Finding my sweet spot between meaningful work and retirement

In 2019 - I learned about a trauma therapist who was working in blocks of time - weekly sessions - and then several weeks (or months) off for self care, reflection, renewal, scholarship, travel, and life. Her experience planted a seed of possibility in me that is now fully flowering!

2020 found me with a full caseload and the unexpected opportunity to learn from gifted professionals without the hassle and expense of travel. I participated in many online experiential intensives, received individual consultation on some difficult cases, and learned about deliberate practice.

In 2021 my online learning branched into ISTDP - Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy and I engaged in a lively consultation group focused on time limited therapy.

2022 finds me integrating ISTDP, AEDP, IFS, Deliberate Practice (meaningful work) and Art! Travel! Scholarship! Collaborations! Community! Volunteering! Pro Bono! Gardening! Mentoring! (retirement).

The combination of working in blocks which allows me time to develop the Self of the therapist to prevent burnout and to deepen my skills and the focused work of time limited treatment allowed me to transition existing long term clients to working in blocks, and to take on additional clients for short term intensive work.

For now - this is my sweet spot - semi-retired, bursts of deep healing work with down time for reflection, and continued engagement in learning what makes time limited therapy effective.

Grateful.