The Practice of Therapy Podcast

Running a private practice usually means you did not set out to become a numbers person. You are trained to help people, not to read profit and loss statements or stress about tax projections. But the reality is this. If you own a practice, you are running a business. In this episode, I sit down with Gretchen Roberts of Red Bike Advisors to talk about the financial side of private practice in a way that feels practical and doable. We unpack how to use your financial reports as a management tool, what healthy profit margins actually look like, and the payroll mistakes that can quietly drain your profit. We also talk about cash flow and why it is what truly keeps the doors open, especially during the ups and downs that come with business ownership. Since we are in tax season, we cover common tax mistakes, why taxes should not be a once-a-year event, and how to avoid those painful surprises at filing time. If you have ever avoided looking at your numbers or felt unsure about what they are telling you, this conversation will help you think more like a business owner. Your practice needs financial clarity to stay sustainable. And you deserve a business that supports you, not one that burns you out. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Gretchen Roberts I'm Gretchen Roberts, CEO of Red Bike Advisors, a national tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving healthcare practices, dental practices, and scaling service businesses that need a truly strategic financial partner. Since 2009, we've helped hundreds of practice owners, including dentists, medical practice owners, chiropractors, physical therapists, veterinarians, and alternative medicine practitioners, simplify their finances, optimize profitability, reduce tax burdens, and build businesses that generate real and lasting wealth. Our mission is to help practice owners move from financial stress to becoming Financially Retired by Design by building a business that funds your life, freedom, and future. As a business owner myself, I bring an operator's mindset that blends real-world experience with deep expertise in practice finance, tax strategy, profitability optimization, and exit readiness. At Red Bike Advisors, we provide year-round partnership to healthcare practices generating one to fifteen million dollars in revenue. Our services include proactive accounting, strategic tax planning, financial advisory, and tax-focused wealth building that eliminates financial guesswork and supports long-term growth and exit readiness. Website LinkedIn

What if chronic pain isn't a sign that your body is broken—but that your nervous system is trying to protect you? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Tiessen, a clinical psychologist and neuroplastic pain specialist, joins the show to unpack a paradigm-shifting way of understanding chronic pain and persistent physical symptoms. Drawing on neuroscience, trauma-informed therapy, and real-world clinical experience, Melissa explains how pain can exist without tissue damage—and why that realization can actually be good news. You'll learn how neuroplastic pain develops, why symptoms can move, change, or intensify without a clear medical cause, and how fear, emotional suppression, and learned nervous system patterns can keep people stuck in cycles of pain and distress. Melissa also shares her own experience with neuroplastic pain, making this conversation deeply human, accessible, and hopeful. Whether you're a therapist, a practice owner, or someone who's been told "you'll just have to live with it," this episode offers a compassionate and science-backed framework for understanding pain, anxiety, and the body's threat response—and what it really means to get unstuck. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Meet Dr. Melissa Tiessen Dr. Melissa Tiessen is a clinical psychologist in private practice, serving clients virtually throughout Ontario, Canada. Her practice focuses on the treatment of chronic pain and other chronic neuroplastic symptoms. She is passionate about health professional education and well-being, and is also the co-founder of Intentional Therapist, a continuing education initiative designed to support mental health therapists in protecting and reclaiming their own well-being. She co-hosts the podcast Putting You In Your Schedule and can be found on LinkedIn quietly creating a self-care revolution. Learn more about Dr. Tiessen: https://linktr.ee/drmelissatiessen

