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Can AI compress the years long research time of a PhD into seconds? Research scientist Max Jaderberg explores how “AI analogs” simulate real-world lab work with staggering speed and scale, unlocking new insights on protein folding and drug discovery. Drawing on his experience working on Isomorphic Labs' and Google DeepMind's AlphaFold 3 — an AI model for predicting the structure of molecules — Jaderberg explains how this new technology frees up researchers' time and resources to better understand the real, messy world and tackle the next frontiers of science, medicine and more. For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch . Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links: TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…
Fearless Practice
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Inhalt bereitgestellt von Jules Smith. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Jules Smith oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
Where are you in your private practice journey? How’s it going for you? I’m Jules Smith, and I’m so glad you’re here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won’t just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let’s learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together.
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171 Episoden
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Manage series 3515135
Inhalt bereitgestellt von Jules Smith. Alle Podcast-Inhalte, einschließlich Episoden, Grafiken und Podcast-Beschreibungen, werden direkt von Jules Smith oder seinem Podcast-Plattformpartner hochgeladen und bereitgestellt. Wenn Sie glauben, dass jemand Ihr urheberrechtlich geschütztes Werk ohne Ihre Erlaubnis nutzt, können Sie dem hier beschriebenen Verfahren folgen https://de.player.fm/legal.
Where are you in your private practice journey? How’s it going for you? I’m Jules Smith, and I’m so glad you’re here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won’t just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let’s learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together.
…
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171 Episoden
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×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 code FEARLESS for one month free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress ! Learn more about Liv on their Psychology Today profile and bookings page Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 166: Integrating Land Tax and Reparations in Your Practice | EP 166 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 Ali and Neil on their practice website , Ali’s Psychology Today , and Neil’s Psychology Today profiles. Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 165: Jenny Jonker: Building a Canadian Group Practice with Purpose | EP 165 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 link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlG17C19nYo Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 Today , Instagram profile, and practice website Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 SOUL 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 this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 stories: https://www.amazon.ca/Detransition-Baby-Novel-Torrey-Peters/dp/0593133382/ https://www.amazon.ca/Felix-Ever-After-Kacen-Callender/dp/0062820265/ Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 160: Lyba Sultan: From Idea to Private Practice in Canada | EP 160 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 Suki on her practice website , Psychology Today , and LinkedIn profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 and website Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 WordPress ! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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 WordPress ! Learn more about Katie on her website , Instagram account , Psychology Today , and LinkedIn profile Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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Fearless Practice

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 Today , Instagram , and LinkedIn profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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Fearless Practice

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 , and individual Psychology Today (Natasha) Psychology Today (Cherise) profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
In this episode, I’ll update you on how direct billing is going in my Canadian private practice. If you have not yet listened to episode 141 , I’d recommend that you start there and then return to this episode! I was apprehensive at first to include direct billing, but now I enjoy using it and the benefits that come along with it! In this episode: What I love What I had to change What I don’t like What I love With Jane App (the EMR I use) direct billing works great. It is user-friendly for my clients and me since the platform offers direct billing. ‘For me what I’m really loving is how they organize claim submissions!’ - Julia Smith A brief description of the parts I love include: Claim submissions are tracked when they are submitted, unsubmitted, or approved Direct links with insurance company websites on clients' insurance policy files Access to the Telus Health integrated feature You can add the direct billing feature to a client’s intake form that asks clients to upload their insurance cards (which automatically then go onto the client’s file) ‘[Uploading insurance card details] makes it really easy for you to get the information you need to submit the claim with the insurance company.’ - Julia Smith The main thing that I love about direct billing so far is that clients are grateful and happy to have this option! It allows them to have easier access to therapy because they may not afford to put their therapy session cost on a credit card. What I had to change The biggest thing that I had to change was my pricing. In the past, I had different prices for my intake sessions since they often require a lot of energy to get to know the client and the intake notes can take more time, which means that intake sessions would be a bit more expensive than my standard subsequent session price. But when I started with direct billing, my associate and I decided that we should have one price for our sessions to make it easier for clients and to cut down on admin time. ‘In making this decision, we decided to value consistency and peace of mind instead of charging for that energy and the extra time it takes to write an intake session note.’ - Julia Smith What I don’t like Direct billing does take extra time. Since I have a small practice and enjoy doing some admin work, I decided to take on the extra hours to direct bill.. I’m now adding around an extra hour a week of work to complete my direct billing duties, but that’s okay, it is worth it! I also upgraded my plan so that I could have direct billing, but again, it is still totally worth it! ‘It feels so good to make my private practice more accessible, and it is totally worth the extra cost to do direct billing through Jane App because they make it so easy to do!’ - Julia Smith Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 152: Mastering Stress in Today’s Canadian Private Practice | EP 152 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 , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
I think we can agree that stress is something we’d all like to reduce in private practice! For me, in 2024, I realized that my working life was too stressful. It was something I really wanted to change so that I could relax more and enjoy my work and life! I’ve now come up with three strategies for 2025 that I’ll be implementing to see if I can decrease stress and increase a sense of contentment when I log on and off from my Canadian private practice. In this episode: A quick recap Addressing the financial stress Managing email checking Changing my social media habits A quick recap If you haven’t listened to previous episodes, in 2024 I realized how stressed out I was feeling. If you want to learn more about how I got out of those stressful situations, you can listen to my podcast episodes 135 and episode 144 . We know, as therapists, that chronic stress is not good for a person’s mental or physical health and wellbeing. The goal for my life is to reduce stress as much as possible. I know that I got lost in the stress of private practice and forgot how great it feels to NOT be stressed often! Addressing the financial stress Over the holiday break, I took 2 weeks off to think about how I could better manage things that were often stressful in my private practice, allowing me to change my work routine for the better. When I started my practice, a monthly budget worked well, since my clientele was still growing and sometimes unsteady. Some months I would have more personal bills and other months more practice expenses, so money was constantly being moved around, which was stressful to manage! However, now that my practice has grown a bit more, this method was no longer working. I worked out how much I generally spend, save, and pay for the year, divided it up to find a monthly figure, and now know how much I have to work with instead of leaving everything to the end of the month to figure out. Basically, I gave myself a salary! And this has been so helpful in managing stress. Managing email checking I would check my emails pretty constantly and that led to burn out and also big dopamine hits when emails would come through. It made it harder to stay relaxed. What started as an effort to be efficient spiraled a bit into an unnecessary stressful situation. So now, I’ve taken my email and slack accounts and hidden their bookmarks from my main view on my internet browser. I now only check them three times a day! So far, this is helping to feel less wired and anxious after a long day of working. Changing my social media habits We all struggle with balancing social media. It has become a part of our marketing and still remains, for many people, a standard form of communicating. However, I knew that I wanted to change my approach with it because I didn’t want it to be taking up so much of my energy. I’ve even started reading a digital newspaper on my breaks (instead of getting my news from google or the internet), and it has been great! Sure, there’s stress with what’s happening in the world, but by managing information overload, it is becoming easier to manage digesting the news and stress. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 151: Chanel Wainscott: Riding the Waves of Private Practice | EP 151 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 you sometimes feel overwhelmed by stress, from both inside and outside the private practice? How can you distinguish between fear, stress, and what is essential to do? Chanel, my guest today, answers that question to remember and use the power of your “why”. Why did you start your private practice? Why are you working in counselling and therapy? These answers can help give you the fortitude to keep going. In today’s episode, Chanel and I discuss the importance of “why” and how you can use it to ride the wave of private practice, reduce your stress, and work more closely and effectively with your values and passions. MEET CHANEL Chanel Wainscott is a Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) offering in-person and virtual therapy to clients in the perinatal