All Things Private Practice Podcast

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Shaelene Kite discuss how special interests can spark innovative business ideas. Shaelene shares her journey from DBT group practice owner to launching a Disney-themed clinical conference, blending her passions and love of Disney with her entrepreneurial path.Here are 3 key takeaways:Leverage Your Special Interests: Don’t be afraid to let your quirks and passions guide your business ideas—unique interests can lead to more fulfilling ventures.Start Small and Let Ideas Grow: You don’t have to launch big right away. Pilot your ideas, gather community feedback, and iterate as you go. It’s okay to take incremental steps.There’s No Shame in the Pivot: As Patrick and Shaelene both mentioned, passions can change—and that’s okay. Give yourself permission to evolve, try new things, and not get stuck in one mode of practice.More about Shaelene:Shaelene (she/her) is a 4x entrepreneur not limited to her work as a counselor, yoga teacher and practice owner. She leads a group practice of 20+ that has continued to grow rapidly since its opening in 2018. Shaelene is a DBT Expert and Trainer, Yoga for Trauma Educator, International Speaker, and owner of Rebelmente-a mental health training and consulting company. In 2024 Shaelene launched The Rebel Minds Learning Collective, an all inclusive DBT training membership supporting providers in becoming kick ass DBT therapists. Shaelene also co-created the groundbreaking program Stabilize and Scale with her business partner Katie May in order to help visionary group practice with the business side of running a thriving practice.Shaelene is also a Disney lover who blended work and play with her clinical conference, Clinically Ever After.Instagram: instagram.com/rebelmenteConference Website: rebelmente.com/disneyonline–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community–––––––––––––––––––––Thanks to Our Sponsors: a...

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Jamie Roberts, therapist, author, and founder of NeuroPebble Corp, talk about the realities of neurodivergent entrepreneurship and building an affirming community for mental health clinicians and creators, referencing Jamie's company, NeuroPebble, how to handle balancing multiple projects, and the journey of writing her second book.Here are 3 key takeaways:Accessibility and Neurodivergence Matter: Creating spaces like NeuroPebble isn’t just about cataloging trainings—it’s about reducing executive function burdens for both presenters and learners, meeting people where they are, and making high-quality resources accessible in neuroaffirming ways.Pacing and Boundaries Are Essential: Whether it’s scaling back on group practice duties to focus on writing, or confronting the grief of acknowledging our limitations and capacity, it’s crucial for neurodivergent entrepreneurs to honor their natural rhythms and set sustainable boundaries.There’s Room for Every Story: The entrepreneurial path can feel isolating, but there’s immense value in sharing your story, workshop, or course—even if someone else is doing something similar. Your perspective matters, and there’s always space for more voices in this community.If you’re a neurodivergent clinician, entrepreneur, or creative, this conversation encourages you to find your pace, seek out community, and keep telling your story.More about Jamie:Jamie Roberts is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Jamie is AuDHD (Autistic & ADHD) and Dyslexic, and actively shares her experiences with her later-in-life diagnosis as the Neurodivergent Therapist across social media and is an active speaker on Neurodivergent and Teen topics. She is the Founder of NeuroPebble Corp, a continuing education platform for neuroaffirming clinical trainings from instructors with lived experience, as well as the founder of Equilibrium Counseling Services, a teen and young adult group practice in Southern California. She is the author of Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, and her second book will be out March 2026 titled Neurodiversity for Teen Girls.Instagram: instagram.com/neurodivergenttherapistTikTok: tiktok.com/@neurodivergenttherapistNeuroPebble Instagram: instagram.com/neuropebbleLink to the course that Patrick and Jamie are promoting: neuropebble.learnworlds.com/course/audhd-entrepreneur–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ a...

