Fearless Practice

Every private practice is a little different in how it goes about business, especially when it comes to having contract therapists. Usually, the practice owner and contractor figure out the best system that works for them, which means there is generally more than one way around a problem! Regarding compensation for my contract therapist, we have tried and tested a few options before settling on what works best for us: a percentage-based compensation system with an invoice-accrued model. If you’d like some tips on how I manage this process each month (or you want to know what this even means!), welcome to this podcast episode. In this episode: My experience with growth Why finding the right compensation model matters How to pay a contract therapist How to use the invoice-accrued model My experience with growth If you’ve been following my private practice journey over the past few years, you’ll know that I've grown my solo practice into a small group private practice by hiring my first contract therapist. Why finding the right compensation model matters Each practice may do things differently. It is important to find the right compensation model for the therapist contractors in your practice, because how you pay them will directly affect their financial stability, as well as their job satisfaction. I decided to hire a contractor instead of an employee because I run a smaller business. Having a contract therapist means less paperwork, more financial stability, and tax headaches for me, and it also gives the contractor more freedom, flexibility, and potential to earn more each month. How to pay the contract worker First, we decided it would be a monthly payout, rather than a bi-weekly payout. Then, we had to decide on the payout model: invoice-accrual-based pay or cash-based pay. If you want a quick recap on the definitions: 1 - Invoiced (Accrual-Based) Pay: Payment is based on services rendered within a calendar month, regardless of whether the clinic or practice has been paid by the client or insurer. Example: If a therapist delivers 20 sessions in August, they get paid for 20 sessions at the end of August or early September — even if the client hasn’t paid yet. 2 - Collected (Cash-Based) Pay: Payment is based on what the clinic has actually collected from clients or insurers. Example: If only 12 of the 20 August sessions have been paid by clients, the therapist is paid for only those 12 — the rest is delayed until collected. We then tried the cash-collected method for a couple of months, when I switched to direct billing last year. I decided to do this switch because sometimes insurance companies do not pay out quickly! It could sometimes take more than a month. However, this led to more unpredictability for my contract therapist regarding how much she was going to be paid each month as well as more time spent on discussions about billing. So I decided to switch back to the invoice-accrued method. How to use the invoice-accrued model You may be wondering how I figure out how much to pay my contractor with the percentage-based pay. Honestly, Jane App does it all! Some of my tips include: Go into settings Then billing settings Select the “accounting method”, either cash or accrual Then go to “Reports”, select “Payroll” and then “Compensation”, the staff member and the date range, and it will show you their commission in the payment model you have selected! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 172: Michael Sorsdahl: CCPA’s New Ethics Case Book and Why You Must Read It | EP 172 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Today, Jules takes another trip down memory lane, revisiting a gem from the Fearless Practice archives. In this encore episode, Jules talks to Michael Sorsdahl about the new CCPA revised ethics case book. You can find the show notes to the original episode here. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Liv Noël Dakkak: Niching With Your Passion in Private Practice | ep 171 Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Do what you love, and you won’t work a day in your life? Close, but not quite! Niching down and working within your passion and ideal client group will still take effort and work, but it can be easier than staying a generalist, especially if you are dreaming about working more intentionally with the groups of people you care the most about helping. In today’s episode, I speak with Liv (they/them) about niching down, starting a private practice, and running workshops, all of which they started in an effort to reshape their life around their needs, dreams, and desires. So, it’s maybe not about not working at all, but about doing the work that feels right for you! MEET LIV Liv (they/them) is a registered social worker who works primarily with queer, neurodivergent and disabled folks who have experienced trauma. They are guided by anti-oppressive, strength-based, trauma-informed care and use methods such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to get to the root of what you are struggling with. They offer services to individuals and partners, youths and adults, virtually across Ontario and in-person in Cornwall. Learn more about Liv on their Psychology Today profile and bookings page. In this episode: Why Liv became a social worker Starting a private practice Partnering with aligned organizations Niching down to boost success Advice for listeners Why Liv became a social worker From Liv’s personal experience, as well as seeing people struggle with mental health, they felt drawn to becoming a Registered Social Worker to help people go through life a little more easily. Additionally, Liv works primarily with queer, neurodivergent, and disabled folks because they have these life experiences too. Starting a private practice After Liv’s extensive experience working in the public sector, they started to consider opening up a Canadian private practice. This was partially due to burnout, a need to structure work around their health more, and simply a desire for something new in their career. Starting a private practice allowed Liv to create the life that they wanted to live. One that was professionally structured around their personal needs, and that supported a happier, healthier, freer lifestyle with less stress and more flexibility. After working in the public sector, Liv worked in another group practice, but after a few months, they started their own private practice, which is what Liv is doing now. Partnering with aligned organizations Liv’s private practice is going well! Now that they’re able to work more freely, Liv can build the practice from the ground up in close alignment with their values. Also, Liv has started to partner with organizations where they see drop-in clients. Liv explains that they know things take time, so they are making professional moves to increase clients, market the practice, and collaborate with like-minded organizations while slowly growing the solo practice each month. Niching down to boost success To stand out and connect with their ideal clients, Liv has made a big effort to niche down. Niching down in private practice is not only a great business strategy for success, but also a method for you to really integrate your work with your passion. Liv has also begun participating in workshops to expand their client base and strengthen their professional network. Advice for listeners Things take time! Be patient, especially in the first few months of private practice. Don’t let impostor syndrome get you down, since sometimes you will need to put in lots of effort before you see a return on it. So, be patient, keep going, and work with your passion! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Catharine Martin: Inside Jane App’s AI Scribe | EP 170 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use...