period, helping them navigate the complexities of caregiving, self-identity, and mental health. She is passionate about guiding clients toward resilience against shame, identifying and communicating their needs to their support networks, and supporting the mental health journeys of postpartum fathers. With a focus on authentic self-expression and building strong support systems, Chanel empowers clients to navigate their unique stories. Learn more about Chanel on her practice website , Psychology Today , Open Path Collective , and LinkedIn or Instagram profiles. In this episode: Why Chanel became a psychotherapist When Chanel considered private practice Developing and launching her private practice Remembering your “why” Chanel’s advice to listeners Why Chanel became a psychotherapist Due to her interest in high school, and encouragement from her doctor who knew her well, Chanel completed her Psychology Degree in undergrad - even though her school guidance counsellor told her that her marks were too low initially! Chanel completed her placement at a community health center and became a mental health counsellor. When Chanel considered private practice In 2019, Chanel graduated and was placed in a crisis worker position within her agency. However, her private practice was placed on the back burner since Chanel went on maternity leave. It wasn’t until her second maternity leave in 2022, that she decided to really give private practice a go. Developing and launching a private practice In January and February of 2023, Chanel decided to commit to trying out private practice. She did a lot throughout April and May to set up her business accounts and then in June 2023, she was ready to announce it to the world. Chanel’s maternity leave ended in October 2022, but she didn’t go back to work at the agency. She used those months to brainstorm and network in preparation for her private practice at the beginning of 2023. However, Chanel has slowly transitioned from working at the agency and is now in her practice full-time! Remembering your “why” Remembering and focusing on your “why” in private practice is essential because it helps you separate unnecessary stress from necessary to-dos. Your “why” makes it easier to distinguish between worries about what needs to get done, and knowing that getting them done is important for you, your practice, and the clients. It can give you fortitude and ground you in your passion for this work, especially on tougher days. Your unnecessary stressors often start with the “shoulds” and you can sift through them with a fine-tooth comb to take them off of your mind when you work through each day. Chanel’s advice to listeners Cultivate a growth mindset and train yourself to see mistakes as opportunities to further find your “why” and to bring you back to your values. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 150: Delia Petrescu: Canadian SEO and Marketing Insights for Private Practice | EP 150 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 Chanel on her practice website , Psychology Today , Open Path Collective , and LinkedIn or Instagram profiles. Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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Fearless Practice

If you are on a path for marketing your Canadian private practice, being mindful of your search engine optimization (SEO) may take some time to build momentum, but it is one of the direct routes to success. In today’s episode, Delia and I discuss our interests in SEO, why it is important for marketing our practices successfully, and other topics - including growing a business with interns! MEET DELIA Delia Petrescu is a Registered Psychotherapist and founder of Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Services. She has over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, supporting clients facing mood disorders, anxiety, infertility, pregnancy loss, relationship difficulties, and stress management. Previously, she worked as a psychometrist in various clinical settings and at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), conducting neuropsychological assessments in the Brain, Body, and Perception research department. Delia has specialized training from the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and is an active member of the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society and Fertility Matters. Learn more about Delia on her practice website , LinkedIn , and Psychology Today profiles. In this episode: What motivated Delia to work in therapy? Starting a private practice Going from solo to group private practice with interns Building a practice based on values SEO and marketing the practice The dark side of AI in marketing and SEO Delia’s direction for the future What motivated Delia to work in therapy? Even though Delia always had an inkling of working in therapy, she started her professional career as a psychometrist. Starting a private practice In 2021, Delia opened up her practice. As her journey as a business owner developed, she slowly began taking on more of an interest in the back-end of building a successful practice, alongside providing great therapy on the front end. Going from solo to group private practice with interns In 2022, Delia’s practice was steadily growing and she decided to help its development by purchasing paid ads. She also hired two interns. To find her interns, Delia posted her job descriptions on Facebook groups and the Yorkville Practicum Portal that she is part of. In September 2022, Delia hired her first interns. She also hired an administrative assistant who was a previous colleague, and another psychologist as an independent contractor. Now her 2022 interns have graduated and work at her practice as therapists, and she has taken on two new