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Chris and Daisy Chavers, an incredibly talented husband-and-wife duo behind Red Rabbit Tattoo, whose journey epitomizes what it means to persevere through a catastrophic disaster.From losing their Asheville tattoo shop to Hurricane Helene, to reestablishing roots in Savannah and boldly diversifying their business, Chris and Daisy’s story is a testament to the grit behind small business ownership.Here are 3 key takeaways:Adaptability Isn’t Optional—It’s Survival: Catastrophic setbacks, like natural disasters, don’t just affect businesses—they impact entire communities and personal identities. Surviving as small business owners—and eventually thriving—requires creativity, quick pivots, and a willingness to experiment with new income streams.The Entrepreneurial Journey is Unpredictable and Vulnerable: Daisy’s leap from tattooing to writing, and Chris’s foray into new ventures, highlight the importance of allowing yourself to evolve. Embracing vulnerability can unlock authentic creativity—and new opportunities you never expected.Community and Connection Are Foundations for Recovery: Even in moments of loss, leaning on your network and focusing on relationships with clients, peers, and loved ones is critical. Collective resilience carries us further than going it alone.More about Chris and Daisy:Chris and Daisy Chavers are a husband-and-wife duo with deep roots in the tattooing world. Chris brings decades of experience to the craft, known for his precision, bold style, and deep commitment to the art of tattooing. Daisy specializes in delicate florals, fine line work, and cosmetic and paramedical tattooing, offering everything from scar camouflage to restorative procedures.Together, they have built a reputation for excellence, creativity, and care in every piece of work they do. Now, Daisy is expanding her creative expression beyond the tattoo studio and into the world of writing. Her latest venture blends humor, heart, and hard-won wisdom—offering stories that connect, heal, and inspire.Instagram: @chrischavers @msdaisyinkRed Rabbit Tattoo: Redrabbittattoo.comDaisy's Books and Tattoos: msdaisyink.comColoring Books: pickletrainpress.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free a...

What should you do when that dreaded subpoena arrives in your private practice's inbox or mailbox?In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Dr. Brittany Bate, licensed psychologist, private practice strategy coach, and the founder of Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, about the essentials that mental health professionals need to know to navigate legal requests and the court system.3 key takeaways:Paperwork Preparedness is Protection: Ensure your informed consent and scope of practice documents are up to date, specifically with clear language around court involvement, parental consent for minors, and your actual capacity/role as a therapist (hint: you are not a custody evaluator unless specifically trained!).Don’t Ignore—Respond! Even if a subpoena isn’t a court order, it usually requires a response (not just in NC, but in most states). Failing to reply—even if the request is unnecessary or outside your scope—could result in being held in contempt of court.Have (and Enforce) Reasonable Court Fees: Outline your fees for all court-related activities (prep, document compilation, testimony, etc.) in your paperwork. These should be reasonable and customary—don’t “price yourself out” unethically. Enforcing these agreements can often deter unnecessary requests and ensure your time is respected.Brittany also reminds therapists to document every session as if it might be read aloud in court. You never know when your notes may become part of the public record.If you want practical templates, risk-management tips, and on-demand courses to get your private practice truly “court-proof,” Brittany and her team have resources ready to go.DISCLAIMER: This podcast episode is for educational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.More about Brittany:Dr. Brittany Bate is a licensed psychologist, private practice strategy coach, and the founder of Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting – a North Carolina-based, primarily telehealth group practice offering LGBTQIA+ celebratory, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed care. Her team specializes in individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as psychological evaluations, court-ordered assessments, and forensic evaluations and services.Brittany also owns Bold Practice Builders, where she helps therapists and group practice owners build values-aligned, efficient, and profitable businesses through trainings, masterminds, and done-for-you customizable templates and resources.With a doctoral degree focusing in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis, Brittany is a forensic psychologist at heart. Additionally, with a background in conducting therapy and assessment in forensic state hospitals, state and federal prisons, and conducting threat assessments with the NC State Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Threat Assessment Unit, Brittany brings a unique lens to the intersection of mental health and the legal system. She’s especially passionate about helping fellow clinicians navigate subpoenas, courtroom testimony, and high-stakes ethical decisions – before the subpoena arrives or they are on the stand. Her goal is to equip providers with the paperwork, confidence, and strategies they need to respond clearly, ethically, and without panic.A self-proclaimed group therapy enthusiast and jury research nerd, Brittany combines real-world experience with research-backed best practices – especially when it comes to ethical testimony and witness preparation.As a queer, cisgender woman with ADHD, Brittany is also deeply committed to uplifting other LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent professionals as they build bold, affirming businesses of their...

