Many therapists reach a point a few years into private practice where they feel stuck — even though they’re competent, booked, and doing “everything right.”

In this episode of Not in Training, I reflect on why so many therapists experience a sense of stagnation, restlessness, or quiet dissatisfaction after 3–5 years in private practice — and why this phase can feel so confusing when there’s no obvious burnout or crisis.

Drawing from my own experience as a trainee counsellor, and from conversations with therapists who have been in private practice for several years, this episode explores the emotional and identity shifts that often go unnamed in therapy training.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why therapists can feel stuck after a few years in private practice

• The difference between burnout, failure, and loss of meaning

• How stagnation can signal an identity or model that’s been outgrown

• Why training doesn’t prepare therapists for this middle phase of practice

• The quiet discomfort of asking “what now?” when nothing is technically wrong

This episode isn’t about fixing or problem-solving. It’s about naming an experience many therapists recognise but struggle to put into words.

If you’re a therapist in private practice feeling stuck, flat, or quietly questioning your work — this conversation is for you.

Sometimes naming the thing is enough for now.

Join 'notes from the middle' email series

In this episode, I break down why enquiry dips in private practice aren’t a sign your business is falling apart, but a sign it’s time to pay attention. We dig into business patterns, emotional regulation, and the metrics that actually tell you what’s going on. You’ll learn how to audit your practice, spot the real blockers, and make grounded decisions instead of scrambling out of fear. If you want a steadier, more strategic business, this one is for you!

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Inquiry Slowdowns in Private Practice

07:37 The Impact of Business Patterns on Therapists

15:13 Regulating Responses to Inquiry Dips

22:12 Auditing Your Business Data

31:42 The Importance of Tracking Data

40:41 Creating Stability in Your Practice

If your inbox has gone quiet and referrals aren’t as consistent as you’re used to, and you want to actually understand what’s going on — and what to focus on to bring momentum back into your practice — book a 2-hour Therapy business Review

You’ll walk away with a clear 12-month plan, grounded in your data, your goals, and what’s genuinely possible for your business.

If your marketing’s starting to sound like everyone else’s, this one’s for you.

Let’s talk about what happens when you trade your own ideas for templates and how rebuilding trust in your creativity changes everything.

Here are the key highlights of today's episode:

• Creativity is essential for effective marketing• Templates can dull your unique voice• Trusting your own ideas builds confidence• Self-respect matters more than self-esteem• Creativity is a muscle — use it• Relying on prompts weakens creative thinking• Start with your own thoughts first• Rebuilding creativity strengthens agency

→ Make we connect over on Instagram @balanceandbuildtherapy