Survive and Thrive
in Private Mental Health Practice
The first principle of psychotherapeutic change is that such changes occur most easily in situations where the patient or client feels safe and secure. The setting is part of this, with closed doors and comfortable, easy furnishings, but primarily, it’s the therapist who contributes most to the feeling of safety. The therapist (pastor, counselor, teacher, guide, whatever, we’re all just people working with each other) must be a secure “place” for the person with whom s/he is working. If working with a group, the therapist must see to it that the group is also safe… The feeling of safety is a product of the person’s capacity for trust and the therapist’s self-trust and compassion. Any insecurity on the part of the therapist is detrimental to the process…
Course Materials
Part 1 - Survive and Thrive PowerPoint Materials - I
Part 2 - Survive and Thrive PowerPoint Materials - II
Part 3 - Survive and Thrive PowerPoint Materials - III
Article 1 - Where are all the psychotherapists ?
Requested Supplemental Materials - ConnectingCare Model Technology
Example slides
Presenters: Dave Johnson, ACSW, Michaele Dunlap, PsyD & Michael G. Conner, PsyD
Discussants: Patsie Cobb, Tracy Heart, Dave Johnson, Michael Dunlap, Michael Conner
Early and mid-career professionals need to prepare for major changes ahead in payment and clinical interactions.
Health care reform is changing and will further change mental health care, including clinical expectations.
These changes will disrupt therapists’ expectations about treatment, payment and private practice.
Clinicians can learn what is necessary to maintain their ethics, clinical excellence and private practices in the face of systemic change.