180: Managing Time Off Without Compromising Your Practice’s Stability with Edgar Frias

Have you ever felt guilty for taking a break from work? Do you find it challenging to balance your creative pursuits with your professional responsibilities? If so, you're not alone. Many therapists struggle with feelings of guilt or abandon if they take time away from their practice and worry that clients will need them while they’re gone or not come back to therapy once the vacation has ended.  

Edgar Fabián Frías, LMFT, and graduate of the Money Skills for Therapists course, brings their current challenge of allowing themselves permission to rest, trust the systems, and redefine what sustainability looks like in their work and life to the show. Edgar has built financial buffers and created sustainability in their practice, but not yet allowed themselves a real break.  

During our conversation, Edgar shares that they’ve noticed when clients take time off, they do sometimes come back with new insights or they’ve made progress on goals. This realization helped Edgar feel “lighter” about taking time off since it would likely benefit clients too. 

 

Balancing Rest and Business Growth 

If you are someone who finds it hard to take time off, and you know you need a break but you keep pushing that vacation into the future, here are a few questions Edgar and I work through:  

• What if I lose connections with my clients during my time off? 
• Will I have to start over again after taking a vacation? 
• Will my clients seek support elsewhere if I'm not available for a month? 
• What if my absence affects the progress and goals of my clients? 
• What if taking time off leads to missed opportunities or setbacks in my practice? 
• How can I take time for myself but also serve my clients well? 

 

Conquering the Fears Around Taking Time Off  

(00:00:10) Balancing Creativity with Professional Responsibilities 

(00:09:33) Therapists' Emphasis on Personal Growth Practices 

(00:14:06) Creative Breaks: Nurturing Therapist's Business Growth 

(00:16:28) The Transformative Power of Rest and Exploration 

(00:17:27) Creative Time Management for Productivity and Balance 

(00:22:35) Maintaining Financial Security During Extended Absences 

 

Elevating Your Therapy Services from a Place of Rest 

Overcoming the fear of taking time off is a journey that requires self-awareness, resilience, and a willingness to prioritize your well-being. As a therapist, it's essential to find a balance between work responsibilities and creative pursuits, while also ensuring financial stability and taking breaks to recharge.

One practical tip is to create a schedule that allows for dedicated time for both work and creative activities. Set boundaries and stick to them, ensuring that you have time for self-care and relaxation. Remember, you deserve time off to rest, relax, and rejuvenate. Taking breaks can actually boost your creativity and productivity in the long run.  

(00:23:34) "And I honestly as like, you know someone who was so tainted by money and felt so out of control with it. It's been so amazing to be on the other side of it and be like, oh, my gosh, I'm comfortable with money. And I also feel like I have this ability to dream." - Edgar Fabián Frías 

(00:28:13) "When we never take time away, when we don't show them that we're living expansive lives, they know that on some level, you know, that we are someone who works all the time and isn't actually out exploring and enjoying the world, as we are often supporting our clients to be able to do so." - Linzy Bonham 

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