“No” is a Complete Sentence: A Conversation with Kim Long about the Importance of Boundaries

As clinicians we often speak with our clients about the importance of boundaries but how often do we actually apply that same wisdom to our own self-care?  In this episode we speak with psychologist Kim Long about the incredibly important yet uncomfortable topic of boundaries.  Kim shares some of the common misconceptions about boundaries, some of the reasons why this is so hard for female clinicians, and how this might show up differently if we’re working in a public versus private setting.  We go on to explore the warning signs that might suggest we need to strengthen our boundaries and Kim shares her perspective about how resentment is actually envy in disguise.  Kim also explains why listening to our bodies is such an important step in identifying our boundaries.   Episode highlights:The common misconceptions about boundariesWhy setting boundaries is so hard for female cliniciansWarning signs that suggest we need to work on our boundariesWhy listening to our bodies is such an important step towards identifying our boundariesKim’s favorite “non-conventional” self-care practicesKim Long has a master’s degree in counseling psychology and is a registered psychologist in Alberta.  In 2016 Kim opened Dochas (the Gaelic term for hope) Psychological Services.  Kim’s practice has grown over the years and now includes a team of professionals who work with clients to discover their strengths, identify what’s getting in their way, and help them find the life they want.  Kim and her team have also developed The Dochas Life Jacket App, a free app that provides self-regulation support: https://www.dochaspsych.com/lifejacket-app/Connect with Kim:https://www.dochaspsych.com/https://www.instagram.com/dochaspsych/https://www.facebook.com/DochasPsych/Connect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist:https://www.intentionaltherapist.ca/  |  [email protected]  |   https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at:  https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapistReady to upgrade your self-care?  Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits!  Because self-care is PART OF our jobs!  More info at:  https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study  Disclaimer:  This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice.  Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.