Do you sometimes feel lonely working as a therapist? Do you have an online practice, and sometimes wish you could chat with a colleague between sessions to let off some steam or to get an ethical second opinion? How do you deal with isolation as an online therapist?  Working as a therapist can be an isolating experience in and of itself, since you can’t talk about the details of your work with friends or family. If you work from home like me, then I’m sure that you know that the isolation can be two-fold! In this episode, I share with you some tips that I have figured out to help myself - and you - enjoy your work as a therapist while still making time for life beyond it. If you are stuck trying to choose between how to handle the challenge, I invite you to listen in!  In this Episode: Be intentional  Get out of your apartment  Create peer-to-peer consultations  Meet with your assistants Make time for a weekly activity  Be intentional  Between your work days and work weeks, it can be so tempting to just unwind alone at home, without having to exert yourself further by going outdoors and trying something new after a potentially challenging or long day.  However, don’t isolate yourself further just because you may be nervous about going outdoors. Find hobbies that you enjoy that get you outside of your home - and that are separate from therapy - so that you can unwind and relax in the company of like-minded people while doing something that you enjoy.  Get out of your apartment  Sure, you can enjoy hosting friends at your home. However, if you also work from home and then you socialize at home, there is very little variation in your routine, and you may begin to feel a bit suffocated!   This is even more important if you live alone at home, because staying connected with your friends and with your personal life beyond just working from home is important.  Create peer-to-peer consultations  If you have associates in your Canadian private practice, make sure to schedule a monthly peer-to-peer meeting so that you can consult together to stay connected and on the same page about the practice, and as well as about what’s happening in your lives.  Connect with your team to talk about client cases or maybe have some fun! Having and maintaining relationships with other therapists can help to ease that isolation since they know what it feels like to work in the profession.  Meet with your assistants If you have a virtual assistant, schedule a 30-minute meeting weekly with them.  This is not only important to discuss business issues, but also to stay connected to your staff so that you don’t pass one another by like ships in the night.  Make time for a weekly activity Something that I do which I love is going to the gym in the afternoon. It’s a lovely way to get out of the apartment, exercise, and to be around other people!  No matter which one you choose, there will be challenges, so you just need to figure out which challenge is the one that you feel most comfortable to work with so that you can make the most of your obligations while enjoying yourself.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 119: What I Learned from Going to the CCPA Conference | FP 119 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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Have you ever been to a counselling conference? Are you considering going to one this year for the first time, or are you a regular attendee?  Whether you are more introverted or an extrovert, conferences offer spaces for both! Not just quiet workshops or long tables filled with fascinating people, but also where you can learn and develop your skills as a professional while enjoying time spent with other interesting therapists.  I got out of my comfort zone a bit and went to a CCPA conference last year, and it was great! Going forward, I know what I’m looking for now, and how to find other great therapists. If you’re interested in finding out how, listen in! In this Episode: What is the CCPA? Conferences can be a lot of fun! Choosing conferences going forward  What is the CCPA? ‘If you don’t know, CCPA stands for Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association, and usually the conference that they have each year is in the springtime, but last year in 2023 they had it in October in Toronto.’ - Julia Smith  Usually, going to a conference for me is nerve wracking on a couple of levels! I was going alone to this conference, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it or not. However, I was able to select the speakers that I was interested in, but it can be a hit-and-miss!  However, going to conferences also contributes to your CEC credits that all members of the CCPA need to get each year. So, keeping all this in mind, I pushed myself to go! Conferences can be a lot of fun! ‘With the CCPA conferences, you’re expected to network. It is encouraged to talk to other counsellors. You don’t look silly going up to people and starting conversations … Once I got into the swing of things, it was really fun to have conversations with counsellors from all over Canada!’ - Julia Smith  If you felt like you were getting a little over socialized, you could go see some of the workshops and talks that were happening around at any given time.  I really liked that there were options to be silent and listen, or to put yourself out there and socialize! Even during lunches, it felt comfortable to sit down at a table with people that I didn’t know and to strike up a conversation, since this is encouraged by the CCPA conference guidelines. Everyone’s in the same boat! Choosing conferences going forward  Despite the great time I had, I know that I want to be intentional about choosing the future conferences I’ll go to. Specifically, I want to be mindful about going to conferences which will give certain information that I want to learn about.  The CCPA conference is great for learning about many different things in the counselling world, from research to different types of therapy techniques to private practice information. Although, I know what I love! And so I would love to go to a conference on narrative therapy for therapists, because that is what I want to learn more about.  ‘So for you, as you’re considering your budget for this year, I’d highly recommend budgeting some money for going to a conference, and honestly I’d really just start with the CCPA conference! The workshops are so diverse, everybody is a Canadian counsellor, and you get CECs for going!’ - Julia Smith  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 118: Brittany Wells-Pantaleo: Growing a Group Practice Virtually and Ethically | EP 118  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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Many counsellors may enter into private practice without expecting to open it into a group practice, since it can be a journey that develops as you explore your niche, assess the needs of your community, and as you develop as a person. However, if you find yourself on the entrepreneurial path, don’t doubt that it can work! Even though many counsellors are not taught business skills in school, they can be learned, and you can work as an expert in your niche while being profitable and building your dream virtual group practice! In this podcast episode, I chat with Brittany about her experience of launching, managing, and working in her group practice that’s virtual across Canada. She shares her advice and experience from starting without knowing to confidently planning for her future.  MEET BRITTANY Brittany Wells-Pantaleo, MSW, RSW, is the Founder and Clinical Director of Moncton Counselling and Wellness. With a Master's degree in Social Work and as a Registered Social Worker, she has dedicated my career to supporting individuals in their mental health journeys. In 2021, she established Moncton Counselling and Wellness with the goal of providing compassionate and effective counselling support. Her organization has since grown, serving individuals and couples across Canada. Learn more about Brittany on her LinkedIn profile, practice website, and Instagram page.  In this episode:  Why Brittany became a social worker  Starting a private practice  Developing a group private practice  Using Jane App for a virtual practice  Navigating virtual counselling ethically  Why Brittany became a social worker  Brittany’s social work journey began in Ontario in 2016. While she was completing her undergrad, she began working in social worker positions. Brittany worked in the shelter system with a women’s shelter and a youth shelter.  Brittany applied and luckily got in the first round for her masters, and started in-person, but with the COVID-19 pandemic she had to move online for the last six months of her two and a half year program.  Even though it was an intense experience, Brittany explains that it provided her with invaluable experience and skills which she brought with her on her journey to today.  Starting a private practice  In 2021, Brittany moved to Moncton, New Brunswick and began working for another private practice before venturing out on her own.  By connecting with a fellow therapist, Brittany began receiving some referrals and building up her referral network and learning from this more experienced practitioner.  