Private Practice Startup Podcast - Episode 362 Summary
Title: Amplifying the Healing Process - Document Your Signature Framework in a Book
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Release Date: October 5, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 362 of the Private Practice Startup Podcast, hosts Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux welcome back a returning guest, Katie K. May, LPC. The episode, titled "Amplifying the Healing Process - Document Your Signature Framework in a Book," delves into Katie K. May's journey in authoring her book, "You're on Fire. It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behavior." This discussion offers valuable insights for mental health professionals looking to document and share their unique therapeutic frameworks through writing.
Guest Introduction
Katie K. May is introduced as a seasoned professional in the field of adolescent mental health. She is the Owner and Executive Director of Creator Creative Healing, a national speaker, and trainer specializing in therapy for teens dealing with depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. Notably, Katie is one of only 11 licensed board-certified dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) clinicians in Pennsylvania, underscoring her expertise in this critical treatment modality.
Inspiration and Motivation to Write
Katie shares the genesis of her passion for writing, tracing it back to her childhood:
“I always knew that I wanted to be a writer. Even when I was really young. I was writing poetry, I was documenting my experiences and it's just been the way that I've been able to process my life.” [04:00]
This intrinsic motivation to write became a tool for both personal healing and professional expression. Katie emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in her writing, stating that it not only aids her healing process but also provides a practical framework to assist parents navigating their teenagers' self-destructive behaviors.
Developing the Signature Framework
Katie recounts the evolution of her parent program over eight years:
“We were working with teens and we didn't want to be working with parents because that was hard, different, frustrating...we started realizing that we were working against ourselves.” [06:03]
This realization led to the development of a comprehensive parent program aimed at improving outcomes for both parents and teens. Katie highlights the necessity of manualizing this framework to reach a broader audience beyond Pennsylvania, transforming it into a book that serves as a scalable resource.
Challenges in Writing and Editing
Transitioning from therapy practice to authoring a book presented its own set of challenges. Katie candidly discusses the hurdles she faced during the editing process:
“The editing process... was something that I didn't anticipate was that, you know, I'm a writer, I write all the time... but to get all this feedback was at first really stressful and frustrating.” [12:46]
Despite initial frustrations, Katie credits the rigorous editing process with enhancing the quality of her work, ensuring that her personal stories seamlessly integrate with self-help content to resonate deeply with readers.
Publishing and Marketing Strategies
Katie shares her dual approach to publishing, having utilized both guided author programs and traditional publishing avenues:
“My first book, I went through a program. It was a guided author program through a company called Scribe... My second book I did submit to a traditional publisher and so I'm awaiting feedback on that and next steps on that.” [15:30]
Her marketing strategy leverages her established audience across therapist and parent communities, utilizing social media and email lists to build anticipation. Additionally, Katie benefited from platforms like Pod Match, which facilitated her visibility by connecting her with other podcasts seeking expert guests.
Authenticity and Storytelling
A pivotal aspect of Katie's success is her commitment to authenticity. She recounts a defining moment that propelled her to share her personal stories more openly:
“I had this story in my mind that I wanted to share... it was really vulnerable and it talks about some of the trauma in my history... I had over 50 comments after several hours of just support outpouring.” [18:11]
Katie emphasizes the power of sharing one's story, even when it feels vulnerable, as it fosters connection and relatability among readers and listeners.
Advice for Therapists to Author Their Frameworks
When asked about turning a therapeutic method into a book, Katie offers practical advice:
“Think of it like you are on one side of the river... each of those stepping stones can be a milestone or a chapter in your book.” [10:47]
She recommends breaking down the desired outcomes into manageable chapters and diligently documenting the iterative processes and feedback gathered over years of practice. This structured approach ensures that the book effectively guides readers across the metaphorical river of understanding and application.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability
Katie candidly discusses the fear associated with sharing personal narratives:
“I felt like I was going to throw up. I hit post on Facebook and then I went to this holiday party where I just wasn't on my phone for several hours... it was so reinforcing... it just became natural for me after that.” [18:11]
Her experience underscores the transformative impact of embracing vulnerability, transforming initial fear into a powerful tool for connection and healing.
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Katie leaves the audience with a profound message:
“Share your story, even if it's scary or it makes you want to throw up because someone else needs to hear it.” [24:20]
She encourages therapists and mental health professionals to document and share their unique frameworks, emphasizing that what may seem commonplace to them can be incredibly impactful for others.
Conclusion
Episode 362 of the Private Practice Startup Podcast offers a compelling exploration of the intersection between therapeutic practice and authorship. Through Katie K. May's insightful journey, listeners gain valuable strategies for documenting their unique therapeutic frameworks and amplifying their impact through writing. The episode serves as an inspiration for mental health professionals aspiring to extend their reach and facilitate healing on a broader scale.
For more resources, visit www.PrivatePracticeStartup.com.