Building a successful practice involves possessing more than clinical skills, empathy and the ability to develop relationships. Many therapists have these abilities and yet they are struggling in this competitive environment. The successful practitioner must also have sound business skills, marketing abilities, knowledge of applicable federal and state laws, ethical codes and professional standards of practice. All of the above are necessary. And not coincidentally those same qualities or abilities are what consumers should look for in a therapist if it is to be a win, win situation i.e. the consumer is satisfied and the professional is fairly compensated for his or her efforts. I have witnessed some major changes in psychotherapy in the last 20 to 30 years. Some say it will never be the same while others say it is about time. It would not be too dramatic to call it a revolution or upheaval. I prefer to see it as evolution. But whatever it is called such great changes are not without anxiety and pain for those rooted in the old ways. The changes include breakthroughs in psychotropic medications; an increase in the numbers and types of therapist theories and approaches; managed care; state regulation and the increased likelihood to be sued for malpractice.
All of the above however contribute or have the potential to contribute to the most important change of all. That is the transfer of power from the therapist to the consumer. No longer is the therapist accepted as some parental or mystical figure with almost magical powers. More likely today therapists are being viewed as simply as professionals selling a service, which in fact we are. It is an important service but there is little special about us. Therapists who are able to make that adjustment in thinking will be the therapists to be respected and will prosper in the new consumer centric environment. But evolution is as inevitable as it is insensitive. Those unable to adapt will go the way of many species that once roamed the earth.
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I welcome your feedback, praise and criticism. Please feel free to contact me at johnr@psychjourney.com with suggestions for future articles, and questions.