Practicing Outside The Box: Growing Tomatoes In Psychotherapy

Stuck in a therapeutic rut? Find inspiration from other therapist's creative strategies and get outside the box!

As therapists, especially those of us who have been practicing for a few years, it's easy to get into a rut and become less creative than we were as eager, bright-eyed interns. Feeling the need to be more creative in the therapy hour inspired me to reach out to other therapists for ideas and inspiration and start this series about practicing outside of the box.

Because I managed to kill every plant I have ever owned (I have a "black thumb") and because I have always fantasized about living in New York City, I was intrigued by psychotherapist Janet Zinn, LCSW's use of "outside the box" strategies to help her clients. Janet found that incorporating nature in the form of a garden in the middle of a New York City practice was a welcome and healing environment for her clients.

Here is what Janet said about her work with a female client:

I had a client who was diagnosed with a serious borderline personality disease. She had been hospitalized on a number of occasions.  She loved gardening, and we planted a tomato plant that she watered, cut back and cultivated twice a week. When the tomatoes grew in she had a sense of accomplishment. As someone who was always told that she was bad, here was something she could feel good about.

We used the tomato plant as a metaphor for her own process in life.  How could she treat herself in a kind and cultivating way? What would nourish her soul?  The tomato plant calmed her.  She felt less reactive when working with the tomato plant.  In the winter, we would use the tomato plant as a  metaphor of patience and the seasons became a lesson on the process of growth and change.

Have you found a creative niche, a unique office space, use non-traditional interventions, or have something that sets you apart from other private practice clinicians? I want to hear about it! Email me with "outside the box" in the subject line.

jacki-dee (catching up) via Compfight

[Video] Peek Inside An Office Overlooking A Lake!

I've had an amazing response to my call for therapists to let us peek inside your office by submitting a virtual office tour video. It's been so fun to see inside the waiting rooms and offices of other shrinks. I never realized how many therapists shop at IKEA! Our first virtual office tour is the office of Peter Hannah MA LMHC, in Seattle, WA. I love Peter's video because his warmth and genuineness really comes through on the video. And I have to admit that I am SO jealous of his view. Water is amazingly therapeutic. Thanks Peter for letting us peek into your office space!

To learn more about Peter's practice visit www.changingforgood.com

If you're interested in submitting a YouTube virtual office tour video get details here

Put These Free Practice Building Webinars On Your Calendar

I've been researching webinar platforms lately and trying to find the time and muster up the courage to host my first webinar. Until then, check out these excellent, and free website building and social media webinars. I've personally attended webinars from both presenters listed below so I can vouch for the quality and relevance of their presentations. Maybe one day you'll sign up for one of my practice building webinars, but until then, put these on your calendar!

Jan. 11 "The Facebook Divide" with Laura Roeder

Social media marketing maven, Laura Roeder is offering a free Facebook webinar about the new Facebook changes, how to separate your personal and professional life on Facebook once and for all, and how to build your business (or your practice). I love Laura's down-to-earth style and her gift for simplifying aspects of social media that overwhelm most people. She's funny, practical, and endearing. Though this webinar is geared for any small business owner, and if you are in private practice you are a business owner. Wednesday, January 11th at 1PM pst / 4PM est Register by clicking here.

Jan. 16 "Wordpress For Therapists" with Therapy Marketing Geeks

Clinton Power of Therapy Marketing Geeks will be covering WordPress installation basics, creating pages, posts and more. This webinar is geared toward mental health/health professionals! You can read more about my personal Wordpress obsession here. I participated in a Therapy Marketing Geeks webinar a few months ago and was impressed with their knowledge and warmth (and charming accents). Monday, January 16, 5pm PST Register by clicking here

Jan 26 "How To Get Started in Social Media Marketing" with Laura Roeder

See how Laura uses social media for her own business, how to use social media to drive traffic to your website, and how to create results from your social media marketing efforts. Though not geared toward mental health professionals specifically, you'll benefit from how Laura simplifies and clarifies the purpose of social media and how to use social media effectively. Thursday  Jan 26th 1pm PST / 4pm EST Register by clicking here.

Your Office Is Ugly! Get Creative

Many therapists have ugly offices. Does your therapy office reflect your personality, practice specialty, and appeal to your ideal client? Here's one creative solution. During a private practice consultation meeting a few weeks ago psychologist Kimberly Sieber, PhD expressed excitement about securing a large office space at an amazingly low rent for her private practice Good Medicine Healing Community. New to private practice she was concerned about the costs of furnishing such a big space. We estimated a budget and listed the basic furnishings she'd need to start seeing clients: a couch, chair and desk for one office, and a few chairs for the large waiting room.

She turned to me with a worried look and asked, "But what about the walls? They're blank and white and ugly!"

"Do you have any artist friends who are painters?" I asked. "Can you think of anyone whose art speaks to you and supports the holistic philosophy you have for your practice?"

Her eyes brightened and she could sense where I was going. "Yes, I can think of a few!"

She accepted my challenge to reach out and see if any friends would be willing to display their art in her practice with a small plaque with their name and contact information. She was thrilled with the idea and is meeting with a few artists this month. I anticipate that her office will look much warmer once it has some furnishings and lovely art on the walls.

I love brainstorming win-win situations in solution to obstacles. My client Kim gets cool, original, and moving art to transform her office space into a warm, inviting place, and the artist she collaborates with gets more exposure for her art (which makes artists very happy). I believe there is a solution to every obstacle in life, even when it comes to decorating your private practice, if we're willing to get creative.

The same week I consulted with Dr. Siebers I was in the process of hunting for decor for my second location of my practice Wasatch Family Therapy, spending hours at World Market, TJ Maxx, and discount office furniture stores. I was searching for art for the new office space when it dawned on me to take my own advice and I contacted one of my nieces Lisa Marie Crosby to asked if she would be willing to loan some of her amazing paintings to display in my new office. She agreed. My new office in Provo, Utah has the warmth and passion of Lisa's original art on its walls. I didn't have to spend a dime on pictures and wall art, and she gets more exposure for her work.

Is your office decor congruent with your practice mission? Does it appeal to your ideal client?

What problems or barriers are you struggling with in your practice? Can you get more creative with your solutions?