Regenerating Life in Your Psychology Practice: Rebuilding the Common Good for Ourselves and Our Clients

As a psychologist, I’ve often found myself caught in the relentless cycle of giving—pouring my energy into my clients and their needs. Over the years, I’ve come to realise that to maintain my effectiveness and well-being, it’s crucial to learn how to resource myself.

This concept of “resourcing” goes far beyond simple self-care. In the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework, it’s about tapping into what we call Self-energy—a grounded, calm, and compassionate state—and extending that energy to our surroundings.

However, this idea of resourcing has taken on a broader, more profound meaning for me recently, as I’ve connected with concepts from regenerative business models and the Common Good. These frameworks have allowed me to see my practice not just as a service to individuals but as a vital part of the fabric of community and ecological well-being.

Let me share how this understanding has transformed both my practice and my life.

Connecting with the Living World: My Source of Grounding Energy

For me, the living world around me is a powerful source of energy. My morning walks among the trees and and in sight of the mountains provide grounding energy that penetrates deep into my core. This practice, which might seem simple, has a profound regenerative impact on me. It reminds me that I am part of something larger, something cyclical and ever-renewing. Whether it’s the fresh air or the quiet rhythm of the natural world, these moments help me reset and reconnect.

Research supports this practice. Studies show that regular exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and even enhance creativity (see bibliography for suggested reading). But beyond these personal benefits, connecting with nature has deepened my understanding of what regeneration truly means—not just for myself, but for the clients and communities I serve.

The Challenge of Connecting with Time & Space

In our field, there’s constant pressure to be available, productive, and always "on." The idea of taking time for ourselves can feel indulgent or even selfish. However, reclaiming time to connect with life-giving resources is not only essential; it’s an act of resistance against the burnout culture that pervades both psychology and broader society.

This ties into the principles of regenerative business, a model that contrasts sharply with traditional, extractive business practices. Instead of focusing solely on short-term gains and relentless growth, regenerative models prioritise the long-term health of all systems—human, ecological, and economic. These practices are about creating value that sustains and revitalises, rather than depletes.

In our psychology practices, we need to adopt this framework of being in living relationship with the world around us—a relationship that allows both practitioners and our clients to thrive without being drained by overwork or the never-ending hustle.

Reframing the 'Common Good' in Psychology Practices

Through my journey, I’ve come to embrace a broader understanding of the Common Good. Traditionally, we might think of the Common Good as public resources like parks, libraries, or access to healthcare. But to me, the Common Good also includes intangible resources such as emotional well-being, mental health, and meaningful relationships.

Drawing inspiration from economists like Kate Raworth, who promotes regenerative economic models such as Doughnut Economics, I’ve come to view the living world, well-being, and mental health as resources that belong to everyone, even our brethren in the non-human world, the plants and animals. In this framework, we don’t exploit these resources for personal gain; instead, we nurture and share them as part of a collective responsibility.

In the context of psychology, the Common Good means ensuring that everyone—clients and practitioners alike—has access to what they need to live fulfilling lives. It’s about building practices that not only provide care but also regenerate access to the Common Good for our clients, our communities, and ourselves.

Building a Regenerative Psychology Practice

So, what does a regenerative psychology practice look like? I believe it involves two key aspects:

1. Accessing and Nurturing the Common Good for Ourselves as Practitioners

As psychologists, we must prioritise our connection to life-giving practices. This might be time spent in the wider living world, moments of mindfulness, or nurturing relationships that replenish us. For me, it’s those morning walks with my dogs and reconnecting with my vitality through exercise. For you, it could be different, but it’s crucial to identify and safeguard these practices.

2. Facilitating Access to the Common Good for Others

Our role as psychologists also involves helping our clients access the Common Good. This can take many forms, such as:

- Encouraging outdoor activities or nature-based therapies, which have been shown to enhance mental health.

- Sharing mindfulness and self-compassion techniques that help clients connect with their environment and inner selves.

- Supporting clients in building and maintaining supportive, healthy relationships.

- Providing tools for emotional regulation that help clients navigate life’s challenges more effectively. 

A Shift in Focus: Moving Toward Regeneration

By adopting a regenerative approach in my practice, I’ve shifted my focus from helping clients survive to actively fostering environments where they can thrive. This transformation has benefited not only my clients but also me as a practitioner. I’m no longer simply reacting to burnout or trying to manage it; instead, I’m actively bringing more life and vitality into my work.

I want to emphasise that taking time to connect with these life-giving resources isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity and it helps to bring us into Right Relationship with the world around us.

Just as regenerative businesses aim to create systems that sustain and nourish all participants, we, as psychologists, can create practices that nurture both ourselves and our clients. We can be the change we would wish to see in the world. 

How You Can Embrace Regeneration in your Private Practice

I encourage you to reflect on how you can incorporate these ideas into your own practice. How can you resource yourself more effectively? How can you help your clients access both the tangible and intangible elements of the Common Good?

As psychologists, we have a unique opportunity to build practices that not only heal but also restore, regenerate, and create lasting impact. 

When we regenerate ourselves, we’re better equipped to regenerate the world around us. And in that process, we build something that’s not only sustainable—but deeply fulfilling.

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If you're feeling inspired to build a regenerative psychology practice that restores both you and the communities you serve, I'd love to connect with you further. Join our Inspiring Psychology Practices Facebook group, where you'll find a community of like-minded psychologists who are committed to creating meaningful, sustainable change in their practices. Together, we can share ideas, support one another, and explore new ways of working that bring more life and balance to our profession.

Join us here. 

Suggested Resources:

1. Hunter, M. R., Gillespie, B. W., & Chen, S. Y. P. (2019). Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers. Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722
2. Wilson, E. O. (1984). Biophilia. Harvard University Press.
3. Raworth, K. (2017). Doughnut Economics: Seven Ways to Think Like a 21st-Century Economist. Chelsea Green Publishing.
4. Jackson, T. (2017). Prosperity without Growth: Foundations for the Economy of Tomorrow. Routledge.
5. Marmot, M., & Wilkinson, R. (2005). Social Determinants of Health. Oxford University Press.
6. Jordan, M., & Hinds, J. (2016). Ecotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice. Macmillan International Higher Education.
7. Fullerton, J. (2015). Regenerative Capitalism: How Universal Principles and Patterns Will Shape Our New Economy. Capital Institute.