We don't spend much time bragging about our clients. Perhaps we should. We're still learning what works and what doesn't. This specific post is about a very special clinician of whom we adore. Let's call her May. May was new to private practice when we started working with her. She was learning the ropes of client engagement, being a subcontractor and just being in Private Practice.
When we spoke about aspects of her practice May felt as though she didn't have a niche. She enjoyed working with all ages and genders. She had enough training to diversify her presenting issues and felt comfortable (with the close supervision of her Principal Psychologist) with seeing any client referral (within reason).
She and I would speak about aspects of her practice and areas she felt she could develop. At one point, she said to me that she felt guilty that she is a jack of all trades.
Let me give you a bit of back story about May. While May was new to private practice, she wasn't new to the clinical world. She is generally registered and (should have by now!) submitted her paperwork to AHPRA for her clinical endorsement.
Another thing about May? She has a therapy client attendance rate of 87% and she is one kick ass assessor. See May works in the forensic space as well. She juggles a full case load of therapy clients and at any given time of the month is juggling a number of assessments.
"May," I said, "you don't need to specialise or have a niche as you are not just a jack of all trades. You are a master of several trades." It is very unique to find a quality therapist and a quality assessor. While clinicians can do both, you will find that most won't. Not only will May do both, she does both extremely well.
As you can see by this (first ever) gushing post, we simply adore May and her niche is actually just being very skilled at her job.
So if you feel like you haven't figured out your niche or if you're not ready to choose one, that's okay! This series is for the ones who are ready.
*This is not an actual photo of May.