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Clinician Consultation Newsletter
Providing connection and fostering growth through clinical consultation
November 2026
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This Month's Reflection
The Most Important Tool Is You
We spend a lot of time learning new modalities and interventions, but the most important tool in the therapy room is you. Research consistently shows that the therapeutic alliance is one of the strongest predictors of good outcomes, regardless of approach.
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Check in with yourself. Before a session, ask what you need to set aside so you can be present. During it, notice when you drift, get activated, or pull back. Afterward, ask whether the session felt safe for your client, and whether anything is worth bringing to consultation.
See the whole person. I make a point of knowing about my clients' interests, animals, friends, and work. If a client mentions a book they're reading, I might ask whether they'd like me to read it too. It shows them that what matters to them matters to me.
Use yourself with intention. Before sharing something personal, ask whether it serves the client and the relationship. Used with care, your presence, curiosity, and warmth can be the most healing part of the work.
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Join a Group
Upcoming Consultation Groups
Monthly, online, and $20–$40 sliding fee. All times are Eastern.
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12:00–1:00 pm ET
For EMDR-trained clinicians. Bring a case or question. Hours count toward EMDR certification.
Nov 4 · Dec 2 · Jan 6
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5:00–6:00 pm ET
For clinicians starting or running a practice. 15-minute teaching topic, then 45 minutes of case consultation and Q&A.
| Nov 12 |
First business steps for going independent |
| Dec 10 |
Self-pay vs. insurance, and getting paneled |
| Jan 14 |
Business expenses and estimated taxes |
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9:00–10:00 am ET
For clinicians at any experience level. 15-minute teaching topic, then 45 minutes of case consultation and Q&A.
| Nov 20 |
Complex PTSD vs. PTSD and treatment planning |
| Dec 18 |
Assessment tools for identifying complex PTSD |
| Jan 22 |
Grounding and containment tools |
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Each teaching session includes a take-home reference sheet or template.
Prefer one-on-one support? Individual consultation is also available. Learn more ›
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Resource Spotlight
A free hub of guided meditations and worksheets you can share with clients between sessions, covering anxiety, sleep, grounding, breathwork, and more. It's an easy way to give clients practical support for practicing skills at home. Explore the Therapist Hub ›
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Practice Builder
The Value of Clinical Consultation
Practical tips and reminders to help you start, grow, and run your private practice.
Clinical consultation is one of the best ways to keep growing as a clinician, especially when the work is complex. It gives you a space to talk through difficult cases, get a fresh view on treatment planning, check your ethical decisions, and notice where your own reactions may be shaping the work. It also reduces the isolation many of us feel in private practice.
| Consultation is not supervision. A supervisor oversees your work and shares responsibility for your cases. In consultation, you keep full clinical and legal responsibility for your clients and decisions. The consultant offers guidance, feedback, and support, and you decide what fits. Once you are fully licensed, consultation is what you need. |
Protecting Your Clients and Your Practice
Whether you attend group or individual consultation, your clients should know that you consult and who you consult with. I list my consultants by name in my informed consent, and my clients sign an updated consent each year. When you bring a case to consultation, share only what is needed and leave out identifying details.
Write a consultation note in the client's file that includes:
- The date and the consultant's name
- The question you brought
- The recommendations you received
- The decision you made
If you are audited, face a professional conduct concern, or receive a subpoena, a consultation note that supports your clinical decisions can lower your risk and liability. Download my free consultation note template (PDF) ›
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Tamie Pushlar, LCSW-R
903 Hanshaw Road, Suite 201 · Ithaca, NY
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To unsubscribe, email tamie@pushlarlcsw.com with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line. |
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