You have heard about AI everywhere, and now it is being used within EMR services. If you feel unsure about this topic or you want to learn more, then definitely play this episode and join us for the conversation! In this podcast episode, Catharine from Jane App and I discuss how Jane App incorporates AI into their EMR, including some general best practice guidelines about how you can use to use Jane’s AI Script services ethically and safely in your practice. MEET CATHARINE Catharine Martin is the Privacy and Compliance Manager at Jane App, where she plays a key leadership role in shaping and overseeing the company’s privacy and regulatory strategies. With a strong background in data protection and compliance, she works closely with healthcare practitioners to ensure their practices meet evolving privacy requirements while also finding practical ways to reduce administrative burden. Beyond her work at Jane, Catharine is also a dedicated Pilates instructor, bringing the same focus and discipline to her teaching as she does to her professional work. Learn more about Catharine on her LinkedIn profile. In this episode: Working with Jane App AI Scribe AI in client diagnostics It is all up to you Jane’s appearance in The Globe and Mail Working with Jane App Catharine, 20 years ago, after giving birth, had a radical and unexpected medical event that left her in a brief coma, experiencing multiple organ failure. However, due to her incredible doctors, her strength, and a lot of luck, she survived and kept all her organs, without needing any transplants, and went on to make a full recovery. How did this bring her to work for Jane App? After what Catharine went through, she felt so drawn to Jane App’s vision to “Help the helpers”, that she started working for the company to further their mission. AI Scribe Jane App offers an AI scribe feature. It essentially charts notes from your sessions with clients in your own voice. Jane secured a third-party vendor who is known for their robust privacy practices, which are all compliant with the required ethical laws and privacy legislation, to help them integrate the AI tool. AI in client diagnostics ‘As part of using Jane’s AI Scribe, therapy notes are included, but not diagnostic suggestions. As in, diagnostic suggestions are not coming from any AI-powered tool. Diagnostic suggestions are coming from a human, providing care to another human.’ - Catharine Martin Even though Jane App makes use of AI in some of their service offerings, they are critical of making sure that it is being used ethically and appropriately, and only for admin-related tasks. The care suggestions and client diagnostics will still only come from you, the client’s therapist, based on your sessions together. It is all up to you With your Jane App subscription, when it comes to AI, it is all up to you. You don’t have to make sure of it, even though it is being offered to you. You can easily opt in or out of using it within your Jane App subscription, hassle-free. Also, consider the risk of any tool that you use when you are weighing up whether to use it or not. Jane’s appearance in The Globe and Mail Jane App made great headlines in one of The Globe and Mail’s articles for reaching a $1.8-billion valuation. Jane App is looking to adopt AI on a grand scale by continuing to explore its benefits ethically to help more helpers. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 169: Rachel Brennan: Keeping Connection in an Online Group Practice | EP 169 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Catharine on her LinkedIn profile Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Do you run a Canadian group private practice? Are you mostly (or all) online? It can be tricky to maintain the community feeling of an online group practice, especially with a few therapists and employees, and especially if community is one of your business values. However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible! My guest today, Rachel, and I discuss how to incorporate different systems in private practice to maintain a sense of community and connection, as well as how to be authentic in your marketing and in the work your practice puts out into the community. MEET RACHEL Rachel Brennan is an Ontario-based Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Eras Therapy & Wellness, a Canadian virtual group private practice. She has a clinical focus on childhood and relational trauma, as well as anxiety, self-esteem, and body image issues. Based in Toronto, Rachel is passionate about offering high-quality, authentic, and human-centered therapy that prioritizes genuine connection and emotional safety. Outside the therapy room, she can often be found adventuring with her two rescue dogs or planning her next trip across the globe. Learn more about Rachel on her practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles. In this episode: Why Rachel became a therapist Starting her private practice Turning the practice into a group Maintaining the connection in an online group practice Advice to listeners Why Rachel became a therapist Rachel first completed two years of medical school, because it was her first plan. However, due to developing a brain injury and chronic illnesses, she decided to pivot her life. Starting her private practice Rachel was dedicated to opening up her Canadian private practice even while she was still completing her Master's degree. After graduating, Rachel jumped into private practice and has not looked back since! Her private practice is currently totally virtual, and even though it works very well for her and her team now, she may open up a physical office space in the future. Turning the practice into a group Rachel hired her first associate, who still works within her practice, and registered her practice as a practicum site so that she can take in students as well. She collaborates with supervisors who work with her and the students. Rachel is taking it slow and checking in with herself and her team to make sure the practice is growing sustainably. Maintaining the connection in an online group practice There are a few things that Rachel and her team do to make sure that the sense of community within the group practice is nourished and maintained, especially since they all work online. There are: Monthly team meetings Continuous peer consultation groups Group chats for daily and weekly connections Two in-person events every year for the staff Rachel’s group practice also uses Jane App for their bookings, and it’s a lifesaver. ‘I feel like I could not do this without Jane, honestly! It makes everything so easy … They’re always making improvements too, I’ve had no issues with video call quality or anything like that.’ - Rachel Brennan Advice to listeners Do what feels authentic and organic for you when it comes to marketing to put your best foot forward. Also, immerse yourself in what you want! For example, surround yourself with people who have private practices when you want to build one yourself. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 168: Dakota Grass: Life as a New Canadian Private Practice Owner | EP 168 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Rachel on her practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, ...

