Private Practice Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Philip Armstrong, CEO of the Vocational Mental Health Professionals Association of Australia (VMHPAA), to unpack the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists — what’s true, what’s still uncertain, and what it all means for your private practice. If you’ve felt confused or anxious about what these standards might mean for you as a counsellor, psychotherapist, or student — you’re not alone. In this conversation, we explore the facts behind the draft, the myths circulating in online communities, and the practical implications for vocational and higher-education qualified practitioners. Philip clarifies the differences between licensing, registration, and endorsement, and together we talk through why it’s not yet official, how the process works, and where counsellors’ voices are needed most. You’ll hear: (00:37) Introduction to Philip Armstrong and the VMHPAA (01:06) What’s really happening with the “official” national standards (02:50) The consultation process and why response rates matter (08:47) What a counselling license is and isn’t (15:35) Where graduate diplomas fit in (and where they don’t) (17:43) Supervision hours and how they may change (20:28) Who decides what’s “low-risk” counselling? (26:36) Is “counsellor” a protected title under the new standards? (32:44) How licensing, endorsement, and accreditation all differ (40:05) The future for diploma-qualified counsellors and supervisors (45:15) Will these standards affect your ability to practice privately? (53:11) What “conditional licensing” really means (56:55) Why the current draft can’t yet be endorsed (1:02:09) What changes the department needs to make next (1:16:18) How counsellors can stay informed and get involved If you’re a counsellor, psychotherapist, psychologist, or social worker in Australia trying to make sense of the evolving standards, this episode will help you understand the facts, stay calm, and know exactly where your professional voice matters. For ongoing updates, advocacy, and to join the Vocational Mental Health Professionals Association of Australia, visit: 👉 https://vmhpaa.org.au   To learn more about my business coaching programs and resources for therapists, visit: Practice Momentum – https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Booked & Better – https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ Website Wellness Check – https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ The Ultimate Private Practice Community – https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ The Un-Discovery Call – https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/un-discovery-call/ The Happy Practice Store – https://thehappypractice.etsy.com Quick Action Step: Head to the VMHPAA website and make sure you’re subscribed for updates or membership. It’s one of the most effective ways to stay informed and have your say before any changes take effect.   Q: Are the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists now official? A: No. The current document is still a draft with many unresolved areas. There’s no confirmed start date, licensing authority, or implementation plan. Q: What’s the difference between a license and registration? A: Registration (like with AHPRA psychologists) is a regulated requirement under law. The Standards are not legislated. Q: Can counsellors with a Diploma still practice privately? A: Yes. The draft no longer bans Diploma-qualified counsellors from private practice, largely thanks to advocacy from the VMHPAA. Q: Should I be paying for a license now? A: No. There’s currently no legitimate licensing body or requirement to pay licensing fees. Q: How can counsellors get involved in consultation? A: Join your professional association and stay engaged with official updates. The VMHPAA regularly holds public Q&A sessions and consultation forums for members and non-members alike at https://vmhpaa.org.au. Get in touch Send Philip Your Questions Here Send Me Your Questions Here Read the National Standards Here Free VMHPAA Membership for Students Here  Join the VMHPAA Here for Qualified Mental Health Professionals   national standards for counsellors, national standards for psychotherapists, VMHPAA, vocational counsellor Australia, diploma counselling private practice, conditional license counselling, counselling regulation Australia, counselling endorsement, PACFA ACA differences, licensing counsellors Australia, Philip Armstrong VMHPAA, Dr Brooklyn Storme PhD, counsellor supervision hours, counselling qualifications AQF, private practice counsellor Australia, counselling legislation Australia, protecting counsellor title, counselling regulation changes 2025, counselling draft standards Australia, counsellor advocacy Australia