What if couples therapy isn't about fixing the other person at all? In this episode, Gordon sits down with Erin Valente, a couples therapist based in Los Angeles, to talk about one of the most common mistakes couples make when they come to therapy—and why real change doesn't live with one partner, but in the relationship itself. They explore why couples work can feel intimidating for therapists, how regulation and co-regulation shape meaningful conversations, and what it really takes to help couples move out of blame and into connection. Erin also shares how she's structured her private practice to avoid burnout, including her work with ketamine-assisted therapy, groups, and coaching. Whether you work with couples, are curious about relationship dynamics, or are thinking about new ways to diversify your practice, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful look at what healing in relationships actually looks like. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Meet Erin Valente Erin Valente is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma-focused therapy for individuals and couples. With advanced training in EMDR, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and somatic and narrative therapy, Erin helps clients reconnect with their inner voice and move toward healing, growth, and authentic connection. A lifelong student of the human experience, Erin explores the intersections of psychology, emotion, and personal wisdom. She believes that while psychology offers valuable direction, true healing emerges when we integrate our own understanding of who we are and what we need. Her approach centers on helping individuals and couples rediscover alignment, resilience, and self-compassion as they navigate life's inevitable challenges—heartbreak, love, loss, and transformation. Drawing from her background in trauma-informed therapy, domestic violence work, and somatic awareness, Erin creates a deeply resonant therapeutic experience that empowers lasting change. She has been featured on multiple podcasts, hosts her own show, and is launching a group coaching program designed to help individuals and couples cultivate passionate, healthy relationships that support the healing of the human experience. Website Instagram Private Podcast: Healing the Human Experience

In today's episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Tobin Richardson, the founder of a platform called Save the Therapist. When I first learned about what Tobin is building, I knew this was something many of you would want to hear about. Continuing education is a requirement for all of us, but let's be honest. It can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes hard to fit into an already full schedule. Tobin saw that problem firsthand and decided to do something about it. He created a platform that offers high-quality, accredited continuing education for therapists that is completely free. In this conversation, Tobin shares his background in counselor education, what led him to start Save the Therapist, and how the platform works. We talk about why the podcast format is such a powerful way to learn, how therapists can earn CE credits without added financial pressure, and why accessibility in education matters now more than ever. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the cost or logistics of earning CE credits, or if you're simply looking for a more practical and user-friendly way to keep learning as a clinician, I think you'll really enjoy this episode. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook  Ten Sessions Meet Tobin Richardson, EdD, NCC Tobin Richardson, EdD, NCC, is a counselor educator with a decade of experience building and delivering innovative educational resources to therapists in both community mental health and large VC-backed provider organizations. Since launching in early 2025, his NPR-style CE platform, Save the Therapist, has garnered over 4,000 therapist registrants and more than 7,000 course completions. Website Instagram

There are some conversations you record where you know right away that they're going to land differently. In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Julie Merriman, a therapist, professor, and longtime advocate for helpers who are quietly burning out. We talk about something that hits close to home for many of us in this profession: what happens when we're really good at helping everyone else, but don't know how to receive ourselves. Julie shares how so many therapists become what she calls "floating heads of competence." We're full of knowledge, skill, and clinical insight, yet deeply disconnected from our bodies, our needs, and our sense of purpose beyond performance. We talk honestly about burnout, compassion fatigue, money, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and why private practice itself isn't what burns us out. Disconnection is. This isn't a conversation about working harder or pushing through. It's about staying human in a profession that asks a lot of us, and learning how to stay in it without losing ourselves. If you've ever felt tired in a way that rest doesn't fix, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Julie Merriman Dr. Julie Merriman is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, professor, and author, and the voice behind From Burnout to Freedom—a movement helping high-achieving women in healthcare over 50 heal from burnout and reclaim their freedom. With more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice and counselor education, Dr. Merriman has trained hundreds of emerging therapists, served as an associate dean, department director, and clinical coordinator, and led CACREP accreditation work. Her scholarship and teaching span compassion fatigue, burnout, trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, spiritual integration, and the lived experience of long-term helpers. After experiencing a profound, career-shaping burnout that ultimately contributed to her breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Merriman rebuilt her life and work from the inside out. Today, she blends neuroscience, embodiment practices, and decades of clinical wisdom to guide women healers through identity transitions, emotional exhaustion, and the "scorched earth" season that often arrives after 50. Her podcast, From Burnout to Freedom, offers honest conversations and research-backed strategies for women who have spent a lifetime caring for everyone else and are finally ready to reclaim creativity, joy, and purpose. Dr. Merriman brings a relatable, deeply human presence to every interview. She combines academic rigor with ranch-life storytelling, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping helpers heal. Website Instagram YouTube LinkedIn Facebook

