5 Facebook Groups for the Proactive Therapist

WRITTEN BY: Kelly Winter, MFTI, CLC

Whether you work in private practice or in an agency or hospital setting, it helps to diversify your toolkit. There are several helpful groups on Facebook that you should look into joining.

Below are only five of the many Facebook groups to go when you are feeling stuck, need a network of your peers, or want to stay abreast of the latest in our field. And the great thing about Facebook - its available 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year!

1. Selling the Couch Community- Started by Melvin Varghese for his podcast followers, this group has grown to just under 2ooo members. This is a go-to group for those working in ANY setting within the mental health community. You can ask questions, share resources, brainstorm, build relationships, celebrate wins, and encourage each other.  Here is the Facebook link:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1529269850672775/
2. The Blogging Therapists – Created by Jessica Fricker in early 2015, this group helps you flex those writing muscles. Here you can share your latest blog post and read what others in our profession are writing. There are some talented people who are always willing to help someone new to blogging.   Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/802050576527542/
3. Building a Private Psychotherapy Practice –   This is a robust group of almost 2ooo private practitioners across the globe – though most are US-based. Created by Candace Langdon in 2014, this is a great place to find peers brainstorming, sharing ideas, offering feedback, and providing accountability through the process of building a private therapy practice.  Check out their “Files” section for some great ideas, paperwork templates, and helpful resources. Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/620084744767664/
4. MFT Guide – Created by Miranda Palmer in 2013, this is the go-to site for all things PRE-licensed. From help studying for licensing exams to help with your supervisor. Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mftguide/
5. Authentic Marketing for Therapists – Started by Gina Senarighi in 2015, this group provides resources for traditional and out-of-the-box approaches to marketing without feeling salesy. There are several resources in the “Files” section and you can even link to your podcast if you have one. Here is the Facebook link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/authenticprivatepractice/

Most of these groups are closed so you need to request to join. Here are some helpful tips to staying in good standing within the group:

• Read the group rules and make sure you follow them.
• Be mindful of when you can self-promote, and take advantage of them.
• Give as much as you get. For example, if you want someone to like your professional page or read your blog, do the same for at least one other person in the group.
• NEVER give out any client information that could be perceived as PHI. Most of these groups will let you vent a bit as long as you don’t reveal too much about your client. Keep it focused on yourself and what you are going through.   
• ALWAYS introduce yourself when first joining. This isn’t self-promotion, it’s being cordial.

Attending local professional gatherings (like CAMFT events) is the best way for you to stay in touch with your peers and continue your education. For some, though, it might be easier to do virtually. Social Media can have its drawbacks, for sure, but it can also be very helpful if used properly. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kelly Winter, MFTI, CLC

Kelly Winter MS, MFTI is a Marriage and Family Therapist Registered Intern and Certified Life Coach. She works in private practice, employed and supervised by Scott Polenz, LMFT. She uses her life experiences and education to help people optimize transitional phases of life, specifically divorce and remarriage, thereby improving their future.  In her off-time, she serves on the CAMFT-CSJV Chapter Board of Directors as Secretary. She is a pop culture geek, fempreneur, epic TV-fandom junkie, and a raving 12 - Go Seahawks! You can read more HERE.