Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists

You've been recommending Attached for years. Your client has read it twice. They can name their attachment style, walk you through the childhood wound, and articulate exactly why they do what they do. And they are still, every few months, processing another version of the same painful cycle in their relationship. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Amir Levine, the Columbia psychiatrist and molecular neuroscientist whose first book Attached has now sold over three million copies in 42 languages and become a permanent fixture on every therapist's clinical shelf. His follow-up, Secure, just came out from Penguin Random House, and it answers the question therapists keep asking after handing Attached to a client: how do clients actually change their attachment style? In This Episode: Why naming a client's attachment style is not enough to change it, and what the neuroscience actually says about pattern change The Cyberball paradigm and what it tells us about why our clients' brains react so powerfully to small moments of disconnection Why a 50-minute therapy hour can't compete with the thousand social interactions a client encounters before next week's session CARP, the five pillars of secure mode, and how Levine teaches clients to recognize them in others The CARP intervention script you can teach an anxious client to invite secure recruits into their life Wall Tennis With Love, the technique for right-sizing the relationships that keep pulling anxious clients off-center Why most avoidant clients are accidentally creating the very neediness they resent in others, and the Strange Situation parallel that finally helps them see it What to do when your own attachment style is showing up in the therapy room, including the framework that works for therapists with ADHD or non-traditional rhythms Why This Matters This episode is for any clinician who has ever sat across from a self-aware, hard-working client and quietly thought: I am not sure what I am supposed to do with this. The ones who have read every book, named every pattern, and still cannot move. What Amir is offering is a clinical reframe that does not ask you to throw out what you already know, but adds something most of us were never explicitly trained to do. If you have been sitting with a stuck client lately wondering whether your method is the problem or your client is the problem, this conversation is going to land somewhere specific. Resources Therapist Growth Collective, our free professional community for clinicians Practice support and consulting for therapists If this conversation opened something up for you clinically, please share it with the colleague you were thinking about as you were listening. The work we do matters, and so does the way we do it together. XO, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

You had a first meeting with a prospective therapy client that YOU thought went great… but the client never came back. Here’s why: Therapists don’t know how to communicate their value. Why do amazing therapists struggle with ⁠therapy client engagement⁠? Spoiler alert: It’s not about your clinical skills, it's about how you connect. Engaging therapy clients isn’t just about being good at what you do; it’s about helping prospective clients see the unique value you bring. In this episode of Love Happiness and Success for Therapists, I’ll walk you through actionable steps to engage therapy clients, communicate your unique value, and grow a thriving private practice. You’ll learn how to structure consultations that naturally build trust and connection, how to address common concerns around cost, time, and readiness, and how to effectively communicate your process and unique approach to therapy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Why Client Engagement Matters 00:45 The Common Struggles of Private Practice Therapists 01:47 Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion 03:33 Connect with Clients Before They Meet You 11:57 Helping Clients Define Their Goals 15:14 Explaining Your Therapy Process with Clarity 23:59 Tackling Client Objections Gracefully 28:18 Highlighting Your Unique Value Proposition 31:13 Mastering Post-Consultation Follow-Ups 34:12 Reflect, Refine, and Grow Your Practice 38:17 More Resources to Support You Your clients need more than what conventional therapy alone can offer. The reality? “Coaches” without formal training are scooping up the opportunities you’re missing, because they have a structured framework of change that they can communicate - and clients love it. You can learn how to do this too! In my free ⁠ “What Every Therapist Must Know About Coaching” Masterclass⁠, you’ll discover how to integrate evidence-based coaching techniques to stand out in a crowded field and enhance your therapy practice. Coaching tools can help you empower clients to achieve goals faster, deepen their engagement, and create lasting change—all while staying true to your professional integrity. 👉 ⁠ Join the Masterclass Now⁠ and take your practice to the next level! Let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year.  If you found this helpful, check out some of my other episodes for more tips and strategies to elevate your private practice! And hey, share this with your professional community—let’s help each other grow. 🌱 Xoxo ⁠Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby⁠ ⁠ www.growingself.com⁠ P.S. Let’s Connect! I’d love to hear your thoughts and be part of your professional journey. ⁠Connect with me on LinkedIn⁠ to join an amazing community of therapists growing and thriving together.

If you’ve been trying to figure out how to stop thinking about your therapy clients once the workday is over, you’re not alone. One of the hardest parts of being a therapist is that the session may end, but your mind keeps going. You replay what your client said, wonder what you could have done differently, and carry the emotional weight of the work into the rest of your life. In this episode, I’m revisiting a conversation about one of the most common therapist struggles and one of the biggest contributors to burnout: not being able to close the mental loop after a session. I’m talking about why therapists get stuck in post-session rumination, what that lingering activation is often telling us, and how to create more clarity so you can care deeply about your clients without carrying them with you at all hours. We’ll talk about the role of therapeutic orientation, case conceptualization, writing things down in a more intentional way, and learning how to gently redirect your attention back to the present. This conversation is a reminder that therapist self-care is not only about better boundaries. It is also about having a process that helps you trust your work, settle your mind, and return to yourself after doing deep emotional labor. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How to stop thinking about your therapy clients after sessions 05:25 How your therapeutic orientation helps you find clarity 10:04 Why writing things down helps close the mental loop 12:39 Mental redirection and getting back to your own life 15:56 What post-session rumination may be telling you If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, or quietly wondering how to keep caring deeply without carrying everything alone, I want you to know you’re not alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving, not depleting. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been missing community, feeling isolated in your work, or edging toward burnout, this space was built with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

The research on psychedelic therapy is becoming too compelling to ignore. While it’s easy to dismiss this work as fringe—or assume it’s not relevant if you don’t plan to practice it—the reality is that, in the hands of skilled providers, these approaches can be profoundly effective. As therapists, it’s our responsibility to stay informed so we can have thoughtful, ethical conversations and help clients access the most powerful healing options available—even if we’re not the ones delivering them. Join me for a free CEU training with Dr. Scott Shannon on May 1st at 11am MT, where we’ll dive deeper into the world of psychedelic therapy. How can psychedelic-assisted therapy create deep, lasting transformation where conventional treatments only manage symptoms?⁠ Psychiatrist and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Scott Shannon joins me to talk about how this emerging field is reshaping what’s possible for healing, not just for our clients, but for the future of mental health care itself. Dr. Shannon shares his decades of work exploring MDMA, psilocybin, and other psychedelic medicines as catalysts for safety, openness, and profound personal growth. We talk about how these experiences can unlock trauma healing, relational breakthroughs, and spiritual integration in ways that expand beyond traditional talk therapy. We also get into the ethics, boundaries, the training this work requires, and what it means for therapists who feel called to be part of this next frontier in care. Dr. Shannon is a psychiatrist, author, and founder of Wholeness Center, the largest integrative mental health clinic in the U.S., and a leader in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and education. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From SSRIs to MDMA Therapy: A Different Model of Care 07:36 MDMA for Couples: Safety, Openness, Breakthroughs 12:25 PTSD Protocol: Prep, Medicine Sessions, Integration, Childhood Trauma 13:33 Psychedelic Treatment Framework: Container, Catalyst, Carrier 20:07 Paths and Policy: Legalization, Medicalization, FDA Outlook 24:55 Ethics and Safety in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 39:53 Mystical Experience and Long-Term Outcomes 46:24 Training and Career Paths: How to Become a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist Conversations like this remind me how much our field is growing and how important it is that we grow right along with it, in integrity and community. If you’ve been craving that kind of connection and support in your own work, come join me in ⁠The Growth Collective for Therapists⁠! It’s a space where therapists can show up as real people to talk honestly about the work, get meaningful consultation, and be part of a community that understands what it takes to do this job well and stay well. And if you want to keep this conversation going, ⁠find me on LinkedIn⁠. I’d love to hear what stood out to you from this episode and what’s inspiring your own path forward right now. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby⁠Growing Self

Therapist boundaries are essential to ethical, effective care, but from a client’s point of view, they can sometimes feel confusing, distancing, or just plain weird. A long pause. A declined social media request. No direct advice. No follow-up between sessions after something heavy. If you’ve ever felt a client pull back after one of those moments, this episode is for you. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m revisiting a conversation about the subtle ways therapist boundaries can create misunderstandings in the therapeutic relationship. I’m talking through the real-world moments that can leave clients feeling confused, rejected, or unsure about what’s happening, and how to handle them with more transparency, warmth, and clarity. We’ll walk through some of the most common examples, including public encounters with clients, awkward silence in session, dual relationships, inactive file closures, not giving direct advice, and why therapists usually do not reach out between sessions. More importantly, we’ll talk about how to explain these choices clearly so clients feel safer, more respected, and more connected to the work. This conversation is a reminder that therapist boundaries are not just about ethics. They are also about trust. When clients understand the why behind the work, they are much more likely to experience therapy as collaborative, supportive, and meaningful rather than confusing or distancing. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why therapist boundaries can feel weird to clients 04:35 The importance of explaining boundaries early 09:20 Common therapy moments clients misunderstand 14:50 Why therapists do not give direct advice 20:35 Client autonomy, trust, and rupture repair If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, or quietly wondering how long you can keep doing this on your own, I want you to know you’re not alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving, not depleting. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been missing community, feeling isolated in your work, or edging toward burnout, this space was built with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Marketing for therapists is harder than it should be and most aren’t getting clients. In this episode, I'm sitting down with marketing specialist Jenny Arroyo to unpack what actually drives client growth in private practice and why so many therapists struggle to gain traction despite being excellent clinicians. Jenny Arroyo is the founder and owner of Strategy Solutions. Her journey into the world of business growth is fueled by a genuine passion for helping others succeed. Together, we’re talking about private practice marketing in a way that feels practical, honest, and reassuring for therapists who want to grow without feeling forced into a version of marketing that does not fit who they are. We talk about why private practice marketing feels so difficult for so many therapists, what may be getting lost on your website, why social media does not have to feel performative, and how AI is changing the way prospective clients search for support. We also get into authority, differentiation, and the quiet truth underneath all of this: private practice marketing is often less about doing more and more about helping the right people quickly understand who you are, what you do, and why they might want to work with you. If you are excellent at the clinical side of the work but feel less confident about visibility, messaging, or growth, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. It is full of grounded ideas you can take back to your practice right away. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Marketing Is So Hard for Therapists 09:03 What Private Practice Marketing Actually Requires 14:54 Social Media Without Feeling Performative 19:21 How AI Is Changing Private Practice Marketing 25:29 How to Stand Out and Attract the Right Clients 29:56 Private Pay, Authority, and Why Clients Choose You If this conversation is stirring up bigger questions about your own practice, I hope it helps you remember that struggling with private practice marketing is not a sign that you’re failing. Most therapists were never taught how to build a business, and there is a lot to figure out along the way. And if you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, second-guessing yourself with clients, or wanting more support as you grow, I’d love to invite you into the Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a professional home for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and thoughtful support as they build a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving. Inside the Growth Collective, licensed therapists come together for monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been craving community, feeling stretched thin, or looking for a place to keep growing, this space was created with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Somatic therapy is changing trauma treatment—but what happens when therapists can’t provide it? In this episode, I'm chatting with Keeley and Michelle, practitioners of a consent-based relational touch modality, to explore a provocative question: what do we do when our clients need experiences we ethically cannot provide? This is a rich conversation about the gap between insight and lived experience. We talk about why somatic therapy for trauma can be so powerful, and why there are moments when even excellent therapy, strong psychoeducation, and all the right language around boundaries still do not create the kind of embodied, relational experience a client may be longing for. If you’ve ever wondered what is somatic therapy when it moves beyond talking and into something more experiential, this episode opens up a fascinating and sometimes uncomfortable question. Keeley and Michelle walk us into the world of consent-based relational touch work and explain how it can support clients healing from relational trauma, childhood sexual abuse, grief, loneliness, people-pleasing, avoidant attachment, and disconnection from their own bodies. We also talk about ethics, referral decisions, and the responsibility we carry as clinicians when we introduce clients to any modality that asks them to be vulnerable in a new way. Keeley has practiced as a full-time Cuddle Therapist since 2015, supporting clients in both individual and group settings. She is a certified Cuddle Party facilitator and has taken every training program that exists for professional cuddlers. She continues her education in IFS, EFT, somatic experiencing, embodiment practices, the Wheel of Consent, and racial equity. In 2017, she became the Director of CuddleXpo, the first-ever professional cuddlers convention. Michelle Renee has been a pioneering force in the field of professional cuddling since joining Cuddlist as a Cuddle Therapist at its inception in late 2015. She is a certified Cuddle Party facilitator and trained surrogate partner, bringing deep experience to the intersection of relational touch and therapeutic practice. From 2016 to 2020, Michelle served as Cuddlist’s Director of Operations. In 2023, she returned to Cuddlist leadership as Director of Training and officially became a co-owner in early 2025. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why This Conversation Matters 08:20 What Cuddlist Work Actually Is 12:05 Somatic Therapy, Trauma, and Safe Relational Touch 24:28 What Happens in a Session 32:55 Boundaries, Consent, and Bodily Autonomy 38:12 Neurodivergence, Sensory Needs, and Relational Safety 41:36 When Therapists Might Consider a Referral 55:00 Ethics, Risk, and Safe Referrals And if this conversation stirred something in you, professionally or personally, I want to offer you a gentle next step. Sometimes the most important shift is not figuring it all out alone, but finding the right kind of support. At Growing Self, thousands of people have transformed themselves, their relationships, or their careers with the help of the right counselor or coach, and you can too. Answer three quick questions so we can help you book your free consultation meeting with the right expert. It’s private, secure, only takes a couple of minutes, and it’s here for you whenever you’re ready. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Sometimes, being a better therapist has less to do with learning a new intervention and more to do with paying attention to the pace of the work. Are you moving too fast with clients, or not moving things forward enough? I’m revisiting this episode because therapy pacing is one of the most common and overlooked reasons clients get stuck, lose momentum, or start to wonder whether therapy is really helping. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m talking about how to recognize when you may be pushing clients too hard, how your own reactions can quietly influence the pace of therapy, and what it looks like when the work slows down so much that it starts to lose traction. We’ll also talk about client readiness, the difference between insight and action, and how to find a pace that feels both thoughtful and productive. This conversation is a reminder that being a better therapist is not about doing more. It’s about learning when to challenge, when to pause, and how to stay attuned to what each client actually needs from you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 How to be a better therapist through therapy pacing 05:10 Moving too fast in therapy 11:40 When slower therapy is the right call 18:35 Moving too slow in therapy 23:10 Finding the right pace with clients If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, second-guessing yourself with clients, or wanting more support as you grow, I want you to know you’re not alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been missing community, feeling stretched thin, or wanting a place to keep growing, this space was created with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Therapists are being targeted by scams in ways that are becoming increasingly sophisticated and difficult to detect. These therapist scams often involve threats to your license, your clients, or your private practice, and they are designed to create urgency so you act quickly without verifying. If you’ve ever had a moment where something felt off but serious enough that you thought, “What if this is real?” this episode is for you. This week on Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists, I’m revisiting an important conversation about the growing number of scams targeting therapists and private practice owners. These are not rare or hypothetical situations. They are real scenarios that have impacted clinicians in my own practice, including one where a therapist was pressured into handing over money after receiving a call from someone posing as law enforcement. We walk through eight common scams that therapists are facing right now, including fake insurance requests, phishing scams disguised as tech support, fraudulent credentialing services, misleading training and collaboration offers, and internal business scams like payroll diversion. I’ll also help you understand why therapists are uniquely vulnerable to these tactics, and what patterns to watch for so you can recognize them early. This conversation is a reminder that therapist safety, client data protection, and private practice security are essential parts of ethical care. Knowing how to pause, verify, and reality-check before responding can protect not only your business, but the people who trust you with their information. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Therapist scams: why clinicians are being targeted 01:30 The “scary police officer” scam targeting therapists 04:30 Fake insurance scams and client data risks 07:00 Tech, telehealth, and phishing scams in private practice 11:00 Fake trainings, collaborations, and credentialing scams 14:30 EHR risks: the SimplePractice con explained 17:30 Therapist consultation and connection as protection 19:30 How therapists can protect their private practice As you’re thinking about your own practice, I want you to remember that you don’t have to navigate situations like this on your own. One of the most important protections we have as therapists is connection with other professionals who can help us reality-check, consult, and stay informed. That’s exactly why I created The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional community for clinicians who want ongoing consultation, practical support, and a space to build a sustainable, secure private practice. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I share updates, resources, and insights about what therapists need to know, and I’d love to hear what’s coming up for you in your work. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

