Hey Mateo, first of all, congratulations. This represents several years of dedication, study, and really listening to people. That is a huge accomplishment, and I like your instinct of wanting to step up your dress a bit to reflect.
So. You've got a really good start already. The key to elevating — without obviously overdressing (and overwhelming!) — is adding a sport coat to the mix. You can keep the rest of your session uniform. 5-pockets, an Oxford shirt, and lace-up shoes sound great. But adding a casual sport jacket on top will give you an air of authority. I also hear you about not wanting to outdress your colleagues too aggressively. But respectfully, I think you need to get over that, and I'll tell you why I think this: the trust of your patients is your main priority.
There was an old saw at J.P. Morgan and some other finance firms where you had to be wearing your jacket when you arrived and left your office. I am not a banker, but this has been repeated to me several times over the years… kind of an unspoken rule that communicated respect for your peers and the work you were doing. Handling people's money is very serious business.
And mental health is very serious business. People are entrusting you with their psyches, their innermost feelings, their fears. In the olden days, people used to go to their priests and pastors for life advice. Think about it. Those guys wear collars for a reason. It's a symbol of the gravity of the role. I know the mental health profession is quite different from banking, and I hope it is not disrespectful to compare a sport coat to a clerical collar, but the point is… you can inspire change (and confidence) if you look professional, like you've dressed for the privilege of spending an hour with them. You want your patients to have a little bit of respect for you, just like you have respect for them — otherwise they'll have a hard time listening to you.
So. Your coworkers may razz you a little for the jacket in the beginning, but just let it be your thing. I think keeping the rest of the formula pretty casual will keep you looking relaxed enough for your patients to confide in you, but authoritative enough for them to trust you. I did give you a couple of non-jean options for variety, but both of those combos would work just as well if you swap in a pair of 5-pockets for the trousers.
I do give this advice to people in all kinds of professional fields, by the way. And I know it's not rocket science to say "wear a sport coat." But I'm telling you, there is something about the feeling of it on your shoulders that confers real power and confidence. Anywhere you go, you'll look better in a jacket – and you'll feel better, too. And your education and training are worthy of it. Plus, it acts like a purse… you can stash your pens and phone and wallet and keys in there and travel light.
A couple more loose ends: you'll want to make sure your shirt is pressed and that your shoes are brushed (if they're suede) or shined (if they're leather). I slightly prefer suede for daytime, by the way, especially with 5-pockets. You need to look like you've paid attention to everything, from head to toe. And while a tie isn't part of this official formula, it's not a bad idea to keep one or two in your desk drawer and pull it out for certain sessions. You might have an older or more professional patient who will appreciate that signal. It's like any other business, where you ask yourself, "who is my customer and what will make them trust me?"
I wouldn't go too elegante with the jacket, either, like no huge plaids or anything too slick. Something on the more casual side, preferably solid. Here are a few ideas using stuff we've got in the store right now (and some pieces that sound similar to what you already own).
Congratulations again, Mateo, and thanks for the question. You sound wise… let me know if you’re taking new patients!
