The Build Your Private Practice Podcast

Private practice can feel isolating—especially when you're trying to make big decisions, grow sustainably, or figure out the business side without burning out. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is joined by Lena Lang, BYPP's new Community Growth Partner, for an honest conversation about why community is not just a "nice to have," but a foundational part of building a sustainable private practice. Together, they unpack what community really offers therapists—from practical strategy and shared learning, to motivation, perspective, and a sense of not doing this alone. If you've ever felt like you're second-guessing every move, stuck in isolation, or hesitant to engage in group spaces because of past experiences, this episode will help you rethink what supportive community can look like. This conversation is about moving out of silos, learning faster (and with less friction), and building a practice that's supported by connection—not pressure. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why private practice can feel isolating—and how community changes that What a healthy, values-aligned professional community actually looks like How learning from others' experiences can save you time, money, and energy Why community support matters strategically, not just emotionally Common mistakes therapists make when trying to grow their practice alone How shared knowledge helps you avoid unnecessary trial and error What to do if you've had negative experiences in other communities Why "you don't have to figure this out alone" isn't just a phrase—it's a strategy How community can reduce burnout while supporting sustainable growth Why there is space for you in private practice, even in a crowded field You Don't Have to Build Your Practice Alone If you've been trying to grow your practice in isolation, this is your reminder that support matters—and it's allowed. Come join us inside our free Facebook group for mental health therapists. It's a grounded, values-driven space where you can ask real questions, get support, and connect with other therapists who understand the realities of private practice. 👉 Join the free community here https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Explore More Support Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, programs, and tools to support your next stage of growth.

Your Financial Forecast: How to Plan for Sustainable Income in 2026 Being fully booked doesn't always mean your private practice is financially stable. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane walks you through how to take a grounded, realistic look at your private practice finances—and why income planning matters as you head into 2026. If you've ever wondered why you're working hard but still feeling financially stretched, this conversation will help you identify where money leaks happen and what to do about them. You'll learn how to forecast your income in a way that feels simple, ethical, and sustainable—without spreadsheets taking over your life. This episode is about shifting from "staying busy" to intentionally planning for income that actually supports you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why a full caseload doesn't automatically equal financial stability How to calculate your real monthly income needs (and what that number tells you) Common money leaks in private practice—like unpaid admin, cancellations, and sliding scale overload How to set compassionate, professional boundaries around fees and policies Why client retention plays a bigger role in your income than you might think How a weekly "CEO hour" can help you make clearer, calmer financial decisions What 2026 income planning really looks like for therapists who want sustainability—not burnout Ready to Create More Stability in Your Practice? If you're ready to build a steady stream of aligned, full-fee clients without relying on referrals or running yourself ragged—check out Accelerate Your Practice. This signature program is designed to help you create income stability, confidence, and ease in your private practice. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Explore More Support: Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, programs, and tools to support your next stage of growth.

Digital marketing does not have to feel overwhelming, salesy, or unethical, even for therapists. In this episode of the Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane Wood is joined by Adam Jesperson, co-founder of Fractal Marketing, to break down what is actually working in digital marketing for Canadian therapists right now, and what to stop wasting your time and money on. They talk about: Why marketing feels so uncomfortable for many therapists and how to reframe it What has changed in digital marketing over the last few years The role of Google Ads, SEO, and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) in 2026 How therapists can ethically use marketing to reach people who are actively seeking help Simple, low-cost ways to improve your online presence This conversation is especially helpful if: Marketing makes your stomach drop Your website is not converting into inquiries You feel torn between helping and selling You want sustainable visibility without burning out Listen now to learn how to approach digital marketing in a way that feels ethical, effective, and aligned with your values as a therapist. Connect with Adam: Website: https://www.fractalmarketing.ca/ LinkedIn: Adam Jesperson https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-growyourpractice/ Resources: → Learn more about https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice → Learn more about https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice → Visit the Build Your Private Practice Homepage https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/  

