Therapists, have you ever sat across from a client and thought, “Am I really equipped to help with this?” Maybe you’re nodding and empathizing on the outside while mentally Googling a treatment strategy or a diagnosis after they leave. If so, you’re not alone. I’ve been there!

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists, I’m diving into one of the most important—and often overlooked—topics for therapists: understanding your scope of competence. We’ll talk about how to recognize when you’re stretching beyond your expertise, why it matters for you and your clients, and how to confidently navigate those gray areas we all face.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 - The “Am I Winging It?” Moment Every Therapist Faces
• 1:46 - Why Saying No Can Be the Best Gift You Give Your Clients
• 5:22 - Developing a Clear Roadmap
• 10:12 - Handling Client Evolution
• 17:44 - Warning Signs of Overstepping Boundaries
• 29:16 - How to Build a Dream Team Referral Network
• 35:05 - Why Self-Reflection Is Your #1 Tool for Staying Ethical and Effective

Understanding your scope of competence as a therapist can be tricky. Therapists like you do incredible work. But let’s be honest—it’s hard to navigate sometimes! That’s why I created this podcast and my weekly For Therapists newsletter. I’m here to support you, just like you support your clients.

In my weekly newsletter, I gather advice from my interviews with industry experts, the latest research on therapeutic modalities, and strategies for personal and professional growth to help you be the best therapist you can be—without burning out in the process. 

If you’d like that steady stream of professional insights, free resources, and a little extra emotional support, sign up for my newsletter here. It's such an honor for me to be able to support you all and the amazing work that you do with your clients. You give so much—let me give back to you.

I’d also love to connect with you on LinkedIn! I’m always sharing my thoughts and experiences and chatting with other therapists over there. It’s a great way to build community and support with people who get it. I hope I see you there! 

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, check out some of my others and share it with your professional community—because we all know a colleague who could use a little clarity in this area.

What if the key to helping your therapy clients with anxiety, depression, or ADHD might actually be sleep? In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving deep into the connection between sleep and mental health and the power of sleep therapy with the brilliant Dr. Michelle Okun, an expert in sleep psychology.

We break down the incredible science behind how sleep affects everything from mood and memory to stress and physical health—and how therapists like us can integrate sleep awareness into our practice to achieve better, faster outcomes for our clients.

Chapters:

00:00 - The Overlooked Importance of Sleep in Therapy 

01:44 - Meet Dr. Michelle Okun: Sleep Psychology Expert 

03:54 - The Impact of Sleep on Mental Health 

07:59 - Understanding Sleep Disorders and Their Effects 

12:48 - Clinical Practices for Assessing Sleep Issues 

25:46 - The Role of Sleep Studies in Treatment 

48:32 - Therapist Self-Care: The Importance of Sleep 

53:00 - Enhancing Therapy Through Sleep Awareness

I learned so much from this episode. I hope you did too. If this was helpful for you, there's more where that came from! Each week I'm sharing critical info every modern therapist must know, and talking to thought leaders in our field. This is all for you! Sign up for my newsletter so you stay in the loop.

Also, let’s connect on LinkedIn! It’s a place where us therapists can come together to share insights, support one another, and learn actionable strategies to elevate your practice. I’d love to hear from you! 

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Share this episode with your professional community—it could be the advice one of your colleagues is looking for!

Therapists, are you feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or questioning your place in the field? Burnout is more than just feeling tired—it’s a profound, deeply personal experience that can derail our careers, our health, and our relationships.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m sitting down with Dr. Jen Blanchette. Together, we dive deep into the reality of therapist burnout—what it looks like, why it happens, and how we, as therapists, can start the process of recovery.

You’ll learn to spot the early signs of therapist burnout, understand the deeper factors behind it, and tackle challenges like clinical grief and compassion fatigue. You'll come away with practical strategies to set boundaries, build support systems, and create space for real rest, so you can regain your energy, focus, and passion. Plus, we'll explore ways to pivot within the field and add joy back into your practice!

Timestamps: 00:00: What is Therapist Burnout? Recognizing the signs 00:40: Meet Dr. Jen Blanchette – A psychologist and burnout expert 06:09: Why burnout thrives in silence 09:43: Coping as a therapist 18:29: Burnout Symptoms 25:45: Rest and Recovery 28:27: When to pivot professionally 30:27: The Power of Community 34:28: End-stage burnout and what’s next 43:21: Your Identity Beyond Work 

If anything we’ve talked about today hits close to home, I want you to know that you don’t have to figure this out alone. Truly, there are steps you can take to start feeling better and moving forward—and I’m here to help.

I created this free Flourish and Thrive: Banishing Burnout Quiz to help therapists just like you on their path to success and wellness. It will show you what’s working, what’s not, and how to pivot toward a career and life that fulfills you. It’s quick, free, and packed with insights tailored just for you. Take a moment for yourself today—you deserve to thrive.

