Clinical Consultation for Therapists

 
 
 

An effective therapist is a happy therapist.

Good sessions are the stuff of joy for therapists. They’re what make this profession so fun, so rewarding, and sustainable over the long haul.

Not all sessions can be good ones, though, and not all clients are the right match for our personality or our skills. We all feel awkward, make mistakes, and miss great opportunities at times. This is just being human. There is nothing wrong with wishing you had done certain things more or better or differently during a session, and in fact this is a great way to learn and grow. Wanting to be more effective and caring about your work is the hallmark of a great clinician. 

But then there are the uninspired, stale, or straight-up crappy sessions, which make you wonder if you’re even in the right field. You might feel inadequate, helpless, or like an imposter. You might also dread certain clients or feel burnt out if these sessions are happening a lot. 

You may benefit from consultation if:

  • You feel ineffective, like you don’t know what you’re doing. You aren’t sure how to approach certain cases and you don’t feel you’re really connecting with your clients.

  • There is little or no progress. It may feel like rehashing the same conversations, with little change or insight occurring. You’re not sure what else to offer beyond what you’ve already tried.

  • You feel burnt out or bored. You’re not enjoying your work and it’s hard to get through the day. Your notes may be piling up and you can’t get into a work flow that works.

  • You fear your clients are voting with their feet. They cancel, ghost, no-show, or terminate more frequently than expected. This will happen sometimes to all therapists, but you may notice a pattern that concerns you. 

Any of these things can happen, not just with newer clinicians, but with seasoned professionals as well. Clinical consultation can support your personal and professional development no matter where  you are in your career.  All therapists need consultation at times. 

Plus, did you know clinical consultation may be tax deductible for you? You will need to check with your tax expert about whether you qualify to take this deduction.

A therapist celebrates her client's progress after online clinical consultation with Linda Shing

Consulting with me can:

  • Increase your diagnostic, case conceptualization, and treatment planning skills

  • Help you integrate varied theoretical perspectives and try new interventions

  • Help you use your authentic self to improve the therapeutic relationship and connection to your clients 

  • Improve your ability to troubleshoot stuck sessions and take steps to solve the impasse

  • Decrease overwhelm, burnout, self-doubt, and imposter syndrome

  • Reduce the loneliness and isolation of being a sole practitioner 

  • Help you break out of a creative rut and reconnect with your love of doing therapy again

  • Save you time and money on different trainings by obtaining focused guidance

  • Increase your confidence, joy, and self-efficacy as a therapist

  • Provide cultural considerations that may be relevant to your AAPI clients

 

A therapist lends one of her many books to help a new clinician in Los Angeles 90048

Get support in a safe, confidential, non-shaming environment. 

As the Director of a community mental health program in Los Angeles, I have overseen hundreds of cases and supervised dozens of therapists, including pre-licensed therapists, licensed clinicians, and experienced clinical supervisors. Developing and training exceptional therapists is one of my passions. I am also in private practice and have been providing clinical supervision since 2010.

What has prepared me to be a consultant?

I am a self-identified training nut that loves to help therapists succeed. I have 3 psychology-related degrees (a doctorate in psychology, a master’s in organizational behavior, and a master’s in marriage and family therapy). I am a certified diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and often integrate CBT-related models with more experiential and body-based practices, like EMDR, brainspotting, IFS, and ego state therapy (parts work). I am trained in DBT, ACT, IPT, CPT, TF-CBT, MAP, Seeking Safety, and Triple P, among many other evidence-based models.

Note: I am not an EMDR or brainspotting consultant for those seeking certification, but I am trained in and use both models in my private practice.

 

 Next steps

How it Works

01

Schedule a consult call or email to set up an appointment.

02

Meet me on Zoom at the time of our meeting.

03

Find confidence, inspiration, and joy in the work.