If you’ve ever felt like you’re constantly chasing clients, posting endlessly on social media, or paying for ads that don’t work — this episode is for you. I’m diving deep into how to market less and still have consistent bookings in your private practice. You’ll learn why client retention matters more than constant marketing, how to improve it ethically, and how to create genuine connection through “surprise and delight” moments that make your clients remember and return to you. This episode is perfect for women in private practice like counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and play therapists  who are ready to stop feeling behind, overwhelmed, or burnt out by endless marketing and start building a business that feels sustainable, aligned, and deeply fulfilling. You’ll walk away understanding how to reduce the pressure on yourself by shifting from constant client chasing to creating memorable experiences that naturally support long-term bookings. You’ll also learn the difference between over-delivering and overworking and how to do less while helping your practice thrive. Quick win: Pick one way to “surprise and delight” your clients this week, something small, thoughtful, and aligned with your values (like a check-in message, an unexpected resource, or a thank-you note). Notice how it strengthens your connection and energy. If you’re ready to take your practice from stressful to steady, explore my most popular offers below: Practice Momentum (12-month private coaching & consulting program): 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Booked & Better | Monthly Tools for Private Practice: 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ Website Wellness Check | Get a personalised video review of your therapy website: 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ The Un-Discovery Call | Learn how to structure discovery calls that convert: 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/un-discovery-call/ Create an App for Your Private Practice! 👉 https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/bafs/ The Happy Practice Etsy Store | Templates, forms & checklists: 👉 https://thehappypractice.etsy.com Subscribe on YouTube for more episodes: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@theprivatepracticecoach private practice marketing, therapy business coach, counsellor marketing tips, psychologist business growth, social worker private practice, therapy client retention, how to get more therapy clients, online counselling business, therapist business coach Australia, private practice success, therapist burnout prevention, how to grow private practice, therapy marketing ideas, psychology private practice tips, mental health business mentor, counsellor marketing Australia, therapy website help, get therapy clients consistently, ethical marketing for therapists, business coaching for counsellors

How to Simplify Your Social Media Marketing and Attract Inquiries (without posting everywhere) I recorded this right after Facebook awarded me an “Emerging Talent” badge — and it got me thinking about how to use social media in a way that actually works for therapists. In this episode, I share how I simplify my marketing, why I only focus on one platform, and the exact approach I use to consistently attract inquiries without spending hours online. If you’re tired of creating endless Canva posts that don’t convert, this episode will feel like a breath of fresh air. This one is for women in private practice — counsellors, psychologists, social workers, accredited mental health social workers, and play therapists — who want a simpler, calmer approach to marketing that still brings in clients. I talk about niching (and how it makes content effortless), why Facebook often works better than Instagram for our field, and how to “show not tell” your expertise so potential clients feel connected and safe reaching out. You’ll walk away knowing how to pick one platform, post less but connect more, and create trust through genuine conversations — not algorithms. I also talk about authenticity, karma, and why giving freely online actually leads to more aligned clients.   Links mentioned in this episode Practice Momentum (12-month private, high-touch support): https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Website Wellness Check (video audit to improve inquiries): https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Booked & Better Monthly Private Practice Tools: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ The Un-Discovery Call: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/un-discovery-call/ Website: https://www.brooklynstorme.com   Timestamps 00:00 Welcome to The Private Practice Podcast 00:22 Why I created Practice Momentum 01:04 My morning routine and plans for the day 01:59 Facebook’s “Emerging Talent” badge 03:15 Why most therapists’ socials don’t get inquiries 04:22 The two reasons mine works 05:42 How niching down makes content easy 07:06 Who my ideal client really is 09:43 Why so many therapists feel confused and stuck 13:22 Why Facebook outperforms Instagram for therapists 15:21 What actually stops the scroll 17:22 Understanding the numbers and conversion rates 18:52 Facebook as a place for connection 22:17 Dropping the pressure to sell and just being you 28:27 Giving your best content freely 31:59 Setting realistic expectations 33:45 The importance of website optimisation 35:57 Abundance, karma, and attracting aligned clients 38:35 Posting less but connecting more 39:15 Managing your marketing expectations 41:29 What (and what not) to share in Facebook groups 47:20 Why link-dropping reduces reach 51:22 You’re always marketing — intentionally or not 58:28 How your behaviour online builds or breaks trust 1:03:29 Authenticity clients can actually feel 1:08:57 How I practise transparency with clients 1:11:24 Connection over polish — especially with AI everywhere 1:12:24 Where to find me and how to get help   Action step for a quick win Pick one Facebook group your ideal client is already in. Today, leave one helpful, genuine comment answering a question within your scope — no links, no pitch. Do this three times this week and notice who starts viewing your profile or messaging you. private practice marketing, therapist marketing, counselling private practice, how to get therapy clients, Facebook for therapists, Instagram vs Facebook therapists, therapy niching, social media for psychologists, social workers private practice, play therapist marketing, website conversions for therapists, therapist visibility, authentic marketing for therapists, practice momentum, website wellness check, inquiry generation therapists, Facebook group strategy therapists, show not tell marketing, attract therapy clients online, ethical marketing for therapists

Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: Build Confidence with Simple Systems for Your Private Practice Show notes: Today I’m talking about confidence—the kind you build by doing the scary thing first and letting the confidence catch up. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ll raise my fee / charge cancellations / get help when I feel ready,” this episode is for you. I share a personal story about investing in my business before I felt confident, how fear shifted to excitement the moment I committed, and why structure beats willpower every single time in private practice. This episode is for women therapists—counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and play therapists—who love the work but feel stuck second-guessing decisions, winging it without processes, and relying on motivation that comes and goes. You’ll hear how to create safety and certainty in your business by putting simple processes in place (onboarding, cancellations, marketing routines) and tracking your progress so your brain sees real evidence that it’s working. I also talk about reframing fear as a sign of growth, and how systems reduce emotional load so you can show up confident and consistent. You’ll walk away with a clear next step to create more stability and confidence fast: design one tiny process you can repeat—then track it for 30–90 days. If you want support implementing this quickly with on-demand help, you can work with me inside Practice Momentum. It’s like having an expert in your pocket, ready when you are. Explore Practice Momentum here: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ You can also grab my Website Wellness Check if your site isn’t converting: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Join my free community for therapists here: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ Check out Booked & Better monthly tools: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ My YouTube channel is here if you’d like more episodes and tutorials: https://www.youtube.com/@theprivatepracticecoach Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and why this episode matters for your confidence 00:22 Practice Momentum: on-demand support when you need it most 01:17 The myth of “I’ll do it when I’m ready” 02:19 Confidence lives on the other side of fear 02:48 My story: moving out of a clinic and facing financial fear 04:28 The reality of savings pressure and business costs 05:20 The mistake of taking random advice without critical thinking 06:17 Investing before I felt ready (and why it worked) 09:09 The instant relief after committing—and what changed next 10:45 Why confidence follows action (not the other way around) 12:26 Reframing fear as a signal of growth and alignment 16:39 Early mistakes with cancellations and what I learned 19:11 The cure for winging it: documented processes 20:35 Onboarding and offboarding to reduce emotional load 21:17 Systems vs willpower: what actually sustains progress 24:01 Make it repeatable, then track it to prove it’s working 27:29 Your next step and how Practice Momentum can help Action step for a quick win: Pick one moment that regularly stresses you (for example: new enquiry, reschedule, or cancellation). Write a three-step mini-process you’ll follow every time, save it as a note or template you can copy/paste, and start tracking it daily for the next 14 days. The goal is repeatability, not perfection. When your brain sees the data, your confidence grows. private practice confidence, therapist business systems, counselling private practice Australia, therapist cancellation policy, onboarding process therapy, offboarding process therapy, therapy marketing routine, track private practice metrics, therapist mindset and confidence, reduce emotional load in business, systems over willpower, raise therapy fees ethically, therapist imposter syndrome, private practice processes, build consistent bookings, therapist business coach Australia, Practice Momentum program, Website Wellness Check, Booked and Better tools, grow therapy practice fast

How to start selling on Etsy for therapists - what you need to know before you begin so that you get great results!  Get clients from your website: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Convert more inquiry and discovery calls with this new way! https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/un-discovery-call/ Get personalised help for your private practice:  https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/   Get templates and create your own products to sell here: https://yoursecretweaponplr.com/new56280825  

How to Create a Successful Private Practice Faster (Without Burning Out) Description: In this episode, I share the real way to create a successful private practice faster—by mastering one thing at a time instead of layering on tasks that don’t move the needle. If you’re a counsellor, psychologist, social worker, or play therapist who feels overwhelmed by “do-all-the-things” advice, this episode will help you find clarity and direction so you can fill your diary sooner. You’ll hear about the stages every therapist goes through (from uninformed optimism to informed pessimism), why your website is often the missing link, and how to tell if your funnel is broken at the top, middle, or bottom. You’ll also learn when passive income *actually* makes sense for your practice (hint: not until your main offer is stable). Quick win action step: Open your website and ask yourself, “Would a time-poor, stressed parent know what I do and how to book in under 10 seconds?” If not, update your homepage today with one clear headline, one short proof statement, and one bold “Book Now” button. Helpful links: Practice Momentum: [https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/]( https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/) Booked & Better Monthly Private Practice Tools: [https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/] (https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/) Website Wellness Check: [https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/] (https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/) The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: [https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/] (https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/)       private practice marketing private practice website how to get therapy clients therapist marketing plan counselling practice growth psychology private practice tips social worker private practice play therapist marketing website wellness check therapy website copy discovery call script therapist email marketing lead magnet for therapists private practice funnel get more therapy bookings therapist passive income booked and better practice momentum australian therapists in private practice counsellor business coach

