The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer: LaRonda Starling | Self-Care During Times Of Crisis

LaRonda Starling | Self-Care During Times Of Crisis | TPOT 131

Jun 1, 2020

Dr. LaRonda Starling joins the show and speaks about self-care. Private practice owners need to practice self-care because it’s too easy for business owners to work 24/7. We need to allow ourselves to be real people and take care of ourselves in the ways that we take care of others. LaRonda says we need to learn how to say no, practice prayer throughout the day, and be still. Tune in for more of LaRonda’s self-care advice!

Meet LaRonda Starling

Dr. LaRonda Starling is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas, a National Certified Counselor, an adjunct professor at a Christian university, and the author of Be Still: Spiritual Self-Care for Mental Health Professionals. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, a Master of Science degree in Counseling, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Psychology. As a clinician, Dr. Starling provides therapeutic services (psychological assessment and counseling) in a private practice setting. Along with her clinical experience as a mental health professional, Dr. Starling has over fifteen years of experience working in academic environments; first as a staff member and then as adjunct faculty in both classroom and online settings. In all that she does (working or volunteering), she hopes that God receives the glory as she uses the gifts He has so graciously given her.

Why Private Practice Owners Need to Practice Self-Care

Private practice owners need to take time for themselves. When you work for yourself, you have so many roles to take on. There is always a time where you could be doing some work. One of the things that LaRonda suggests is to be still. Sometimes that means to physically be still – stop being so busy during the day. Also, you need to spiritually be still.

Find the Good in Your Day

Who is God as a person? If you know that God is everywhere, then we can lean on God. Also, be intentional about prayer. Sometimes we only pray when something terrible happens. We need to take the time throughout the day to pray. Throughout the day, think about what is good. What’s the silver-lining of quarantine? Maybe you learned how to use teletherapy, that’s a fantastic silver-lining during this time.

Saying No and Other Self-Care Techniques

One way to practice self-care is by being able to say no in a loving way to other people. Also, make sure you can say no to yourself. You have time to do loads of extra work during the day, but you need to say no. Staying at home with the family, you may not have time to get up early and be still. Parents can set boundaries with their children, this is a great way to practice saying no. We still have to sleep, eat, and exercise. Plus, we need to surround ourselves with good people and good friends.

There’s so much to do during the day, make sure you are taking care of your body and spirit. Plus, LaRonda says to take an hour by yourself and reflect on what’s going on with you. Being outside is a refreshing difference. When COVID-19 is over, we should be able to go out and get some fresh air and exercise. Lastly, don’t forget that every therapist needs a therapist.

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