About Julia Smith
Where are you in your private practice journey? How’s it going for you? I’m Julia Smith and I’m so glad you’re here.
This podcast is dedicated to help you know exactly how to start your private practice in Canada, while also sharing tips to growing it, filling your schedule, and going from solo to group practice owner. I’ll take you on my journey from starting as a counsellor to totally killin’ it and growing my own practice in Halifax. I also feature expert guests and industry leaders and together, we’ll help you plan, start, and grow a successful private practice in Canada.
Thanks for listening!
Julia Smith
Featured Podcasts
Allison Puryear: Marketing Skills for Canadian Private Practices | Ep 147
In this encore episode, Julia talks to Alison Puryear, a US therapist and consultant, about how to market a new private practice.
Deanna Desantis: Being a Nurse, Psychotherapist, and Equestrian Counsellor | Ep 146
My guest today, Deanna, has followed her passions to a place where she now runs a Canadian private practice, working with horses and their riders while still being a nurse. She has combined her expertise and personal experience so that she can work and make a difference in the lives that she is most drawn to. In today’s episode, Deanna and I discuss her entry into psychotherapy, how she manages to be a nurse while running her practice, and how she has integrated her love for horses and the life of being a rider, including its challenges, into her practice as her professional niche.
Lauren Mallon: Why Niching Is a Practice-Boosting Superpower | Ep 145
When you establish your private practice in an underserved specialty, you increase your chance of being placed under the spotlight. A great niche could offer you an immediate step-up in getting noticed, help to connect with clients, and with potential referral sources. You may also feel that you enjoy your work much more and are more fulfilled when you position the focus of your practice amongst the niche that you are most passionate about working with. In this podcast episode, my guest Lauren and I discuss her entry into psychotherapy and her Canadian private practice which offers her clients sports-related therapy and mental health services. Join us for the conversation, and be inspired!
Changing My Mindset in Private Practice : Year 8 | Ep 144
And what a year it has been! With so many ups and downs, changes, and new insights. This year has been characterized by personal changes in mindset and approach to my practice, and professional development within my Canadian private practice and podcast. Today’s episode will be a deep dive into my personal story, in celebration and reflection of year eight in private practice! I’ll share with you what I’ve learned, struggled with, and overcome, plus advice or tips I have picked up. Thank you for your support and for going on this journey with me!
Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 143
Sometimes, the most successful path that someone can take is the one that comes organically. By following your passions, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and taking your personal and professional preferences into account, you can make it easier for yourself to develop a balanced lifestyle that fulfills you both inside and outside the counselling room. For my guest today, Jillian did (and is doing) just that. Jillian works closely with their values, knows how to structure the workday to align with their personal and professional goals, and structures private practice around their needs as well as the needs of their clients, to work and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. Listen in on our conversation today to find out more about marketing organically, incorporating your values into your private practice, and connecting with your client niche and your own professional needs.
Flora Gerlai: Hiring the Right Fit for Your Practice | Ep 142
Many therapists may struggle with finding and hiring the best-fit staff for their private practice, and that may include hiring interns and students who want to complete their practicums. So, how do you go about finding them? My guest Flora in today’s episode interviewed more than 30 different candidates for a position at her practice! There’s some trial and error, but once you know more about what you are looking for and what the vision is that you have for your practice, it can help to make things easier.
Adding Direct Billing to Your Canadian Private Practice | Ep 141
If you have been a long-time listener, you’ll know that ever since I started my Canadian private practice, I have never offered direct billing to clients. There were many reasons for this, such as when I started eight years ago, there weren’t many insurance companies covering registered counselling therapists. Plus, each insurance plan seemed to have a different rule or agreement on whether a registered counselling therapist could be covered, and if so, by what percentage. Until now! In 2024, there’s been a big change where TELUS Health is now allowing registered counselling therapists and psychotherapists to be part of their platform, and the TELUS platform offers many different types of insurance companies. Listen in to find out more!
Blackcy Placidass: Developing a Value-Based Practice | Ep 140
One of the great benefits of building a value-based practice is that it makes it easier for you to return to work each day, remembering why you do the work that you do. It also allows your clients to know exactly what you stand for, and how they can best connect with you and your mission. For example, my guest today has built her private practice around the metaphor of an oak tree, and not only has it enabled her to build a beautiful website that showcases the essence of her practice, but the imagery lets her easily connect with her clients about the importance of staying rooted, learning about the seasons of life, and how to remain strong when the winds blow strong. Join us for today’s podcast episode, where Blackcy and I discuss why we both came into the helper’s profession, how to curb burnout when managing workloads, and why incorporating our values into our practices is a good idea for anyone to consider!