However, Brittany’s father was diagnosed with cancer, and she decided to take a risk and go out on her own so that she could stay closer to family during this time.  Developing a group private practice  Once Brittany understood what the mental health landscape looked like in Moncton, she came to find that there were lots of people seeking therapy and that there were a lot of waitlists.  Since no other therapists were taking clients and Brittany’s waitlist also began to grow, she considered opening up a virtual wing of her private practice.  Using Jane App for a virtual practice  Brittany highly recommends Jane App for managing her virtual group practice. Technology is all-encompassing these days, and so choosing a software managing system is important because it becomes an integral part of what your Canadian private practice develops around.  Navigating virtual counselling ethically  Since starting her private practice, Brittany has learned that it is slightly different for social workers.  It is always good practice to work with your attorney or legal advisor, and get in touch with the relevant associations or colleges before you start working in a province, in-person or virtually. Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 117: Courtney Vezina: Incorporating Community Values into Private Practice | EP 117 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 Brittany on her LinkedIn profile, practice website, and Instagram page

There are many different ways in which you can instill and live out the values that you have founded your Canadian private practice on.  For Courtney, the value of community is a driving factor that positively impacts the work that she and her colleagues do. So much so, that her private practice offers a scholarship for students doing their bachelors in social work or psychology!  In this podcast episode, Courtney and I discuss her entry into private practice, why she decided to do her doctorate, and how she has found ways to bring the sense of community into her private practice. MEET COURTNEY Courtney is a Registered Psychotherapist who owns a group clinic; Courtney James Counselling and Psychotherapy, with locations in Kemptville and Brockville, Ontario. Courtney is currently completing her Doctorate of Counselling and Psychotherapy and is excited to engage in the further development of this amazing field of work. In her clinical work, Courtney uses a humanistic, trauma-informed lens and specializes in relational difficulties and developmental trauma. Courtney’s clinical work and Doctoral studies are focused on her work within the foster care and adoption community. Learn more about Courtney on the practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles.  In this episode:  Why Courtney decided to become a psychotherapist  Starting a doctorate  Courtney’s private practice  Growing the private practice  Offering group sessions  The mental health scholarship! Why Courtney decided to become a psychotherapist  Right after high school, Courtney started her psychology studies and then went into the field to gain frontline experience after graduating. Afterward, she shifted into the mental health field with a position in a school board. It was during one of her maternity leaves that she started her masters program in Counselling Psychology in 2017. Starting a doctorate  Most counsellors can open a Canadian private practice with only a masters degree, but Courtney went further and is working towards completing her doctorate.  For Courtney, the doctoral program that she’s in is not specifically research-based, and it encourages a different style of approaching this field that’s specific to psychotherapy.  Courtney’s private practice  While Courtney was completing her masters program, it was her intention to start a private practice.  Even though Courtney began as a solo practitioner, she quickly hired colleagues into her private practice.  Growing the private practice  Courtney was mindful of where the needs were in her community, and so she therefore decided to open a second and third location in areas of her city where she knew that the population didn’t have as much access to mental health care.  The point is to take calculated risks for your business. You don’t have to know if something is going to work before you try it - sometimes you have to try first to gain insight, and to then take informed action moving forward.  Offering group sessions  Courtney’s practice is creating emotional regulation groups that she brainstormed with a few of her colleagues.  Even though there is an interest in offering group therapy, Courntey and her team are working on the fine print and structural components of it before they fully provide this additional service to their clients.  The mental health scholarship  For students that are accepted into undergraduate programs in psychology or social work, Courntey’s practice is offering a scholarship!  This will be the fourth year that the scholarship is being offered, and her intention behind offering it comes from the same community piece that is vital to her and is one of the foundational pillars of the practice.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 116: Samantha Sarty: Setting Business Boundaries to Grow Private Practice | EP 116 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 Courtney on the practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Building a practice is a tricky task because we know that it is going to be difficult sometimes. The question is, when have we gone too far and are perhaps risking burnout? It can feel difficult to maintain your personal and professional boundaries when you are the boss and things depend on you, but in essence, your business does depend on you, so it’s important to take care of yourself.  Whether you are a part-time Canadian private practice owner, or you work full-time, there’s always something that you can learn from another counsellor’s story. On today’s episode, I chat with Samantha and we discuss growing your business without compromising on your boundaries, marketing with social media, and giving back to the therapeutic community.  MEET SAMANTHA Sam Sarty is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Nurse practicing in Dartmouth, NS, Canada - the land of the Mi'kmaq people. She specializes in working with trauma particularly in the first responder and veteran population. She is currently working in solo private practice (Following Seas Psychotherapy) after working in the public mental health system for the last decade as well as part-time work for a group practice. Learn more about Samantha on her Psychology Today and LinkedIn profile, and private practice website.  In this episode:  How Samantha became a social worker  Using Jane App for managing a business  Expanding the business with boundaries  Using social media in private practice  How Samantha offers sliding scale  How Samantha became a social worker  After completing university, Samantha pursued nursing but didn’t want to go through the traditional route, and instead completed a mental health course, and then found her passion with that type of nursing work.  Once Samantha completed nursing school, she went onto working at the local children’s hospital before coming back to adult mental health in 2016.  Using Jane App for managing a business  Samantha uses the Jane App in her private practice, and for her it’s incredibly useful and helpful.  Without any associates or admin assistants, Samantha does all the work in her private practice currently, from taking the calls, replying to emails, and billing.  Expanding the business with boundaries Samantha wants to grow the business while being mindful of her own personal boundaries at the same time. Since the business depends on her effort, she knows that it’s important to scale the business while doing it intentionally with her needs so that she doesn’t have to exchange the success of the business on a loss of her health or wealth.  Using social media in private practice  For Samantha, it was important to use social media as a tool to spread knowledge and information instead of disinformation. Not to give her clients or audience therapy through social media, but actionable tools, awareness, and information.  In this way, social media can become a way to not only market your Canadian private practice, but it also becomes a way to serve the community.  Even though Psychology Today is currently one of her strongest referral sources that brings her the most clients, Samantha has found that word-of-mouth referrals as well as referrals from doctors have been the most successful.  How Samantha offers sliding scale  Samantha does clinical supervision, and offers sliding scales for other therapists because she wants to help invest in the profession itself.  Looking to the future  With regards to what’s up ahead, Samantha is considering the possibility of offering intensives to future clients.  She’s found that they can be incredibly helpful to clients looking to process traumatic events, so Samantha is wanting to incorporate this into the future of her Canadian private practice.