No one in the world is free from this worry. So right off the bat, know that you are not alone!
To start spreading the word about my new private practice, I made cold calls and cold visits to businesses in my neighborhood. Armed with my best business attire, professional ponytail and marketing materials, I thought I was ready. I arrived at my first location and I hesitated. The thoughts running through my mind went something like, “What if they’re mean?”, “What if they say no?”, “What do I have to offer?”, “Why do I think I can do this?”, “Who am I???”
After this, I began my own little pep talk, along with some encouraging words from my friends. You have to have an understanding with yourself. You have to choose to believe the good stuff you tell yourself. It is easier to believe the bad stuff, but again, you have to choose to believe the good stuff. So here is the dialogue I had:
What exactly are you trying to do?
“I am trying to spread the word about my new mental health practice”
Is there anything wrong with that?
“No, I am trying to help clients and help doctors, chiropractors and law firms connect their clients to quality health care (i.e., me ) What can be bad about that?”
What is your worst fear?
1. Someone asks me a question that I cannot answer…
2. I get rejected and they don’t need my services…
3. The receptionist gives me a blank/confusing stare…
Okay, if that happens, then what?
1. I’ll tell them that I will get back to them with an answer
2. I’ll say, “Ok, no problem, thank you for your time.”
3. I’ll smile.
The understanding with myself is, I am doing a good thing, if people are rude, send me away or whatever, I am going to believe that they are in a bad mood, having a bad day, or very busy.
If there is a better time for me to come by, then I can/will. Other people’s bad attitude is not my problem. I am a therapist and I am saying I am not responsible for other people’s feelings and neither are you! The understanding/inner dialogue is a way of showing yourself that you are enough. Having this inner pep talk allows you to do things that you would have normally been too afraid to do. I could have easily stayed home today, believe me, I wanted to, but I knew I was doing this for myself. I was doing this for myself because I reminded myself that I am enough. And so are you.
How have you overcome your anxiety in order to get things done?
What do you do or say to yourself to remind you that you are enough?
Mountain Mindset Counseling 
Hello ! I enjoyed this post. Its always refreshing to know we all second guess ourselves. I am currently working on my masters and want my LPCC most people in my program want to go into school counseling and not obtain a license so its very exciting for me to see your posts and have a frame of reference from someone actually doing the job ! I look forward to reading more . Thank you !
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Thank you so much for your comment Intentional Rach! This profession is challenging but I believe it leads to intense personal growth. Good luck on your journey and thanks for reading!
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