Have you felt a pull to starting and running your group private practice? Are you ready to trade the security of being an employee for someone else’s business for the freedom of being your own boss? In today’s episode, I speak with Dakota about why (and how) she stopped working for other people and started working for herself. She enjoyed being in a group private practice so much that she wanted to start her own! Join us today to hear more about how she made the transition, how it’s going now, and about an easy trick you can use to boost your Psychology Today profile ranking online! MEET DAKOTA Dakota (she/her) is a registered social worker with a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology who owns Down to Earth Counselling and Consultation in London, Ontario. As a neurodivergent, queer, cisgender woman and White settler based in London, Ontario, she offers relational, client-centered psychotherapy to children, youth, young adults, and couples. Dakota values authenticity and connection, showing up as a human first and a therapist second. Her work focuses on fostering meaningful therapeutic relationships and supporting clients in deepening their connections with themselves and others. Learn more about Dakota on her practice website, LinkedIn, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles. In this episode: Becoming a therapist Opening her own private practice Peer consulting with other therapists How to boost your Psychology Today profile Dakota’s advice for listeners Becoming a therapist Once Dakota realized that she wanted to spend more time working in a clinical setting, she went back to school to become a therapist. Opening her own private practice Now, Dakota has launched her private practice and intends to expand it into a group practice. Dakota has surprised herself with enjoying the business side of running a private practice more than she thought she would. This aspect of being a private practice owner, the fact that you can do multiple things throughout the week, makes it more interesting, nuanced, and diverse. ‘It’s nice to do therapy for a bit, run the business for a bit, the podcast for a bit, mix it up!’ - Jules Smith Peer consulting with other therapists One of Dakota’s values, upon which she founded her Canadian private practice, is connection, and that includes the connection she has with her clients and also with her fellow clinicians and practice owners. Dakota uses Instagram mostly to connect with other therapists, and also for her marketing efforts. How to boost your Psychology Today profile About once a week, Dakota will edit something small on her Psychology Today profile, which boosts it on webpage searches. It’s not the only thing you need to do to get your marketing schedule working well! However, when you often edit and update your socials, it shows Google and other platforms that your website or listing is active, and Google favours that. When client conversions are slow, Dakota will take the time that she would have spent seeing clients into marketing her practice, broadening its reach, and increasing her efforts to find new clients in the upcoming days or weeks. Dakota’s advice for listeners The growth that comes with starting a private practice often requires embracing uncertainty and learning curves! Reflect on these hurdles in the road, and know that they are part of the journey. So, keep going! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 167: Ali Joy Richardson and Neil Silcox: Running a Successful Practice as a Couple | EP 167 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Dakota on her practice website, LinkedIn, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to...

Ali and Neil have worked together for years in theatre before opening up a private practice together. Ali started first, and Neil joined her once they completed their qualifications. If you want to learn more about how they built their Canadian private practice, including tips on how to work well with your partner, listen in on the conversation today! MEET ALI and NEIL Ali Joy Richardson (she/her) is a Registered Counselling Therapist and private practice owner of Richardson Therapy in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She provides narrative therapy in support of teens, adults, and couples with a focus on helping people create healthy relationships and heal from abuse. Ali is a published playwright and theatre artist who has directed and written plays across Canada. Neil Silcox (he/they) is a Registered Counselling Therapist (Candidate), a teacher, and a theatre artist. His therapeutic work is focused on masculinity, ADHD, and navigating artistic and academic careers. He has taught theatre in colleges and universities across Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces, and creates theatre and performance art that explores identity, gender, and wellbeing. Neil collaborates artistically and in private practice with his wife, Ali Joy Richardson (and their dog, Mackey). Learn more about Ali and Neil on their practice website, Ali’s Psychology Today, and Neil’s Psychology Today profiles. In this episode: Why Ali and Neil decided to become therapists Working together as a couple The private practice now Marketing the practice: highs and lows Why authenticity is important Advice to listeners Why Ali and Neil decided to become therapists As Ali explains, the relationship between the director and the actors is intimate and collaborative. Actors and directors alike draw from their personal experiences when they are creating productions and plays together. A few years later, Ali worked on a series of shows about mental health for pre-teen audiences called “One Deep Breath”, which was toured and presented to over 80,000 students in Ontario. This sparked a deeper interest in her to pursue becoming a therapist herself. For Neil, it came from his teaching experience. Students would come to him and discuss their lifepaths beyond education, and Neil found himself talking with them for a long time. Working together as a couple Ali and Neil have been working as a team for years. They have collaborated professionally and creatively for such a long time that it felt obvious and familiar for them to decide to go into private practice together as well. They have worked at perfecting how to manage working together as a couple, such as when to talk to each other and discuss new things to do if any resentment builds, how to show and give appreciation, and providing safe and loving spaces outside of work that they can share. The private practice now The practice has been going well for them. Since it is still small, they appreciate connecting with clients, because these clients choose the two of them specifically, rather than a big organization. Marketing the practice: highs and lows Both Neil and Ali have leaned into their strengths when it comes to marketing the practice. Neil brings people together, hosts in-person meetings and therapy, and connects with other therapists, creating a strong network of professionals and client referrals. Ali does more one-on-one work and brings in new people into the practice in this way. Why authenticity is important However, they decided to pull back on paid ads and social media. They experimented with it for some time, but it just didn’t work how they had anticipated. Advice to listeners Put things in writing! It helps protect you from resentment (with your partner, family, best friends, or other people whom you care for). Write down clear roles and responsibilities, because it creates a sense of freedom, rather than stress. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep...

Something has been bubbling up in me after watching a skit from Canada’s Baroness von Sketch show a couple of years ago. In this sketch, they highlight how land acknowledgment without material giving can often feel performative or incomplete. So I decided to make a change in my own Canadian private practice. I have started donating a percentage of our monthly gross income to the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In this episode, I’m sharing what “land tax” and “reparations” actually mean, why you may consider incorporating them into your private practice, and how you can start doing this in your practice or business. This may not be the whole answer, but it can be a meaningful step forward. In this episode: Putting my money where my mouth is What “land tax” and “reparations” actually mean Why you should consider donating How I make the donations in my private practice Putting my money where my mouth is It’s one thing to say we care about something—but in a capitalist society, the reality is that money carries immense power. The good news is, we can choose to direct that power toward justice by being intentional about where and how we spend, invest, and give. The issues of land reparations have always been close to my heart, and I am glad that I have started to practice this value instead of only talking about it. What “land tax” and “reparations” actually mean Reparations refer to intentionally giving back or redistributing resources, often financial, to communities that have been harmed or dispossessed. In Canada’s case, indigenous communities. Reparations are also not just symbolic, they are material, consistent acts of accountability due to past colonization, land theft, and systemic harm. Similarly, but distinct, land tax is a grassroots concept. It is not a government-enforced tax. Businesses and people can voluntarily donate money to indigenous communities, acknowledging that they are benefiting from living and working on indigenous land. Why you should consider donating Many people feel on the fence about contributing to something like land tax or reparations efforts because they believe that since they didn’t personally steal the land, they shouldn’t have to make amends for it. To be honest, this is something I’ve thought about too. But even then, I knew the way things were didn’t sit right with me. Here’s why you may want to consider paying land tax and reparations too: 1 - You are benefiting from stolen land ‘Even if you didn’t take the land yourself, you are living and working on it. Land that was never sold or surrendered. That benefit: housing, business, income, stability, comes from a colonial system that displaced indigenous peoples.’ - Jules Smith 2 - It’s about responsibility, not guilt Land tax isn’t about “feeling bad” or being blamed. It’s about recognizing that we all have a role in repairing harm — especially if we benefit from systems that were built through dispossession. 3 - It supports indigenous-led solutions ‘Your contribution helps fund community programs, housing, food security, cultural revitalisation, and other essential work - led by indigenous people for indigenous people!’ - Jules Smith 4 - It’s a form of reparative justice because it is one small step in a larger process of reconciliation It’s one small, material step in a larger process of reconciliation. Words and land acknowledgments are important, but they don’t change material conditions. Consistent giving is a way to restore some measure of balance. How I make the donations in my private practice Each month, I head into my Jane App account and pull my monthly gross income report, which is created before business expenses are taken out. I calculate the percentage I have committed to donating, and then I e-transfer that amount directly to a donation center I have chosen to partner with. It is that simple! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep...