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 115: Jasmine Bird: Defining Your Success to Live Authentically | EP 115 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  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Jasmine is a great example of; working to live, not living to work. You do not have to grow your business exponentially just because you can. If you are doing well in your Canadian private practice, but the idea of owning a huge business is daunting to you - you don’t have to take it that far!  One of the ways of building a truly successful business that serves your clients - and you - is to structure it around your needs, as well as theirs. Be mindful of your values and intentionally incorporate them into your choices, both personally and professionally, so that you can wake up each day looking forward to your schedule instead of dreading it.  In this podcast episode, Jasmine and I discuss her entry into private practice, what she did that worked well and how she’s managing her success into the future.  MEET JASMINE Jasmine Bird is the Founder of SOAR Counselling - Group Practice - located in South Surrey, British Columbia. She is a passionate and dedicated Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), who specializes in working with children, youth, caregivers, and families impacted by mental health challenges. Jasmine has over a decade of experience working across various mental health settings, such as Child and Adolescent Inpatient Psychiatry with BC Children’s Hospital and Surrey Memorial Hospital and Community Child and Youth Mental Health Outpatient Programs with Vancouver Coastal Health Authority and Fraser Health Authority.  Learn more about Jasmine on her website, Psychology Today profile, and Instagram account.  In this episode:  Why Jasmine became a therapist  Starting and growing a private practice What’s on the horizon?  Jasmine’s advice for listeners  Why Jasmine became a therapist  Ever since Jasmine was young, she was intrigued by people. She was curious about how they thought about life, the way that they approached it, and their stories and experiences.  Jasmine completed her counselling education in B.C. and worked in organizations before starting her own private practice. She knew that she loved helping youth and their families and wanted to make a difference.     Starting and growing a private practice  Jasmine built her Canadian private practice in South Surrey. She felt lucky in the fact that her practice has been successful from when it opened its doors, so she was able to continue developing it over the years, with some minor financial dips here and there.  Jasmine was also able to get some advice and help from her husband, who has completed a masters degree in business.  In terms of building a successful business, Jasmine noticed a desperate need in an area of her community and decided to set up her practice there.  Now Jasmine has five associates, and everyone is fully booked, including her!  What’s on the horizon?  After Jasmine’s business quickly scaled, she noticed that something wasn’t feeling quite right.  Now that her business has grown and is on the path to continue doing so, Jasmine wants to be intentional about structuring her business so that it doesn’t get overwhelmingly busy and run away with her.  Therefore, Jasmine’s now decided to actually scale back a bit and to not continue growing the business, without intention. Her Canadian private practice is successful now, and she’s focusing on maintaining that success at this level so that she can remain a successful niche business without getting swept away.  Jasmine’s advice for listeners  Remember the power of vulnerability and the importance of being authentic, especially as a leader. And bet on yourself!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 114: Imogen McIntyre: Using Your Niche to Build a Private Practice | EP 114  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 Jasmine on her website, Psychology Today profile, and Instagram account Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

How can you market your practice successfully in a big city? Do you have a specific niche that you want to figure out how to use well to connect with your best-fit client? Are you on the verge of considering to open two practices? Everyone talks about niching down, but it’s always helpful to speak to someone that did it and made it work well!  In this podcast episode, Imogen and I discuss the entry into becoming a clinical social worker, launching and running two Canadian practices, and really knuckling down into a niche to allow the business to flourish.  MEET IMOGEN Imogen Mcintyre is a Registered Clinical Social Worker who has founded two private practices, one focused on LGBTQ and neurodivergent issues, the other focused on couples therapy for sticky topics: the ones that can be hard to talk about with friends or family (think infidelity recovery, mismatched libidos or sexual preferences, shifts in gender or sexual identity, mental illness and relationships, and many more). Imogen practices from IFS, Gottman, and EFT informed approaches and strives to provide couples therapy without shame or blame. Learn more about Imogen on their Psychology Today profile, and private practice website.  In this episode:  Why Imogen decided to become a clinical social worker Building your own Canadian private practice  A clinical social worker as opposed to a social worker  Imogen’s unique service offering  Marketing in a big city  Why Imogen decided to become a clinical social worker In 2015, Imogen got their Bachelors of Social Work. At the time, Imogen was a single mom and decided to go into social work.  Imogen started in Vancouver before practicing in other places, and also worked for the government at the start of their career.  They worked in youth work for a year, and even though it was an enjoyable experience, it wasn’t financially sustainable, so Imogen went back to school to complete a masters degree.  After completing their masters, Imogen was hired by a health authority and greatly enjoyed working with the team, but then went on maternity leave.  Building up your own Canadian private practice  One of the drivers for Imogen to open and pursue their own business was to have more freedom and autonomy with time.  Now, Imogen has more autonomy in terms of time, and is working in an environment where they can meet their needs as well as the needs of their family.  A clinical social worker as opposed to a social worker  The clinical social worker designation is new in Canada, so it’s not widely known yet, sometimes even in professional circles. With the RCSW, Imogen can diagnose things like ADHD and anything within the DSM, although there are some things that Imogen won’t diagnose for due to not personally feeling fully qualified yet.  Imogen’s unique service offering  Imogen noticed with their existing clients that people were asking for letters for different purposes, and Imogen wanted to figure out a way to offer clients this service while still being billed for the time and effort it takes to write them.  Doing it through the Jane App platform means that the time during the sessions is dedicated specifically to the clients needs, and not for writing the letter itself.  Marketing in a big city Imogen was able to build up their clientele in Vancouver relatively quickly, which is a challenge!  Therefore, having a very in depth niche is what greatly helped Imogen to build their practice up relatively quickly and successfully.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 113: Veronica Loffreda: Why Diversifying Brings You Success in Private Practice | EP 113  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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

When we want to do something really well, we may pick one path and stick to it, but hyperfocusing can cause us to develop blind spots to where we could improve. Sometimes there is success and new possibilities available to you when you try new things, diversify your approach, and look at things differently - without a fear of failure!  There are multiple ways of helping  your community, creating strong referral networks, and finding clients. When you diversify your private practice, success and new opportunities may more easily find their way to you.  By being brave in your actions and trying lots of new things, you can develop your skills as a counsellor and a practice owner! In this podcast episode, I chat with Veronica about her amazing experiences - and how being diverse helped her to succeed!  MEET VERONICA Veronica is a licensed psychologist and certified counsellor with 20 + years experience. She owns a private practice in Quebec and specializes in complex trauma, multicultural groups, and immigrant populations. Learn more about Veronica on her LinkedIn profile and her website In this episode:  Veronica’s journey into counselling Starting a private practice  Diversifying your clientele in private practice  Learning a new language to work with clients  Veronica’s journey into counselling  Veronica completed her bachelor's degree in psychology, and it encouraged her to finish her masters degree in psychology, which is where she got her certification.  Afterward, Veronica got her licensing as a psychologist and went to a university in Montreal to finish her doctorate degree.  Veronica wanted to make sure that she wouldn’t accidentally close herself off from opportunities. Therefore, to have more opportunities for clinical work, Veronica made sure to get the correct licensing and certifications.  