Intentional Therapist: Putting You In Your Schedule

Dr. Karen Dyck and Dr. Melissa Tiessen
  • 5.0 (6)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Self-care shouldn’t be another task on your to-do list!  This is the show that helps you as a busy and dedicated female mental health therapist to redefine your approach to self-care.  Because we need so much more than bubble baths and breathing exercises! Hosted by Dr. Karen Dyck and Dr. Melissa Tiessen, clinical psychologists, founders of Intentional Therapist, and self-care advocates, our mission is to help you build a life where you thrive right alongside your clients, without guilt and without burning out.  Join us as we explore practical strategies grounded in our 4 C’s model – Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity – to help you create more space for yourself while continuing to support your clients.  Whether you work in a solo private practice, within a large organization, are a new grad, or are nearing retirement, this show has something for you.  Tune in for short but valuable episodes filled with relatable and insightful new perspectives, actionable ‘self-care experiments’, and the encouragement and permission you need to put more of you back in your schedule and create a life from which you don’t need to escape. To learn more about Intentional Therapist and our 4 C’s model of self-care, visit us at: www.intentionaltherapist.ca  [Please note:  This podcast was previously called Thrivival 101, and you can continue to find our original interview episodes in this podcast feed.]

  1. DEC 15

    E23: Belief system upgrade #7: Self-care needs our intentional attention

    How often do you intentionally sit down to reflect on your self-care?  If you are like most of us, probably not very often!  Even if you are a regular listener of this podcast, and hopefully check in with your self-care more often than not, you are also human!  The reality is that it takes energy and awareness to make our self-care a priority.  And we can do this, but it won’t happen automatically.       That’s why in this episode, we’re talking about what might be the most important belief shift of all: that self-care requires our intentional attention. In other words: self-care doesn’t just happen by accident. It happens because we choose to bring it into focus, and trust that we will be better off for it.  So stick around as we share how to bring more intention to your self-care too. Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #7:  Self-care needs our intentional attention.Why the old view doesn't serve us:  Self-care rarely magically fits itself into our lives, yet we rely on hope that it will.  Which leaves us constantly depleted, because hope without intention results in inaction. The new view:  Self-care with intention sends a clear message that we matter.Self-care experiments:Anchor check-inCalendar commitmentEnd-of-week reflectionConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    17 min

  2. DEC 1

    E22: Belief system upgrade #6: Self-care needs to be personalized and revisited often

    How many of you remember the ‘set it and forget it’ rotisserie oven infomercials from the 1990’s?  Even if that doesn’t ring a bell, the fact is that as humans we love the idea of only having to do something once, and then not having to think about it again.   In this episode, we’re talking about how this allure creates a sneaky but very common belief: that self-care is also something you can just check off once and be done with. Maybe it’s the spa day. Or the weekend away. Or the one good routine you set up years ago. And while those things can help in the moment, the truth is: self-care doesn’t work like a kitchen appliance that you can just ‘set and forget’. But we are here to convince you that this can be a good thing! Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #6:  Self-care needs to be personalized and revisited often.Why the old view doesn't serve us: We feel disappointed and even ashamed when a one-size-fits-all, one-time fix doesn't address all our self-care challenges. The new view: Self-care is a living practice that evolves with us, and needs to fit our own needs as well as our season of life.Self-care experiments:Self-care inventoryMicro-pivotSeasonal resetConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    18 min

  3. NOV 17

    E21: Belief system upgrade #5: Self-care challenges are shaped by gender and professional socialization – NOT personal failings!

