CHANEL WAINSCOTT: RIDING THE WAVES OF PRIVATE PRACTICE | EP 151
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by stress, from both inside and outside the private practice? How can you distinguish between fear, stress, and what is essential to do?
Chanel, my guest today, answers that question to remember and use the power of your “why”. Why did you start your private practice? Why are you working in counselling and therapy? These answers can help give you the fortitude to keep going and weed out the unnecessary stressors (usually in the form of “shoulds”!) with what is important.
In today’s episode, Chanel and I discuss the importance of “why” and how you can use it to ride the wave of private practice, reduce your stress, and work more closely and effectively with your values and passions.
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MEET CHANEL
Chanel Wainscott is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering in-person and virtual therapy to clients in the perinatal period, helping them navigate the complexities of caregiving, self-identity, and mental health. She is passionate about guiding clients toward resilience against shame, identifying and communicating their needs to their support networks, and supporting the mental health journeys of postpartum fathers. With a focus on authentic self-expression and building strong support systems, Chanel empowers clients to navigate their unique stories.
Learn more about Chanel on her practice website, Psychology Today, Open Path Collective, and LinkedIn or Instagram profiles.
In This Episode
- Why Chanel became a psychotherapist
- When Chanel considered private practice
- Developing and launching her private practice
- Remembering your “why”
- Chanel’s advice to listeners
Why Chanel became a psychotherapist
‘I think my interest started in my first psychology class in high school and it just fascinated me. I like learning and it was something that just made sense to learn … So I did an undergrad in psych.’ – Chanel Wainscott
Due to her interest in high school, and encouragement from her doctor who knew her well, Chanel completed her Psychology Degree in undergrad – even though her school guidance counsellor told her that her marks were too low initially!
‘So the stubborn person I am, I was like, “Well, I gotta get my grades up!” So I ended up getting my Masters in Counselling Psychology and also got my Social Services Worker Diploma, so I have been in different helping fields.’ – Chanel Wainscott
Chanel completed her placement at a community health center and became a mental health counsellor.
When Chanel considered private practice
In 2019, Chanel graduated and was placed in a crisis worker position within her agency.
‘Just before the pandemic started I was questioning; “Okay, I know I’m going in the mental health counsellor role, that’s where I’m going to end up … Is that where I’m going to be forever?” So I was kind of questioning [of what] I could do differently in private practice.’ – Chanel Wainscott
However, her private practice was placed on the back burner since Chanel went on maternity leave. It wasn’t until her second maternity leave in 2022, that she decided to really give private practice a go and leave her agency work behind.
‘I thought [in 2022], “I’ve got to start on this now because I don’t foresee myself going back [to working] and being a mom of two and being in a space where I don’t feel supported as a clinician.”’ – Chanel Wainscott
Developing and launching a private practice
In January and February of 2023, Chanel decided to commit to trying out private practice. She did a lot throughout April and May to set up her business accounts and then in June 2023, she was ready to announce it to the world.
‘It’s been a rollercoaster of ebbs and flows but it’s been awesome! Lots of learning opportunities, lots of interesting people to meet and resonate with, and a lot of learning more about myself on the journey. It forced myself to look a little deeper into how I function, and what brings me joy … It’s been interesting!’ – Chanel Wainscott
Chanel’s maternity leave ended in October 2022, but she didn’t go back to work at the agency. She used those months to brainstorm and network in preparation for her private practice at the beginning of 2023.
However, Chanel has slowly transitioned from working at the agency and is now in her practice full-time!
‘I feel a lot more calm in knowing that I can ride the waves, ebbs, and flows of private practice … I feel like at this point with all of these lessons and values that drive me, [my practice] is making sense.’ – Chanel Wainscott
Remembering your “why”
‘I totally get [the feeling of] being overwhelmed and sometimes getting lost in the business of it all, or the comparison … And having the “why” of why you started, going back to that, and grounding yourself in that and focusing on it can really help you get away from the stress.’ – Julia Smith
Remembering and focusing on your “why” in private practice is essential because it helps you separate unnecessary stress from necessary to-dos. Your “why” makes it easier to distinguish between worries about what needs to get done, and knowing that getting them done is important for you, your practice, and the clients.
It can give you fortitude and ground you in your passion for this work, especially on tougher days.
‘Weeding out the necessary from the unnecessary [stress] is the name of the game. It’s how you can be efficient and [manage] the perpetual stressors of life in general, I feel like you’ll just have more resilience towards [them] when you can pinpoint your whys … [Giving] you a wise mind … to remember that you are where you are supposed to be.’ – Chanel Wainscott
Your unnecessary stressors often start with the “shoulds” and you can sift through them with a fine-tooth comb to take them off of your mind when you work through each day.
Chanel’s advice to listeners
Cultivate a growth mindset and train yourself to see mistakes as opportunities to further find your “why” and to bring you back to your values.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 150: Delia Petrescu: Canadian SEO and Marketing Insights for Private Practice | EP 150
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Learn more about Chanel on her practice website, Psychology Today, Open Path Collective, and LinkedIn or Instagram profiles.
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About Julia
Julia Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, she provides invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice. Julia’s wealth of knowledge also extends beyond the podcast, as she provides personalized one-on-one consulting to therapists who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with their solo or group private practices. With Julia’s expertise, therapists can confidently navigate the complexities of owning a private practice and find work life – balance.
Julia also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