Darbey Carlson: Why Authenticity Is a Secret Sauce to Marketing and More | Ep 139
Everyone knows about authenticity, but if you stop and think about it, why would clients trust a private practice that doesn’t act with integrity, or that comes across as insincere in their marketing? People who are looking for therapy are more likely just looking for professionals who have the skills and expertise that they need, someone they feel they trust and can help them. So, when you bring your authenticity into your marketing, work, and in your relationships with your clients and staff, that genuine care comes across in bounds, often leading to growth as a side effect! In this podcast episode, Darbey and I discuss her entry into private practice, and how being authentic for her has been the one thing which has boosted her private practice successfully.
Build a Canadian Values Based Practice | Ep 138
Do you want to build a values based private practice? And are you thinking; “What does that actually mean?” Many people may shy away from the business-aspect of running a practice because they feel awkward following the standard, capitalistic model of working with employees and clients, and where the goal is solely to maximize profits. I’m here to tell you that you don’t need to do it this way! You can run a Canadian private practice that you are proud of, that makes you enough money, and that does good work in your community. Listen in on this episode to find out how!
Dr. Stacey Hatch: Research, Private Practice Tips, and Seeing Clients at Home | Ep 137
Life can take us in many different directions, and what helps is how we can make use of the knowledge that we acquire when exploring these routes. For today’s guest, Dr. Stacey Hatch followed her passion for psychology and working with people all the way from her near two-decade work experience in television to now running her own successful Canadian private practice! In this podcast episode, we talk about her journey into counselling, how she managed to complete her studies while teaching and working, and advice on seeing clients directly out of your home. Listen along for tips!
Maureen Codispodi: Building an Accessible Virtual Private Practice With Reduced Fees | Ep 136
Are you interested in offering affordable and accessible therapy in your private practice? We all know that one of the main barriers to care is cost, and it is an issue that many Canadians face. However, there are ways to incorporate low cost fees in your private practice! In this podcast episode, I talk with Maureen, who owns Help Clinic Canada. She noticed a strong need across her community, and brought her passion from her decades of working in mental health along with her to serve this need as best she could. Now with a powerful vision, Maureen and her team are trying to make a difference in therapy accessibility. Join us and listen to this episode to find out more, get advice, and learn about how you can get involved!
Raising and Lowering Rates | Ep 135
Today we’re going to get a little more personal! I’m going to share more about my Canadian private practice and how I run it, especially when it comes to raising and lowering my rates. In the spirit of integrity and authenticity, I want to share these things with you! In this episode, I’m going to be talking about how I raised my rates and then lowered them, and the reasons why I chose to do this, and what I have learned along the way.
Heidi Sturgeon: How I Launched and Grew My Canadian Private Practice | Ep 134
Join Julia for an encore presentation of her 2022 conversation with Heidi Sturgeon. It's a thought-provoking episode that has an unexpected twist at the end!
Canada’s New Tax Exemption on Regulated Therapy Services | Ep 133
Today we are celebrating that Registered Counselling Therapists and Registered Psychotherapists no longer have to charge tax! There are decades of work behind the scenes to bring this to fruition, so it is a big deal! Thank you to the CCPA for making this happen! In this podcast episode, I’ll give you all the information about what this means and what you should do next so that you’re in the loop and on the right track.
Destin Jones: Creating Canadian Therapist Communities | Ep 132
Do you have a community of clients, peers, or professionals that you work alongside? How can communities open up new opportunities? Have you considered starting a community that isn’t focused solely on sales? Community is a bit of a buzzword in marketing and private practice these days, but it’s still truly valuable and a worthwhile investment to make. Connecting with your fellow counsellors and the mental health practitioners in your network is one of the keys to taking the next step in your practice - and it also helps to lessen the isolation of working in therapy. In this podcast episode, I chat with Destin, the Director of Community at Jane App, about everything to do with community and what every Canadian therapist needs to know to start, find, and support one!
