Have you been dreaming of opening your own private practice?
I remember that RUSH well.
I don’t know if it was the allure of autonomy or the thrill of venturing into the unknown, but it was electric.
Opening my own private practice wasn’t just a goal; it was the dream.
And four years ago, seasoned with experience and a relentless drive, I turned that dream into my reality.
I was really doing it!
I booked my first client, then another...and another. I made more money than I had ever made before while working far less hours. I was able to be my own boss and set my own schedule. It was incredible.
But, I have to be honest..I was really just winging it. I spent way too much time and energy throwing ideas at the wall to see what would stick. I was reaching my goals, but I didn’t feel good about how sustainable my actual business practices were. With technology and big corporations making it easier for therapists to go into private practice, I was seeing the necessity of creating a firm foundation for my practice.
It didn’t matter how many other therapists I sat down with (I didn’t want to copy their practice!) or how many books I read; success did not occur for me until I learned how to use my own values as an anchor.
Looking back, I wish this revelation had come sooner, but the silver lining? I learned these tough lessons so you won’t have to waste your time and energy learning them the hard way.
Hi, I’m Jena!
she/her LCMHC, LCAS, QS
As a practice owner, clinician and parent my journey into private practice was a tapestry of highs, learning curves, and transformative realizations. But beyond my own story, my passion lies in empowering aspiring clinicians like you to navigate the thrilling yet challenging path to establishing a successful private practice.
My mission is to offer you more than just guidance; I aim to provide a compass for your journey, helping you avoid the pitfalls that many new private practice clinicians encounter. Here's what I can bring to your journey:
Tailored Strategies
I understand that every clinician's path is unique. I offer personalized strategies that resonate with your individual goals, strengths, and the specific challenges you might face.
Niche Identification and Client Attraction
I'll help you discover and refine your niche, a critical step for attracting your ideal clients. By focusing on what you do best, you can build a practice that is not only successful but also fulfilling.
Professional Growth and Networking
Learn the art of genuine networking and professional relationship building. I'll show you how to create meaningful connections within the industry that go beyond mere referrals and contribute to your professional growth and personal fulfillment.
Values-Driven Practice Building
At the core of my approach is the belief that a successful practice is built on a foundation of clearly defined values. I assist you in identifying these core values and integrating them into every aspect of your practice, from setting your fees to managing your schedule, ensuring that your business aligns with your personal and professional ethos.
Sustainable Practice Management
Discover how to manage your practice in a way that promotes work-life balance, prevents burnout, and ensures long-term sustainability. Learn the importance of setting boundaries, charging what you're worth, and building a practice that thrives.
Common Private Practice Mistakes
I took every client that came my way.
Defining My Niche: A Lesson in Courage and Clarity
In the early days of my practice, I faced a common dilemma—deciding whether to specialize or cast a wide net. The apprehension of not having enough clients or limiting my practice's growth led me to accept every inquiry that came my way. This approach, rooted in the fear of scarcity, illuminated the critical balance between being open to helping many and the practical sustainability of my practice. It was a journey that challenged me to confront these fears, recognize the importance of aligning my work with my true expertise, and learn the art of saying no.
This period was not just about adjusting my client intake but about understanding the deeper motivations behind my choices, marking a pivotal point in my professional development.
I didn’t have a strategic plan for fees and scheduling.
Navigating the Balance: A Lesson in Boundaries and Value
As I navigated the complexities of establishing my practice, I grappled with a challenge that resonates with many in our field: how to honor my commitment to affordability and equity, while also ensuring I was fairly compensated for my expertise and time.
I felt like a pinball, bouncing around from decision to decision while nothing really felt aligned. Some said “charge your worth and nothing less!”, others said “be affordable so you can reach more clients!”. How could I value equity and self-care at the same time in this model? I felt like I had to choose a “side” and defend it to the death. But, I didn’t feel like I was firmly on either.
This balancing act required creativity and innovation in my approach to service offerings and fee structures. It was a journey of discovering inventive solutions that allowed me to meet the diverse needs of my clients without compromising my own well-being and financial goals. This experience has become a cornerstone of the wisdom I share, highlighting the possibility of fulfilling both personal values and professional needs through thoughtful strategies.
I thought “networking” was commenting in Facebook groups (I still cringe about this one).
Redefining Networking: Beyond the Digital Handshake
I remember being the clinician who said “I can help!” and slapped my website onto every Facebook Therapist Group ISO post. Using social media as your only networking tool can really limit the depth and quality of your professional relationships. Remember, the heart of genuine networking lies in actively engaging with others, looking for ways to collaborate, and building connections that help you grow—both personally and professionally. Networking isn't just about hunting for referrals; it's about creating meaningful relationships. Believe me, clinicians can tell when you're reaching out just to get something from them. When you approach networking with a mindset of mutual support and collaboration, rather than simply what you can gain, it becomes a source of energy and enrichment, transforming the way we engage within our professional circles.
Looking back, I see now that fear was a silent driver behind many of my early decisions.
Fear of not having enough clients, fear of financial instability, and fear of disappointing myself and the people who I love.
As time passed, I realized that operating from a place of fear was completely unsustainable. I began to realize that the path to a fulfilling practice wasn't about avoiding mistakes but learning from them.
So, how did I use this insight to create the practice of my dreams?
Implementing values-driven decision making transformed my practice, guiding me to find a genuine sense of community within my professional network, attract clients I could truly serve, and embrace a profound feeling of authenticity in my work.
This approach involved making choices rooted in my core values, ensuring that every aspect of my practice—from the clients I accepted to the way I engaged with my network—reflected what I stand for.
As a result, I cultivated a professional environment where I felt deeply connected to both my peers and my clients, fostering relationships based on mutual respect and shared values. This alignment between my actions and my values not only enhanced my professional satisfaction but also allowed me to serve my clients more effectively, providing them with the meaningful support they sought.
Embodying this authenticity in my practice reaffirmed my commitment to my work and the impact I aspire to make, affirming that values-driven decision making is not just a strategy but a way of living and practicing therapy.
I discovered my core values and goals, aligned them with how I run my practice, and used them to guide all my decisions.