interns! Building a practice based on values Curiosity is one of the guiding principles that Delia and her team use when working with clients. Beyond curiosity, dedication is another value that Delia uses as a guiding principle in her practice. SEO and marketing the practice Delia tends to avoid using ChatGPT in her marketing efforts because she prefers to use organic content as her personal preference and to help boost her SEO. Delia has also made sure to section up her website with relevant content in the form of blog posts. The dark side of AI in marketing and SEO However helpful AI tools can be, be careful in how much you rely on them. They are tempting, but practice using them as assistants to your work instead of allowing them to do the whole job. Delia’s direction for the future For her short-term goals, Delia wants to continue with her affordable therapy program by hiring interns into her practice. Over the next three to five years, Delia has her sights set on opening up more office space downtown. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 149: Alexia Wensing: Can You Make a Brand Out of a “Vibe”? | EP 149 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 Delia on her practice website , LinkedIn , and Psychology Today profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
Alexia is Canadian, but spent time living and working in Norway, where she has learned about some of the Scandinavian ways of life, including “Hygge”, the feeling of being cozy and content and slowing down to make space for the enjoyment of life. This principle has inspired Alexia in her private practice, and she incorporated these values into her daily sessions with clients, encouraging them to actively use gratitude where applicable in therapy. Join us for our cozy chat today about coming into therapy, working intentionally with principles in private practice, and how to find what works for you, whether it is work-life balance or marketing, and life beyond it. MEET ALEXIA Alexia Wensing is a registered psychotherapist who values the mind-body connection, emphasizing the importance of slowing down and optimizing mental health through physical wellness and fostering a healthy relationship with the body. She works with athletes, families of athletes, and individuals facing challenges such as anxiety, life transitions, and stress, utilizing a rooted, evidence-based approach to support clients. Learn more about Alexia on her practice website and Psychology Today profile . In this episode: Why Alexia decided to become a therapist Working in a hospital setting Starting a private practice Incorporating a Scandinavian lifestyle into private practice Marketing the private practice Going forward Why Alexia decided to become a therapist After completing undergrad, Alexia was interested in pursuing law and even studied for the LSAT exams for a brief period. She then pivoted into a more HR and cultural role in creating a healthy workplace environment for a few years, but again, she felt like something was still missing. Therefore, Alexia returned to university again to pursue her master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. All of this experience had happened in Ontario, but in October 2020, Alexia decided to move to Norway. Working in a hospital setting Alexia worked as a psychotherapy intern. Even though Alexia appreciated her hospital work experience, it also taught her the tough lesson of having clients come and go, since that was the nature of working in a hospital. Starting a private practice After Alexia’s practicum, she got a position at a multidisciplinary practice. Even though she loved working there and being a leader running the telehealth team, she had to have a tough conversation with her bosses about her going in the direction of opening up her own private practice. Incorporating a Scandinavian lifestyle into private practice The cultural way of living in Norway gave Alexia firsthand experience and a new perspective on approaching wellness, mindfulness, and a healthy type of comfort when facing life’s challenges. She wanted to share the Hygge ‘vibe with other people, whether they were athletes or an individual struggling with a personal issue in life. Marketing the private practice Even though marketing can be tricky, it is necessary, because it is the way that you are putting the word of your practice out there into the community. You don’t have to be “salesy”. You can be authentic, and genuine, and just want to let people know who you are, what you do, and how you can help them. Alexia uses Instagram, social media, and her website for marketing. To niche down her practice while simultaneously combining her experience, she brings in the ‘Hygge vibe’ as branding for her private practice. Going forward Alexia is in Alberta now, considering expanding her practice, where she can continue to apply the Norwegian principles that she loves! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 148: Mark Pioro: Ontario Psychotherapy Rules and Regulations | EP 148 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 Alexia on her practice website and Psychology Today profile Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
