Running a private counselling practice means wearing a lot of hats—therapist, admin manager, social media planner, CPD organiser, business owner, human being. For a long time, I felt like I was always playing catch-up. I’d start January full of motivation, then by March feel totally detached from the goals I’d set. Everything felt too far away, too big, too vague.

Then I discovered The 12 Week Year by Brian P. Moran—and it genuinely changed how I live and work.

Instead of trying to plan and pace myself across 12 long months, I started treating each 12-week block like its own mini year. I set focused goals, track my progress weekly, build in rest time, and then start fresh. It keeps things exciting, helps me stay on track, and—most importantly—I do t get bored, it suits my ADHD brain perfectly.

Why 12-Week Years Work for Me:

1. It keeps me focused without overwhelm
I choose a few clear goals each cycle—personal and professional. I'm not trying to do everything—just the right things for this moment in time.

2. It matches my energy cycles
If you’re neurodivergent, you might know the pattern: super motivated, super inspired… then crash. The 12-week approach gives me structure and enough novelty that I don’t get bored or burnt out.

3. It gives me permission to rest
Each cycle ends with a reflection and reset period. I build in space for breaks, holidays, or simply slower weeks to breathe, think and realign.

4. It helps me balance my life, not just my work
Each 12-week year includes the goals I need to hit financially, but also the things I want to experience—things that bring joy, growth, and connection.

What I’m Focusing on This 12-Week Year:

This next cycle is all about balance, creativity, and expansion. Here's what I'm leaning into:

Getting to the gym more often – moving my body helps settle my mind and lifts my mood
More self-care – not just bubble baths, but boundary-setting, rest, good food, and space to feel
An inner child training retreat – a deep, meaningful few days doing my own inner work so I can better hold space for others
A shame course – to deepen my understanding of how shame impacts my clients and how to gently work with it
Another inner child theory course – because I’m always learning and evolving my practice
A cupcake decorating course – just for fun, because joy and play are also healing

I also look at what I want to earn over the 12 weeks, how many clients I’d like to support, and which CPD trainings I want to attend that truly nourish my practice.

ADHD-Friendly, Therapist-Approved

This way of working has honestly transformed my business and my wellbeing. I no longer feel stretched thin trying to manage a whole year in my head. I get to reflect, refocus, and reset more regularly. My practice has grown in ways that feel aligned, not forced. And most importantly—I enjoy the process.

If you’ve ever struggled with long-term planning, or felt like the traditional calendar just doesn’t work for your brain, this might be something to explore for yourself too.

And if you’re looking to work with a therapist who gets it—someone who understands the pressure, the overstimulation, the burnout, and the longing for something gentler and more real—my inbox is open.

I offer a free, no-obligation introductory session, and together we can look at how counselling could support you, wherever you are in your own season.

Email: louisemalyancounselling@gmail.com
Website: www.wildfirecounsellingtherapy.co.uk