Fearless Practice

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...

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, a...

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 y...

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...

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 p...

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 d...

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...

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...

100 episodes! What a milestone. In the beginning, I really wasn't sure what would happen. I knew that I wanted to try podcasting but I had no idea what to expect. However, once I knew that it would be something I would enjoy and that it would be a great way to connect with you, I committed, and here we are two years later!  In this episode, I talk about the whole experience from the start to the p...

Has your road to private practice been rocky? Do you struggle with settling into your niche because you feel like you have to be applicable to every person? Do you feel that you need to add more specialities to be more complementary?  There are so many different types of niches, and so many people that are looking for help. You may feel like you have to see them all and maybe you want to help them...

Even though you might be hearing about how private practices are all the rage, it is still a choice of preference. Owning and running a private practice may not be well-suited to you, or your goals for your work, and that's okay.  Your work in the mental health industry does not need to look the same as others. If you haven't felt a pull to start a private practice but you can't pinpoint why, or i...

We all have intentions for the new year when it begins, and ideas of what we'd like to do differently or in a new way.  And it's often the case that things don't go as planned! However, it can be part of the overall process, and in the end new lessons are learned and new skills are acquired.  At the beginning of my seventh year in Canadian private practice, I had a vision for the year and how I wa...

How do counsellors get into the profession? Have you had an idea hanging around your thoughts for the last couple of years about trying something new? Has your mindset held you back from attempting to create some of your new dreams or ambitions?  It takes courage for a person to try something new. But education, finances, family, time and so much more can also get in the way of starting. This mean...

Do you have a wide and varied range of experience from your years in the helping profession? How can you bring these skills and life experiences together into a Canadian private practice that you can run as your own boss? Are you worried about walking the right path?  You can always learn how to incorporate your mental health field experience! Your years working as a student, abroad, or part-time...

Do you ever feel a call to reorganize, restructure, and get things back in order when a new season begins? Is your mind feeling refreshed and full of ideas after your summer break to relax?  It's officially fall, and these beginnings can sometimes provide you with a great opportunity to begin afresh, anew, or something different, and get to working on these ideas that you've been developing.  But...

What does the life look like that you have envisioned for yourself? Are you your own boss with time flexibility and autonomy? Or working in an agency with paid vacations and sick days?  There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing whether or not you want to start your own Canadian private practice. The yardstick that you could use is whether or not your future decisions are putting...

Have you heard of the marketing rule of seven? How can you build your "marketing house" from the ground up? What is the best sequence that you need to organize your marketing strategy into for authentic success?  Marketing is a necessary strategy and tool that's relevant across the board, for all businesses, including therapy. You need to focus on your message first before you put it out into chan...

Are you working on your masters degree? How can you plan your practicum and private practice journey at the same time? Which great benefits can you enjoy from working with supervisors and counsellors when starting your new practice?  There is so much to learn about Canadian private practice! There is no "right" way to go about it, because - as long as it's legal - you can go about creating your ow...

Do you love being in nature for your mental health? Have your clients expressed interest in nature walks to clear the mind and process their difficult emotions? Could you combine these two aspects into a service in your private practice?  Ecotherapy is a great modality for therapy, and some practices are warming up to it! Of course, with it being outdoors and in an environment that is not easily c...

It's September, the start of a new season! If you've been reflecting over summer and you are coming up into the warmth of change with a desire to do something different, then consider this the time where you can get your own business going.  Even though there are challenges, don't let them get you down. There are going to be challenges no matter which way you turn, so choose to work in a direction...

Are you searching for ways to save money in your private practice? Have you considered looking into the grants that you could qualify for? Have you heard of the micro-grant  "Canada's Digital Adoption Program" (CDAP) that's specifically for small businesses?  I decided to find out some more information about the CDAP grant after it came up in conversation a couple of times in podcast episode 85 an...

Ursula Kerr took many risks and leaps of faith, and through those moments of struggle and uncertainty, she has now created a thriving private practice that she enjoys working in each day. Life is not about working, but creating a job that you love doing is a great way to add value (and income) to your life! By hiring a consultant, getting professional help or advice, and working in your passion an...

What are the essential fundamentals of setting up a private practice while you finish grad school? How can you use QR codes in your marketing to make it easier for your clients to find you? When is the right time or the best-suited time for you to step into Canadian private practice?  In this episode, Allyson and I discuss navigating how to structure the approach to working, setting up a new priva...

Are you thinking about starting an art therapy private practice? Do you struggle with getting clients? Have you tapped into the resources within your network and direct community?  The great thing about private practice is that even though the process of building it is unique to you (with your preferences and niche), there are so many things that you can learn from your fellow clinicians. In this...

Do you enjoy the work that you do? Are you working in a field or with a group of clients that are the best-fit group for you? Is it possible to combine your passions with your work in a way that supports them both without burning you out in the process?  You don't need to use all your hobbies and passions as work ideas. However, it can help you – and your business – to work in an area that you are...