How to Retain Clients as a Therapist

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Client and therapist meeting

In the field of psychiatry, talk therapy -or psychotherapy- is one of the hallmark services you can offer clients. Psychotherapy is an effective means of addressing various issues via multiple therapeutic modalities that can reap benefits (typically) without the use of pharmaceuticals. Finding the right “fit” between a client and therapist is a huge hurdle that many people find intimidating. Instead of taking the time to find the right person to work with, clients may either settle for the first therapist they try OR sign off on talk therapy as a bad experience. And while it CAN happen, the odds of the first therapist being the one they want to stick with is pretty small.

But talk therapy isn’t a one-way street. It’s a reciprocal relationship between you, the provider, and the client. We’re here to talk about how you can increase the odds of being the right “fit” for your clients in the event they’re one of those people that picked your name out of a hat and didn’t take the time to research your therapeutic approach, philosophy, or personality.

The Process of Choosing a Therapist, According to Google

Money

How do people decide on a therapist? A quick google search reveals 3 main avenues. Firstly, people are told to consider their finances. They’re told to choose a therapist depending on whether or not that provider accepts specific health insurance options, what billing looks like, figuring out a budget, etc. And at the end of the list of questions is “What is the therapist’s philosophy to wellness?” or “What issues are you looking to address in therapy?” While financial aspects are certainly important for the client to know, it may increase their perception of a provider if those questions centric to their wellbeing- the questions typically last on the list of “questions you should ask your therapist”- are addressed up front.

People have an innate need to be seen, heard, and treated like a valuable member of society. By all means, answer their questions about billing, copays, and insurance needs, but also take a second and follow up with addressing why THEY want to be there or what they expect from you.

Word of Mouth

Another common tool being cited on how to choose a therapist is word of mouth. Multiple sources directly state to ask relatives and friends who they see and call for an introduction. This works well for the provider, granted they have clients out in circulation willing to disclose their name to others. But this isn’t necessarily the best option for the client since choosing your therapist is a highly personal experience.

If you find yourself with multiple clients that are coming to you because they were referred to you by a personal acquaintance, first off GREAT!

Second off, again, follow this up with connecting with the client more intimately. Yes, their relative/friend/coworker has a productive and beneficial relationship with you. But make sure THIS person knows that each person has different needs and you are concerned with making sure you can be a benefit for THEM.

Credentials and Online Access

Lastly, if someone is looking through Google on advice on how to pick their therapist they will also see to check credentials and look for online access (because telehealth tends to have lower copay rates). Be sure your credentials, licensure, and specialties are easily visible on your website if you have one (or databases you may be listed on). If you don’t have this information listed online, offer it when approached by a client. Transparency and openness can give the client peace of mind that you are a trustworthy provider that may increase the odds of retention. And if you don’t have a website, consider making one as this increases your searchability and access to larger client bases.

Becoming a trusted provider for a client is a weighty responsibility, and retaining that trust takes time and intention. Sometimes the match isn’t good despite the effort you make for it, and that’s OK. You’re still doing the best you can and that’s all anyone can ask for. And if you’re feeling chatty, spread some word of mouth by telling your friends or coworkers about My Psych Board so we can help you all become the successful providers we know you can be 🙂 Contact us with any questions you have today!

How the 5 minute rule can help YOU!

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stop watch for 5 minute rule

Spring is in the air, the sun is starting to shed some warm rays, and the first shoots of green grass are starting to burst out of the ground. If you’re like me, the LAST thing you want to do is be cooped up inside studying. Spring fever is real! But…so are exams 🙂

Some days it feels like there’s a mental block stopping you from doing anything productive. Whether it be due to distractions, mental overload, or just plain old tired of doing the same things, everyone feels this way from time to time. And let’s be real, being where you are right now is overwhelming. If you’re prepping for boards, maybe you’re in rotations, maybe you’ve got your own practice, either way there’s a lot of stuff going on around you. Your brain can get a little worn out from everything and demand a break. That’s where a good method like the 5 minute rule can come in!

What is the 5 minute rule?

The 5 minute rule is a concept used in several therapy modalities. It’s pretty simple- all you have to do is sit and do an activity for 5 minutes. That’s it. Then you can get up, walk outside for some fresh air, check your socials, do whatever you want. YOU GET YOUR BREAK!

The next step to this rule is after a while you go back and do another 5 minutes. 5 minutes on, an interval of time off, 5 minutes on, an interval of time off,– you get the point. Even though it doesn’t seem like you can do much in 5 minutes, you’d be surprised how far into a question bank you can get or how far into a chapter you can read in that much time. Especially when you’ve come back to it a few times!

So if the springtime song of birds are calling you to run outside, or the spring fever cleaning bug is making you want to reorganize your house, you can let it! Just slip in those 5 minutes throughout the day and you won’t get too off track.

Curious how far into a bank you CAN get in 5 minutes? Give our question banks a try- FREE- using our Free Trial! Jump on Test Mode and get a feel for how the timed version of exams work. Want more material to work with? Check out our Question Banks and find the perfect fit for you! Or, contact us with any questions you have so we can help you get your 5 minutes in!

