29 diverse therapists in private practice open up and share about their challenges in the clinical field, what they wish their spouses, partners, friends and loved ones understood, along with tips on how to avoid burn out, compassion fatigue, and disillusionment, as well as how to create balance, deal with chronic illness as a therapist, and juggle the risks and responsibilities in working in the exciting, challenging, complex and rewarding world of mental health.

Gas lighters are experts of intimidation and manipulation. Therapists not only work with clients who are victims of this abuse, they are sometimes the target of “tribal gas lighting” as well. Read more…

The world has a perception that therapists are much like water faucets - available any time, for anyone, simply by turning the faucet handle. Because a client or colleague is “thirsty” doesn't mean that we therapists are required to fill their glass…

Feeling burned out, behind in notes, or struggling with managing your practice? If so, this blog will help you get back on track so you can breathe a sigh of relief…

When someone we care about is going through a difficult time, it can be hard to know how to extend support through our words and actions, especially if we are depleted or also going through a challenging time…
(art credit: Disney)

Personal disclosures from therapists to clients is a complex subject in the clinical world. Guest blogger, John Berndt, shares his perspective on this topic. John is a respected Marriage and Family Therapist, and a trusted Gottman trained couples therapist located in Los Angeles, CA.

Are you a therapist who is considering hiring employees (or currently have employees), and are not sure if they fall into the W2 or 1099 category? Or are your holding your breath and hoping to dodge the IRS? If so, this information by therapist and business consultant Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S will help!

Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S, the “Counselor’s Coach” outlines important legal and ethical considerations for therapists when a clinical client requests an animal support letter (ESL letter).

Telemental health, sometimes referred to as tele therapy or virtual counseling is becoming more popular for both clinicians and the clients they support. Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S outlines important tips and information for therapists who are providing (or would like to provide) virtual tele health services. 

"Dear Tony Robbins" was created by therapist and author Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S in response to Tony's comments regarding sexual abuse survivors and the #MeToo movement. This article includes letters to Tony Robbins from a group of ethnically diverse therapists from around the world - men, women, non-binary, straight, gay, of different modalities, belief systems and political ideologies... 

Mari shares her best tips on how to create a deeply satisfying professional life, build an abundant private practice, have fun and kick ass in the process.

In light of the recent news regarding allegations toward Bassel van der Kolk,  Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S discusses the trend in our clinical field with respect to colleague worship, privilege, power dynamics and outlines ways to heal our therapeutic community...

The #MeToo movement is not about promoting yourself, your debate, your ego, or anything else except what benefits survivors. It is time for therapists who are doing this to hit the pause button and to examine what is motivating these kinds of questionable  marketing ploys...

Starting a private practice often feels like a daunting undertaking for most therapists with many confusing steps along the way. 28 successful therapists and diverse experts in private practice share their top tips as a support to our clinical community. Great info for those who are new to the field or are new to private practice....

Real talk from real women on the topic of competing for time and the "unicorn" of self care - is it really just a freaking myth after all...

For those of us who did not have a healthy father, or for those who did not know your father, I hope this story of authenticity encourages you to honor your story and truth...

I recently met with 6 entrepreneurs and picked their brains about what they wished their friends and family members knew, but have not had the guts to share until now. Are you a small business owner, or are you a spouse, partner, friend or family member of a small business owner? If so, this may offer you some eye opening (and heart opening) information to consider...

More and more therapists are reporting that they are being targeted by a new "therapist directory" scam. Mari A. Lee, LMFT, CSAT-S has written this blog as a support to colleagues to describe what this unethical and illegal trend is, and to share important steps to take in order to protect yourself and potential therapy clients...

Wondering how to approach your colleagues for help in marketing your offerings? Want to do so without turning people off or leaving people feeling pressured? If so, this blog is for you boss babe!