The Practice of Therapy Podcast

Amanda Landry is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Addictions Professional, National Certified Counselor, and private practice consultant. In this episode, Amanda Landry opens the show by speaking about the importance of community in her life and group practice work. If you're looking for a community in private practice, joining a group practice could be right for you. Amanda explains why group practice work can be fulfilling for the private practice owner looking for autonomy without the headache of business administration work. Tune in as we chat about ensuring your private practice work aligns with your values, beliefs, and priorities. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Practice of Therapy Community Free Webinars Launch Club Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Amanda's Facebook Caring Therapists of Broward Guided Journal for Women with Anxiety: Prompts and Practices to Release Worry, Manage Stress and Embrace Calm My Private Practice Collective Facebook Group My Private Practice Collective TPOT 62

Lily Dawson is a Provisionally Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher. In this episode, Lily Dawson joins the show to talk about making the right business choices to attract clients to your private practice. One of private practice owners' biggest mistakes is wanting to get extra training done to attract more clients to their practice. Instead of training, private practice owners must invest in their marketing and branding. Lily speaks about the importance of your niche and why you need to know precisely how you stand out from other therapists. Tune in as we chat about improving your private practice website and putting yourself on social media. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Lily on Instagram Lily's Website TherapyCorps TherapyCorps on Instagram Therapy Corps on Facebook The Practice of Therapy Launch Club Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Free Webinars

Vanessa Lech is the founder of "Diverse Mediation Solutions LLC" (DivorcingAdults.com). In this episode, Vanessa Lech joins the show to discuss her transition from working as a mental health clinician to family mediation. If you're unfamiliar, family mediations involve a neutral third party to help to resolve conflict and facilitate communication. As a licensed clinician, it can be challenging to wrap your mind around doing other types of work; Vanessa reveals how she overcame limiting beliefs around her new career aspirations. Tune in as we talk about making a living with family mediations and the importance of marketing when starting a new business. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Free Webinars Vanessa Lech | TPOT 080 Vanessa's Website LinkedIn Divorcing Adults Company Page Vanessa's LinkedIn Profile YouTube Channel Divorcing Adults Podcast for Divorcing Adults Twitter for Divorcing Adults Rumble for Divorcing Adults Pinterest for Divorcing Adults Newsletter Sign Up Vanessa's Store

Betsy Byler has been a therapist since 2003. She is passionate about treating trauma, working with substance use, and training therapists in both areas. In this episode, Betsy explains why adding substance use to your scope of practice is easier than you think. Many of us didn't get the training we needed to deal with substance use; however, Betsy reveals how you already have the skills to handle these clients. We talk about why therapy is essential in treating substance use; clients will do better if they have both a mental health therapist and a substance use specialist. Tune in as we chat about when your client needs to be referred to a specialist, rewiring the brain for sobriety, and using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for substance use. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Betsy's Website Betsy's Facebook Betsy's Twitter Betsy's LinkedIn All Things Substance Podcast The Practice of Therapy Webinars Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Avivit Fisher is the principal of REdD Strategy, a marketing and business consultancy for therapists in private practice. Avivit Fisher joins the show to discuss starting a private practice during the summer. Summer is the perfect time to start a private practice for many reasons. First, creating a practice from scratch will require a lot of research and up-front work. So, starting your practice during the slower time of the year isn't necessarily bad for therapists. Tune in as Avivit talks about where to start when building your private practice, the importance of knowing your ideal client, and what to do when your practice slows down during the summer. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Free Webinars Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Avivit Fisher | How Private Practice Marketing Has Changed | TPOT 212 Avivit's Website Avivit on Instagram Avivit on Facebook Avivit on LinkedIn

Kelly McKenna is a licensed therapist specializing in helping millennial women and teens overcome anxiety. Kelly built her private practice totally on Instagram @sitwithkelly. In this episode, Kelly McKenna joins the show to chat about how she built a cash-pay private practice on Instagram. First, Kelly reveals tips and tricks for making the transition from insurance panels to cash-pay and when to tell your clients about the news. Then, Kelly dives into everything social media and Instagram; she explains the importance of having a niche and knowing who your ideal client is. Tune in as we talk about scoring brand deals, adding a stream of income to your practice, and growing your followers. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Kelly's Instagram Kelly's TikTok Kelly's Website Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Practice Launch Club Free Webinars

In this episode, Danielle Swimm, business coach for therapists, joins the show. First, Danielle speaks about staying organized regarding your session notes. If you haven't streamlined the process of writing your notes, now is the time to do so! Next, you need to take a good hard look at your email inbox. Danielle explains why you shouldn't have your work emails connected to your phone. Tune in as Danielle chats about keeping your work schedule organized, adding another stream of income, and the importance of being intentional when it comes to your time in private practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Free Webinars Practice Launch Club Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Eat That Frog!: 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time Danielle's Website Danielle's Podcast Danielle's Instagram Full Focus Planner

Michelle Moseley regularly provides support to those who are dealing with anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, and life transitions. She specializes in focusing on the areas of religious trauma and body image concerns. In this episode, Michelle Moseley joins the show to discuss religious trauma and healing from spiritual wounds. Sadly, religious trauma often goes unaddressed and unrecognized because many people don't think it fits into what typical trauma looks like. Michelle explains how to recognize religious trauma and spiritual abuse. Then, Michelle dives into the impact of purity culture and how that ties into religious trauma. Tune in as we chat about abusive beliefs around eternity, leaving a group practice for private practice, and continuing telehealth after Covid. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Michelle's Website Michelle's LinkedIn Michelle's Instagram Free Webinars The Practice Launch Club

Maryellen Dance has been a psychology professor at Nazareth College since 2018 and has owned a private therapy practice since 2017. In this episode, Maryellen Dance speaks about all the obstacles she had to overcome to succeed in private practice and, eventually, her group practice. From figuring out how to ask people for money to worrying about having enough clients for her clinicians, Maryellen has navigated it all! Then, Maryellen dives into the benefits of hiring an intern for your practice and the importance of having relationships with nearby graduate programs. Tune in as we chat about the inspiration behind Maryellen's OKAY-ISH Podcast and why therapists shouldn't be afraid to be vulnerable. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Maryellen's Website Maryellen's YouTube Maryellen's Podcast Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Free Webinars The Practice Launch Club Be A Guest on The Practice of Therapy Podcast

Megan Swan is on a mission to help wellpreneurs optimize their wellness as a way of life, not a checkmark on their to-do list. In this episode, integrated wellness and business coach Megan Swan joins the show. Megan speaks about the importance of prioritizing your health and wellness. When you prioritize self-care, your business will also thrive. She reveals some approachable wellness shifts you can start making to your existing routine. Through these shifts, you can grow your business without burnout and show up for your clients as your best self. Tune in as we chat about health hacks like sleep, sunlight, and digital boundaries. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Megan's Website Megan's Podcast Follow Megan on Instagram Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Launch Club

Shrink Think is an online platform that provides digital resources to cultivate successful therapeutic relationships. With courses geared towards educating and empowering clients, as well as effective training and onboarding new clinicians, Shrink Think supports private practices to achieve better outcomes across the board. In this episode, Aaron Potratz and Nathan Hawkins join for the last podcast takeover with Whitney Owens. First, they chat about Shrink Think and the importance of pre-session onboarding for your private practice clients. At Shrink Think, Nathan and Aaron aim to demystify therapy for those starting their mental health journey. Tune in as Aaron and Nathan dive into the resources they provide at Shrink Think, including their courses on how clients can get the most out of therapy and achieve breakthroughs. Plus, they talk about their upcoming courses on orienting new clinicians to your group practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free The Launch Club Shrink Think Shrink Think Podcast Shrink Think on Instagram Whitney's Website Whitney on Instagram

Whitney Owens is a licensed professional counselor, group practice owner, and faith-based private practice consultant. It's incredible how much money private practice owners can spend on their marketing. However, if you don't have someone answering the phone, you are throwing away a lot of that money. In this podcast takeover with Whitney Owens, she speaks about how to take new inquiries and turn them into new clients. Whitney gives tips on getting your phones answered and why it's one of the most critical pieces of your practice. Tune in as Whitney speaks about having an online booking option, making your systems and processes as smooth as possible, and why you should never offer free fifteen-minute consultations over the phone. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free The Practice of Therapy Launch Club Whitney's Website Whitney's Instagram

Whitney Owens is a licensed professional counselor, group practice owner, and faith-based private practice consultant. In this episode, Whitney Owens takes over the show to talk about changes in private practice. Change is routine in any business; it shouldn't be anxiety-provoking or scary. When changes happen, use it as a chance to slow down, contemplate, and find opportunities. Whitney explains why worrying too much about the future of your practice could actually be making you overwhelmed. Tune in as she talks about listening to God in your faith-based practice, finding time for reflection, and staying focused on your private practice journey. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Whitney's Website Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Whitney on Instagram Practice Launch Club

Whitney Owens is a licensed professional counselor, group practice owner, and faith-based private practice consultant. In this episode, Whitney speaks about her private practice journey, which eventually led to starting her own faith-based group practice. First, she explains why it's critical to do your own work as a therapist, whether through self-care, personal development, or your relationship with God. Then, Whitney reminisces about her first client and how looking back on her journey is truly humbling. Tune in as Whitney describes the process behind starting her group practice and navigating challenges along the way. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Whitney Owens | Consulting, The Enneagram, & Religion in Private Practice | TPOT 178 Whitney's Website Using the Enneagram to Improve Your Practice Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. The Practice of Therapy Launch Club