If ending therapy sessions on time feels harder than it should, you’re not imagining things. Many thoughtful, dedicated therapists struggle with this, especially when meaningful work is happening in the room or when a client brings up something important right as the session is ending. But learning how to end therapy sessions on time is a professional skill that quietly shapes your boundaries, your energy, and the sustainability of your career. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m revisiting a conversation about why ending therapy sessions on time can be surprisingly difficult for even experienced clinicians. Over years of supervising therapists and running my own practice, I’ve seen how easily session boundaries can start to drift. Most of the time it happens for compassionate reasons. We care about our clients, we want to help, and sometimes the work is just getting interesting right when the clock runs out. But when therapy sessions consistently run over time, it can create ripple effects that many therapists don’t anticipate. Clients may begin to expect extra time. Our schedules become compressed and stressful. Breaks disappear. And over time, what feels like a small act of generosity can quietly contribute to therapist burnout, administrative overwhelm, and a sense that the workday never quite has enough breathing room. We also talk about the real reasons therapists struggle with therapist time management and session boundaries. We explore the emotional dynamics that make it hard to wrap up sessions, including empathy, discomfort around money, imposter syndrome, and the classic “doorknob moment” when a client reveals something significant just as the session is ending. I also share practical strategies therapists can use to maintain clear therapy session boundaries without feeling abrupt or uncaring. Because ending therapy sessions on time isn’t about being rigid. It’s about creating a professional container that supports your clients, protects your energy, and allows you to sustain this work over the long term. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why ending therapy sessions on time is harder than it seems 05:40 Why empathy makes it hard for therapists to end sessions on time 11:20 The “doorknob moment” and managing last-minute disclosures 16:30 How poor session boundaries contribute to therapist burnout 22:10 Administrative stress and the importance of time between sessions 25:45 Practical strategies for ending therapy sessions on time If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work or quietly wondering how long you can keep doing this on your own, this work was never meant to be done alone. One of the ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home for clinicians who want meaningful consultation, real connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable rather than depleting. Through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for private practice, The Growth Collective brings together therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they offer their clients every day. If you’ve been missing community or feeling the early edges of burnout, this space was built with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Therapists in therapy often overthink, overanalyze—and miss their own blind spots. What happens when the helper becomes the client? In this candid conversation, I'm sitting down with Dr. Bill Doherty to explore why therapy for therapists can be uniquely challenging, and how our professional training can actually interfere with intimacy, boundaries, and relational intelligence. If you’ve ever wondered whether therapists need therapy too, the answer is yes, but the experience of being a therapist as a client can be complicated. Therapists are trained to understand emotions, analyze patterns, and help others grow. But when it comes to our own relationships, that same training can create unexpected blind spots. We may overanalyze our partners, confuse psychological insight with vulnerability, or assume we already understand our own story. Dr. Doherty brings decades of experience to this conversation about relational intelligence, boundaries, and the occupational hazards of being a therapist. We talk about why therapists sometimes struggle to see their own role in relationship patterns, how psychological language can accidentally become a weapon in conflict, and why therapists can have higher expectations for intimacy than everyday relationships can realistically sustain. If you’re a therapist, coach, or someone who spends a lot of time helping others grow, this conversation may invite you to reflect on your own patterns, and what it looks like to stay humble, curious, and open to growth. Dr. Bill Doherty is an educator, researcher, couple and family therapist, author, consultant, and community organizer. He is also the co-founder of Braver Angels, a national nonprofit working to reduce political polarization across American society. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Need Therapy Too 02:08 When the Therapist Becomes the Client 11:14 Emotional Intelligence vs. Relational Intelligence 17:29 The Blind Spot: How We Co-Create Relationship Patterns 22:08 Boundaries Over “The Perfect Conversation” 27:42 Why Therapists May Struggle in Their Own Relationships 40:30 When Insight Turns Into a Weapon 46:07 The Mindset That Makes Therapy Work for Therapists If today’s conversation had you reflecting on your own blind spots as a therapist, or reminded you how hard it can be to see ourselves clearly inside our relationships, I’d love to invite you into something special. It’s called the Growth Collective, a professional development community for therapists who want to keep growing personally and professionally. Inside, we have thoughtful conversations about relational intelligence, clinical growth, and the real challenges that come with doing this work. It’s a space where therapists can reflect, learn, and support each other as humans, not just as professionals. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Have you ever walked out of a session wondering if you talked about yourself a little too much? Therapist self-disclosure can be powerful when it’s brief, intentional, and clearly in service of the client. A thoughtful share can normalize an experience or strengthen rapport. But oversharing in therapy is different. When your stories start taking up too much space, when clients feel responsible for your emotions, or when the focus subtly shifts away from their process, therapy boundaries begin to blur. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m revisiting an honest conversation about oversharing in therapy and how it can quietly impact client retention, trust, and even your professional reputation. Therapist self-disclosure is not inherently problematic, but it must always serve the client’s growth — not the therapist’s unmet needs. When boundary drift goes unnoticed, therapy client dropout, strained alliances, and ethical concerns can follow. We’ll walk through real-world examples of how this shows up in practice, from grief disclosures that unintentionally overshadow a client’s pain to subtle validation-seeking that shifts emotional labor onto the client. We’ll explore the difference between empathy and self-centering, and talk about why therapist burnout, isolation, or emotional depletion can sometimes leak into the room without us fully realizing it. Most importantly, we’ll focus on how to protect client-centered care. That means staying grounded in your code of ethics, seeking consultation, monitoring patterns in your practice, and building feedback-informed systems so you know how clients are actually experiencing you. Oversharing in therapy often happens gradually, which is why reflection and structured support matter. As you listen, consider this: Are your disclosures enhancing the work, or competing with it? Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The fine line between self-disclosure and oversharing 04:30 When personal stories overshadow clients 10:15 Subtle boundary drift and validation-seeking 15:40 Client retention and ethical considerations 19:10 Burnout, unmet needs, and emotional leakage 22:00 Best practices for protecting therapy boundaries If this conversation has you reflecting on your own practice, especially around self-disclosure, boundaries, or the subtle impact of burnout, you don’t have to navigate that growth alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home for clinicians who want thoughtful consultation, meaningful mentorship, and support building a practice that feels sustainable, ethical, and aligned over the long term. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Private practice can feel like the ultimate goal — until it becomes financially and ethically overwhelming.⁠ So many therapists dream of starting a private therapy practice for freedom, flexibility, and a higher private practice therapist salary. But what happens when the reality of private practice therapy doesn’t match the expectation? In this episode, I’m breaking down the private practice business fundamentals most therapists were never taught — and why misunderstanding them can quietly turn the dream of starting a private therapy practice into a nightmare. Using a simple “airplane model” framework, I explain what actually keeps a therapy business in the air — and what causes it to crash. If you’ve been wondering how to start a private therapy practice without burning out, under-earning, or compromising your ethics, this conversation is for you. After 20 years as a private practice therapist and founder of Growing Self Counseling & Coaching, I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that doing great clinical work is only a small fraction of what it takes to run a sustainable private therapy practice. Cash flow, operations, marketing for therapists, sales conversations, and understanding what it truly costs to earn revenue all determine whether you build something stable, or something fragile. And if you’re considering starting a private therapy practice, this episode will help you slow down and think clearly before you leap — so you can build something aligned, informed, and sustainable. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Airplane Rule: If You Run Out of Gas, the Business Crashes 03:10 Why Private Practice Feels Like the “Holy Grail” for Therapists 07:40 The Fuel Tank: Cash Flow and Private Practice Therapist Salary Realities 15:25 The Fuselage: Operations, Overhead, and What It Costs to Earn Revenue 23:40 Marketing for Therapists vs. Sales (And Why They’re Not the Same) 34:10 Ethical Risks When Your Practice Isn’t Financially Stable 42:15 Insurance-Based Models vs. Full Fee Private Practice Therapy 52:00 Employment, Supported Group Practice, or Starting a Private Therapy Practice — Choosing Your Path If you’d like more support as you build a sustainable career as a private practice therapist, I’d love to invite you to ⁠The Growth Collective for Therapists ⁠— a professional home where you can receive consultation, community, and guidance around marketing for therapists, business fundamentals, and ethical growth. You don’t have to figure this out alone. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby ⁠Growing Self⁠ Shopify — The all-in-one platform for building and growing your online business. Visit⁠ shopify.com/lhs⁠ to explore their tools and access exclusive listener discounts.

