GetReal, GetGOING: Articulating Your Passion
In recent blog posts, I’ve talked about the importance of choosing and refining your niche within your profession and then using that to help you write your elevator pitch for your practice (it’s your “emotional hook.”) I cannot stress how important it is to know -- and be able to articulate -- your passion for your work. Passion is contagious, it will draw patients to you. And, a clearly defined passion will help you attract clients who are a perfect fit for your practice and therapy style.
Pop Quiz!
Think about your professional life. How would you finish these sentences?
I’m passionate about…
I support…
I love working with…
I empathize with…
I find it exciting to…
I help_________ achieve______…
I help_______ succeed in______…
I give solutions to…
I provide hope to…
I strive to…
I adore…
It is meaningful to me to…
I can make a difference by…
I’m enthusiastic about…
I am constantly pondering solutions for…
I have a special place in my heart for…
How did the quiz go for you? Were you able to quickly finish the sentences? If you found the quiz challenging then maybe you need to spend a little more time thinking about your career passions? Ponder the aspects of your career that really resonate with you. What parts of your job do you find most interesting?
Interested in how other therapists have answered the above questions? Here are some examples that have come up during my mentoring sessions:
“I’m passionate about… helping parents become great leaders in the service of their families.
“I empathize with… those who are caretakers for an aging parent.”
“I help… parents of children with autism navigate their school system.”
“I feel for… women who suffer from low-grade and untreated depression.”
And, here’s how I describe my professional passions:
In my therapy practice I say: I’m Dr. Amy Keller, and I help my clients move through trauma to transformation. / I’m passionate about helping clients live their optimal lives.
In my mentoring I say: I’m passionate about helping emerging therapists achieve their dreams of private practice success!
For more tips to help you navigate the path towards your own private practice, check out my latest book, GetReal, GetGOING: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of Your Dreams.
