06/01/2026
Wow! A year in private practice!
This past year has been a whirlwind, personally and professionally. I’ve taken big chances, made big changes, and landed in a place that truly feels right.
Private practice has been a steady constant through it all, and I’m really grateful for that.
A year in felt like a good time to reflect. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Finding a practice whose values align with yours really matters. It can make a big difference in how supported, motivated, and grounded you feel. Thrive Psychotherapy London has been and continues to be that place for me.
Having an experienced clinical supervisor or clinical consultant shouldn't be optional. I have had the privilege of receiving clinical consultation from Devonne at Westbridge Associates in London. Devonne has been a huge support in my private practice journey, directly supporting me through self-reflection, clinical growth, and confidence as a clinician.
Professional development is most helpful when it’s intentional. It’s easy to overdo it AND to underdo it, so being clear on your goals, invest in trainings that will support this, and find a balance with the resources you have.
Connection matters - we teach this to our clients but tend to forget it applies to us too. Private practice can feel isolating, and staying connected with colleagues makes a real difference. I can't attend every networking event or get coffee with every therapist in London, I do however make an effort to attend events when I can, engage with other therapists on social media, and learn about the services that are offered in our community.
Confidence and growth can exist together. Trust your training, reflect on your biases, and know when something is outside your scope.
There’s also a business side to this work that isn’t covered much in grad school, from invoicing and taxes to admin and marketing.
Self care matters. Completing grad school opens up so many doors - but that doesn't mean every room it leads to is for you. Identifying what matters to you and investing in it is key to sustainability.
Still learning as I go, but these have been some of the biggest takeaways.