Jenny moved to Canada with her family when she was five years old as a war refugee. As she grew up, she wanted to give back to the community that helped her and her family, and found herself becoming a mental health professional. Now, as a boss and Canadian private practice owner, Jenny uses her principles and intentions as guideposts to keep her working with integrity and a steadfast commitment to her initial dreams and community. Listen in on our episode today to learn more about how you can build a private practice based on your values, too! MEET JENNY Jenny Jonker, MSW, RSW, is the founder of Dragonfly Counselling and Wellness, where a human-centered, trauma-informed approach is central to her work. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in complex trauma and integrates EMDR, CBT, DBT, and ACT. A refugee of war from Nicaragua, Jenny draws on her own lived experiences with resettlement, grief, and PTSD to build authentic, compassionate connections with clients. She and her team are committed to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all, offering therapy, workshops, and clinical support in both local and Indigenous communities like Six Nations. At the core of her work is a belief in healing through connection, cultural humility, and empowerment. Learn more about Jenny on her Psychology Today, Instagram profile, and practice website. In this episode: Jenny’s entry into therapy First private practice experience Marketing and building a group practice Jenny’s advice to listeners Jenny’s entry into therapy Jenny’s first degree was actually in International Relations, and when she graduated, she began working with refugees and immigrants as a way of giving back. From that inspirational meeting, Jenny went on to complete her BSW and MSW. She worked in school boards, a sexual assault center, and child welfare, and eventually went into private practice when she started working on reserves. First private practice experience So far, Jenny has really loved her group private practice work, even though it can be challenging. Her Canadian private practice is in various partnerships with other organizations. These intentions have helped guide Jenny in her decision-making process, especially when it comes to hiring the right staff and offering the best services for their client base. Marketing and building a group practice One of Jenny’s best marketing practices has been relational marketing. Jenny knows that when you are intentional and committed, people will find and come to you for help. Therefore, she and her team make it one of the practice’s missions to be connected with their community and get to know their client base intimately. Doing good work and knowing that good people will come relates both to clients and to clinicians. The future of Dragonfly counselling Jenny has started to outsource work that she finds tough doing, such as her SEO and various aspects of running the business. Outsourcing marketing is a great way to save up your time to focus on what you love to do, and get your business seen without too much stress and worry. In the future, Jenny still wants to keep Dragonfly more intimate and small, and would only grow it larger if she saw the need to do so. Jenny’s advice to listeners Don’t be afraid to lead with your story! Because your genuine stories are impactful for clients. Share ethically and openly, because it shows your clients that you are a fellow person going through life, just like they are. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 164: Janet and Jasmine Melo-Thaiss: A Practice Run by a Mother-Daughter Duo | EP 164 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Jenny on her Psychology...

What unfolds when a mother and daughter turn their lifelong bond into a shared practice? Would you be curious to know how they manage it while keeping their personal relationship secure? In this podcast episode, I chat with Janet and Jasmine, two Canadian therapists from Ontario who have recently launched their private practice. We discuss what’s working, what’s not, what they are doing about it, and some advice for your Canadian private practice journey. Come sit in! MEET THE SOUTH TREE THERAPY TEAM Soul Tree Therapy was born from the deep bond and shared vision of a mother-daughter duo who are passionate about personal healing, growth, and connection. As cofounders, they have combined their unique perspectives, experiences, and expertise to create a virtual therapy clinic that reflects their core values of compassion, nonjudgment, and collaboration. The team uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to equip clients with the tools and insights necessary to navigate life’s challenges and cultivate emotional resilience. Learn more about Soul Tree Therapy on the website, Instagram page, and Facebook. In this episode: The origins of Soul Tree Therapy Running a family practice professionally Setting boundaries between work and family time Advice for listeners The Origins of Soul Tree Therapy Jasmine is a Registered Social Worker, and Janet, her mother, is a Registered Psychotherapist. She and her mother began talking about the possibility of working together, and a few months after they both completed their Masters and PhDs, respectively, and opened up their private practice in December 2024! Running a family practice professionally Both Jasmine and Janet see their clients individually, either in person or virtually. Interestingly, they don’t conduct client sessions together—a fact that often surprises people. However, this approach allows each of them to focus fully on their individual clinical work, while collaborating closely on the business side. They’ve found that this balance enables them to do their best work, both as therapists and as partners in running their practice. In maintaining the practice, Jasmine runs its marketing aspect. As such, she’s often improving her marketing skills by learning new tools and trying out new strategies. Janet works on the administrative and managerial side of the business, so their team is balanced in skill and expertise. Setting boundaries between work and family time ‘I think I was more nervous about how it was going to go than it actually went … We set healthy boundaries between work and family time, and honestly, I have to give Jasmine complete kudos because I’m a workaholic!’ - Janet Melo-Thaiss The mother-daughter duo has mastered not working themselves to the bone, and also how to keep their personal and professional relationships separate. By being open and honest with one another, they keep each other accountable with honest compassion. They encourage and gently nudge each other to stick to their roles and grow within them, too. ‘We also disagree respectfully, which is also what I think has been working for us.’ - Janet Melo-Thaiss Advice for listeners If you can, when you notice any self-doubt creeping in, focus on what you can do and what is in your control. A lot of things can be challenging, and there are many different types of fears which go around that people have in the field, but remember to stay consistent over time and be clear about who you want to help to keep yourself clear-headed and calm. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 163: Gender Transitioning in Canadian Private Practice | EP 163 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Rate, review, and subscribe to...

