Professional Will & Master Practice Guide
right now you’re thinking…
“Professional will? What’s that and why do I need one?”
“I am young. I am healthy. And most importantly, I don’t want to think about what would need to happen for me to NEED a professional will.”
Short answer?
Because life can happen at any point in time.
Semi-short answer?
Because I walked into an urgent care in early January 2024 and woke up six days later on a ventilator.
I was semi-young and semi-healthy—but I did NOT have a professional will. And let me tell you, I learned very quickly what could happen while I was sleeping through my Worst Day Ever.
Being an entrepreneur with a thriving practice took work. Hard work. Frozen turkeys (but that’s another story!). Late nights. Money and client scarcity.
I get it. Thinking about your Worst Day Ever is overwhelming. But ignoring it won’t protect your business or your clients.
Too much passion, grit, and stubbornness built your success—now it’s time to protect it.
“But I’m fine… do I really need this?”
You might think you’re exempt. That nothing bad will happen. But stress lurks in the shadows, and your body keeps the score (no, really).
Dr. Hans Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) explains how chronic stress affects mental health professionals like us:
Alarm Stage – Your body perceives stress, triggering fight-or-flight mode with adrenaline and cortisol.
Resistance Stage – Your body fights to adapt while staying on high alert.
Exhaustion Stage – Burnout. Illness. Complete depletion.
Sound familiar?
Compassion Fatigue & Burnout
Chronic stress can lead to emotional numbness, detachment, and decreased effectiveness.
Chronic Stress & Anxiety
Heavy caseloads, crisis interventions, and relentless exposure to trauma take a toll.
Reduced Cognitive & Emotional Functioning
Prolonged stress impacts decision-making, emotional regulation, and empathy.
Let’s fix this before it’s a problem.
A professional will ensures your practice—and your clients—are taken care of, even if the unexpected happens.
What’s in a professional will?
Designated Professional Executor – Someone you trust to manage your practice in case of emergency.
Client Notification Plan – Ethical and legal guidelines for informing clients.
Records Management – Secure handling of sensitive client records.
Billing & Financial Affairs – A plan for outstanding fees, insurance claims, and financial obligations.
Office Closure Plan – Handling leases, contracts, and equipment.
Legal & Ethical Compliance – Protection under HIPAA and state laws.
Protect your business.
Protect your clients.
Protect yourself.
Don’t wait until you’re in crisis mode to figure this out. Start your professional will today.