Building My Counseling Practice

[sbd]

Hello Clarity Friends,

I have read this site on and off for a long time, and now have a life situation where I need some help.

Last fall I started a private counseling practice using space in my friend's counseling office. For various reasons, I now need to find a space of my own. Because I'm not in a financial position to rent and furnish a space on my own, I'm seeking a sublet arrangement. Visiting other therapist's offices has not been fun. The amount of old, stagnant energy and tattered furniture I have encountered is very sad indeed.

But I have found a space that is a little alternative to the usual counseling setting. Rather than a suite with other psychotherapists, this space is part of a yoga studio that also has practitioners like acupuncture, massage, and naturopathy. I would be the only psychotherapist. The office space has no windows, and is much smaller than the space I've been using, with a totally different feel, and it's located in a totally different neighborhood. Still, I'm drawn to the overall space in many ways, the least of which is the beautiful yoga studio that I could use for workshops, and the creative marketing possibilities that come with being in this type of setting. I'm very open to challenging the medical model approach to counseling (which I already do challenge given my style and eastern lens) and so while a risk, I feel the setting would be a good one.

But I do see some potential problems: the energy in the overall space while definitely not stagnant is also not very grounded. This may in part be due to the high ceilings, and in part due to the owners who are two lovely young women whose individual energies feel to me to be a little divergent. Yet their business model is very clear and focused, they are good communicators, and they've decorated the space beautifully and with thoughtful intention. My intuition tells me that this venture has become bigger than them and they are struggling to hold onto it. They do want to do some community building among the practitioners but haven't yet had the chance. Yet because counseling can be isolating work, I do welcome working in a space where other activity is happening.

I asked my trusted Yi about moving forward with this space, and I asked by writing down two questions at the same time. I asked, "What outcome to my moving/starting my practice at M Studio? What will be my experience?" My answer was 62 with two changing lines, 1 and 6, becoming 30.

Does this mean I would end up clinging to something that doesn't work? The warnings in the lines are clear and strong. Or is it just that my expectations need to be small at first? I can't get a read on this for myself.

I should add, that before I visited the space, I asked the Yi, "What about the possibility of M Studio?" and I received 40 with lines 1 and 4 changing into 19. I originally understood this as approaching the solution that would release me from my current problem of needing a new space. Now I am not so sure.

My readings are filled with both auspicious and warnings. I need an objective opinion, please.

 

[bradford_h]

Hi-
Just some first thoughts
I'm getting a hit that says "not very grounded" might mean a lot here.
Grounded is where even the high flying bird wants to be in Gua 62.
In transitional hexagrams this change also passes through 55.6,
also hovering way up high, at the very gates of heaven
There may be perceptual problems with being seen as a new age therapist,
even if you want to be known as a wholistic practitioner, and oher
distractions that you could avoid by opening a simple, uncomplicated
practice (concern for perceptions and care of the cow from gua 30).
40.1 is about settling early, maybe for a little less, but nothng bad.
40.4 is about seeking feedback, so someone here might have more to offer on this.
19 is just about moving from making preparations to making an effort.

 

[candid]

Hi Sbd,

I concur with Brad's insights. The words 'not very grounded' set off a bell in my head too, probably because based on your presentation here, you yourself do seem well grounded.

But I wouldn't say this eliminates all potential for some type of working arangement with these two women, based on all your readings here. 19 appears as a green light to somewhere, though it could mean to just keep on looking for the scenario that will help you to accomplish your goals.

 

[sbd]

Brad: you've brought to light some good points. Perhaps I'm the bird, as I personally wish to be grounded. I believe I can create this in my private space, and certainly my energy as a new person will influence the group in some way. Yet it is important to know the predominate energy that I will enter there.

You've helped me to see that Yi may be directly answering my question: what will be my expeirence. Perhaps I'll be wishing for more grounded-ness once I'm there? Perhaps I'll feel the misfortune of my choice for this reason?

