Finding Your Creative Space

Autumn has arrived in the northern hemisphere.?

A season of transformation!?

If you follow this newsletter, you’re likely searching for a transformation in your professional English communication skills.

…but how can you fit this goal into your already busy post-summer schedule?

Well, there is NO magic wand to make the transition instantaneous, I’m afraid (and if there is, I’m in the wrong business??)?

Just like the people you support, THEY must put in the work to see the desired results. Your role is to guide them through the process.

Creativity encompasses the ability to discover new and original ideas, connections, and solutions to problems. It’s a part of our drive as humans — sparking joy, resilience and providing opportunities for self-actualization.

Why not use our powers of creativity for improving our communication skills?

Fortunately, there ARE ways to boost your English fluency and confidence in an enjoyable way – without requiring you to invest all of your precious free time.

Here are a few ideas to incorporate into your week:

1. Create a Vocabulary Journal?-

Start your day by learning ONE new English word. Write various sentences with it, preferably how you might use in it a session. To help you remember the word and meaning, try to add it into a conversation within the next few days.

Keeping a vocabulary journal will expand your therapeutic lexicon.

2. Shadowing Practice?-

Listen to native English speakers, whether in podcasts or therapy role-plays, and try to mimic their speech patterns, intonation, and pronunciation.?

This will help you improve your spoken English fluency.

3. Thematic Reading?-

Choose interesting articles or books related to your field to read in English, then write a paragraph that summarizes what you've read. Test yourself by using new vocabulary and expressions in context.

This not only enhances your language skills but also deepens your understanding of mental health terminology.

4. Conversations with Colleagues -

Connect with fellow therapists (e.g. LinkedIn connections) who are fluent in English to exchange ideas, offer advice and discuss possible collaborations through text / audio messages or phone calls.

Try role-playing exercises to simulate therapy sessions in English. This allows you to practice real-life scenarios that you’re currently dealing with in your work.

5. Record & Reflect?-

Record your therapy sessions (with client consent, of course) and review them to identify areas where you can improve your grammar, tone, word order and pronunciation in English.

This is especially useful during the first consultation.

6. Idiomatic Expressions -?

Familiarize yourself with common English idioms, especially those related to feelings, emotions and challenging life experiences. I always recommended illustrating them with pictures to remember them more easily.

These can add depth to your communication and help you sound more fluent.

7. Self-Correction & Clarification -

Don't be afraid to correct yourself if you make a language error during a session. Clients appreciate your commitment to improving your skills.

If there’s anything that is unclear to them during the conversation, rephrase what was said in other words – just as you would do in your native language.

8. Language Coaching?-

Consider working with a language coach who specializes in helping mental health practitioners reach their goals. I can provide you with targeted guidance, accountability, creative tools and personalized feedback to accelerate your progress.

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By incorporating these practices into your daily/weekly routine, you can steadily enhance your English skills for therapy.?

As you know from your extensive training, significant improvement takes time, so be patient with your own process.?

Each small step you take brings you closer to becoming a more effective and confident communicator in English.

In the field of mental health, clear and compassionate communication can have a profound impact on the well-being of your clients.?

Your dedication to improving your English skills demonstrates your commitment to providing the best possible care.

Continue to grow and learn throughout your multilingual journey??

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Is your dream to communicate more effectively with your patients/clients in English? Contact me to book a free chat to discuss your current situation and future goals?????

Get in touch if there are other topics you’d like me to cover in future newsletters.?

Email: [email protected] / Website: www.myenglishtherapy.com??