How to Own Your Expertise and Attract Your Ideal Therapy Clients

October 17, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

Novice and seasoned therapists alike have moments of “fraudy” feelings--of wondering how on earth people can trust them with their most intimate struggles and expect them to help. Well, these feelings are normal, and in fact, are why you are in the role you’re in.

Let me explain.

Being aware of your humanity--your limitations--is the foundation for being a “good” therapist.

The problem is that these “fraudy” feelings often lead us to question our expertise. But, the truth is, as licensed therapists, we are experts. Let me also say that by “expert” I am not referring to the expert role--believing you know more than your clients about their lives. I am referring to your expertise in relation to your target audience (your ideal clients).

Seeing yourself as an expert is crucial for successfully operating in the therapist role day in and day out, no matter your context--the therapy room, the networking meeting, or the classroom. It is also a prerequisite for defining your ideal clients and communicating in ways that resonate with them.

10 Therapist (and Child)-Approved Activities to Support Kids with Anxiety

October 10, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

This week's article is a guest post by Kristin O'Rourke, LCSW.

If you’re a mental health professional working with children, you will probably agree that many of the calls you receive from parents have something to do with anxiety or stress. Child therapists have the amazingly important yet challenging task of educating and supporting kids in a therapeutic setting that is both productive and fun. When working with children as young as preschool age, it can be a very daunting task to keep things fresh and exciting week after week! So, how do we help children develop the coping skills they need while keeping them engaged (and not glancing at their watch)? Here are ten therapist (and child!)-approved, fun activities that address anxiety-based disorders and promote relaxation and stress reduction in children:

Family Therapy Basics 2017 Annual Reader Survey Results

October 3, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

First Annual Family Therapy Basics Survey Results

Last month, I asked Family Therapy Basics readers and email subscribers to take part in the first annual reader survey. Thank you to those of you that took the survey! Your responses have given me ideas for creating content and resources based on exactly what you need.

I received 175 responses, and here's what you said:

How to Establish a Therapeutic Culture in Group Therapy

September 26, 2017 Ili Rivera Walter, PhD, LMFT

One of the main roles of a group therapist is establishing the group's culture. Group culture is influenced by the group's structure (i.e., a closed vs. an open group), meeting schedule, and explicit and implicit rules. Both group members and therapist contribute to the culture over time; however, the therapist plays the lead role in setting both the tone and structure of the group.