If your income in private practice feels like a rollercoaster—one month strong, the next unpredictable—you're not alone. Many therapists were never taught how to plan their income… just how to work more when things feel tight. In this episode, Liane walks you through a simpler, more sustainable way to approach income as a therapist in private practice. This isn't about working harder or raising your rates just because someone on Instagram told you to. It's about building a financial foundation that actually supports your real life. What You'll Learn: Why income unpredictability is often built into your current model How to reverse-engineer your monthly income goal What most therapists forget to factor into their rates How capacity, pricing, and boundaries work together to create sustainability A mindset shift to help you feel more in control of your numbers Links + Resources: → Learn more about Accelerate Your Practice → Learn more about Scale Your Practice → Visit the Build Your Private Practice Homepage

If the end of the year feels more chaotic than calm, this episode is for you. Inside, I'm walking you through four practical steps to help you wrap up your private practice before the holidays hit—so you can breathe easier, feel more in control, and start 2026 with a clean slate. Whether you're behind on admin, dreading your finances, or just feeling scattered, this is your simple, no-fluff guide to ending the year with more ease and clarity. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The client communication updates to send before the holidays How to get your EHR system ready for a smoother 2026 What to review in your finances (and how to simplify it) The forms and policies that might need a refresh before January How to plan for rest and revenue in the new year   Helpful Links + Resources Free tools and support: www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca Subscribe & Review If this episode helped you feel a little less overwhelmed, I'd love for you to subscribe and leave a quick review as it helps other therapists find the show.  

If you've been waiting for referrals to fill your caseload, this episode is your permission slip to stop relying on chance. Referrals can be a helpful part of your marketing, but they aren't a growth strategy. They're unpredictable, passive, and completely out of your control. And when your practice depends on them, growth slows down and income stays inconsistent. In this episode, Liane unpacks three key reasons referrals might be holding you back and walks you through how to shift into a more intentional, sustainable visibility strategy. One that brings the right clients to you—without needing to be on every platform or shout into the void. What You'll Learn: Why referrals become less reliable as your practice grows What makes you invisible to the clients you'd love to work with The difference between being visible and being findable How to simplify your marketing so it actually works The mindset shift that helps marketing feel more aligned and less overwhelming Links + Resources: → Learn more about Accelerate Your Practice → Learn more about Scale Your Practice → Visit the Build Your Private Practice Homepage  

Most therapists don't set out to become entrepreneurs—but running a private practice means you're building a business whether you planned to or not. In this episode, I sit down with business strategist Ryan Duncan to talk about what it really takes to build a sustainable practice without burning yourself out. We unpack the behind-the-scenes realities therapists face as accidental business owners, why hustle-driven growth eventually breaks down, and how slowing down to build the right foundations can actually move you forward faster. If you've ever felt behind, overwhelmed, or unsure whether your practice is truly supporting your life, this conversation will help you reframe growth and make more intentional decisions for your next stage. Build Your Private Practice Homepage: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Our Signature Program: Scale Your Practice  https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice Facebook Community for Canadian Therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice What We Cover in This Episode: Why so many therapists become "accidental entrepreneurs" The hidden cost of hustle-driven, burnout-based growth How missing foundations create overwhelm and instability Why feeling "behind" is usually a structure problem—not a personal failure The role clarity plays in sustainable business growth What to focus on now based on your stage of practice

In this episode, we're unpacking a common and frustrating experience for private practice therapists: your schedule is full, but your income still feels unpredictable—or even too low. Sound familiar? You're not alone, and you're not doing it wrong. You may have simply outgrown your current structure. Liane breaks down why more clients doesn't always mean more income, where hidden revenue leaks might be hiding in your practice, and what it actually takes to create more predictable, sustainable income—without adding more sessions or sacrificing your sanity. What You'll Learn: Why being fully booked doesn't guarantee consistent income How undercharging, cancellations, and sliding scale spots affect your bottom line The mindset shift therapists need to stop trading time for burnout Five actionable ways to restructure your practice for sustainability What to track and adjust before raising your rates Links + Resources: → Learn more about Accelerate Your Practice → Learn more about Scale Your Practice → Visit the Build Your Private Practice Homepage  