If you've ever found yourself thinking, "Why is this client so hard to reach?" or "Why does every conversation turn into a power struggle?" this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Anthony Mazzella, a psychoanalyst who specializes in working with narcissistic dynamics. We go far beyond surface-level conversations about narcissism. This isn't about labels, buzzwords, or quick fixes. It's about what's actually happening underneath the behavior and what truly helps. We talk about why arguing over "reality" never works, why confrontation often backfires, and how curiosity, containment, and staying with the process can completely change the way therapists work with narcissistic clients and how partners survive narcissistic relationships. Whether you're a therapist sitting with these dynamics in the room, a supervisor guiding clinicians through complex cases, or someone trying to understand a relationship that feels confusing and exhausting, this conversation offers a grounded and compassionate framework for understanding narcissism. This is one of those episodes that stays with you, and I'm really glad to share it with you today. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Mazzella As a leader and expert in the field, Dr. Mazzella holds various clinical positions, including, but not limited to, treating patients in his private practice, training professionals at two post-graduate training institutes, conducting research, and lecturing across the country. While his focus with his patients is psychodynamic in nature, his main goals are to build a trusting relationship and help each patient reduce the frequency and intensity of their emotionally painful thoughts and suffering. He helps his patients overcome both acute and long-standing problems that may be more embedded in their personality. Website Instagram Podcast Facebook LinkedIn YouTube

As we step into a new year, many of us feel it—that quiet but persistent pressure to do more, fix more, and somehow have everything figured out right now. New goals, new systems, bigger numbers—and for practice owners, that pressure can feel especially heavy and often pretty lonely. In today's episode, I want to invite you to think about January differently—not as a month for pushing harder or becoming more efficient, but as a chance to slow down and get honest about what you can actually hold. Drawing on Barbara Brown Taylor's Home by Another Way and Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks, we'll talk about burnout, the efficiency trap, and why things don't magically get easier "once we get there." This conversation is about reconnecting with your why, redefining what growth really means, and considering what it might look like to go home by another way this year—one that creates more space, alignment, and sustainability in your practice and your life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Home By Another Way Four Thousand Weeks

I am so excited for today's episode because we're diving into one of the most transformative tools in private practice right now: AI. And joining me is someone who has been living at the intersection of mental health, creativity, and digital marketing for nearly two decades—Greg Goodman of Goodman Creatives. Greg isn't a therapist, but his story is rooted deeply in the world of mental health. Inspired by his father's work as a clinician, he built a career helping therapists share their voice, grow their practices, and create meaningful impact through smart, authentic marketing. Today, he runs an international creative agency that exists to support helpers—and now he's leaning all the way into how AI can make marketing more accessible than ever. In our conversation, Greg and I talk about the real, practical ways therapists can use AI to save time, generate powerful copy, create content with confidence, and stand out in a growing field. We also explore the ethical concerns around AI, the importance of keeping our humanity in the process, and how to train AI to actually sound like you. If you've been curious—or even hesitant—about how AI fits into your private practice, this episode is going to open your eyes to what's possible. Greg brings a blend of heart, tech wisdom, and decades of industry experience, and I can't wait for you to learn from him. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Greg Goodman Greg Goodman is a marketing and web design expert with two decades of experience helping therapists grow thriving practices. With a deep understanding of the mental health industry, Greg specializes in creating authentic, client-centered marketing strategies that resonate with both therapists and the people they serve. His passion for visual storytelling plays a key role in his work, as he believes powerful imagery can make a therapist's message more relatable and emotionally impactful. Driven by a calling to "help the helpers," Greg's dream is to positively impact the mental health of more than 1,000,000 people around the world. As the founder of Goodman Creatives, he combines artistry and strategy through thoughtful web design, empathetic copywriting, ethical AI, and photographic storytelling—helping therapists feel confident, reduce overwhelm, and build practices that thrive long term. Website Facebook Instagram  

