A Day in the Life of a Licensed Professional Counselor: Flow, Fulfillment, and the Honor of Holding Space
Pod Health LLC – Milwaukee, WI
Here we go!
Being a licensed professional counselor isn’t just a job—it’s a vocation. Every day, I’m entrusted with something precious: the raw, unfiltered truths of people’s lives. It’s a responsibility that never feels routine. I consider it a profound honor to hold space for someone else’s story—especially in a world that often doesn’t make room for vulnerability.
The Privilege of Holding People’s Stories
There is something deeply humbling about being invited into the inner world of another human being. My clients open up about their pain, fears, hopes, and healing journeys—often sharing things they’ve never voiced aloud. These are moments of tremendous courage. And as their counselor, I am there to witness, to listen, and to walk beside them. Not as a fixer, but as a guide and a presence.
Confidentiality isn’t just a legal or ethical requirement—it’s a sacred trust. And that trust is what makes the therapeutic relationship such a powerful and healing force.
The Drive to Keep Learning
Because I hold such deep responsibility for the mental wellness of others, I feel a strong inner drive to continue learning and evolving. Continuing education, clinical supervision, peer consultation, and reading the latest in psychological research are all regular parts of my professional rhythm. I want to ensure that the care I provide is grounded, current, and compassionate—because that’s what my clients deserve.
The Psychological Flow Cycle: Structuring My Day for Excellence
To give my best to each client, I structure my day using the psychological flow cycle, which allows me to maximize both my focus and recovery. This four-phase process (Struggle → Release → Flow → Recovery) helps me stay aligned, purposeful, and balanced.
Here’s how I apply it to my daily schedule:
1. Struggle (Preparation)
At the end of each workday, I review my schedule for the following day. I look at who I’ll be meeting with, what we’ve been working on, and where we need to go next. I write out clear agendas for each session, which allows me to enter into each therapeutic space with intention. This preparatory work—though sometimes mentally intense—is essential to offering effective and focused care.
2. Release (Evening Wind-Down)
After work, I fully step away from counseling mode. I spend time nurturing my own valued areas—connecting with family, enjoying hobbies, and simply being. This is the release phase, where I allow my mind and nervous system to transition away from holding space for others, so I can hold space for myself and those I love.
3. Flow (Therapy in Action)
When I return to work the next morning, I’m ready to move into flow—that energized, focused state where I am fully immersed in each session. There’s nothing quite like it. Flow is where time feels suspended, where I am most present, and where therapy becomes deeply effective. Helping people navigate their psychology from a place of clarity and intention is my version of peak performance.
4. Recovery (Movement & Connection)
After my final session of the day, I transition into recovery. This often includes movement like running, yoga, foam rolling, or playing pickleball with a friend. Sometimes it’s strength training or a long walk with my dogs and my son. Recovery isn’t optional—it’s essential. It restores my nervous system, resets my energy, and prepares me to return tomorrow with the same care and clarity.
The Role of Self-Care
As a counselor, I’m only as effective as my own well-being allows. That’s why I prioritize mindfulness meditation, breathwork, and quality time with my colleagues. These practices keep me grounded, connected, and emotionally regulated. They also reinforce a sense of community, which is vital in a field where holding others’ emotions can be both powerful and heavy.
Your Invitation: Try the Psychological Flow Cycle
Whether you’re a fellow mental health professional, a client, or simply someone seeking better structure in your life, I encourage you to explore organizing your day around the psychological flow cycle. It’s a powerful way to bring purpose, clarity, and recovery into your daily rhythm.
If you’re in the Milwaukee, WI area and looking for compassionate, evidence-based mental health support, Pod Health LLC is here for you.
We are committed to providing therapy rooted in clinical excellence and human connection.
Start your journey today. Structure your days with purpose. Care for yourself deeply. And if you need support, reach out—we’re here to walk with you.