There are many changes that can happen in private practice, and they can range, depending on what happens in life, from getting married and changing your name, to rebranding your Canadian private practice and even to discovering more about yourself. Sometimes, the transition is even more significant—and there's something I'd really like to share with you. In this episode, I talk about transitioning in a Canadian private practice. This is, both personally and professionally, indeed a significant transition, and with everything so far in my private practice and podcast, sharing tips and advice with you is important to me, especially if you are in a similar boat. Join in to hear, learn, and know how to do more! In this episode: Let the necessary parties know Update your photos and copy Join a queer and trans therapist network! Let the necessary parties know ‘If you decide to change your name, let the licensing parties that you are a part of know, even if you are not legally changing your name, it can be beneficial to let them know your preferred name so that they know how to address you.’ - Jules Smith During your transition, it is essential that you continue to keep everything organized and aligned as best you can, since potential and current clients may be searching your name and your Canadian practice’s name. Doing this first can help you start the rest of the changes with ease. Regarding essential communication lines that you may need to change, such as an email address, my provider Hushmail was great in helping me to change my email address without any hassle and they made sure that if someone emails my past email address—those emails will be forwarded to my new email address! Update your photos and copy When you start changing other essential information about you within your business, such as your: - Photos - Psychology Today profile information - Your name - The copy on your website - Social media platforms Be prepared for a possible quiet drop in client outreach. Hopefully it will begin to slowly level out again. ‘I now present as masculine, so my updated photos look very different, as well as [the fact that] my copy now says that I am a part of the queer and trans community of Halifax—it may take time for clients to recognize and trust my new identity.’ - Jules Smith Either way, before you begin to implement these changes on your website, diversify your income streams or build up an emergency savings fund to keep things financially stable until your Canadian private practice picks up again. Join a queer and trans therapist network! ‘In Halifax, we have the Queer and Trans Therapists of Nova Scotia … And I really hope that every province has a queer and trans network. If your province doesn’t, this is your sign to start one!’ - Jules Smith These networks are incredibly helpful for professional networking with other queer therapists, as well as building community and for possibly finding supervision. There are more links to learn more below in these show notes. I’m so glad that you are here! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 162: New Scheduling Tips for Private Practice in Canada | EP 162 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Mentioned links: Hushmail link: https://www.hushmail.com/ How to queer your practice: https://www.amazon.ca/Queering-Your-Therapy-Practice-Identities/dp/036782020X Biographies about trans identities: https://www.amazon.ca/Me-Myself-They-Non-Binary-Life/dp/148700477X https://www.amazon.ca/Redefining-Realness-Path-Womanhood-Identity/dp/1476709130 https://www.amazon.ca/Beyond-Gender-Binary-Alok-Vaid-Menon/dp/0593094654/ Fictional but informational...

The one thing I now know is that “The only constant in life is change!” I used to try to find the perfect scheduling system and the perfect way to manage my working hours. However, usually, as soon as I thought I found it, something in life would change, and the “perfect” schedule would no longer be suitable. At first, I thought I just had to keep pushing to find the “right” way to manage my time, but what I have been learning is that I can incorporate more flexibility into my working schedule and consider myself an important factor too. In this episode, I’ll share with you my lived experience through the ordeal of scheduling that many therapists are familiar with, including my newfound knowledge, tips, and what I have decided to do going forward. It may be helpful to you as well! In this episode: The situation often changes Practicing being flexible and fluid What I am doing these days The situation often changes One of the things I came to learn about myself through private practice is that I used to think there was a perfect way of living. That somehow I could figure out the perfect system, and use it forever! However, that hasn’t turned out how I had imagined it would. ‘When I started private practice, I thought that there was this perfect way to schedule my work life, and that once I found this perfect schedule, I would be set for the rest of my career! That I’d be stress-free, happy, and satisfied … I’ve tried to find a permanent way to schedule my private practice time, but every time I try to find it … Things change!’ - Jules Smith Once I seem to find the perfect system, life changes! My work or personal commitments change, my energy levels change, and the situation simply becomes different and unsuitable for the system I had thought was perfect. Practicing being flexible and fluid ‘It has become so clear to me that the quote, “The only constant in life is change”, is so true! So this past year, as I have realised that things are always going to be changing and that I should be more fluid with my schedule, I’ve started to play around with it.’ - Jules Smith Over this past year, I have changed, too. I decided to try incorporating the way I felt more into the work that I was doing instead of allowing the schedule to rule my days, and leave no room for my needs as they changed. If you want the backstories, you can listen to episode 77 where I talk about trying a 50/50 work-week, and then it’s update at episode 97! What I am doing these days What has been working for me a lot of the time is still following a loose 50/50 work week, where I work Monday through Wednesday, and half of Thursday. I’ve been doing this for a couple of years now, and I really enjoy this routine and type of scheduling system, where I complete admin in the morning, have lunch, work out in the afternoon, and then see clients in the evening. However, even though I enjoy this system, I have been incorporating more flexibility into it, especially if I have some creative energy that I want to use in the business. As long as I can pay the bills, I have begun to give myself more freedom, and it has made a wonderful difference! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 161: Suki O’Huallachain: Growing a Successful Private Practice in Canada | EP 161 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

