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.
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MEET DARBEY
Darbey is a Registered Psychotherapist with a focus on trauma, attachment and ADHD. She is EMDR Certified and has a passion for creating a treatment space that connects the mind and body and avoids band-aid interventions. Darbey is also owner of FIKA mental health, an online Canadian pp where values building confidence in other clinicians and being a lifelong learner.
Learn more about Darbey on her practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles.
In This Episode
- Why Darbey pursued therapy
- Starting a private practice
- Leading a group practice
- Looking to the future
- Authenticity for marketing an online private practice
- Darbey’s advice to listeners
Why Darbey pursued therapy
‘I’ve always been really interested in human behavior … As time went on, I noticed that that didn’t really change … So [this field of interest] has been there forever.’ – Darbey Carlson
For Darbey, she always felt drawn to therapy as a way of understanding human behavior and it held a strong point of interest for her.
Additionally, she went through a difficult period as a teenager and went to therapy herself, which showed her how impactful psychology and supportive therapy can be in changing people’s lives, and she wanted to share it with others too.
Starting a private practice
Darbey went into private practice right away after completing her degree.
‘We moved out west … We originally landed back in Ontario but now we’re in Calgary, so it made sense for me to do a virtual practice while working with my clients in Ontario.’ – Darbey Carlson
Darbey had the feeling that she would like and be good at being her own boss, and so naturally being a therapist, opening up a private practice was a great way to do that.
She loved the idea of flexibility, the challenge of problem-solving and building a business, and so even though it has been a challenge it’s been one that she has been enjoying.
‘I think when you are relying on yourself or suddenly it’s all on you, [you feel], “Okay, am I going to figure this out? Did I make the right choice? Can I trust myself?” and those inner critics or questioning parts come through, and testing self-esteem … Again, overtime [you’re] learning to trust [yourself].’ – Darbey Carlson
Leading a group practice
Darbey explains that it wasn’t entirely planned from the beginning. At first, she was happy to work on her own but she started to consider having a team of clinicians around her, since she had begun to also feel lonely which is a common struggle for solo practitioners.
She started taking students on and was motivated to provide a great practicum experience for them, and started to hire a few other therapists to work alongside her.
‘I always say that the values I try to lead with are authenticity and integrity. It’s really important for me to show up exactly as I am and with honesty, and so that’s how I try to relate to other people as well. It’s been really helpful too … It’s given me the opportunity to grow as well.’ – Darbey Carlson
Now, Darbey is managing eight clinicians in her virtual Canadian private practice!
Looking to the future
Growth at the moment is not a big goal for Darbey, since she’s focused more on building up a strong foundation of her practice. She’s taking a break at the moment from taking students on for practicums and working closely with her staff and clinicians.
‘I don’t necessarily have growth as a goal in terms of team numbers, but I’m trying to think about what else I would like to be doing in terms of services … And adding variety in there.’ – Darbey Carslon
On a more personal note as the boss, Darbey is also motivated to be a continual learner and is also taking on additional courses herself to develop her expertise, such as doing a yoga teacher training course to bring in an additional layer of somatic treatment into her practice’s services.
Authenticity for marketing an online private practice
Darbey’s “secret sauce” to marketing her Canadian online private practice well is simple; authenticity. It’s something that you clients can pick up on, when you are being genuine, and it carries over in your marketing efforts.
Your clients want to know that there is another person on the other side of the adverts, and on a more personal level this authenticity can often bring in more business, since people are drawn more to sincerity.
Darbey’s advice to listeners
Know your boundaries! Recognize what you feel comfortable with when it comes to your time management or schedule, and what you aren’t comfortable with, and then hire people to fill those roles, instead of forcing yourself to do everything even when help is available.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 138: Build a Canadian Values-Based Practice | EP 138
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Learn more about Darbey on her practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles
Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
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/.