Are you a Registered Psychotherapist? Are you licensed through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)? Do you know what you’re allowed and not allowed to do in your private practice? Today’s guest is Mark, the Deputy Registrar and General Counsel at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. We discuss rules and regulations that pertain to registered psychotherapists in private practice. MEET MARK Mark Pioro is the Deputy Registrar & General Counsel at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO). CRPO is the regulator, established by the government, which sets the standards for RPs. CRPO acts in the interest of the public, striving to ensure the competent and ethical practice of the profession. Learn more about Mark and the CRPO on the CRPO website. In this episode: What is the CRPO? Certification and residency The CRPO and running private practices Going from graduation into private practice Do’s and don’ts in advertising Managing fees and rates ethically Handling complaints What is the CRPO? The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) is one of the regulatory bodies for psychotherapy in Ontario. This means that only individuals registered with the CRPO are legally permitted to call themselves Registered Psychotherapists (RPs). But other mental health professionals may be regulated to provide psychotherapy services by different colleges. In 2007, the Ontario government decided to allow the following to provide psychotherapy services: Nurses Occupational therapists Physicians Psychologists Social workers Registered Psychotherapists Certification and residency With Registered Psychotherapists (RPs) you can be a registered RP without having to be in Ontario. You can also easily become a RP if you are registered with another regulated province as a Registered Counselling Therapist. The CRPO and running private practices The College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) offers resources and information regarding regulations and laws related to the practice of psychotherapy. However, the CRPO does not provide training or guidance on the business aspects of running a private practice, including areas such as tax implications, insurance requirements, or other specific business-related advice. Going from graduation into private practice Essentially, it depends on the therapist. In Ontario, if the student has completed the course work and feels confident enough to run a private practice, they could start a private practice while finishing their degree. However, the psychotherapist would still need to have supervision and oversight. Remember that every provincial college may have different regulations for when a therapist can start private practice! Do’s and don’ts in advertising Make sure your advertising is; Truthful Accurate Verifiable Some inappropriate advertising may include; Promising results Using comparisons or superlatives Concealing advertising Advertising in a regulated province where you are not licensed Be clear and honest with your advertising. Be ethical, and don’t try to sell your services as a fix-all to potential clients in order to get more business. Talk with a Canadian consultant to make sure that you remain ethical while still effective. Managing fees and rates ethically An RP cannot lure in a client with a low rate and then suddenly increase it once the therapeutic relationship has been established. However, you can raise your fees and rates ethically, since your expertise levels may increase and inflation is an issue sometimes. Handling complaints Check your insurance policies, since some insurance companies may offer you a lawyer for the process while others might not Have a network of support for this challenging time The most serious complaints may go public, but those are very rare and may need evidence and legal findings Most complaints and investigations are resolved without a disciplinary hearing which has to go public Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 147: Encore episode | EP 147 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Learn more about Mark and the CRPO on the CRPO website Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
Today, Julia takes another trip down memory lane, revisiting a gem from the Fearless Practice archives. In this encore episode, Julia talks to Alison Puryear, a US therapist and consultant, about how to market a new private practice. You can find the show notes to the original episode here . Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Ep 146: Deanna Desantis: Being a Nurse, Psychotherapist, and Equestrian Counsellor | EP 146 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…
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Fearless Practice

My guest today, Deanna, has followed her passions to a place where she now runs a Canadian private practice, working with horses and their riders while still being a nurse. She has combined her expertise and personal experience so that she can work and make a difference in the lives that she is most drawn to. In today’s episode, Deanna and I discuss her entry into psychotherapy, how she manages to be a nurse while running her practice, and how she has integrated her love for horses and the life of being a rider, including its challenges, into her practice as her professional niche. MEET DEANNA Deanna is both a Registered Nurse and Psychotherapist! At Evolution Counselling, her mission is clear: to assist individuals in overcoming day-to-day concerns and to empower athletes, especially equestrians, to better understand and manage their mental health. Whether they are striving to excel in their sport or simply seeking support in navigating life’s challenges, she is there to provide a safe space and compassionate guidance every step of the way. Learn more about Deanna on her website , Psychology Today , and Facebook profiles. In this episode: Deanna’s career in therapy The desire to open a practice An equestrian therapist Deanna’s advice to listeners Deanna’s career in therapy Deanna completed her nursing degree right after completing high school. She had her sights set on being an ICU nurse. Once she graduated, Deanna had a mental health position as a nurse when she worked with cancer patients in Hamilton. While Deanna was completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology, she switched between working full-time and part-time as a nurse