You go to school, complete your Masters degree, and juggle multiple jobs while starting your Canadian private practice. What happens now? Suki, my guest in today’s podcast episode, carried her childhood curiosity with her through her academic and professional journey, and it has served her well. Working in alignment with her inner values and principles has helped her stay true to the course. Now, Suki’s practice is full, and she’s looking to hire an associate. In today’s episode, we discuss her journey and tips for having your own unique, great private practice experience. Listen in! MEET SUKI Suki O’Huallachain (o-who-la-hon) is a CCC therapist located in Port Coquitlam, BC. She has been a therapist since 2018 and has recently transitioned to private practice after working for almost 6 years in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Suki is currently navigating hiring an associate and focusing on the “business” side of therapy as her practice is now full after 1 year. Learn more about Suki on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles. In this episode: Suki’s therapist origin story Going through university Transitioning out of a government job Becoming full in private practice Suki’s advice to listeners Suki’s therapist origin story Suki had always been interested in people, how and why they act the way that they do, and this powerful curiosity came with her from childhood into her Canadian private practice. When Suki went to university, she started with science. However, she soon discovered that it was not for her! So, she pivoted direction and completed her degree in health science and biology. Going through university Once Suki got into her Master’s program, she started having to balance her work life with her school responsibilities. She worked in a recreational mental health program while studying different modalities and spent this time figuring out what she wanted her niche to be. Suki thoroughly enjoyed her Masters because it allowed her the chance to try out different modalities until she found the one that she felt the most comfortable and best-fit with. It also taught her that she is allowed to change, both in specialty and modality, while still being experienced. Transitioning out of a government job Suki worked at a government job for a while when she was in the process of building up her private practice, and it was tough with 10-hour shifts! But now, she has fully transitioned into her private practice. It was tough for Suki to leave her government job. Some of her clients had been clients of hers for five years, so leaving her position was difficult. Suki wanted to make sure that they got the care and attention they needed and wanted, especially those who have trauma with saying goodbye and changing therapists. Becoming full in private practice Initially, Suki was subletting an office space in a different community, but she knew that she wanted to be closer to home, and luckily, her clients decided to move with her! Now, in her new location, she’s full! Currently, Suki is working five days a week and trying to find a balance. She wants to navigate the business part of it while still meeting her own needs and being her own boss. To manage her schedule to her needs, Suki’s been using Jane App, and it has made managing her professional and personal life so much easier. Now, Suki’s goals have turned toward hiring a great associate for her private practice. She wants to figure out what success means to her in private practice and then hire a Canadian therapist based on that conclusion. These principles keep her guided and grounded and help her to build a practice that she feels aligned with and proud of. Suki’s advice to listeners No fixed roadmap or plan will give you all the answers, but if you are eager and curious, you can create a practice that fits you like a glove and serves your clients the best. Remember, if it doesn’t work, you are allowed to change! Connect...

Lyba’s niche, vision, and mission all revolve around authenticity, connection, and community. She uses community in her marketing networks and in the goals that she sets for herself, as well as a guiding principle for her practice to incorporate the future. Having this vision in mind is a great guiding light that can help you keep yourself - and your Canadian private practice - on track toward your dreams. In this podcast episode, Lyba and I talk about her new private practice, how she’s managing working in other practices and agencies while growing her business, and how helpful values are in helping you to build a strong, consistent practice. MEET LYBA Lyba is the founder of The Healing Mosaic, a private practice that integrates eco-somatics to help individuals achieve deep, transformative healing. Her work focuses on building a strong connection between the mind, body, and subtle body, fostering a holistic approach to wellness. Through somatic therapies, Lyba guides clients to become more attuned to their physical sensations, emotions, and energetic states, creating a deeper awareness of their internal world. Learn more about Lyba on her Instagram, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles and website. In this episode: Why Lyba became a therapist Getting into private practice Using the power of community Advice to listeners Why Lyba became a therapist Before Lyba met her therapist, who also had completed her studies at Yorkville as Lyba would later do, she had not thought about becoming a therapist herself. Lyba was interested in mental health but was not yet sure what she wanted to do with it. Lyba explains that she didn’t enjoy academia much as a child during school, but when she was completing her therapy training at Yorkville, she loved it! Getting into private practice Lyba went straight into private practice after graduating. She continued working at the private practice where she had completed her practicum, which made the transition earlier. At the moment, Lyba explains that it is a little chaotic when it comes to trying to balance the schedules and getting overbooked, but it has been good for her. She says that it’s something that works for her because the agency provides stability while she builds up her practice. Marketing the private practice Along with having built her website, Lyba has been exploring different ways of marketing her practice and directing new clients toward it. Lyba uses social media marketing strategies, as well as working with community networks. However, she has found it challenging! But she is making it work with her current schedule as best as possible. Using the power of community Lyba wants to use the power of community in her marketing as much as possible because it connects with her niche, which is to work with highly sensitive people, artists, and creatives. Lyba wants to collaborate with a team in a physical space in the future to bring her mission to fruition in Hamilton, Ontario. She wants to take many steps to get there, but she’s not thinking about a timeline yet. Lyba wants to let things grow organically while balancing her current work obligations. Advice to listeners Slow down, and give yourself breaks. It can be challenging when you start, and give yourself the grace and space to let the progress develop instead of trying to get everything done in a day. It takes time to build a strong and dependable foundation for your practice, so take it slow and steady! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 159: Mark Pioro: Ontario Psychotherapy Rules and Regulations Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Lyba on her Instagram, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles...

Today, Julia takes another trip down memory lane, revisiting a gem from the Fearless Practice archives. In this encore episode, Julia talks to Mark, the Deputy Registrar and General Counsel at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) about the rules and regulations that apply to registered psychotherapists in private practice. You can find the show notes to the original episode here. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Ep 158: Julia Smith and Jane Donovan: Inside Insight Mental Health Counselling | ep 158 Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Purchase the workbook on How To Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

