Introduction

In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, your host, Whitney Owens, takes the mic for a solo show. With honesty and a deep connection to faith, Whitney shares her personal journey of facing challenges and finding strength amidst the storms of private practice. She reflects on the power of community, the significance of embracing dark moments, and the transformation that emerges on the other side. As a counselor and leader, she delves into the idea that difficulties often precede breakthroughs and that acknowledging our weaknesses can lead to profound growth.

Embracing the Darkness

Whitney highlights the notion that difficult seasons and challenges often precede times of growth and transformation. She emphasizes the importance of leaning into these dark moments and finding solace in the midst of them. Drawing inspiration from her own experiences, she reminds listeners that even in times of struggle, God's presence and work can be felt, even if it's not immediately apparent. "God moves even when we are struggling," she says, highlighting the potential for strength and transformation that can arise from challenging times.

Finding Identity and Purpose

Reflecting on her own path and challenges, Whitney underlines the significance of knowing one's identity in Christ. She shares a personal story of a healing prayer experience, demonstrating how God uses our vulnerabilities and weaknesses to manifest His work. Whitney discusses how adversity can lead to discovering one's true calling and purpose, and how hardships can shape us into better leaders and therapists. "We move out of the place of knowing God's heart for us," she asserts, emphasizing that embracing one's identity in Christ can fuel significant growth and impact.

The Summit and Moving Forward

Whitney discusses the upcoming summit and its potential to be a space where the Holy Spirit is active in a business conference setting. She encourages listeners to embrace their faith and lean into their struggles, trusting that God is at work, even in the face of challenges. With a mix of vulnerability and enthusiasm, she shares her own experience of navigating dark seasons and emphasizes the importance of moving forward with confidence. "Keep pressing forward," she advises, reminding her audience that while difficulties may arise, God's love and guidance are ever-present.

Tips for Survival in Navigating Private Practice Storms:

• Embrace Dark Moments: Instead of avoiding difficult times, acknowledge and embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

• Seek Community: Reach out to a supportive community of peers, mentors, or fellow therapists who can provide encouragement and perspective during challenging seasons.

• Know Your Identity: Ground yourself in your identity in Christ. Remember that you are beloved and chosen, even when facing uncertainty and adversity.

• Find Strength in Weakness: Understand that God's work can shine through your vulnerabilities and weaknesses, allowing you to contribute and impact others in unique ways.

• Hold onto Hope: Even in the midst of pain and suffering, maintain hope that there is something better on the other side of the storm. Trust in God's plans for you.

• Lean into Faith: Embrace your faith as a source of strength, allowing it to guide you through difficult times and provide clarity when facing challenges.

• Press Forward: Persevere through the hardships, knowing that God's presence is with you. Keep moving forward with determination and confidence.

• Claim Transformation: Believe that adversity can lead to significant personal and professional growth. Accept challenges as opportunities to become a better leader and therapist.

• Prioritize Self-Care: In the midst of challenging seasons, make self-care a priority. Take time for rest, reflection, and activities that bring you joy and renewal.

• Attend the Summit: Consider participating in events like the Wise Practice Summit, where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and experience the transformative power of faith in your practice.

• Stay Open to God's Direction: Trust that God's guidance is leading you, even in the midst of uncertainty. Be open to the Holy Spirit's direction and let it guide your decisions and actions.

• Reflect on Past Breakthroughs: Remind yourself of past instances when difficulties were followed by significant breakthroughs. Use these memories as motivation to keep moving forward during tough times.

• Remember Your Calling: Reconnect with your calling as a therapist and leader. Remind yourself of the impact you can have on your clients and your community, even during challenging periods.

• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude, focusing on the blessings and positives in your life. Gratitude can provide a fresh perspective and boost your resilience.

• Encourage Others: Extend your strength and wisdom to others who might be going through their own storms. Support and uplift fellow therapists, reminding them of their value and purpose.

• Stay Rooted in Faith: Continue to lean into your faith, allowing it to guide your decisions, actions, and interactions with clients. Trust in God's plan, even when it's not immediately clear.

Summary

In this heartfelt episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, Whitney Owens shares her personal journey through difficult seasons and the profound transformations that can result from embracing challenges. With an emphasis on faith, community, and growth, Whitney's insights serve as a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God's work is at play, guiding us toward greater purpose and impact. As listeners, we are encouraged to lean into our identities in Christ, hold onto hope during tough times, and move forward with confidence, knowing that breakthroughs often follow the storms.

Show Sponsors

• The Sassy Wealth Coach - New Mastermind Forming

• Shrink Think - Digital Resources to Build Effective client-therapist relationships

Links and Resources Mentioned:

• Wise Practice Summit

• Whitney Ownes on Instagram

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio