November: Taking Time to Plan and be Grateful!
By Bonnie Werpy Rye, SDMHCA President
As the seasons are changing, I am assessing all the things that I would like to accomplish before the end of the year. So many things I would like to do, however, finding the time to do them is difficult. Currently, I am working with a group of individuals on developing and delivering a workshop on 'Aspects of a Private Practice'. We do not have a date for this workshop at this time. I believe the workshop will answer many questions counselors experience when looking at this option. Robert J. Walsh and Norman C Dasenbrook wrote an article in Counseling Today answering questions about getting a practice up and running. Here is an excerpt of one of the questions.
Q. My professional goal for 2006 is to start a private practice. I have thought about it for years. What is my first step?
A. Actually, you are asking about the second step. The first step is making the decision to go for it. Most counselors dream of having their own private practice, but few make the decision and even fewer act on it.
We find that the biggest barrier for counselors to go into business for themselves is a lack of confidence. Yet as counselors, what do we advise our clients to do? Take risks—go outside their comfort zone and risk failure. Sometimes we need to take our own advice and pursue the dream. Counselors are well-trained clinicians who have the skill set necessary to practice independently. But without the belief that it is possible, one is doomed to fail.
I hope this peaks your interest in attending the workshop.
In September, the SDMHCA Board discussed encouraging members to use the List Serve(we still have a few problems we are addressing), looked at duties and responsibilities of the officers, the pre-conference workshop, and the need to set up the following committees- Membership, Nominations, Public Relations and Advocacy, Government Relations, and Financial. There will be a board member representative on all the committees. Please consider volunteering by notifying me at werpyrye@wat.midco.net. We also want to ask if you might be interested in the office of President-Elect for the 2007-2008 term. The commitment would be for three years as President -Elect, President and -Past- President. If you want more information feel free to call me at 605.882.7076.
In closing, as Thanksgiving approaches I encourage everyone to give thanks each day by noting your blessings, large or small, for you will start noticing all the wonderful things in your life.