Abundant Practice Podcast

In this Ask Allison, we're tackling a big question: Why isn't my practice filling up?   You're not alone—and it's not your fault. Most therapists were never taught how to market or niche effectively.   We'll cover the three biggest culprits—an unclear niche, weak marketing, and doing too much at once—and how to turn things around with clarity and focus.   Sponsored by  TherapyNotes®:  Looking to s...

Abundance Community member Hagger and I dig into what it really takes to move off insurance panels—and how to do it without blowing up your caseload or your nervous system. We walk through the numbers to help you feel confident the math can work in your favor, even with some client loss. We also talk about how to frame the conversation with clients so it feels clear and compassionate (not scary),...

My live  Ask Allison  recording sessions are a great way to get free, conversational support. Today's podcast episode—sponsored by our friends at  TherapyNotes® —features a clip from one of those sessions, recorded back in September. In it, we cover topics like marketing strategies for therapists, transitioning off therapy platforms, networking and relationship building, niching and messaging, and...

In this Ask Allison, we're talking about a common—but rarely spoken—concern: how to navigate the leap into private practice when you've had serious health issues and rely on agency benefits like paid sick time, FMLA, and health insurance.   You'll hear my take on how to separate fear from facts, what protections you can replicate outside of agency work, and why this decision doesn't have to be all...

Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey joins me to dig into the fast-evolving world of AI in healthcare—and what it means for therapists right now. We talk through key ethical considerations, documentation practices, and communication protocols for using AI in clinical settings, with a focus on staying grounded in client care. Maelisa also shares updates on HIPAA compliance and recent state-level legislation impac...

In this Ask Allison, we're digging into online scheduling—whether it helps or hurts your practice, and how to make it work for you, not against you. We'll talk about the hidden perks, the potential pitfalls (especially if your calendar's wide open), and the smart tweaks that give you control without the back-and-forth emails. Because when used intentionally, online scheduling can protect your time...

Today's guest, J. Timothy Davis , Ph. D. joins me to explore his work with boys who are often labeled as "challenging"—and why that label doesn't tell the whole story. Drawing on his clinical expertise and his experience as a volunteer firefighter, Tim shares how he blends multiple therapeutic approaches to connect with and support these boys. We talk about the growing pressures boys face in eleme...

In this Ask Allison, I'm breaking down why private practice actually works—and why it only seems impossible if you've been stuck in a system that burns you out. We'll cover what makes private practice sustainable, how to navigate the fear, and why therapists everywhere are working less, earning more, and finally enjoying their work. It's not a fantasy. It's just a better system—and yes, it's total...

Today's guest, Dr. Sumi Raghavan , PHD, joins me to talk about her powerful transition from academia to full-time private practice. She shares the motivations behind her decision, the challenges she faced along the way, and the key moments that shaped her journey. We dive into what it was like to balance academic responsibilities while building a trauma-focused, cross-cultural therapy practice—and...

Ever dream of living part of the year abroad and running a thriving in-person practice? 🌍✨   In this Ask Allison, I'm breaking down how to make it work when you're living a dual-country life—whether you're gone for a few weeks or a solid three months. We'll cover 4 creative practice models that let you travel without burning out, losing income, or ghosting your clients.   Whether it's sabbatical...

In today's podcast,  Abundance Community member Adina and I dive into the art of professional networking—how to build genuine relationships while still being intentional about referrals. We talk about keeping connections warm through small, thoughtful gestures and the balance between giving and receiving in referral dynamics. Adina also shares where she's at with her SEO and website performance, a...

In today's Ask Allison, we're diving into whether starting with insurance is a smart move—or if you should go private pay from day one.   We'll walk through the trade-offs, the numbers that matter, and how to choose the path that actually works for your life—not just what Instagram says you "should" do.   By the end, you'll know exactly how to make this decision with clarity, confidence, and zero...

In today's podcast,  Abundance Community member Ashley and I explore the growth of her Tampa-based private practice, where she's managing 50 clients and feeling the strain of 32 weekly sessions. We talk through burnout, fee adjustments, and the impact of charging $80 per session in a high-cost area. Ashley shares her interest in refining her ADHD niche, especially with medication-resistant adults,...

