How I structure my practice so I manage my spoons

There have been so many moments throughout the past 6 years when I think to myself, they sure didn't prepare us (both the "they" and the "us" are as nebulous as possible) to do this work in these times... As as a result of that, my growing understanding of the needs of my own brain, energy, and nervous system, and as part of my commitment to reaching for the balance I preach, I've become clear that I need to manage my spoons as a healer.

This looks like a number of things, including:

• I take my time to reply to non-emergent emails;

• Sessions are 55 minutes long, so that I can reset between;

• I try to take a week for planned rest every 5-6 weeks as well as two weeks of vacation in the Summer and two in the Winter;

• I do not take insurance, but am happy to provide superbills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement;

• I meet using telehealth options and am happy to meet over video or the phone;

• I will always have multiple beverage options, generally will have snacks, and might well have fidgeties;

• Sometimes, I'll be sitting during sessions, sometimes I'll be standing, and sometimes I'll be walking at my desk;

• I will take notes as we talk as a kindness to my brain;

• I strive to not have regular or recurring sessions on Fridays;

• Not taking insurance, but happily providing superbills so folks can (hopefully, depending on their plan) get reimbursed for part of their sessions;

• I ask my people to do all scheduling requests over email, so that I can keep track of them, unless it's a day-of request, in which case, text away!

There are other practices and ways of orienting to this work that aren't as structural, which include:

• Feeling into (as well as using my cognition to identify) how energy is moving or not moving;

• Honoring and acknowledging (or doing my best to) when I am not the right practitioner for someone and doing my best to help them find a connection that meets their current needs;

• Practicing not overextending myself--this might look like saying no to a tricky last minute rescheduling request, setting a sliding scale structure that allows me to support myself and my family, and many other possible permutations.

I do this work because it is an honor and a joy. It also is sometimes exhausting and always requires my full self to show up in sessions. In order to do this for the long haul (whatever shape that might take), I am committed to these practices and to the inevitability that these practices may change and evolve.

I'm always delighted to have conversations with people about managing spoons in a world that draws from us-- please reach out if that conversation is welcome: ramsey@heartlandwellnesscollaborative.com.