help you so freely give to others. In this episode, I share why our own care is not a luxury—it’s a foundation. Let’s get real about what’s getting in the way, why it matters, and how you can start putting yourself back on the list—even if it feels impossible.Maybe you’re a therapist, social worker, counselor, psychologist, or any mental health provider who’s finding it hard to find a therapist you trust, afford the resources, or simply make the space in your calendar. If you’ve felt invisible, overwhelmed, or even like a fraud for struggling while serving others—you’re my people. This is the episode I wish I’d had in my hardest seasons.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Doing Your Own Work as a Therapist Truly MattersUnderstand how your personal wellness directly impacts your ability to serve clients, and why knowledge doesn’t replace true healing.The Real Reasons Therapy Feels Out of Reach—And How to Overcome ThemWe’ll name time, money, emotional labor, and the secret fears that keep us out of our own therapy chairs—without the sugar-coating or shame.Practical Ways to Prioritize Yourself, Even When You’re “Too Busy”You’ll get actionable ideas (that don’t require overhauling your life) for fitting support and real community into the margins of motherhood.Episode Timestamps00:00: The hidden struggle of therapists who care for everyone but themselves01:59: Why we often avoid our own therapy—and why it’s so necessary04:22: How holding space for others makes it harder to be honest about our needs10:00: The toll invisible emotional labor takes on therapists and moms14:08: Naming the real barriers: time, money, and fear of being “found out”18:19: Systemic gaps mothers and therapists fall through24:07: Realistic tips to put yourself on your own list (without adding more pressure)26:30: Where to find community and support when you’re not ready for therapyTop Takeaways on Therapists in Their Own Therapy1. Knowing Isn’t Healing—You Can’t Support Clients From a Place of EmptinessLet’s break this down: We know the language, the tools, and all the right things to say in theory. But carrying knowledge is not the same as actually doing the work ourselves. I could explain every symptom of postpartum depression, but when I was in the trenches, I still needed help to move through it—just like anyone else. When we neglect our own care, we risk burnout, compassion fatigue, and limiting our presence in the therapy room 07:47. If we want longevity and true connection in our work, we have to tend to our own wounds, too.2. Logistics and Invisible Barriers Are Real—but Not ImpossibleHere’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Get honest about WHY you’re not in therapy right now. Is it time, money, guilt, fear of being seen as “not whole” by your community? None of these make you a bad therapist or mom—they make you human 14:08.Step 2: Explore alternatives to traditional weekly therapy. Telehealth, out-of-area clinicians (to avoid overlap), consultation groups, or group therapy can offer support while fitting into a chaotic life 24:07.Step 3: Let your provider know what’s realistic—biweekly meetings, flexible scheduling, or targeted support during crisis seasons. Pro tip: It counts, even if you have to start small. Progress, not perfection 25:05.3. Don’t Buy Into the Myth That Needing Support Means You’re a FraudWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when navigating your own care:Mistake 1: Believing that asking for help disqualifies you as a therapist, mom, or leader. The opposite is true—our humanity is our superpower.Mistake 2: Waiting until you’re completely underwater before reaching for help. Just like we tell our clients: early support isn’t indulgent, it’s foundational 25:26.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeNational Maternal Mental Health Hotline (Call or text) 833-852-6262PSI Maternal Mental Health Helpline 800-944-5773Looking for your community? Register to join us for the next Therapist Mom HangoutJoin us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period⭐️ Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.comYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here🎧 If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.