If you've ever ended a workday wondering, "Where did all my time go?"—this episode is going to change the way you run your business. In today's conversation, I sit down with executive coach Samantha Perinello, a powerhouse in helping business owners reclaim their time, streamline their operations, and finally build the kind of practice that doesn't rely on them for every little task. Samantha has a remarkable track record—her clients regularly get back 10 to 14 hours every single week—and she's here to break down exactly how that happens. We dive into the real reasons so many private practice owners feel overwhelmed, why multitasking is quietly sabotaging your productivity, and how simple habits like time audits, brain dumps, and strategic delegation can completely shift the way you work. If you've been craving more freedom, more focus, and more room to actually grow your business (instead of just keeping it afloat), this is an episode you don't want to miss. Samantha's insights are practical, energizing, and genuinely transformative. Tune in and learn how to take back control of your time—and your practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Samantha Parrinello Samantha Parrinello is recognized as a leading executive coach, specializing in helping top-performing executives and entrepreneurs reclaim their most valuable resource—time. With a proven track record of transforming leaders from overwhelmed to optimized, Samantha blends decades of senior leadership experience with cutting-edge performance frameworks. Her clients regularly regain 10–20 hours a week while scaling their businesses faster and living with more freedom. Known as the master of time management and optimization, Samantha has become the go-to coach for leaders who want to multiply their impact without sacrificing their lives outside of work. LinkedIn Website Wealth Unfiltered 5 Essential Strategies for Entrepreneurs to Achieve 10-Figure Success

In today's episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who made a big impact on me at the Wise Practice Conference—Derrick Boger. Derrick is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, military veteran, former firefighter, and the founder of Transformation Christian Counseling in Greensboro, North Carolina. His journey into the therapy world is rooted in a lifelong commitment to serving others, and you'll hear that passion come through in every part of our conversation. In this episode, Derrick and I dive deep into what it really looks like to support men in therapy, why emotional safety is the key to communication, and how vulnerability becomes a powerful tool for healing. We also explore the unique challenges men face when opening up, the importance of trust in relationships, and how faith and emotional intelligence can guide meaningful transformation. Whether you work with men, couples, or faith-based clients—or you simply want to listen in on a heartfelt conversation about connection and healing—I think you'll find Derrick's insights both inspiring and grounding. I'm thrilled to share this conversation with you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Derrick Boger, LCMHCA, NCC Derrick Boger is an LCMHCA and the founder of Transformation Christian Counseling in Greensboro, NC. Before launching his private practice, he served eight years in the military, ten years as a firefighter, and over twenty years in church leadership. Derrick integrates faith-based and evidence-based approaches to help individuals and couples heal, grow, and thrive. He is passionate about supporting men, women, and marriages in experiencing true transformation from the inside out. Website LinkedIn Facebook