If you’ve ever wondered why your private practice isn’t generating as much revenue as it could, this episode is for you. I share how to stop “selling the candle” and start communicating true value in a way your clients actually connect with. Whether you’re offering therapy sessions, courses, workshops, or even freebies like PDFs or apps, the difference between struggling and thriving often comes down to how you present the value of what you do. In this conversation, I walk you through the mistakes I see therapists making with their websites and social media, why niching matters so much, and how to use plain, relatable language that converts inquiries into bookings. I also share what we can learn from big launches (like Alex Hormozi’s record-breaking book launch) and how therapists can adapt those strategies without the overwhelm. If you’re not sure how your website is performing or if you’re struggling to attract the right clients, book a Website Wellness Check and let me give you tailored feedback on your messaging and visibility. Or, if you’d like to brainstorm your practice strategy with me directly, grab a Complimentary 15-Minute Business Strategy Session. Both are designed to give you clarity and practical next steps to help you generate more revenue with ease. Timestamps 00:04 – Welcome and intention for today’s episode 01:08 – Organising my diary and creating a themed planner 04:10 – Sharing the planner with Practice Momentum members 05:11 – Why entrepreneurship is personal development in disguise 06:44 – Inspiration from watching The Office 08:30 – Selling value vs selling the candle 13:35 – Why clients pay for iPhones but not therapy sessions 15:08 – How to explain therapy in client-friendly language 16:42 – Making your About page relevant to your ideal client 18:51 – Why value, not fees, gets bookings 19:30 – The power of niching in private practice 22:01 – Why flowery or stiff language kills connection 24:20 – Building trust with authenticity on your website 25:08 – Research for my book and lessons from Alex Hormozi’s $100M launch 32:55 – Starting with the end in mind in your business and book writing 35:17 – How to adapt successful launch models for your practice 36:59 – Why niching unlocks revenue and visibility 37:37 – Quick wins: Website Wellness Check and strategy sessions     private practice revenue strategies private practice business coach therapist business tips counselling practice growth psychology private practice marketing for therapists how to get more therapy clients therapist website tips therapist niche private practice supervision counselling business plan therapy website wellness check therapist marketing mistakes business strategy for therapists therapy practice visibility therapist bookings counselling practice coaching

Join Booked & Better Monthly Resource Subscription here Are you tired of offering freebies on your website that no one downloads? In this episode of the Private Practice Podcast, I share the new way to attract more inquiries and client bookings using interactive, implementation-based resources that actually work. Traditional PDFs and ebooks no longer carry the value they once did—thanks to AI, clients can find the same information in seconds. But by creating interactive tools that provide real results and experiences, you can build trust, credibility, and genuine engagement that turns website visitors into paying clients. This episode is for therapists, counsellors, psychologists, social workers, and play therapists who want to stand out in private practice. You’ll walk away knowing how to: Replace outdated freebies with tools that actually convert Build stronger connections and authority with potential clients Use interactive resources across multiple areas of your practice—supervision, referrals, waitlist support, and even passive income Get a quick win by evaluating your current freebie and making it more engaging Quick Action Step: Review your freebie today and ask yourself—does this help my client create a real change or result? If not, it’s time to update it into something more interactive. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome to the Private Practice Podcast 00:22 – Introducing Practice Momentum 01:09 – The #1 question therapists ask: how do I find clients? 02:19 – Why your website matters more than ever 04:33 – Why newsletters and generic freebies don’t work 06:00 – The problem with templated journals 08:02 – Why PDFs and ebooks have lost their value 09:54 – The solution: implementation + interactivity 14:28 – How results build trust and lead to bookings 16:46 – Why interactive experiences are the future of marketing 19:36 – Beyond freebies: other uses for interactive tools 24:25 – How this strategy helps with supervision and referrals 26:34 – Introducing Booked at First Sight inside Booked & Better 28:27 – How quickly you can get started 30:55 – Everything included in Booked & Better 31:57 – Final invitation and wrap-up Private practice marketing private practice therapist counsellor business coach how to get more therapy clients psychology private practice counselling private practice social worker private practice play therapist marketing for therapists therapy website inquiries therapy bookings client referrals therapist lead magnet therapist freebies therapy marketing tips counselling business ideas practice momentum therapy marketing strategy therapy business growth therapist resources therapist private practice tools

