Every Great Mental Health Therapist Starts with Self-Reflection with Seara O’Brien PLMHP : Part Two

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Now, on to the show!

Part two of our conversation with Seara O’Brien, LIMHP (she was PLMHP at the time of this recording but since then is fully licensed!) about building clinical confidence, moving through imposter syndrome, and getting more comfortable with discomfort.

Seara shares how running has taught her to keep showing up, even when she doesn’t feel ready and how that same grit supports her work as a mental health therapist. Together, we explore the self-doubt many newer and provisional therapists experience: wondering whether you’re competent enough, fearing you’ll forget everything you know, overpreparing for sessions, and feeling responsible for doing enough for every client.

We also discuss why worksheets and perfect plans can sometimes get in the way of authentic therapeutic connection and what becomes possible when therapists allow themselves to be human in the room.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

•  Why confidence is built through action, not certainty 

•  Managing therapist imposter syndrome and anticipatory anxiety 

•  Letting go of perfectionism and the pressure to perform 

•  Recognizing when session preparation becomes overpreparation 

•  Becoming more comfortable with clinical uncertainty 

•  Using self-compassion to move through difficult thoughts and emotions 

•  Building authentic connection without needing to have everything figured out 

•  Showing up as a grounded, human therapist 

You may never feel completely ready and that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable. Clinical confidence grows through consistency, self-reflection, and the willingness to keep showing up in the messy middle.

Grab your sparkling water, my favorite, or Cathy's fave, a Diet Coke, or your own favorite fun drink and let's get Gritty together.

Go follow Seara! @seara.obrien

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• Therapist AF: Grit School for the Real World, practical skills, nervous system grounding, and the reps grad school skipped

• The Gritty Therapist freebies, tools, and support: thegrittytherapist.com

• The Cord Where Science Meets Connection attachment/trauma-focused therapy. 

Follow along on Instagram @grittytherapist and go get your gritty on.

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