Paige Abbott: Taking Private Practice at Your Own Pace | Ep 131
It can be easy to get caught up in looking at everyone else’s journey when instead it’s important to focus on your own. When you take private practice at your own pace, and when you incorporate your talents and passions and allow yourself to be guided from one spot to the next, you can more easily find your way in private practice instead of trying to do what everyone else has done with theirs. Paige noticed the signs and the calling when she felt that it was time to open up her private practice. Of course there are bumps along the way, but she trusted the integrity of her desires and put in the effort to bring them to fruition. In this podcast episode, Paige and I discuss her journey into private practice, how she overcame impostor syndrome, and how she’s bringing in her personal passions into her Canadian practice.
How to Create a Summer Schedule That Works for You! | Ep 130
As many therapists may have experienced with their practices, there’s usually a summer slump. Everybody is either away on vacation or taking time off work, and as such their schedules have changed, albeit temporarily, and this can make it challenging for therapists to maintain their usual steady stream of clients. More than that, you also want a holiday! It’s important for everyone, including therapists, to enjoy the nice weather and to take time off, wherever applicable and useful.
Rhea Bridge: Niching in a New Practice to Reduce Burnout | Ep 129
In the beginning of starting a new practice, being a generalist seems like a good idea, especially when you want to welcome clients through the door and the idea of turning away new potential clients seems counterintuitive. However, niching down is not only helpful regarding your marketing or your skill set: niching down is also important for you! Working with your ideal clients and spending time with the community that you feel inspired to work with fulfills you, and helps you to enjoy your everyday work instead of feeling unnecessarily drained. In this podcast episode, I chat with Rhea, who started her virtual Canadian private practice after graduating, and who has built her success around focusing on her ideal clients and in the future hopes to build connections with her community, of both clients and therapists.
Christina Page: Transitioning From Agency to Private Practice | Ep 128
With private practice, Christina, our guest today, went through a challenging experience and found it difficult herself to find the therapy that she needed. When she registered as a social worker and later as a perinatal therapist, she knew that she wanted to fill the niche in the market by serving the families in her community. Today, we discuss her journey into social work, her time working at a hospital, and how she started her thriving, mostly virtual Canadian group practice, and how she incorporated her own values and passions into building a successful practice that meets her client’s needs!
Being Intentional When Starting a Group Private Practice | Ep 127
For many Canadian therapists, the trajectory seems to be that once you start getting full with clients that you should open a group private practice. However, if you blindly consider opening a group private practice without evaluating whether or not it is truly something that you want, then you may end up in a very stressful situation, feeling burned out and confused as to how this happened! Therefore, when you think that it is time to consider this next phase of your career and you are drawn to the idea of growing your solo a Canadian private practice into a group private practice, really give it some intentional thought, so that you can make a decision that is good for YOU! So, if you are trying to weigh up your options, listen to this podcast episode where I ask you a couple of important questions to use when deciding which path to take.
Celissa Vipond & Melissa Lindstrom: From Friendship to Successful Practice | Ep 126
Celissa and Melissa noticed the clear need for mental health services in Ontario over the pandemic, and decided to team up to put their expertise and skills to use to serve the community. As a team, Celissa and Melissa were able to balance starting a practice between the two of them while continuing their social work positions that they love. Their Canadian private practice has now grown into a successful group private practice where they have the benefits of running their own practice while still working jobs that they cherish. In this podcast episode, I chat with the two of them about their progress, their ups and downs, and what they recommend to you for your Canadian private practice career!
Kelly Hoskin: Trusting the Process for Success in Canadian Private Practice | Ep 125
Sometimes people can feel nervous to start their careers since they don’t know where it will end up. Sometimes we may feel like we need to know exactly how the journey will look before we head towards a new destination. However, even though we can never know what may happen before it happens, what we can do is take the action that is within our power. Therefore, even though you may have doubts, focus your efforts on taking the next best steps before you, and soon enough you may find yourself at your destination! In this podcast episode, Kelly and I discuss how she had no intention of working in psychotherapy initially after grad school, but found her way there organically - simply by listening to herself and to the feedback that she received from fellow colleagues and leaders. She discovered more of what she loved along the way, and brought more of it into her now flourishing career!
