The 5 Types of Therapists You Can’t Afford NOT to have in your network
In the realm of private practice, success doesn't happen by chance or through superficial strategies. It goes beyond mere wishful thinking, distributing business cards, or hefty investments in online advertisements.
When I embarked on my journey, over two decades ago, as a solo parent managing a private practice, time constraints compelled me to tap into one of my greatest strengths – the art of connecting.
As a Connector, my focus shifted towards creating a robust referral network to sustain and grow my practice. Today, as a part of the PractiSage Therapist Collective, my role as a Connector involves building communities where the right individuals connect with the right resources.
Here's a glimpse into the essence of being a Connector:
➡️ Facilitating connections between colleagues that resonate is a source of genuine satisfaction.
➡️ Hosting PractiSage Networking Events, where therapists forge meaningful connections over shared moments, aligns seamlessly with my deeper purpose.
➡️ Guiding a new client inquiry to the perfect therapist mirrors the excitement of diving into a captivating novel.
Being a Connector is about leveraging the ability to sense synergy, recognizing that collaboration often yields more significant outcomes than individual efforts.
PractiSage was founded on the unwavering belief that our practices, lives, and visions can flourish with the right community and resources. If you're reading this, NAME, you understand that cultivating and nurturing a referral network is paramount for a thriving practice.
But where does one begin?
Balancing the demands of limited energy, whether due to raising children, managing health conditions, or caring for aging parents, requires a strategic approach to network building.
Allow me to guide you through the 5 essential types of therapists your network needs for a thriving, burnout-free practice.
1. A therapist who knows more than you about your population, specialty, or modality
We all need someone we can turn to when we’re like “What the heck is going on with my client?” This helps prevent burnout and provides high-quality treatment, which keeps clients coming back to you and colleagues referring to you.
2. A therapist who doesn’t work with your niche or specialty
This one is great for cross-referrals. For example, if you don’t work with addiction, you need someone in your network who does so you can refer out and not take on poor-fit clients.
Good news: This goes both ways. You have a special skill set your colleague needs in their referral network. It’s time to find each other! (Possibly at the next PractiSage Networking Event?)
3. A therapist or practitioner who works adjacent to your ideal clients
Who ELSE is your ideal client seeking help from besides you? What other types of therapists will they need to support them down the road?
Example: If you work with survivors of sexual trauma, you’ll probably want a trauma-informed couples therapist in your network for when your client is ready to see someone with their partner. (Remember, this couples therapist needs you, too!
💡Ideas: child therapists, family/couples therapists, psychologists who do testing, dietitians, coaches, sleep specialists, and career counselors
4. A therapist or practitioner that your ideal client needs to enhance their work with you
What would help your client get to the next stage of their therapeutic process? Who else can help them reach their goals?
For example, if you’re working with folks with chronic pain, you probably want to know a bodyworker (massage therapist, acupuncturist, chiropractor, physical therapist) who specializes in chronic pain. Your client can make greater strides in therapy when they have both a psychological strategy (you) and a physical approach (your bodyworker colleague) for dealing with their pain.
💡 Ideas: Providers who do psychological evaluations, prescribers, massage therapists, bodyworkers, naturopath doctors, school counselors, executive function coaches, and parenting coaches
5. A therapist who provides emotional support and perspective when you’re stressed
This therapist is important to have in your network because they might see when you’re nearing burnout and need a break. They can cheer you on when you complete a new certification! They can send you hilarious memes to help provide comic relief after a hard session.
Why this is so important: When you're in private practice, you don’t have the built-in support of office friends. You must intentionally cultivate them.
Remember…
Networking is a collaborative, two-way street. Remember, as you build your collective, you're not just connecting for referrals; you're cultivating a supportive community that empowers everyone within it.
Aside from offering modern office space options for your therapy career, we also have a virtual mailbox service for your private practice.