    When you think about why self-care is hard, what comes to mind? Maybe not enough time, or feeling guilty, or just forgetting until you’re completely burned out. The dominant story says: if you can’t manage your self-care, you’re not disciplined enough. You’re not resilient enough. Maybe you’re just not cut out for this work. But here’s the twist: what if these struggles aren’t actually personal failings at all? What if they’re the result of how we’ve been socialized — shaped by gender expectations and professional norms — in ways that make self-care feel unnatural, even wrong?  This really important point, and how we can counter it, is what we are diving into in this episode. Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #5: Self-care challenges are shaped by gender and professional socialization – NOT personal failings!Why the old view doesn't serve us: It turns self-care into a moral failing, so then we blame ourselves for struggling.The new view: Gender norms and professional socialization are powerful forces working against our self-care.  When we recognize this we can release the shame and reclaim our agency.Self-care experiments:Name the scriptFlip the praiseTry a micro-boundary experimentResources Mentioned: Episode 5: You are a human being, not a human giver: 3 ways the self-care game is rigged for women and how you can fight backVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    17 min

  4. NOV 3

    E20: Belief system upgrade #4: Self-care doesn't have to cost a lot of time, energy, or money

    How many times have you said — or thought — ‘I’d love to take better care of myself, but I just don’t have the time’? Or, ‘I’m way too tired.’ Or maybe, ‘I can’t afford it right now.’  These are probably the three biggest roadblocks therapists and other caring professionals name when it comes to self-care: time, energy, and money.   And we get it — those are real constraints.  But here’s the thing: when we define self-care as something that requires extra time, energy, or money, we actually make it harder to sustain.  We set ourselves up for a cycle of guilt and avoidance.  So in this episode, we are here to convince you of a better way of dealing with these very real but ‘overcome-able’ constraints.  Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #4: Self-care doesn't have to cost a lot of time, energy, or moneyWhy the old view doesn't serve us: We wait for 'perfect' conditions — which never occur — that instead make us feel like we are falling shortThe new view: Sustainable self-care happens by weaving it into our daysSelf-care experiments:Anchor to what you already doThe one-minute resetReframe endingsResources Mentioned: Visit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    15 min

  5. OCT 20

    E19: Belief system upgrade #3: Self-care can be uncomfortable (but worth it!)

    Here’s something that might surprise you:  some of the best self-care doesn’t feel good in the moment.  Think about it — how many times have you dreaded going for a run, having that hard conversation, or finally making the dentist appointment you’ve been putting off… only to feel so much lighter, clearer, and better afterward? We often expect self-care to look easy and comforting, like bubble baths and spa days. But sometimes, self-care looks like sweating, crying, or facing something you’ve been avoiding. And if we expect it to feel good all the time, we’re setting ourselves up for disappointment — and avoidance.  So stick with us, because in today’s episode we are going to convince you that the best self-care often doesn’t feel so good in the moment, but can have lasting positive effects. Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #3: Self-care can be uncomfortable (but worth it!)Why the old view doesn't serve us: We end up chasing quick and easy fixes, that don't actually sustain us, and instead deplete us in the long runThe new view: Real self-care isn't always comfortable, but it is always worthwhileSelf-care experiments:Do the 'one thing' you've been avoidingPractice micro-discomfortJournal on discomfortResources Mentioned: Visit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    15 min

  6. OCT 6

    E18: Belief system upgrade #2: Self-care is NOT selfish & is NOT just about treating ourselves

    When was the last time you said ‘no’ to someone? And we don’t mean a playful no, or a no with an apology attached, but a real, solid, unapologetic ‘no.’ If you’re anything like most therapists — especially women in our field — that question might make you squirm a little. Because somewhere along the way, we got the message that taking care of ourselves means we’re taking something away from someone else. That it’s indulgent. Or worse — selfish. But what if we told you that choosing yourself isn’t selfish at all — it’s actually one of the most generous things you can do for others? That’s what we hope to convince you of in this episode. Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #2: Self-care is not selfish, and is not just about treating ourselvesWhy the old view doesn't serve us: Our worth becomes equated with how much we give to others, and how little we needThe new view: Self-care is in fact stewardship, and resource managementSelf-care experiments:Say no onceProtect one block of timeChallenge your definition of selfishResources Mentioned: Visit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    16 min

  7. SEP 22

    E17: Upgrade your self-care belief system! Upgrade #1: Self-care is PART OF our work

