Creating a More Sustainable Therapy Practice in the New Year

Reflecting on My Business and Setting Better Boundaries in the New Year

As we ring in the new year, I’ve been spending time reflecting on my business over the past year. Like many others, I’ve been looking closely at my systems, schedule, and day-to-day rhythms—especially now that this business is my sole focus.

Taking a step back has helped me notice patterns in how I spend my time and where I feel most stretched. Below are a few changes I’m hoping to incorporate this year to help me set clearer boundaries, manage my time more intentionally, and keep my work sustainable.

1. Creating Dedicated Administrative Time

I’ve noticed a growing demand on my schedule from administrative tasks—responding to emails, maintaining liability insurance, documenting services, invoicing, and more. Recently, I posted a video on my business Instagram where I tracked how much time I actually spend on these tasks during a typical week. The total surprised me.

Measuring that time gave me valuable insight into how much of my workday is truly spent “behind the scenes.” Using that data, I’ve now scheduled designated admin time into my calendar each day. My hope is that this small but intentional shift will help me feel more organized, less frazzled, and more in control of my workday.

2. Sticking to Consistent Work Hours

Over the past few months, I’ve been working toward a more consistent 10–6 schedule, with the exception of days when I have evening clients. This structure has helped anchor my days and create a clearer separation between work and personal time.

Outside of work hours, I turn off my work-related apps and practice noticing work thoughts without engaging with them—letting them float by rather than pulling me back into work mode.

3. Untangling Self-Worth From Work

This is a big one. Many of us—especially in helping professions—have our self-worth deeply intertwined with our work. I’m actively working on disentangling that belief, particularly during my personal time.

I’m trying to notice thoughts like “I need more” or “This isn’t enough” and gently reframe them. My hope is that approaching myself with less criticism and more compassion will reduce my overall stress and bring more ease into my workdays. As a part of this intention, I'm hoping to start an end of the week task where I reflect on how the week goes. As a sole business owner juggling multiple responsibilities, it can be hard to identify and celebrate small wins. I'm hoping this practice can help identify my accomplishments on a weekly basis, in turn, helping me step away from worry and stress.

4. Maintaining Consistency With Social Media & Blogging

I’ve really enjoyed staying consistent with weekly Instagram posts this past year, and I plan to continue that rhythm. I’m also aiming to publish about two blog posts per month—enough to stay connected and creative without adding unnecessary pressure.

5. Improving Documentation Habits

This goal probably resonates with many therapists. I’m hoping to document sessions sooner rather than procrastinating—a habit I know only adds stress later.

Like most people in this field, I didn’t choose this work because I love documentation. Still, it’s a necessary and meaningful part of our jobs, and it usually takes far less time than we build it up to be. I’m hoping my newly scheduled admin time blocks will make this feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Looking Ahead With Balance

That’s where I’m at as I step into this new year. Reflecting on the past year can be helpful, but we can’t stay human if we’re constantly trying to optimize ourselves.

My hope is that these five intentions will help me care for my business and myself—keeping things sustainable, grounded, and realistic. Here’s to moving into the year with curiosity rather than pressure.

Happy 2026 🤍