Not Every Client Will Be Ready
One year ago, while waiting for my license, I sat at my kitchen island and mapped out the vision for stepping into private practice. Just a month earlier, while sitting in church, I felt an assignment placed on my heart. My immediate response was, “Oh naw.” Yet here we are. Starting this practice was not something I stepped into alone. I am deeply grateful for a close friend who encouraged me, poured into me, believed in me, and gave me the support and tools I needed to get this practice off the ground. I will always be thankful for her. She is a real one. This first year has been filled with learning, growth, challenges, and deep gratitude for every person who has trusted this space with their story.
Reflections From One Year:
Not Every Client Will Be Ready. After one year in business, and after following an assignment from God that first connected with the 26 year old version of me, I have learned that some people are simply not ready for therapy. Some may not come back, and that does not always mean it is about you. Sometimes it is timing, finances, readiness, or the reality that you are not the right fit for where they are in that season.
Grace, Growth, and the Mission. Whatever the reason, give yourself grace and make peace with it. Stay focused on the mission, learn from your mistakes, and keep growing in your craft. Study your clients with care, knowing that each person is unique even when their stories and challenges may sound similar.
Honesty Creates Better Care. Being honest with yourself allows you to be honest with them. If someone is not a good fit for you, it is okay to admit that and refer them to someone who may serve them better. You will help some people deeply, and you will not be the therapist for everyone, and that is okay.
Therapists Need Grace Too. Healing is not linear, and growth takes time. That truth applies to our clients, and it applies to us as therapists too. The same grace we offer others, we have to learn to offer ourselves.
Continue to Focus on Your Business. I have never been someone who stays focused on what everyone else is doing. My mom used to tell us all the time, “Mind yo business.” That lesson stayed with me, and it still applies today, especially for anyone building something meaningful. This is a reminder for clients, business owners, and anyone walking in purpose: no one will ever do it the way you do it. Everyone has something within them that no one else has. It is unique to your DNA (Dr. Hope Udombon, UWG).
Bigger is not always better, and taking your time still matters. Success is not measured only by money or material things. It is measured by impact, by joy, and by the fulfillment that comes from doing work that feels aligned. When you practice with fidelity, integrity, and purpose, what is meant for you will come in abundance. Learn to lead from where you are. Do not shrink yourself. Trust who you are, because you deserve a seat at the table, or the opportunity to build the table yourself.
Signed,
Dr. Dom Thomas, LPC, PSC
