11/04/2025
It’s funny how the same stimulus (client cancels) can cause such a different response depending on the season you’re in.
In practicum, a cancellation felt like rejection. As an associate, it felt like one less paycheck, one more reason to question myself and my choice of this career.
In early licensure, it was relief laced with some guilt for not working that hour.
And later on… it just feels like breathing room. Time to rest, to catch up on notes or snacks or scrolling memes.
That’s growth.
Not just in skill, but in nervous system regulation. In trusting that rest is still productive. That there are so many ebbs and flows in this work.
You stop seeing cancellations as personal and start seeing them as part of the rhythm of this work. Sometimes even as an unexpected gift.
👉🏽Mental health pros! What does a cancellation mean to you these days? How has your relationship with cancellations changed over time?
🫶🏼Follow for more support for early-career mental health professionals.
