RHEA BRIDGE: NICHING IN A NEW PRACTICE TO REDUCE BURNOUT | EP 129

How Rhea developed her career in therapy 

In Rhea’s previous work life she was working with clients with autism. She ended up leaving the field, and wasn’t sure what to do. 

When she was working with patients with autism, she did feel like she wanted to do more for them but felt constrained by the role that she was employed under. 

‘I was interacting with families and parents and just kind of feeling like, “There’s more to be done here!” and I couldn’t do more.’ – Rhea Bridge 

So, after Rhea left that job, she took some time to think about what she wanted to do and considered the things that she enjoyed doing to shift these passions into a career. She ended up finding a masters program that enabled her to unite her interests with counselling in a way that she was excited about. 

‘I dove into that! I did the program for a couple of years and through that time I was pregnant, had a baby, did practicum while I was nursing an eight month old, there was a lot going on! But I did it through the schooling and I think I found myself in a good position where I felt prepared to really jump into the therapy space.’ – Rhea Bridge 

Starting her solo practice 

Rhea went back and forth for a while about whether or not she wanted to start a practice. 

‘I said, “Why shouldn’t I? Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t”, and I could not come up with a reason, so I said, “You know what? Let’s jump! Let’s be brave, let’s try something new!” For me, for my kids, I always hope to show them [that] … you can be scared [and] you can still do the thing that you want to do, and be a little uncomfortable while hopefully still be successful while doing that thing.’ – Rhea Bridge 

So, even though Rhea was uncomfortable and a little scared about the unknown, she started exploring what she needed to do to set up a new practice. She started looking for only a few clients in the beginning to get a feel of what it would be like. 

‘The intention was just to stretch my wings a little bit, build confidence in not only running a business but also my clinical skills, and learning as I went and also obviously having the support of a supervisor as well.’ – Rhea Bridge 

Rhea worked part-time and had some financial support from her husband while she was launching her practice, both of which helped her to navigate the uncertainties in the beginning before her practice was more fully established.

Overcoming issues

For Rhea, a common problem that she is working on resolving is the issue of scheduling, and of finding a time that works well for her and for clients to have a session. 

‘That is something I am always reevaluating and always trying to tweak.’ – Rhea Bridge 

Additionally, niching was something that Rhea had to work on and to find the right fit. Once she niched down, things became easier. 

‘I feel like it’s less stressful for me. This feels better, this feels like I’m making more of a difference. This feels like it suits me and my practice and where my skill set is … [because] being a total generalist was not working for me.’ – Rhea Bridge 

A powerful bonus of working within your niche and within your skill set and with the clients that you want to work with also reduces your risk of burnout, because then you are not pushing yourself to weekly see clients that feel challenging or unfulfilling to work with. Remember, it’s okay for you as a therapist to choose to work with your ideal clients. 

Thinking on the future 

Rhea is focused on making more connections in her community within the next six months to a year. Having one or two specific goals can help you to figure out your direction, even if you don’t know exactly how long it may take.

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