Redefining Work-Life Balance in a Canadian Private Practice | Ep 124
We always hear about “optimization”, and to the extent that many folks may be influenced to outsource everything possible so that they have more free time. But imagine this; if you had all this extra free time, after the time to rest, exercise, and spend time with loved ones, what would you be doing? If you had more free time and the mental capacity for tasks that you enjoy, what would they be? You don’t have to outsource all the parts of your private practice, maybe only the parts that you either need help with, or that you really don’t like doing. If you’re a great therapist, but you also love marketing or SEO (like me!) then there’s nothing wrong with structuring your tasks so that you still get to do these tasks that you enjoy doing in your practice. Work-life balance is just that, a balance that you have to test out to discover where it lies for you. Feel free to learn from what others say, but it’s important to experiment on your own terms so that you can find something that works and feels right for you. This is what I’ve done, listen in to learn more!
Michelle Ham: Joining a Collective to Build a Successful Practice | Ep 123
Many therapists may feel daunted by the idea of returning to school to get their masters or a PhD, especially after they have settled into their adult lives. However, it truly is never too late! If you have a desire to take your Canadian private practice to the next level, or you feel frustrated working on someone else’s schedule, and you desire more professional autonomy, taking a step forward with additional training may be very helpful to you. In this podcast episode, I chat with Michelle who did just that. Michelle felt a desire to lead her own way forward, and to manage her own work, and decided to go back to school, become a therapist, and has now opened her own private practice. Listen in to learn more!
Embracing the Dynamic Nature of Niching | Ep 122
As the saying goes; “the only constant thing is change”, and it’s true for Canadian private practices too. Sometimes you will set up a system that works well, but after months or years the practice has changed, and so the systems need to be updated. Or, the offering that you used to love doing with your clients is no longer something that used to light your spark - because you’ve most likely changed as a person and a therapist along the way - so you decide to change it up. The point is that niching can be a great way to build your business, but it can also be necessary to change your niche over time. It’s something that I have experienced as well, so listen in on this episode if you’re searching for some guidance!
Mila Arsenijevic: Balancing Growth in a Canadian Private Practice | Ep 121
Do you feel pressured to always be scaling and growing your Canadian private practice? In modern business, the idea is usually to push growth - but that’s not always the case! Sometimes not growing can also help private practice. Every now and then you need to intentionally stop growing and instead focus on the foundations of your private practice, so that any future growth down the line actually holds and sticks because growth for growth’s sake is not necessarily everyone’s preference. If you want your Canadian private practice to develop sustainably and successfully, then you’re going to need to follow your own pace, and not chase what everyone else is doing. In this podcast episode, Mila and I discuss how she launched her practice and how sometimes not aiming for growth is the best way to success!
5 Ways to Tackle Isolation With an Online Private Practice | Ep 120
Do you sometimes feel lonely working as a therapist? Do you have an online practice, and sometimes wish you could chat with a colleague between sessions to let off some steam or to get an ethical second opinion? How do you deal with isolation as an online therapist? Working as a therapist can be an isolating experience in and of itself, since you can’t talk about the details of your work with friends or family. If you work from home like me, then I’m sure that you know that the isolation can be two-fold! In this episode, I share with you some tips that I have figured out to help myself - and you - enjoy your work as a therapist while still making time for life beyond it. If you are stuck trying to choose between how to handle the challenge, I invite you to listen in!
What I Learned From Going to the CCPA Conference | Ep 119
Have you ever been to a counselling conference? Are you considering going to one this year for the first time, or are you a regular attendee? Whether you are more introverted or an extrovert, conferences offer spaces for both! Not just quiet workshops or long tables filled with fascinating people, but also where you can learn and develop your skills as a professional while enjoying time spent with other interesting therapists. I got out of my comfort zone a bit and went to a CCPA conference last year, and it was great! Going forward, I know what I’m looking for now, and how to find other great therapists. If you’re interested in finding out how, listen in!
Brittany Wells-Pantaleo: Growing a Group Practice Virtually and Ethically | Ep 118
Many counsellors may enter into private practice without expecting to open it into a group practice, since it can be a journey that develops as you explore your niche, assess the needs of your community, and as you develop as a person in your profession. However, if you find yourself on the entrepreneurial path, don’t doubt that it can work! Even though many counsellors are not taught business skills in school, they can be learned, and you can work as an expert in your niche while being profitable and building your dream virtual group practice! In this podcast episode, I chat with Brittany about her experience of launching, managing, and working in her group practice that’s virtual across Canada. She shares her advice and experience from starting without knowing to confidently planning for her future. Join us and listen in!