Therapist burnout isn’t a personal failure, it’s often a therapist career planning problem. Let’s fix it. If part of you has been thinking, “Something about this isn’t sustainable,” I want to talk about that. Most of us were trained to be competent clinicians. Very few of us were trained in therapist career planning. We weren’t taught how to build a sustainable therapy career that supports our nervous system, finances, relationships, and long-term wellbeing. And 10 or 15 years in, many therapists quietly start wondering whether this path still fits. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, we explore what sustainable therapist career planning actually looks like. We talk about therapist burnout and career change—not as a dramatic exit from the profession, but as an invitation to redesign it. You’ll learn how to think about your career in seasons, how to choose a therapy niche without trapping yourself, and why clarity often comes from experimentation rather than overthinking. We’ll also have an honest conversation about private practice vs agency therapist roles. The “obvious” answer isn’t always the sustainable one. A sustainable therapy career is about more than hourly rate—it’s about structure, lifestyle, emotional bandwidth, and long-term viability. For therapists considering expansion, we’ll discuss coaching certification for therapists, supervision, education, and other multidimensional paths that can make your work feel energizing again—when they’re aligned with who you are. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Therapist Burnout and Therapist Career Planning 10:13 Therapist Career Planning Beyond Traditional Therapy 19:49 How to Choose a Therapy Niche and Align With Your Values 29:49 Private Practice vs Agency Therapist: Identity and Expansion 39:51 Building a Sustainable Therapy Career and Moving Forward If part of you felt seen in this conversation, especially around therapist burnout or wondering what’s next, you don’t have to hold that alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a sustainable therapy career that feels life-giving, not depleting. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day. Inside, you’ll find monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice or navigating therapist career planning with clarity and confidence. If you’ve been missing community, feeling isolated in your work, or quietly edging toward therapist burnout, this space was built with you in mind. And if this episode resonated, share it with a colleague who may be quietly asking the same questions. We are all in this together. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Dating coaching for therapists is becoming a common clinical need, yet most of us were never trained to offer step-by-step support when clients want help with dating. Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is joined by evidence-based dating coach Tim Molnar to talk about practical, ethical tools therapists can use when helping clients build healthy relationships. Many therapists feel confident helping clients unpack attachment patterns, anxiety, trauma histories, and relational dynamics. But when a client says, “I feel ready to date. Now what do I actually do?” insight alone often isn’t enough. This is where therapists helping clients with dating can start to feel uncertain about scope, competence, and next steps. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, Tim brings a behavioral science lens to dating and shares coaching-informed frameworks that help therapists recognize when a client is facing a skills gap rather than a clinical barrier. We talk about how dating clients in therapy can benefit from practical structure, values-aligned action, and clear next steps — without therapy drifting into coaching or crossing ethical lines. We also explore coaching vs therapy, how to thoughtfully build therapist coaching skills, and how to know when referral to evidence-based dating coaching is the most supportive and ethical option. This conversation is especially relevant for therapists navigating questions of therapist scope of practice when dating becomes a primary focus of the work. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why dating coaching for therapists has become a common clinical challenge 03:03 When insight isn’t enough and clients want practical dating support 08:53 Skills gaps vs clinical issues when dating stalls 16:22 Turning dating goals into specific, actionable steps 19:01 Reducing rejection anxiety with evidence-based tools 29:43 Online dating burnout and the case for real-world strategies 38:59 Coaching vs therapy, scope of practice, and ethical referrals This episode touches a place many therapists recognize, even if we don’t always say it out loud. We’re often expected to hold complexity, offer clarity, and navigate ethical gray areas without much guidance ourselves. If you want more connection, consultation, and support around these kinds of questions, you can learn more at growingself.com/therapists. And if you’re curious about expanding your skill set with clear ethical boundaries, you can also learn more about coaching certification for therapists here. As always, I invite you to notice where you feel confident offering direction, and where you may be defaulting to insight when a client is actually asking for guidance. Getting clearer about that distinction can make a meaningful difference, for your clients and for you. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

What if your client’s self-esteem struggles aren’t about deficits — but about being in the wrong role? Many therapists work with clients who feel chronically discouraged, stuck in career dissatisfaction, or locked into exhausting power struggles with their partners. Often, these clients come in believing something is “wrong” with them — when in reality, they’re operating far outside their natural strengths. In this feed-drop episode, I’m sharing a conversation with Patrick Lencioni, creator of the Working Genius assessment, about a framework that helps clients quickly identify where they shine — and where things will always feel harder, no matter how much effort they apply. This is one of my favorite tools right now for: Supporting clients with low self-esteem Helping couples understand recurring conflict patterns Normalizing frustration without diagnosing it Creating forward momentum in career and life decisions You’ll hear how Working Genius brings clarity to: Why capable people feel incompetent in certain environments How different “genius types” clash in relationships and work How therapists can use this tool to depersonalize conflict and shame If you’re a therapist or counselor looking for a fast, accessible assessment that clients actually get, this episode will give you a new lens you can start using immediately. 🎧 Try it yourself. Patrick was so kind to create a special discount offer exclusively for my listeners.  Visit workinggenius.com and use code LHS for a reduced cost. Feel free to share that access code with your clients too so they don't have to pay full price for this assessment if you want to try it out. Tune in to get all the details about how to use this assessment, the kind of change it creates, and the different types of genius that are often undervalued in our culture. If this sparks ideas for your work, come find me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear how you’re using it. Xo,  Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

There's a mismatch of expectations between therapists and their clients. A lot of therapy clients—especially the high-functioning ones—walk into therapy thinking, “Great. I’m hiring someone who can help me make meaningful changes in my real life.” They’re looking for clarity, strategy, momentum, and better outcomes. But many therapists (often without realizing it) meet them through a clinical-treatment lens: we start assessing, conceptualizing, and listening for pathology, assuming the “real work” is deeper healing, insight, or excavation of old pain. And for these clients, that can feel like we’re missing the point. They didn’t come in to be analyzed—they came in to get unstuck. When the process doesn’t match their goals, therapy can quickly start to feel slow, irrelevant, or not worth the investment. The fix isn’t “do therapy better.” It’s recognizing that different clients need different kinds of help—and being willing to broaden how you work. When we expand our toolkit with more directive, skills-based, and coaching-informed interventions (while staying inside ethical boundaries), we can meet these clients where they actually are—and help them create the change they came for. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why clients may disengage when therapy doesn’t work for their stated goals Common mismatches between therapist training and client expectations in therapy How scope of competence impacts therapy outcomes and ethical decision-making The limitations of insight-oriented therapy for non-clinical or highly functional clients Thanks for tuning in to this episode and sharing it with other clinicians in your professional circle who you think might need to hear it. I'll be so interested to hear what you think about this episode. Connect with me on LinkedIn and let's continue the conversation! Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby More free resources to support your Love, Happiness, and Success as a therapist at GrowingSelf.com!

If you don’t have a clear answer to the question, “What kind of therapist am I?”, your work may feel harder than it needs to be. Discovering your niche as a therapist isn’t about branding or boxing yourself in. It’s about professional clarity, clinical confidence, and building a practice that feels focused rather than scattered. Many therapists default to being generalists, especially early in their careers, without realizing how much that diffusion can erode satisfaction, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability. If you’ve ever felt unsure how to describe your work, or noticed that doing a little bit of everything leaves you drained or unfocused, this conversation is for you. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m revisiting an essential conversation about why therapy specialization is a core part of ethical professional development, not a marketing trend. I walk through a realistic, thoughtful process for clarifying your niche over time, including self-assessment, gaining experience, pursuing training, and communicating your expertise with intention and integrity. We also talk about how personal values, lived experience, and natural strengths shape professional identity, why niche clarity often evolves across a career, and how coaching psychology can complement therapy for clinicians who are drawn to growth-oriented work. This episode is an invitation to move out of diffusion and into alignment, in a way that supports both you and the clients who rely on your expertise. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why discovering your niche as a therapist matters 01:50 How therapy specialization supports confidence and career satisfaction 06:25 Step 1: Self-assessment and career clarity as a therapist 10:16 Step 2: Gaining experience before choosing a therapist niche 12:24 Step 3: Training, certification, and therapist credibility 16:56 Step 4: Communicating your therapist niche ethically in private practice 21:32 Ethical considerations for therapists on social media 23:46 Resources and encouragement as your therapist niche evolves If you’re in the middle of figuring out who you are as a therapist and where your work is headed, I want you to know this process takes time, and you don’t have to rush it. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home for clinicians who want thoughtful consultation, meaningful mentorship, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and aligned over the long term. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Perinatal mental health is one of the most important clinical issues therapists encounter and one of the most frequently overlooked. When a client is pregnant or newly postpartum, distress is often minimized as “just part of the transition,” even when something more serious is happening beneath the surface. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re asking the right questions, or worried you might be missing something with a pregnant or postpartum client, this episode is for you. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m joined by my colleague Catherine Fredrickson, LMFT, a perinatal mental health–certified therapist at Growing Self. Catherine brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to a grounded, practical conversation about how perinatal mental health concerns actually show up in the therapy room. We talk about how to assess for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, how to differentiate between expected hormonal shifts and clinically significant symptoms, and the subtle language cues that can signal deeper distress, including disconnection, self-blame, and feelings of unworthiness as a parent. This conversation is a reminder that perinatal mental health is not a niche specialty but a core clinical competency for therapists working with adults, couples, and families. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why perinatal mental health is often missed in therapy 06:09 How therapists can get trained in perinatal mental health (PSI and more) 09:12 The “it’s just pregnancy” myth and perinatal mental health statistics 12:21 Perinatal mental health assessment: what therapists should ask and screen for 16:30 Hormonal shifts vs. perinatal mental health disorders 24:55 Supporting perinatal mental health through planning and social support 27:23 Perinatal mental health and couples after baby 34:35 Perinatal mental health in military families and solo parenting If you’ve been feeling isolated in your work, or quietly wondering how long you can keep doing this on your own, I want you to know you’re not alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists beyond this podcast is through The Growth Collective for Therapists, a professional home I created for clinicians who want real consultation, meaningful connection, and support building a practice that feels sustainable and life-giving, not depleting. The Growth Collective brings together licensed therapists who are ready to receive the same level of care they give every day through monthly consultation, clinical supervision, CEU trainings, and practical guidance for building a stable, fulfilling private practice. If you’ve been missing community, feeling isolated in your work, or edging toward burnout, this space was built with you in mind. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’re a therapist who uses acceptance commitment therapy with clients but quietly struggles to apply those same principles to your own life or practice, this conversation is for you. Acceptance commitment therapy offers powerful tools for values-based living, psychological flexibility, and sustainable change, yet many therapists find it surprisingly hard to turn that wisdom inward. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m joined by clinical psychologist Dr. Diana Hill, a world-recognized expert in acceptance commitment therapy, to talk about why therapists so often mismanage their energy, undervalue their own genius, and stay stuck in versions of their work that no longer fit. We explore how ACT principles can help therapists evolve without burning out, abandoning the profession, or losing what makes this work meaningful. Diana shares how stories about who we’re “supposed” to be as therapists can quietly limit growth, why flexibility with identity matters just as much as flexibility with thoughts, and how the future of therapy will increasingly reward depth, attunement, and humanity over rigid protocols. We also talk candidly about career evolution, second chapters, and what it looks like to build a practice that supports your life rather than consumes it. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why therapists struggle to follow their own advice and how acceptance commitment therapy helps 03:24 The “leftovers” problem: energy depletion, burnout, and clients sensing it 05:15 Getting flexible with the stories that keep you stuck in one version of your career 07:30 Therapist genius, identity, and why this matters in a changing field 11:48 What can’t be replaced: attunement, challenge, and real change moments 22:47 Wings clipped vs. wings weighed down: overcommitting and the “buffet” trap 28:03 Process-based therapy and moving beyond manuals 35:09 The two common therapist traps: “shoulds” and undervaluing your work 39:09 Why therapists leave the profession and what actually supports sustainability If you’re feeling pulled toward a second chapter in your work as a therapist, or simply craving more support, clarity, and room to breathe, I want you to know you don’t have to figure this out alone. One of the primary ways I support therapists who want to stay engaged, energized, and genuinely fulfilled in this profession is through The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a professional home I created for therapists who want real consultation, thoughtful mentorship, and community with people who truly understand the weight and responsibility of this work. It offers the support of a high-quality group practice without giving up your independence, values, or financial autonomy, so you can build a career that feels sustainable and alive over the long haul. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I truly enjoy hearing what this work brings up for you and where you’re feeling ready to grow next. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’ve ever noticed this work starting to feel heavier, flatter, or more draining than it used to, this is for you. “Why therapists need to grow too” is a question many clinicians never stop to ask, even though the answer is often at the heart of burnout, boredom, and long-term career dissatisfaction. When growth slows, even deeply meaningful work can begin to feel exhausting. This week on Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists, I’m revisiting an essential conversation about why intentional personal and professional growth is critical for a sustainable, satisfying career as a therapist. Over the years, I’ve seen how easy it is for growth to quietly stall once you’re licensed and established, even for deeply committed clinicians. Self-care matters, but it isn’t enough on its own. What truly restores energy and engagement over time is learning, stretching, being challenged, and continuing to develop both clinically and personally. I share what I’ve seen over decades of practice about how stagnation shows up for therapists, how it affects our clients, and why checking the continuing education box is not the same as pursuing growth that is genuinely life-giving. We explore mentorship, consultation, self-of-the-therapist work, and new learning as powerful ways to reconnect with curiosity, confidence, and purpose in your work. We also talk about how growth looks different for different therapists. For some, that means new clinical modalities or specialization. For others, it may involve coaching psychology, research, leadership, or deeper self-reflection with trusted mentors. There is no single right path, but there is a shared responsibility to keep evolving alongside the clients who place their trust in us. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Need to Grow Too 02:23 Growth, Energy, and Long-Term Career Satisfaction 04:49 What Happens When Therapists Stop Learning 07:07 Why Therapist Growth Matters for Clients 09:27 Mentorship, Feedback, and Finding New Professional Energy 16:37 Self-of-the-Therapist Work and Sustainable Practice 19:01 Growth as a Powerful Protection Against Burnout As you’re thinking about your own growth as a therapist, I want you to know this work was never meant to be done alone. One of the most meaningful ways I support clinicians who want to stay engaged, energized, and genuinely fulfilled over the long haul is through The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a professional home I created for therapists who want real consultation, thoughtful mentorship, and a community that understands the weight and responsibility of this work. If you’re ready to invest in your own growth with the same care you bring to your clients, I’d love to share this space with you. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn! I truly enjoy hearing what this work brings up for you and where you’re feeling ready to grow next. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Clinical hypnosis may be the closest thing we have to an “easy button” for helping clients follow through on the changes they want to make. This time of year, therapists and coaches see a surge of motivated clients. They're setting big goals for the new year, dreaming about who they want to become, and walking into sessions full of intention. But what happens next is all too familiar: action stalls, patterns repeat, and clients feel stuck between what they want to do and what they actually do. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Dr. David Spiegel, Stanford professor, past president of the American College of Psychiatrists, and author of over 400 peer-reviewed studies on clinical hypnosis. We’re exploring a powerful, research-backed tool that bridges the gap between intention and action and helps clients create real change. We talk about the science of clinical hypnosis and how it can shift thought patterns, physiological responses, and entrenched behaviors, why it works when insight alone doesn’t, and how technology is making it accessible to everyone. Dr. Spiegel also guides me (and you) through a live mini-session so you can feel what this approach is like yourself. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Should Be Using Clinical Hypnosis 03:12 What Clinical Hypnosis Is and How It Works 07:26 How Hypnosis Changes Thoughts, Feelings, and Behavior 11:16 Hypnotizability: Who Benefits Most From Hypnosis 16:47 Why Hypnosis Fails and What Makes It Effective 23:58 Hypnosis vs Meditation for Behavior Change 27:47 Rapid Results With Self-Hypnosis Techniques 31:53 Inside the Reveri App and Scalable Clinical Hypnosis 34:19 The Neuroscience Behind Hypnosis and Mind-Body Change 39:09 Evidence for Hypnosis in Anxiety, Pain, and Medical Care 49:01 Guided Self-Hypnosis Session for Reducing Phone Use 57:50 Dr. Lisa’s Results Using Reveri for Better Sleep 59:55 Free CEU Training on Clinical Hypnosis for Therapists Dr. Spiegel’s work reframes hypnosis from a fringe intervention to an accessible, evidence-based technique that can help clients reduce anxiety, sleep better, and finally take the action they’re ready for. And the best news? Dr. David Spiegel is joining us for a free, 1-hour CEU-accredited training on clinical hypnosis on January 9th at 10am MT, exclusively for therapists. Dr. Spiegel has been teaching this to medical students and psychiatrists at Stanford for 40 years, he’s presented on this topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, and he’s now making his time available for YOU. You’ll walk away with: A solid understanding of how clinical hypnosis supports neuroplasticity and mind-body connection The clinically proven uses of hypnosis for stress relief, pain management, addiction, sleep challenges, performance anxiety, and habit change Why clinical hypnosis works when other approaches don’t How technology is making hypnosis more accessible than ever 🔗 Register for the free clinical hypnosis CEU: https://courses.growingself.com/ceu-trainings-for-therapists Whether your clients want to reduce stress, change habits, or step into a new version of themselves in the new year, this is a training you won’t want to miss. Let’s learn from the best. I’ll see you there! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

