đź”— Digital Kinship & Relational Healing
For new therapists, connection doesn’t have to come at a cost. Here’s how digital spaces have become sanctuaries of kinship and growth in my own journey.
đź”— Digital Kinship & Relational Healing
David Bolander, LMHCA, MDiv, MACMHC
davidbolanderpsychotherapy.com
September 20, 2025
Why online connection might be the most attuned path for new therapists
I used to think I had to pay $30 or more each time I attended an in person counseling event just to find community and connection in this field. A group gathering, a workshop, a networking event - each one felt like a hopeful gamble. But when finances are tight and time is scarce, that model quickly becomes unsustainable. What I’ve discovered instead is that digital spaces - LinkedIn, Facebook, even quiet comment threads - can offer something just as powerful: relational resonance, shared growth, and authentic connection.
Core Insight 1: Accessibility & Equity - For new therapists, especially those building practices from scratch, online connection isn’t just convenient - it’s essential. It removes barriers of cost, geography, and scheduling, and opens the door to conversations that might never happen in a crowded room.
Core Insight 2: Emotional Resonance Online - When we show up with care, clarity, and authenticity, digital platforms become more than tools - they become sanctuaries. I’ve had some of my most meaningful professional exchanges through LinkedIn messages and Facebook threads. It’s not about algorithms - it’s about intention.
Core Insight 3: Intentional Outreach Matters - Digital connection isn’t just about posting a blog or sharing a reflection - though those can be powerful. It’s in the real, intentional outreach that something deeper unfolds. A message sent with care. A comment that invites dialogue. A quiet moment of resonance that leads to a meaningful exchange. That’s where kinship begins.
Core Insight 4: Reframing Networking - I’m no longer chasing contacts. I’m weaving kinship. I’m reaching out to fellow therapists who share a healing ethos, who speak the language of attunement and depth. And I’m finding that when I lead with heart, others respond in kind.
If you’re a new, or even current, therapist feeling the weight of isolation or the pressure to “network,” I invite you to consider a gentler path. Show up online with your full self. Share a reflection, yes, but also, be courageous and send a message. You might be surprised by what finds you.
If this reflection speaks to you, I’d be honored to connect. Whether near or far - but especially if you’re in the Indianapolis area - I welcome conversations rooted in care, curiosity, and shared growth.