Overcoming Professional Isolation: My Journey to Building Community in Private Practice

Starting a private practice as a psychologist can feel isolating, especially after years at school and university. Many practitioners struggle with the transition to solo work, often underestimating the importance of professional connection and peer support.

The Group Practice

Initially I joined an established group practice, attracted by the promise of built in community and regular supervision. The 50% fee split seemed worthwhile for the social and professional benefits. However, the reality proved disappointing. Promised fortnightly group supervision sessions were frequently cancelled, and despite working in the same building, colleagues had completely different schedules, eliminating opportunities for meaningful connection.

Creating Your Own Support Network

After recognising I had no community in the group practice, I established an independent practice instead. Several strategies proved effective in combating professional loneliness:

Peer Supervision Groups: Maintained connections with university peers through regular peer supervision meetings. These sessions provide both professional development and social connection with practitioners at similar career stages.

Senior Clinical Supervision: Engaged (and continue to engage) a paid senior clinical psychologist for formal supervision. This relationship offers professional guidance whilst contributing to ongoing learning and accountability.

Co-working Arrangements: Chose to work in a building alongside other business owners at co-working spaces. Whilst maintaining separate businesses, these colleagues provide informal support and friendship within the professional environment.

Structured Administrative Time: Designated specific times for administrative tasks like GP correspondence, notes and learning.

Community Involvement: Participated in group sports activities outside of work.

Key Takeaways

Private practice can be lonely, and so you need to design a system that works for you and your circumstances. I promise it will to make the job much more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Rebecca Anderson is a Clinical Psychologist based in Sydney, Australia for Navigate Psychology

Photo by Vonecia Carswell on Unsplash