Here’s another episode of The Colleague Down the Hall Podcast. In today’s episode, I explore the challenge of balancing a therapy practice with the demands of parenthood during the back-to-school season. I talk about strategies to manage this seasonal stress and maintain well-being, from setting boundaries at work to adjusting your practice schedule to accommodate family needs. I also share practical tips on using EHR systems, streamlining client scheduling, and outsourcing tasks to lighten the load.

“Remember it’s okay to say no to extra commitments that don’t align with your top priorities. In fact, it’s more than okay. It can be vital if you’ve ever reached that extra crispy level of burnout, you know what I mean? So if you’re someone who has trouble saying no, especially with extracurricular activities your kids might be involved in, decide how much time you have to give, if any, and stick to that amount.”

In this episode, let’s talk about:

***Set Boundaries at Work: Reassess your work schedule to better align with family needs, particularly during the back-to-school season. Saying no to extra commitments and setting clear work boundaries can help reduce stress and prevent burnout.

***Streamline Practice Management: Utilize EHR systems for scheduling, billing, and client records. Consider features like self-scheduling and automation tools to minimize administrative tasks and improve efficiency.

***Outsource and Delegate Tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help, whether it’s hiring a virtual assistant, getting extra help at home, or leveraging support from your clinical consultation group. Delegating tasks can ease your workload significantly.

***Prioritize Self-Care and Presence: Focus on quality time with your family, practice self-care, and accept imperfection. Remember that balancing a therapy practice and parenting is challenging, and giving yourself grace is essential to navigating this busy season.