Navigating Client Crises When Your Own Life Hits Hard

Curt and Katie talk about what therapists can do when client crises show up at the exact wrong time—during holidays, illness, personal stress, or overwhelming seasons of life. They explore capacity, boundaries, communication, safety planning, and how to ethically support clients without becoming a 24/7 crisis line. This is a practical, validating look at the realities therapists face when their own lives get complicated.

Key Takeaways

• Therapists can assess capacity and complete a “busyness audit” to stay realistic about bandwidth.

• Clear communication about availability helps prevent crisis-time misunderstandings.

• Clients benefit from learning how to reach out with context so you can triage effectively.

• Safety plans and community resources reduce client over-reliance on the therapist.

• Therapists can hold boundaries while still supporting clients through crisis moments.

Full show notes and transcript are available at mtsgpodcast.com.

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