Starting a private practice  In the beginning of Veronica’s career after her bachelor years, Veronica worked in a community centre.  Even though she was so excited and resolved on opening her own Canadian private practice, Veronica felt strongly that she first had to gain more experience in the field.  After many years, Veronica was working with a boss that she fundamentally disagreed with when it came to providing the right care for clients. So, Veronica decided to put her efforts elsewhere.  Diversifying your clientele in private practice  In the beginning of her private practice, Veronica had an “open door” policy.  Veronica built up her referral network, and she was fully booked. She worked from 09:00 to 21:00 in her first year, and even though she had $0 profit, all her debts were paid off.  When Veronica is working with government groups, she learnt to work with multiple groups at once since their payments don’t always come in at the same time. So, you need to be working with different entities so that you can often have an income stream. Veronica’s advice is that you need to fulfil your client base with different areas, because this is what will keep your Canadian practice afloat.  Learning a new language to work with new clients  Apart from developing herself with professional skills, Veronica went the extra mile and learned an additional language to be able to work with clients who were seeking counselling that could not speak English or French.  As a fluent polyglot, Veronica understands the power of a mother tongue, and the emotional language that a bi- or multilingual person has. To understand a person also means to speak to them in their language, and that’s what Veronica did.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 112: Great Platforms You Can Use in Your Private Practice | EP 112 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 Veronica on her LinkedIn profile and her website Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Do you know some of the sweet spots to streamline your business processes? Is your Canadian private practice set up to support you, while you support your clients? Are you looking for some tips and tools that you can use to simplify your practice needs?  There are so many different platforms and apps out there that it can seem overwhelming. If you are looking for some guidance and advice from lived experience, listen and read on!  In this podcast episode, I share the different services and platforms that I personally use and recommend in my practice with you.  In this Episode: Slack  Hushmail Google Drive  Jane App  Slack  You probably already receive loads of emails each day, and it can be frustrating when admin emails get lost in between client emails, and all the rest. With Slack, you can keep any and all business-related topics, queries, requests, and ideas in one place.  Some of the great features of Slack include:  Using it as a quick easy way to chat with colleagues and staff Video calls that you could use for monthly meetings  Quick ways to tell your staff that you are unavailable, or on vacation Option to have specific group chats If you decide to get the paid plan, you then get access to the video calls feature, as well as control of when  you want communication to be deleted. Since Slack messages are not encrypted, using this option for added security can be useful.  Hushmail  If you are emailing sensitive information then you should definitely consider using Hushmail! With their opt-in or -out encryption feature, you can either select that someone receives an email with a link to open it, or not.  It’s great for sending sensitive information because it’s hack-proof!  ‘As a therapist, I believe that you really need to have that option of having emails encrypted. Sometimes we have to send things to insurance, sometimes we have to send things to an employer, or sometimes we have to send things to clients, and if you don’t have any options for encrypting emails, that can be unethical and dangerous.’ - Julia Smith  Hushmail offers affordable pricing, for only 11.99 USD a month. If you want to check it out, learn more and sign up here!  Google Drive  I’ve used Google Drive to write manuals for all of my assistants.  It’s a great tool because they are essentially “living” documents that can be edited by the owner as well as whoever you decide to share it with, meaning that the information can always be updated and shared.  ‘One tip is every year I would copy that doc and save it on your computer … So that you have a document that isn’t online in case something were to happen with Google Drive, that you have that document on your computer so it’s not only living on the internet.’ - Julia Smith  Jane App ‘This is the number one thing and the first thing that you should invest in. It is private practice in a box!’ - Julia Smith  Jane App can do your:  Billing  Invoicing  Bookings  Charting  Group private practice feature - for an extra 15 CAD (plus tax) a month  Their in-platform video service is included in their monthly subscription price, which is 79 CAD (plus tax). Their features are also customizable, like their online-booking platform, so you can change things to complement your Canadian practice!  If you are ready to try it, use my code FEARLESS to that you can receive your first month for free when you sign up!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 111: Marlee Rubel: Building an Online Private Practice in Toronto 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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

A lot of counsellors may start private practices because they want flexibility and autonomy in their professional lives, as well as for the fact that they have noticed a direct need that they feel passionate about serving. Marlee, today’s guest, decided to go into private practice for those reasons. In this podcast episode, Marlee and I discuss private practice, supporting mental health practitioners, and why building up a strong network - and resting! - are important.  MEET MARLEE Marlee Rubel (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist offering clinical consultation, supervision, trainings, and program development to individuals, hospitals and various agencies within Toronto. Operating from a social justice oriented and trauma-informed lens, she specializes in complex trauma, queer experience, and relationship therapy in her clinical practice. She is the Clinical Director of Soft Landings Psychotherapy. Learn more about Marlee on her website, LinkedIn profile, and practice website  In this episode:  How Marlee started her private practice  Supporting the not-for-profit sector with consulting  Owning a virtual practice  Marlee’s tips for listeners  How Marlee started her private practice  After completing her counselling degree, Marlee started working in a hospital as well as working part-time in a group private practice.  Marlee only worked in the hospital for a year before changing to work in an addiction treatment program with a great team, but it was tough and challenging work to do.  When Marlee was working in the addiction program and before in the hospital, she found that most people she worked with were burned out, and she knew that for her career that she wanted to do something different so she could provide care while also caring for herself.  Supporting the not-for-profit sector with consulting  One of the aspects of Marlee’s work is that she supports and helps counsellors working in the not-for-profit sector to not get burned out. Counsellors and therapists know how strained the mental health system is, and so many workers get burned out so easily since the need is so great but the system isn’t designed to support mental health practitioners when the strain inevitably gets too much.  Owning a virtual practice  Marlee hasn’t had many clients be upset or leave the practice due to it being a virtual business. In many ways, the virtual therapy offers additional support, such as:  Accessing therapy when they are ill at home  Attending a session if a child is at home sick  Not having to pay for gas or travel expenses  If a client is dealing with anxiety about leaving their home  After some time, Marlee decided to develop her Canadian private practice into a group practice by listing her business on job platforms and hiring new clinicians.  Since Marlee had some experience working previously in group private practices, she knew both what she wanted (a sense of community and professional respect and support amongst staff), and what she didn’t want (for burnt out to be rampant or the expected norm).  Marlee’s tips for listeners   Don’t operate from a scarcity mindset. The need for mental health is increasing, and there will always be people that require and seek help. So, know that your skills and your work will always be needed, you just need to show up, be authentic, and build the foundation of your business on your mission and values.  Additionally, network! Build up your network as soon as you can.