If you’re a therapist who’s quietly thinking, “I cannot do 30 more years of back-to-back sessions… but I don’t know what else is possible,” you are so not alone. Also, you have tons of transferable skills and deep knowledge that could be deployed to help not just individuals, but organizations flourish and thrive. Most therapists are never exposed to organizational consulting or executive coaching. However, this can be a really exciting and lucrative career path for professional therapists. In fact, becoming an organizational consultant or executive coach is one path that opens far more doors than most clinicians realize. If this idea just lit something up inside of you, I am so glad that you are here for today's episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. I’m talking with psychologist and trusted leadership advisor Dr. Shannon Sheehan Jennings (Dr. J), a PsyD in Business Psychology who supports mid-market CEOs with the “sticky human stuff” behind growth and change: hard conversations, power dynamics, trust ruptures, and decisions that actually stick. Dr. Shannon walks us through her own pivot from therapist to organizational consultant, what executive coaching really looks like in the wild (small businesses vs. big corporate settings), and the specific business concepts you’ll want to learn so you can take your existing clinical skills into boardrooms, leadership teams, and workplace systems with confidence and integrity as an organizational consultant or executive coach. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Work Systems “Suck” (and Why Therapists Are Needed in Organizations) 01:48 Dr. Shannon’s Journey from Therapist to Organizational Consultant 08:20 How Therapists Help Leaders, Teams, and Workplace Systems 16:20 First Steps for Therapists Becoming Organizational Consultants and Executive Coaches 20:10 What Executive Coaching Really Involves in Small Business vs Corporate Settings 30:36 Coaching vs Therapy, Ethics, and Staying Within Your Scope 46:20 Community, Networking, and Next-Step Resources for Therapists Pivoting Careers We also talk honestly about coaching vs. therapy, scope of practice, and how to protect both yourself and the public in a largely unregulated coaching and organizational consulting landscape, while still giving yourself permission to grow past the therapy room and into the kind of work that lights you up. If you’re craving more support as you sort out your next professional chapter, including a possible move into work as an organizational consultant or executive coach, I’d love to invite you to The Growth Collective for Therapists - a space I created so you don’t have to do this work in isolation anymore. It’s a genuine professional home for therapists who want real consultation, real community, and guidance for building a career that feels sustainable and alive. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn! I truly enjoy hearing your thoughts, questions, and ideas about how we as therapists can step into leadership, coaching, and organizational life in a bigger way. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Holidays can bring up a lot - gratitude, tenderness, loneliness, longing. It’s a season that puts belonging under a spotlight. That’s why this felt like the right time to bring back this conversation about A Home Within and the impact of being one steady, caring adult in the life of a young person who hasn’t had that before. Many young people in foster care grow up without one consistent adult who stays. In this conversation, Candice Simonds, Chief Program Officer at A Home Within, shares how their model changes that by pairing youth with therapists who can remain a steady presence without insurance limits or agency cutoffs. We talk about how A Home Within began, what repeated loss does to young people, and why one long-term, caring relationship can shift a life. Candice also shares how the organization supports therapists through consultation groups, CEUs, and community so no one is holding this work alone. Their long-term research is hopeful: less anxiety and depression, more stability, more possibility. We also name the hard reality that without support, many former foster youth end up unhoused or involved in the justice system. Through it all, Candice points out the resilience she sees in her clients and why this work continues to matter so deeply. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 A Home Within and Its Mission 02:32 How A Home Within Began and Why the Mission Matters 09:37 Dr. Lisa’s Experience Supporting a Young Adult Aging Out of Foster Care 13:51 How A Home Within Supports Therapists Through Community and Consultation 21:03 Long-Term Outcomes for Foster Youth With Consistent Therapy 38:42 How Therapists Can Get Involved With A Home Within Conversations like this always remind me how much heart therapists bring to their work and how much we hold behind the scenes. Being that steady person for someone else is sacred work, but it can also feel incredibly lonely when you don’t have your own circle of support. That’s why I created The Growth Collective for Therapists. It’s a place where you don’t have to be the strong one all the time. A place to think through hard cases with people who truly get it, to feel grounded again, and to have colleagues who care about you as a whole person, not just as a clinician. If you’ve been craving that kind of connection and steadiness in your own professional life, I’d love to welcome you in.  And if you want to stay connected in a simpler way, come find me on LinkedIn! I love hearing from fellow therapists who believe in relational, heart-forward work. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

How can psychedelic-assisted therapy create deep, lasting transformation where conventional treatments only manage symptoms? Psychiatrist and integrative medicine pioneer Dr. Scott Shannon joins me to talk about how this emerging field is reshaping what’s possible for healing, not just for our clients, but for the future of mental health care itself. Dr. Shannon shares his decades of work exploring MDMA, psilocybin, and other psychedelic medicines as catalysts for safety, openness, and profound personal growth. We talk about how these experiences can unlock trauma healing, relational breakthroughs, and spiritual integration in ways that expand beyond traditional talk therapy. We also get into the ethics, boundaries, the training this work requires, and what it means for therapists who feel called to be part of this next frontier in care. Dr. Shannon is a psychiatrist, author, and founder of Wholeness Center, the largest integrative mental health clinic in the U.S., and a leader in psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy research and education. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 From SSRIs to MDMA Therapy: A Different Model of Care 07:36 MDMA for Couples: Safety, Openness, Breakthroughs 12:25 PTSD Protocol: Prep, Medicine Sessions, Integration, Childhood Trauma 13:33 Psychedelic Treatment Framework: Container, Catalyst, Carrier 20:07 Paths and Policy: Legalization, Medicalization, FDA Outlook 24:55 Ethics and Safety in Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy 39:53 Mystical Experience and Long-Term Outcomes 46:24 Training and Career Paths: How to Become a Psychedelic-Assisted Therapist Conversations like this remind me how much our field is growing and how important it is that we grow right along with it, in integrity and community. If you’ve been craving that kind of connection and support in your own work, come join me in The Growth Collective for Therapists! It’s a space where therapists can show up as real people to talk honestly about the work, get meaningful consultation, and be part of a community that understands what it takes to do this job well and stay well. And if you want to keep this conversation going, find me on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear what stood out to you from this episode and what’s inspiring your own path forward right now. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Therapists hold the power to transform not only individual lives but the systems that shape mental health care itself. In this episode, I’m joined by Gino Titus-Luciano, a licensed mental health counselor, nationally certified counselor, and the CEO of Kokua Mental Health & Wellness Group. As president of the Hawaii Counselors Association, Gino has spent years advocating for systemic change in mental health, and he brings so much insight into what that actually looks like - from expanding telehealth access to supporting the next generation of therapists. We talk about how systemic issues in mental health (like underfunded internships, rigid policies, and burnout) affect both clients and clinicians, and how meaningful advocacy starts with us. Gino shares examples of how small policy shifts can open big doors for access and equity, and how we can all engage in systemic advocacy in our own ways: through community, policy, education, and mentorship. We also explore how supervision, consultation, and community keep us grounded and ethical in this work. And if you’ve been feeling the weight of isolation in private practice, I think this one will really speak to you. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why a Systemic Lens in Therapy Matters 03:03 When Systems Fail Clients: Beyond Symptom Management 07:09 Policy Win: Expanding Telehealth Access in Hawaii 11:21 Internship & Workforce Reform: Funding, Training, Shortage 15:15 Burnout and Exploitation: Fixing Systemic Issues in Mental Health 21:49 How Therapists Engage in Systemic Advocacy (Orgs, Policy, Culture) 36:18 Supervision That Prevents Burnout: Separate Self vs. Clinician 48:03 Get Involved: Hawaii Counseling Association Trainings & Advocacy 53:00 Join the Growth Collective for Therapists I’d love to invite you to join The Growth Collective For Therapists - a space I created so you don’t have to do this work in isolation anymore. You’ll find a genuine professional home where therapists can show up as real people, not just clinicians. It’s a place for deep consultation, honest connection, and meaningful continuing education that supports your growth in every sense - personally, professionally, and emotionally. If you’ve ever wished for a trusted circle of colleagues to lean on, to talk through hard cases, to celebrate wins, or to simply remind you that you’re not alone in this work, this is that space. The Growth Collective was designed to care for you the way you care for others - with warmth, integrity, and community. And if you’d like to stay connected, come find me on LinkedIn. I love hearing your thoughts, reflections, and ideas about how we can all be part of systemic change in our field. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Your client’s mood might be shaped as much by their gut and their screen as by their thoughts. We talk so much about emotions, attachment, and insight in therapy - but what if physiology and media are quietly steering the wheel? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Tatyana El-Kour, a psychologist and registered dietitian who studies how media and technology shape our everyday choices. Together, we’re unpacking how the gut-brain axis and digital exposure affect mental health, and why understanding these forces matters for our work as therapists. Dr. Tatyana shares her “Three Ps” framework (plate, physiology, and platform), a simple, science-backed way to think about how nutrition, stress, and media interact to influence mood and behavior. We explore how inflammation, poor sleep, and doomscrolling can drive anxiety and irritability, and how even small “circuit breakers” like more fiber, deep breathing, or curating your digital feed can help restore balance. This is an invitation to expand your clinical lens - to look beyond the purely psychological and consider the full system your clients live in: body, brain, and the world around them. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapists Must Look Beyond Psychology 01:40 The Gut–Brain Axis Explained for Therapists 05:40 The “Three Ps” Framework: Plate, Physiology, and Platform 08:20 How Therapists Can Expand Client Assessments 16:20 Simple Circuit Breakers for the Gut–Brain Loop 21:10 Digital Diets and Algorithmic Hygiene 27:10 The Future of Gut–Brain Research in Mental Health I’d love to keep learning together. You can explore our free CEU trainings library to watch on-demand trainings and sign up for upcoming live webinars. These are my way of supporting you in deepening your work, while also earning CEUs that actually feel meaningful. And if you’d like to stay connected and get updates when new free CEU trainings for therapists are released, come join my For Therapists newsletter. I’ll share resources, reflections, and real conversations about what it means to grow in this field, personally and professionally. Connect with me on LinkedIn - it’s one of my favorite spaces to connect with colleagues, share reflections, and hear what’s inspiring you lately. And if something from this episode is staying with you, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s talk - tell me what came up for you, what questions you’re sitting with, or what you’d love for me to explore in a future episode.  This podcast is for us, and your voice always matters here. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