In 2016, Julia reached out to Jane in her search for a narrative supervisor. Both of them were drawn to narrative therapy - Jane already having many years of experience with the modality, and agreed to be Julia’s supervisor. In 2020, when Julia was building up her virtual practice, she reached out to Jane to see if she would be interested in becoming an associate, and Jane agreed again! Now, their paths have shifted again, and they are colleagues and friends. In this podcast episode, Julia and Jane discuss the origins of their professional connection, what it is like to work together, and the advice that they have for listeners who are curious about Canadian private practice. MEET JULIA AND JANE Julia Smith is a Registered Counselling Therapist and the Clinical Director at Insight Mental Health Counselling in Halifax. Julia specializes in working with teens and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, life transitions, identity challenges, and burnout. They use narrative therapy to help clients find clarity and confidence in navigating life's challenges. Jane Donovan is a Registered Counselling Therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting adults and couples in building healthy relationships. She works with clients experiencing communication difficulties, conflict, and feelings of disconnection. Jane utilizes evidence-based approaches, including narrative, solution-focused, and art therapy, to help individuals and couples develop stronger bonds and achieve their relationship goals. Learn more about Julia on her LinkedIn and Psychology Today profiles, Jane on her Psychology Today profile, and both of them on the practice website. In this episode: How Jane and Julia met Starting to work as a therapist Guiding values Advice for listeners in private practice How Jane and Julia met Jane and Julia have known one another from a long time back. Even though they are now colleagues and Jane is working at Julia’s Canadian private practice, a few years ago, Jane was Julia’s supervisor! Now, they have spent years working together as colleagues and learning from each other in new ways. Starting to work as a therapist Jane's desire to work as a therapist started back in high school. She did love art as well and took up pottery classes and ceramics. However, she later decided to pursue a career in therapy. For Julia, the process was different. As a teenager, she struggled with mental health issues and went to see a therapist, but it did not go well. That motivated Julia to learn more about mental health. Guiding values Both Jane and Julia have shared and complementary values that allow them to work together well as a team and to run the practice smoothly. Values like authenticity and respect are important to Jane, especially as guiding lights for working with clients. For Julia, one of the guiding principles of narrative therapy is viewing the person and the issue at hand as two separate things. Since Jane and Julia share values and get along well as people and professionals alike, there is no urgent push to grow the practice just for the sake of growth. Advice for listeners in private practice Jane: Know what it is that you need and want, and go for it! Don’t let fear get in your way. Julia: There are a lot of benefits that come from working with like-minded people. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 157: Affordable Ways to Start a Canadian Private Practice in 2025 | EP 157 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Julia on their LinkedIn and Psychology Today profiles, Jane on her Psychology Today profile, and both of them on the practice website Rate, review, and subscribe...

Hey you! Are you thinking about starting a Canadian private practice in 2025? If so, what is going to help you achieve the first step of your dream affordably and hassle-free? I know exactly what it is like to want to start a Canadian private practice but have no idea how to tackle it. It seems like a mountain of decisions and so many admin tasks. However, I went through it myself, and I’ve put all of my lessons, experiences, and advice into one comprehensive, simple, and free e-course - just for you! And I don’t hold back either. Everything is in there! If you are curiously excited about the prospect of opening up your practice doors within 2025, listen and read on! In this episode: My journey What you need to know before Keep the bills in mind Create your dream private practice Get yourself affordable and effective support My journey Being my own boss meant to me that I had the freedom of choice. I wanted the freedom to set my own schedule, to counsel clients with therapeutic modalities that I was passionate about, and because I enjoy a bit of a challenge! What you need to know before Of course, before you start your private practice, you want to make sure that you have a Master’s degree in counselling and that you are either certified and/or licensed by your provincial college. Then, you need to decide whether you want an online or an in-person private practice, or even a hybrid version of these two. If you are strapped for cash when you start out, consider starting with an online private practice to save you some money in the initial stages of your practice. Or, if you are decided to start as an in-person counsellor, you can contact other practices and see if they are willing to rent out their office space to you on weekends or off-peak hours for you to see your clients. Keep the bills in mind Whether you are doing in-person or online therapy, it will help you tremendously to have savings in the bank before you embark on this journey. If you don’t have a few months of savings in the bank, you can work part-time in another job or practice while you start your own on the side. Create your dream private practice Now the fun part begins! Once you have decided on the crucial business steps, you can now start to have some fun with the process and bring everything to fruition one step at a time. Here are some of the necessary decisions you need to make: Liability insurance Your niche Naming the practice Registering your practice Building the website Choosing an EMR Getting professional photos taken Designing a logo Deciding on the prices for your sessions Installing a business phone Opening a bank account Get yourself affordable and effective support When I started my private practice nine years ago, there was hardly any Canadian-focused content out there for me to learn from. I had to do it all myself from scratch, so I know the feeling of not knowing what to do or how to do it. Now, after my nine years in private practice, I have put my ideas, experiences, and lessons learned into a free e-course for new Canadian private practice therapists like yourself! In it, you will find all the answers to the questions above and more. So, if you want to start a private practice in 2025, I recommend you check out this course which will give you everything you need to know to have your practice doors ready to open in six months. However, if you are eager to start sooner than six months, I have my purchasable workbook that gets you there faster - and it’s under $20 CAD! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 156: Katie Lutes: School Therapist with a Weekend Private Practice | EP 156 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with...

Katie has been working full-time in two different schools with students as a counsellor, family and play therapist as well as has a part-time private practice on Saturdays. When she is not doing virtual sessions with her clients, she sees them outside in nature with her dog. Since she has been working full-time in schools for the last 10 years, Katie is now starting to truly give her private practice the attention and energy it needs for her to develop it more fully. One day she hopes to work solely in her practice full-time, hire a team to work alongside her, and specialize in play therapy. Join us for our conversation today, where we talk about her journey, struggles, and wins throughout this time! MEET KATIE Katie Lutes is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with experience in education since 2003 and counselling since 2011. She specializes in working with children and adolescents aged 5-19, utilizing modalities like Solution Focused Therapy, CBT, Animal-Assisted Therapy, and Play Therapy. Katie’s part-time private practice offers individual, group, and family counselling sessions, both in nature and online. She is passionate about incorporating animals into the healing process Her practice is based in Victoria, British Columbia. Learn more about Katie on her website, Instagram account, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profile. In this episode: Katie’s experience with building a private practice Seeing clients Promoting nature therapy Overcoming private practice struggles Katie’s hope for the future Katie’s experience with building a private practice Katie started her private practice in 2015, but only seriously started giving it the attention it needs to grow from 2022 onwards. Katie has been working in the school system for 10 years now, which is why she has decided to move from working in the school system to working more intentionally with her own clients in her practice. She explains that she wants to stay with clients for longer - to see them through their healing journeys for a longer time than she can with students in schools. Seeing clients While still working with students in one school full-time, Katie is seeing clients in her practice too. She usually takes one to two clients at a time. Due to still working full-time, she sees her clients either on Saturdays or sometimes during weekday evenings when her schedule can fit them in. At the moment, Katie is working on building up her virtual client base. Promoting nature therapy Katie shares a lot about her nature and animal therapy modalities through her Instagram profile. She’s used Facebook and Instagram paid ads through Meta. Additionally, she has begun networking and connecting with doctors, pediatricians, and children-centered spaces to connect with kids and their families for therapy. Overcoming private practice struggles One of Katie’s main issues has been broadening her financial bandwidth so that she can put more money into building up her private practice. She built her website herself and set up her Psychology Today profile from listening to this podcast but finding the motivation and the financial success to add the rest of the pieces is taking more time than Katie realized. Katie’s hope for the future Katie wants to be a full-time play therapist! And that is what she is working toward each year. She wants to work half-time, hire some other therapists into her practice with different modalities, and have everyone functioning under a holistic approach to working with their clients. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 155: Amy Eriksson: Establishing a Successful Group Private Practice in Canada | EP 155 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with...