to support what she needed to do to complete her degree. She hopes to transition to full-time therapy one day soon, and to grow her Canadian practice into a group private practice. The desire to open a practice Deanna wanted to open her own private practice rather than work as a therapist in a hospital setting because she wanted to be her own boss. The flexibility of running her personal and working schedule, and the ability to be in charge of her day, was something that she wanted to align her professional career with. An equestrian therapist Deanna has the skills and understanding to be a great equestrian therapist. She had personal experience as a competitive horse rider, and so knew first-hand what the challenges were that many riders faced, both inside and outside of competitions. The stress, the fatigue, and putting themselves last, were all aspects that she had experienced and wanted to help other riders with. Deanna wanted to encourage riders to also take time and care for themselves, and not to give absolutely all of their attention to their horses so that they can continue to compete and be well overall. ‘I think one of my biggest successes [has been] the long-term clients that I have, and just [to see] the progress that they’ve made … Just knowing that I am that person who they can reach out to [is amazing].’ - Deanna DeSantis Deanna’s advice to listeners Make connections! Talk with people, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to reach out to someone that you look up to. There is a lot of insight available to you when you place yourself in the right circles with the right people. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 145: Lauren Mallon: Why Niching is a Practice-Boosting Superpower | EP 145 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Learn more about Lauren on her website , Instagram , and Psychology Today profiles. Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Google Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
When you establish your private practice in an underserved specialty, you increase your chance of being placed under the spotlight. A great niche could offer you an immediate step-up in getting noticed, help to connect with clients, and with potential referral sources. You may also feel that you enjoy your work much more and are more fulfilled when you position the focus of your practice amongst the niche that you are most passionate about working with. In this podcast episode, my guest Lauren and I discuss her entry into psychotherapy and her Canadian private practice which offers her clients sports-related therapy and mental health services. MEET LAUREN Lauren Mallon is a Registered Psychotherapist offering in-person and virtual therapy sessions in Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario. She provides a safe and compassionate space for individuals and families facing a range of challenges, specializing in anxiety, sports performance, and self-esteem. Lauren utilizes a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, empowering clients to take an active role in their journey toward positive change. Learn more about Lauren on her website , Instagram , and Psychology Today profiles. In this episode: Why Lauren became a therapist From being a contractor to opening a practice Niching in psychotherapy Can you be successful without a website? Lauren’s advice to listeners Why Lauren became a therapist Lauren completed her undergraduate degree in psychology in Ireland, where she’s from, and then moved to Canada for employment. While in Canada Lauren decided to pursue her dream of becoming a therapist and learned that she had to complete a Masters degree to be able to counselling or psychotherapy. She ended up completing her MA in Canada and set out to become a counsellor. From being a contractor to opening a practice Working as a contractor first in another private practice gave Lauren a sense of the type of work and environment that a therapist usually works in, which made her more sure that she wanted to open a private practice of her own. Lauren asked herself; “What’s the point in waiting?” Once she knew that this was something she wanted to try out. Financially, Lauren wanted to increase her salary since she had personal commitments to take care of. Niching in psychotherapy Lauren specialized in sports psychology. She was a dancer herself for 15 years and has always gravitated towards learning more about and working with athletes and their mental health. So, she looked into this niche and found that there weren’t many other therapists serving it. On Psychology Today, Lauren was able to specifically identify that sports is one of her specialties. She also pursued additional courses on her own time to further develop her understanding and ability to treat and work with people in this niche. Can you be successful without a website? For Lauren, networking with your community and local doctor’s offices and therapists has been a big referral source too. Because she has such a specialized niche, she’s able to attract a lot of attention and word-of-mouth marketing without having to put an extensive amount of effort into standard marketing strategies. She has therefore put off creating an official website because she is currently doing well getting referrals and clients through her referral network system and social media. Lauren’s advice to listeners Ask for help! Talk to people, network, and be proactive in establishing supportive professional relationships. Learn from others while focusing on your practice so that you can learn vicariously while building a practice that will fit you and your clients like a glove. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 144: Changing My Mindset in Private Practice : Year 8 | EP 144 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Learn more about Lauren on her website , Instagram , and Psychology Today profiles. Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