This episode originally aired on May 21, 2025 (Episode 67), and I’m bringing it back because it changes the way we treat our clients’ mental health diagnoses. Metabolic psychiatry invites us to look beyond the mind - to the brain, the body, and the biological energy systems that make healing possible. I’m joined by Nicole Laurent, a licensed mental health counselor, founder of the Brain Fog Recovery Program, and a leading voice in metabolic psychiatry, to explore how chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, and mitochondrial dysfunction may be driving the mental health symptoms we’ve been trying to treat with insight and coping skills alone. Nicole breaks down what a medical ketogenic diet can do that medications can’t, and why more clients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and even schizophrenia are experiencing full psychiatric recovery when metabolic interventions are part of a coordinated treatment plan. We also talk about her personal recovery journey, what therapists need to know before discussing ketogenic interventions, and how to practice ethically and within scope when clients bring this into the therapy room. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 What Full Psychiatric Recovery Really Looks Like 02:55 Understanding Metabolic Psychiatry: A Clinical Overview 11:20 How Metabolic Dysfunction Drives Mental Health Symptoms 15:43 What Ketogenic Diets Do That Medications Can’t 22:42 Nicole’s Personal Story of Cognitive Recovery 27:07 Real-Life Transformations: From Surviving to Thriving 31:10 Scope of Practice, Ethics, and Building Treatment Teams 43:12 GLP-1 Medications vs. Ketogenic Intervention 46:41 What Makes a Medical Ketogenic Diet Different 50:50 How Nicole’s Nonprofit Expands Access to Care If this topic made you rethink how you understand “treatment resistance,” you’ll want to stay in touch because Nicole is joining me for a free CEU webinar on Metabolic Psychiatry this November. We’ll dig deeper into the science, the ethics, and how to start thinking metabolically in your own clinical practice. It’s one of the most important conversations we can be having right now, and I’d love for you to be part of it! If we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that! I share new opportunities, therapist reflections, and honest behind-the-scenes thoughts on the work we do. I’d also love to stay in touch and hear how these ideas are landing for you. What did it bring up for you? Are you starting to see your clients, or even yourself, through a new lens? Share your reflections with me - let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Are you a therapist struggling to figure out how to run a business? Valid! Most of us became therapists to help people, not to run a business. But, ironically, close to 50% of therapists are doing exactly that. If you’re in private practice without an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, overworked, and wonder if this was a terrible idea. Help is here: We’re getting advice from a business legend, and you’re going to love her perspective. In this episode, I’m talking with Melissa Bernstein, the creative force behind Melissa & Doug and now founder of the wellness brand Lifelines, about what it really takes to build a private practice that’s not just sustainable, but joyful and aligned with who you are. We talk about offloading the parts of your business that drain you (yes, even if you’re just starting out), how to build a team as a solo practitioner, and the mindset shift that helps therapists stop trying to be everything to everyone. Melissa also shares her own mental health journey and how it led her to create sensory-based tools that help regulate the nervous system and how therapists are using them to support their clients and expand their practices. This conversation is full of heart, hope, and wisdom for any therapist who’s ready to rethink how they work. If you’ve been feeling stuck or secretly burned out, I hope this episode cracks open a new path for you! Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Hidden Challenges of Private Practice 05:18 Melissa Bernstein’s Journey to Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship 08:33 Why Therapists Burn Out in Private Practice 10:30 Building a Support Team (Even If You're Solo) 17:20 Regulating the Nervous System with Sensory Tools 29:05 Helping Clients Carry Therapy Into Daily Life 38:22 Creative Revenue Streams for Private Practice 44:00 Tapping Into Your Entrepreneurial Mindset as a Therapist If this episode left you thinking, “I needed to hear that,” come connect with me on LinkedIn where I share behind-the-scenes reflections, resources, and conversations with other therapists who are reimagining what’s possible in this field. Lastly, I’d genuinely love to know what’s on your mind after this one. What part of Melissa’s story resonated with you? What are you dreaming about building next? Let’s talk! Your thoughts and questions shape where we go next, and this space was made for us. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Relationships are breaking under the weight of political differences, and more clients are bringing these divides into the therapy room. So what do we do when values-based conflict becomes the problem in the relationship - and the therapist is part of the system too? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Bill Doherty: Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, creator of the discernment counseling model, and co-founder of Braver Angels - a national initiative that brings liberals and conservatives together to bridge America’s political divide. Together, we unpack what it takes to stay steady and clinically effective when you’re working with couples, individuals, or families caught in ideological conflict. From understanding the macro-forces of affective polarization to the subtle ways therapists may reinforce it in the room, Dr. Doherty offers an honest, deeply human, and skillful path forward. We talk about the self-of-therapist work required to manage our own reactivity, the ethical tension between neutrality and our personal values, and how to avoid misattunement that can subtly harm the very relationships we’re trying to help. You’ll also hear real consultation examples and learn about the free resources Braver Angels offers to therapists ready to deepen their competencies in this area. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 When Political Conflict Enters the Therapy Room 02:10 Understanding Affective Polarization and Its Impact on Relationships 05:26 The Three Therapist Challenges in Politically Charged Cases 10:54 Hidden Bias in Consultation Groups and Clinical Culture 12:57 How Braver Angels Helps Heal Political Division 18:59 Internalized Polarization: What It Is and Why It Matters 21:19 A Real-World Case: Reframing Ideological Conflict with Curiosity 45:31 Setting Boundaries Without Demonizing Clients or Loved Ones 48:53 Courageous Citizenship and the Therapist’s Role in Divided Times 59:19 Free Tools to Support Clients Caught in Political Conflict If you’re still turning this over in your mind (like I have been), you’ll want to keep the conversation going. When you sign up for my For Therapists newsletter, I’ll send you more interviews with thought leaders like Dr. Doherty, along with fresh insights, real tools, and honest reflections to help you grow - both as a clinician and as a person. Come say hi on LinkedIn! I share behind-the-scenes updates, new episodes, and the kind of therapist-to-therapist support I wish more of us had. If something from this conversation is still sitting with you or showing up in your work, I’d truly love to hear about it. Let’s stay in this together. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

I’ll be honest with you. I’ve had moments in my own career where I sat with that quiet, terrifying thought: I don’t know if I want to be a therapist anymore. If you’ve ever felt that, you know how disorienting it is. You’ve invested so much of yourself into this path, and suddenly the work that once gave you meaning begins to feel heavy, lonely, or even incompatible with who you are becoming. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Dr. Jen Blanchette back with me for this conversation. She’s the host of The Therapist Burnout Podcast, left private practice in 2023, and now helps therapists who want to close their practices and figure out their next steps. Considering leaving your therapy practice is bigger than burnout. It touches your integrity, your grief, and the permission you give yourself to change. Jen shares her own story of reaching this truth in the aftermath of the pandemic, why the private practice dream can quietly become a trap, and the deeply emotional process of exiting the profession - not just logistically, but at the level of identity. I’ve lived through every stage Dr. Jen talks about in this episode, and I know how isolating it feels. My hope is that this conversation helps you feel less alone and reminds you that walking away is not a failure. Sometimes it’s the bravest and healthiest choice you can make for yourself and for your clients. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 “I Don’t Know If I Want to Be a Therapist Anymore” 01:20 The Existential Crisis of Leaving the Therapy Profession 05:30 Shame, Expectations, and the Myth of Private Practice Success 09:41 Clinical Stagnation and Ethical Questions in Long-Term Work 11:37 Isolation, Burnout, and the Hidden Admin Load 15:48 When Caregiving at Work and Home Drains Everything 23:20 Bridge Jobs, Finances, and Finding a Way Forward 31:02 Grieving Your Therapist Identity and Saying Goodbye to Clients 37:02 How to Ethically Exit: When Private Practice No Longer Fits And because I know how hard this crossroads can be, I want to give you something that might help. Jen and I are hosting a free CEU training! We’ll walk you through how to know if it’s time to leave, the steps to close a practice responsibly, and ways to begin imagining what could come next. Don’t miss out: 🎓 How to Ethically Exit: When Private Practice No Longer Fits 🗓️ October 17 | 11am MT / 1pm ET  👉 Reserve your spot now! If we’re not connected yet on LinkedIn, come say hi! That’s where I share behind-the-scenes reflections and continue conversations like this with thoughtful therapists like you. And if this episode stirred something in you, I’d truly love to hear from you. Share what’s on your heart, suggest a future topic, or just let me know you’re out there - let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Therapists, it’s not a “maybe” to prioritize self-care - it’s part of our JOB! We can’t be of service to others (or have this be a sustainable career path) if we don’t. In this episode, we’re getting real about what self-care for counselors actually means in practice. Not the Instagram version but the deep daily practices that keep  you grounded, present, and well enough to keep showing up for others and for yourself. We’ll talk through how to recognize your personal red flags - those subtle dashboard lights that tell you something’s off - and what it looks like to build a sustainable self-care system around five essential pillars: space, physical well-being, mental clarity, social connection, and personal alignment. This is to help you reconnect with your own needs, create stronger boundaries between life and work, and remember why self-care isn’t a luxury in this field - it’s a clinical responsibility. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Self-Care Is Essential for Counselors 04:52 Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Burnout 11:42 Building a Daily Self-Care System That Works 14:05 The Five Pillars of Self-Care for Counselors 30:05 Aligning Your Career with Your Values I know how easy it is to put yourself last when you're a helper. If this episode nudged you to start tuning back in to you, I made something I hope will help: Take the Flourish + Thrive Quiz. This free, research-informed quiz is designed to help you get real about where you’re thriving - and where your reserves might be running low. It’ll give you personalized insight into how you”re doing, along with reflection prompts to help you reconnect with your values and your “why.” Want a tool to help you take action, not just reflect? Come connect with me on LinkedIn, and I’ll personally send you my Self-Care Action Plan Workbook - the same one I use with my supervisees. It’s totally free, thoughtfully designed, and gives you a gentle structure to start building your own sustainable self-care system. Just message me and I’ll send it your way. And if you're sitting with something this episode brought up… let’s talk. This podcast is for you, and your voice matters here. You can share what’s on your heart, what support you’re craving, or what you’d love to explore in future episodes by filling out this quick form. I’d truly love to hear from you! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie BobbyGrowing Self