When most therapists think about money, they think about tax time. But your numbers tell a much bigger story and learning how to read them can give you confidence, clarity, and peace of mind all year long. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, I'm joined by Fractional CFO, CPA, and educator Jami Monte, founder of Chillbooks, to explore the simple systems that help solopreneurs take control of their finances. We talk about financial rituals, common bookkeeping mistakes, and how to use QuickBooks without the overwhelm. Plus, Jami shares her free Solopreneur Write-Off Guide to help you save money and keep more of what you earn.    Links & Resources: Free Solopreneur Write-Off Guide: https://pages.jamimonte.com/writeoff Learn more about Chillbooks: https://jamimonte.com/chillbooks/ Get support for your practice: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca    

Still doing everything yourself in private practice? It might be time to rethink that. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, we're talking about the therapy admin tasks that may be draining your time, energy, and income—without adding value. From email templates to scheduling tools to simple automation, you'll learn what to let go of and how to free up space for the work that matters most. This isn't about outsourcing your whole business. It's about making intentional choices that support your sustainability and growth. Links and Resources: Visit buildyourprivatepractice.ca for tools, templates, and training Recommended Tools: Jane App for scheduling and billing Meta Business Suite or Later for social media batching Free Resources for Private Practice: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/resources Explore Programs: Launch Your Practice Accelerate Your Practice Scale Your Practice  

Most therapists don't think about insurance until they have to—but by then, it might be too late. In this episode, I sit down with insurance advisor Aviva Abraham to unpack how Canadian therapists can protect their income, practice, and future with the right insurance at the right stage of business. Whether you're just starting out or scaling to something bigger, this conversation will give you the clarity (and confidence) to take smart steps now. Special Gift from Aviva Abraham Want a clear, stage-by-stage guide to the insurance coverage your practice needs? Email aviva@cpfg.com to get your free copy of: The Healthcare Professional's Insurance Roadmap Protect yourself and your business at every stage of growth. Links & Resources Build Your Private Practice Homepage: buildyourprivatepractice.ca Our Signature Program: Scale Your PracticeFacebook Community for Canadian Therapists: Join Here What We Cover in This Episode: The surprising risks most therapists overlook when it comes to income The difference between disability and critical illness insurance What kind of insurance you need based on your business stage Why insurance isn't "just a cost"—and how it can be a smart business move How to avoid common insurance pitfalls that cost therapists big time

What if one policy shift could remove unnecessary barriers, improve client access, and support therapists across the country? In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, we explore the One Canadian Economy Act, a federal proposal aimed at improving labour mobility for therapists and other licensed professionals. You will hear how Canada's fragmented regulation system limits access to care, and why aligning with national momentum could be a turning point for both therapists and the clients who rely on them. If you have felt boxed in by provincial licensing rules or frustrated by professional politics standing in the way of client care, this conversation is essential listening. Links and Resources: Visit BuildYourPrivatePractice.ca for therapist tools and training Explore Our Programs: Launch Your Practice Accelerate Your Practice Scale Your Practice Free Resources: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/resources Join the Therapist Facebook Community: Click Here What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why inconsistent regulations harm both therapists and clients How the One Canadian Economy Act could increase access and reduce wait times Real-world examples of how licensing mismatches limit care Why collaboration matters more than competition in professional advocacy How to use your voice to support meaningful change  

