Been Avoiding Your Books? You’re Not Alone (And It’s Not Too Late)
As a therapist, you're trained to sit with discomfort, hold space for others, and walk people through some of the most vulnerable parts of their lives. But when it comes to your own discomfort—especially around money—things can feel… complicated.
If you’ve been avoiding your bookkeeping or dreading tax season, let me assure you of two things:
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You are not alone.
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It’s not too late to turn it around.
Let’s talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface—and how to take your first (judgment-free) step forward.
💭 Why Therapists Avoid Their Books
You’re not “bad at money.” You’re likely overwhelmed by it. Here’s why bookkeeping gets pushed to the bottom of the list for many private practice owners:
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You're emotionally drained after holding space for clients all day
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You fear facing what your numbers might reveal (“Am I even making enough?”)
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You don’t know where to start—and it feels easier to avoid it than do it “wrong”
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You weren’t taught financial literacy in grad school
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You think you should be able to figure it out on your own
Sound familiar?
😔 Let’s Name It: Money Shame Is Real
Avoidance is often a symptom of shame—and shame thrives in secrecy.
You might feel embarrassed about how far behind your books are… or guilty that you’ve been ignoring it for so long. But here’s the truth:
You can’t shame yourself into clarity. But you can take a compassionate next step.
You work hard to create a safe space for your clients. You deserve the same grace when it comes to your business finances.
🧠 What Trauma-Informed Bookkeeping Looks Like
Yes, that’s a thing. And yes, it’s how I work.
I specialize in accounting services for therapists—because I understand the emotional labor of your work and the unique challenges of running a private practice.
Here’s what it looks like in practice:
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No jargon. No judgment. No shaming.
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Clear next steps and systems that support you, not overwhelm you
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Respect for your emotional bandwidth and your clinical schedule
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A relationship built on trust, confidentiality, and peace of mind
🔄 It’s Never “Too Late” to Get Help
Whether your books are behind one month or one year, it’s fixable.
And more importantly—it doesn’t say anything about your worth, your intelligence, or your ability to run a successful practice.
You’re human. And you’ve had other things to prioritize. Now that you’re ready to look at your numbers with support, you’ve already done the hardest part.
🌱 What Happens When You Stop Avoiding Your Finances
Here’s what therapists tell me after we work together:
“I feel so much lighter.”
“I didn’t realize how much space this was taking up in my brain.”
“I finally feel like a real business owner.”
When your books are up to date and your numbers make sense, you can:
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Pay yourself with confidence
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Plan ahead for taxes (instead of dreading them)
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Take on the right number of clients—not just more clients
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Say yes to rest and vacation—because you know you can afford it
🛠️ Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t have to commit to a full accounting overhaul today. Just try one of these small, low-risk actions:
✅ Download: Overcoming Money Fears – Free Guide
A therapist-specific workbook to help you shift your mindset and get organized.
💬 Book: A 30-Minute Accounting Discovery Call
We’ll talk through where you are now and what support would feel best—no pressure, no hard sell.
🎧 Listen: Guided Meditation for Doing Hard Things
Designed for therapists who procrastinate, avoid, or freeze when tasks feel too big.
You’re Not Behind. You’re Just Getting Started.
If you’ve been feeling anxious about the state of your finances, you don’t need more pressure—you need a plan, a person, and some peace.
I’m here to support you with all three.
🖤
Lorin
Founder, Open Books Accounting for Therapists
