The 4 Habits of Highly Effective Therapists
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby is a licensed psychologist, licensed marriage and family therapist, board-certified coach, AAMFT clinical supervisor, host of the Love, Happiness, and Success Podcast and founder of Growing Self.
If you’ve ever wondered why some therapists have waitlists and glowing reviews while others are stuck refreshing their online scheduler hoping to book more therapy clients in their private practice… keep reading. Because I’m about to spill the tea on the 4 habits of highly effective therapists.
There are four simple (but not always easy) habits exceptional therapists practice religiously. I’ve seen them over and over again in my years as a clinical supervisor, coach, and founder of Growing Self private practice.
These habits of highly effective therapists are what separate the “meh” therapy that meanders from the kind that changes a life trajectory. The best part? You don’t have to be born with any of these skills. You can learn them. Practice them. Master them. And today, I’m going to walk you through each one.
Habits of Highly Effective Therapists
1. Say It Out Loud: Share Your Case Conceptualization
You know that moment in a session when everything clicks in your head—why the client is stuck, the origin of their pattern, what needs to happen for change to occur?
Amazing. But if you don’t say it out loud, it might as well not exist.
A clear case conceptualization isn’t just for your notes—it’s a roadmap that your client deserves to understand, too. Exceptional therapists explain the “why” and the “how” of therapy. They make it collaborative, transparent, and coherent.
Here’s what that might sound like:
“Based on what you’ve shared, I see a pattern of black-and-white thinking that’s keeping you stuck in a depressive loop. I’d like us to start shifting that thinking style, because that’s a proven path to feeling better.”
That’s the kind of clarity that builds trust and keeps clients coming back—not because you’re “nice,” but because they know where they’re going.
2. Master (Not Just Dabble In) a Theory of Change
Let’s be real: saying you’re “eclectic” might sound nice, but it can often be code for “I haven’t fully committed to anything.”
Effective therapists go deep with one or two evidence-based modalities. They don’t pick random tools from a buffet of theories—they know exactly what they’re using, why it works, and how to tailor it to the client sitting across from them.
As I said in the episode: “Counseling skills are the foundation—but they are not the house.”So build your house! Whether it’s Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Internal Family Systems, or something else like evidence-based coaching psychology, commit to mastery. Take the trainings. Read the books. Get consultation.
Free CE Training for Therapists!
Think You’re Coaching?
8 Red Flags You’re Doing Therapy
If you’re offering coaching without formal training, you could
be crossing ethical lines without realizing it. This training gives you the clarity, structure, and skills to stay in bounds—
and earn 1 NBCC CEU credit.
3. Specialize—Because You Can’t Be Everything to Everyone
The most effective therapists know exactly who they serve best. They’re not generalists trying to solve every human problem on the planet—they’ve chosen a lane and gone deep.
And when you do that? Your clinical work improves. Your confidence skyrockets. Your marketing becomes 1000% easier.
Not sure what your niche is yet? No worries. My podcast episode on finding your niche as a therapist is a great place to start.
4. Be Flexible, Not Flaky
Here’s where we bring it all together.
Once you’ve mastered a core theory and claimed your niche, the final habit is flexibility. Not in a “let’s try something new every week” kind of way, but in the sense of being able to adapt your modality based on your client’s needs.
Sometimes a client needs emotion-focused depth work. Sometimes they need skills and structure. Sometimes they need coaching more than therapy (more on that in a minute 😉).
Being effective means knowing the difference—and being prepared to shift accordingly. It means expanding your toolkit while staying grounded in your expertise. It also requires getting feedback from your client about what’s working and what’s not. Check out this podcast for “what to do when your client says therapy isn’t working.”
How to Stay Ethical, Effective, and Empowered
Now, if you’ve read this far, I already know something important about you: you’re that kind of therapist. The kind of therapist who’s committed to growing, evolving, and doing this work with real intention. You’re not just clocking hours—you want to master your craft.
And if habit #4—being flexible and knowing when to pivot your approach—hit home for you, we need to talk about something I see all the time with brilliant, well-meaning therapists and coaches:
Accidentally doing therapy when you think you’re coaching or vice versa, unintentionally coaching a client who really needs mental health treatment.
I created a free CE training for therapists to clarify the difference and the potential pitfalls when using the wrong approach:
“Think You’re Coaching? 8 Red Flags You’re Actually Doing Therapy”
This is a super-practical training that helps you:
- Spot the sneaky ways clinical work can creep into coaching conversations (even when you think you’re being goal-oriented)
- Stay clear of scope-of-practice risks and ethical gray zones
- Understand the real competencies you need to coach effectively (hint: it’s more than just good vibes and worksheets)
- And confidently offer transformational services to non-clinical clients without second-guessing yourself
Plus—you get one CE credit for showing up for your growth (because yes, you deserve to be recognized for that).
Grab the training for free here and take the next step in becoming the flexible, ethical, and truly exceptional therapist your clients need.
Let’s Connect
If you’re working on your own growth and want to stay inspired, informed, and connected with a community of heart-forward, high-achieving therapists—let’s be friends! You can connect with me on LinkedIn here, and I’d love to hear what’s on your mind!
Xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. Know another therapist who could use this advice? Share this article with a colleague, drop it in your group chat, or post it in your professional Facebook group. We rise higher when we grow together.
Resources:
Kuyken, W., Padesky, C. A., & Dudley, R. (2008). The science and practice of case conceptualization. Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy, 36(6), 757-768. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/behavioural-and-cognitive-psychotherapy/article/science-and-practice-of-case-conceptualization/B7BB53DDFB77CC42572ED069B20835EC
Frank, H. E., Becker-Haimes, E. M., & Kendall, P. C. (2020). Therapist training in evidence‐based interventions for mental health: A systematic review of training approaches and outcomes. Clinical psychology: Science and practice, 27(3), 20. https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2020-11470-001.html
Norcross, J. C., & Wampold, B. E. (2018). A new therapy for each patient: Evidence‐based relationships and responsiveness. Journal of clinical psychology, 74(11), 1889-1906. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jclp.22678
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