As both a tech expert and mental health counselor, Roy Huggins is the bridge from the digital world to real-world client care. His clear translation of legal and technical jargon into clear and actionable information will help you apply tech and security information directly to your business and your clients' care. You'll hear episode 7 of The Practice of Therapy podcast with Roy Huggins in this throwback. He talks about tech, HIPAA, self-care, and the business side of private practice. First, Roy reveals details about his private practice journey and how he was able to use his business and technology background to start Person-Centered Tech. Roy also discusses the ethics of using technology and doing it in a way that protects clients and keeps their information secure. Later, we chat about the differences between being "HIPAA compliant" vs. "HIPAA secure." Tune in for the importance of financial self-care in private practice and why clinicians must prepare for the constant technology changes in running a private practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Person-Centered Tech Remembering Roy Easy Safe Harbor From HIPAA Breach Notification Signal and HIPAA Compliance Free Articles on Technology in Mental Health HIPAA Staff Training for Group Practices Group Practice Tech Podcast Take The Practice of Therapy Survey Free Webinars Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Shaelene Lauriano Kite, LPC, DBT-LBC, RYT, ACS received her Master's in Counselor Education at The College of New Jersey and has continued to immerse herself on the path of learning and teaching. In this episode, Shaelene Kite joins the show to talk about the different ways her clinical passion has taken her. First, we discuss the inspiration behind her brand name "Rebelmente." Then, Shaelene dives into her DBT group practice consulting and the importance of putting yourself out there when it comes to your knowledge and passions. Tune in as we chat about navigating impostor syndrome, overcoming self-doubt, and Shaelene's podcast T-Talk. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Shaelene's Instagram Shaelene's Website Shaelene's Podcast: T-Talk Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Kindness and Compassion Free Webinars Be A Podcast Guest

Ashley Comegys is a licensed clinical social worker with an online therapy practice that helps women with anxiety navigate life transitions, grief, trauma, and loss. In this episode, Ashley Comegys joins the show to talk all about networking. Many of us are too busy to attend networking events or simply find the idea dreadful. Well, networking can be all sorts of things. Remember that networking has everything to do with relationship-building and creating connections. Ashley reveals great ways to build connections via social media and how you can get more referrals by sending some simple direct messages. Tune in as we chat about the benefits of online therapy, networking based on your niche, and the importance of finding therapists from out-of-state. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get two months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST. Free Webinars Moms Building Online Therapy Practices | TPOT 143 Ashley's Website Ashley's Instagram Village (use code: "3villagefree") Ashley's Facebook Group The Practice of Therapy's Cool Resources

Kasey Compton, a former mental health counselor turned entrepreneur, quickly became a southern staple in the land of business operations. Her knack for systems-thinking and relationally driven approach contributed to the successful curation of many multi-million-dollar businesses. In this episode, Kasey Compton opens up about her experiences with writing her first book, Fix This Next. Kasey reveals the inspiration behind her book and what you'll learn about prioritizing the needs of your private practice. Plus, we speak about the importance of self-love and slowing down as business owners. As therapists, we need to practice what we preach to our clients. Tune in as we chat about overcoming the overwhelm in private practice and knowing your business's diagnoses. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Kasey's Website Fix This Next Kasey's Instagram Kasey's Facebook Fix This First In Your Private Practice | TPOT 167 Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Kindness and Compassion Free Webinars

Dr. Dana McNeil is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and is the founder of The Relationship Place, a group practice located in San Diego, California. In this episode, Dr. Dana McNeil speaks about her specialty in working with relationships and the importance of normalizing therapy for couple's therapy in our society. Couple's therapy is a great way to learn how to navigate any relationship, not just romantic partnerships. We need to give people the tools to have productive conflicts with others in society. Unfortunately, Covid has increased both domestic violence and substance misuse. Tune in as we chat about group practice tips, starting a podcast, and how to work with different types of clients. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Dr. Dana's Website The Relationship Place The Relationship Place on Instagram The Relationship Place on Facebook Emerging Themes In Behavioral Health Dr. Dana on LinkedIn Dr. Dana on The Practice of Therapy Podcast Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST The Practice of Therapy Webinars

In this episode, Morgan Graves joins the show. She is not only a contemporary mental health professional, but she is also a trusted advisor to therapists transitioning to private practice. Morgan talks about her journey to private practice and some important lessons she learned along the way. Morgan reveals her self-care routine and the importance of managing her time well to stay organized and not feel overwhelmed. Tune in as we chat about utilizing your resources, asking for help, and Morgan's Self-Made Guide. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Morgan's Website Morgan's Instagram Morgan's Facebook Self-Made: A Therapist's Guide to Starting a Private Practice Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars Cool resources

David Khalili is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a focus on working with men, adolescents, couples therapy, and multi-ethnic individuals. In this episode, we chat about how vulnerability and self-disclosure can be valuable tools in the therapy room. Then, David explains how group sessions can be another helpful therapy tool, and he dives into how he overcame mental hurdles when starting group therapy work. Tune in as we talk about outsourcing administrative tasks, navigating imposter syndrome, and what to know about scaling your group practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Free Webinars Rouse Therapy Rouse Therapy on Instagram Rouse Therapy on Facebook Rouse Therapy on Twitter Rouse Therapy on LinkedIn Rouse Therapy on TikTok

Paul Wright is the author of the Amazon Best Seller "How to Run a One Minute Practice," founder of the Practiceology™ health business freedom program, and has helped thousands of health business owners from 57 countries earn more, work less and enjoy their lives. In part two, Paul Wright dives deep into more mistakes you could be making in private practice. He covers the importance of having proper systems and processes in place. If your goal is to have a practice function without you, systems will be critical. Next, it's vital to know your numbers. Tune in as Paul covers why you need a recruitment system and how packaging your services can make you unique. Plus, Paul gives a bonus tip: don't ever put a monetary value on your family time. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Paul's Website "How to Run a One Minute Practice" Practiceology The Podcast Paul on LinkedIn Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars

Paul Wright is the author of the Amazon Best Seller "How to Run a One Minute Practice," founder of the Practiceology™ health business freedom program, and has helped thousands of health business owners from 57 countries earn more, work less and enjoy their lives. In this episode, Paul Wright joins the show to discuss seven mistakes people are making in private practice. In part one, Paul covers the top three mistakes you could be making: failing to understand the true role of your business, falling in love with your service, and becoming a victim of perfectionism. Paul gives loads of private practice advice. For instance, he explains how to get more freedom when it comes to running your own business. Tune in as we chat about the reason why you should launch your product before it's perfect and how to tell if the market will react well to it. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Paul's Website Practiceology The Podcast Paul on LinkedIn Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars

Libby Rothschild shows coaches, consultants, and entrepreneurs how to attract clients online without ads or a website. In this episode, Dietitian Boss, Libby Rothschild, joins the show. Whether you are starting from zero or learning how to attract clients from social, Libby helps dietitians who are looking to make serious profits with their practices. Libby explains how to hone in on your mindset to make more money in your private practice. Plus, Libby describes how private practice can look different for everyone, and there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach. Tune in as we chat about imposter syndrome, overcoming limiting beliefs, and the customer journey regarding your income streams. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Learn about Libby Email: [email protected] Website: www.DietitianBoss.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/libbyrothschild/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DietitianBoss/ Libby on Instagram DietitianBoss on Instagram Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Faith In Practice Conference Check out all the webinars

In this episode, Gordon goes solo and talks about how things are changing in the world of therapy and counseling professions. As Covid hit society hard, the crisis around mental health worsened. Luckily, the stigma around seeking mental health is slowly decreasing in America. Gordon talks about other ways therapy is changing amidst the pandemic. Tune in as he dives into The No Surprises Act, tech companies like BetterHelp & Talkspace, and the importance of licensure portability for therapists. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars Faith In Practice Conference Follow @PracticeofTherapy on Instagram

Whitney Owens is a group practice owner with an all private pay practice. She has been a part of the Practice of the Practice community for several years. In this episode, Whitney Owens joins the show to chat about faith in private practice. Having a faith-based practice doesn't mean what you think it does; Whitney busts many myths around faith in the therapy room. Plus, we discuss marketing ourselves as a faith-based practice and what that means to people who may not necessarily want to talk about faith during a therapy session. Tune in as we chat all about Whitney's upcoming event, The Faith In Practice Conference. Learn more about the conference and get $100 off your tickets with coupon code "GORDON" by visiting this link: https://practiceoftherapy.com/fip Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Faith In Practice Conference (use coupon code "GORDON") Waters Edge Counseling Practice of the Practice: Faith in Practice Podcast Whitney Owens | TPOT 178 Whitney Owens | TPOT 036 Whitney Owens | TPOT 091 Email: [email protected] Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Be A Podcast Guest Kindness and Compassion Check out all the webinars

Stacey specializes in treating women and helping professionals who are overwhelmed, worried, and who may have overlooked their own self-care and well-being. In this episode, Stacey speaks about using self-disclosure in the therapy room. Yes, even therapists can be a "hot mess." We aren't perfect or completely put together; self-disclosure can be a critical tool for gaining your clients' trust. Plus, Stacey talks about the struggles of finding a Black female therapist and why therapists need therapy too. Tune in as we chat about the importance of mastermind groups, different therapy modalities, and why it's okay to be a hot mess. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Truth Empowered Email: [email protected] Stacey on Instagram Follow Stacey on Twitter Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Be A Podcast Guest Kindness and Compassion Check out all the webinars

Alison Pidgeon, LPC is the CEO of Move Forward Counseling, a large group practice in Lancaster, PA. In this episode, Alison Pidgeon joins the show to talk about TheraSuite. TheraSuite provides professionally developed style boards created with a therapy office in mind. Alison explains the different options you have when using TheraSuite and how they can help you make the ideal therapy office design to meet all your tastes and needs. Plus, Alison gives loads of design tips for your office. Tune in as we chat about the secret behind running multiple businesses, the importance of outsourcing, and getting into real estate. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: [email protected] $20 off at TheraSuite with code "LAUNCH20" Grow A Group Practice Podcast TheraSuite on Instagram TheraSuite on Facebook Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Kindness and Compassion Check out all the webinars Google Workspace (formerly G-Suite) for Therapists Users Group on Facebook The Course: Google Workspace for Therapists (use code FEB2022 for 20% off) Follow @PracticeofTherapy on Instagram

Childhood friends Kendall Bird and Sage Grazer teamed up to create Frame Therapy, a modern marketing resource and free online community for therapists. In this episode, Sage and Kendall, founders of Frame Therapy, join the show. Frame is a FREE online community for therapists who are dedicated to advancing their careers. First, Sage and Kendall chat about what you can expect when you join the Frame community. Plus, they speak about all the different opportunities they offer within Frame like exclusive marketing partnerships, resources for your professional growth, and even client referrals from therapists across the country. Tune in as we dive into trending topics that therapists are talking about in 2022. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars Frame Therapy Frame Therapy on Instagram Frame Therapy on Facebook