    If you’re a therapist who feels like self-care always comes last, you’re not alone. Most of us were trained—implicitly or explicitly—to treat our own needs as optional, something to squeeze in after clients, paperwork, and family demands. But what if that belief is exactly what’s draining your energy, your clarity, and even your ability to show up fully for the people you serve? In today’s episode, we’re kicking off a new series that challenges outdated ideas about self-care and replaces them with essential upgrades. We’ll start with one of the most important shifts: recognizing that self-care isn’t extra—it’s part of the work. Because when we stop treating our well-being as optional, everything changes: our presence in sessions, our resilience, and the sustainability of our careers. Episode Highlights: Self-care belief system upgrade #1: Self-care is part of our workWhy the old view doesn't serve us: Self-care is seen as optional and exhaustion is normalizedThe new view: Self-care is a core professional competence and part of our deliverablesSelf-care experiments:Create a reset/recovery ritualAudit your scheduleProfessional alignment reflectionResources Mentioned: Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time by Brigid SchulteVisit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    20 min

  8. SEP 8

    E16: Check-in on your self-care along with us! The importance of seasonal self-care check-ins

    What if your to-do list isn’t the problem — but rather a quiet signal that one of your self-care pillars is out of balance? As therapists, we’re trained to notice these signs in others, but we often overlook the gentle nudges from within:  things like a creeping sense of resentment, a loss of joy, or a growing disconnection from the parts of ourselves that used to feel vibrant. As we kick off a new season of Putting You In Your Schedule, we’re inviting you to slow down with us and take stock — not with judgment, but with curiosity and compassion. In this episode, we’ll walk you through a seasonal self-care check-in using our 4 C’s framework: Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity. Whether or not you’ve used our self-care assessment tool before, we’ll help you pause to notice what’s working, what’s not, and where there’s room for small but meaningful shifts. Let’s begin this season with intention around the foundation that supports everything else — our own well-being. Episode Highlights: A refresher on the 4 C's modelThe 4 C's self-care assessmentSigns that we might need to pay attention to each of our 4 C'sSelf-Care Experiments: Assess your self-care needs in this specific seasonShare your self-care assessment with a trusted colleague or loved oneTake some baby stepsResources Mentioned: Visit our website to get your own copy of our FREE 4 C's Self-Care Assessment:  https://www.intentionaltherapist.caConnect with Melissa & Karen at Intentional Therapist: intentional@intentionaltherapist.ca https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmelissatiessen/ Share one of your own self-care experiments via our SpeakPipe page at: https://www.speakpipe.com/intentionaltherapist Ready to upgrade your self-care? Check out the independent study version of our course, Thrivival Skills for Therapists, and earn 3 CE credits! Because self-care is PART OF our jobs! More info at: https://intentional-therapist.newzenler.com/courses/thrivival-skills-for-therapists-independent-study Disclaimer: This podcast seeks to be educational in purpose and is not to be used as clinical advice. Please connect with a therapist one-on-one for personalized support.

    20 min
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Self-care shouldn’t be another task on your to-do list!  This is the show that helps you as a busy and dedicated female mental health therapist to redefine your approach to self-care.  Because we need so much more than bubble baths and breathing exercises! Hosted by Dr. Karen Dyck and Dr. Melissa Tiessen, clinical psychologists, founders of Intentional Therapist, and self-care advocates, our mission is to help you build a life where you thrive right alongside your clients, without guilt and without burning out.  Join us as we explore practical strategies grounded in our 4 C’s model – Connection, Compassion, Courage, and Creativity – to help you create more space for yourself while continuing to support your clients.  Whether you work in a solo private practice, within a large organization, are a new grad, or are nearing retirement, this show has something for you.  Tune in for short but valuable episodes filled with relatable and insightful new perspectives, actionable ‘self-care experiments’, and the encouragement and permission you need to put more of you back in your schedule and create a life from which you don’t need to escape. To learn more about Intentional Therapist and our 4 C’s model of self-care, visit us at: www.intentionaltherapist.ca  [Please note:  This podcast was previously called Thrivival 101, and you can continue to find our original interview episodes in this podcast feed.]

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