Navigating entrepreneurship is challenging enough—but add chronic illness or invisible disabilities to the mix, and the journey is a whole new level of complex. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Destiny Davis, MS, LPC, CRC, share powerful insights on building meaningful, sustainable work while honoring your own needs.Here are 3 key takeaways:Honor Your Capacity: Your energy and time are your most valuable resources. It’s okay to say “no,” set boundaries, and recognize that your own well-being comes first—even when that means letting go of things you once loved or cutting back on work that’s no longer sustainable.Build Supportive Systems: Whether it’s a supportive partner, intentional friendships, or business relationships with similar values, surrounding yourself with understanding people makes a huge difference. Don’t have that support? Explore peer networks, online groups, or communities where your lived experience is understood and validated.Practice Self-Compassion Over Perfection: Normalize the ebb and flow of your energy. Some days will be productive, while others are meant for rest—and that’s okay. Focus on what you can do rather than shaming yourself for what you can’t, and remember that progress is built through small, sustainable steps.More about Destiny:Destiny Davis, MS, LPC, CRC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor in private practice in Atlanta, Georgia. She specializes in helping people with invisible illnesses and disabilities navigate relationships and build meaningful lives using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Somatic Experiencing approaches.Destiny works with individuals and facilitates groups for adults, teens, and parents who want to strengthen their relationships with themselves, their families, and their communities. She created and facilitates Welcome to The Waiting Room, a membership community providing evidence-based, peer support for people with complex medical conditions.As host of The Chronic Illness Therapists Podcast and leader of clinical consultation groups for medical professionals, Destiny bridges the gap between lived experience and clinical expertise in chronic illness care.Instagram: @the.chronicillnesstherapistsCohort Group page: revivepractice.com/chronic-illness-cohortConference: chronicillnesstherapists.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about...

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Priyanka Rao talk about her journey from clinical work into the world of coaching, viral social media growth, and the permission to let your path evolve—especially as a late-diagnosed ADHDer.Her authenticity, humor, and vulnerability about pivoting careers offers valuable insight for clinicians, entrepreneurs, and anyone feeling pressure to “stick to the plan.” Here are 3 key takeaways:Prioritize Authenticity Over Perfection: Showing up as your real self is what builds trust and genuine connection—whether you’re creating content, leading a group, or sitting one-on-one with a client.Embrace the Pivot (without shame): It’s okay—and healthy—to follow what excites you, even if it means leaving behind something you once worked hard for. Letting go of “shoulds” and honoring your energy isn’t a failure; it’s necessary growth.Impact Can Look Different: Transitioning to new modalities or scaling back can create a ripple effect—from helping more people at once to empowering others through your story. Your reach and impact aren’t limited to direct client hours.Whether you’re managing a private practice, exploring entrepreneurship, or redefining your role entirely, give yourself the grace to evolve. Your journey doesn’t need to be linear or “by the book”—especially if leaning into your strengths and interests allows you to thrive and serve others more fully.More about Priyanka:Dr. Priyanka Rao—also known as Pri—is a Licensed Psychologist, executive coach, and founder of Asha Mental Health and Asha Coaching & Consulting. She specializes in adult ADHD and autism assessments and supports late-diagnosed professionals and entrepreneurs in building lives that work with their brains, not against them. A late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, she brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to everything she does.Instagram: instagram.com/ashacoachTikTok: tiktok.com/@ashacoachWebsite: asha-coaching.com/divergenttableUse code ATPP20 for 20% off of your first 3 months of the "Divergent Table" membership –––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered...

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Elena Carroll, an Autistic content creator who’s inspiring many others on her journey of late-diagnosed autism, talk about her story of moving from New Zealand to Toronto and finding her voice as a writer and advocate for neurodivergent communities. This conversation highlights some powerful lessons for mental health professionals, neurodivergent individuals, and anyone passionate about inclusion.Key Takeaways:Unmasking and Self-Discovery is a Lifelong Process: Elena shares her experiences with late autism diagnosis, showing that it’s never too late to understand yourself and make space for authenticity—even if it means returning to and healing parts of your childhood.Accommodations Are Not “Extras”—They’re Essentials: Both Patrick and Elena discuss the importance of embracing sensory tools, routines, and downtime as valid forms of self-care, not signs of weakness or “neediness.”Community & Representation Matter: Finding others who share your experience makes a world of difference. Content creation and open conversation help others feel seen, reduce shame, and normalize diverse neurodivergent journeys.If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of late-diagnosed autism and want a refreshing, vulnerable perspective on healing and self-acceptance, this episode is for you.More about Elena:I'm Elena. I was diagnosed Autistic at 25 after years of struggling with mental health challenges and receiving different diagnoses that didn’t quite fit. I always felt different growing up, but I spent most of my life working hard to appear “normal.” Now, at 29, I’m on a journey to undo more than two decades of masking and finally get to know my true self.I recently moved from New Zealand to Toronto, Canada, and over the past 18 months, I’ve started creating content focused on neurodivergence and autism. This work has been incredibly healing for me and has helped me connect with others who share similar experiences. I’m also in the process of writing a book about what it’s like to be a late-diagnosed autistic woman, exploring all the complexities and discoveries along the way.Instagram: elenacarr0ll TikTok: elena__carroll YouTube: Elena Carroll–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free a...