Also, let’s stay connected! I’m always sharing tips, resources, and inspiration to help therapists grow and succeed. Come say hi on LinkedIn—you can follow me here. I’d love to hear from you.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

PS: Don’t forget to leave a comment and share your burnout journey (or questions!). Let’s keep this conversation going. 😊

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.

Therapists, let’s get real—when was the last time you focused on YOUR goals? In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m turning the spotlight on you. We’ll dive into the transformative power of therapist goal-setting—not just for your practice, but for designing a life that feels balanced, fulfilling, and truly aligned with your values.

Here’s the deal: If you’ve been putting everyone else’s needs first (sound familiar?), it’s time to check in with yourself. Together, we’ll walk through a simple process to reflect on where you are, where you want to go, and how to actually make it happen. Plus, I’ll share practical tips for avoiding burnout and reigniting your passion for the work you love. 💡

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Focusing on Therapist Goals

01:27 - The Importance of Self-Care for Therapists

03:30 - Personal and Professional Inventory

04:56 - Emotional and Physical Well-being

07:49 - Continued Development and Support Systems

13:01 - Quality of Life and Work-Life Balance

14:45 - Professional Growth and Specialization

33:11 - Setting and Achieving Specific Goals

37:27 - Conclusion and Resources

If you’re ready to grow in your career, check out my Therapists’ Guide to Coaching 2-Part Training. You’ll get a step-by-step guide to clarifying your professional goals, detailed instructions on how to become a certified coach, and education requirements, timelines, and recommended programs to get you there. Adding coaching to your practice can be a game changer in achieving the success and satisfaction you’re looking for. I hope you check it out. 

Love this kind of content? Hit the Subscribe button and share this episode with your professional community. Let’s help each other grow and thrive. 🌱

Happy New Year!

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

PS: Let’s connect! Join me on LinkedIn and be part of this amazing therapist community: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

🔥 Is Your Mental Health EHR Software SABOTAGING Your Therapy Practice? 🔥

Hey there, fabulous therapists! 

What if the very tools you trust to safeguard your therapy practice are secretly working against you? That’s the exact realization I came to one Saturday morning while reading my mental health EHR provider’s Terms of Service—coffee in one hand, highlighter in the other. What I uncovered left me shocked, angry, and determined to take action.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m sharing my journey from that unsettling discovery to successfully migrating my practice to a trustworthy platform. I’ll expose the hidden dangers lurking in EHR agreements, including data exploitation, intellectual property grabs, and third-party mishaps, while giving you actionable tips to protect your practice.

Timestamps to Guide Your Journey:

• 00:00 Introduction: A Shocking Discovery

• 01:17 The Terms of Service Nightmare Begins

• 02:43 Uncovering the Exploitation

• 04:14 The EHR System’s Hidden Agendas

• 10:00 Taking Action: The Radical Steps

• 15:08 The Migration Challenge

• 18:24 Sharing the Experience

• 22:15 The Power of Collective Action

• 24:09 Practical Tips for Therapists

• 27:13 Conclusion and Resources

As I mentioned in this episode, this experience was just one of many (too many) that I've dealt with in recent years. Unfortunately there are a number of scams targeting therapists, and more than one of my colleagues has gotten duped by them. I share all the details plus the action plan I put in place to harden my practice in this email series: 8 Scams Targeting Therapists. I hope you access it to keep yourself and your practice safe! 

🔔 Subscribe to this channel for more essential insights tailored for therapists. If you found this video helpful, share it with your professional community to help us all stay informed and empowered.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

PS: Want to connect more personally? Join me on LinkedIn and become part of an amazing community of therapists committed to thriving together. Let’s continue this conversation and grow stronger, together. 😊

Could your next therapy client be a mystery shopper on a secret spy mission? Yes, it’s a real thing—surprise! 🤯

When I found out someone was secretly in therapy to review my practice for an article, I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, or check if I’d entered an episode of Black Mirror. But here’s the deal: therapy mystery shoppers are real, and it’s something every therapist needs to know about.

In this podcast, I’m sharing the full story—what happened to me, why it matters to your practice, and, most importantly, how you can protect yourself and your clients. We’ll talk ethics, trust, and practical strategies so you can handle anything with professionalism and confidence. 💪

Chapters:

00:00 Hook: What if your client is secretly reviewing you? 02:55 When it happened to me: The full story 05:03 The trust shake-up: Why this feels so unsettling 06:39 Why every therapist should care (even if it hasn’t happened to you yet) 15:42 Red flags: How to spot a mystery shopper 18:47 Protect your practice: Actionable strategies 22:02 Growth mindset: Turning surprises into opportunities 24:51 Wrap-up: Keeping your practice strong and confident

Weird stuff happens—trust me, I’ve faced it all. From therapy mystery shoppers to scams targeting therapists, if you want to protect your practice, I’ve got you covered. When you sign up for my 8 Scams Targeting Therapists email series, I’ll share my personal experiences with you and lay out clear, actionable steps you can implement today to keep your practice safe. You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to hit that SUBSCRIBE button for more tips to protect, grow, and thrive in your practice. And please share this podcast with your professional community—because the best way we protect ourselves is by looking out for each other.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Let’s connect! Join our amazing therapist community over on LinkedIn. I’d love to hear your thoughts, stories, and questions!