Welcome back to the Practice of Therapy Podcast! I'm Gordon Brewer, and I am so glad you're here today because we're diving into a topic that every private practice owner needs to be thinking about—whether you're brand new or decades into the work. I'm thrilled to welcome back my friend and financial powerhouse, Carla Titus. Every time Carla joins us, she brings clarity, strategy, and a whole lot of honesty about what it really takes to run a profitable, sustainable practice. And today, we're talking about something most of us don't think about until we're exhausted, burned out, or feeling stuck: your exit plan. Whether you want to sell someday, scale back, hand things off to a leadership team, or simply make your practice run like a well-oiled machine, this conversation is going to challenge the way you think about ownership, profitability, and long-term planning. Carla and I dig into what it means to build a practice that's always exit-ready—not because you're leaving tomorrow, but because an exit-ready practice is a healthy, thriving, profitable practice today. This is one of those episodes that will shift your mindset and give you real-world steps to start strengthening your financial foundation. So let's jump in. Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners looking to grow their businesses profitably. Her priorities for her clients are to help them grow profits, have cash in the bank, and pay themselves well so they can build personal wealth. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Carla Titus Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners looking to grow their businesses profitably. Her priorities for her clients are to help them grow profits, have cash in the bank, and pay themselves well so they can build personal wealth. Carla on TPOT  Website Facebook Instagram LinkedIn YouTube Projections & Forecasting Services

Today's episode is one I've been looking forward to for a long time. We're diving into a topic that doesn't get talked about nearly enough in our field—men's mental health—and why so many traditional therapy approaches miss the mark when it comes to helping men heal. My guest is Marc Azoulay, LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS—the founder of Men's Therapy Online and host of The Men's Therapy Podcast. Marc brings a powerful blend of psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and Buddhism to his work, and he's built an incredible community that helps men get real, get connected, and get results. In this conversation, we're breaking down what it actually takes to build trust and respect with male clients, why "safety" isn't always the right starting point, and how we as therapists can better support men in becoming the best versions of themselves. Marc also shares some fantastic insights on private practice growth, niching boldly, and finding your authentic voice as a clinician. This one's packed with wisdom and heart—so stay tuned, you're really going to enjoy it. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Marc Azoulay LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS Marc Azoulay, LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS, is the founder of Men's Therapy Online, a community and healing hub for men who want to get back on their feet or take their lives to the next level. With the help of his team of licensed clinicians, he provides ongoing men's groups, individual counseling, and powerful wilderness retreats for members. With a background in psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and Buddhism, Marc helps men uncover and destroy the unconscious barriers that hold them back. His mission is to help men become the best versions of themselves and truly show up for their lives, relationships, and communities. Website YouTube Facebook LinkedIn MTO LinkedIn Twitter Instagram Free Modern Man Playbook

​​In today's episode, I am sitting down with Darshana Avila for a truly fascinating and important conversation about the intersection of sexuality, somatic work, and trauma healing. As therapists, we often talk about the mind and body connection, but many of us shy away from exploring how that connection relates to our clients' sexuality, intimacy, and sense of pleasure. Darshana brings a deeply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to this work, helping clients reconnect with their bodies, navigate consent, and move beyond shame into embodied wholeness. In our discussion, we explore what sexological bodywork actually looks like, how it differs from traditional sex therapy, and why somatic awareness is essential for both healing trauma and deepening intimacy. We also touch on how therapists can hold space for these conversations within private practice and why it is so important to bring curiosity, consent, and compassion to this part of the human experience. This is one of those episodes that might stretch your perspective a bit, and that is a good thing. I am so grateful to Darshana for sharing her wisdom, and I think you will walk away with a richer understanding of how to support your clients and yourself in a more embodied and holistic way. In This Episode, We Cover: How Darshana's personal journey led her to somatic and erotic healing work The difference between sexological bodywork and traditional sex therapy Why somatic awareness is essential for trauma healing and intimacy What it means to truly "come home to your body" How consent goes beyond just saying yes or no The role of the nervous system in safety, pleasure, and connection How therapists can introduce somatic principles in private practice Understanding erotic wholeness and how it expands our idea of healing The impact of shame and cultural conditioning around sexuality Why pleasure and safety are part of the same healing process Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Darshana Avila Darshana Avila is a trauma-informed somatic sex & intimacy practitioner (SEP, CSB) who guides people through embodied journeys of erotic wholeness. Her work blends nervous-system regulation, somatic awareness, consent-fluency, and relational liberation. Featured on Sex, Love & Goop (Netflix), she supports women, non-binary folks, and couples in reclaiming pleasure, voice, and connection. Website LinkedIn Instagram YouTube