Courtney Vezina: Incorporating Community Values Into Private Practice | Ep 117
There are many different ways in which you can instill and live out the values that you have founded your Canadian private practice on. For Courtney, the value of community is a driving factor that positively impacts the work that she and her colleagues do. So much so, that her private practice offers a scholarship for students doing their bachelors in social work or psychology! In this podcast episode, Courtney and I discuss her entry into private practice, why she decided to do her doctorate, and how she has found ways to bring the sense of community into her private practice.
Samantha Sarty: Setting Business Boundaries to Grow Private Practice | Ep 116
Building a practice is a tricky task because we know that it is going to be difficult sometimes. The question is, when have we gone too far and are perhaps risking burnout? It can feel difficult to maintain your personal and professional boundaries when you are the boss and things depend on you, but in essence, your business does depend on you, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Whether you are a part-time Canadian private practice owner, or you work full-time, there’s always something that you can learn from another counsellor’s story. On today’s episode, I chat with Samantha and we discuss growing your business without compromising on your boundaries, marketing with social media, and giving back to the therapeutic community.
Jasmine Bird: Defining Your Success to Live Authentically | Ep 115
Jasmine is a great example of; working to live, not living to work. You do not have to grow your business exponentially just because you can. If you are doing well in your Canadian private practice, but the idea of owning a huge business is daunting to you - you don’t have to take it that far! One of the ways of building a truly successful business that serves your clients - and you - is to structure it around your needs, as well as theirs. Be mindful of your values and intentionally incorporate them into your choices, both personally and professionally, so that you can wake up each day looking forward to your schedule instead of dreading it. In this podcast episode, Jasmine and I discuss her entry into private practice, what she did that worked well and how she’s managing her success into the future.
Imogen McIntyre: Using Your Niche to Build a Private Practice | Ep 114
How can you market your practice successfully in a big city? Do you have a specific niche that you want to figure out how to use well to connect with your best-fit client? Are you on the verge of considering to open two practices? Everyone talks about niching down, but it’s always helpful to speak to someone that did it and made it work well! Learning from other’s experience is a powerful tool that will help you on your own path to launching and sustaining a successful Canadian private practice. In this podcast episode, Imogen and I discuss the entry into becoming a clinical social worker, launching and running two Canadian practices, and really knuckling down into a niche to allow the business to flourish.
Veronica Loffreda: Why Diversifying Brings You Success in Private Practice | Ep 113
When we want to do something really well, we may pick one path and stick to it, but hyperfocusing can cause us to develop blind spots to where we could improve. Sometimes there is success and new possibilities available to you when you try new things, diversify your approach, and look at things differently - without a fear of failure! There are multiple ways of helping your community, creating strong referral networks, and finding clients. When you diversify your private practice, success and new opportunities may more easily find their way to you. By being brave in your actions and trying lots of new things, you can develop your skills as a counsellor and a practice owner! In this podcast episode, I chat with Veronica about her amazing experiences - and how being diverse helped her to succeed!
Great Platforms You Can Use in Your Private Practice | Ep 112
Do you know some of the sweet spots to streamline your business processes? Is your Canadian private practice set up to support you, while you support your clients? Are you looking for some tips and tools that you can use to simplify your practice needs? There are so many different platforms and apps out there that it can seem overwhelming. If you are looking for some guidance and advice from lived experience, listen and read on! In this podcast episode, I share the different services and platforms that I personally use and recommend in my practice with you.
Marlee Rubel: Building an Online Private Practice in Toronto | Ep 111
A lot of counsellors may start private practices because they want flexibility and autonomy in their professional lives, as well as for the fact that they have noticed a direct need that they feel passionate about serving. Marlee, today’s guest, decided to go into private practice for those reasons. From her journey after her degree into working as a psychotherapist in hospitals, addiction centers, and then finally into her own business where she grew from a solo private practice into an online group practice. In this podcast episode, Marlee and I discuss private practice, supporting mental health practitioners, and why building up a strong network - and resting! - are important.
