Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #646 Summary

Title: Navigating The Journey As Parent & Helping Professional
Host: Allison Puryear
Guest: Lauren Gourley
Release Date: May 7, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #646 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear welcomes therapist and author Lauren Gourley to discuss the intricate balance of being both a parent and a helping professional. The conversation delves into the unique challenges and rewards that come with juggling these dual roles, offering valuable insights for therapists striving to build sustainable, joy-filled private practices while maintaining a fulfilling family life.

Lauren Gourley's Background and Book

Lauren introduces her book, Confluence: A Reflective Workbook, which serves as a guide for navigating the overlapping identities of being a parent and a helping professional. With 20 years of experience as a therapist and 11 years as a parent, Lauren shares her personal journey and the realization that becoming a parent profoundly impacts both her personal and professional life.

“Becoming a parent is one of the most humbling experiences of all time. I had no idea how much those overlapping identities would affect me at home and at work.”
— Lauren Gourley [04:00]

Balancing Parenthood and Professional Life

Allison and Lauren explore how professional skills acquired in therapy naturally extend into parenthood. Techniques such as mindfulness, regulation during stressful moments, and an understanding of interpersonal relationships benefit both domains. However, they also discuss the heightened sensitivity and vulnerability that come with parenthood, which can lead to increased risks of countertransference, vicarious trauma, and burnout.

“Our empathy grows, and our judgment of parents may shrink as we realize just how freaking hard it is to be a parent.”
— Lauren Gourley [05:11]

Challenges of Dual Roles

Lauren recounts a poignant moment where her professional and personal lives intersected unexpectedly. During a supervision session, she experienced intense emotions triggered by a client's traumatic story, highlighting the necessity for reflective practice and support systems to manage such experiences without compromising client care.

“I needed to really slow down and think about that reaction, make sure I had my own space to reflect... so that I could be present first with this clinician and then... with a client.”
— Lauren Gourley [09:19]

Importance of Support and Reflective Practice

Both hosts emphasize the critical need for self-compassion and structured support. Lauren introduces concepts like reflective consultation and supervision, which provide therapists with spaces to process their emotions and experiences. This support is vital not only for personal well-being but also for maintaining high-quality client care.

“We need our own space to unpack all of this, to feel validated, to explore how these streams of identities... impact our clinical practice and ourselves.”
— Lauren Gourley [10:23]

Advantages of Private Practice for Parents

Allison highlights the flexibility and autonomy that private practice offers, making it an ideal setting for parents. Lauren shares her personal transition to private practice, illustrating how creating a customized schedule enhances both her professional effectiveness and family life.

“I have the opportunity to create my own private practice... I get to choose. That was my value.”
— Lauren Gourley [16:08]

Strategies for Managing Overlapping Identities

The discussion covers practical strategies for therapists to manage the intersection of their professional and parental roles. These include setting clear boundaries, defining availability, and aligning work schedules with personal energy levels. Lauren also touches on the importance of holding one's vulnerabilities and using reflective prompts from her workbook to continuously assess and adjust one's practice.

“Reflective practice is doing that work before you vet it, during reading the room, and then after... to ensure therapeutic benefit.”
— Lauren Gourley [25:00]

Conclusion and Resources

Towards the end of the episode, Lauren provides information on how listeners can access her book, Confluence, and join her mailing list for future support groups. Allison reiterates the importance of prioritizing family and self-care while building a private practice, encouraging therapists to utilize available resources to achieve a balanced and fulfilling professional life.

“There are places and spaces that we can get support and be better because of it. Right.”
— Lauren Gourley [30:55]

Key Takeaways

• Integrating Professional Skills at Home: Techniques from therapy can enhance parenting, fostering a more mindful and empathetic household.

• Increased Sensitivity and Burnout Risks: Balancing parenting with a helping profession heightens emotional sensitivity, necessitating robust support systems.

• Reflective Practice is Essential: Regular self-reflection and supervision help manage personal and professional overlaps, preventing burnout and enhancing client care.

• Private Practice Offers Flexibility: Creating a personalized schedule in private practice supports better work-life balance, especially for parents.

• Self-Compassion and Support Networks: Prioritizing self-care and seeking support from peers and professional groups are crucial for sustaining both roles effectively.

Resources Mentioned

• Lauren Gourley’s Book: Confluence: A Reflective Workbook
  Available on Amazon

• Lauren’s Website: Maple Tree Wellness
  Access the Confluence page and join the mailing list for updates on support groups.

• Abundant Practice Building:
  Free resources and support for therapists at abundancepracticebuilding.com

For therapists looking to balance their professional and personal lives, Episode #646 offers invaluable insights and practical strategies. Lauren Gourley's experiences and expertise provide a roadmap for maintaining a thriving private practice while nurturing a fulfilling family life.