Well, y'all are in for a treat today. My guest, Dr. Jason Branch, brings some serious fire and fresh perspective to this conversation. He's been in the counseling world for over two decades, as a clinician, educator, and entrepreneur, and what I love most about him is how real he gets about the struggles we all face in private practice: imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and finding the courage to just keep showing up. Jason has an incredible way of using analogies that stick: salamanders, gators, and what he calls being D.U.N. - doing things that are different, uncomfortable, and new. It's all about stepping into growth, setting healthy boundaries, and remembering that we're not impostors... we're learners. So if you've ever doubted yourself or wondered whether you belong in the room, this episode is going to challenge and inspire you. Let's dive into this conversation with Dr. Jason Branch. In This Episode, We Talk About: Understanding imposter syndrome in private practice The "Salamander vs. Gator" analogy for growth and boundaries How vulnerability helps us become better therapists and leaders Being D.U.N.—Different, Uncomfortable, and New Overcoming perfectionism and impatience The power of consistency, curiosity, and celebration Embracing authenticity and confidence in your private practice journey Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Jason Branch Dr. Jason Branch brings over two decades of expertise in the mental health and counseling profession, transforming lives and advancing the field through his work in higher education, community mental health, city government, corporate settings, and substance abuse treatment facilities. As the Founder and CEO of J. Branch and Associates, a dynamic virtual clinical group practice, Dr. Branch leads a team dedicated to providing high-quality therapy services to adults, couples, and families across Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Website Facebook Instagram YouTube 3 Parallels Podcast with Dr. Jason Branch Gator Music Playlist

When I first connected with Wendy Pitts Reeves, I knew she was someone who truly gets it — the ups, downs, and constant balancing act of running a private practice. In this episode, Wendy joins me to share her powerful framework, The Seven Pillars of a Thriving Private Practice, and it's one you'll want to take notes on. Wendy has spent decades building her own successful practice in Tennessee and now helps other therapists do the same through her coaching and podcast, Ideal Practice. In our conversation, we dive into what it takes to build a business that's not just profitable, but purposeful — one that fits who you are and how you want to live. We talk about: Why getting clear on your purpose changes everything How to serve your ideal clients (and enjoy the work again) The importance of solid systems and boundaries Developing a confident money mindset And how your perspective shapes your success This is one of those conversations that reminds us why we do this work — and how to build a practice that truly supports both your clients and your life. 🎧 Listen in and learn how to build your ideal practice — one pillar at a time. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Wendy Pitts Reeves Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist-turned-entrepreneur who has spent over two decades building and coaching private practices that serve both clients and the clinicians behind them. After founding and managing a thriving group practice in East Tennessee, Wendy pivoted to support healing-arts professionals — therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, and energy healers — through her firm, C2C Consulting, and her podcast, Ideal Practice. Known for her strategic clarity, intuitive insight, and no-nonsense encouragement, Wendy helps practice owners move through common roadblocks — from money mindset struggles to scattered systems and unclear offers — and build practices that align with their values and vision. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a speaker and workshop leader, and a former public official, having served in local government in Tennessee. Her approach blends deep therapeutic understanding with solid business strategy, helping clinicians shift from just "doing therapy" to running a business they truly enjoy. Website Ideal Practice Facebook LinkedIn  