Dr. Stephen "David" Hall heads up content and creative direction as the "Chief Maven" of PsychMaven. In this episode, David Hall joins the show to talk about growing pains in private practice. David speaks about the importance of outsourcing for growth and how to let go of control when delegating tasks. Plus, we talk about holding people accountable for sustainable development and why knowing your numbers will be essential for growth. It is fun to see changes in the many ways it can happen in your practice; however, some issues will pop up. Tune in as we chat about how sometimes, to grow big, you have to do some pruning in your practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Check out all the webinars Faith in Practice Conference PsychMaven David Hall | TPOT 004 David Hall | TPOT 113 David Hall | TPOT 146 PsychMaven on Facebook PsychMaven on Instagram PsychMaven on LinkedIn

Are you trying to get your systems and processes in place for your private practice? Many people are looking at Google Workspace to make their practice run smoothly. I love Google Workspace. However, I don't personally think that Google Workspace would be your best option for completely replacing an electronic health record system for mental health providers. In this episode, I explain the differences between Google Workspace and EHRs. Plus, I discuss why you may want to consider having both for your private practice needs. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Google Workspace (formerly G-Suite) for Therapists Users Group on Facebook Faith in Practice Conference The Course: Google Workspace for Therapists (use code FEB2022 for 20% off) Session Note Helper Cloud Practice Management System EHR/EMR – Reviews Practice of Therapy Courses

David Frank is on a mission to ensure every therapist has access to unbiased and fiduciary financial advice! I am lucky to have David Frank join the show. He is an expert in fiduciary financial planning for therapists. As private practice owners, we face economic challenges that they don't teach us how to solve in graduate school. David speaks about how to understand your private practice financials better. Plus, we talk about spending more time with your finances, being curious about your money mindset, and the importance of getting comfortable around your money relationship. Tune in as David reveals money mistakes you could be making in your private practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Study: High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being Money Scripts Inventory Assessment David's Website David's LinkedIn Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Free Webinars Money Matters In Private Practice Kindness and Compassion Podcast

Michael Diettrich Chastain, is an author, speaker, professional coach, and consultant dedicated to peak performance. In this episode, Michael opens the show by explaining the difference between therapy and coaching. As a coach, Michael reveals the top issues leaders have in their businesses. One of the most significant business struggles is employee retention and employee satisfaction. Michael explains what can be done in the workplace to improve engagement and create a workplace culture that is both positive and inclusive. Tune in as we chat all about CHANGES and how his methods can help you reduce stress, accomplish goals, and master adaptability. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Scaling Without Failing in Group Practice Kindness and Compassion Podcast Michael's LinkedIn Michael's Facebook Arc Integrated Get CHANGES here: https://www.thechangesbook.com/

In this episode, Avivit Fisher joins the show to talk about marketing your private practice. First, Avivit gives tips on your marketing messaging and better relating to potential clients. If you're extremely busy in your private practice, Avivit says you should still utilize marketing tools. Plus, Avivit reveals which marketing tools can make your private practice's systems and processes smoother. Tune in as we chat about innovation in the mental health field and finding business opportunities to create more income streams in your practice. Avivit's Website Avivit on Instagram Avivit on Facebook Connect with Avivit on LinkedIn Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Free Webinar: Scaling Without Failing in Group Practice Kindness and Compassion

In this episode, Dr. Waldman talks about the importance of marketing your private practice. Challenge yourself to promote your practice once a day. By the end of the year, some type of marketing will stick. Plus, Dr. Waldman speaks about utilizing the internet for your private practice marketing. Later, we talk about the various ways to increase your income. Dr. Waldman reveals how he grew his income significantly in his practice, allowing him a comfortable retirement. Meet Dr. Larry Waldman Dr. Waldman is a recently semi-retired certified school psychologist and licensed clinical, forensic psychologist in Phoenix, Arizona. He conducted a highly successful private practice of 45 years working with children, teens, parents, couples, and adults in a solution-focused manner. He also consulted with family, personal injury, immigration, and estate planning attorneys. His BS in Education/Psychology was from the University of Wisconsin; his MS in School Psychology was from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; his Ph.D. in Educational/School Psychology was earned at Arizona State University, and his Diplomate (ABPP) was received in 2003. Do Some Type of Promotion Every Single Day As a professional speaker, Dr. Waldman is accustomed to talking in front of large groups. How does he do it? Well, he thinks about what is the worst thing that can happen – exactly what he tells patients. When it comes to marketing, Dr. Waldman would make a point to promote his practice every single day. He would do a phone call, a podcast, an email, or something along those lines. It's essential to be persistent and consistent with things. Over the course of a year, you have several hundred things that you tried. Eventually, something will stick. That's how Dr. Waldman got himself into some lucrative situations. Virtual Private Practice Marketing The most significant trend in private practice marketing is the internet. A lot of young clinicians are finding value in marketing on the net. If you can get in front of a group of potential referral sources and speak knowledgeably to them, that's the best marketing in the world. They will view you as an expert and refer other clients to you. Marketing in private practice is more about helping people find you. Then, you need to know how to help them once they find you. The internet has completely turned the private practice marketing world upside down. People have to know who you are, where you are, and what you do. Earn Passive Income As A Therapist Therapists do noble work. They save marriages, and they protect people from suicide. Therapists deserve to be compensated appropriately for their work. Dr. Waldman started to develop passive streams of income. He earns income when he isn't sitting in front of clients. One of the ways to build income is by writing books. The first book that he wrote is titled Who's Raising Whom? A Parent's Guide to Effective Child Discipline. That book is still generating passive income for Dr. Waldman. In fact, you can find a copy of it here: https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Parents-Guide-Effective-Discipline/dp/0943247152. Dr. Waldman provides a simple, step-by-step process using basic behavioral Psychology to teach parents how to manage and modify their children's behavior more effectively. Increase Income Through Real Estate or Public Speaking Another way to increase your income is by public and professional speaking. Typically this type of gig is on the weekends and after hours. Luckily, it won't interfere with the hours of your private practice. Plus, you can sell the books at those speaking events. It's a great marketing tool for your private practice as well. Another way to increase income is by buying your own building. Dr. Waldman has nine renters in his building. He makes money from their rent. That way, when Dr. Waldman isn't working, he is still making money. Then, he uses that money to purchase other real estate investments. Now, Dr. Waldman is comfortably retired. Are You Trading Your Time For Money? Unfortunately, the majority of clinicians out there is trading time for money. They only make money when sitting in a chair and a client is in the other chair. You can make a decent living doing this type of work. If you trade time for money, there is only so much time to work. The people who become wealthy are outside of this dynamic. You have to monetize your time. One way to do this is through group work. That way, six patients can be paying you instead of one. Some clinicians only do group work, you will be making a pretty penny, and it certainly beats the one patient per hour dynamic. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Dr. Waldman's Resources Top Phoenix Psychologist LinkedIn Facebook Call Dr. Waldman at 602-418-8161 Resources Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. J

As we start the new year, I will give you some ideas around setting priorities and goals; it's a topic that I tackle at the beginning of every year. First, I talk about the importance of having a planner that uses good old-fashioned pen and paper. When we write things down, we tend to process that information differently. Plus, I talk about what exactly is a brain dump and how it can help you find clarity in your private practice. Later, I chat about the importance of knowing your numbers, getting your systems and processes cleaned up, and finding community on your journey. Why You Need A Paper Planner One of the things that I've been doing this past week is going through my planner. Writing things down in a planner rather than typing them out on our phones allows us to process information differently. It forces us to slow down, think, and process what is going on in our minds. There's that brain-hand connection that is made; if you write something out, you have a way of remembering it and processing it differently. That's why I love to use a paper-based planner. Overall, it helps me stay productive and organized. I use The Full Focus Planner. Check it out here: www.practiceoftherapy.com/fullfocusplanner. Start 2022 With A Brain Dump It's essential to write things down and think about the new year on paper. I like doing something called a brain dump, which is just really getting a sheet of paper, planner, or notebook. Then, write down everything that comes to mind that you want to accomplish, things that you're thinking about, and tasks that you want to do. It gets everything out of your brain onto the paper. The Full Focus Planner has something called Your Big Daily Three. You fill out the three most important things you want to accomplish for that day. Overall, a brain dump is a great way to set your priorities for the new year. Financial Deep Dive To Know Your Numbers One of the things that you've heard from me a good bit over this last year is the importance of knowing your numbers. If you're going to be successful in your business and your practice, you need to know your numbers. You need to understand how the money is flowing through your business and through what you do day in and day out. Doing a deep financial dive at the beginning of the year can give you a baseline for where you are now. Then, you can think about where you want to get to with your finances. I use QuickBooks to manage the finances of my practice. Make sure you know where your best income sources are coming from for the year. Plus, you'll want to know where you are falling behind. For instance, I discovered that we haven't been collecting all of our copays; it's something that we need to fix for the new year. A deep financial dive will help you find where your money leaks are. Finding Community On Your Private Practice Journey When we start getting isolated from folks, we lose a sense of community and support from others. Finding a community will help you get clear around your goals for your practice. Having a community and a group of trusted colleagues to bounce things off of goes a long way in helping you have some clarity. Plus, it will help you have some accountability with accomplishing goals and keeping straight with your priorities. I encourage you to find a community within your practice and daily life. A focus group is a great way to find community. That way, you can learn from others and bounce ideas off of each other. Fix Your Systems and Processes This Year Look at how you can fix your systems and processes. It's time to get rid of the deadwood. You can be outsourcing – it will be a much better use of your time. That way, you're not spending time on things that aren't going to bring you any income anyway. I want to shout out Uriah Guilford; he's the owner of The Productive Therapist. If you have more tasks to complete than hours in the day, Uriah wants to help you get things done. Sometimes you neglect your self-care and other essential items in your life when you're too busy with your practice. That's why Uriah likes helping therapists find world-class virtual assistants. You can learn more about The Productive Therapist here: https://productivetherapist.com/. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Resources Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Kindness and Compassion Podcast Apply For My Focus Group [Starts January 2022] Using Google Workspace As A Practice Platform Course Get Your Copy of The Full Focus Planner Join the Google Workspace for Therapists Users Group Follow @PracticeofTherapy on Instagram Meet Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT Gordon is the person behind The Practice of Therapy Podcast & Blog. He is also President and Founder of Kingsport Counseling Associates, PLLC. He is a therapist, consultant, business mentor, trainer, and wr

