The Practice of Therapy Podcast

Are you ready to take a deep dive into the complex, multifaceted nature of therapist burnout?  In this episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette unpacks the hidden costs of caring, from compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma to the systemic issues that perpetuate burnout in the field. You'll hear about the unique challenges therapists face, like navigating moral injury and the struggle to prioritize their own...

As the calendar turns to a new year, it's natural to take stock of where you've been and where you want to go. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon Brewer invites us into a deeply personal and insightful reflection on the past year while guiding us to set meaningful intentions for 2025. This isn't your typical "New Year's resolutions" conversation. Gordon's experiences in 202...

What's the secret to bridging the gap between big business goals and actually achieving them? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy, TJ unpacks the often-missed "step two" in business planning, using the hilarious (and surprisingly insightful) "underpants gnomes" analogy from South Park. With practical advice on building detailed, actionable roadmaps for growth, TJ explains how breaking goals...

Medical necessity—a term that seems straightforward—often becomes a complex hurdle in the world of healthcare, especially in mental health. Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, sheds light on the disconnect between clinical care and legal frameworks, and shares how his nonprofit empowers patients and clinicians to navigate these challenges effectively. What is Medical Necessity? Contrar...

Starting and running a private practice is a journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and the potential for both professional and personal fulfillment. Gordon Brewer, a seasoned mental health professional and founder of The Practice of Therapy, reflects on his journey into private practice, sharing insights that are both inspiring and practical for current and aspiring private practit...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Keith Kurlander opens up about growing his therapy practice in Boulder, Colorado, navigating high competition and high demand. From door-knocking to diving into the digital world with paid advertising, Keith shares how embracing online marketing and specializing in sought-after areas helped him stand out in a crowded field. He also offers strateg...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, host Gordon Brewer talks with Nicole McCance, who shares her insights on scaling a therapy practice through effective systems and strategic hiring. Nicole emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes before bringing new hires on board, helping therapists avoid the overwhelm of constant questions and task management. She reveals that many th...

Crystal Adams-Scott shares the powerful story behind Hope Unite, a movement born from her and her son's act of kindness. Driven by the message "You matter," which she believes could have saved her husband's life, Crystal discusses how simple cards adorned with a purple rose serve as reminders of worth and invitations to spread kindness. With volunteers distributing these cards across the U.S. and...

Navigating the world of therapy payments can be a maze for both therapists and clients, especially when insurance and out-of-network benefits come into play. Sanjana from Thrizer breaks down how their platform simplifies this process and how it helps make therapy more accessible for clients while ensuring clinicians get paid their full rate. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Read the full show n...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Tiffany dives deep into the intricate relationship between anxiety and gut-brain interactions. She explains how anxiety can affect the gut in ways that aren't always obvious, with some people experiencing clear GI issues, while others may have subtle gut disturbances without noticeable anxiety. Through relatable examples, Tiffany illustrates how...

Do you need help with your private practice website? Jenn Fredette joins us to discuss the transformative power of strong copywriting and how it can elevate your online presence. When it comes to crafting compelling copy for your website, having a clear niche is crucial. By defining your niche, you can tailor your message to resonate deeply with your ideal client, making your marketing efforts mor...

In this episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast, Mike Michalowicz dives into a transformative approach to the hiring process: recruiting workshops. Traditional interviews, as it turns out, have proven less effective than anticipated, with a mere 10% of candidates hired through this method turning out to be great performers within organizations. This often results in mishires and mismatches that...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, Gordon Brewer welcomes Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and YouTube sensation whose channel has become a sanctuary for many seeking mental health support. Kati's journey is unique; she has not only provided education through her videos but also built a thriving online community. Her dedication to fostering a safe and supportive space has allowed...

In this episode, Lisa Mustard, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience, opens up about her journey through burnout, rediscovery, and the pursuit of purpose. Lisa shares a relatable story of feeling drained by the demands of her high-pressure job, balancing family life, and maintaining self-care, leading her to question her future in the field of th...

In this deeply personal and poignant episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast—episode 350!—Gordon shares his journey through grief after the loss of his wife. As a mental health professional and former funeral director, Gordon has unique insight into the complexities of grief, but facing it himself has brought him to a new understanding of its overwhelming reality. This episode is a raw, honest...

Tune into Donny's episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast to explore profound insights on building resilient and fulfilling marriages. In this enlightening discussion, Donny reveals that while marriage inevitably comes with challenges, choosing the right partner sets the stage for overcoming these obstacles together. He tackles pressing issues like the rise of fractured families and the growing...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, guest Julie Herres brings invaluable insights into the critical role of compensation in group practices. Julie highlights how compensation is often the largest expense in a group practice and underscores its importance for the overall financial health of the business. Many practice owners, she observes, make compensation decisions without suffici...

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, host Gordon Brewer welcomes Maureen Codispodi, a passionate advocate for accessible mental health services in Canada. Maureen discusses the growing acceptance of online therapy, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and highlights the unique challenges faced by those in remote communities. She shares how her organization is addressing these chall...

This episode is all about Aaron Mallory's innovative approach to mental health services and organizational efficiency; he demonstrates his commitment to both community support and business growth. By establishing his organization as a nonprofit, he leverages grants to fund comprehensive wraparound services, including a clinical workforce program combining therapy with work experience. His focus on...

In this episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast, Nate emphasizes the importance of understanding your practice's financial health, or "financial story," to reduce stress and uncertainty. He highlights the common issue of relying on intuition instead of accurate data for financial decisions. Nate offers practical steps for therapists, who often lack financial training, to manage their finances c...

On the Practice of Therapy Podcast, Rachel Harrison recounts the organic and somewhat accidental evolution of her practice, emphasizing the importance of hiring the right staff and fostering a supportive team. Initially lacking a grand plan, Rachel's practice grew through serendipitous opportunities and learning from other group practice owners. Her trauma-focused practice aims to provide a comfor...

Heather Hendrie is a Whistler nature-based therapist and writer originally from Guelph, Ontario. She lived in Cusco, Costa Rica, California, Colorado, and the Canadian Rockies before calling British Columbia home. Heather's intimate writing style draws on her varied life experiences and works as a clinical counselor to remind us all that in our tough or embarrassing moments; we are not alone. Heat...

Welcome to this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, where Jamey Schrier dives deep into the current challenges facing private practice in today's landscape. From navigating insurance reimbursements and integrating complex technologies like Electronic Health Records (EHRs) to grappling with the soaring costs of professional training, Jamey illuminates the daunting realities many mental heal...

Ryan earned his Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University in 2003 and a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, KY in 2008. With nearly two decades of experience in private and agency work, Ryan has developed a profound expertise in his field. Ryan has maintained a private practice for the past eight years primarily working with hig...

Dr. Nicholas Samstag is a psychoanalyst and clinical psychologist living and working in New York City. He holds a Ph. D. in clinical psychology and a certificate in psychoanalysis from the William Alanson White Institute. In addition, he has completed advanced training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. Complementing his professional education is a strong background in classics and litera...