Reflections From My 2-Month Sabbatical As A Therapist In Private Practice
Do mental health therapists and clinical social workers take sabbaticals? Of course, anyone in any field can take extended time off if they plan for it (if self employed), have the financial support, and/or works for a place that offers it.
From November 1, 2024 to January 1, 2025, I took 2 months off after a period of being crispy which turned into being full on burn out as a therapist in private practice.
I began gaining a substantial amount of weight, engaging in maladaptive behaviors, having health issues, nightmares, and experienced all sorts of terrible side effects as a result of hearing my clients’ stories of abuse, neglect, loss, and trauma.
I planned for this extensively through reflecting on my intention for the two-months off, saving up enough money, researched online about past experiences of those who took a sabbatical in the mental health field, considering the pros and cons, and consulted with peers, loved ones, and trusted professionals.
These were the biggest things I learned about myself and my work.
I spent my two-months off traveling to see friends in another state, attending a silent meditation retreat on mortality and death, spending time with loved ones and family, sleeping in, going for walks, exercising, watching mindless television, and just doing whatever I wanted to do.
2 Months Seems Long, But It’s Not
In my head, I had so many illogical and incomplete thoughts judging me how 2-months was too long and too much for me to take off. It turns out, that 2-months was just the beginning. It took me about 3-4 weeks to fully relax, not check my phone compulsively, and really slow down and be present to life.
Really, in the grand scheme of things, 2-months is not a long time at all.
Set an Intention
My intention for my time off was two fold:
1) Relax, de-stress, slow down, and be more present to life, and
2) Spend time doing things I wanted to do and see people I wanted to see. It was really about mindfulness, nourishment, and connection.
Having an intention helped me remember the days where I felt bad and guilty about taking time off and grounded me back into the present moment.
There was nothing to do, but have an open, relaxed, and curious attitude about what it meant for me to have this privilege to take care of my body, mind, and heart.
The First Month is Winding Down
Automatic patterns and imprints are so hard to change. I kept checking my phone automatically to check my email and text messages, even though I didn’t have to work. I really learned how wired my nervous system became and how it was really stuck on hyperarousal. I felt anxious sitting in the silence, not having anything to do, and not having to attach myself to a daily work schedule.
Eventually, by week 3 or 4, my nervous system settled and I really loved the bliss of not having to check work emails, see clients, and be “on” all the time.
I Was Tired
Wow! By slowing down, understanding how stuck I was on hyperarousal, and so used to working and doing things, eventually, I felt how tired and exhausted I really was being “on” all the time.
I remember a day where I yawned consecutively to the point where someone had asked me if I was crying as the tears came down my cheeks.
I was also able to really sleep well and enjoy the value of good quality sleep. Not having to go to work the next day, I didn’t spend worrying about the future or next day about clients, notes, etc. and I was able to have a more present attitude and mindset for life.
Don’t Overplan
I spent a lot of time catching up with friends and loved ones and while this felt nourishing, I wished I planned less meet ups to really spend time by myself.
Overplanning seemed like a great idea because I didn’t want my sabbatical to be a “waste” since I had never taken such a long time off before,
Clients Will Be Okay
When I returned to work, all of clients were fine and were actually happy I took that break because it gave them time
Of course, some clients struggled with the extended time off, and we discussed this in depth about what to expect before, during, and after my time off
Some clients may not be okay with this and may need a therapist who does not take extended off, and this requires a conversation to transfer them to someone who is more consistent with attendance
It’s a Privilege, And I Wish Every Therapist Could Have This Privilege
Yes, what a privilege!
I remember making $32,000 post-masters in my first job, living in a living room because rent was so expensive I couldn’t afford my own room. I was living month to month and did not have savings.
For me to even conceive let alone take extended time off was shocking for me, but I am so glad I now have the financial ability to do so.
I wish every therapist could do so because it changed my life in so many ways, and I still feel the benefit of it years later.
It’s Unethical To Not Take Care of Ourselves & The Current System/Society Makes it Hard
When we don’t take care of ourselves, client welfare suffers and their care matters
When we don’t take care of ourselves, our welfare suffers and we matter too!
The current way American society is structured
Return Back to Work Slowly
Work your back up to a full caseload, slowly. If you return to work at full capacity after months of not using your skills, it can be overwhelming. I realized how much energy and effort it took to be fully present for my clients’ stories and emotions.
I recommend seeing 2-4 clients a day, before moving back up to 5-6 a day.
Scheduling
I had some clients who wanted to continue to have sessions on the book while some clients wanted to reach out to me to schedule a new time slot upon my return
Option 1: Have clients reach out 1-2 weeks before you return to schedule their sessions. Clients will have to have new recurring time slots, which is helpful if you decide to change your schedule and work hours.
Option 2: Have clients on a recurring schedule before you leave and let them know if they have found a new
What I Would Do Now
Take 3-4 months off
Engage in a hobby or two. It’s good for me to not to be good at everything in my life (especially my perfectionism and need to excel in all areas of my life)
Engaging in more body work like massage, acupuncture, stretching, yoga, etc.