This episode reviews themes covered in the Practice of Therapy from 2021. A few topics have come up from the last fifty episodes or so. I dive into those subjects, including community, preparing for a worst-case scenario, updating your private practice, diversifying income, and using mindfulness in your business. Tune in as I talk about some of my favorite episodes from these topics and the most significant lessons learned from my guests this year. Looking At The Worst-Case Scenario During Covid, many of us had to think about preparing for the worst-case scenario. Most likely, you, your family members, or your clients have come into contact with Covid. So, many private practice owners started to think about what would happen to their practice if something happened to them. That's why I spoke with Judd Carlton; he is a financial advisor serving families, individuals, and businesses in Morristown, NJ, and beyond. We talked about why the sooner you start planning for retirement, the better off you're going to be in the long run. Even if it's just a tiny bit that you save towards your retirement, it's going to make a big difference! Judd Carlton | Retirement Planning In Private Practice | TPOT 179 Update and Refresh Your Private Practice One way to update and refresh your private practice is through your private practice website. My good friend and website guru Daniel Fava helped with my private practice website. He is from Private Practice Elevation, and I am so grateful for all of his assistance! This year we chatted all about the website redesign project that I have started, and we walked through the nuts and bolts of what needs to get done to take your private practice website to the next level. If you want to see the final product, check out Kingsport Counseling here: https://kingsportcounseling.com/. Daniel Fava | Redesigning Your Private Practice Website – Part One | TPOT 169 Daniel Fava | Redesigning Your Private Practice Website – Part Two | TPOT 170 How To Diversify Your Income In Private Practice One of the things about being in practice, particularly if you're a solo practitioner, is that you can quickly reach a glass ceiling with your practice. You can expand your practice and create more income by starting a group practice. If you want to learn more about starting a group practice, then you need to check out this webinar: Solo to Group Practice: Adding More Therapists to Grow Your Time & Income. This is a pre-recorded webinar with selected automated times. Please choose a time/date in the calendar above that works in your schedule for the one-hour-long presentation. Another way you can increase your private practice income is through a side hustle. You can create a course or develop new products for other therapists or your clients. I did an episode with Chris Swenson about Self-Publishing For Therapists, Coaches, and Consultants. Chris dives deep into the self-publishing process, including the importance of an outline, an editor, and how to navigate imposter syndrome. Chris Swenson | Self-Publishing For Therapists, Coaches, and Consultants | TPOT 189 Dr. Lani Chin joined the show to talk about the process of creating an app in order to increase private practice income. CE Hub is a tool for mental health professionals to store their continuing education certificates and track their units earned toward licensure. You can upload your certificates, and CE Hub will take care of the rest. We talk about diversifying your income, the importance of outsourcing, and the nuts and bolts of creating your very own application. Dr. Lani Chin | Creating An App To Diversify Private Practice Income | TPOT 196 Using Mindfulness In Private Practice Brett Hill, mindfulness guru, joined the show this year. Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment. When you can harness the awareness that occurs, you can respond to reality in a new light. Brett explains the power of incremental growth and how it can change your private practice. Plus, Brett dives deep into how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for not only your personal life but also for your private practice. Brett Hill | The Power of Mindfulness In Private Practice | TPOT 203 The Importance of Having Community In Private Practice Community is critical during Covid, so I wanted to talk to experts about the subject. The Therapist in the Attic is a way for therapists to get honest with each other. Leah talks about how she created a way to connect with others in complex, uncertain, and stressful times. When you think about it, we are all somewhat "stuck in the attic." Leah chats about the varied experiences many of us have faced in these uncertain times. Leah Leynor | The Therapist In The Attic | TPOT 188 Plus, I talked with Ernesto Segismundo about having a community. Also, I chatted with Kelly and Miranda from ZynnyMe about incorporating an online community into the mix with a side hustle. You can check out those episodes her

In this episode, Kelly and Miranda are back for a spirited conversation covering many topics. First, we discuss the importance of following your passion, especially when creating a side hustle. Whatever problems are coming up in your private practice will follow in your second business; so, ensure you have those problems addressed ahead of time. Later, we talk about how big tech companies are taking advantage of therapists and why you need to know your numbers if you're considering joining one of these sites. Tune in as we chat about naming your business and what you can expect from ZynnyMe in the future. Meet Kelly Higdon, LMFT Kelly Higdon, LMFT is the co-founder of ZynnyMe and co-creator of The Business School Bootcamp for Therapists, a flagship course that helps therapists in all parts of their private practice journey solidify their business foundation and growth. When she isn't coaching or hosting retreats for her clients, you can find her playing roller derby or spending time with her family. To learn more about Kelly check out kellyhigdon.com and zynnyme.com On any given day you will find her writing, meeting with her psychotherapy or coaching clients, running a webinar for therapists, providing consultation with private practice owners, and making lots of room for playtime with her family. Kelly's hair constantly changes. She cares about the people that she works with. AND her most FAVORITE THING is to push, educate and inspire in the Business School Bootcamp. Meet Miranda Palmer, LMFT Miranda Palmer built a cash-based private practice during the recession. But, she is most proud that she did it to take care of her family and created a work-life balance that allowed her to avoid the all too common burn-out a lot of therapists experience. As the co-creator of ZynnyMe.com, she provides how-to articles, free monthly webinars, and co-leads the Business School Bootcamp for Therapists. Today her primary business is inspiring and teaching therapists private practice marketing. Miranda teaches them business skills, and not because she is all about money. Miranda sees how clinical outcomes, burnout rate, and overall passion can be impacted positively or negatively by how our businesses run. Follow Your Passion and Success Will Follow If anyone in the private practice world wants to do a side gig, you better make sure it is something you're passionate about. Without passion, you will be miserable doing it. Whatever things you haven't taken care of in your main gig, you will replicate it in your side gig. For instance, if you got burnt out in your main gig, you will get burnt out in your side gig as well. If mindset, money, and boundaries issues aren't addressed, you won't be able to escape them. It would help if you dream bigger and bigger; your passion project can quickly become something you do full-time with the right tools and resources. Building An Online Community If you want to start a side hustle, consider incorporating an online community into the mix. There are safe and lovely ways to have virtual conversations with people from all over the world through community building. Kelly and Miranda have focused on creating a space where people can own their values as a person. Once you have your values and vision narrowed down, you can find people who think and feel similarly. It's critical to build a community where we lift each other up. As therapists, we can keep the field alive and thriving via these communities. Choose The Best Name For Your Business Zynny was a name that Kelly came up with when first making her Yahoo email account. Kelly and Miranda both liked the idea of using it for their business name. However, Kelly says that you should avoid making up a name with unconventional spelling. She spends a lot of time spelling out ZynnyMe over the phone, and it's something that she needs to explain constantly. Know Your Numbers In Private Practice Therapists are afraid of their numbers. Once you know your numbers, you will be empowered to make the right decisions for your private practice. Many tech companies are reaching out to therapists; however, they don't have your client's best interests in mind. These companies sell client info to target ads based on their mental health issues. Plus, these tech companies aren't correctly paying their therapists. ZynnyMe wants to educate therapists on how these tech companies are exploiting their clients. The Tech World Collides With Mental Health Tech companies are counting the words that are being said to our clients. Therapists will get paid for talking to their clients up to a certain number of words. After that word limit, they are working for free, or their clients are not getting the services they need. Virtual therapy is essential. However, big tech shouldn't be the one who is helping our clients. One tech company was even offering unlimited therapy to clients for $99 a month. How does that even work? It's exploiting therapists, and we shouldn't stand f

I am lucky to be joined by Kathleen Shannon; she has a real passion for talking about licensure portability. It's an issue that many of us have run into if you move around, change states, or simply want to be licensed in multiple states. This particular issue of licensure portability comes up a lot during Covid. Many people recognize the need for licensure portability as we shift to and from telehealth. Tune in as we chat about what you need to get licensed in multiple states and how Kathleen plans to make the process easier with her courses. Meet Kathleen Shannon Kathleen B. Shannon, MA, LCMHC, CRC has worked in the rehabilitation and mental health industry as a licensed provider for over 21 years, gaining experience in working with veterans and others with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as those in recovery. As a seasoned rehabilitation and mental health counselor, she is passionate about seeking out and working with your values, strengths, and abilities to achieve your goals. Outside of the office, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, and exploring new ideas, and learning with friends. Why Therapists Are Getting Licensed In Multiple States Even though Kathleen got her degree in Florida, she was on the way to Washington State when she walked across and got the degree. When Covid hit, that was another struggle for Kathleen and most therapists. She works with many people who are either elderly or college students; both of those populations had to go live with family or weren't allowed to be around their families. So, Kathleen decided to take the time to get her license in more than one state. However, the state said she would need to go back to grad school. So, Kathleen found the commonalities that you need in every single state to be able to have licensure. Getting A License In Every State Will Be Pricey If you want to have a license in every state, you need to have a lot of money because each state wants a lot of money. As long as you have a lot of money, you can be licensed in every state. Plus, you have to stay organized and make sure nothing expires. The first thing you need to do is go ahead and take every single solitary exam. That's the number one thing. From there, you can figure out where you want to focus. Do you want to stay in a single time zone? Do you want to have the luxury of actually offering decent times to people in other time zones? So it's just something to consider but, first, take both exams, whether you need them or not because eventually, you will. Kathleen Is Creating Courses For Multi-State Licensing There will be two different courses; there's going to be a course for graduate students who are looking for initial licensure. For most states, it's either an associate or an intern. For these people, the course will be about finding out what that state would need to obtain licensure. Let's say you're in an online program in Virginia, and you live in Georgia. So Kathleen wants to help you find out what Georgia would need versus what Virginia would need. The other course will be available to people who've been licensed for more than five years on how to either transfer or obtain additional licensure based on the endorsement. All in all, there will be two different tracks: one for the freshly graduated and going to get associate or intern licensure and then the one for people who have been licensed for several years. Why License Portability Is Critical During Covid You need to be able to be there for your clients. License portability is a huge problem for therapists and people struggling with their mental health. With Covid, mental health has started to come to the forefront of people's minds. Plus, there is less stigma around people seeking help for mental health issues. It has forced many states to be more consistent with licensure reciprocity. People are also becoming much more transient because of Covid. They are moving to different parts of the counties, leaving big cities, and looking for lower living costs. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Kathleen's Resources LPC License Info 5 Key Things that you need to become licensed by endorsement, reciprocity, or comity in everyUS state and jurisdiction Follow Kathleen on Instagram Resources Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST COOL RESOURCES! Get the FREE Private Practice Start-Up Guide Apply For My Focus Group [Starts January 2022] Using Google Workspace As A Practice Platform Course Get Your Copy of The Full Focus Planner Join the Google Workspace for Therapists Users Group Follow @PracticeofTherapy on Instagram Meet Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT Gordon is the person behind The Practice of Therapy Podcast & Blog. He is also President and Founder of Kingsport Couns