You are also scary-correct when you say I want to be known as a "wholistic practitioner." And that's the way I spell it also -- not "holistic" as so many do!

 

[sbd]

Candid: I had not seen your message before posting above. But you did help me to see there was another question to be asked, "What is the best path for me regarding M Studio?"

My answer is 56 with line 2 changing to 50. When I receive the traveling hexagram my usual first response is that I'm being told to move on. But I looked closely enough at line 2 to see this is the best line of the hexagram, according to Huang. This line suggests I should stay at the inn, (join the studio?) but to also see myself as a visitor in a foreign land and be respectful. I believe this is consistent with advice given above - my expectations should be meek and not soar beyond grasp of what's possible in this situation. Also, LiSe wrote of this line, "We do not "find" a home, one makes a place to a home."

I am curious to know more about this boy servant and what his archetype may represent. Perhaps just the symbol of having a companion on my journey, which sounds positive, is something to notice.

The point that I may be viewed as a new age therapist is an important one for me to consider. While I view life through what some might call a transpersonal (mind-body-spirit) lens, I am not new age at all. I've been told I can maintain my own business cards, make my own appointments (I don't need to use the receptionist at the studio) and I'd do my own marketing. But in addition to this, I would be included on the studio's website and other marketing activities.

I originally had some concerns about privacy. But my view is that to seek supportive counseling during times of transition is healthy, and not to be stigmatized. I try to normalize counseling through my own attitude. It's okay seek support. Without it, surely we would all die.

Feedback, comments, etc are all welcome here.

 

[bradford_h]

Hi Sbd-
One question you might ask (& probably are) is
What is your client demographic, and do you want it to gradually shift away from a general cross section of the population. There's a whole lot of conservative types who wouldn't be caught dead near a non-Christian environment, and half the population still thinks that the new age movement is Satan's own plan. How you gonna wash brains like these if they won't come near?
Of course if you have a large population base to draw from, you can afford to specialize. Personally I would make a great effort to maintain an aura of realism and cogency here, even if that required a separate entrance.

 

[candid]

Sbd,

If you don't mind a personal observation, you do seem like an independent spirit, yet also wonderfully open to assistance and impressions. You obviously practice what you council.

I'd give this independent nature of yours some room, regardless what setting you ultimately decide to practice in. A separate entrance, again as Brad suggests, may be an excellent idea. You'll likely have the need to hang your own sign rather than consolidate with the other practitioners too tightly. Still, its hard to say whether this association will hurt or help you at this juncture of your wanderings.

The Wilhelm doesn't say whether the servant in line 2 is a male or female, but I can tell you from my own experience, it has meant a female helper to me in my past, most definitely. I think it can be either gender. Could it be saying that your arrival into these others' lives at this time is being welcomed enthusiastically? If so, they may be very helpful to you in establishing in your new digs, even if it turns out to be in another location. A wanderer never knows for sure.

Don?t you sometimes wish Yi would just say ?do this and everything will be wonderful!? No, it has to leave these annoying decisions to us! Sometimes life just isn?t fair!

This is interesting. Please let us know how things develop.

C

 

[sbd]

Bradford: You make some interesting points. As for population, I'm in a fairly large city -- and the population is a combination of conservative and polite Norwegian, a little west coast granola, together with lots of driven and creative high-tech types. The neighborhood of this studio is in a former hippie-activist hangout that turned upscale -- a couple of high-tech companies within walking distance, a huge whole foods grocery, and some over-priced restaurants and boutiques. The space is appropriate to the neighborhood. The bigger question you're inviting me to ask: does this space rule out welcoming clients from the wider area?

The space I was renting does have an adjoining office that is available full-time. I'd need to assume full responsibility for the rent and furnish the place. Let's see what Yi has to say about this:

---

I asked about the outcome of pursuing renting the empty office where I am now, and received 61 without changing lines. The inner truth here probably is that I know I can't afford the place on my own, nor do I need the space full-time. And, I'm not sure I want to become a landlord to sub-let. But it is a great location, with lots of light, and I'd be calling the shots.