Today's episode is one I've really been looking forward to because we're diving into something that's transforming the way we think about mental health treatment: low-dose ketamine therapy. My guest, Dr. Sharon Niv, is the co-founder of Joyous, a public benefit company helping make this kind of care more accessible and affordable than ever before. Sharon brings a fascinating background in cognitive psychology, meditation, and technology, and she's helping bridge the gap between neuroscience and therapy in a way that's incredibly gentle, safe, and empowering for both clients and clinicians. We'll talk about what makes psycholytic, or low-dose, ketamine different from traditional psychedelic experiences, how it can enhance the therapeutic process, and how you, as a therapist, can get trained to integrate it into your own work. This is one of those conversations that opens your mind to what's possible in therapy, so let's jump in. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Sharon Niv, Ph.D. Dr. Sharon Niv is a cognitive psychologist and co-founder of Joyous Team, a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to making evidence-based mental health treatments accessible and affordable. Her work bridges the worlds of neuroscience, technology, and therapy with a focus on how scalable, data-driven approaches can enhance emotional well-being. Dr. Niv earned her Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Science from the University of Southern California, where she conducted research on EEG biomarkers, neurofeedback, and the neural underpinnings of mood and behavior. She also holds a B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Clinical and Cognitive Psychology from USC. Before founding Joyous, Sharon worked on developing virtual-reality interventions for chronic pain and neurofeedback programs designed to help people improve emotional regulation and resilience. A long-time meditation practitioner, she combines scientific rigor with a deep understanding of mindfulness and experiential learning. Through Joyous, Sharon and her team are pioneering low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine therapy, creating safer, more sustainable pathways for individuals and therapists to experience healing and insight. Her mission is to empower both clinicians and clients with practical tools that promote neuroplasticity, compassion, and mental clarity. The Power of Therapy + Joyous Joyous Substack LinkedIn

I'm so glad to welcome Julie Herres back to the podcast! Julie is the founder of GreenOak Accounting, the host of the Therapy for Your Money Podcast, and the author of Profit First for Therapists. This time, she's joining me to talk about her brand-new Profit First for Therapists Workbook — a hands-on companion to her original book that helps you actually implement the Profit First system in your practice. In this episode, we dig into what it really takes to build a financially sustainable practice. Julie explains how she helps therapists move from confusion to clarity by using simple systems that make it easy to know where your money is going, what's normal for your practice, and how to pay yourself consistently. We also talk about some of the common money mistakes we see in private practice, especially when it comes to paying your team, setting up payroll, or growing too fast without clear financial guardrails. Julie shares the mindset shifts and practical steps that can help you stay profitable and sustainable long-term. You'll hear: How Profit First flips the traditional accounting equation Why your practice should serve your life — not the other way around How to make intentional, values-based decisions with your money What to watch for when hiring or adding new revenue streams How the new workbook helps you troubleshoot and customize Profit First for your unique practice If you've ever wondered, "Am I doing this money thing right?" then this episode will give you a lot of peace of mind. Julie's approach takes the intimidation out of accounting and replaces it with clarity and confidence. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Therapy For Your Money GreenOak Accounting Meet Julie Herres Julie Herres is on a mission to inspire every private practice to be profitable. Over the last several years, that dream has become reality as Julie and her team have helped hundreds of private practice owners take their profit first and gain financial freedom. As the owner of GreenOak Accounting, Julie leads her firm with this goal in mind, providing tax, accounting and Profit First consulting services to private practices across the United States. Julie is also a Certified Profit First Professional, an IRS Enrolled Agent, a speaker and the host of the Therapy For Your Money podcast.

