We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lorrie Bertrand. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lorrie below.
Lorrie , so great to have you with us today. There are so many topics we want to ask you about, but perhaps the one we can start with is burnout. How have you overcome or avoided burnout?
Before the pandemic, I had a hectic lifestyle and I overlooked the warning signs of burnout. My days were filled with work, and meticulous planning – even down to creating booklets for my wedding party. Spreadsheets were my go-to’s for all my academic and professional pursuits, and calendars and to-do lists ruled my existence. However, the pandemic became a catalyst for introspection. As a medical social worker in Boston, my responsibilities magnified during the global crisis. I juggled my duties as a part-time therapist, providing emotional support to individuals amid the challenges of the world. Whether it was consoling families unable to bid farewell to their loved ones or aiding BIPOC clients grappling with the amplified racial tensions post-George Floyd’s tragic death, the weight of my responsibilities grew heavier.
Simultaneously, I was preparing for my professional boards, I was struggling to pay off a six-figure student loan debt, navigating wedding preparations, and managing various other commitments. Each day, I returned home weary, shedding my scrubs and masks in the stairwell to safeguard my family from COVID-19. Fatigued and drained, I mustered little energy to spend quality time with my husband.
The persistent numbness, disconnection, and overwhelming dread eventually prompted me to confide in my husband. I admitted that I no longer felt like myself. Recognizing the gravity of my situation, I sought the help of a therapist. Through therapy, I confronted my emotions, acknowledging the toll of incessant pressure to perform, my complicated feelings about the pandemic, my fears of being Black in America, and meeting deadlines within tight timeframes.
Outside therapy, I redirected my focus towards self-care and introspection. Embracing minimalism, meditation, prayer, and quality time with my husband became paramount. These moments of reflection reminded me of my aspirations and the importance of prioritizing my well-being.
Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to resign from my job and embark on the journey of establishing my private practice. This pivotal step allowed me to reclaim control over my life and pursue a path aligned with my passions and values.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I am a therapist and money mentor and the goal is overall empowerment. As a therapist, I specialize in supporting professional women who struggle with people-pleasing and perfectionism. My passion lies in guiding them towards a balanced and fulfilling life by challenging the notion that they must have everything perfectly in order and be universally adored. I empower them to reduce their susceptibility to burnout by setting goals aligned with their values and establishing boundaries in their personal and professional spheres. I also support them by teaching them different tools to navigate life’s twists and turns with resilience and self-compassion, mitigating the impact of anxiety, guilt, and shame often associated with perfectionism. Additionally, as a money mentor, I draw from my journey of overcoming debt, which was a significant source of stress during my high burnout period. I help women reclaim control over their financial freedom. By shifting their money mindset and prioritizing financial health, I empower them to pursue balance in their lives. I firmly believe that when women make informed decisions, prioritize self-care, and take charge of their financial well-being, they can lead rich, fulfilling lives despite life’s inevitable challenges.
What makes my work truly special is witnessing the transformation of women as they embrace their mental and financial empowerment. It’s about equipping them with the tools and mindset to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience.
On April 17th, I’ll be launching the Rich & Fulfilled women’s group which is a 6-week program, aimed at helping participants take control of their financial freedom, starting with setting achievable goals. Participants in the group can expect community, accountability, and an open dialogue about the money mindset. I’ll teach them tools to clarify individual goals, create a budget, and learn from others as well. Additionally, I offer individual money coaching sessions for those seeking personalized, hands-on assistance with budgeting, planning, and accountability. I’m thrilled to continue empowering women on their journey towards financial and mental well-being.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, I’ve identified three pivotal qualities: self-reflection, self-compassion, and self-care. These may all seem focused on the self, but they are essential for nurturing the best version of myself, which ultimately enables me to be there for my loved ones, colleagues, and friends. If I notice self-criticism creeping in, I turn to my coping strategies: meditation, prayer, conversations with family, taking breaks, and reminding myself that experiencing struggles is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to prioritize my well-being.
For those early in their journey, my advice is simple: prioritize your mental and emotional health. Consider seeking therapy to explore your inner world and learn new coping mechanisms. Embrace new experiences to deepen your self-awareness, whether that involves trying a new hobby, trying meditation or engaging in a physical activity that resonates with you. I also want to add to approach your emotions with curiosity and acceptance, rather than suppressing them. This will help you understand both your triggers and what brings you joy—your “glimmers”—so you can navigate life with greater resilience and find moments of flow.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal clients are creative and professional women who have a vision for their life but seek assistance in refining it. They are open to admitting that they don’t know but are motivated to learn. Whether they aspire to improve their personal and professional boundaries, pay off debt, save for specific goals like a vacation or a car, or grow their emergency fund, they are committed to taking proactive steps. They recognize the importance of learning, discomfort, self-compassion, and growth in both areas to achieve their desired lifestyle. A sense of humor is also welcome as well! Life is hard so fun and laughter can be the best medicine. Be prepared to laugh and feel seen.
Contact Info:
- Website: lorriebertrandtherapy.com
- Instagram: @lorrie.thetherapist
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorrie-bertrand-645048169/
- Other: https://lorriebertrandtherapy.com/mindful-money-coaching
Image Credits
chellypicphotography (only for the professional photo with the turtle neck)
