When Kindness Comes At Your Own Expense
Notas do episódio
Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm probably just overthinking it"?
That's exactly what I said in a recent supervision session. My supervisor responded with a simple question:
"Are you overthinking - or are you diminishing your feelings?"
That question stayed with me.
As therapists, we're often deeply compassionate people. We want to be kind, fair and understanding. But sometimes our kindness towards other people comes at the expense of ourselves.
In this episode, I reflect on how easy it is to ignore our own needs because we're worried about disappointing someone else. Whether it's charging a cancellation fee, ending a session on time, saying no to a new client or making a difficult professional decision, our fear of disapproval can sometimes become louder than our own values.
I also explore why consistency matters, how resentment can grow when we don't honour our own boundaries, and why listening to ourselves is an important part of ethical, sustainable practice.
In this episode, we explore:
- Why "overthinking" isn't always what we're doing
- The difference between kindness and self-neglect
- How people pleasing can influence our professional decisions
- Why your values are a better guide than someone else's approval
- How healthy boundaries protect both you and your clients
- The importance of looking after yourself as well as those you support
If you've ever struggled with saying no, worried about getting things wrong or found yourself putting everyone else's needs before your own, I hope this episode reminds you that your wellbeing matters too.
If you'd like support from a community of therapists who understand these challenges, Therapy Growth Group offers weekly live calls, practical marketing support and a welcoming place to think things through with others in private practice.
Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE
Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE
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My website: josephinehughes.com
Keywords: therapists, counsellors, psychotherapy, private practice, therapist boundaries, people pleasing, self care, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, professional boundaries, supervision, therapist wellbeing, values, cancellation policy, counselling podcast
The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.
Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.