Amy worked as a social worker for 20 years in crisis management in tandem with police and emergency services. She saw how intense and difficult the work could be, and wanted to create a place where her clients could receive their therapy that was softer, more welcoming, and curated to their requirements. Now, Amy runs a large private practice in Canada with therapists and staff working together all under the same shared values and goals. In this episode, we discuss building a practice from the ground up, how much therapy changes lives, and how we can create a practice that is tied in with our personal dreams while serving our client’s needs. MEET AMY Amy is a genuine, empathetic, and caring therapist capable of cultivating meaningful connections with people in an open, honest, and non-judgmental manner. She is a qualified and respected social worker with 20+ years of frontline community, hospital and clinical experience. Among the population that Amy has served include, youth, adults and seniors who struggle with mental health and addiction issues, relational, stress or crisis, trauma, physical health, diagnosis, and palliation. Learn more about Amy on her practice website, Psychology Today, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. In this episode: Being a social worker for 20 years Transitioning from full-time work into private practice Hiring staff and building the practice based on values Growing her practice Amy’s advice to listeners Being a social worker for 20 years In March 2021, Amy decided to open up her own private practice after having been in the field for 20 years working for other mental health organisations in Port Hope, Ontario. Before she opened her private practice, Amy was working full-time for a community hospital in crisis where she worked directly with a police service and attended the 911 mental health calls. Transitioning from full-time work into private practice Amy opened her private practice in 2021 but only committed to working in it fully in 2023 once she had built up her client caseload. Amy knew that she had reached every goal she had wanted to as a crisis worker, and felt like she wanted to open up her professional career and reach by committing more fully to her private practice. Hiring staff and building the practice based on values Amy hired people that she had previously worked with into her new practice when she wanted to develop it further. She made sure to hire practitioners who shared the same or similar values that she had founded the practice. Amy wanted a practice that felt like a well-loved home. Growing her practice Since her passion for her work has grown and she has started hiring more staff, Amy was able to level up her practice from solo to group. She credits part of this success with making the foundation of her practice rest upon the values and principles that she shares with her staff. Now it’s been four years since Amy started her private practice as a solo therapist, and how she is currently hiring for therapist number 18! She feels grateful for the success that started with her and that has now grown and been encouraged by her team. The practice has grown larger than her and is now supported and furthered by her staff, therapists, and the community around their practice. Amy’s advice to listeners Start your private practice with a solid business plan, consult with an accountant and lawyer, and go slow! Practice self-gratitude and celebrate your small wins. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 154: Pacific Pines: Working as a Team to Fulfil a Private Practice Dream | EP 154 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Amy on her practice website, Psychology...

Natasha and Cherise met on an internship, became friends, and decided to work together to open up a Canadian private practice that is based on their shared values; accessibility, equity, and transparency. Working with a business partner in private practice is a great way to divide up the stress and double up the ideas. Together, they each handle specific roles, discuss new options, and help each other where they can. MEET NATASHA AND CHERISE Pacific Pines Wellness was founded with the mission to create a safe and nurturing space, Natasha and Cherise offer tailored counselling services to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Committed to removing barriers to care, they provide solutions for equitable access, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to receive the support they deserve. They combine evidence-based approaches with a holistic perspective, empowering clients to achieve balance, resilience, and well-being. Learn more about Natasha and Cherise on their practice website. In this episode: What made Natasha and Cherise become therapists Funding an equitable cost of therapy Building an accessible and equitable group practice Working as a team Advice to listeners What made Natasha and Cherise become therapists For Cherise, she started in applied behavioral analysis at the beginning of her studies. Later on, she became drawn to a more personal and collaborative approach to working with clients. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology, and while unsure of what to do after she graduated, she worked for a crisis line for a while. That is where she discovered her passion for making therapy more accessible to people who need it. For Natasha, she actually wanted to become a police officer and completed her undergraduate degree in forensic science! However, during the program, Natasha was often more interested in what happened to the person. Funding an equitable cost of therapy Natasha and Cherise try to find the sweet spot between being able to afford their own bills while making their services affordable to a broader population. A percentage of their caseload is reserved for low-cost counselling to service the populations who cannot afford most counselling services. Both of them have conversations with their clients to figure out what they can each afford at that moment in a collaborative approach to find a comfortable price for everyone. Building an accessible and equitable group practice Natasha and Cherise are interested in building out the practice in a group setting. They would like to one day hire more mental health professionals into the practice. The flat fee that they would offer is to allow the therapist to receive a higher income, instead of asking them to pay a percentage of their income. Transparency, accessibility, and barrier-free care are the guiding principles and foundations on which Cherise and Natasha lay their practice. Working as a team Natasha explains that initially she wasn’t sure how to approach a private practice, but in meeting Cherise, they discovered a great team in one another and felt excited to approach the opportunity. Cherise appreciated Natasha suggesting working together and it has been a great experience for them both! Advice to listeners It’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it! There will be doubt and you won’t always get a “yes”, but with a great business partner or support network, you can keep pursuing your goals. Be kind to yourself in the process! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 153: An Update on Direct Billing | EP 153 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress! Learn more about Natasha and Cherise on their practice website,...