Who’s on Your Board of Directors?
At Psych Blossom, clients often come up with memorable phrases to describe their healing process. One that really stuck with me came from a client I’ve worked with for over seven years. She once told me, “I was just waiting to talk to you; you were the only member I had not talked to.” I was confused. Only member? Of what? She laughed and said, “Yes, you are on my Board of Directors.”
At first, I laughed a little—it sounded like she was talking about her corporate job, not her personal life. But as she explained it, it made perfect sense. This was her way of naming her support system: the people she could count on through heartbreak, healing, and growth.
This client has been through a lot. I’ve seen her recover from two major breakups, the last one a very emotionally abusive relationship that took her two years to heal from fully. Today, she’s thriving—she left her corporate job, launched her own successful business, and is now in a loving and supportive relationship.
And when she looks at what helped her get here, she credits her “Board of Directors”: her financial planner, her mother, me, her therapist, her acupuncturist, two close friends, and now, her partner. These people have been her anchors. They’ve seen her at her lowest and celebrated her at her highest.
Listening to her describe her board warmed my heart. There was a point in therapy when asking for help was really difficult for her, and it was a major part of our work. Seeing her embrace this support system was objective evidence of the growth she’s experienced. I loved her analogy, so I’m borrowing it as inspiration to write this post. Today, I invite you to reflect on who’s on your Board of Directors.
Why You Need a “Board”
Just like a business has different directors for different areas of expertise, we also need multiple people who can support us in different ways. Relying on only one person for every need—emotional, financial, spiritual, relational—is not only overwhelming for them but also limiting for you.
Healthy support systems spread across different “departments” of your life: mental health, friendships, career, finances, spirituality, and personal growth. Together, they form the safety net that helps you through toxic relationships, major life changes, and those moments when adulting feels impossible.
Meet Your Life’s Executive Team
Think of your Board of Directors as the people who help you make sense of your world. Some categories to consider:
The Emotional Anchor: Who do you call when you’re falling apart at 11 p.m.? (Mom, mentor, best friend)
The Money Mind: Who helps you think through financial choices without judgment? (Financial planner, savvy friend, accountant)
The Wellness Guide: Who reminds you that your body and mind are connected? (Therapist, doctor, nutritionist, acupuncturist, yoga teacher)
The Spiritual Compass: Who helps you find meaning when life feels directionless? (Faith leader, therapist, meditation teacher, or a deeply reflective friend)
The Truth Teller: Who is lovingly honest with you—even when it stings? (Best friend, sibling, trusted partner, therapist)
The Cheerleader: Who celebrates your wins without comparison or competition? (Family member, partner, therapist, best friend?)
Questions to Ask Yourself
As you reflect on your own support system, ask:
Who do I turn to when I need relationship advice?
Who helps me make better choices in friendships, career, and finances?
Who reminds me of my worth and values when I doubt myself?
Do I have a mix of people, or am I leaning too heavily on one person for everything?
Building a Healthy Board
One of the most empowering things therapy teaches is how to build—and update—your support system. Sometimes, your Board of Directors will change. A toxic friendship may need to be let go of. A new mentor or partner may join. And that’s okay. Growth often means restructuring.
The key is remembering that you deserve more than one seat at the table. You deserve a team. When you cultivate relationships with people who genuinely care, bring wisdom from different areas of life, and remind you of your strength, you no longer face life alone.
Closing Reflection
So, who’s on your Board of Directors? And more importantly, are they helping you create the life you want? Download this worksheet to think through your support system.
Your Board should reflect balance: people who listen, guide, challenge, and celebrate you. When you invest in this kind of support system, you set yourself up not just to survive challenging moments but to thrive in all areas of your life.
The truth is that building healthy relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—starts with creating a strong and steady network around you. And like any successful company, your life deserves the right leadership team.
If you’re ready to add a therapist to your board, give us a call. We’ll be honored to take the job ;)