In this episode of the Private Practice Podcast, I’m diving into one of the most powerful yet often-overlooked tools for creating stability and growth in your private practice: a business plan. Now, before you roll your eyes and think it sounds boring or too “corporate,” hear me out. A business plan doesn’t need to be rigid or overwhelming. In fact, when you approach it with both structure and flow—balancing the masculine and feminine energies—it can help you create more confidence, more clarity, and a business that actually works for you, not the other way around. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the hamster wheel of chasing bookings, reacting to cancellations, or grabbing at shiny marketing tactics without a clear direction, this episode is for you. I share how your business plan can help you shift from chaotic and reactive into calm and focused, while still feeling aligned with who you are and how you like to work. Whether you’re structured and thrive on ticking things off a list, or you prefer a more intuitive and flexible approach, you’ll walk away with practical insights that can help you design a plan you’ll actually stick with. I also talk about what happens when we lean too heavily into either masculine or feminine energy in our practices, why neither extreme works, and how integrating both is the key to creating a thriving, sustainable private practice. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple framework for your next quarter that doesn’t feel overwhelming—and a way to bring joy, fulfillment, and confidence back into the way you run your business. If you’d like my help to map out your quarterly plan in a simple, supportive way, you can book a free 15-minute call with me here: Book Your Complimentary Planning Call And if you’re ready to go deeper with ongoing, on-demand support to truly build the practice you want, check out Practice Momentum. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and quick updates 02:00 Why bookings aren’t your business (and what to focus on instead) 05:00 The chaos of running a practice without a plan 06:30 Business planning as feminine and ADHD-friendly 08:00 Masculine energy: structure and action 09:30 Feminine energy: creativity and connection 12:00 The pitfalls of staying only in one energy 18:00 Bringing both energies together in your business plan 23:00 How to create a plan that works with your energy and style 27:00 Focus, vision boards, and daily practices that keep you on track 34:00 Mapping your 90-day plan with identity, goals, and feelings 41:00 Wrapping up and invitation to book a free planning call private practice business plan, private practice growth strategies, therapist business planning, counsellor private practice tips, psychologist private practice success, private practice feminine energy, private practice masculine energy, ADHD business planning strategies, how to create a quarterly plan, therapist business structure, counselling business confidence, grow your private practice, therapy business support, private practice planning for women, psychologist business confidence, therapist marketing plan, counselling private practice growth, business plan for therapists, therapy business mindset, how to thrive in private practice

Struggling with cancellations in your private practice? In this episode, I share my own mistakes with cancellation policies, boundaries, and fee increases—and how they cost me money, clients, and confidence. You’ll discover why strong cancellation policies aren’t about punishing clients, but about protecting your time, your income, and creating better outcomes for the people you help. I’ll walk you through what the research says about 24-hour vs 48-hour policies, how much money is lost when you don’t use them, and why a 48-hour full-fee cancellation policy is the best way to safeguard your practice and serve your clients well. 👉 Action step: Review your cancellation policy today. Does it protect your time, income, and clients’ outcomes? If not, update it this week—you’ll feel more confident and in control. ✨ Links & Resources: Practice Momentum: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ The Ultimate Private Practice (Free Community): https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ Website Wellness Check: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ ⏰ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and introduction 01:00 Why I ignored policies (and the trouble it caused) 05:00 The emotional toll of weak boundaries in practice 10:00 How strong policies protect you and your clients 20:00 The mindset blocks that keep therapists from charging fees 26:00 Why clients are paying for your time 30:00 24-hour vs 48-hour cancellation policies 35:00 How a 48-hour full-fee policy protects your revenue 37:15 Client success stories 38:30 How to turn your practice around before the new year 🔑 Keywords: cancellation policy private practice, therapy cancellation fees, therapist boundaries, private practice revenue, counsellor cancellations, therapy no-show policy, private practice success, therapist confidence, therapy fee increase policy, private practice income

