Should I Show My Tattoos In Sessions?

 

Should I Show My Tattoos In Sessions?

 

Is it OK for me to let my clients see my tattoos?

I hear this question a lot from therapists in private practice. It fascinates me how much it comes up. I think it really speaks to the confusion of what it means to be “professional”. It goes to a core question that’s very important for you to think about from day one. What is your professional identity?

Let’s talk about professional identity. That identity tells the world who you are. Like it or not, impressions matter. How you present visually to your clients and other professionals will give them information about who you are. It will help them understand who you are as a therapist.

Be mindful. What it the tone you want to set? There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it should be consistent with who you want to be professionally and the clientele you want to bring in.

 

The way you dress will set the tone for your practice. Make it consistent with who you want to be.

 

So, what does that mean for your tattoos?

That means, you do you. The truth is no one else should tell you if you should show your tattoos. It’s a personal choice. Just understand the choice you are making.

I want to focus on those of you who would like to show your ink but are worried it won’t be “professional”. That seems to be the dilemma for many therapists who are struggling with this.

 

What if you could successfully set up your practice without the mistakes most therapists make?

 What if you could do it without feeling stressed out and overwhelmed?

My Private Practice Builder Master Course and Mini Courses are here to make that happen. Check them out now!

 

If you love your tattoos, they are most likely an integral part of who you are and an expression of that. This goes to a bigger topic, which is the importance of showing up authentically in our work. Being “professional” is about acting in responsible and ethical ways with our clients. Providing solid therapeutic work. Holding healthy boundaries.

It is NOT about how we choose to create an environment that is consistent with who we are authentically. Unless, of course, that environment is unethical.

 

If you try to show up in the therapy room with some version of who you think you are supposed to be vs who you are, your clients will feel it.

One of the core reasons therapy works is because of the relationship in the room. That must be authentic to be meaningful.

When we stay true to who we are we attract the clients who are organically a good fit for us and who we will flow with. If your tattoos are an authentic expression of who you are there is zero reason not to show your ink. Lean into it.

On the other hand, if your tattoos are private and personal and you want to keep it that way, it may be important to avoid showing up in the therapy room with them exposed. Again, this is about you creating a professional identity that works for YOU. You get to keep things private if you want them to be private. Don’t let anyone make you feel that you are doing something wrong if that’s your choice.

 

Remember, private practice is your chance to embrace who you are and how you’ve always wanted to practice!

 

If you want to know more about how to establish a professional identity that will help you bring in your ideal clients, don’t miss the Mini Course,  Establishing Your Professional Identity.  

 

Build a Solid Reputation From Day One. This mini course will help you Create A Professional Identity That Will Bring in the Business You Want!

1. Create that ever elusive niche to help bring in your ideal clients. I’ve got you covered with a guide to help you figure this out.
2. Define the type of clients you want to see so you know exactly what to ask for.
3. Develop your practice so people know which ideal clients to send your way.
4. How to determine what a “full-time practice” is for you. I’ve even given you a calculator to help you figure it out.
5. Visual presentation matters.
6. Why ethics help to define your identity.
7. Creating an awesome office space.
8. Find a space that’s right for you. I’ll give you all the details to look for!
9. Improvements you can ask your landlord for that will make it your dream office.
10. How to make it your signature space.
11. Bonus Section #1! Your guide to creating a niche to bring in your ideal clients.
12. Bonus Section #2! Full time practice calculator.

 

 

To find out more crucial information about the steps you need to take when starting your private practice check out The Master Course, Everything You Need To Know About Private Practice But Didn’t Know To Ask. To get the same information in more affordable, bite size pieces, don’t miss the Mini Courses!

 

I love helping therapists build successful private practices! For more great information like this to help you build yours, make sure to check out the Master Course and the Mini Courses. I’m here to support you and I want to help you reach your dream!

If you needsome individual help with all of this I’m here for you! I offer mentoring services for those who want some personal attention to help them build their successful private practice. Don’t hesitate to reach out to me. You can find out more on the Mentoring Groups page.

 

 

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