The Benefits of Listening to Podcasts for Therapists

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Shannon Heers on the benefits of listening to podcasts for therapists | Practice of the Practice | Blog Article

If you’re a mental health therapist, counselor, social worker, or psychologist, you’re probably pretty busy. But you’re also interested in continuing your professional growth, learning more clinical skills, interventions, and staying on top of current trends in your field. In the midst of your busy schedules, when do you even have time to fit in all of the things that you want to learn and know?

Cue all the benefits of listening to podcasts for therapists. The great thing about podcasts is, you can listen while you’re commuting to and from work, or during your workday if you drive to different locations for meetings or appointments. You can even listen to them while you’re exercising before or after work and get in another few podcast episodes in between push-ups. Many podcasts are designed for busy professionals, and the length of an episode may fit neatly into your busy schedule. There are several reasons that I encourage therapists to listen to therapist-specific podcasts.

Benefits of Listening to Podcasts for Therapists:

Keeps You Connected

Feeling connected with other therapists in your field and like you’re a part of a bigger picture is so important. This is one of the ways that therapists battle burnout through connections to others. When you find a podcast or host that you really enjoy or who speaks to you, it plugs you in even deeper into your field. It strengthens your commitment as a therapist.

Supports Your Professional Development

Most therapists I know love to learn. They really enjoy trainings and continued education related to their passions or specializations. But, there is so little time in your normal day to make an extra effort for your professional growth. Podcasts offer a great way to stimulate your mind and continue your life-long learning goals – all in just 20 minutes a day! It is so easy to multitask while listening to podcasts, you don’t even need to set aside dedicated time each day for them!

Exposure to Experts

One of the biggest benefits that podcasts offer is exposure to experts that you otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Podcasts by leading therapists in the field can help you hone and refine your clinical skills and client approach. As you learn more about a particular topic, or explore an entirely new theoretical orientation, you’ll only benefit from listening to expert therapist podcasts.

Identifies Current Trends/Research

Podcasts can provide you with information on current trends or research in the field – without you having to go to the library or look up an academic journal. Sure, podcasts may not be as technical as a professional paper or article, but they’re easier to consume and more enjoyable too.

Helps Identify Specializations

Because there are so many different podcasts out there for therapists, you can easily explore different clinical niches or specializations outside of what you’re currently doing. Have an interest in doing couples therapy, but never had an opportunity to learn more about it? Listen to a podcast about it to see if this is something you’d like to pursue additional training options for.

I’m sure there are even more benefits of listening to podcasts for therapists if these reasons aren’t enough. I have benefited tremendously from podcasts since I discovered them a few years ago – and now I can’t get enough! I listen to podcasts while folding laundry, taking walks, and cooking dinner. When do you podcast?

The Practice of the Practice Podcast

The Practice of the Practice Podcast offers innovative ideas to start, grow, and scale a private practice with expert guests. Not only do podcast episodes cover the systems and mechanics behind growing your practice, but they also cover everything from SEO, identifying your niche client, inclusivity, and starting a side gig – just to name a few. There are some serious benefits of listening to podcasts for therapists on this show – that’s for sure!

Previous Articles by Shannon Heers

How to Hire Your First Therapist When You’ve Never Hired Before

Don’t Settle When Hiring Clinicians

Shannon Heers

Shannon Heers is a licensed professional counselor in Colorado. She owns the private-pay group practice Catalyss Counseling in the Denver metro area, focusing on helping adults manage their anxiety, grief, and trauma. Shannon is also an experienced clinical supervisor and manager who offers business consultation services to other therapists. She balances working with raising her two young children.

Group practice ownership is daunting but can be done easily if you do your homework, prepare, and learn all you can about the process!