Can we really change our personalities? Dr. Dan Siegel says “NO” but also that nobody needs to. We can help our clients heal, grow, and unleash the fullest of their potential by helping them lean into who and what they really ARE. Crazy but true: We therapists are not taught how to work with personality in therapy. Unless you have a “personality disordered” individual (as we used to call it back in the day) we don’t tailor our interventions or our conceptualization to accommodate someone’s intrinsic way of being. Who else is ready to change this? (Lisa raises hand!) Well, help is here: In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dan Siegel to explore his Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDP) model: a science-based framework that weaves together neuroscience, attachment, and developmental psychology to help us understand personality more deeply and work with it more effectively. We unpack the nine core patterns, explore how to differentiate temperament from attachment conditioning, and look at how healing at the right level can help clients shift from limitation to possibility. Whether you’re new to PDP or already exploring it, this conversation will expand your clinical lens and give you tools you can use right away. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Freeing Personality from the Prison of Pathology 05:51 The Nine Patterns of Personality 25:59 Emotions, Energy, and the Body’s Personality Response 35:25 Mapping Personality to Clinical Strengths 44:59 Dr. Dan Siegel’s Personal PDP Pattern 01:04:15 Flexibility and Growth Through PDP Integration If this episode lit you up, I hope you’ll check out my Free CEU Trainings for Therapists! These on-demand workshops (each worth 1–2 CEUs) are designed to support your growth—both as a clinician and as a human. You can also stay in the loop about live CEU events, new podcast episodes, and exclusive resources by subscribing to my For Therapists newsletter. It’s the best way to get fresh ideas, practical tools, and meaningful support for the work you do. I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn, where I share reflections, behind-the-scenes updates, and continue the conversations we start here. And if something from this conversation is staying with you, whether it’s showing up in your clinical work or sparking something new, I’d truly love to hear about it. This podcast is a space for us, so don’t be a stranger. Let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self P.S. This is Dr. Siegel’s second time joining me on the podcast - don’t miss Episode #39, where we explore the foundations of attachment styles and how they connect to the PDP model.

This episode first aired on December 4, 2024 (Episode 44). We’re revisiting it because many therapists continue to experiment with coaching without realizing the risks. What begins as a way to broaden your work can expose you and your clients to real vulnerabilities if you’re not equipped with the right training. In this episode, I unpack the differences between therapy and coaching, the pitfalls of offering coaching without preparation, and what it takes to step into this role with clarity and confidence. Lots of therapists are adding “coach” to their title without going through coach training first. It may feel like a natural extension of therapy, but the reality is that coaching and therapy are not the same thing. And if you’ve ever wondered, do you need a license to be a life coach? - this episode will help you understand why the answer is complicated, especially for therapists. I’ll explore why calling yourself a coach without certification can put your practice, your reputation, and your clients at risk. I’ll walk you through the key distinctions between the two disciplines, the ethical and legal challenges therapists face when blurring those lines, and the steps you can take to integrate coaching into your work in a way that’s both professional and protective. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Introduction: The Risks of DIY Coaching 01:59 Risks of Coaching Without Training 05:01 Why Coaching Certification Matters 09:06 Choosing the Right Coaching Credential (BCC vs. ICF) 14:09 Legal Issues and Protecting Your Practice 18:06 The Reputation of Uncertified Coaches 20:12 Evidence-Based Coaching and Client Outcomes 27:05 Free Resource: Therapist’s Guide to Coaching If this conversation resonates, I encourage you to explore Coaching Certification For Therapists (BCC-Accredited). This credential was designed specifically for therapists and builds on the foundation of our clinical training while aligning with the ethical standards we already uphold. Pursuing certification strengthens your competence, clarifies the boundaries between therapy and coaching, and equips you with evidence-based tools to create the kind of results your clients are truly seeking. I’d also love to keep this dialogue going with you. What questions came up for you while listening? Have you ever wrestled with how to draw the line between therapy and coaching, or whether it’s time to pursue additional training? Share your reflections with me. Let’s talk! And if you know another therapist who would benefit from this discussion, consider passing it along. That’s how we strengthen our professional community together. If this podcast resonated with you, please share it with your colleagues or professional network so we can keep supporting one another. And if we haven’t already connected, I’d love to meet you on LinkedIn and continue exchanging ideas and resources in real time. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

What would happen to your clients if you died tomorrow? The New York Times recently highlighted just how devastating it can be when a therapist falls ill or dies without a plan in place. Clients are left confused, abandoned, and without the closure they deserve. It’s a hard question, but one every therapist has an ethical obligation to face. Psychologist Dr. Robyn Miller—Founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service—knows this firsthand. When her closest colleague became terminally ill, she stepped in as practice executor—supporting clients, managing records, and grieving her best friend all at once. That experience inspired her to help others create a professional will for therapists that protects clients, families, and the legacy of their work. In this episode, we explore why having a professional will isn’t optional—it’s part of our ethical duty as clinicians. We’ll talk about the logistics of professional wills, the emotional burden of asking loved ones to step in, and why a real plan is more than just a name on a form. So let me ask you: Do you have an ethical plan in place if you were suddenly unable to practice? Have you ever asked someone to be your backup—without realizing what you were really asking of them? What would it feel like to know your clients, your records, and your legacy are truly protected? We’re therapists. We know how to sit with hard things. Let’s not leave this one in the shadows. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Ethical Guidelines & Continuity of Care 05:03 When a Therapist Dies: A Colleague’s Story 08:49 Breaking the News to Patients 15:05 Patient Reactions & Clinical Risk 18:18 Business Logistics & Record Retention 23:06 Why Friends and Family Shouldn’t Be Executors 30:29 Costs & Contracting a Professional Executor 40:10 Continuity of Care Plan Options 44:46 TheraClosure: Professional Will for Therapists If this conversation stayed with you, I’d love for you to check out my Free CEU Trainings For Licensed Therapists. These resources are here to support you—not just in your clinical work, but as a whole person navigating a complicated profession. And if we’re not connected yet, please come find me on LinkedIn. It’s my favorite place to continue these kinds of conversations with thoughtful therapists like you. I also want to spotlight the incredible work of my guest, Dr. Robyn Miller. She’s the founder of TheraClosure, the first psychotherapist professional executor service, where she helps therapists create ethical plans for continuity of care. You can connect with Dr. Robyn on LinkedIn and follow her on Instagram. Lastly, I’d also love to hear what’s working for you, what could be better, and what’s on your wishlist for future episodes. Share your thoughts—let’s talk! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

This episode first aired on January 31, 2024 (Episode 3). We’re revisiting it because deciding when to let a client go is one of the most nuanced — and often unspoken — challenges therapists face. The reflections in this conversation are just as relevant today as they were when it was first released, offering guidance, perspective, and a reminder that you’re not navigating these decisions alone. How do you know when to let therapy clients go? This can be a tough call to make! But to practice ethically, we all need to know when to make it. Our mission is to help people grow, heal, and create positive change in their lives. When we can’t fulfill that mission, for whatever reason, it’s important that we acknowledge that, with compassion and courage. But sometimes it’s not so straightforward. How do you know if your client is making progress? How do you know when you’re the right person to help them, and when you’re not? That’s what we’re talking about on this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Challenge of Letting Clients Go 03:05 Ethical Considerations in Therapy 05:05 Recognizing Client Progress and Stagnation 11:05 Making Thoughtful Referrals With Compassion 12:12 Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard 15:13 Counter-Transference and Therapist Growth 17:17 Therapist Safety and Boundary Violations 20:24 Navigating Toxic Work Environments 24:00 When Therapy Turns Into Casual Conversation 27:05 Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences 31:01 Compassion, Responsibility, and Letting Go 33:09 Resources and Support for Therapists If this conversation resonates, I’d love for you to explore my Free CEU Training Library for Therapists. It’s filled with on-demand trainings to support your growth as both a clinician and a person. You’re also welcome to connect with me on LinkedIn so we can continue exchanging ideas and resources in real time. If you’d like ongoing support and inspiration, you can also join my newsletter created especially for therapists. It’s a space where I share weekly podcast updates, practical tools for your work, free resources, and encouragement for you in this meaningful — and often demanding — career. And I’d love to keep this dialogue going with you. What questions are on your mind after listening? What situations have challenged you in deciding whether to continue or refer a client? Share your reflections with me. Let’s talk! And if you know another therapist who might find this episode meaningful, consider passing it along. That’s how we build a stronger, more supportive professional community together! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Toxic mental health internships are quietly breaking down early career therapists before their careers even begin. In this episode, I’m talking with my brilliant friend and colleague Dr. Ambra Born about one of the hardest, least-discussed realities in our profession: what happens when training programs don’t protect their students. We’re opening up about what it’s like to feel overworked, underpaid, unsupported — and then told to be grateful for it. If you’ve ever felt undervalued in your early career… if you worked in a system that took more than it gave… if you’re still carrying the weight of being dismissed or diminished during training — I want you to know, you are not alone. Ambra and I get into the systemic issues that allow this to happen, the risks across different settings (yes, even private practice), and what a truly supportive training environment should look like. We also talk about what healing can look like if that wasn’t your story — and how becoming a mentor or advocate can be one of the most powerful ways to take your worth back. So let me ask you this: Have you ever looked back at your training and thought, “That wasn’t okay”? Do you catch yourself overgiving or saying yes when you should say no — because of how you were shaped early on? What kind of support do you wish you’d had? If that hits home, this conversation is for you. You deserved better. And it’s not too late. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 The Hidden Dangers of Mental Health Internships 01:35 Dr. Ambra Born on Supporting Early Career Therapists 03:36 Exploitation and Structural Issues in Training Programs 07:18 Why Medical Models Don’t Work for Therapists 13:31 Creating Human-Centered Training Environments 17:10 Financial Struggles and Systemic Barriers for Trainees 26:37 Red Flags of Toxic Training Sites 43:08 Healing and Advocacy: Building a Better Future If this episode struck a chord, I’d love to invite you to join my newsletter for therapists. It’s a community created just for us — with weekly podcast updates, free resources, thoughtful tools for your work, and support for you as a clinician and as a human. And if we’re not already connected, come say hi on LinkedIn! It’s where I share new episodes, behind-the-scenes reflections, and hear what’s on your mind. I also want to shout out the incredible work Dr. Ambra Born is doing. She’s the co-founder and executive director of Reaching Hope, a trauma-informed mental health nonprofit in Colorado. You can also follow them on Instagram at @reaching_hope_colorado. Lastly, I’d love to hear from you. What topics would you like to explore in future episodes? What support are you craving right now? Let’s talk! And if this episode meant something to you, share it with a friend or colleague. We make this profession stronger when we lift each other up. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

This episode originally aired on February 14, 2024 (Episode 5), and we’re bringing it back because ghosting is one of those challenges every therapist encounters at some point in their career. It’s an important conversation worth revisiting, both for the insight it offers and the reminder that you’re not alone in navigating it. Have you ever been ghosted by a therapy client? This unfortunate experience is something that every therapist goes through eventually. And just like in any other relationship, when a therapy client ghosts, it can leave you feeling a little haunted. You might wonder if it was something you said, or worry that your therapy client is not okay. Most of all, you’ll be asking yourself — How can I avoid this kind of thing in the future? If you’ve been here before, then this episode is for you! We’re talking about why therapy clients ghost, how to process it when a client stops coming to therapy without saying goodbye, and how you can use this experience to grow, personally and professionally. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why Therapy Clients Ghost 01:15 The Role of Trust in Building Strong Client Relationships 04:49 Creating Emotional Safety and Open Communication in Sessions 07:20 Recognizing Relational Patterns That Lead to Ghosting 10:06 When Missteps and Ruptures Cause Clients to Leave 12:05 The Importance of Consultation and Professional Support 14:05 Why Clients Feel Stuck and How to Re-Engage Them 18:32 Therapy Limitations and the Shift Toward Coaching 20:30 Coaching vs. Traditional Therapy: What Clinicians Need to Know 24:15 Free Resources and Growth Opportunities for Therapists As you’re listening, remember you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. My Free CEU Trainings For Therapists is always available with on-demand resources designed to support both your clinical work and your personal wellbeing. You can explore it anytime, and if we’re not yet connected on LinkedIn, let’s change that. It’s one of my favorite spaces to continue these conversations with colleagues. And since this podcast is created with you in mind, I’d love to know what’s on your heart. What questions do you have, what topics do you want me to unpack in future episodes? Let’s talk! Share your thoughts with me, and if you know another therapist who would benefit from this conversation, send them this episode so our community of support keeps growing. xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Ever notice how this work changes you in ways you never saw coming? I’m not just talking about your skills in the therapy room. I mean how it rewires your social life, shapes your relationships, and even shifts the way you see the world. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m getting real about the pros and cons of being a therapist, from the hilarious moments (like when someone at a party freezes the second they hear what you do) to the harder stuff, like managing boundaries when friends overshare or feeling pressure to always have it “together.” We’ll talk about how this profession can deepen your compassion, expand your tolerance for life’s gray areas, and connect you to a bigger sense of purpose. We’ll also explore how it can leave you isolated, burnt out, or disconnected from your own feelings if you’re not paying attention. Most importantly, I’ll share why having real, non-judgy friendships with other therapists is essential for staying well in this work. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Why This Work Changes You 02:03 Overcoming Therapist Isolation and Building Community 04:24 Social Shifts When People Learn You’re a Therapist 08:09 Setting Boundaries and Managing Oversharing 12:01 How Therapy Work Deepens Compassion and Understanding 14:03 Burnout Risks and Essential Self-Care Competencies 18:01 Identity, Pressure, and the “Have It All Together” Trap 21:08 Why Friendships with Other Therapists Matter 24:57 Positive Ways the Profession Transforms You So, how has being a therapist changed you? Have you noticed shifts in your social life or even in how you see yourself? Are you giving as much attention to your own well-being as you do to your clients? If this episode hits home, I’d love for you to check out my Free CEU Training Library For Therapists. It’s full of on-demand resources to help you strengthen yourself as a clinician and as a human. And let’s connect on LinkedIn so we can keep these conversations going. I also want to hear from you. Your feedback, your questions about past episodes, and the topics you’d love me to cover next are always welcome! Share your thoughts with me here. If this episode resonated with you, think of a colleague, friend, or fellow therapist who might appreciate it too, and pass it along so we can keep these meaningful conversations moving through our community! xoxo, Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby Growing Self