Therapists don't always think of themselves as media-worthy, but what if that's exactly what your practice needs to grow? In this episode, physical therapist, podcast host, and business coach Karen Litzy joins Liane to talk about the power of earned media for therapists. Karen shares how showing up in public-facing media (from podcasts to press) can increase your impact and visibility without relying on paid ads or referral fatigue. They also explore the systems that support sustainable growth and how you can expand your reach without burning out. Karen Litzy is a physical therapist and entrepreneur who helps healthcare professionals grow businesses they love. She is the host of the Healthy, Wealthy & Smart Podcast and a sought-after speaker and consultant in the healthcare space. If you've been wondering how to reach more people without spinning your wheels, this episode is a must-listen. Links & Resources: → Connect with Karen Litzy: karenlitzy.com → Listen to her podcast: Healthy, Wealthy & Smart → BYPP resources for Canadian therapists: buildyourprivatepractice.ca → Want tools to grow faster? Grab the BYPP Fast Track Kit In This Episode, You'll Learn: What "earned media" is and why it's underused by therapists Why visibility matters in private practice—and how to build it How Karen built systems to scale her business sustainably The most important mindset shift for becoming a public-facing expert Simple steps to pitch yourself and get featured

For most therapists, the default way to increase income is simple: book more sessions. But what happens when your calendar is already full, or you're on the edge of burnout? In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, I'm challenging the belief that the only path to more income is more clients. You'll learn why this model keeps therapists stuck, what other income options actually look like, and the mindset shift that changes everything. If you're ready to break free from the time-for-money trap, this conversation will help you imagine and start building a practice that works differently. Helpful Links: Explore Scale Your Practice: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice Visit our homepage: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca Join the BYPP Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice We've partnered with our friends at Jane to offer something special for the BYPP community. Use the code BYPP2MO when you sign up and your first 2 months with Jane are on us. https://meet.jane.app/liane-wood/?utm_campaign=meet_jane_bundle&utm_medium=partnerstack&utm_source=ambassador&utm_term=all&ps_partner_key=MWEyMWEwNzNjNzMw&ps_xid=Zx9teVcMALNDgm&gsxid=Zx9teVcMALNDgm&gspk=MWEyMWEwNzNjNzMw  What We Cover in This Episode: The trap of "more clients = more income" Why burnout isn't your fault, it's the business model How other Canadian therapists are scaling without adding more sessions Practical alternatives to expand income and impact The mindset shift from therapist to business owner  

Many therapists are working in isolation—and it's their clients who pay the price. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane sits down with psychiatrist and founder of Psychotherapy Matters, Dr. Allan Steingart, to talk about what happens when we bring collaboration back into client care. With decades of experience in both hospital and private settings, Dr. Steingart is on a mission to make integrated mental health care accessible to more Canadians. Through Psychotherapy Matters, he's helping therapists partner directly with psychiatrists and other professionals to improve outcomes, reduce wait times, and feel more supported—without jumping through endless hoops. If you've ever wished for more integration, more connection, and more support in how you serve your clients, this episode offers a practical and hopeful new model. Links & Resources: → Learn more about Psychotherapy Matters: psychotherapymatters.com → Explore our programs and support for Canadian therapists: buildyourprivatepractice.ca → Join our Facebook community: Click here to join → Want quick wins to grow your practice? Get the BYPP Fast Track Kit In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why collaborative care matters more than ever in private practice How Psychotherapy Matters is changing the landscape of Canadian mental health The practical ways therapists can start working with psychiatrists today What therapists need to know about team-based care in a solo setting How collaboration improves outcomes for both clients and clinicians  

So many therapists dream about running a group, launching a course, or hosting a workshop, but then stop themselves with one nagging question: "Am I ready?" In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, I'm unpacking the "readiness myth" that keeps therapists stuck in 1:1 work longer than they need to be. You'll learn what being "ready" actually looks like, why you don't need a huge audience or perfect systems to get started, and how to pilot your ideas without the pressure to make it flawless from day one. If you've been waiting for the perfect time to expand your income and impact, this conversation will show you why that time might be now. Helpful Links: -  Explore Scale Your Practice: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice Visit our homepage: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca  Join the BYPP Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice What We Cover in This Episode: Why waiting for the "perfect moment" keeps you stuck What being "ready" to expand your offers really looks like How to start small by piloting instead of perfecting The deeper reason therapists need scalable offers for sustainability Why groups, workshops, and courses might be closer than you think  

