Begin Feeling Confident in Your Holistic Therapy Approaches: Join our Holistic Consultation Group
By Kristen Dammer
Years ago, when I first started providing individual therapy, I remember being so afraid to ask questions or present a case in our team consultation groups. I think that I was intimidated by the vast amount of knowledge in the room. I convinced myself that I had a “good grip” on my cases and asking for other suggestions was wasting time.
Wow, do I wish that I could go back and tell my younger self that speaking up in consultation groups will help you and your clients grow. I would tell younger me to ask, ask, ask and gather all the feedback like rain drops in a drought because pushing myself through any uncomfortable moments is key to growth.
Benefits of Clinical Consultation Groups
Clinical consultation groups for therapists offer golden nuggets of wisdom sprinkled in our own gardens of knowledge to keep everyone growing and connected. Imposter Syndrome can present itself often in our profession. Remember that you are qualified to be a therapist. We spent years of training and schooling to be able to effectively help others.
Group consultation is a wonderful space to be reminded of our strengths and knowledge that we might discount, especially with the isolation of providing mostly virtual therapy. Oftentimes, other group members will remind us that we are doing good work and we can celebrate together. Clinical consultation groups are a safe place if you’re experiencing Imposter Syndrome as a counselor!
Consultation groups also provide connection, validation, and normalization– imagine that it is just like group therapy. For some of you, up to 100% of your client sessions may be virtual. Consultation in a group setting is a wonderful way to limit that isolation.
We as humans need connection every day. During a typical consultation group, therapists are encouraged to share openly on challenges, wins, common themes, or any emotions that surface. The group becomes a safe place to meet each month (or more often) and openly connect.
Who Would a Holistic Consultation Group Be Helpful For?
Therapists who use popular holistic therapies would benefit from a group specifically talking about these specialities. Whether it be Somatic Based Therapy, EMDR, Yoga, Mindfulness practices, Equestrian Therapy, these holistic approaches deserve their own space for consultation.
Even though these holistic practices are becoming more mainstream, finding a consult group that focuses on ALL body based work is rare. Firelight Supervision is offering a space for healers to learn from each other over multi-factitated disciplines. Holistic consultation is a rare find where healers can come together and connect.
Holistic Consultation Group: What It Can Look Like
The advantages of a holistic consultation group are limitless. I envision a group where members train each other in a body related technique that they find successful with clients. We then spend time practicing this together, while growing our own knowledge of somatic based therapies.
For structure, the group can be divided into 10-20 min of guided practice in a certain modality and then switch to focus on case consultation. Somatic therapies are becoming more mainstream and having a safe place to consult and learn together is needed.
Lastly and perhaps most importantly, remember to spend some time before consultation, thinking about questions or cases you would like feedback on. You’re paying for this consultation, so you “deserve” space to share. The more you put into this thought process, the more you will receive. Remember, anything you bring to group IS meaningful for you, your client, and other group members.
How can we help
If you are interested in joining Firelight Supervision’s Holistic Mind-Body Consultation Group, you can schedule a Free Phone Consultation with our Group Facilitator Kristen Dammer.
Author Bio
Kristen Dammer is a clinical supervisor, therapist, and blogger. Kristen specializes in trauma, ADHD, and perinatal counseling with adults and is trained in EMDR. Kristen enjoys providing clinical supervision and consultation to beginning or advanced clinicians in private practice, hospital, and agency settings.