Today, we talk about how to build team culture in your practice. Creating the right culture within your practice is a learning process and a growth process as a business owner. Dawn gives tips on building a culture within your workplace that reflects the values and mission of your group practice. We also speak about the importance of soul care and taking care of that side of yourself. Remember, you need to invest in your self-care as much as you do any other part of your practice. Meet Dawn Gabriel The Faith Fringes Podcast hosted by Dawn Gabriel is for anyone who has ever - or who is currently - questioning their connection with God. Do you find yourself wondering if what you believe is true, asking how a loving God can let bad things happen to good people, or questioning how you're supposed to experience God in everyday life? As someone born into a Christian home amidst the Christian culture of the Midwest or "Bible Belt," Dawn has experienced many emotions, unanswered questions, and life-changing moments that altered her perceptions of faith forever. She's here to let you know that everyone's journey in finding a deeper connection with God is different, but that doesn't mean that journeys shouldn't be shared. As a Group Practice Owner, Consultant, wife, boy mom, and Podcaster, Dawn believes that you can - and will - experience God in so many unexpected ways. It's okay to question and challenge everything you've been taught. If you're a Spiritual Explorer, interested in becoming one or looking for an inclusive and safe space where doubt, questions, and curiosity are encouraged, Faith Fringes Podcast is for you. Interviewing For Workplace Culture In Group Practice Dawn started a group practice, but she didn't have any business skills. Sadly, Dawn didn't know about this beautiful world of consulting. For the first three years, Dawn would hire people who could see clients; she didn't streamline her interview process. During year three, Dawn realized she needed to get better at interviewing. Dawn finally understood the need to interview for workplace culture. Plus, Dawn got business consulting. It changed her practice. Hiring the right people for your business is crucial; it can make or break your group practice. Building The Right Culture Within Your Team Building the right culture within your practice is a learning process and a growth process as a business owner. Dawn wanted the therapist to be faith-based, but she didn't want the practice to be faith-based necessarily. Dawn's group practice doesn't overtly advertise that they integrate the Christian faith; instead, they make it more subtle. However, Christian faith is something that is embedded in their workplace culture. She wanted that to be important to the people that she hires. Your Therapists Should Also Be In Therapy It's essential when you're hiring to ask a question somehow to find out if they're in therapy or if they've been in therapy. You want therapists who have worked on their own stuff. Dawn does a three-part interview process. During the second interview, Dawn involves her team. Dawn's team is made up of individual contractors, but they commit to a team atmosphere. They have team retreats and monthly team meetings. The independent contractors commit to those standards. If you're thinking of hiring independent contractors, do your research on how you can implement team meetings or retreats. Taking Care of Your Soul as a Therapist There's a spiritual piece of all of us, whatever faith or religion you choose to believe in and follow. No matter what, there's still this element of something deeper within us that's bigger than us. As therapists, we create and hold sacred space for others; there's something sacred in that room, regardless of what religion one believes. There is healing, hope, and transformation in therapy. It impacts therapists on a deep level. So, it's vital to look at that deep within your own self of what's happening spiritually in your soul. The Importance of Self-Care For Mental Health Practitioners Sometimes we put our worth and our purpose in how we impact others. Often, that can come at the expense of our own self-care. Unfortunately, many people are not putting self-care as a focus. Sometimes it feels better to give to other people. Plus, when we focus on ourselves, lots of stuff will bubble up to the surface. That's why it can almost be easier to help other people rather than take care of ourselves. During the pandemic, therapists needed to focus on self-care because we are simultaneously going through a similar trauma that our clients are going through. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Dawn's Resources Listen To Faith Fringes Check Out Dawn's Website Dawn's Free Eight Week Course Faith Fringes on Facebook Faith Fringes on Instagram Resources Use the promo cod

In this episode, I talk about some of the myths and misperceptions people have about being on insurance panels. I delve into this topic and let you know what I've learned about it from my insurance-based practice. First, I speak about the stigma around accepting insurance in private practice. If you accept insurance, you are just as valid and can be just as successful as private practice owners who are cash-based. Tune in as talk about the pros and cons of insurance panels, why I chose to be insurance-based, and where to start when you decide to accept insurance. The Stigma Around Accepting Insurance In Private Practice Many people are curious about accepting insurance and if they should or not. There is no correct answer. If you start to delve into your mindset and think about it all, it might just be something that you should consider doing. When you look at all that is out there, there are so many great resources around building a private practice. It seems like most people are encouraging cash-pay. There seems to be a little bit of a stigma against having an insurance-based practice. Many people say that you don't want to be controlled by insurance companies. If therapists don't have a cash-based practice, they're second-class citizens for being an insurance-based practice. I don't agree with that at all! In fact, my success comes from being insurance-based. The Pros and Cons of Being An Insurance-Based Practice There are a lot of pros and cons to being on insurance panels. Certainly, one of the cons of being insurance-based is that you've got to have more systems and processes in place. You've got to do more work on the front end to get prepared for insurance. You need specific systems when you start accepting third-party payors and being reimbursed by insurance companies for your services. The biggest con is that there is some work on the front end of being insurance-based. The pros for being insurance-based are that you've got a built-in referral source by being on insurance panels. I would say at least half the people that we find are from their insurance. In other words, they checked with their insurance provider first to see who would accept their insurance in the area. When making an appointment with us, people ask, how much does it cost? Plus, they ask if we accept insurance. That's why I wanted to be an insurance-based practice. People depend on their insurance, and I want to help those people. Ready To Accept Insurance? What To Do First Where do you start? Research your area to find out which are which insurance panels are the most prevalent. In my area, most people have Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance. Another thing to research is looking at significant employers in the area. Then, check which insurance those companies use. Next, use that data to decide which insurance companies you want to be paneled with. Another thing to note is that when an insurance company offers you a contract, that's negotiable! Make sure to negotiate what rate you will accept. Systems and Processes Around Filing Insurance Claims Figure out your systems and your processes around filing insurance claims. If you're on insurance panels, you need a traditional way to send claims off. The best way I know to do that is through an electronic health record system. TherapyNotes helps my practice with this. It's a few clicks of a button to get your insurance claims sent to the insurance companies to be reimbursed. For the most part, insurance companies have a pretty quick turnaround for electronic health claim submissions. Within a week of sending off the claim, we are getting paid. There's a myth that you have to wait a long time to get paid from insurance companies – that's not true! So, make sure you have a way to submit claims and make it as automated as possible. Cash-Based and Insurance-Based Private Practices If you're not ready to be entirely reliant on insurance, there's a hybrid option! You can have a mix of cash-paying clients and clients that use insurance. Give people a choice on whether or not they want to pay for therapy through a third-party payor. Remember to set your full fee at a reasonable place; your fee needs to be your FULL fee. The insurance company will pay you what they pay you. Then, you write off the difference between the full fee and the contract rate. If they choose not to use insurance, you can offer a sliding scale based on family income. We don't go and check their income; instead, we go on the honor system. Ensure that the lowest rate on your sliding scale fee schedule is in the ballpark of your average reimbursement rate from insurance companies. If you want more tips about deciding to panel with 3rd-party payors, check out this FREE webinar coming up: https://practiceoftherapy.com/insurancepractice. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using th

In this episode, Brett Hill, mindfulness guru, joins the show. He defines mindfulness for us as the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment. When you can harness the awareness that occurs, you can respond to reality in a new light. Brett explains the power of incremental growth and how it can change your private practice. Plus, Brett dives deep into how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for not only your personal life but also for your private practice. Meet Brett Hill In college, I decided that the limits of what we can achieve and the quality of our lives are dependent on our ability to communicate well. My degree in interpersonal communication combined nicely with my fascination for technology led to a career as a technical storyteller, author, blogger, and speaker for companies like Microsoft, Adobe and others. But I wanted to go much deeper, so sought out the best I could find. I've had the good fortune to study Hakomi somatic psychotherapy with the founder – Ron Kurtz, Matrix Leadership group dynamics with the founder – Amina Knowlan, and meditation with the late Audle Allison. I taught meditation for several years and founded the Quest Institute in Dallas. Other influences include martial arts, contact improvisation, and training with Gabrielle Roth As a result of this unique background, I've come to believe there is no faster way to improve your communications and the quality of your life than being mindful during a conversation. The Language of Mindfulness is the distillation of many years of work and inspired a TEDx talk (2021), the book, and the class in development. I am available for podcasts, speaking, and coaching. If you have any questions, would love to chat. The Power of Incremental Growth Marketing yourself as a resource is a very different business than selling software or a mobile app. When you're selling yourself as a service, it takes an entirely different orientation. You need to add small pieces over time like social media, podcasting, and website work. Plus, networking is essential when you are selling yourself as a service. That way, you can be connected to the right social fabric. When you shift to private practice, you have to learn how to run your business differently. Improve Your Professional Life With Mindfulness Mindfulness is the number one thing you can do to improve your personal and professional life. If you want to lift your life's quality, learning to be mindful will change your brain matter. Through mindfulness, your prefrontal cortex actually gains more material. That material in your brain is going to make your world a lot easier than it is today. You will be calmer, more resilient, and you will have a lot more choices than you did before. It's time to teach yourself how to slow things down enough to be mindful. You can learn this over time; it's a skill! Saving Time By Using The Power of Mindfulness If you don't have time to learn about mindfulness, then you really need to practice it! Would you rather spend 20 minutes getting something done frantically and get it done to 70% of your capacity? Or would you rather spend 20 minutes getting something done and be calmer and do it better? You might even do it in 15 minutes. With mindfulness, you can save time doing your tasks. More importantly, you will have a better quality of life. What's the point of being busy? If you're always busy, your life is going to be over before you know it. The Basics Behind Mindfulness First, Brett will teach clients about mindfulness. Most people don't know what mindfulness means or what it looks like. Brett will tell clients how to separate their thoughts and identity; once you can do this, it's pure magic. You can't read a book about mindfulness and understand it. Instead, it would help if you practiced mindfulness. We have a choice about what voice we listen to in our heads. Think about how your inner critic is taking over your thoughts and behaviors. The practice of mindfulness is responding to which voice we listen to. The Formula To Find Your Niche Brett has built his niche around mindfulness. He will show up on people's podcasts and talk about mindfulness, explain how it works, and even demonstrate. This routine has established Brett as an expert in this field. So, when people discover Brett, they find him in the context of mindfulness and mindful communication. It's important to frame yourself as an expert on some topic and have a lot of referenceable material. A niche is about having an identity and being an expert at said identity. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Brett's Resources Language of Mindfulness How to Start a Mindfulness Meditation Practice The Language of Mindfulness Podcast Brett's Instagram Resources Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint H

