Boundaries Aren’t Rude: How I Took Fridays Off Without Losing Clients
As a therapist, I used to believe that the more hours I worked, the more successful I would be. I was stuck in the mindset that more clients, more hours, and more effort were key to thriving in my practice. But eventually, the pressure of constantly being “on” took its toll on me—physically, emotionally, and professionally. I wasn’t showing up at my best for my clients, and I wasn’t feeling good about the way I was running my business.
I hit a breaking point, realizing that I had to make a change. I needed to set boundaries—not just for my own well-being, but for the health of my practice. But could I really take time off without losing clients? Could I step back without my business falling apart? The idea of taking Fridays off seemed radical, but I knew it was necessary for my sustainability.
The Struggle: Why I Didn’t Think I Could Take Time Off
The thought of taking Fridays off was met with fear and guilt. How could I justify stepping away from my practice for an entire day each week? Would clients think I didn’t care about them? Would they find another therapist who was available at all hours? The pressure of being constantly available, especially as a solo therapist, felt like a fundamental part of my identity.
There’s also a cultural aspect in the therapy field where working nonstop is seen as a sign of dedication. But in reality, it leads to burnout. The more I worked, the less energy I had for my clients and myself. I realized I needed to take a hard look at my beliefs around work and success.
The Mindset Shift: Reframing Boundaries as Business Assets
After much internal struggle, I came to a key realization: boundaries aren’t rude; they’re essential. Instead of viewing my time off as selfish, I reframed it as an investment in both my personal well-being and the quality of my work. Taking time off wasn’t about neglecting my clients—it was about showing up for them as my best self.
This mindset shift was powerful. I began to understand that, as a therapist, I had to be at my best mentally, emotionally, and physically in order to help others. By taking Fridays off, I would have the space to recharge and reflect, which would, in turn, improve my client sessions the following week.
Boundaries, I realized, were not an obstacle to success—they were foundational to it. Without them, I couldn’t operate at the level of excellence I strived for. My work needed sustainability, and that meant carving out time for rest.
The Strategy: How I Implemented the Change
Once I understood the mindset shift, I had to implement the change. But how would I communicate this boundary to my clients in a way that felt respectful and professional?
Set Clear Expectations: I informed my clients in advance that I would be taking Fridays off every week to focus on self-care. I explained that I would still be available for sessions during the rest of the week and that this time off would ultimately improve my ability to serve them. Clear communication was key.
Offer Flexibility: I reassured clients that if they needed a session on a Friday, we could easily reschedule for another day. Offering options for rescheduling helped minimize any potential anxiety clients might have had about the change.
Modeling the Behavior: By taking Fridays off, I was not only prioritizing my own well-being, but I was also modeling self-care for my clients. I wanted them to see that taking time for yourself isn’t just okay—it’s necessary for a sustainable life.
Be Consistent: I made it clear that Fridays would be non-negotiable. I communicated this boundary regularly, both verbally and through email reminders, ensuring that clients respected this boundary as part of my standard schedule.
The Results: How Setting Boundaries Improved My Practice
What happened when I finally set this boundary? Surprisingly, nothing catastrophic. I didn’t lose clients, and my business didn’t crumble. Instead, several positive changes occurred:
Improved Energy and Focus: With Fridays off, I was able to rest and recharge. When I returned to my work, I felt more focused, energized, and present for my clients. I was able to give them my best in every session.
Stronger Client Relationships: Setting a boundary with my clients helped to build trust. They saw me as someone who valued their time and my own, and it created a deeper sense of respect in our work together. The boundary allowed me to be more present and engaged in our sessions.
Sustainable Workload: Before setting the boundary, I had been feeling overwhelmed and burnt out. Taking a full day off every week allowed me to avoid burnout and ensured that my practice remained sustainable in the long run.
Increased Respect and Trust: Clients didn’t just accept my boundary—they respected it. They understood that by taking time off, I was making sure I could provide the best possible service to them. This increased mutual respect.
Increased Profits: Taking Fridays off didn’t hurt my bottom line. In fact, by focusing on maintaining my energy, I found that I was able to offer more thoughtful content, build new opportunities, and ultimately grow my practice. My focus shifted to being more strategic, and it paid off in the form of increased productivity.
The Bottom Line: Boundaries Are Business Assets
Looking back, setting boundaries has been one of the best decisions I made for my business. Boundaries are not only a tool for self-care—they are a strategic business asset. They enable me to show up as my best self for my clients and maintain a sustainable practice over time.
Taking Fridays off didn’t cause me to lose clients; it helped me serve them better. The more energy I had, the more I could give. Setting boundaries has made my work more fulfilling, my relationships with clients stronger, and my business more successful.
If you’re feeling burnt out or stretched too thin, I encourage you to reflect on what boundaries might look like for you. You don’t have to work yourself into the ground to succeed. In fact, taking care of yourself is the best way to ensure that your business thrives. Boundaries are not just something you “set” when you’re desperate; they are an essential part of your strategy for long-term success.