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 110: What to Consider when Setting Your Private Practice Rates | EP 110 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 Marlee on her website, LinkedIn profile, and practice website  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Are you having trouble deciding on a starting rate for your private practice?  There are so many ways to figure out how to start off. For example, your college or association may have a recommendation, or basing your rate on what other therapists are charging in your area - but these guidelines may not be enough to allow you to be profitable!  You may need to look at your budget to know where to set your rates in order to give your Canadian private practice the best shot at being successful. In this podcast episode, I talk you through a basic exercise that you can do to help you decide what your rate should be.  In this Episode: Make it personal  How to find your starting rate  Final thoughts  Make it personal  You have to personalize your budget, and therefore your therapy rate. Sure, you can look at what other therapists in your area are charging to make sure that you’re not pricing yourself too high or too low, or you could check in with your associated college to see what they say.  However, whatever advice you get, you need to tailor it to what your personal and professional needs are. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to budgeting; you’re going to have to understand  your numbers and you’re going to understand your needs!  It is a bit of a dance to figure out what to do in this situation, and I know because I’ve been there! If you want some more in-depth advice, you can download my free e-course or purchase my workbook.  How to find your starting rate  One of the main reasons why people start private practices is because they want work-life balance. So, let’s say:  At a maximum that you want to see four people a day for five days a week, that’s 20 people per week You want to take four weeks of vacation  You take 10 sick or personal days  There are five holidays  With these calculations, you’ll probably be working around 45 work weeks per year. Now, a common rate is $150 CAD, which I’ll use in this example. If you charge:  $150 CAD x 20 clients, that is $3000 per week  $3000 CAD x 45 weeks, that is a total of $135,000 This may seem like a lot of money, but you have to take income tax into account, as well as your business expenses. I recommended subtracting 50% right away for income tax and business expenses, and whatever is left is your bonus for the year.  ‘But, for that 50%, it would go towards rent if you’re seeing people in person, your practice management software and I use Jane App for that - it’s fairly affordable, around $80 CAD a month … You may have hired VAs, clinical insurance, clinical supervision, accountants, website development … So many things that you have to pay for!’ - Julia Smith  So, once you subtract this 50%, you could be left with $67,500 CAD.  With retirement, it’s recommended that you put away 10-15%, and now you are left with a total of: $57,375.00 and divided by 12 months, that is $4,781.25 CAD.  Final thoughts In Canada, $150 CAD may not be enough to charge for a session, but I know that it can be difficult to charge more. There are lots of factors to consider, but don’t lose hope! There is a sweet spot that you can find with your numbers when you start working with them.  So, consider doing this exercise to get clarity about the rate that you would like to get to! Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 109: How to Build a Private Practice Website | EP 109 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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

As a Canadian therapist, one of the things that you know needs to get done is to build a website. It’s part of the deal of being a business owner, and having a great website is the cornerstone of being seen by your local community and getting your Canadian private practice noticed.  I think everyone has one or two horror stories about trying to get everything up and running when you are launching your Canadian private practice, or your latest marketing campaign - I’ve had some as well! But a great website is necessary, and it’s not as impossible (or expensive) as you may have thought! I’ve partnered with an incredible company that offers you easy, affordable, and professional website packages. Depending on your needs, budget, and desires, there will be an option that fits your budget and business like a glove. Keep listening to be introduced!  In this Episode: Re-building my website Choosing your website journey  Meet Your New Website!  Re-building my website  Last year I decided to completely redo my website, perhaps you have an idea of how much work that can be! If you have ever been in this situation - or you are in this situation now, read on!  WordPress websites are open-source, they offer design flexibility, and excellent SEO capabilities. On the other hand, website builders that create using their own proprietary platform (like Wix, Squarespace, Clinic Sites, and now Brighter Vision) make creating a website easy BUT there are limits to the design of your website and limits to SEO, because the websites are built on their private platform. Choosing your website journey  I decided to switch from my previous website host to one that suited my preferences and needs, and I found an amazing Canadian company that ticked all the boxes!  So, you may be thinking that instead you could build your own website. You might imagine that it would be cheaper, and that you could do it your own way. You could do that, but I would recommend you try something else!  Because I tried to build my own website, it took almost 10 months, and it felt like a second job.  Meet Your New Website! So if you don’t want to spend months working with a team to build your own website, doing edits, and paying thousands of dollars - I have found a solution for you!  Before any confusion sets in; WordPress.org is where you can purchase your own hosting and develop your website. However, now there is a WordPress website that provides you with turn-key solutions; WordPress.com!  So if you want to build it yourself in an easy way, they offer that function. However, if you don’t want to build it yourself, they do offer website design services - all you have to do is choose one of their monthly plans, choose a template that you love, and submit your content.  And, if you want to transfer later and stop working with the company, you can switch your website to another WordPress hosting site!  You can start with this company for 0 Canadian dollars! Or, I’d recommend starting with their Creator Plan, which is only $33 CAD a month, plus tax, which includes:  Free domain for one year Premium website themes Unlimited Pages WordPress Plugins Live Chat Support Website Security Real Time Website Backups Website Performance Boosters To start building your private practice, click here and by next week you could have your website built!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 108 Michael Sorsdahl: CCPA’s New Ethics Case bOok and Why You Must Read It | EP 108  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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

How knowledgeable are you on current counselling ethics? How regularly do you follow up on changes and fluctuations in ethics and the recommended practices as times go on? Where should you start?  As we know how society and the general public changes over the years, it makes sense that the recommended counselling practices and ethics would too. What you might have learned five years ago, even two years ago, may have changed recently. Part of being a clear, conscientious, and responsible therapist is taking the time to keep up to date with current ethics. In this podcast episode, I talk with Michael who’s recently just finished co-authoring and editing the new CCPA revised ethics case book.  MEET MICHAEL Michael Sorsdahl is a practicing psychologist in BC and Alberta, and is currently the ethics chair for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association Ethics Complaints Division. Learn more about Michael on his practice website, LinkedIn and Psychology Today profiles.  In this episode:  Why the new ethics case book is important for counsellors  The four sections of the book   Ethics have to be current  Multiple relationships Why the new ethics case book is important for counsellors  This book is a complement to the standard ethics of practice that the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association (CCPA) created.  This ethics case book that Michael and his team have developed is focused on bringing to life our code of ethics and standards of practice that are new.  Although there are best practices and recommendations that are more in alignment in the codes based on historical precedence, there is more no “this is the only way” to do something, and that’s what this book is teaching.  