In this episode, Jenn Uren of This Mom Knows Podcast joins the show. She talks about staying organized and letting go of her perfectionism while homeschooling five children. If your systems and processes aren't working as smoothly as possible, Jenn explains why you need to remove yourself from the process. If you can't remove yourself from your practice, then find a fresh set of eyes to look for you. Tune in as Jenn talks about the importance of support, finding time to focus, and how to make your least favorite tasks more doable. Meet Jenn Uren As a mompreneur, every business "yes" can feel like parenting "no" - and the mom guilt kicks in! Jenn Uren helps mompreneurs find and implement the right systems, tools, and processes to help them focus their time and be their best as both "mom" and "entrepreneur". As a homeschooling mom of 5 (3 bios and 2 by a surprise adoption), she is familiar with the constant pull between task and relationship while making sure all that needs to happen does. Her husband Jim is a serial entrepreneur and together they have had enjoyed flipping the script from building a life around a job to building businesses that allow them to live their priorities. The This Mom Knows podcast is a place where mompreneurs can find encouragement, support, and connection with other women business owners who KNOW. Lessons Learned From A Mom of Five There is some truth to birth order, and each child is so different and unique. Jenn has had to learn how to let go of her perfectionism. When Jenn wants to try something new as a parent, she tries it for six months to see how it works. Everyone works with systems and routines; you can always find things that need to run smoother. Business owners can be the bottleneck to a process. If you find a way to remove yourself from the process, then flow can happen again. Observe What's Happening In Your Private Practice Business owners can be the stumbling block, and we are our own worst enemy. We can't see what's going on in our business because we are too close. So sometimes, it's helpful to sit back and become an observer. Watch what's happening in your home and watch what is happening in your business. If you're still too close to observe your business, then have someone else look at it with a fresh pair of eyes; they can see things that we can't see. Plus, they can notice things that we might not notice. Shifting into the role of an observer can help you figure things out. Asking For Support With Your Practice Another way to help your business is by asking for support. Mastermind Groups and Focus Groups are a great way to find support in private practice. Find colleagues that you can rely on to be vulnerable with and to talk to about things. You can find people that you can ask for help from. Also, you can swap challenging tasks with other people. Maybe you're good at one task, and your friend is good at another task. Well, swap with each other! That way, you get to do what you like to do, and you get to help a friend too! Beating Overwhelm By Doing A Brain Dump The three things that consume us are our time, our thoughts, and our things. We need to give margin, boundaries, and space in our life so that we can say yes to the unexpected. That way, we have the capacity to think and create; we have the ability for something new to come into our space. All without bursting at the seams; that's what is overwhelming us. Overwhelm happens when we don't take the time to purge. If you take the time to do a brain dump, you won't have to think about everything. Instead, you get your thoughts on paper and finally focus. When we can concentrate and use our time well, we feel like our business is going well. That's what gives us that sense that all is balanced and integrated. Think About What You Spend Time Avoiding Think about what things you are spending time and energy avoiding. For a lot of people, it's their laundry. For other people, it's their meal planning. If you hate to cook, then you need to figure out a way to make it work. Jenn hates cooking, but she figured out how to still cook every night for her family. For instance, she uses an Instant Pot for many of her meals. Also, Jenn will prep dinner when she makes breakfast. Don't be afraid to ask for help from your family when it's age-appropriate. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for using the links! Jenn's Resources This Mom Knows - Website This Mom Knows - Podcast 5 Simple Things To Support Your Business Jenn on Instagram Resources Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free. Blueprint Health: First month free with promo code TPOTPODCAST Apply For My Focus Group [Starts November 2021] Using Google Workspace As A Practice Platform Course Get Your Copy of The Full Focus Planner Join the Google Workspace for Therapists Users Group Follow @PracticeofTher

I am lucky to have many of my good friends and peers join the show. Uriah Guilford, Jessica Tappana, and Whitney Owens are here for a casual conversation. First, we dive into the importance of diversifying your income. We open up about what it's like to run a practice as well as another business. Both isolation and imposter syndrome can show up for us; we talk about ways to overcome and navigate our limiting beliefs. Later, we chat about the importance of finding a community to build you up, make you feel confident, and allow you to be vulnerable on your journey. Meet Uriah Guilford I am a licensed therapist & group practice owner. I want to help you be more productive, profitable & happy with your business and your life. Basically, work less and get more done! If you have achieved any level of success in your private practice then you can relate to the following. You have more tasks to complete than hours in the day. You work super hard because you are passionate and want to grow. Sometimes you neglect your self-care and other important things in your life. Not so great right!? That is why I have built a team of amazing virtual assistants for practice owners just like you! Hiring a virtual assistant in 2012 was one of the best decisions I ever made. It allowed me to double my business income without feeling like I was losing my mind. Actually, go on vacation and not be tied to my iPhone the whole time. And serve my clients better! It made such a massive difference for me and it can for you as well! If this sounds interesting, check out our services page and the most frequently asked questions we get all the time. Meet Whitney Owens I enjoy working with both adults and adolescents on an individual basis. I have experience working with those suffering from depression, anxiety, self-harming behaviors, identity formation, relational issues, and other mood disorders. I use a variety of therapeutic models such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy. I have been seeing clients since 2009 in a variety of settings. While earning my Master in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University, I saw young adults at a residential treatment facility. In 2010 I moved to Colorado where I spent four years working at an inpatient and day treatment facility. Also while in Colorado, I joined a group practice and saw teenagers and adults. In 2014 I moved back to Savannah and started Water's Edge Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and a member of the American Counseling Association and the Licensed Professional Counseling Association of Georgia. In addition to counseling, I also offer a number of other services including training and speaking engagements. Meet Jessica Tappana Jessica Tappana started her private practice on her maternity leave about 20 months ago. After filling up in only a matter of months, she decided to bring on other therapists as 1099s and transitioned Aspire Counseling into a group practice. Worried about how she would fill the caseloads of these new therapists, Jessica tried several different marketing strategies. Ultimately, she decided to focus on getting her website to the first page of Google and began teaching herself SEO at nights after her kids were in bed. Slowly after gathering a couple of tips here and there, she got her website to the first page for nearly every keyword she targets. Aspire Counseling has grown to now include five therapists and a virtual assistant! In fact, all of the therapists are nearly full, and Jessica hopes to find a few more quality team members in the months to come. Create Another Business For An Additional Income Stream A theme that people hear from me a lot on the podcast is how it's important to diversify income. Uriah, Jessica, and Whitney all run at least two businesses. There are a lot of unique challenges that come with owning multiple businesses. One of the great things about having two businesses is constantly waking up excited. If you're less excited about one business, at least you can get excited about your other project. However, having two businesses can come with a lot of stress, and people from the outside looking in don't get to see that side of things. No matter what, you can wake up every day and bring 'you' into that business. Battling Isolation and Imposter Syndrome In Private Practice As practice owners and business owners, it can get very isolating at times. So, sometimes imposter syndrome shows up. Uriah says one of the most valuable things for battling the isolation and imposter syndrome is feedback. Feedback is invaluable on your private practice journey. When you have people you can gain feedback from, you will walk away with thousand times more confidence. Everyone struggles with their business, so if you can hear other people's experiences, it will make you feel less isolated. Plus, this feedback will shape the future of your business for the better.