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Nathalie Edmond, psychologist, mindfulness expert, published author, and more, talk about her incredible journey publishing “Mindful Race Talk.” They dive into why honest, vulnerable conversations about race and identity are needed in every organization, how creative grit can see you through the ups and downs of self-publishing, and why balancing compassion with accountability truly matters. If you’re an entrepreneur or team leader committed to growth, this is your reminder: lean into the conversations that scare you, and turn your message into impact.Here are 3 key takeaways:Vulnerability is necessary for growth: Sharing your work—especially on tough topics—means navigating vulnerability, imperfection, and even critique. “How do I capture the way that I am in a workshop?” Nathalie asks. Authenticity shines when you let go of perfection.Balance compassion with accountability: The “dance in between” is crucial. Effective anti-racism work isn’t about shaming or silencing—but meeting people with curiosity, compassion, and honest challenge, even when conversations get messy.Creative projects bring new challenges and rewards: Self-publishing a book brought unexpected hurdles—especially in the final stages. But staying focused on impact, rather than perfection or popularity, drove Nathalie to push through.More about Nathalie:Dr. Nathalie Edmond is a licensed clinical psychologist and mindfulness and yoga teacher with over twenty years of experience as a trauma therapist integrating mind, body, and spirit. She has led hundreds of hours of racial literacy and antiracism workshops. She believes that racial justice is a spiritual practice. She has been a director of a women's trauma program, co-host of Rest and Awaken podcast, adjunct faculty, and a JEDI (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) consultant. She facilitates Antiracism Revolution, an online membership community where aspiring antiracists continue to explore themselves as racial beings and work towards collective liberation. She is the director of Villanova University's counseling center and the owner of a group practice called Mindful and Multicultural Counseling. Access all of Dr. Nathalie Edmond's resources here: linktr.ee/drnatedmondDr. Nathalie Edmond's book: drnatedmond.com/mindful-race-talk-book.html–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about...

Are you a therapist or entrepreneur feeling boxed in by traditional one-on-one client work?In this episode, Patrick Casale and Gabrielle Juliano-Villani talk about the necessity of diversifying income for mental health professionals—especially those who are neurodivergent or just burned out by endless back-to-back sessions.3 key takeaways:Diversification = Freedom & Sustainability: For many of us, sticking to the same routine is draining. Multiple streams of income aren’t just exciting—they’re pivotal for staying creative, sustaining energy, and protecting your mental health.Embrace Experimentation & Let Go of “Shoulds”: It's a journey. From group practice to online courses, coaching, or retreats, pivoting your career takes time, trial and error, and a willingness to release the pressure of how things "should" be done. Start small, experiment, and don’t be afraid to fail forward.Authenticity Wins Over Vanity Metrics: Social media is full of smoke and mirrors. Real connection and engagement come from authentic storytelling—sharing self-doubt, being honest about the process, and tapping into the real transformation you offer, not flashy highlights.More about Gabrielle:Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur, and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma.After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives.Gabrielle is an international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach.Gabrielle's Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free a...

Throughout your entrepreneurial journey, it's important to take moments to reflect on what you’ve built, where you’re heading, and what truly brings you energy. In this solo episode, I opened up about the messy magic of pivoting, evolving passions, and the vital importance of giving yourself permission to grow in new directions.After years of building communities, running retreats around the globe, and coaching clinicians to “Doubt Yourself, Do It Anyway,” it’s clear that our journeys rarely go as planned. And that’s okay.3 key takeaways:It’s Normal for Passions to Evolve: If the spark fades or your interests shift, that’s not failure. Growth isn’t linear.Zoom Out and Acknowledge Your Journey: Take time to recognize how far you’ve come, even if it feels like you’re standing still. Every pivot is part of your story.Give Yourself Permission to Pause: It’s courageous to rest, reflect, and admit something no longer serves you. Grief and relief can coexist in letting go.You’re not alone if you’re navigating uncertainty or sitting with grief about retiring some hard-won entrepreneurial roles. I’m right there with you—learning to honor my energy, trust intuition, and celebrate each imperfect step forward.–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community–––––––––––––––––––––Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice — 2025 & 2026 Retreats! ✨ The Receptionist for iPadThanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to...