The four sections of the book 1 - Foundational aspect  The history of ethics and how it evolved  The legal intersectionality of ethics and society  That ethics isn’t directed by law but is influenced by law  2 - Sections of the codes  The sections that each code falls under which is represented by different chapters in the book Historical elements of the codes and the societal considerations to be aware of  Any pitfalls that counsellors could be mindful of  3 - Complex cases studies without solutions  Complex case studies that you or your students could practice with in any case  Work on your own problem-solving skills for these  Michael’s team are going to work on putting a team together to solve these and put the solutions forward to the CCPA   4 - The solutions to the case studies  There are solutions in a separate chapter so that the case studies can be studied by students without spotting the answers on the same page  Ethics have to be current  Ethics will naturally evolve with time because it is the study and practice of handling people and situations correctly, and people are constantly changing too.  As a responsible and compassionate counsellor, it is part of your job to know how the lines shift, change, or blur and how to navigate those changes effectively.  Read more about the new CCPA ethics book at this link.  Multiple relationships  The ethics of multiple relationships between counsellors and clients can often be brought into discussion, especially when offering therapy in small towns or rural areas.  For example, someone may be the therapist of their pharmacist! Which is of course a nuanced situation to navigate.  If you are in a situation where you have multiple relationships, you need to take notes. Have clear boundaries and capture records of your choices. Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 107: Ester Chu and Richard Tatomir: Working As a Team to help Canadian Therapists | EP 107  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 Michael on his practice website, LinkedIn and Psychology Today profiles Learn more about the CCPA ethics discussed in this podcast here Watch this video to learn more about the CCPA’s Ethics CaseBook  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

We all know that working as a therapist can be a lonely job. When we work together, we can help one another reach higher heights in our Canadian practices, grow as professionals, and share the success with more people.  This is what Richard and Esther have found on their journey so far. Richard hired Esther as an administrative assistant in the early months of 2020 as his solo practice was full, and together they have developed a thriving practice, and even started a Collective to help therapists do the same.  In this podcast episode, I chat with the both of them about their journey, the work that they do, and to show the value of professional partnership and the rewards it can offer.  MEET ESTHER AND RICHARD Esther is a therapist and the owner of Sandigan Wellness. She also is the practice manager at Relationship Experts Vancouver (a group private practice) where she’s responsible for establishing and maintaining the community culture, operations, and seeking out opportunities for clinicians to gain experience in areas they wish to grow in.  And Richard is a Practitioner-Instructor, Clinical Supervisor, and PhD student at Simon Fraser University. He is the President of the BC Chapter of the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association; Speaker and Consultant to organizations, professionals, and the public, and founded Relationship Experts Vancouver.  Learn more about Esther on her Psychology Today profile, her website, and the practice website  Learn more about Richard on his LinkedIn, the practice website, and his Psychology Today profile   In this episode:  How Esther and Richard came to work together  The benefits of working in a team  The Collective program  How Esther and Richard came to work together For Richard, who was looking for help and ended up hiring Esther as an admin virtual assistant, he was working as a solo practitioner and getting full, even before COVID.  To hire Esther, Richard was trusting his gut and hired her also due to the fact that Esther’s interests and skill aligned with the role that he was searching for someone to fill.  The benefits of working in a team  For both Esther and Richard, working in a team offers both of them so many benefits.  Esther sees a few clients now as well and works alongside Richard. However, since Esther has taken over most of the practice management roles, Richard as the owner is now working more on the business instead of in the business.  The Collective program  When Richard and Esther decided to create the collective space, they wanted it to be a place where counsellors could gain access to supervision, referrals and community. Like Fearless practice, they also hope to help launch counsellors into private practice so that they don’t have to settle for a position that does not pay well.  ‘So, people that are wanting to develop their own private practices and their own brands … We have created this start-up accelerator, membership community model, where I know the cost of supervision is going to be covered, the other basic costs are going to be covered, and if they really like it … They’re inviting their friends who could also potentially become members.’ - Richard Tatomir  Even though the collective has an open policy, they are still selective of who they invite into groups because they want to make sure that the people who are working together are properly aligned.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 106: A Dr. Chandra Ashton: Working in a Canadian Not-for-Profit and Enjoying It! | EP 106 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 Esther on her Psychology Today profile, her website, and the practice website  Learn more about Richard on his LinkedIn, the practice website, and his Psychology Today profile   Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Have you worked in a not-for-profit organization before? Do you tend to steer clear from not-for-profit counselling positions due to common bad stories from what it could be like?  So many therapists go into therapy because they feel a need and a desire to support and serve their communities. However, it can become tough, expensive, and challenging - but this is not the case across the board! If you’re lucky, you can find Canadian not-for-profit practices that are aligned with your values, and you can see clients and do work that feels fulfilling to you.  In this podcast episode, I chat with Dr. Ashton about her experience running her own solo private practice while working full-time for a not-for-profit practice. MEET CHANDRA Dr. Ashton has worked as a therapist and parent coach in private practice and not-for-profit settings, and through contracted service for various agencies. She values creating a culturally safe and self-empowering practice. She has found her greatest joy when adapting mainstream interventions in creative ways to best walk alongside marginalized and underserved populations. Learn more about Dr. Ashton and connect with her on her website or via her email address  In this episode:  Be intentional about working as a therapist Working in a not-for-profit practice Handling work without burning out  Pros and cons of being a not-for-profit therapist Be intentional about working as a therapist For Dr. Ashton, her journey into Canadian private practice has been deeply informed by her desire to be aware of her position, ancestry, the land that she occupies, and how she wants to serve and assist her community.  Working in a not-for-profit practice Dr. Ashton had gone through an 11-year journey in working through agencies and other private practices before being hired as a full-time therapist at Terra Centre in Edmonton. When Dr. Ashton first started working through an agency in private practice, she started in a not-for-profit.  However, once she started doing her P.h.D and had children, she knew that she needed to start looking out for her family by finding work that was more reliable.  Handling work without burning out  Working as a therapist can be incredibly taxing as it is rewarding, and you need to have strong boundaries in place with yourself and others so that you don’t lose yourself in the lives of others, or bring work home with you.  However, if you like what you do and you enjoy the work - besides the few very tough days here and there - it is easier not to burn out.  Pros and cons of being a not-for-profit therapist  For Dr. Ashton, working in her private practice means building a working relationship with her clients where she knows that they are receiving what they need and she is able to structure her job in the way that she wants to do it.  Sometimes when you work for another practice, you may have to:  Limit how many sessions you can have with a client  Stick to the modality that they want you to use so you cannot always change or adapt your therapeutic approach  Deal with burnout from having to work a job that you haven’t structured yourself  Having that autonomy over your work is invaluable.  Even though Dr. Ashton has a small pay cut for her work in the not-for-profit practice, she feels that she gains so much because the work that she is doing feels important, sustainable, and appreciated by her clients and community.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 105: Ashley Schofield-McEachern: Transitioning from Nursing into Therapy | EP 105 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 Dr. Ashton and connect with her on her website or via her email address  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Many of the skills that you learn from all your experience throughout  your mental health career can be brought into the session room with a client - when done ethically and when asked for!  