Not everyone who sets out to have a solo clinical practice winds up still having one five or ten years later.
What’s the difference in people who are still going years down the line and people who aren’t?
As far as I can tell, it’s just one thing: they kept on showing up.*
* Privilege, time, circumstances definitely play a role, and still, across the board, I find the statement above to be true.
It sounds pretty basic, and if you want to have a practice that serves your community and sustains you, it all boils down to showing up over and over again, even when it’s hard to do so.
By showing up, I mean: Not giving up when no one signs up for the thing. Listening to what people are telling you, making your best guess at how to be useful, and iterating. Showing up for community events, meeting new people, talking about what you do, being willing to be wrong, being willing to be yourself. Being vulnerable enough to get support from others.
Growing a practice isn't linear for most of us. It takes a while to get the ball rolling, and during that while, it may feel like nothing you're doing is making a difference. (Sounds very similar to the work of healing, yes?)
It is making a difference, and you'll likely never see that difference if you don't keep at it.
You don’t need to be outgoing, extroverted, or super savvy at marketing, but you do need to be observant, try new things to connect with people, and make course adjustments as needed.
The goal is to be of service. Focus on how you can do that, right now, with the tools you have available to you, and you’ll be moving in the right direction.
Take care,
Camille