Is your therapy practice future-ready… or are your AI tools quietly writing your client notes — and maybe rewriting your ethics policy, too? If you’re a therapist trying to make sense of what the heck is going on with AI in our field right now, this episode is for you. Whether you’re using AI daily, avoiding it like a bad EHR platform, or somewhere in between, you need to hear this conversation. In today’s episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Wood. She's a licensed therapist with a PhD in Cyberpsychology. We talk about how AI is already reshaping the way we practice therapy — and why we, as ethical clinicians, need to step up and lead this transformation, not just react to it. We talk about the practical realities of using AI in therapy (yes, including note-writing), the invisible risks no one’s warning you about (AI hallucinations, anyone?), and how our clients — especially Gen Z — are forming deep, emotionally meaningful relationships with AI companions. It's happening right now… and it’s impacting your work, whether you see it or not. This is one of the most important, eye-opening conversations I’ve had all year, and I hope you’ll join us for it. Timestamps: 00:00 – Your New Role: Ethical Leadership in the Age of AI 01:17 – What AI Companionship Really Looks Like for Clients 04:11 – How Therapists Are Already Using AI (Whether They Realize It or Not) 09:15 – AI “Hallucinations” in Clinical Documentation (and Why It Matters) 1 7:36 – Informed Consent + Data Privacy: What You Need to Rethink Today 24:39 – “I’m Not Into AI” Isn’t Enough Anymore 26:02 – AI as Therapist, BFF, or Boyfriend? What’s Actually Happening with Clients 36:49 – Working With AI in Session: Ethical, Empowered Possibilities 40:00 – New Assessment Questions You Should Be Asking Your Clients 44:28 – What an AI Policy for Your Practice Needs to Include If this episode lit up your brain the way it did mine, you have to check out the Free CEU Training with myself and Dr. Rachel Wood. Therapists + AI: Navigating Ethics, Boundaries, and Client Safety. We go even deeper into the clinical realities of AI and therapy — including how clients are forming emotional bonds with chatbots, the ethical risks of AI-generated notes, and so much more about what all of this means for our practices, our clients, and our profession. You'll earn 1.5 CEU credit (by completing a short knowledge check), and get practical tools to: Update your informed consent Adjust your intake assessments Create AI policies for your practice Hold space for the big existential questions therapists are facing right now 👉 Access the Free CE Training here — and stay part of this incredibly important conversation This is just the beginning of the conversation. If you want more insights on ethical innovation, therapist support, and how to grow professionally without burning out, let’s stay in touch. I share industry news, updates on free CEU webinars, and info on the latest episode of the Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists podcasts over on LinkedIn. We’re having great conversations — and I’d love to hear your thoughts on all of this. 👉 Connect with me here Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. If you found this episode helpful, would you share it with a therapist friend or colleague? We need each other more than ever as we navigate this strange, exciting, and important new frontier in mental health care.

This one is SO important... we're doing it again. After originally posting this episode earlier in the year, I've had so many messages from therapist colleagues about how helpful and important this info was, I wanted to put it back at the top. Additionally, I have created a free cheat sheet with the changes that I made to my own disclosure statement after recording this interview (because I too, learned a lot) and I'm happy to share this with you. DM me on Linkedin or just shoot me an email ([email protected]). xo, Lisa = There's something none of us want to deal with, but absolutely need to be prepared for: getting subpoenaed to testify in court. The moment that letter lands on your desk, the panic sets in—What can I say? What can’t I say? How do I protect my client’s confidentiality while also following the law? And of course, the biggest worry of all: What if I mess this up? Breathe. I’m here to help! I brought in family law expert Rich Harris—an attorney who knows this world inside and out—to break it all down for you. In this episode, we’re talking about what to do when you get served with a subpoena, how to avoid big legal mistakes, and steps to safeguard yourself before this happens. Don't wait until you're in the hot seat—listen now so you can be prepared, protected, and empowered. Timestamps: 00:00 Getting Subpoenaed is So Stressful! 00:42 Meet Our Legal Expert: Rich Harris 02:05 Your First Steps After Receiving a Subpoena 03:22 Do You Really Have to Testify? Here’s the Truth 08:07 How to Protect Client Confidentiality Like a Pro 12:15 The #1 Mistake Therapists Make With Legal Cases 15:18 Subpoenas in Custody Cases—What You Need to Know 20:53 How to Challenge an Improper Subpoena 26:43 Scam Alert! The Dangerous Hoax Targeting Therapists 30:18 Court Testimony Tips: How to Stay Calm and Confident 34:21 What to Say (and Not Say) If You Have to Testify 41:52 Want to Become a Custody Evaluator? Here’s How! 47:16 Legal Resources I hope this episode helps ease any legal anxiety you might have.  There's more where that came from so let's stay connected. Subscribe to the podcast, and I can also keep you up to date with more helpful industry info with my newsletter: Sign up here  And hey—let’s stay connected on LinkedIn too! It’s a great space to stay in the loop, ask questions, and be part of a community of therapists who get it. Plus, you never know when that one post might save you from a professional headache down the road. Let’s connect —I’d love to see you in my network! Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby P.S. Know a therapist who could use this info? Share this episode with them!

Ever wondered how a coach with zero credentials is charging triple what you make—and people are lining up to pay them?! It's enough to make any seasoned, licensed, ethics-loving therapist want to throw their DSM across the room. In this juicy episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I’m pulling back the curtain on why life coaching income so often leaves therapist rates in the dust.  Coaches are NOT more skilled or more capable of change work. They’re just playing an entirely different game. A game that rewards confidence, clarity, marketing savvy, and outcomes over credentials and clinical nuance. And guess what? You can learn to play that game too—without compromising your values, your license, or your integrity. I’m sharing: The major reasons coaches earn more than therapists (and how to shift that narrative) How to talk about your services in a way that commands higher rates (ethically) Why the coaching model unlocks new freedom, flexibility, and actual income potential And most importantly, how you can start using this knowledge to your advantage—today. If you’re a therapist who’s tired of being undervalued, underpaid, and boxed in by the medical model, I made this episode for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Why Coaches Are In Your Lane (and Earning More) 04:01 – Coaching vs. Therapy: What's Really Different? 04:45 – Coaches Are Killing It (Here's Why) 08:43 – You Did the Work—So Why Are You Paid Less? 17:16 – Coaches Sell Outcomes. Therapists Sell... What, Exactly? 26:14 – The Marketing Mindset Shift Therapists Need 28:58 – Free CEU Resources to Get You Started 31:50 – The Invisible Impact of Therapist Identity 36:29 – What’s Ethical in Marketing? Let’s Talk. 41:39 – Getting Credentialed Changes Everything 52:03 – How Therapists Can Command Higher Rates Too If you’re serious about growing your income, expanding your impact, and doing it all without compromising your clinical integrity, now is the time to get your coaching credential. My BCC-accredited Coaching Certification for Therapists is designed exclusively for licensed professionals. You’ll learn evidence-based coaching models, how to ethically differentiate coaching from therapy, how to create offers that reflect your true value, and so much more. And here’s the exciting part: our next cohort starts soon (like, really soon). Don’t miss your chance to join this transformational experience.  👉 Head to my Coaching Certification For Therapists enrollment page to save your spot. Your future self will thank you for it when you’re doing the work that lights you up while attracting your dream clients, earning more, and achieving it all on your own terms. And if we’re not already connected, let’s fix that! Come say hi to me on LinkedIn and join a growing community of big-hearted clinicians who are reimagining what’s possible in this profession. I’d love to hear your story and support you in whatever way I can. Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby PS: If this episode sparked something in you, please share it with your colleagues, grad school friends, and therapist groups. Let’s help each other rise. 💪

Ever had a dream client vanish the second you said, “I don’t take insurance”?  In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m breaking down one of the most frustrating, deflating, and pivotal conversations we have in private practice: how to talk to therapy clients about insurance and self-pay therapy (without spiraling, apologizing, or selling yourself short). I walk you through exactly how to handle that record-scratch moment with clarity, confidence, and integrity—so you can stop losing ideal clients and start owning your value. We’ll explore why the insurance model was never built for growth work, how to frame your services outside of the medical model, and how self-pay therapy and coaching can be transformational for both you and your clients. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, this conversation will help you rethink the way you show up, speak up, and set yourself up for long-term success. Timestamps: 00:00 – The Insurance Dilemma 02:38 – Empowering Therapists: Navigating Insurance Questions 04:47 – Why Don’t Some Therapists Take Insurance? 06:03 – The Disconnect Between Client Needs and Insurance 07:11 – Ethical Considerations and Challenges 16:47 – Are Self Pay Therapy Clients More Motivated? (Yes. Here's why.) 18:11 – How to Stop Feeling Guilty For Charging Self Pay Rates 25:12 – How to Communicate Your Value 38:36 – Can I Build a Practice Without Taking Insurance? 39:58 – How to Become a Certified Coach as a Therapist 46:36 – Clarity and Confidence in Practice If you’re longing for a practice that aligns with your passion for growth work—it might be time for a new approach. In my BCC-Accredited Coaching Certification for Therapists, I guide licensed clinicians just like you to: Ethically expand beyond the limitations of the insurance model Work confidently with self-pay clients who are motivated and ready to change Learn the language, structure, and mindset of transformational coaching psychology Build a sustainable practice doing the work you actually want to do with your dream clients. This program rewards up to 50 CE hours. Come learn how to create a thriving, ethical, and fulfilling practice from someone who’s walked this road. 👉Enroll by 7/14 to take advantage of our current Expert Experience Summer Bonus: a free month of coaching client referrals to your private practice. Learn more here. And hey—if we haven’t connected on LinkedIn yet, let’s do so! I’d love to follow your journey, cheer you on, and swap notes on what’s working (and what’s not) in our evolving world of therapy and coaching. Come say hi and connect with me right here. Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. If this episode made you nod, scribble notes, or rethink your client scripts, share it with a fellow therapist or drop it in your favorite consultation group. Let’s rise together. 💛

Ever had a client look at you, desperate for help, and ask, “What should I do?” Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on a dilemma that I hear from therapists all the time: “My clients are stuck, they need direction, and they’re asking me for advice. But I’m supposed to stay neutral, right?”  On one hand, we want to help, but on the other, we’ve been trained to stay neutral and let the client find their own answers. So can therapists give advice? What’s the right move when your client is stuck and clearly craving direction? In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success For Therapists, we're diving into the inner conflict therapists face between sticking to our non-directive, empathetic listening style and providing the more concrete guidance that many clients are asking for. I’ll also show how evidence-based coaching can complement therapy in a powerful way and provide that direction in your sessions. You’ll get clear, actionable steps on how to navigate this tricky balance—without stepping outside of your ethical boundaries. You don’t want to miss this! Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction: The Therapist's Dilemma 02:49 - What Is the Role of a Therapist? 06:35 - Why Do Therapists Struggle to Be More Direct? 09:16 - How to Balance Client Expectations with Therapeutic Boundaries 15:19 - Is Coaching the Solution? 20:24 - What's the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching? 27:38 - How Can Therapists Become Certified Coaches? 34:29 - Resources for Therapists and Coaches If you’re feeling inspired by what I’ve shared and you’re ready to give your clients the directive support that they need, I’d love to invite you to take the next step in your professional development with my BCC-Accredited Coaching Certification for Therapists.  This program is designed specifically for therapists like you who want to build coaching competencies while staying within the ethical boundaries of your practice. You’ll receive 30 CEU credits for completing the certification and walk away with the skills to deliver more actionable, client-centered guidance that will help your clients get the results they’re asking for.  👉 Transform your practice by learning how to coach. If you want to stay updated on the latest podcast episodes, learn about upcoming free CEU webinars, and be a part of a supportive professional network, I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn! Find me at Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby. I share research, training opportunities, and news updates to help you grow, develop new skills, and thrive! Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com PS: If you found this episode valuable, think about someone in your professional community who could benefit from this conversation. Share it with them, and let’s keep the discussion going!

