Technology Detox: Therapist Moms Unplugging For Mental Wellness

The Distinct Challenges of Therapist Moms in a Digital World

Being a Therapist Mom is a demanding role that involves navigating the intricacies of both a challenging profession and the simultaneous joys and frustrations of motherhood. The constant connection to technology, while a necessity in this modern world, can significantly impact the mental wellness of Therapist Moms.

The emotional toll of therapy work combined with the demands of parenthood can lead to burnout and stress. This is only amplified by the ever-present digital resources we have at our fingertips. I’ve identified some of the more common challenges that Therapist Moms face when it comes to living in a digital world.

Keeping Up With The Joneses: First and foremost, the digital age has made it difficult to not feel like you have to compete. Whether that’s personally or professionally, it’s hard to be…well, you.

Picture perfect images of happy families and vacations are all over the place with little acknowledgment of how many shutter snaps it took to get the “perfect” one. People present the most idyllic of scenes as if it’s everyday life. It’s hard not to fall into the trap. I call this #toxicmomculture

Professionally, there’s oftentimes a pervasive (and incorrect) thought process shared by many professionals that they hare in competition with their fellow practitioners. With this practice, it’s hard to stand out amongst the many who will respond to a call for referrals without meeting any or some of the criteria.

And don’t even get me started on notifications! Are you one who feels you need to address all of the notifications that you see on all of your apps? I am. The pressure to respond immediately is completely counterproductive to having text, voicemail, email and every other way of communicating with others. If it’s that important, dial the phone.

Trying to Remain Anonymous: The blurring of professional and personal boundaries grows more and more difficult with each passing day. Continued advances in technology, operating system updates and algorithm changes makes it difficult for therapist moms to create distance between their personal and professional worlds. It’s become nearly impossible for Therapist Moms to fully unplug, impacting their ability to focus on personal well-being. From social media suggestions of clients to finding out a client is in the same Mom’s Group…it’s hard to be invisible these days. It’s difficult to even scroll a social media platform without possibly running across an account that belongs to a client.

Balancing Act: Finding the balance between caring for your clients versus your personal time can become more blurred as well. Clients may feel they have access to you 24/7 via text and/or email. It’s important to set very clear boundaries about when you will and won’t communicate with a client.

As a therapist mom myself, I understand how technology has changed our profession. Some for the good and some for the better. The struggle to maintain a healthy balance between professional and personal life is real. If you resonate with these challenges, keep reading to discover strategies that can help you reclaim control over your well-being.

Who Am I?

Hi, I'm MacKenzie, Your Self-Care Mompanion. I’m a Therapist and Mom, too. I’ve grown up personally and professionally with the continued advances of technology and seen how it has been helpful and how it has brought about a new set of issues to manage.

In this blog post, we’re talking about the importance of taking technology out of our self-care routine. It’s too easy to sit and scroll mindlessly at the end of a tough day. I know for myself, it keeps me up way too late at night.

If you've ever felt the weight of these challenges, keep reading to discover actionable tips and find a better sense of balance in your life. I’d love to hear from you if you’d add anything else to the list.

Tips for a Technology Detox

Identifying how to break up with technology is just as important as recognizing how it impacts your personal and professional life negatively.

Establishing Digital Boundaries: Learn effective strategies to set clear boundaries between work and personal life, enabling you to switch off from professional demands during your precious family time. Many Therapists have a second phone or phone number with which they communicate with their clients. Having this separation can be helpful so you’re not responding to client inquiries every single time you get a notification.

It’s important to create and communicate a very clear policy with your clients about when and how you will respond to them outside of business hours. If you find yourself feeling upset if a client reaches out outside of their session time and/or your work hours, step back and assess whether you’ve engaged with them previously. Oftentimes our resentment comes from our own lack of upholding our own boundaries.

Prioritizing Self-Care: Explore self-care practices that go beyond the screen, promoting mental wellness and providing the rejuvenation Therapist Moms need to thrive in your multifaceted roles.

Instead of laying in bed scrolling mindlessly at night, grab a good book (not work related!) and read a chapter or two before you go to sleep. See how that positively impacts your sleep quality. Or try a low-impact yoga sequence or guided meditation that promotes sleep.

Creating Tech-Free Zones: Discover the power of designated tech-free zones in your home. This encourages an environment for family connection and personal relaxation. It’ll be good for you AND your kiddos!

These practical tips and strategies not only contribute to a technology detox but also serve as building blocks for a more balanced and fulfilling life. By implementing these changes, Therapist Moms can reclaim their time, energy and focus.

Breaking it Down: Facing Challenges and Finding Solutions

Dealing with the Tough Stuff: Being a therapist mom means handling a lot—work stress, tech overload, and the ongoing struggle to balance family and career. It's not easy, and it's okay to admit that. But you don’t need anything else to make your life more difficult. Technology has that tendency and it’s really unnecessary. Sadly, it’s a necessary evil, but by finding times to detox, it can be managed more effectively.

What A Therapist Mom Really Wants: Let's get real. You want to take charge, feel better mentally, and figure out how to manage both your job and family without losing your mind. Tech can certainly help with some things, but the key is finding the balance, as with all things.

How We Can Make it Happen: Here's the deal. It's not about magic solutions, it's about making small changes that add up to a better, less stressful life. It’s okay to rely on technology for a lot of things. And it’s okay to mindlessly scroll once in awhile. Again, Mama. Balance. Is. Key.

How to Work with Me

Ready to take the first steps toward a technology detox and improved mental wellness? Follow these steps to work with me:

• Self-Reflection: Begin by reflecting on your own expectations and the impact of technology on your life. Check out my Journey to Self-Care Journaling Workbook to get started.

• Schedule a Consultation: Reach out for a consultation where we can discuss your specific challenges and goals.

• Customized Strategies: Together, we'll develop personalized strategies to help you let go of perfectionism, find balance, and embrace the imperfections that make motherhood unique.

In conclusion, the journey to mental wellness for therapist moms begins with acknowledging what works and what doesn’t, implementing practical strategies, and taking intentional steps towards change. In this case, a technology detox is just what the psychiatrist ordered.

Reclaim control over your life and prioritize your well-being—because a balanced therapist mom is a resilient and empowered therapist mom.