[Video Post] Ways For Counselors To Reduce No-Shows (Even With Clients Who Come See You For Free)

You Told Me!

Last week, out of worries that I wasn't offering blog posts that were of enough relevance to your experience as a new counselor, I decided to do the simple thing and ask you guys what you thought. I was OVERWHELMED by your helpful feedback and kind support. I will be SO MUCH better able to support you now that I know what you're looking for!

The FIRST question I asked was: 

Which of the following topics are the MOST interesting and/or helpful to you?

Here's what you said:

What New Counselors Most Want To Read About

Counseling Techniques was a BIG one, followed closely and more or less equally by private practice business building, resources for counselors, support and job or internship help. 

Next, I had asked you, "What would you say is your number one challenge right now related to the world of counseling?" This answer was open-ended, and the responses were even more diverse: 

• Getting Clients 
• Getting Ideal Clients 
• Internship/Employment 
• Establishing A Business 
• Marketing as an LPC-I 
• LPCC in California/Internship in California
• Reducing No-Shows 
• Updating License While Relocating 
• Creative Techniques and Handouts 
• What To Do In The Interim Period Between Grad & License 
• Clients You Don't Know How To Help 
• Meeting The Clients Where They Are 
• Finances/Income 
• Finding a Paid Internship 
• Getting On Insurance Panels 
• Getting More Supervised Experience 

So to this I say: Challenge accepted. 

I pledge to address each and every one of these concerns in upcoming blog posts so that you can have a more healthy, happy new counselor experience. 

And in the meantime, I want to encourage you to remain active in seeking out your answers to those questions and forming a stronger community of counselors. 

Here are some great ways to make that happen. 

For those of you who'd like to keep your finger on the pulse of business-building for private practice counselors, check these out:

The Mind Your Own Business Virtual Conference FACEBOOK group, where we discuss business needs, share tips, and collaborate. 

Here's what we are about:

A networking group for business-minded counselors

Please note: Since we get a lot of spammers (we're just awesome that way) you MUST message me here on Facebook as you request to join the group or your membership will not be approved. (Just say "I joined!")

You'll also want to subscribe to 30 Days To A More Profitable Private Practice free business success tips by yours truly. 

Find business advice and brilliance at Psychotherapy Private Practice Marketing. 

For those of you who want help with supervision and internships, look at these resources: 

Kim Peterson, of Kim's Counseling Corner, has a Facebook group called Young Counseling Professionals and Supervisors. (She gave me permission to invite ya'll!) 

Here's the description for that:

• New graduates, interns, and young therapists, as well as supervisors in counseling and psychology are encouraged to join in an effort to offer support and mentoring to those just starting out. Post questions, photos, and events aimed to encourage, support, and challenge new counseling professionals.

And don't forget about:

CounselingInterns - Helping New Counselors Plan For What's Next 

You must sign up for the newsletter. I do, and I love it!

And of course, for the many, many of you who are thirsty to improve your counseling techniques:

Here's a website I just found that I think is kind of amazing! 

Basic Counseling Skills

Check this out, let me know what you think - and keep following the blog for more success secrets, business-building, encouragement, tips, tricks and how-tos!

It didn't feel right.

I  had a whole blog post written for today. But it just didn't feel right. I was having trouble making it make sense, the message didn't resonate...it just didn't work.

I was mad and frustrated for a while, until I realized that this wasn't a bad thing. It was a clue.

Communities grow and change, just like people.. our community is evolving. Some of you are now into full-time work, some have started your own private practice. Some are getting further schooling, some need help finding a job. And we have new friends who just found out about us at the beginning of their journey. I know we cannot be all things to all people, but I believe with better understanding, we can better support and serve each other.

I'll start us out by asking you to weigh in on two things. Just two!

I know, most of you are very comfortable where you are in lurkerville, but if there was anytime to pop your head out, it's now! If we're going to keep growing together, I have to know what you need. : )

So try it. Just look at the two questions below and pop your comments into the box below. It will take two minutes of your time now, but will help me majorly improve the way I am able to serve you.