As it happens, I placed a call to the landlord yesterday to try and gather more information - just in case.

That's all for now.

 

[sbd]

Candid: We crossed postings again. Thanks for the compliment. A separate entrance isn't possible in this space. Perhaps I should just ask about the how the association will effect my practice?

 

[dij]

Hi, I hope you won't mind me adding my 2 cents worth, I'm trying to learn Yi and it's very helpful trying to figure out the casting for a question I didn't ask.

Q: "What outcome to my moving/starting my practice at M Studio? What will be my experience?"

Firstly, I looked up 62 lines 1 and 6 and that (Wilhelm) tells me 'Don't be in haste to dispense with tradition' "The point here is that the time demands restraint that would appear to be excessive."
lines, 1 - bird meets with misfortune through flying (not ready yet -you've been warned)
line 6 - He passes him by, not meeting him. This sounds as if you'll go ahead and take this space regardless and live to regret it.

"In the case of the six at the beginning, disaster results from impatience; here it comes from the fact that the line is too high, too arogant, and unwilling to come back. As a result, it loses its way, leaves the others and draws disaster upon itself from both gods and men"

I would like to add here that you may not have considered the way you'll be perceived by regulars at the studio can be opposite to what you expect. As a 'traditionalist' they may resent your presence, while your traditional colleagues and clients may come to dismiss you as a new age therapist, as you said. The far left and the far right don't meet in the middle.
(looke at me, I made my own oracle!)

Then I looked at your earlier question:
Q: "What about the possibility of M Studio?"

If I was an oracle, I'd be really confused with this question. Possibility for what? Of what?
Now, if you go with the line that Yi reads your mind, you have probably asked "What about M Studio as a possible new premises for my practice"
And the Yi said:
Oh man, you'll think you've finally found it.
But then at 40.4 - "Deliver yourself from your great toe: for the place is not the appropriate one."

It actually says that - the place is not the appropriate one.


---
Thank you for letting me use your situation to practice.

I then asked, Yi,
Q: where should Sbd find the most appropriate for him space?
And I got 40.1 changing to 54

Maybe you can fix your present situation and stay there?

 

[dij]

wow. sinchronicity

 

[sbd]

Dij: I do appreciate you using my situation for practice. You bring up some important points for me to notice in this process. Your suggestion that I fix my present situation and stay there is interesting, but I'm afraid it isn't possible to stay in my current office. Perhaps the synchronicity you speak about is my comment about renting the adjoining office?

I went ahead and asked Yi about the affect my association with M Studio would have on my counseling practice. I received 12 with lines 1 and 4 changing into 42. The lines are mixed, and 42 is lovely. I need to member that my private practice is only just beginning, and I only have a few clients now. It's difficult to know if M Studio will help bring about the increase of 42, or if it's the studio that would create a hindrance?

 

[candid]

Dij, you rock!

Sbd, wow! that last question and answer sounds ominous. If it were me, I'd still not write off these associates as co-leasers, or maybe as just helpful friends, but I wouldn't expect more from it than to possibly take me to the next step. (42)

Allow me to indulge a minor example which I've recently witnessed. I play music in a small group on weekends. Through my work contacts I met a female vocalist, and invited her to a Saturday night session with the band. It turns out she was not compatible with the group for a number of reasons. I didn't see that as a reason to ban her from future get togethers, but the others disagreed and told her she was not welcome at practice. Awhile later the band obtained a healthy PA system, but due to their lack of experience couldn't make the most of it. Now, the lady who was eliminated altogether happened to have owned her own recording facility in LA; she knew sound. So while this person didn't fit into the group as a performer, she may well have provided a valuable service for it, if the group had the wisdom and foresight to be patient.

The same may hold true for these two other practitioners in your case. I don't know, of course, but I've seen this happen many times in my own life and career.