This year has been characterized by personal changes in mindset and approach to my practice, and professional development within my Canadian private practice and podcast. Today’s episode will be a deep dive into my personal story, in celebration and reflection of year eight in private practice! In this Episode: November 2023 The beginning of 2024 Spring and summer of 2024 Towards the end of this year The struggles of year eight Cultivating a “maintain mindset” over a capitalist-growth mindset The future of the Fearless Practice podcast November 2023 Eight years ago, I started my Canadian private practice in November. Now, every November, I reflect on how far I've come. A lot of my time and energy at the beginning of this year was focused on finalizing that website. Unfortunately around this time, along with the struggle of the website situation, I had to hire a new admin staff, which added a lot more work to my plate. The beginning of 2024 I sunk deeper and deeper into a work hibernation for the first few months of this new year. I just focused on the basics which allowed my creativity and urge to work harder to slowly appear again in the Spring, instead of forcing myself to keep pushing when I was feeling burned out. Spring and summer of 2024 One of the biggest changes was that therapy for registered counselling therapists and psychotherapists became tax-free in the spring of 2024! Going into the summer of 2024, I began to feel the burnout creeping up on me again, so I decided to switch things up and pursue a solo project, which was to get involved in the SEO of the backend of my website. Towards the end of this year As you may know from episode 141 , I took up the project of adding direct billing in the private practice, which so far has been going really well! And to end it off, a wonderful twist this year was that my first admin - who had been with me since the beginning - came back! It’s been great to have the three of us back together again, working in private practice as a close-knit and content team. The struggles of year eight Even though this year has been lovely on many levels, there have been some tough moments. One of them is that Jane, my associate, and I have yet to complete a second season of our private practice’s podcast . Managing stress has also been another hurdle. Specifically, financial stress has been a concern. Running a podcast is expensive! And it got even tougher when the usual financial pattern of the year was different. Cultivating a “maintain mindset” over a capitalist-growth mindset Due to money stress, I focused on ways to grow my practice and income but that mindset ended up not being helpful. What this experience has taught me is that adopting a perpetual-money-growth mindset can cause you even more anxiety. Now, I’m approaching my work as maintenance of my professional and personal dream life that is based on satisfaction and peace. The future of the Fearless Practice podcast We're thrilled that Jane App is sponsoring the podcast for another year! This means there will be a whole other year of the Fearless Practice podcast! Thank you to my podcast editing team along with Joel, Niam, Brittany, Claire, and you, our audience! We look forward to another year of sharing stories and knowledge about Canadian private practice. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: EP 143: Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | EP 143 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website 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) Listen to my private practice story and journey here! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
Sometimes, the most successful path that someone can take is the one that comes organically. By following your passions, seeing what works and what doesn’t, and taking your personal and professional preferences into account, you can make it easier for yourself to develop a balanced lifestyle that fulfills you both inside and outside the counselling room. For my guest today, Jillian did (and is doing) just that. Jillian works closely with their values, knows how to structure the workday to align with their personal and professional goals, and structures private practice around their needs as well as the needs of their clients, to work and enjoy a balanced lifestyle. MEET JILLIAN Jillian Bagan (they/she) is a strong advocate for mental health and wellness, infusing their expertise in the field with a queer-identified perspective. As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and Certified Canadian Counsellor with a Masters in Art Therapy from Concordia University, they bring over 7 years of experience to their private practice in Vancouver. Jillian's expertise extends to direct support for the LGBT2SQ+ community, addressing trauma and other mental health challenges across diverse economic and ethnic backgrounds. Learn more about Jillian on their Instagram and Psychology Today pages, and their website . In this episode: What motivated Jillian to become an art therapist Opening a private practice Incorporating values into private practice Advertising the practice Jillian’s goals for the future What motivated Jillian to become an art therapist? Jillian developed their understanding of art therapy by first applying its principles and practicing alone before she felt capable enough and ready to begin working with clients. They graduated in 2019 and started working in a private clinic to work with children in the welfare system. When the pandemic hit in 2020, they had to go online, which allowed Jillian to learn how to use tools of art therapy online. Opening a private practice