Patrick Casale and Michael Ashford, the director of marketing for The Receptionist for iPad, a TEDx speaker and communications coach, a TEDx speaker himself, and an author, talk about a topic that couldn’t be more relevant in today’s climate. They discuss how curiosity, open conversation, and a willingness to step outside our bubbles are essential, not just for healthy workplaces, but for thriving as business owners and humans.3 key takeaways:Lean Into Discomfort for Growth: There’s power in having uncomfortable conversations—whether with colleagues, clients, or even those we disagree with. Real progress and understanding often begin with a willingness to engage rather than retreat to our echo chambers.ASK-then-SEE Approach: Michael shared a tangible framework for communication:ASK: Assume positive intent. Set aside your ego. Know you can’t know everything.SEE: Search yourself (reflect on your own beliefs and biases). Explore other perspectives. Exchange curiosity—talk to people from different backgrounds and viewpoints.Expand Your World—Even Locally: You don’t need to travel internationally to break out of your echo chamber. Engage with new communities close to home. Curiosity and openness to new perspectives enrich us both personally and professionally.Whether you’re in private practice, leading a team, or just navigating a divided world, embracing curiosity and respectful dialogue is a game-changer.More about Michael:Michael Ashford is a communications explorer and a tireless optimist. He has spent years researching leadership, conflict communications, and how to overcome political and social polarization in an effort to chart a path to help us bridge divides, communicate well, and find more common ground. Michael is the Director of Marketing at a Denver-based software company, The Receptionist, as well as a podcaster, a two-time TEDx speaker, and what he calls an "independent journalist" as a shoutout to his former career as a newspaper editor.Website: michaelashford.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free a...

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Vinita Menon, a clinical psychologist and co-founder of The Thrive Collective, discuss her unique blend of insights around neurodivergence, cultural context, and the universality of our human experience.Dr. Menon shares her journey from being the “only one of her kind” growing up in the U.S., to becoming a fierce advocate for those who don’t neatly fit into boxes—especially within Autistic, ADHD, and Indian women’s communities.3 key takeaways:Culture and Neurodiversity Intertwine: Support must be culturally sensitive. What works in one cultural context may not in another—and nuance is key when offering advice or care.Connection over Jargon: At the heart of her approach is the drive for every individual to feel seen, supported, and connected. Fancy terms aside, we’re all searching for acceptance and belonging—regardless of our backgrounds.Breaking Boxes, Building Bridges: Whether as an entrepreneur, a woman navigating career and family pressures, or someone with a neurodiverse brain, many of us share that underlying question: “Am I good enough?” It’s not about hustling more, but finding spaces, strategies, and communities where we’re truly understood.If you’re interested in how intersectional identities shape our mental health journeys—or want to understand what more thoughtful, personalized care looks like—this episode has a lot to offer.More about VinitaDr. Vinita Menon is a seasoned clinical psychologist, clinical supervisor, nationally certified school psychologist, and professional coach. She has co-founded The Thrive Collective, a hybrid psychology practice that provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy and evaluations for children and adults. She integrates family and school professionals into treatment, ensuring holistic and effective care for her clients. She offers 2 clinical intensives for ADHD and autism for adults. As an EAP provider for executives at a multinational firm and a coach, Dr. Menon specializes in culturally sensitive support for Indian women navigating unique challenges. She co-founded The Thrive Mind to expand the reach of those services. Social Media:@thrivecollectivepsychology@thethrivemind@drvinitamenonWebsites:https://mythrivecollective.com/adhd-intensivehttps://mythrivecollective.com/autism-unlockedhttps://thethrivemind.co/be-savvy–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️

In this episode, host Patrick Casale and guest Alicia Murray, the founder of Therapist HQ, talk about the journey from clinical work to business ownership. Alicia shares her real story of leaving a “secure” job at the VA to start her own private practice just as the pandemic hit, the self-doubt that comes with these transitions, and how she’s built a thriving group and a supportive community for therapists.3 key takeaways:Authenticity over Perfection: Being true to yourself (even if it means swearing or not fitting the “perfect therapist” image) attracts your ideal clients and community. Don’t dilute your personality for approval—you’ll find your people by being real.Self-Doubt is Normal: Even seasoned professionals experience self-doubt, especially when stepping into business ownership. Alicia’s story shows that the journey to private practice is rarely linear, and moments of uncertainty are part of the process.Align Your Practice With Your Values: Building a practice (or any business) is about more than finances—it’s about designing your career so it fits your life, not the other way around. Whether it’s a 6 am start or a midday workout, structuring your schedule around what matters to you is key for long-term happiness.More about Alicia:Alicia Murray is a therapist turned business consultant and the founder of The Therapist HQ.Since 2016, I've been on this therapy journey, launching my private practice in 2020 and growing it into a thriving group practice with five therapists and an admin. I'm passionate about helping fellow therapists create and grow their own private practices because I remember feeling completely alone when building mine. At The Therapist HQ, I provide accessible resources that focus on both financial success AND quality of life, believing in freedom, flexibility, and making a livable wage while doing the clinical work you truly enjoy.Social Media: @thetherapisthq on Instagram, TikTok, and FacebookI have a free private practice audit and startup checklist, as well as a complete practice launch kit. Grab them here: stan.store/The_Therapist_HQ–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free 