In this episode, podcast editor and content creator Rachel Bond joins the show. We talk about how The Practice of Therapy Podcast gets made. If you have a podcast of your own, Rachel gives tips for promoting it on social media. Plus, we chat about saving time on social media by batching content, creating a calendar, and even outsourcing. Tune in as Rachel talks about helping students for FREE with Affordable College Prep. Plus, I have an exciting announcement at the end of the show – you don't want to miss it! Meet Rachel Bond Rachel Bond graduated with her MBA in 2019. After college, she freelanced full-time as a writer, content creator, and podcast editor. Plus, Rachel completed the Disney College Program and two years of AmeriCorps service. Recently, Rachel and Dr. Alan Seidman started a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) called Affordable College Prep (ACP). As Vice President and Managing Director of Affordable College Prep, Rachel aims to help students from lower-income backgrounds make affordable college choices and complete higher education using their free coaching. Rachel loves to help students with their college applications, essays, and scholarship search. Learn more at affordablecollegeprep.com. How The Practice of Therapy Podcast Gets Made Gordon uploads audio from the interview, which is pulled from Zoom into Google Drive. From there, we go into an audio editing software and upload the audio into a template. Rachel takes time to comb through the audio and cut anything out. From there, we will plug the audio into Levelator. The Levelator is a free software that will level, compress, and normalize the audio in a matter of minutes. In iTunes, Rachel can finish the id3 tags. The id3 tags are bits of information that display on the track. For instance, she always makes sure there's an artist name, album name, year, genre, etc. At this point, everything is done for the audio, so it's ready for our podcast hosting service. We use Libsyn – and they will distribute the podcast to all of the apps like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon. From there, Rachel will upload the complete audio into Otter.ai, which is a transcription service. Depending on how long the audio is, it could take a few minutes to 15 minutes to finish. Once finished, we will have a written version of the podcast, also known as a transcript. Using the transcript, Rachel will write the podcast show notes that get uploaded to Libsyn and WordPress. You can always check out our show notes on the practiceoftherapy.com Promoting Your Podcast on Social Media Promoting your podcast on social media is a great tool to get listeners and guests on your show. Each social media platform is different, so it does take time to alter your posts, but it's worth it. For instance, in Canva, you can change your graphics based on where you post them. Also, you can't post as much text on Twitter as you can on Instagram. Plus, the links don't work on Instagram as well as they do on LinkedIn. So there's a lot of tweaking that is time-consuming, but it's worth it. Saving Time With Social Media Outsourcing is a great way to save time on this. Another great way to save time on social media is by creating a calendar. It can help you visualize all your planned posts for the next weeks or months ahead. Buffer is a software designed to manage social accounts by scheduling posts to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. IGTV is another social media tool you can utilize for your podcast. If you're recording a podcast, record with the video on! That way, you can use the video to promote your podcast, tease the episode, and introduce the guest to your audience. Free Advising With Affordable College Prep If you need help with anything college, Rachel wants to be the person to give a helping hand. All of the Affordable College Prep services are currently free to high school and college students. We help students with their college applications, essays, and finding scholarships. We also help students who are looking into grad school. According to the National Center for Education, about 59% of students seeking a bachelor's degree at a 4-year institution have completed that degree within six years. A big part of the problem is not finding the right school that will fit the student financially. Not only do we want to help students get into college, but we also want to see them graduate. You can follow us on Instagram @AffordableCollegePrep You can also check out our website AffordableCollegePrep.com Rachel's Favorite Practice of Therapy Podcast Episodes Whitney & James Owens | Using The Enneagram In Your Practice | TPOT 191 Check out the course: Understanding & Utilizing the Enneagram (10 CE Hours) Andréa Jones | Beating Social Media Overwhelm In Private Practice | TPOT 181 LaRonda Starling | Self-Care In Times of Crisis | TPOT 131 BEST OF: Social Justice In and Out of the Therapy Room | TPOT 158 Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which s

I learned a lot of things about starting a private practice the hard way. I'm grateful to share the lessons that I learned from my journey and help you not make the same mistakes that I did. First, I speak about the importance of knowing your 'why' on starting a private practice. Once you know your 'why,' other aspects of your business will begin to fall into place. Tune in as I dive deep into lessons learned around finances, marketing, outsourcing, and systems. Plus, I direct you to all sorts of resources that will help you on your journey. Thanks for being with me! Knowing Your 'Why' For Private Practice Why did you want to go into this profession, to begin with? Why did you want to go into clinical work, become a therapist, a social worker, psychologist, marriage and family therapist, licensed professional counselor, or whatever you are within this particular profession? Your 'why' is an important piece to keep in mind as you build your private practice. So, I invite you to think about your inspiration. When we get busy with business, we can lose sight of our inspiration, and eventually, we will feel a little burnt out. Private practice is hard work! We have experienced a lot of struggles because of Covid, so knowing your why is more important than ever. Private Practice Isn't For Everyone One of the things that you need is a sense of wanting to feed the creative side of yourself. We can all feed our creative selves differently, but is a private practice adding to your creative side? One of the things that you need to be successful in private practice is an entrepreneurial spirit. In other words, you need to accept challenges along the way on your private practice journey. I love to learn about the business side of things; it's what inspired me to start The Practice of Therapy back in 2016. I started this podcast so I could share lessons learned around the business aspects of private practice. Learning About The Financial Side of Private Practice One of the first things you have to learn about private practice is the money side of the business. I put together a course on teaching people about the financial side of private practice. When you go into business, you need to have some money to kind of back that up. A lot of traditional companies do it through investors. In other words, they get people to give them money for some return on that investment. When we go into private practice, we want to be self-sufficient. If you're interested in learning more about managing the financial side of your practice, check out my course Money Matters In Private Practice. Have Money Saved Before Starting Your Private Practice So, I started in private practice, doing it part-time and working for an agency. The extra income took the pressure off of me when I built my private practice. I wouldn't recommend diving into private practice unless you have enough money to back yourself up. I spent a year saving money, so I had a reserve. That way, if something happened, I had a buffer to protect me through emergencies. You need at least three to six months of income and expenses saved away before you jump into full-time. It will take a tremendous amount of pressure off of yourself. There Is More Than Enough Business For All of Us One thing that I've learned during the pandemic is that there is more than enough business for all of us. It's a matter of being able to put yourself out there and market your practice in a way that people can find you. That's all marketing is, is just making sure that you've got a website that is performing well and you are networking with the right people. If you are insurance-based, you need to be on the right insurance panels. I have a Facebook Live where I give all sorts of marketing ideas. You can watch the replay HERE. Keep It Simple When I first started my practice, I made my systems and processes much more complicated than they needed to be. So one of the things I would recommend is to keep it simple and don't make it overly difficult for yourself. People start getting worried about regulations such as HIPAA, state requirements, and all that. You don't want to do anything illegal and unethical. However, these fears can hold us back. You don't need to make things overly complicated. The bottom line to HIPAA is that we protect client information; that's something we do anyway in our profession. Make sure that you encrypt your equipment, and you encrypt your storage of documents. Please read my blog about HIPAA Anxiety In Private Practice. Outsource Your Administrative Functions In Private Practice People are reluctant to invest in things that are going to be a better use of their time. When initially starting a practice, therapists do too much of the work that isn't a good return on their time. For instance, if you're still returning phone calls to your clients and scheduling your clients, then you might want to outsource. Whenever I do consult therapists, that's the first place I start. The more

Have you ever thought about where the seven-day week comes from? In this episode, Joe talks about his brand new book, Thursday Is The New Friday. The seven-day week was created four thousand years ago, and the forty-hour workweek was built in 1926. We are the post-pandemic generation that gets to say, do we want to do work the way we used to, or are we going to create something new? Tune in as we chat about productivity, slowing down, and the importance of outsourcing. Meet Joe Sanok Joe Sanok, MA, LLP, LPC, NCC is the person behind the #1podcast for therapists, The Practice of the Practice. Joe has helped hundreds of private practice owners in growing and scaling their private practices. Joe has also been a mentor and coach for Gordon in his journey and inspired him to start The Practice of Therapy. Joe says, "In 2012 I launched Practice of the Practice to blog about what I was learning about business, marketing, and private practice. Since then, my income has gone up over 2,000%. In the beginning, I was making around $1000 per month. In 2015, I grossed over $200k! In fact, every month I post exactly what I made and how I made it. It's important to me, because we don't usually talk about money and how to make it in an ethical way. I want to increase your influence and your income!" Where Did The Seven-Day Workweek Come From? Where did the seven-day workweek come from? How do we understand just this concept of time to begin? A year makes sense: it's when the earth goes around the sun. Also, a day makes sense: it's how long it takes the world to spin. However, the seven-day workweek doesn't make sense. When the Babylonians over 4,000 years ago looked up in the sky, they saw seven essential things: the sun, the moon, earth, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter. With that, they said we should have a seven-day week. The Romans had a ten-day week, and the Egyptians had an eight-day week. We think that this seven-day week is just how it is. Well, we could have had a five-day week and had seventy-three of them in a year. The Industrialists Gave Us A Forty-Hour Workweek Fast forward to the 1900s; the average person was working ten to fourteen hours a day, six to seven days a week. There were protests around this – people wanted a forty-hour workweek. There was a national lockdown because they were scared that these protests and the uprising would spread. In 1926, Henry Ford said he would start the forty-hour workweek. Henry Ford wanted to sell more cars, and he knew people were not going to buy a car to get to work faster. However, if they had a weekend and wanted to visit their friends and family quickly, they would buy a car. The industrialists gave us this model of how to view the world. It's Time To Slow Down To Get More Done The research shows that when we slow down, when we're not maxed out and stressed out, that's actually when our productivity and our creativity go up. When we slow down correctly, we truly can do better work. You shouldn't check your email after your kids are in bed; maybe you shouldn't work as hard on a Friday, perhaps you should rein in some of those hard and soft boundaries. When you are ready to kill it, how do you do that? We can use neuroscience to inform the way that you work so you get more done. Gordon is a fan of using the Full Focus Planner. It forces Gordon to slow down, think about things, and process stuff in a different way. Most of us are on our phones all day. With the paper planner, we can focus more on what we are doing. Stop Getting Distracted From What Means The Most Whenever you are distracted from your business for one minute, that's one minute less you will get to spend with your friends and family. If you spend half an hour roaming the internet, that's half an hour you could be playing with your children. When you do things that distract you, you are really stealing time from the people you love the most. Often, when we get distracted, it's a lack of planning. If your day is sketched out, then you won't have time for distractions. Think about what is the highest use of your time. Make sure that you blackout time to get done what you need to get done. The Importance of Outsourcing In Private Practice Thursday is the new Friday which means you are giving yourself less time to do the same tasks. If you have 20 tasks in a week, and you give yourself 20% less time, most likely, you're going to drop the ball on some things. That gives you some critical data of what's essential. You're not going to do the fifteen least necessary tasks. Instead, you're going to do the fifteen most important tasks. It's time to outsource the things that you can! There are those things that are not a great use of your time that you hate doing that still need to be done. Find a virtual assistant who can take things off of your plate. Being transparent… Some of the resources below use affiliate links which simply means we receive a commission if you purchase using the links, at no extra cost to yo

