Welcome to Working Phase!
The anti-burnout, pro-human, resource for therapists' professional development.
Always free to subscribers.
Texas Flood Hero Inspires Courage in Us All (+Workshop Replay and Guest Resource)
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The Texas floods happened over a week ago and the losses have been so terrible I’ve struggled to write anything useful about it.Â
But then… I heard about a brand new member of the Coast Guard who quit his job as an accountant to become a rescue swimmer 6 months ago! He ended up assigned to Cam...
by ACM —
Jul 21, 2025
essential downloads
intergenerational exchange
joy intervention
supporters connect and learn
working phase perspective
“My client graduated! There’s muffins in the kitchen to celebrate!”
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Therapy work is super weird for many reasons. One of the strangest parts of our job is the way we have to be extra thoughtful about the question from loved ones: “how was your day?”
We are the possibly the last guardians of privacy…which is probably why certain companies are willing to beg, ...
Jul 14, 2025
guest voice
joy intervention
supporter connect and learn live
working phase perspective
A Simple, Old-School Trick to Stay Focused and Get Clear About Your Work and Life
Life for many of us, especially as we get older and deal with work and personal changes, can feel like a constant rush. This can sometimes turn into a quiet worry – a feeling that what we do each day doesn't quite match the deeper purpose we're looking for.
When it's hard to focus, stress builds...
Jul 11, 2025
focus
productivity
tip
welcome dr. truss readers!
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” isn’t just hitting clients, it's coming for therapists too. What to expect. (+ Some Audio/Visual joy)
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Last week, a very large budget bill was passed in Congress. It affects everything from SNAP, to Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, along with immigration and tax policy.Â
Because there are so many things in this bill that are concerning, you may have missed the significant changes that are c...
Jul 06, 2025
joy intervention
presenting issues
subscriber connect and learn
the working phase perspective
Supporters Live: Schedule Change/Deadline Extended 1 DAY (+A Little Joy Intervention From a Real Writer)
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"The Working Phase Perspective" (Main Essay)
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There's no essay this week, Working Phase (and I, Andreana, the human behind it) is in product development mode!Â
If you were busy this month (hahaha she laugh/cries in the language of all 2025 therapists...) Catch up with these:
Is It Time to Sc...
by acm —
Jun 30, 2025
supporters live
Is it time to screen for AI use in client safety planning?
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Being realistic about AI use means acknowledging a few things:Â
Chat-based AI is not going anywhere.
The promises of AI (like any new technology) are a little overhyped.
Until we have developed tech literacy about this new tool, humans will use the tech in both beautiful and terrible ways.Â
T...
Jun 23, 2025
essential downloads
joy intervention
presenting issues
subscriber connect and learn
the working phase perspective
The Free, Low-Tech, #1 Step to Fixing Your Focus at Work
I tell my clients who are struggling with concentration, intense stress, or with completing tasks on time to do the following:
Keep a notebook and pen to the side of your computer during your focused work sessions (like during a pomodoro or during important meetings or writing sessions).
Use that...
by ACM —
Jun 21, 2025
focus
productivity
tip
welcome rainwater readers!
Father's Day 2025, Resources and Jokes for Dads
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Happy Father’s Day to all the fatherly therapists out there!Â
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(Yes, I see you and I’m very glad you’re here; our community needs your presence.)Â
Let me get straight to the point. Fathers are in dire need of support. Immediately.
If you specialize in treating men, you know that the stigma fo...
by acm —
Jun 16, 2025
essential downloads
joy intervention
presenting issues
subscriber connect and learn
the working phase perspective
Is it OK to Eat in Session? (+ Resources for EMDR Tx, LA News, and Pretty Flowers)
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As mental health professionals, we often speak to our clients about healthy habits, boundaries, and self-care. But how do you and I model these principles in our own professional lives? More than just the advice you offer, the way you show up in session communicates volumes about your values a...
Jun 09, 2025
essential downloads
intergenerational exchange
joy intervention
presenting issues
subscriber connect and learn
the working phase perspective
KP Strike Ends, Pride Begins, + This Song Won't Get Out of My Head!
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The Working Phase Perspective
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The Kaiser Mental Health Strike is Officially Over!
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6 months of picketing, arrests, hunger strikes, no pay, to make a stand. You told the system that therapists are just as valuable to the lives of patients as other healthcare professionals.Â
[In fact, often, ...
by acm —
Jun 02, 2025
joy intervention
presenting issues
subscriber connect
wp perspective
"What I've Done:" A Rage Room Review and Community Roundup
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The Working Phase Perspective
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Smashing Through Learned Helplessness: A Therapist Visits a Rage Room
Hey you! I was off last week because I did something a little out of the ordinary, and truly cathartic: I visited a rage room.Â
If you've never heard of a rage room, all it is is a safe space...
by ACM —
May 25, 2025
intergenerational exchange
joy intervention
presenting issues
wp perspective
Expand your definition of the "Maternal Instinct" (Happy Mother's Day 2025)
In honor of Mother's Day, I highly recommend a listen to NPR's Throughline podcast episode on Motherhood.Â
https://www.npr.org/2025/05/01/1248444381/motherhood
As I texted my therapist friend when I became a new mom, I love being the specific mother to my specific kid, (the kid i...
May 11, 2025
Working Phase
