12 November 2026
We talk a lot about preparing your private practice for the annual Christmas break, but there’s another part of taking time off that can be much harder: mentally switching off.
The temptation to keep 'checking in' is real. And don't we know it!
You know the feeling. Technically, you're on leave, but you decide to check your emails, 'just in case'. Maybe you can quickly finish the admin that's been burning a hole in the back of your mind for far too long. Before you know it, you've replied to several emails, responses are coming back in, meetings are being booked for the new year, and you're immersed in work... again.
Running a private practice means you're responsible for everything. For some, taking a break can bring up guilt, worry, or the feeling they should be doing something to help other people.
» You are allowed to step away «
You are a person beyond your professional roles. Make room for that person.
A common pattern we see in mental health professionals is the need to be nice. But nice doesn’t always cut it. What’s needed is confident action.
November is the perfect time to:
1. Decide what switching off will look and feel like for you.
Wanting a decent break and taking a decent break are two different things.
If you need a decent break, take it! Listen to your mind and body and prioritise yourself.
2. Inform your clients, colleagues, collaborators, and other supporters that you will be taking time off.
Clients don't need to know all the details, just the closure dates.
Decide if you will or won’t be available to colleagues or collaborators during that time.
3. Manage expectations before, during, and after your time off.
Start prepping your clients now: resource them and provide details of available support (and/or crisis) services while you're away from the office.
If you need to wrap up admin before going on leave, build the buffer space into your schedule now and defend it if necessary.
Your colleagues, collaborators, and support personnel may need to know if you will be available by phone or email during your leave time. If you plan to completely unplug, tell them. Don’t just assume people know your intentions.
We recommend scheduling one or two admin days when you return to work, rather than jumping straight into a full schedule. A gentle return can make a real difference.
Work can only interfere with your leave time if you:
Don't turn off work email and app notifications…
Don’t set clear expectations around whether you'll check messages or not…
Don’t write down unfinished tasks so you know where to pick them up in the new year…
Fill every spare moment with business-related jobs…
Don’t give yourself enough breathing space before returning to client appointments.
A gentle nudge from us
Give yourself permission to fully unplug this holiday season, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy simply... being.
Make a solid plan for how you will healthily disengage from work life during your break.
Set your out-of-office reply a week early to let everyone know you’re winding down and going on leave.
If you need to, remove your email app from your phone while you’re on leave. Depending on your setup, you can also temporarily restrict new calendar bookings.
And if you do find yourself feeling drawn to spend some of your holiday time playing catch up, BE KIND TO YOURSELF 🩷
If you need some extra encouragement, Bec's blog 'The truth about taking time off in private practice' is a great resource to revisit.
The aim of the game is to rest up, and rest well!
Bec & Shan x
P.S. Don’t do this 👇
