EP 193: The Benefits of Sabbaticals for Therapists: Resistance, Recovery, and Renewal

Have you ever felt that deep longing to step away from your practice—not for a long weekend or a quick vacation, but for a real pause? A stretch of time where you can rest, reset, and reconnect with yourself outside of the constant giving that comes with this work? That’s exactly what Maegan Megginson and I explore in today’s episode. Why Sabbaticals Matter—Beyond “Time Off”  Most of us only hear the word sabbatical in academic circles, but as Maegan reminds us, its root is “Sabbath”—rest. Somewhere along the way, rest became another productivity tool, something to “use well” rather than simply experience. As therapists and practice owners, we need something different. A true sabbatical isn’t for catching up on house projects or writing endless to-do lists—it’s about completely reimagining your relationship with time, worth, and spaciousness. Transforming Your Relationship with Time: The Power of Sabbaticals for Therapists  (00:06:57) The 4 Types of Sabbaticals for Small Business Owners  (00:12:12) Healing & Self-Discovery During Time Away  (00:17:43) Productivity Culture and Its Roots  (00:20:38) Business Challenges to Taking a Sabbatical   (00:25:18) Adjusting Business Systems to Integrate a Transformative Experience  (00:29:45) Modeling Self-Care for Others  (00:35:24) Collective Sabbatical for Conscious Shifts  (00:36:45) Sabbatical Journey and Integration  (00:40:27) Sabbatical School & Financial Freedom  Why This Feels So Hard—And So Important Why This Feels So Hard—And So Important  I know the fears that come up, because I’ve had them too:  “My practice will fall apart.”  “Clients will leave.”  “I can’t afford a break.”  “People will judge me.”  But Maegan and I both believe this wholeheartedly: your business can handle you stepping away for four weeks—and you can handle it too. Preparing your practice for your absence actually builds strength and resilience into your systems. And in truth, four weeks is a tiny blip in your clients’ lives. For many of them, it may even model something deeply healing. Sabbaticals as an Act of Rebellion  Stepping back isn’t indulgent—it’s radical. It pushes against the cultural message that your worth depends on your output. It shows your clients, your colleagues, your kids, and the people who look up to you that it’s possible to reclaim time, energy, and humanity in a world that constantly asks for more.  Your rest creates ripple effects. When you care for yourself, you give others permission to imagine a different way too.  This conversation reminded me just how essential meaningful time away is—not only for our health and longevity, but for the stability of our businesses and the well-being of the communities we support. If you’re feeling stretched thin, burnt out, or disconnected from yourself, this might be the moment to gently ask:  What do I truly need right now?  And…  What might become possible if I gave myself four full weeks to breathe? Ready to Improve your Business Money Skills?  Are you a Solo Private Practice Owner?  I made this course just for you: Money Skills for Therapists. My signature course has been carefully designed to take therapists from money confusion, shame, and uncertainty – to calm and confidence. In this course I give you everything you need to create financial peace of mind as a therapist in solo private practice.  Want to learn more? Click here to register for my...