Jillian moved to Vancouver because it had a bigger queer population, which allowed Jillian to work more directly with her niche, which is art therapy with a queer-centered focus. While Jillian was working in their private practice, she was still taking up some contract work here and there, some virtual and some in-person. So in April of 2023, Jillian became her own boss! These days, Jillian works with clients in their private practice both in-person and virtually. Incorporating values into private practice Creativity is a core value for Jillian, and it is utilized throughout the private practice. Jillian puts effort into the visual aspects of the private practice creatively, and then also practices creative problem-solving when coming to grips with the nuances of running a business. Advertising the practice Jillian was approached by a local charity to do an interview. It was a great experience that happened organically and allowed them to get the word out about their practice. At the moment, Jillian is using Instagram ads and Psychology Today. They’re also thinking about applying for Canada’s Grow Your Business Online grant - which you can also research and see if you’re eligible to apply for as well ! Jillian’s goals for the future At the moment, Jillian wants to maintain the private practice as it is. She’s just enjoying the work and allowing it to grow organically. As for their professional expertise, Jillian has a goal of becoming a supervisor in the next few years to support other therapists in their area. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 142: Flora Gerlai: Hiring the Right Fit for Your Practice | EP 142 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Learn more about Jillian on their Instagram and Psychology Today pages, and their website Listen to the episode on the Canada Grow Your Business Online Grant ! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
Many therapists may struggle with finding and hiring the best-fit staff for their private practice, and that may include hiring interns and students who want to complete their practicums. So, how do you go about finding them? My guest Flora in today’s episode interviewed more than 30 different candidates for a position at her practice! There’s some trial and error, but once you know more about what you are looking for and what the vision is that you have for your practice, it can help to make things easier. MEET FLORA Flora Gerlai is an RP and founder of Flora Psychotherapy. She provides a safe space for clients to navigate life's challenges using an active, empathetic, and detailed approach. Flora believes all behaviors reflect underlying needs and tailors her integrative techniques to each client, drawing on various therapeutic models like CBT, Narrative Therapy, and Mindfulness. She's also a Certified Mental Health and Nutrition Clinical Specialist, passionate about the connection between food, mood, and mental well-being. Learn more about Flora on her website , Psychology Today , and Instagram profiles. In this episode: How Flora became a psychotherapist Launching a private practice Adding staff and clients to the practice Finding a good practicum fit for your practice Flora’s advice for listeners How Flora became a psychotherapist Flora noticed that in the mental health services field, especially when it came to psychotherapy, there can be long wait lists and a large number of clients looking for a way to access care. This realization and observation sparked Flora’s transition into psychotherapy specifically. Once she finished her Masters degree, Flora remained working in the foster care system for a while before transferring to a group private practice. After working there for a while and trying out this new work experience, Flora opened her own virtual private practice. Launching a private practice Currently, Flora is in her second year of running her own virtual Canadian private practice, while she continues working part-time at another in-person clinic. For Flora, opening up her own Canadian private practice was a large learning curve. There were many aspects of running a business that she had to learn from scratch, especially as the boss. Adding staff and clients to the practice Finding clients ebbs and flows, but most of the time Flora finds new clients through either word-of-mouth, through existing clients, or her Facebook and Instagram ads. Once she felt steady enough running her private practice, she hired another therapist from outside Toronto to also see clients online. Flora reminds herself that the busyness comes and goes. For many therapists this year, September has been uncharacteristically quiet, and this was the case for Flora as well. She reminds herself to stay in the present and keep going, even when it’s tough. Finding a good practicum fit for your practice Flora knew that she wanted to work with students. When it came to hiring, it has been a trial and error process that has taught her what to look out for; the good, the bad, and the potential. She tries to have a blend of questions that are both clinically significant and others more open and low-key, while in a professional setting. Flora’s advice for listeners Hone in on what your core values and beliefs are for your practice because they will help to inform your niche. Take your time in figuring out your niche, and be okay with the nature of the field, and how much it can change and fluctuate. Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 141: Adding Direct Billing to Your Canadian Private Practice | EP 141 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Learn more about Flora on her website , Psychology Today , and Instagram profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon , and TuneIn…
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