Ashley worked as a nurse for many years in public health before deciding to return to university to get her masters, and move into Canadian private practice. She now uses both psychotherapy and nursing skills in private practice! In this podcast episode, Ashley and I discuss her journey into Canadian private practice, as well as how she works with clients, offering walk and talk therapy, and how she brings in all her expertise in a way that allows her to do her best work with her clients.  MEET ASHLEY Ashley is a Registered Nurse and Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying) in Ontario, Canada, and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professional. She owns a private practice, Whispering Pines Counselling & Wellness, dedicated to women’s health and wellness. Ashley's mission is to help women feel empowered to prioritize their wellbeing, know their worth, and live unapologetically.  Learn more about Ashley on her practice website, Instagram, or LinkTree page.  In this episode:  From nursing to therapy  Going into private practice  Dual licenses  Offering walk and talk therapy  Ashley’s advice to listeners  From nursing to therapy  Ashley had worked as a nurse in public health, and during the last five years, she started doing home visits with clients, which encouraged her to return to university to learn how to become a therapist.  As Ashley explains, in nursing school they are taught a baseline of counselling skills in all areas to prepare them. But to help people more professionally and effectively, Ashley knew that she needed - and wanted - to get a further education.  Going into private practice  Although Ashley left public health in 2021, she had already started working on her masters degree in 2020.  At the end of 2022, Ashley completed her masters, and started in private practice in April of that year. She recently signed up with a local university to be a part-time clinical instructor.  Dual licenses  Because Ashley is a licensed nurse and psychotherapist, she can draw on both professions and experiences to help clients.  For her clients, they charge their insurance for her psychotherapy and then add in elements of nursing, if any was given or was applicable.  During sessions, Ashley will inform her clients that she’s “putting on her nurse hat” when wanting to discuss certain questions.  Offering walk and talk therapy  From June 2023, Ashley started offering walk and talk therapy services to her clients, and it’s been successful so far!  The trails that they take are often more private, so they know that the sessions can be conducted without much interference from others.  Ashley has structured her online booking with Jane App so that her clients can easily contact her and mention for which service they would like to see her through, whether that’s virtual or for a walk and talk session. Her official office space opens up in early January so that she can begin seeing clients in-person. To save on expenses, Ashley is sharing the office space with a massage therapist. Ashley’s advice to listeners  Listen to your heart and your gut, because sometimes your head can turn you into a different direction due to fear or nervousness. The whole point of private practice is doing what you want to do, and making it work for you!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 104: Angela Bishop: Build Your Career in Canadian Private Practice | EP 104 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 Ashley on her practice website, Instagram, or LinkTree page.  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

What works for you one day, one year, or one decade may not stay the same. As you change and develop as a person, so will your needs, and what you need from your environment to feel supported and to offer your best work.  In this podcast episode, I talk with Angela who used to have zero interest in running a Canadian private practice but who is now on track to hit her second year of being a solo practitioner! We discuss how she got into therapy, the challenges she faced, and how she is overcoming them. MEET ANGELA Angela is a Registered Social Worker and perinatal mental health provider, specializing in maternal mental health and all things parenthood. She has a wealth of experience in helping individuals move through transitions, worries, low mood and general day to day struggles. She opened up her own private therapy practice "Bloom & Thrive Therapy" in 2022 where she has a strong focus on Perinatal Mental Health. Learn more about Angela on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles.  In this episode:  Recognizing and honouring the desire to change  Becoming a therapist  Creating a job that you like doing  Offering in-person and virtual therapy  Networking with fellow therapists  Recognizing and honouring the desire to change  Angela got her Masters of Social Work in 2008. She worked for a counselling agency for a short period of time before getting a long term job at a hospital where she worked for 14 years.  Then, when Angela had her second child in 2021 and went on maternity leave, she felt that she was ready for something new in her professional life.  Becoming a therapist  Angela extended her maternity leave and began dipping her toes into private practice by working as an associate.  In January 2022, Angela started learning more about private practice. By March she was working as an associate, and then registered her own practice in May 2022.  Creating a job that you like doing  Angela describes the things that she misses from working in the hospital, such as:  Bouncing ideas off of other clinicians  Chatting with other medical staff to better understand a diagnosis  The community of working as a team All these aspects can be implemented into a private practice over time.  There are ways to create the job that you enjoy working and want to do because, even though there are benefits to contract work, there are downsides too.  Starting up a private practice gave Angela the opportunity to create a work environment where she could have a professional career that wasn’t intruded on my politics or issues from a contract or agency job.   Offering in-person and virtual therapy  Nowadays, people are used to virtual therapy and are okay with it. It can be expensive to have an in-person space and to rent an office to use for therapy, however, Angela knew that she wanted to invest in one.  Offering in-person therapy has become a great way for new clients to first meet Angela and get to know her before moving to virtual therapy.  Networking with fellow therapists  Angela shares an office space with another therapist who she used to work with back at the hospital. They see different client groups and can refer to one another.  Having this type of small camaraderie is incredibly useful and supportive for therapists, to help one another out and to share the load, since it can feel lonely from time to time.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 103: Why Taking Breaks is Important in Private Practice | EP 103 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 Angela on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles.  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

Do you often let fear stop you from taking a break and resting when you know you need it? Are you often pushing yourself beyond your limits but haven’t stopped to wonder why? Have you been feeling resentful towards work that you used to enjoy in the past?  Taking the time to properly rest is something that can help you to feel more present with your clients during sessions, and to enjoy what you do. Resting allows you to tap into your creative energy and appreciate your daily tasks, as well as your needs, instead of only chasing deadlines.  In this podcast episode, I share my history with overcoming the fear when I know I need to settle down for some time.  In this Episode: Why I started private practice  Signs I need a break  Being Fearless Going forward  Why I started private practice  One of the reasons why I started my own Canadian private practice was because I was getting burned out and I knew that for me to be successful I would need to have more breaks.  However, even when I got to that place, I found myself struggling to give myself the chance to rest and take breaks because I felt I:  Needed to push myself. I didn’t feel like I could ever fully “earn” my rest because in our modern capitalist society, we’re taught that time means money, so resting could feel like losing money  Had to continuously earn an income because, another symptom of a largely capitalist society, hustle culture is so ingrained in our world that not actively doing something insinuates that you are not driven  Could lose out on working with new clients if I wasn’t always available because I decided to take a break So, during this first year of trying to take more breaks, I had to focus on listening to myself and what my body and mind were telling me when I knew that I needed to take breaks, even if I had fear.  