Are you currently making some of the biggest therapist mistakes right now, without even realizing it? 

Chances are that you might be making common therapy mistakes that could harm your practice—or your clients, and that’s why we need to talk about this!  Trust me, I’ve been there, and as a clinical supervisor, I’ve seen it all. In this podcast, we’ll cover the most common therapist missteps (that you might not even realize you’re making!) and actionable strategies to avoid them.  

From building a solid therapeutic alliance to mastering boundaries and practicing self-care, I’m sharing the real talk, personal insights, and free resources you need to thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, this podcast is packed with value you don’t want to miss. 

Timestamps  

00:00 - Introduction: The surprising challenges therapists face  

00:57 - Missing signs of a ruptured therapeutic alliance  

02:06 - How to ask clients for feedback  

05:12 - Boundaries that are too loose—or too rigid  

11:53 - Why therapists must prioritize their own wellness  

18:13 - Avoid these private practice pitfalls  

26:16 - Actionable takeaways and free resources  

If any of these mistakes hit home, know this: you’re not alone, and you’re not doomed! Awareness is the first step to change. If you’d like to know where you stand in your practice, take my Banishing Burnout Assessment to discover whether you’re on a path to professional success and satisfaction or heading toward burnout. Let’s ensure you’re flourishing, not just surviving.

Don’t forget to subscribe to this channel for weekly insights, and if you found this helpful, share it with your professional community—we’re all in this together.  

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby 

growingself.com

P.S. Let’s connect on LinkedIn! Join our amazing community of therapists and professionals: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby.

Therapists, Are You Coaching Without Certification? You NEED to listen to this! 🚨  

Lots of therapists out there are adding “coach” to their title, but without going through any coach training first. They say, "Coaching seems simple, I can just add that to my title, right?" Hold up. You could… but should you? 

In this episode, I’m diving into why calling yourself a coach without proper certification is like jumping into a helicopter with only a driver’s license—it’s risky, dangerous, and could seriously hurt your career, your reputation, and your clients. 💥  

I’ll break down the real differences between therapy and coaching (hint: they’re NOT the same thing) and share the key steps to safely and successfully incorporate coaching into your practice—ethically and professionally. 🌟  

Time Stamps:

01:55 – Coaching vs. Therapy: Key Differences

05:34 – Why Certification Matters  

07:53 – Blending Coaching with Therapy

09:35 – Choosing the Best Coaching Credential  

13:37 – How to Protect Yourself and Your Clients  

26:50 – Free Resources to Get Started 

If you’re feeling inspired, I’ve got something to help you take the next step. My 2-Part Video Training: Therapist’s Guide to Coaching is a free resource that breaks everything down into actionable steps. You’ll get detailed instructions on how to become a certified coach as well as education requirements, timelines, and recommended programs. 

🔔  If this podcast resonated with you, please share it with your colleagues or professional network. Let’s help each other grow!

💌  P.S. I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn and be part of your professional journey. Let’s build something amazing together.

Ever left a session feeling like you’ve just run an emotional marathon? High-intensity clients are inspiring, but they can also be overwhelming, especially if you're an empathic therapist. 

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into practical tools to manage the emotional demands of high-intensity clients while protecting your energy and keeping burnout at bay. Trust me, if you've ever found yourself exhausted after a session, this is the episode for you!

Together, we’ll explore the strategies to help you thrive as a therapist, including ways to balance your caseload, set boundaries, and manage emotional intensity. From my own journey as a therapist and clinical supervisor, I’ll share actionable steps and resources to help you create a sustainable, fulfilling career.

Chapters:

00:39: Understanding High-Intensity Clients

00:58: Challenges for Empathic Therapists

02:49: Strategies for Managing Emotional Intensity

05:39: Finding Your Niche and Career Path

17:11: The Importance of Boundaries

19:39: Building a Support System

23:36: Balancing Your Caseload

26:45 Resources for Longevity

You give so much to others—it’s time to give yourself a moment of care. I created the Banishing Burnout Assessment to help you pause, reflect, and take charge of your professional and personal wellness. Click the link, and in a few quick questions, you’ll have the insights and tools you need to flourish in your practice. I hope it helps on your journey toward thriving.

If this episode resonates with you, make sure to subscribe to the channel for more info on growing in your therapy practice. And share it with your professional community — we’re in this together!P.S. Want to stay connected? Let’s connect on LinkedIn and keep building this amazing community. Join me on LinkedIn here!