Today we talk about preparing for emergencies in private practice. As a solo practitioner, certain things need to be in place before you have an emergency on your hands. If you haven't started preparing yet, then it's not too late! Gabe Nelson joins the show to explain exactly what you need to do to be ready for the worst possible scenarios. Tune in as we chat about saving for emergency funds, getting the right insurance, and ensuring you are protected as a business owner. Meet Gabe Nelson With almost three decades in the financial services industry and more than a decade as an independent small business owner, Gabe Nelson already had an established thriving practice and solid reputation in his industry when he recognized an interesting trend among some of his favorite clients. More and more, he found himself working with self-employed professionals and solo-entrepreneurs. And as a business owner himself, he was fired up about helping them navigate the unique challenges they were facing – because he was just like them. He understood that independent professionals have specific needs. Most financial advisors don't know exactly what it takes to transition from employee to independent contractor status or establish long-term financial security without relying on a regular paycheck. He also knew that with more of the workforce becoming self-employed every day, more people could benefit from working with an advisor who knows how to plan for the whole financial picture, including legal, estate, financial, retirement, life, disability, and more — with an entrepreneurial spirit. So he took his passion for providing a personal touch with hands-on problem-solving and solution-oriented comprehensive planning and decided to focus on serving solo entrepreneurs. Preparing For The Worst Possible Event We're talking about preparing for emergencies or preparing for the worst thing that could possibly happen. It would help if you protect yourself from a crisis as a practicing therapist. This preparation should come in handy whether you're running a solo practice or a group practice. There are certain things that you need to start thinking about and putting into place. For instance, make sure you have money set aside in case something happens. If something does happen to your practice, and you're not able to keep working or seeing your clients, then what is your plan? The pandemic was a great test run for a lot of people. The beautiful thing about therapy is that you can still see clients virtually and do a lot of your practice through telemedicine. Start Saving For Your Emergency Fund Today If you haven't yet, then it's time to set aside a certain amount of money in your practice. It would help if you considered how much money you are willing to save. It can be anywhere from three months to six months or even twelve months. Gabe recommends that solo private practice owners reserve twelve months of their income for emergency use. As a solo practitioner, that business checkbook is kind of like your personal checkbook. Many people think that if their business is doing well, they are going to be okay on the personal side. However, that is not always the case. Do You Have The Proper Insurance? The next step is to start making sure that you've got some adequate insurance in place to protect you from those types of things that could happen. No one ever likes to talk about insurance. I mean, no one's talking about life insurance, and they don't want to talk about disability insurance. These are all things that you need to start thinking about when you are an adult businessperson and running a practice. Make sure that you've got an adequate amount of life insurance in place. Gabe is a huge fan of just Straight Term Life Insurance; keep it simple, get as much coverage as you can, and for the lowest cost. Who Will Take Over Your Business? If something does happen to you, what is going to happen to your business? Do you have another set therapist or a firm that is set and ready to buy your practice from you? That way, you can realize all of those years of hard work you put together to benefit your family? Over the last ten years, the investment advisory world has gotten big into that because they realize the trust and relationships we build with our clients. That's a piece of protection that most solopreneurs don't think about. Find Protection As A Business Owner Lastly, it would help if you had some business owner protection. What if there is a fire at your workplace? What if there is a flood in your home? Do you have some of those protections in place that would at least give you some replacement of income? It would help if you had some insurance protections that would replace your computer or your software. Business owner's insurance is a policy that combines both property and liability coverage into one package. Don't forget to consider other types of insurance like life insurance and disability insurance. Being transparent… Some of

Dr. Chin is here to chat all about her new app, CE Hub. CE Hub is a tool for mental health professionals to store their continuing education certificates and track their units earned toward licensure. You can upload your certificates, and CE Hub will take care of the rest. Tune in as we talk about diversifying your income, the importance of outsourcing, and the nuts and bolts of creating your very own application. Meet Dr. Lani Chin In therapy, my goal is to assist you in addressing issues that are difficult to confront on your own, which often manifest as anxiety, depression, or dissatisfaction in relationships and/or your career. I approach our work together collaboratively, by helping you to articulate your thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment. My task is to encourage you to express yourself, clarify your goals, and explore the obstacles that have held you back. I listen, reflect, and use clinical methods based on my training and expertise. I strive to help you develop strategies that support the progress you desire. I listen for the patterns in your life and help you identify them so that you can develop a clearer understanding of your life experiences and develop new, more satisfying ways of relating. My understanding as a therapist is informed by my training and clinical experience but also grounded by a long-held commitment to my own psychological work and development. The Double Pandemic of Social Isolation Dr. Chin works with people that identify as being different. So whether they are cultural minorities or people in the LGBTQ community, those are mostly the people she works with. Also, Dr. Chin works with individuals, couples, and anyone who identifies as different or feels like they're outside. Usually, Dr. Chin's clients feel a level of isolation in general. Plus, the pandemic has been incredibly difficult. People already feel isolated because they are different on top of the isolation from the pandemic – it's a double whammy for patients. Track Your Continuing Education Certificates Dr. Chin launched the CE Hub App. It's a new, easier way to store and track your Continuing Education certificates. You can safely and conveniently store all of the documents you need to renew your license in one place. Plus, the app lets you track your progress along the way, so you know exactly where you stand. No longer will therapists have to search for misplaced certification, there will be no more guesswork about how many credits you've earned, and no more miscounting when it's time to renew. How The CE Hub App Works First, people log in. The first screen asks you questions about the certificates that you've earned. So you'll enter the title, the number of credits earned, and whether or not it was a live course. You can indicate that on the app and then save a copy of the certificate as a PDF. Then you enter in your license information and what your profession is like psychologist, marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor. You'll also input what state you're in and the number of units you need to complete. Creating Goals Around Continuing Education You can keep a mental goal for yourself. If you want to pursue EMDR training or have X number of diversity credits that you've earned, you can set your personal goals within the app that might go beyond what the state requires. The app then matches what you've entered against what the requirements are. It puts that information into a pie chart. So it graphs out how many certificates you've done, and then it breaks it down by category according to what subject area the credit was in. It stores the certificates for you. So it's all through PDF. Then, if anything happens where you need an additional copy of the certificate, you can get on there and email the PDF to yourself. Outsourcing Work When Creating An App Dr. Chin outsourced the work for her app. She first started with a wireframing of the app. Dr. Chin knew what screens she wanted in the app and the function that they would provide. She's been fortunate that they could translate what she drew and made a pretty nice representation of what she had imagined. The app went from PowerPoint to a fully functioning application. To find people to work on the app, Dr. Chin did a lot of interviews. She wanted someone who understood mental health workers and what psychologists do. If you're looking to outsource, Dr. Chin recommends checking out UpWork. How Creating An App Can Diversify Your Income Dr. Chin likes to do a variety of things during the workweek. Doing an online course wasn't part of her personality – it didn't seem to resonate with who she is. So, Dr. Chin decided to make an app as a way to diversify her income. After talking to her peers, people were excited about the CE Hub App. It's always great to diversify income because you never know what is going to happen. Also, being strictly in private practice can be v

Dr. Chin is here to chat all about her new app, CE Hub. CE Hub is a tool for mental health professionals to store their continuing education certificates and track their units earned toward licensure. You can upload your certificates, and CE Hub will take care of the rest. Tune in as we talk about diversifying your income, the importance of outsourcing, and the nuts and bolts of creating your very own application. Meet Dr. Lani Chin In therapy, my goal is to assist you in addressing issues that are difficult to confront on your own, which often manifest as anxiety, depression, or dissatisfaction in relationships and/or your career. I approach our work together collaboratively, by helping you to articulate your thoughts and feelings in a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental environment. My task is to encourage you to express yourself, clarify your goals, and explore the obstacles that have held you back. I listen, reflect, and use clinical methods based on my training and expertise. I strive to help you develop strategies that support the progress you desire. I listen for the patterns in your life and help you identify them so that you can develop a clearer understanding of your life experiences and develop new, more satisfying ways of relating. My understanding as a therapist is informed by my training and clinical experience but also grounded by a long-held commitment to my own psychological work and development. The Double Pandemic of Social Isolation Dr. Chin works with people that identify as being different. So whether they are cultural minorities or people in the LGBTQ community, those are mostly the people she works with. Also, Dr. Chin works with individuals, couples, and anyone who identifies as different or feels like they're outside. Usually, Dr. Chin's clients feel a level of isolation in general. Plus, the pandemic has been incredibly difficult. People already feel isolated because they are different on top of the isolation from the pandemic – it's a double whammy for patients. Track Your Continuing Education Certificates Dr. Chin launched the CE Hub App. It's a new, easier way to store and track your Continuing Education certificates. You can safely and conveniently store all of the documents you need to renew your license in one place. Plus, the app lets you track your progress along the way, so you know exactly where you stand. No longer will therapists have to search for misplaced certification, there will be no more guesswork about how many credits you've earned, and no more miscounting when it's time to renew. How The CE Hub App Works First, people log in. The first screen asks you questions about the certificates that you've earned. So you'll enter the title, the number of credits earned, and whether or not it was a live course. You can indicate that on the app and then save a copy of the certificate as a PDF. Then you enter in your license information and what your profession is like psychologist, marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor. You'll also input what state you're in and the number of units you need to complete. Creating Goals Around Continuing Education You can keep a mental goal for yourself. If you want to pursue EMDR training or have X number of diversity credits that you've earned, you can set your personal goals within the app that might go beyond what the state requires. The app then matches what you've entered against what the requirements are. It puts that information into a pie chart. So it graphs out how many certificates you've done, and then it breaks it down by category according to what subject area the credit was in. It stores the certificates for you. So it's all through PDF. Then, if anything happens where you need an additional copy of the certificate, you can get on there and email the PDF to yourself. Outsourcing Work When Creating An App Dr. Chin outsourced the work for her app. She first started with a wireframing of the app. Dr. Chin knew what screens she wanted in the app and the function that they would provide. She's been fortunate that they could translate what she drew and made a pretty nice representation of what she had imagined. The app went from PowerPoint to a fully functioning application. To find people to work on the app, Dr. Chin did a lot of interviews. She wanted someone who understood mental health workers and what psychologists do. If you're looking to outsource, Dr. Chin recommends checking out UpWork. How Creating An App Can Diversify Your Income Dr. Chin likes to do a variety of things during the workweek. Doing an online course wasn't part of her personality – it didn't seem to resonate with who she is. So, Dr. Chin decided to make an app as a way to diversify her income. After talking to her peers, people were excited about the CE Hub App. It's always great to diversify income because you never know what is going to happen. Also, being strictly in private practice can be v