Signs I need a break  I’ve come to notice personal signs of when I need to have a break, because I don’t want to wake up dreading work. I enjoy what I do, but if I don’t give myself time to rest, then that joy could turn into resentment or frustration, and I don’t want it to.  I know that I need to step back when I:  Heave a big sigh of having to do any admin, marketing, or tasks for my practice  Feel more anxious or panicky  Become overwhelmed or easily stressed out by emails and additional requests  This approach to my work has drastically helped me to reduce that “ugh” feeling toward my work, and keep the burnout at bay. If you are interested in trying out a 50/ 50 workweek split, you can listen to my podcast episode about it here.  Being Fearless After seven years of private practice and getting to know myself in this setting, I can no longer imagine working like how I used to!  Now, I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a “fearless” practitioner! It can mean saying “yes” to things that can feel scary and knowing when to push yourself, but at the same time also knowing when to say “no” and focus on self-care.  Going forward In saying this, I’m going on a two-week hiatus for December! I’m going to unwind, enjoy the holiday season, and I’ll return back in January for another awesome year of the Fearless Practice Podcast!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:  Ep 102: Nicole Lobo: Turning Lemons into Lemonade in Private Practice | EP 102 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) Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

If you had a tough experience as a counselling intern, you might feel inspired to create a space where future interns could have a different experience. It’s sometimes a healing response to turn the lemons of the past into the lemonade of the present, and that’s exactly what Nicole did.  From her practicum, Nicole had a very challenging experience as a counselling intern in a private practice, and vowed to do things differently once she was able to open her own practice.  MEET NICOLE Nicole is a Registered Psychotherapist of 5 years, Clinical Supervisor and founder of Be Well Therapy Studio; a boutique private practice operating in Ontario. Nicole’s goal is to make coming to therapy something to look forward to. She values authenticity, transparency, and a person-centred approach to care that aims to neutralize the stigma of accessing mental health care.  Learn more about Nicole on her website, LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.  In this episode:  Nicole’s journey into psychotherapy  Learning from past experiences going forward  Nicole’s success of getting busy in her practice  Discounted therapy with interns  Offering monthly texting subscriptions Nicole’s advice to listeners  Nicole’s journey into psychotherapy  In college, Nicole already had a passion for psychology.  Nicole made sure to keep a finger on the pulse of what therapy would be like to stay in contact and conversation with her professors. In her fourth year, she took part in an experiential learning course that was offered by her college.  Learning from past experiences going forward  During her masters, Nicole completed her counselling practicum in a private practice setting to gain experience in the field. However, the private practice offered free therapy which was great for making it accessible to the community, but she was exposed to communities of people that had a desperate need for mental health which she felt underprepared to provide for.  After Nicole’s counselling practicum was completed and while she was working full-time at a local hospital, she opened her own small private practice part-time.  Nicole’s success of getting busy in her practice  One of the things that Nicole did was to prioritize slow organic growth. She started her practice as a side-job about two and half years before the pandemic started while working full-time in a hospital, so these pre-COVID years helped her to have an idea of the busy seasons in private practice versus slow seasons.  Discounted therapy with interns  Due to Nicole’s difficult entry into private practice when she was a new student and completing her practicum, it was important to her to create a space where she could rectify that issue for others.  She offers this in her practice so that she knows she is providing new therapists with the guidance and support that she didn’t have when she started. Offering monthly texting subscriptions  Nicole works hard to creatively meet the needs of the client, depending on where they are at.   This service developed into Nicole’s idea for offering her clients a monthly text subscription which allows a client a way to connect with their therapists between sessions.  Nicole is part of the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario, and she made sure to read through their standards of practice and technological access standards to make sure that she was on the right side of the regulatory framework.  Nicole’s advice to listeners Take it slow. Follow your interests, and gently get out of your comfort zone! Take learning risks and expose yourself to new areas of work so when you really invest your time and energy into an area of work you know that it’s what you want to do.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 101: Olivia Grigg: How to Host a Wellness Retreat | EP 101 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 Nicole on her website, LinkedIn and Instagram profiles.

Which skills do you have that could be carried over into your private practice? Today’s guest Olivia Grigg, who works as a therapist, used to spend her summers running camps, and now she hosts successful wellness retreats!  If there is something that you would like to do, whether start a podcast, create an e-course, or even host and launch a retreat, these options are all possible for you. Even if you love counselling but you still feel like there’s something else out there that you want to combine with your standard hours in session, you can find it, and make it happen.  In this podcast episode, Olivia and I talk about her journey from working in another group practice to starting her own Canadian practice, and hosting wellness retreats that keep getting full!  MEET OLIVIA Olivia is an RSW in London, Ontario. She has three young kids who keep her busy. Olivia supports clients 1:1 as well as hosting wellness retreats regularly throughout the year. Olivia focuses on somatic approaches as well as inner child and self compassion strategies to help clients move towards self trust. Learn more about Olivia on her website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles.  In this episode:  Why Olivia started a private practice Hosting retreats  Retreats could help you get clients Advertising retreats  Handling insurance  Why Olivia started a private practice  Before starting her own practice, Olivia was working at another group practice offering one-on-one counselling.  Although Olivia enjoyed her time at the group practice where she previously worked, she felt a strong pull to expand on her own desires and skills as a therapist. For her and her journey, it made sense for her at that point to continue the journey on her own.  Olivia knew that she wanted to spend more time with clients that were going through a religious transformation or deconstruction, or had a desire to reconnect with their faith in a new way, but these weren’t the clients that she could see while working at the other group practice.  Hosting retreats Since Olivia has had experience in both improvising through handling big groups of people - and from playing music - she felt comfortable organizing and leading a wellness retreat.  Even though there are some differences, the similarities are far more and far greater. Retreats could help you get clients For some of Olivia’s clients, they often come to her retreats first before signing on as an official client since it allows them to indirectly work with her and experience her counselling before making the commitment.  Of course, not all participants are looking for a therapist, but some do, and so retreats could function like a soft-meeting.  Advertising retreats In terms of advertising the retreats that Olivia hosts, she usually uses:  Instagram as her main platform  Her website  Her network of therapists in the community to pass the information onto their clients, but often the therapists themselves join the retreats too!  Since retreats are becoming more popular and people are more familiar with what they are, the need has adjusted and grown. So, Olivia often finds clients and participants relatively easy. She’s hosted retreats as small as five to as large as 20.  Handling insurance  Even though insurance is not as big of an issue as you might think, it is still advised to purchase top-quality insurance, like Olivia does, for her retreats.  For herself and her brand, she purchases high-quality liability insurance so that in case an accident does occur, her business won’t suffer for it.  For anyone who is looking to host retreats, get advice that will suit what you want to do.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 100: What I’ve Learned about Podcasting | EP 100 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 Olivia on her website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles