282 - Cara Chae, Part 2 - How to Balance Compassion With Boundaries in Group Practice
“Go to therapy. Don't wait; start now. And, ask for help.” - Cara Chae
Leadership is lonely, y'all. It's also hella rewarding. Cara Chae, LCPC, knows this duality all too well. She's working on finding (and holding!) the balance between the two––an evolutionary pursuit that resonates with many.
Before we get to how Cara's doing, let's check on how she got here. If you haven't queued up part one of our convo yet, do that now. Otherwise, here's a quick refresher: Cara is a psychotherapist at Inner Voice Psychotherapy, a group private practice in Chicago. She focuses on issues related to attachment (parenting, relationships, childhood wounds) and, more recently, neuroplastic symptoms. Cara is also a former member of my Authentic Leaders Group. While every cohort differs, one line of inquiry remains constant (as hinted at in the group name): how do we navigate the promises and perils of the managerial or practice ownership role?
"I'm much more aware of when something is activating me," Cara says of her time in the group. "I try to take a beat before responding or get another set of eyes before I respond. I'm trying to assume good intent more often than not." A thoughtful time-out and assuming good intent goes a long way when working in a group dynamic. So, too, does the not-so-gentle reminder that a person in the up-power position (ahem, practice owners and managers) is responsible for a more significant portion of the working relationship pie. "I'm trying to keep that in mind," Cara offers, adding that she's more likely now to make the extra effort when interacting with the folks she manages. "If I do have to send someone an email, I'm trying to start with connection."
Cara's in a unique position. She's not a practice owner, yet she's responsible for the systems that keep her office running smoothly. Does her authority and experience make her want to take on an ownership role in the future? Umm, no. "Especially after listening to your podcast!" she laughs. Participating in Authentic Leaders, however, has prompted Cara to extend more credit to herself and think more seriously about her aspirations. "I used to believe that I couldn't do things. Now I know that's not true.”
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE
Association For Treatment Of Neuroplastic Symptoms
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Inner Voice Psychotherapy
Cara Chae, LCPC, (she/her) is a psychotherapist working in a group private practice in Chicago. Her professional interests include working with issues related to Attachment (parenting, relationships, childhood wounds), and, more recently, Neuroplastic Symptoms. Cara’s second full time job is parenting her two elementary school aged children while trying to simultaneously take care of herself, too.
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