The diary of a therapist is rarely predictable. Whether your practice is thriving, quiet, or somewhere in between, the task of shaping your working week is an ever-changing challenge.
Do you manage a waiting list, or don’t you? What should you do with empty slots? The way we organise our diaries reflects more than just availability—it shapes how we maintain boundaries, balance personal needs, and build sustainable practices.
In this reflective conversation, we’ll explore the practicalities and philosophies of diary management, including:
- Constructing your diary as if you have a long waiting list—without overcommitting.
- Deciding when to work, when not to work, and what to do when slots go unfilled.
- Booking systems—automated or manual? What works best for you and your clients?
- Offering free introductory sessions—helpful or harmful to your practice?
- Starting work with new clients and how the contract begins.
- Booking ongoing clients—how much structure is too much?
- Balancing your diary with clients and supervisees, if you have them.
This conversation invites practitioners to share experiences, questions, and insights about the often-overlooked art of managing a therapeutic diary. Whether your practice is fully booked, fluctuating, or still growing, this is an opportunity to think together about how we create sustainable, compassionate, and well-balanced working lives.
Course Content
Organisation
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Presenter
I am a co-founder and Director at Onlinevents, dedicated to democratising learning in the helping professions. We host the world’s first and largest video learning library akin to “Netflix” for these professions.
Additionally, I serve as a Director at Temenos Education and lead the Counselling & Psychotherapy Programme. Our focus is on nurturing students to become their most potent selves, both personally and professionally.
With over 20 years of experience, I currently manage a private practice as a Psychotherapist and Supervisor, offering services through video, text chat, and virtual environments.
I also facilitate groups and am involved in the Going Global and La Jolla programmes, rooted in Carl Rogers’ Encounter Group movement.
I am a past Chair and now an Honorary Fellow at the Association for Counselling & Therapy Online (ACTO). I have served on the board of the World Association for Person Centered & Experiential Psychotherapy & Counselling for 6 years.
I have 30 years experience as a psychotherapist in private practise, 20 years working as a tutor and Director of a Psychotherapy Training Institute, 11 years as a senior counsellor for NHS staff and 8 years in University Student Counselling.
I often work with people who find therapy daunting or even think it could be impossible. Often in responsible roles, maybe creating change in their environment, yet unable to effect satisfying or profound changes in themselves and their own lives.
My job is to see what blocks and inhibits you. The process of us being together offers opportunity for new ways to think and live.
I offer Counselling & Psychotherapy both long and short term and I work face to face in Sheffield and online for people across the UK.
For 20 years I have been providing Supervision & Reflective Practise for other professionals including counsellors and psychotherapist, NHS staff, School Leaders, Business and Executive Coaches and anyone wanting to explore, expand and take care of themselves personally and professionally.