In today's Ask Allison, we're breaking down the smartest way to grow a part-time practice without burning out. You'll learn the four steps that matter most: calculate your income target, choose a niche that speaks to client pain, build a website that makes clients feel instantly understood, and network where your ideal clients already turn for support.   By the end, you'll know exactly how to focu...

In today's podcast,  Abundance Community member Megan and I dive into her plans to niche her practice around ADHD and eating disorders, especially for high-functioning adults who may be late-diagnosed. We talk through website messaging, fee setting, and session structure—all while keeping her growth goals aligned with ethical practice. We also explore the role of self-disclosure in marketing, weig...

Overwhelmed by referrals?   In today's Ask Allison, we're unpacking the truth about building a referral network that actually lasts. You'll learn why depending on a single referral source is like building your practice on quicksand, how to diversify so you're consistently attracting your best-fit clients, and what to do when you're full but the calls don't stop. We'll also get into the tricky part...

Ellie Miller, LCSW-C joins me in today's episode to talk about showing up authentically in your marketing and why it matters for therapists. We dig into simple, effective ways to uncover your natural writing voice—like gathering feedback from loved ones and paying attention to how you communicate casually. Ellie also shares tips for building a brand voice cheat sheet, using AI tools like ChatGPT w...

Leaving a group practice and wondering if you can take your clients with you? In today's Ask Allison, we're breaking down the legal and ethical gray areas around client ownership, what non-compete clauses really mean, and how to handle transitions in a way that protects you and your clients. By the end, you'll know what steps to take before you leave, how to keep your integrity intact, and how to...

In today's podcast, Allison chats Abundance Community member with Cheryl to explore the niche of moral perfectionists—those caught between wanting to do more in today's political climate and feeling paralyzed about where to start. They talk through how guilt, overwhelm, anxiety, and depression often show up for this group, even when many don't see their struggles as "therapy-worthy." Cheryl and Al...

Struggling to commit to a niche? In today's Ask Allison, I'm sharing why your niche doesn't have to be perfect—or permanent. You'll learn how to approach niching without the pressure, why it's more like dating than marriage, and what to do if you're battling indecision or imposter syndrome. By the end, you'll know how to choose a "good enough" niche for right now, move forward with confidence, and...

In today's episode, Allison sits down with Dr. Jennifer Dall to talk about the often-overlooked signs of ADHD in women and why so many are diagnosed later in life. They unpack how ADHD can show up differently as we age, especially when it intersects with things like eating disorders and the hormonal shifts that come with perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jennifer Dall shares insights on why traditi...

Want a full caseload of self-pay clients?   In today's Ask Allison, I'm breaking down the three-part formula: a clear niche, consistent authentic marketing, and a great client experience. You'll learn why your niche doesn't have to box you in, which two marketing strategies are non-negotiable, and how to choose three more that you'll actually stick with. By the end, you'll know exactly how to posi...

In today's episode, Nikki Lacherza-Drew, PsyD, founder of  Couch Side Coordinators , joins me to talk about why outsourcing is essential for a sustainable private practice. We get into the fears that can hold therapists back—like losing control or worrying about the cost—and how letting go of certain tasks can actually increase your income and free up time for the work you love. Nikki shares her o...

In today's episode of the podcast, we're doing something a bit different. This episode features a course from my new company,  Not Boring CEs  (don't worry - Abundance isn't going anywhere).  At Not Boring CEs, we offer an engaging way to earn your asynchronous continuing education credits without sacrificing enjoyment. You can listen to the training sessions on the go through the  Not Boring CEs...

Feeling trapped in agency work because of the benefits?   In today's Ask Allison, I'm breaking down what it really looks like to leave an agency job for private practice when health insurance, PTO, and retirement plans feel like the golden handcuffs.   We'll look at the actual numbers—using conservative national averages—so you can see how your take-home pay, time off, and quality of life can chan...