What to Consider When Setting Your Private Practice Rates | Ep 110
Are you having trouble deciding on a starting rate for your private practice? There are so many ways to figure out how to start off. For example, your college or association may have a recommendation, or basing your rate on what other therapists are charging in your area - but these guidelines may not be enough to allow you to be profitable! You may need to look at your budget to know where to set your rates in order to give your Canadian private practice the best shot at being successful. In this podcast episode, I talk you through a basic exercise that you can do to help you decide what your rate should be.
How to Build a Private Practice Website | Ep 109
As a Canadian therapist, one of the things that you know needs to get done is to build a website. It’s part of the deal of being a business owner, and having a great website is the cornerstone of being seen by your local community and getting your Canadian private practice noticed. I think everyone has one or two horror stories about trying to get everything up and running when you are launching your Canadian private practice, or your latest marketing campaign - I’ve had some as well! But a great website is necessary, and it’s not as impossible (or expensive) as you may have thought! I’ve partnered with an incredible company that offers you easy, affordable, and professional website packages. Depending on your needs, budget, and desires, there will be an option that fits your budget and business like a glove. Keep listening to be introduced!
Michael Sorsdahl: Ccpa’s New Ethics Case Book and Why You Must Read It | Ep 108
How knowledgeable are you on current counselling ethics? How regularly do you follow up on changes and fluctuations in ethics and the recommended practices as times go on? Where should you start? As we know how society and the general public changes over the years, it makes sense that the recommended counselling practices and ethics would too. What you might have learned five years ago, even two years ago, may have changed recently. Part of being a clear, conscientious, and responsible therapist is taking the time to keep up to date with current ethics. In this podcast episode, I talk with Michael who’s recently just finished co-authoring and editing the new CCPA revised ethics case book. We discuss why it’s important for every Canadian counsellor to read, how it helps you, and how you can protect yourself and your clients in an ethical manner.
Esther Chu & Richard Tatomir: Working as a Team to Help Canadian Therapists | Ep 107
We all know that working as a therapist can be a lonely job. When we work together, we can help one another reach higher heights in our Canadian practices, grow as professionals, and share the success with more people. This is what Richard and Esther have found on their journey so far. Richard hired Esther as an administrative assistant in the early months of 2020 as his solo practice was full, and together they have developed a thriving practice, and even started a Collective to help therapists do the same. In this podcast episode, I chat with the both of them about their journey, the work that they do, and to show the value of professional partnership and the rewards it can offer.
Dr. Chandra Ashton: Working In a Canadian Not-For-Profit and Enjoying It! | Ep 106
Have you worked in a not-for-profit organization before? Do you tend to steer clear from not-for-profit counselling positions due to common bad stories from what it could be like? Do you think all not-for-profits are the same? So many therapists go into therapy because they feel a need and a desire to support and serve their communities. However, it can become tough, expensive, and challenging - but this is not the case across the board! If you’re lucky, you can find Canadian not-for-profit practices that are aligned with your values, and you can see clients and do work that feels fulfilling to you and that you know is going to places where the need is greatest. In this podcast episode, I chat with Dr. Ashton about her experience running her own solo private practice while working full-time for a not-for-profit practice, and how much she enjoys it!
Ashley Schofield-McEachern: Transitioning From Nursing Into Therapy | Ep 105
Many of the skills that you learn from all your experience throughout your mental health career can be brought into the session room with a client - when done ethically and when asked for! Ashley worked as a nurse for many years in public health before deciding to return to university to get her masters, and move into Canadian private practice. She now uses both psychotherapy and nursing skills in private practice, and can bill insurance companies for both! In this podcast episode, Ashley and I discuss her journey into Canadian private practice, as well as how she works with clients, offering walk and talk therapy, and how she brings in all her expertise in a way that allows her to do her best work with her clients.
Angela Bishop: Build Your Career in Canadian Private Practice | Ep 104
What works for you one day, one year, or one decade may not stay the same. As you change and develop as a person, so will your needs, and what you need from your environment to feel supported and to offer your best work. If there are times when you notice that what used to work for you isn’t working anymore, notice them, and take stock of how you can pivot. There may be times when your career takes a shift. So, consider putting yourself out there when this happens, trust that feeling, and take a leap of faith. In this podcast episode, I talk with Angela who used to have zero interest in running a Canadian private practice but who is now on track to hit her second year of being a solo practitioner! We discuss how she got into therapy, the challenges she faced, and how she is overcoming them.