Therapists, what if I told you your photo, credentials, and carefully crafted bio might be sitting on a website you never signed up for—used to funnel therapy-seeking clients into fake therapy phishing scams?  I know you might be thinking, “That could never happen to me…” But it’s a rapidly increasing issue that’s affecting therapists across the country right this second. And it could happen to you too. In this episode of Love, Happiness and Success for Therapists, I’m digging into the disturbing world of fake therapy platforms, profile scraping, and the deceptive tactics being used by some online therapy sites.  Joining me are powerhouse investigative journalists Rebecca Ruiz of Mashable and Lauren Krouse of Everyday Health, who have been on the frontlines of uncovering how these scams operate (particularly, 7 Cups online therapy) and how they’re hurting both clinicians and clients alike. If you’re in private practice, or even just listing your services online, you must listen to this. Timestamps: 04:11 – The Moment You Realize: “That’s My Face—On a Site I Never Signed Up For” 08:32 – Chatrooms Masquerading as Mental Health Care 13:50 – Real Therapists, Real Rage: The Emotional Toll of Being Impersonated 19:45 – How Big Tech and SEO Are Silencing Ethical Therapists 27:12 – Take Back Your Identity: What You Can Do Right Now 36:07 – It’s Bigger Than 7 Cups: AI, Fake Licenses, and the Future of Therapy If you're now frantically Googling your name—please know that you are not alone in this. I’m committed to helping ethical therapists like you stay informed and protected in this rapidly evolving landscape. I talk about issues like these in my For Therapists Newsletter—which includes updates on new interviews with experts in our field, strategies for navigating the business of private practice, self-care tips for therapists, and updates on urgent news like the 7 Cups fake therapy situation.  You’ll always be in the loop with the latest on how to protect your practice, support your clients, and thrive in this evolving digital landscape. I hope you check it out.  👉 Sign up to get crucial updates just for therapists. And let’s stay in conversation. I share breaking updates, announcements about my free CEU trainings for therapists, and thoughtful discussions on LinkedIn almost daily. Connect with me there so we can continue to educate, advocate, and elevate this profession together. 👉 You can find me on LinkedIn here.  Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. If you found this article helpful, I hope you’ll take a moment to share it with a colleague or your professional community. This information could protect someone else’s career—or their clients’ well-being. Let’s keep each other safe out there. 💛

Have you ever gotten that really sweet message from a client saying, “Hey, I told my friend about you—they’re reaching out!” and felt… conflicted? On the one hand, it’s a huge compliment. On the other? It throws you right into the middle of an ethical tightrope walk. When therapy clients refer their friends, it can feel like walking a fine line between appreciation and professional chaos. In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’ll share a behind-the-scenes story from my own practice where a client referred a friend—who happened to be their business partner—and how things unraveled when their relationship did.  I’ll also unpack the professional risks, the emotional tug-of-war, and the subtle ethical conflicts that can arise when our good intentions collide with real-world complexity. Plus, how to set therapeutic boundaries and redirect referrals. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Ethical Grey Area of Friend Referrals 03:49 - Handling Referrals from Clients 07:29 - Redirecting Personal Referrals 15:15 - Handling Unexpected Client Connections 19:00 - Practicing Ethical Boundaries 20:41 - Gray Areas and Subtle Ethical Dilemmas If navigating tricky situations like when therapy clients refer their friends makes you crave more thoughtful guidance, you’re not alone—and I’ve got you. Every week in my Newsletter For Therapists, I share real-world insights, practical strategies, and honest reflections just like this one to help you grow into the most grounded, ethical, and empowered version of your therapist self. It’s a space for support, connection, and learning—because you deserve to feel confident in your clinical decisions. 👉 Sign up for the newsletter here and let’s keep growing together. And hey, if this topic hit home for you, come connect with me on LinkedIn! Let’s keep the conversation going and build a professional community where we can show up, support each other, and thrive.  Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. — If you know a friend or colleague who'd benefit from this chat, send it over to them. It could be exactly what they need to hear to get out of a sticky situation.

Ever felt like you’re missing that one tool in your therapy toolkit that could help your clients truly heal and reconnect with their best selves? Well, in today’s episode of Love, Happiness and Success for Therapists, I’m chatting with Dr. Dick Schwartz, founder of the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, about the power of IFS and how it can be a game-changer for your clients. IFS is more than just a therapy model—it's a transformative approach that helps clients access their own core Self, heal their internal wounds, and lead their lives with compassion, confidence, and calm. It's about connecting with the different "parts" of our psyche and fostering self-leadership.  You’ll leave this episode with a deeper understanding of IFS and how it can benefit both your clients and your practice. Whether you’re just starting out or already familiar with IFS, this conversation is packed with wisdom, insights, and actionable steps that you can start applying right away. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) 01:07 - Understanding the Core Concepts of IFS 06:03 - The Role of the Therapist in IFS 08:55 - Challenges and Insights in IFS Therapy 19:48 - Outcome Research and Broader Applications 25:12 - Legacy Burdens and Cultural Impact 29:14 - Resources and Training for Therapists 33:47 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts I learned so much from this episode, and I hope you did, too. My mission is to empower, inspire, and care for therapists like you by sharing meaningful conversations, evidence-based insights, and practical tools to help you thrive personally and professionally.  Let’s stay connected so I can keep you in the loop about new episodes, resources, and ideas that make a difference in your life. Sign up for my newsletter right here and join a community that’s all about lifting each other up. You give so much to others—it’s time someone’s here to support you. Also, if you found this helpful, pass it along to your professional community—we’re all in this together. ❤️ Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com PS: I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn and be part of this amazing therapist community! Join me here: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby on LinkedIn.

You’re a therapist, not a career strategist, right? That’s what I told myself for years—until the zillionth client sat across from me, looked me dead in the eye, and asked, “What should I do with my life?” Cue the record scratch. Let’s be real: we’re trained to hold emotional space, diagnose, treat, and heal — but when it comes to career development and professional identity? Most of us are flying blind. In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Suzy Welch — NYU professor, bestselling author, and creator of the Becoming You methodology — to talk about how therapists can help our clients (and ourselves!) find professional clarity, direction, and purpose. We’re talking values alignment, cognitive aptitudes, career mismatches, and that giant existential "Now what?" moment clients bring to our couch. Timestamps: 00:00 - The Noble Work of Therapy 00:38 - The Career Coaching Gap in Therapist Training 01:09 - Meet Suzy Welch: Author, Educator, Career Strategist 02:57 - How “Becoming You” Was Born — and Who It’s For 05:27 - Values, Aptitudes & Purpose: A New Career Coaching Framework 08:24 - Why Most Therapists Are “Winging It” in Career Coaching (and how to stop) 13:10 - Values Mismatch at Work: The Invisible Career Saboteur 15:48 - Coaching ≠ Therapy: Why You Need Both Skill Sets 20:42 - How to Close the Values Gap for You and Your Clients 22:35 - Why Career Coaching Belongs in Therapy Rooms 23:55 - Real-World Tools for Therapists That Create Breakthroughs 25:19 - Becoming You Methodology: Tools, Testing & Transformation 26:26 - Career Discovery for Clients—and Yourself 30:18 - The Emotional Toll of Therapy & Why Specialization Matters 32:34 - Burnout, Vicarious Trauma, and Therapist Career Fit 36:37 - Your Career Deserves Purpose Too 42:37 - Where to Learn More: Trainings, Tools, and Next Steps If you’ve ever felt stuck when clients bring career questions into the therapy room, this conversation will blow your mind and expand your skillset. I’ve also got something for you to get clear on your own career path. I created a free CEU training, 4 Steps to Finding Your Niche as a Therapist to help support us therapists in our own professional development. It’s all about helping you get clear, confident, and aligned. Because before we coach clients through their next chapter, we have to write our own.  👉 You can sign up right here and earn 1 CEU credit when you complete the training and the knowledge check. And hey—let’s stay connected. You can find me on LinkedIn, where I share lots of behind-the-scenes insights, podcast updates, and the occasional nerdy therapist meme. Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com P.S. Know a therapist, coach, or clinician who would love this episode? Be a good colleague and share it with your professional community! 💌

Ever wonder how to truly help your clients build more secure attachment styles? This episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists is for you! I’m sitting down with the brilliant Dr. Daniel Siegel—one of the world’s leading experts in attachment science and childhood development. Together, we’re unpacking the latest research and ideas you can take straight into your practice. Dr. Siegel’s approach goes beyond the basics of attachment theory, blending personality, temperament, and attachment into a powerful framework that creates truly personalized client experiences. This episode is full of actionable insights that’ll not only expand your therapeutic toolkit but also inspire new ways of thinking about the work you do. ✨ Here’s a sneak peek of what we cover: 00:00 — Why Attachment Styles Matter More Than Ever 00:24 — Meet Dr. Siegel: The Mind Behind the Research 03:15 — Moving Beyond Theory: Practical Tools for Attachment and Development 04:30 — Yes, We’re Talking Enneagram in Therapy! 06:43 — Integrating Enneagram & Neurobiology—It’s a Thing 09:39 — Research-Backed Applications You Can Use Today 11:08 — How Personality & Temperament Shape Attachment Styles 15:54 — Real-World Strategies to Transform Your Practice If you’re ready to unlock new therapeutic strategies and create real breakthroughs with your clients, this is an episode you can’t miss. Hit subscribe now so you never miss a beat—and share this episode with other therapists who’d love these insights too. And let’s stay connected on LinkedIn! Join me here to keep the conversation going and be part of an amazing network of therapists.

You’re craving more freedom, better clients, and real income... but is private practice actually the dream you think it is? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to start a successful private therapy practice—and trust me, it’s not what most therapists expect. Whether you're yearning for more freedom, higher income, or a deeper impact, going solo can be amazing... if you make intentional, informed decisions from day one. I’ll walk you through the crucial questions every therapist needs to answer before jumping into private practice, share the pros and cons of insurance vs. private pay, and unpack the coaching-vs-therapy conversation that so many clinicians miss (at their own risk). This is the conversation I wish someone had with me before I started Growing Self. So consider this your honest, heartfelt, experienced guide to launching a practice that truly supports your life, your energy, and your goals. Timestamps: 00:00 – Do You Want a Private Practice or a Business? 02:15 – What Private Practice Really Involves 12:38 – Door #1: Insurance-Based Practice 17:59 – Door #2: Self-Pay Private Practice 25:10 – Marketing Mistakes Therapists Make 27:05 – Therapy vs. Coaching: Know the Difference 30:35 – What to Do Before You Launch 41:44 – How to Find Your Niche As a Therapist If you’re seriously thinking about starting a private practice, please don’t wing it. Join me in my free CEU training: 4 Steps to Discovering Your Niche as a Therapist. I created it to help you get crystal clear on who you are as a practitioner, who you want to serve, and how to attract your dream clients. It's everything I wish I’d known when I started my private practice. You’ll also receive one CEU credit for completing the training and acing the knowledge check.  👉 Access the Free CEU Training: 4 Steps to Finding Your Niche as a Therapist Also, if you’re in the messy middle of your professional evolution, or if you're just craving more real-talk conversations about the behind-the-scenes of life as a therapist—let’s stay connected. I hang out on LinkedIn more than I probably should (hey, it's where the smart, soulful professionals are). That’s where I share exclusive content for therapists, updates on my latest free CEU trainings, insights into private practice success, and the occasional nerdy deep dive into clinical ethics, coaching, or how to market yourself without selling your soul. I’d love to hear from you!  👉 Come find me on LinkedIn! Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobbywww.growingself.com P.S. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a colleague, your supervision group, or anyone else dreaming of going solo. Let’s raise the bar together.