12/06/2023
Hello my shiny therapist friends!
Want to hear one of my secrets?
A few years back, I started writing a book titled “Unbusiness.”
I wanted to spread the word that the work we do to develop ourselves- to know and expand our inner therapist- is like a magic wand. It enhances our technical skill, creates an incredibly devoted and satisfied clientele, leads to an effortlessly full schedule, and provides deep levels of fulfillment in our life’s work as therapists.
I called it Unbusiness because I was experiencing very real success without doing any of the “right” business things. I did not advertise, or create publicity. I had a very basic website for a long time, which honestly did not age well. I barely utilized social media. My systems for scheduling, accounting, documentation, and all other admin tasks were bare-bones simple.
Why? I am just very right-brained. I can do the business tasks if I must, but I often don’t want to and it definitely is not my superpower. So, whenever I had a choice, I didn’t. (If this is you too, you’re not alone!)
Yet there were times I was booked out a year or more in advance, because the clients who hugged me at the end of each session went out into the world and told anyone who would listen that I was doing highly valuable and effective work. They even called it life-changing work.
So, what was I doing that created this success without any business prowess?
I was staying fully present.
I was deeply listening to what was said, and what was left unsaid.
I was asking questions rather than quoting science, imposing spiritual guidance, or giving directives.
I was being myself, including the times that it felt vulnerable or risky.
I was connecting.
I hear what you're thinking.
Sounds too basic, right? I mean, isn’t this what all therapists do?
Sadly…no.
So many therapists lean on the concepts of expertise, hierarchy, and teaching instead of truly listening and connecting. They believe the lie we’ve been told that our clients feel safer that way.
Or, they’re soothing their own insecurities through feigned confidence (and in the process, creating a connection based in dishonesty.)
What our clients need first is safety in connection; the experience of feeling seen, heard, and honored; the opportunity to be real without being judged. Only after this is established can we approach explanation, education, and sensitive subjects with the trust they require.
But let’s be honest. When you dive into what is needed to show up to your work with this level of honesty and humility, you’re doing some hefty work.
You’re uncovering blind spots, and reframing faulty belief systems.
You’re wrestling with deprogramming the ways your education, and society's expectations, are misaligned with your own value system.
You’re feeling fear and vulnerability as you practice from your new internal framework.
You’re letting go of leaning on ways you have emulated and imitated others.
You’re uncovering your true self.
You’re melding the work of your hands and heart.
You’re embracing Therapeutic Artistry.
You’re becoming a Master.
There is no stepwise program, guaranteed time frame, or checklist formula for this process.
We all have such different gifts, and ways of processing, feeling, expressing, and risking. If I could have come up with a simple “works for everybody” program, you would be reading my bestselling book “Unbusiness” instead of this email...
But I knew there was a better way.
I offer mastery mentorship through 1:1 sessions, modeled on the very foundation of MFR treatment sessions. I listen. I don’t judge or label. I ask questions with compassion and care to get to the heart of something scary, tricky, or hidden. I support and accompany you in your exploration, and create the container for you to have the kind of a-ha moments that move you into authenticity. And I celebrate with you as you reap the rewards of intentionally sharing your unique gifts.
How do you know this might be right for you?
Here are some questions you can ask yourself:
Are you struggling with being overwhelmed by feeling so much, or is your struggle that you can’t seem to feel?
Are you intimidated by dialoguing? Or maybe just bored with how stale your dialogue feels?
Do you abandon your own needs as you try to help a never-ending list of others, or are your boundaries so brick-wall strong that they might be creating distance rather than connection?
Do you live your own values in your practice, or have you adopted someone else's in the effort to do it “right?”
Do certain types of clients trigger you, making you feel shut down, angry, or ashamed?
Do you feel invisible, or misunderstood?
Are you suffering from compassion fatigue?
Are you solid in your personal definitions of success and revenue?
Do you have a vague feeling that something is missing, and that you are capable of much more?
Has the magic disappeared?
These are just a few of the questions I’ve had the privilege to explore with fellow therapists.
The results in your practice (and life) as a result of our partnership are global, all-encompassing, ever-expanding, and completely individualized.
If I were to summarize the impact this exploration has had with your colleagues, they are calling it profound in these ways:
They’re uncovering their true selves, including their unique therapeutic superpower (we all have one!)
They’re reaping the benefits, and wonder, of the power of authentic connection.
They’re expanding into their unique expression of Therapeutic Artistry and Mastery.
They are living the wonder of their work not only filling their bank accounts, but truly filling up their hearts.
They feel seen and celebrated, no longer alone.
If the potential of this kind of deep dive touches something in you (butterflies, anyone?) I encourage you, from my heart, to reach out to me. Remember, I have faith in “Unbusiness” so I assure you that instead of a hard sell, you’ll get a connected conversation so we can decide together if I am a good match for the companion you want with you on this next step of your therapist journey.
I will be opening to new clients starting late January 2024.
Want to read more?
www.taracarrington.com/mentorship
Want to talk about it?
tara@taracarrington.com
Ready to book a session?
https://TaraCarrington.as.me/?appointmentType=44647989
Let's uncover and expand your superpower! You and your business will flourish.
It will be my honor to know and support you. You don't have to do it alone.
Love,
Tara
