Most of my work — as a therapist, as a supervisor, and as a private practice mentor — is done 1:1. It’s easy to forget how powerful it is to connect with groups of like-minded people when you get the chance.
I just got back from this year’s New York Mental Health Counselors Association (www.NYMHCA.org) Convention in Albany NY. It was great to experience the energy and excitement of colleagues networking, learning, and sharing their experiences and dreams.
I was thrilled to see a “full house” as I presented my pre convention workshop: The 7 Steps to FREEDOM in Private Practice. What an amazing group of folks — all interested in starting or building their private practices. We got to spend 3-1/2 hours together discussing policies, procedures, pitfalls, and so much more.
I’m so grateful for this experience; the topic lights my fire and it was wonderful to share and interact with such a great group of people. Later that night I sat in a room full of mental health counselors, counselor educators, students, and officials discussing the present and future of our profession.
What a weekend.
I hope you take the time to meet up with your colleagues very soon. Consider joining and/or becoming active in your profession’s state organization. It’s so powerful to be part of something that is at the core of your profession.