Why Taking Breaks Is Important in Private Practice | Ep 103
Do you often let fear stop you from taking a break and resting when you know you need it? Are you often pushing yourself beyond your limits but haven’t stopped to wonder why? Have you been feeling resentful towards work that you used to enjoy in the past? I get it, I really do. It can be incredibly difficult to take the time that you know you need to rest when it seems like everyone around you is going a thousand miles a minute. Taking the time to properly rest is something that can help you to feel more present with your clients during sessions, and to enjoy what you do. Resting allows you to tap into your creative energy and appreciate your daily tasks, as well as your needs, instead of only chasing deadlines. In this podcast episode, I share my history with overcoming the fear when I know I need to settle down for some time. Join me, and learn about how I - and you - can become Fearless!
Nicole Lobo: Turning Lemons Into Lemonade in Private Practice | Ep 102
If you had a tough experience as a counselling intern, you might feel inspired to create a space where future interns could have a different experience. It’s sometimes a healing response to turn the lemons of the past into the lemonade of the present, and that’s exactly what Nicole did. From her practicum, Nicole had a very challenging experience as a counselling intern in a private practice, and vowed to do things differently once she was able to open her own practice. Today, she makes changes that she knows helps those that were once in her shoes. In this podcast episode, Nicole and I discuss her entry into private practice, how she created success, and how she gives back to the community and to upcoming therapists.
Olivia Grigg: How to Host a Wellness Retreat | Ep 101
Which skills do you have that could be carried over into your private practice? Today’s guest Olivia Grigg, who works as a therapist, used to spend her summers running camps, and now she hosts successful wellness retreats! If there is something that you would like to do, whether start a podcast, create an e-course, or even host and launch a retreat, these options are all possible for you. Even if you love counselling but you still feel like there’s something else out there that you want to combine with your standard hours in session, you can find it, and make it happen. In this podcast episode, Olivia and I talk about her journey from working in another group practice to starting her own Canadian practice, and hosting wellness retreats that keep getting full! Join us and listen for the full conversation. As you know I’m all about seeing you succeed in your Canadian private practice, so in the spirit of keeping things real, check out my Tools and Deals page where you can get free access to my online private practice checklist, as well as discount codes and subscriptions specials on EMRs, website builders, and online practice essentials. Visit fearlesspractice.ca/deals to claim your discount codes and to get more info!
What I’ve Learned About Podcasting | Ep 100
100 episodes! What a milestone, and it was an achievement that I can share with all of you who listen to the Fearless Practice podcast. In the beginning, I really wasn’t sure what would happen. I knew that I wanted to try podcasting but I had no idea what to expect. However, once I knew that it would be something I would enjoy and that it would be a great way to connect with you, I committed, and here we are two years later! In this episode, I talk about the whole experience from the start to the present moment. I share my learning curves, my process, and any tips for you - if you are thinking about doing this too. To my listeners, thanks for joining me on this journey, and here’s to another year of the Fearless Practice podcast!
Christine Olsen: How to Settle Into Your Niche With Confidence | Ep 99
Has your road to private practice been rocky? Do you struggle with settling into your niche because you feel like you have to be applicable to every person? Do you feel that you need to add more specialities to be more complementary? There are so many different types of niches, and so many people that are looking for help. You may feel like you have to see them all and maybe you want to help them all, but being a one-size-fits-all therapist might leave you feeling burned out and clients not sure if you truly understand their needs. Don’t be afraid to niche down, and be clear on who you serve and what you serve them with. This can make you a more attractive therapist, because it shows clients that you see them, and that you know how to help. In this podcast episode, Christine and I discuss her entry into Canadian private practice, as well as the importance of niching down - and sticking to it. Her advice is this; don’t try to be good at everything! Listen in to find out more.
Why You Shouldn’t Start a Private Practice | Ep 98
Even though you might be hearing about how private practices are all the rage, it is still a choice of preference. Owning and running a private practice may not be well-suited to you, or your goals for your work, and that’s okay. Your work in the mental health industry does not need to look the same as others. It is best for your clients, for you, and your mental health to structure your work environment in the way that best supports these three aspects, and if a private practice isn’t it, then something else will fit you better. If you haven’t felt a pull to start a private practice but you can’t pinpoint why, or if you think you’d like to try one but you’re not sure if it will suit you, then listen in on this episode. Here, I discuss the reasons why you might not be suited to private practice, and what you could do instead.
