The work you do as a therapist is full of creativity if we take the time to look for it. We can interweave art, music, play, dance, and even nature walks into the therapeutic space for our clients to enjoy. If you are like me, you love to seek out ways to revitalize the world of therapy practice. Always innovating, creating, and marking the field. BUT…. My question for you is this:

How often do you allow yourself to add a bit of ~ razzle dazzle ~ to your own experience in the therapeutic space?

This week, I tried something unique. I took a working vacation. Yep - you heard that right!

My practice is so young. I have been CONSUMED by the work. If you are a private practice therapist (or a therapist in general) - YOU GET IT. I found myself working later nights, earlier mornings, and trying to figure out every single thing about my administrative tasks. I was waking up in the middle of the night jotting down thoughts that were waking me up and scheduling emails to be sent out at a more decent hour (HAHA).

Several weeks ago, my mom asked if I would roadtrip with her to Colorado. Easy yes - Except, what about work? My practice is so new and I am still feeling so much responsibility. So I decided to do both. Here is how I did it.

Pick the Spot.

Luckily for me, my spot was ready to rock and roll. My family spends a lot of time in Colorado and we have a happy little “Mountain Hug” that we call our home. But if you are reading this and you are thinking “Where the heck would I even go?”, here are some thoughts to get the ball rolling:

1. What is my budget?

2. How long do I want to be gone?

3. Do I want to drive, fly, or even work from home***?

4. Top 3 places I would like to go.

Once you pick the place, start looking for a spot to stay in that city! I recommend an air bnb with excellent wifi. Book your travel, prepare your dependents, and get excited, friend!

*** WFH is totally an option. All you have to do is take the following steps below and translate them to your own vibe and wants.

Prepare Your People.

I agreed to this mother-daughter journey about 3 weeks ago. In that exact week, I began notifying my clients, especially my in-person people, that I would be traveling the week of ____ and all sessions would be virtual.

For me, this was the scariest part. I was so worried that people would be resistant to therapy virtually when they were used to in-person. But that was so silly. I work with the BEST people and of course, they were down to try something new or skip this week.

Set Your Calendar.

Let’s face it. Self-employed therapists tend to book the crap out of their calendars.

When preparing for my working vacation, I took a look at my calendar and picked how many sessions I would offer. Typically, I can carry 30 sessions, but I limited this week to 10. Do consider how this will shift your business-y finance-y stuff ;)

After picking that golden number of TEN sessions, I went into my calendar and put the available sessions and times. My clients self-book, so this allowed them to pick times that worked for them and me! When picking times for sessions, I suggest early am or later pm. I, personally, tried to avoid full-day working days. This has allowed me free mornings and evenings to go out and do things!

Make It Fun.

I love doing therapy. I feel so energized and engaged so I had to be intentional about also keeping the “vacation” part of my working vacation. I have a funny story about this. I will tell you in a bit :)

But first, let’s chat about fun. After you have set your calendar - do. not. change. it. We are going to fill in our non-session times with things that refresh, rejuvenate, and reawaken YOU! Here are some ideas:

• Go for a hike

• Take yourself to breakfast, lunch, or dinner out

• Go on a drive

• Shop

• Get a massage or facial

• Swim

• Lay down for a nap

• Read books

• Write

• Watch movies or shows

• Do some art

Here’s the key: your leisure activities should be things that make you happy. If it feels like work - save it for when you get home or during your pre-determined “working hours”.

When the Vacation Gods Speak...

So. Here is my story.

I went into my working vacation with SO MUCH INTENTION. I was emphasizing work, for sure. I am a baby entrepreneur and I love my work. But then, the Vacation Gods spoke.

On day TWO of my working vacation…My wifi connection was not quite strong enough for smooth video sessions. I felt burnt from both ends. I had a headache.

So I listened to the cues of my body (and the internet) and cancelled my 3rd and final day of sessions. Very hard, but again, I work with the BEST people.

So here I am, encouraging you to take a working vacation. Whether it is two days at your house or one week in a place that feels exciting and new. This is your sign.

Oh. And don’t freak out if the emphasis needs to shift to vacation. Our work with folks should come from a place of peace. So go find some peace.

More Posts Like This

Haleigh Culverhouse LCSW

Welcome!

My name is Haleigh, and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Lake Jackson, Texas. My private practice is a safe and inclusive place for all. Whether you need to process an issue significantly impacting your life or explore more of your personality and who you are - you belong here.