When Roxanne Francis started her private practice, she didn't just want to build something successful, she wanted to build something that supported others too. In this inspiring episode, Roxanne joins Liane to talk about the power of community in private practice. From mentorship to representation, she shares how supporting other therapists has been just as meaningful as growing her own thriving business. Roxanne Francis is a registered social worker, psychotherapist, and consultant who specializes in mental health, workplace wellness, and equity-based leadership. She is also the founder of Francis Psychotherapy & Consulting, where she leads a growing team dedicated to empowering clients and clinicians alike. If you've ever felt like you're building your practice in a vacuum, this episode is a powerful reminder that you don't have to go it alone and that everyone rises higher when we rise together. 🔗 Links & Resources: → Connect with Roxanne Francis: francispsychotherapy.com → Explore BYPP programs for Canadian therapists: buildyourprivatepractice.ca → Join the BYPP Facebook community: Click here to join → Want quick wins to grow your practice? Grab the BYPP Fast Track Kit 💡 In This Episode, You'll Learn: How Roxanne built a thriving practice rooted in purpose and values Why representation and mentorship matter deeply in mental health care What it looks like to create real community as a therapist How lifting others up can fuel your own growth

If you're dreaming of scaling your private practice beyond 1:1 therapy—adding a team, expanding services, or launching new offers—you can't rely on gut instinct alone. You need numbers. But that doesn't mean wrestling with spreadsheets or spending hours trying to make sense of your EHR data. In this guest episode, I'm joined by Tory Krone, therapist and co-founder of PracticeVital, the first and only automated dashboard designed specifically for therapy practice owners. We're diving into how knowing your numbers can help you make smarter business decisions, improve client outcomes, and stop leaving money (and energy) on the table. Whether you've been avoiding your data—or trying to DIY it—this conversation will show you how powerful it is to have the right metrics at your fingertips. Listen now to learn: Why most therapists are flying blind when it comes to their practice data The key numbers every group or scaling practice should be tracking How one practice discovered a 52% retention rate—and what they did next What metrics actually matter when you're growing a team How to get $30 off your first month of PracticeVital with code BYPP Links Mentioned: PracticeVital: www.practicevital.com Mention Build Your Private Practice for $30 off your first month Private Practice Growth Resources: Accelerate Your Practice: Fill your schedule with ideal clients Scale Your Practice: Build a business that scales with ease Join our Free Facebook Group: A community for Canadian therapists growing their private practice

You've heard that "the riches are in the niches"—but what happens when your niche feels too narrow to grow? In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, we're unpacking the difference between a highly specific niche that attracts ideal clients—and one that unintentionally pushes them away. If you've ever worried that you've niched yourself into a corner (or you're afraid to niche because of that exact reason), this conversation will help you find the clarity and confidence to move forward. Helpful Links: Explore Accelerate Your Practice: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Visit our homepage: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca Join the BYPP Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice What We Cover in This Episode: Why hyper-specific niches can build trust and referrals faster Signs your niche might be too narrow to sustain your practice How to broaden your niche without going generic How to know if your niche can grow with you (into offers beyond 1:1) Simple ways to shift your message for more connection

Think paid ads are too salesy or off-brand for your therapy practice? Think again. In this episode, marketing strategist Britt Holmes from Merit Media joins us to break down how therapists can use ethical, effective advertising to attract ideal clients—without the overwhelm or discomfort. We explore the mindset shifts, strategy tweaks, and simple systems that help therapists grow their practices sustainably and in alignment with their values. Whether you've tried ads before or are simply curious if they could work for you, this episode offers a clear and actionable roadmap. Connect with Britt: Learn more about Britt Holmes and Merit Media at https://www.meritmedia.com/therapy  Links and Resources: Learn how to fill your caseload without burnout: Accelerate Your Practice More episodes and full show notes: The Build Your Private Practice Podcast Join our Facebook Community: Build Your Private Practice Facebook Group In This Episode, We Cover: Why many therapists feel uncomfortable with paid ads—and how to reframe that The biggest mistake therapists make when running ad campaigns How to start small and use your budget effectively A real-life success story from a therapist who filled her caseload with ads What to address on your website before launching an ad campaign