What if private practice wasn't the end goal but the launchpad? In this episode, Gordon talks with Carly Hill, LCSW, business strategist and host of The Thriving Therapreneur Podcast, about how therapists can outgrow the office by adding coaching, creating digital offers, and building freedom-based businesses. Carly shares her journey from burnout to building a seven-figure coaching brand and breaks down exactly how clinicians can protect their license while expanding beyond therapy. You'll learn the key differences between therapy and coaching, how to ethically separate your businesses, and how to market your coaching offers with confidence. In this episode, you'll hear: The real difference between therapy and coaching How to protect your license when adding coaching Why therapists should lead the coaching space How to build multiple income streams beyond private practice Carly's approach to creating freedom, flexibility, and impact Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Carly Hill, LCSW, Business Coach For Therapists Carly Hill, LCSW, is a business strategist and coach who helps clinicians venture beyond the therapy room and build successful, sustainable online businesses. Through her signature programs and trainings, she teaches everything from understanding the difference between therapy and coachin g to mastering niche clarity, marketing, sales, branding, and mindset. Her mission is simple: to help clinicians impact more lives while creating freedom-based businesses. Before becoming a business coach, Carly worked as a therapist and loved the work she did—but she loved her freedom even more. She longed for time freedom, energy freedom, travel freedom, and financial freedom—something she couldn't fully experience within the traditional therapy model. Seeing so many other therapists facing burnout and financial limitations, Carly began questioning the system that left such highly educated professionals overworked and underpaid. She started a networking group to help fellow therapists combat burnout, which soon evolved into a larger mission: to find real solutions for therapists who wanted more flexibility and fulfillment. Through her own discovery, research, and training in high-ticket group coaching and organic lead generation, Carly developed a proven client attraction system she calls the Modern Marketing Masterplan. This approach allowed her to grow from $0 to consistent six-figure months in record time. Today, Carly's focus is on sharing everything she's learned—empowering therapists to leverage their expertise, attract ideal clients, and design businesses that align with the freedom-filled lives they deserve. Carly believes every therapist has the power to build a business that supports both their purpose and their peace. Learn How To Turn Your Clinical Skills Into A Coaching Business So You Can Earn Back Your Freedom!  Instagram Thriving Therapreneur Podcast

Ops expert Brie Chrisman (CEO, BosCo) shares how to increase profit in private practice without adding more clients, clinicians, or ad spend—by tightening expenses, streamlining workflows, delegating $20 tasks, and optimizing client onboarding. In this episode, you'll learn: Why "profit = revenue − expenses" (and why most owners only push the revenue side) How to reclaim 21+ hours/year with simple email templates The $20 vs. $200 task rule for smarter delegation SOPs that make onboarding, training, and busy-day brain fog easier The #1 lever for growth: client onboarding (lead → consult → paperwork → first session)   Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook   Meet Brie Chrisman Brie Chrisman is the founder and CEO of Boss Co, an operations management and growth strategy agency dedicated to supporting mental health private practice owners. With over 15 years of experience in project management and operations, Brie has redefined how businesses can maximize resources and increase profits without adding to the overwhelm that often accompanies entrepreneurship. Her innovative approach has empowered practice owners to streamline operations and lead with intention. A passionate mental health advocate, Brie is committed to fostering a human-first, inclusive environment within the operations world. She believes that making practice owners' lives easier and more fulfilled can create a ripple effect, positively impacting their staff, clients, and beyond. Outside of her work, Brie is a devoted partner to her college sweetheart, a special needs advocate, and a proud mom of two young children. Website Facebook Instagram Brie on LinkedIn Boss Co on LinkedIn

I am thrilled to share this week's episode with you because it's not just any guest joining me—it's my dear friend, Uriah Guilford. Uriah and I have traveled together, dreamed together, and collaborated on countless projects over the years. He's one of the most creative people I know, and today we're diving into something that's changing the way therapists run their practices: AI and the future of intake. If you've ever wondered how to save time, stop drowning in admin work, and create a smoother experience for your clients, you do not want to miss this conversation. Uriah shares how he's blending human support with AI technology to revolutionize the intake process—and how you can start using these tools in your own practice. This episode is full of practical tips, inspiring ideas, and a glimpse into what's possible when we stop trying to do everything ourselves. Trust me, you're going to walk away with new ways to think about your time, your clients, and your business. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube  Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Meet Uriah Guilford Uriah Guilford is a licensed therapist and group practice owner. He's also the author of The Productive Practice book and the Head Nerd at Productive Therapist, a virtual assistant company that serves therapists in private practice. Outside of work, Uriah is a technology nerd, a minimalist travel packer, and a rock drummer. Therapy Intake ProProductive Therapist Directory Instagram