Get Real: Dressing The Part
When people decide to go to therapy, they are looking for answers and strategies to change their lives. When they choose you, for your insight, knowledge and opinions, they are taking a leap. When they come to you, they need more than approachability and a friendly demeanor. They need to know that you are educated, skilled, and helpful. They want to feel confident that you know what you are doing.
You ARE educated, skilled, and helpful and you should convey this competence in the first moments of your initial meeting with a new client - not only by what you say but also how confidently and professionally you present yourself— this includes your professional attire.
Sometimes therapists—especially those transitioning into their careers—resist dressing professionally, and their rationalizations can feel pretty convincing, at least to them! Just for fun, here is the GetReal, GetGoing list of top reasons for dressing unprofessionally. Some are rooted in certain beliefs, while others are flat-out excuses. Are any of these familiar to you?
My grad school was such a financial burden. I’ll buy clothes when I’ve earned the money.
I don’t want to look like a snob.
My family and friends will tease me about abandoning my humble roots.
I’ll feel like a fake/imposter/charlatan.
I’ll get messy anyway doing art therapy with children all day.
Are you kidding? I have no time to iron shirts and fuss with my appearance
My work clothes must be washable.
It’s sexist/racist/classist/ageist/xenophobic/homophobic to ask me to change how I look, just to fit in with your group.
In my theoretical orientation, we reject the medical model, along with its hierarchy, pathologizing, and imposition of an outmoded Western worldview.
I feel close to my clients. Dressing like this is how I bring my “real self” to work.
My clients relate to someone who dresses down as I do.
How can I be compassionate if I can’t be comfortable?
I hate shopping.
I’ll purchase better clothes after I lose weight. It’s just too depressing to buy anything in this size.
I’m doing a tough job every day, I shouldn’t have to wear uncomfortable shoes, too!
If I shoot for a more together look and don’t pull it off, I’ll feel embarrassed.
I want to be The Cool Therapist.
I want to be The Approachable Therapist.
I want to be The Street Therapist.
I want to be The Fun Therapist.
I want to be The Artsy Therapist.
Haven’t you heard of niche marketing?
What makes you so sure I’m not wearing a bra?
This is who I am. It’s too late to change.
How we dress at work sends a message about how we feel about the job, the people we work with (our clients) and ourselves. If any of these excuses sound like you, I urge you to examine your beliefs, and consider the signals you want your personal presentation to send.
Once you’ve overcome your excuses, check out GetReal, GetGOING: The Definitive Roadmap to Starting the Private Practice of Your Dreams for more advice on what to wear to feel good, look professional, and exude confidence.