In this episode, Patrick Casale speaks with Dr. Donna Oriowo, an award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker, and certified sex and relationship therapist, as she discusses the complexities of self-esteem, particularly for Black women navigating supremacist and patriarchal cultures. Her perspective on self-esteem being shaped by collective experiences, rather than just individual actions, is powerful and eye-opening.3 Key takeaways:Self-esteem is not created in a vacuum: Dr. Donna reminds us that our sense of self-worth is deeply influenced by generational, cultural, and systemic forces—it's not simply a personal failing if you struggle.Authenticity carries risks—especially for marginalized identities: Being "yourself" isn’t always safe, and the ongoing negotiation between authenticity and safety can be exhausting. It’s crucial to acknowledge the price people pay just to exist as themselves.Community is essential for healing and growth: Dr. Donna encourages us to seek out affirming relationships and supportive spaces, reminding us that self-esteem and healing aren’t solo journeys—they’re collective processes.More about Donna:Dr. Donna Oriowo (oreo-whoa!) LICSW, CST, is an award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker, and certified sex and relationship therapist in the Washington D.C. metro area. Dr. Donna is the owner of private practice, AnnodRight, which specializes in working with Black women on issues related to colorism and texturism and its impacts on mental and sexual health. Dr. Donna specializes in working with Black women to feel Free, Fabulous, and F*cked! She is the author of Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease: A Self-Love Journey Through Hair and Skin and the host of a biweekly community space for Black women called In My Black Feelings. Dr. Donna collects inspiring quotes, eats donuts, loves pasta, travels to learn, gives COVID-safe handshakes, warm hugs, and (figurative) knocks on the head. Donna's book is called: Drink Water & Mind Your Business: A Black Woman's Guide to Unlearning the BS and Healing Self-EsteemDr. Oriowo served as DEI Co-chair and Communications Steering Committee Chair for AASECT. She is a member of the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WOCSHN). She can be found on social media @Dr.DonnaOriowo. OR you can visit her on the interwebs at DonnaOriowo.com.Instagram: instagram.com/dr.donnaoriowoTikTok: tiktok.com/@dr.donnaoriowoThreads: threads.net/@dr.donnaoriowoGrab her book: drinkwaterbook.com–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️

In this episode, Patrick Casale speaks with Erica Smith about creating equitable and accessible workplaces in private practice. Erica shares candid, real-life stories of navigating the mental health field as someone living with chronic illness, and discusses the imperative of designing work environments that are truly supportive and accessible.Top 3 takeaways:Accessibility Goes Beyond Ramps: It means considering everything from office seating and safe, convenient entryways to virtual work options and clear communication about what your space does (and doesn't) offer.Culture Starts with Transparency: Erica models being upfront with staff and clients about values, policies, and decision-making—including the challenges and financial realities of running an equitable group practice.Intentionality Drives Inclusion: From pronouns on the website to supporting community initiatives and hosting know-your-rights cards in the lobby, every detail signals who you want to welcome and support in your practice.More about EricaErica, a North Carolina native and clinical social worker, specializes in trauma, particularly interpersonal violence, racial trauma, and chronic/invisible illness, drawn from her personal experiences. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and then Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) at age 12 in 2003—also the year she experienced the sudden loss of her father—followed by Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)  later in life. These events spurred her desire to help others, leading to international volunteering, non-profit work, and over 10 years as a therapist. Navigating chronic illness and being a Black woman taught her strategies to adapt and advocate. She now leads Whole Mentality, a Raleigh-based group practice focused on accessible and affirming mental health services.From Solo to Collective: Leading an Equitable Therapy Practice - for group practice consultation: itsericakendra.com/consultationWebsite: wholementality.comSocial media: @wholementality and @itsericakenddra–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast🎙️Spotify🎙️Apple🎙️YouTube Music▶️ YouTube✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community🗨️ Join the free