Honoring the Rhythm of Your Practice

Now that July is here, many of my clients are travelling and my schedule is lighter than usual. When I first started my business, I’d feel anxious during these slower times. I remember my private practice supervisor telling me that someday I would appreciate the quieter times and he was right!

Now I use these breaks as an opportunity to tend to my business by working on financial planning, marketing, and administrative tasks; I honor the rhythm of my practice.

Here are some of the tasks I work on during slower times:

• Review client notes, treatment plans and assess our progress toward meeting our goals.
• Develop promotional materials for any upcoming programs and review my overall marketing strategy.
• Attend an LA-CAMFT meeting.
• Schedule a networking lunch with a colleague.
• Write a blog post or short post on social media.
• Review my social media accounts and make some new professional friends.
• Run a mid-year profit and loss report helps me manage my budget and set goals for the second half of the year.
• Check my clients’ start dates and rates and decide if it’s time for a fee increase.
• Meet with my bookkeeping consultant to determine if I have any errors in my books. I usually do this once a quarter.

The most important thing I do during this time is relax and take it easy! This year, I’m looking forward to going hiking in Vermont and visiting my uncle in upstate New York, where I’ll spend time with my East Coast cousins. I’ve gotten use to the unpredictable rhythms of my practice and I have learned to use the time wisely.

What would you like to accomplish during slower times?

Maria Gray, LMFT, NMP, CGP, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Century City, where she specializes in trauma and addictions. Maria is passionate about helping people thrive in private practice, she offers individual business consultation and live, online, trainings. To learn more, go to www.mariagray.net.