How to Navigate Daylight Savings This Year

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Daylight on a green leaf
You need water and sunlight…you’re kind of like a houseplant with more complicated emotions 😉

In the coming days, most of the continental U.S. will adopt Daylight Savings Time (DST). From March to approximately November, most people will lose a whole hour of sleep by moving the clocks forward one hour. Because of this shift, those individuals will be exposed to less morning sunlight and more evening sunlight.

If you feel like your whole body is dragging for days, or even weeks, following this time change you’re not alone. Losing an hour of sleep may sound insignificant, but as most parents of small children and exhausted students cramming for exams can attest, that precious 60 minutes makes a huge difference.

The disruption of your circadian rhythm can lead to a host of difficulties including increase in depression, slow metabolism, cluster headaches, and weight gain. Further, in the weeks following DST there’s a noted spike in fatal car accidents, strokes, digestive and immune related diseases, and risk of heart attacks. AND…who wants to study when they feel like they can’t stay awake? It can make you feel more awake at night instead of during the day and then your whole schedule is out the window.

Daylight Savings Savers

This transition is difficult, but there are things you can do to help if you know you are particularly effected by the time change.

Maintain your sleep hygiene. If you have a solid sleep routine, be sure to keep on top of it during the time change. If you regularly journal or read before lights out, or whatever the ritual may be, be sure to start that process one hour sooner than normal to trigger the same conditioning.

Get outside in the morning! Depending on your geographical location, this may be easier said than done. However, if you can get out into the morning sunlight for just a little while that can help keep your circadian rhythm intact, or at least less skewed. Too cold where you live? Some people find benefit of using a sunlight lamp!

Try a morning workout routine. This involves the brute force of physical activity to wake up your body and reset your internal clock. Some people find a morning run refreshing, some people would rather crawl in a hole than do that. It’s all about balance 🙂

Do you bounce back from the DST transition, or do you find it difficult to function for a while? We want to help you either way. Let us help you get studying back on rhythm by trying out our Question Banks and find the best option for you! Or Contact us with any questions you have so we can help you set up a plan to help you reset your individual exam prepping clock.

REFERENCE:

https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/daylight-savings-time-your-health#:~:text=%22With%20DST%2C%20between%20March%20and,and%20awake%20in%20the%20evening.

Make Your Residency Application POP

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hands filling out residency application on computer, smart phone, and paper

Matching a residency program is a stressful and time consuming process. Everyone that applies for a medical license has to undergo at least one year of residency in their medical specialty. And with about 40,000 applicants swarming the 35,000 open positions each year, the competition can be intense.

What’s more, the process can take upward of a YEAR to complete. Sound overwhelming? You’re not alone. We’ve compiled some information here to help you get organized and ready to match with your dream residency in 2024. Because, yes although Matching Day is right around the corner and the process is done for one cohort of students, it’s not too soon for you seniors to start thinking about next year!

Matching Timeline

First off, most people want to know exactly what timeframe they’re working with. Based on the current matching year (calendar from NMRP found here!), the process begins with registration opening in mid-September the year prior. So it makes sense to think, “Ok, that’s when I start applying!” and you wouldn’t be -totally- wrong. This blog post from matcharesident.com has a really great breakdown of when and how to start your application process.

You should really start about 3 to 4 months before registration even opens. This is because you want to take the time to research your programs of choice. You have to apply for and buy your ERAS token through ECFMG. Make sure you’ve taken and gotten your results back from the USMLE Step 2, CK (need a practice question bank? We know a guy 😉

Application Process

Next, you need to actually fill out your application. This can take as long as you need. Just BE SURE NOT TO CERTIFY your application until you are 100% finished with it, have proof read it 20 times, and have made sure it is completely and totally filled in. Ok, maybe not 20 times. You do you, boo.

You need to gather letters of recommendation and write personal statements (one statement for each specialty if you have more than one!). You need to request your USMLE transcript, your medical school transcript, and MSPE. Finally, once you have all your documents and letters uploaded, you’ve got a cute professional picture, and all your applications clean and shiny, you can start submitting them to programs. Lots and lots and lots of programs.

What makes your application special?

What we all want to know: what makes us stand out in a crowd? In this case, it’s a blend of extracurricular activity that aligns with your specialty interests along with an attitude to match. You need to have built a portfolio of volunteer basis work that shows your interest in helping others. But if you have a long list of volunteer work that has no apparent connection to wanting to be a physician or psychiatrist, the committees may see it as someone who doesn’t know what they want to do. It’s all about balance

Another aspect that can make or break an application process is your impression. Going into an interview with a positive, helpful, and caring attitude can be really difficult when you’re sweating bullets and terrified of messing up your opportunity. Be authentic, be open, and let your optimistic little light shine!

And then you wait

Yes. That is the unfortunate truth. You fill out miles of applications and pull together all the documents you need. Then you go sit for interviews (and send Thank You notes afterwards!). And then you rank the programs. Then you wait. Matching is released mid- March (the third Friday) and you will be notified either via email or R3 system.

We want the best match possible for you. We want to see you succeed in your specialty. Give yourself time, start thinking about programs now, and let us help you build your academic experience to be ready to apply. You’ve got this!