I?d just go with it awhile and see where it leads. Maybe you could pick up a few lattes and hang out with them awhile, get to know them a little better?

The neighborhood sounds ideal: diverse, upscale and contemporary.

 

[sbd]

Dij's reading may have been profound in another way. S/he asks what's the most appropriate space for me and interprets the answer as staying where I am. Because the answer involved 54, I also heard the Yi telling me to subordinate myself.

Without going into too many details, the reason I'm seeking a new space is because I was sub-letting from a friend. She gave me a deal to start my practice, where I paid hourly when I used the space only. She attached meaning to this "favor" which I recently learned means to her I can't make any suggestions about the space without her feeling resentful about our arrangement. Instead of talking through the conflict, or discussing my signing a lease (which I was willing to do) she created a conflict out of the conflict so as to avoid ever having a discussion with me (she's a little conflict avoidant!) and the other day decided to end our friendship and business relationship altogether. Being naturally more assertive, and being comfortable with conflict, I did push for us to talk through things. The more I pushed just to talk (we never actually got to the talking part!) the more she pulled away.

I asked Yi -- what if I proposed to her signing a lease for one-day per week, with no other contact or involvement between us? Answer 45 unchanging. It just may work. (And, my hunch is that eventually she'll come around again in the friendship.)

Now I'm wondering if getting back my old space for one day weekly, plus one day at M Studio would work together? I'll wait to ask any more questions until I know the outcome of step one.

 

[sbd]

oops - I left this out from the my last posting:

Thank you for all the attentiveness. However, what happens to me often is that I get confused when I ask too many questions about a single situation. And here I now am: confused.

Perhaps M Studio isn't a long-term space. But is it an appropriate stepping stone? And what's really a stepping stone -- a week of pondering, or a year spent at their "Inn?"

 

[RindaR]

Hmmm... may I try at this too? (taking notes from LiSe's site) I get the impression that if you go to M studio, that you will find yourself helping these young women - they are nurturers, possibly the "female cattle" in 30? also supporting this may be the "flying bird leaves behind it's sound, it is not fit above, it is fit below" gives me the impression that although the space/physical expression of the studio might be good, you might find that while the spirit of the group there would be benefitted by your presence, it may not to be just what you need for yourself. (thinking of upper and lower as spirit and manifestation as in the trigrams...)

Line one may refer to a potential reaction to the change in location by your current clients. They may not feel comfortable in the energy-space of the new place. You may lose them, and/or undo the work you've put into their growth if it's a big change and if they feel abandoned. (I could be way off-base here if they are pretty stable folks.) It could increase anxiety or social phobic stuff if you've got a lot of that in your practice. If you see a lot of borderlines, you might consider how they might react to the change in social stimuli and choices of folks with whom they might interact (I can see good things and the potential for some challenges if they see opportunities to "hang out" there... You'd certainly want to keep communication lines and boundaries clear with your peers there - could they do that? would they understand?)

Have you considered some kind of quid-pro-quo arrangement with a church, school or non-profit organization where you could exchange x number of therapy or assessment hours for their clients for y number of hours and z amount of space set up to your liking in which you can see them as well as continuing to see your own private clients??

just some thoughts...

Rinda, also a psychotherapist...

 

[candid]

right!

 

[sbd]

Update:

I tried calling the people at M Studio on Monday to follow-up and have a conversation, and have still not heard back from them. Not a big surprise. Given this, and with your help with all of the above, I have decided not to pursue that space for housing my counseling practice, but I am interested to hold a workshop in the yoga studio at some point and hope to discuss this possibility with them.

So far, I have also choose not to pursue the one-day per week agreement with my friend despite receiving the 45 above. She has pulled away and I want to honor and accept this. But I am pursuing renting the other space in the building full-time, and I'm currently looking for others to sublet from me.

This is where things stand at the moment. Thanks again for all your help.

 

[candid]

Sbd, thank you for the update, always nice to receive feedback, and rare as well.

I wish you success with this endeavor.