Question #1: Which of the following topics are the MOST interesting and/or helpful to you?

Supervision & Site Placement

Job Search & Placement

Resources for Counselors

Private Practice Business Building

Counseling Techniques

Support & Personal Growth

Question #2: What would you say is your number one challenge right now related to the world of.counseling?

That's it! I can't wait to hear what you think and start bringing you more and more helpful resources to grow into happy, healthy new counselors! I am so grateful to all of you and the joy you bring into my life!

The Best Thing You Can Do For Your Clients. Period.

What do we tell our clients?

Take care of yourself.

Take time for you.

Communicate with your partner and other loved ones.

Take risks.

Try new things.

Go for your goals.

Follow your passion.

The best thing you can do for your clients is to do all these things for yourself as well. 

Why?

Because when they say they can't, you can say, "Well, I do it, you can too!"

Because if you take care of yourself you will have the best of yourself to give to your clients, each and every session.

Because happiness, joy, and fulfillment are contagious.

Pass it on. 

Free Worksheets For Therapists

So, this week's blog post is a little late...but that's because I had to put in an extra dose of awesome. You're welcome. :) 

On a beginning counselor budget while working with your first practicum clients? Check out any of these websites for free printable worksheets for you to use with your clients! 

Therapist Aid

These worksheets can be filtered by age range and topic (or both). Make sure you click the worksheets tab on top.
Key Assets: Couples Worksheets, Visuals, Charts, and Handouts. 

Autism Teaching Strategies
In addition to excellent resources for those who focus on autism, many of the downloads can be used just as easily for older children and tweens with a variety of social or thought-based disorders. (Click "Free Social Skills Downloads") Games available too! 
Standouts: Poison and Antidote CBT Thought Bubbles Game, Words Hurt, Words Help Worksheets

Click To Tweet!

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Self-Help Strategies 

Though it is cognitive-behavioral therapy self-help strategies, even if you have a different theoretical orientation, you'll still find a lot here. These worksheets are practical, visual, and varied.  Great handouts as well as worksheets. 

My Favorites: Positive Personal Qualities, STOPP Worksheet

Psychology Tools
Home of more specialized tools than many, such as Body Dysmorphic Disorder Formulation and more, these tools are just as helpful for the student psychologist or counselor as they are for the client. 
Quick Wall Decor: Post The Tasks Of Grief or Unhelpful Thinking Styles on your office wall to start a discussion. 

Kim's Counseling Corner

What I like most about this collection is its' diversity: Kim has links from all over the world, colorful behavior charting for children, and in-depth, thought-provoking resources for adults. She also has resources for some divisions that many overlook, like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and more. One caveat: Some of the links require you to click through because direct linking isn't allowed, but that isn't Kim's fault, just the way it's set up with the original creator of the worksheets. 

Keep Up: Subscribe to her email list to be notified when new worksheets are available! Enter your email address on the left and hit the subscribe button. 

Click To Tweet!

Therapy Worksheets

A whole blog devoted to what this blog post is about - what could be better? Able to offer a great deal, due to the fact it's a regular thing. 

Better Serving Our Soldiers:  Check out this entry focused on worksheets for veterans. 

Positive Psychology Worksheets

Smaller but still noteworthy group because the worksheets are more thorough than most, including references, expected outcomes, pitfalls and more.

Heartwarming Habit: "Bedtime Blessings"

And some more random ones I came across along the way...

Cognitive Mindfulness Workbook (Direct Link To PDF)

Anger Workbook, Part 1 (Direct Link To PDF)

Anger Workbook, Part 2 (Direct Link To PDF)

Enjoy! But don't forget to practice good freebie etiquette - do not sell these worksheets or otherwise use them in a manner inconsistent with the creator's requests. I will disown you. :) 

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Have a resource I overlooked? Post it below!