If you’ve ever felt held back by self-doubt, questioned your voice, or worried that you’re not ready to lead, Playing Big by Tara Mohr might be the next book to add to your reading list. It’s been a long-time favourite in the LIT Community because it speaks so directly to what playing big as a therapist really means: trusting your instincts, stepping into visibility, and defining success on your own terms.
Although Tara Mohr wrote Playing Big with women in mind, the insights in this book are valuable for any mental health professional navigating the challenges of self-doubt, visibility, and leadership – especially those running their own practice.
These are challenges many of us face when building a location independent practice, and Mohr’s words continue to offer clarity and encouragement when we need it most. This book doesn’t offer quick fixes. Instead, it’s a guide for redefining success on your own terms and moving forward with more confidence and purpose.
Why Playing Big Resonates
Mohr explores the internal obstacles that can hold us back – like imposter syndrome, the inner critic, and fear of judgement. Rather than urging us to push harder or perform better, Mohr invites us to go inward, listen more deeply, and take action from a place of intention.
For location independent therapists, this kind of inner work often makes the difference between staying stuck and moving forward. We’re often making decisions without a traditional roadmap, explaining our work to people who may not fully understand online therapy, and navigating systems and regulations across different countries.
Playing Big offers practical tools and mindset shifts that help us move with more confidence, even when things feel uncertain.
What Playing Big as a Therapist Can Look Like
Here are a few ideas from the book that have resonated with our members and may be useful in your own practice, too:
#1: Turning Down the Inner Critic and Tuning Into the Inner Mentor
Mohr’s approach helps therapists recognise the voice of self-doubt – that inner critic that questions our readiness, expertise, or worth – and reconnect with a wiser, more grounded sense of self she calls the inner mentor.
This concept isn’t just helpful personally; it can also be a powerful tool in client sessions, especially when supporting people through transitions, building confidence, or making difficult decisions.
#2: Taking the Leap Before You Feel Fully Ready
Instead of waiting for the perfect moment, Mohr encourages readers to take intentional but imperfect action. For therapists, this might look like launching a group, applying for a speaking opportunity, or raising your rates, even if you don’t feel completely “ready.”
#3: Unhooking from Praise and Criticism
As an online therapist, feedback can come from all directions – social media followers, fellow therapists, supervisors, clients, friends, or even well-meaning family members who don’t fully understand your work.
Add in the complexity of working across cultures and time zones, and it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. Mohr encourages us to unhook from both praise and criticism and instead stay grounded in our own values and professional integrity.
#4: Communicating with Authenticity
Whether you’re creating content, writing a welcome email, updating your website, or crafting your directory profile, it’s easy to slip into professional jargon or write what you think you should say. Mohr’s encouragement to speak with your authentic voice is a reminder that real connection comes from clarity and honesty.
What Playing Big Looks Like in Community
These ideas show up regularly in how we support each other in the LIT Community – from the way we ask questions to how we offer feedback and encourage each other to take bold steps. Playing Big has become more than just a book for us; it reflects our shared values around leadership, courage, and authenticity.
Here are some of the ways we’ve woven these principles are woven into our community to offer a safe place to explore the doubts, fears, and decisions that come with running a location independent therapy business.
Your 5-Year Business Vision
One of the ways we help our members play big is by guiding them through the process of crafting their five-year business vision.
It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind of small tasks, but without a big-picture perspective, it’s hard to create something truly impactful. We encourage our members to dream big, define their long-term goals, and take consistent action to make them a reality.
You can start crafting your 5-year business vision with the help of our blog post here.
Supportive Events
Our community events offer ongoing support, accountability, and space to put the Playing Big principles into practice.
- Hot Seat Coaching Sessions: Bring your questions, fears, or challenges and receive real-time feedback and encouragement from fellow therapists who understand your world.
- Business Meetups: Practical discussions on topics like pricing, client retention, and marketing for online therapy.
- Quarterly Reflection & Goal-Setting: Step back from the day-to-day, assess your progress, and set meaningful goals for the season ahead.
Want to try it out and join one of our community events? Join the LIT Community here!
Have You Read Playing Big?
Whether it’s already one of your favourites or you’re just discovering it now, Playing Big offers empowering insights for therapists navigating growth, leadership, and visibility.
We’d love to know – have you read it? What part resonated with you the most? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below – or come join us in the LIT Community for ongoing book discussions in our monthly Book Club.
Find Support as You Start Playing Big
Playing big as a therapist doesn’t have to mean doing it all alone. In the LIT Community, you’ll find a thoughtful, supportive space to explore your next steps, reflect on our big-picture vision, and grow your business in a way that aligns with your values.
Curious about how the LIT Community might support you as you start playing big in your work? Start your 1-week free trial here!