So many therapists feel rattled when they hear about free or government-funded mental health services popping up in their area. The fear is real: “Who would pay me when they can go down the road for free?” In this episode, I share the truth about these services, why they’re not new, and most importantly, why they don’t threaten your private practice. If you’ve ever wondered whether bulk-billed or free services will make it impossible for you to get clients, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the history of funded models, who they’re designed for, why they’re capped and generalist, and how private practice continues to thrive despite their existence. You’ll hear the difference between short-term evidence-based interventions and the deep, tailored, person-centred work you get to do in your own practice. By the end of this episode, you’ll feel lighter and more empowered to own your place in the therapy landscape. You’ll see that clients who want personalized, longer-term, holistic support aren’t searching “free counselling near me.” They’re searching for you. And when they invest in their growth, they show up more, implement more, and get better outcomes. Your quick win action step: Rewrite a short section on your website or social media where you highlight the value of working with you compared to generalized or capped services. Lean into your niche and the personal experience you create—this is what clients are actually searching for. If you’d love to have expert, on-demand help building your practice, check out Practice Momentum, my 12-month high-touch program for women in private practice. Also explore: Booked & Better Monthly Tools The Ultimate Private Practice Community Website Wellness Check Timestamps: 00:22 – Why I created Practice Momentum 02:01 – The real fear behind free services 03:15 – Free services are not new 05:04 – Who these services are really for 08:50 – The generalist model vs your private practice 09:53 – How funding cycles work 12:32 – Why sessions are capped 13:01 – Evidence-based models and why they’re limiting 18:34 – Why quick interventions don’t fix deeper issues 24:54 – Why free services don’t threaten your practice 27:14 – The freedom of tailoring therapy in private practice 34:27 – What clients say about funded vs private practice services 38:33 – Why people pay when free exists 42:09 – Why clients get better outcomes when they invest 54:43 – If you’re still scared, here’s why 58:23 – Shine your light and let clients find you 59:15 – Behind-the-scenes update on Booked & Better and Practice Momentum private practice marketing, therapist business coaching, counselling business growth, psychology private practice tips, social workers in private practice, play therapy practice, therapy marketing ideas, therapy client attraction, counselling niche strategy, therapy practice growth, why free therapy doesn’t matter, therapist imposter syndrome, therapy mindset support, therapy business tips Australia, private counselling clients, psychology business growth, practice momentum program, therapy income growth, therapy website wellness, therapist coaching program

Planning can feel overwhelming when you’re running a private practice. Between client sessions, family life, and everything else on your plate, it’s easy for your business plan to slip to the bottom of the list—or disappear altogether. In this episode, I share how I learned to plan for results (and actually achieve them, mostly!) in my own practice, even with ADHD, busy schedules, and a million distractions. If you’ve ever bought the pretty planner, written out your goals, and then felt guilty for not sticking to it, this one’s for you. I’ll talk about how I shifted from winging it and burning out, to carving out intentional time for my business, finding planning methods that worked for me, and learning to focus on the “one thing” that actually moves the needle. You’ll also hear stories from inside Practice Momentum, where different women use planning in totally different ways—because no two therapists are the same. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical, flexible strategies for planning in a way that feels authentic to you. You’ll also hear how I use tools like brain dumps, Google Calendar, journaling, and even oracle cards to connect back to my goals and why they matter. Your quick win action step: Choose one small block of time this week (even 30 minutes) and dedicate it to working on your business, not in it. Protect it, make it sacred, and use it to take one step toward a goal that matters to you. If you’d like help creating a business that feels aligned and gets results, explore Practice Momentum, my high-touch 12-month coaching program designed for women in private practice. Also check out: Booked & Better Monthly Tools The Ultimate Private Practice Community Website Wellness Check Timestamps: 00:22 – Why planning workshops matter 03:40 – The common trap of overestimating goals 05:18 – Why plans get pushed aside for clients and family 07:01 – The scarcity mindset around blocking time 09:27 – My breaking point with burnout and bulk-billing 12:07 – The difference between a brain dump and a real plan 17:39 – Why planners don’t work if you don’t know what to plan 19:56 – Tailoring planning styles for different women in Momentum 22:28 – How I use novelty and creativity in planning 25:20 – Journaling with oracle cards to set daily intentions 29:54 – My 45-day $100k experiment 34:12 – Why focusing on the “one thing” first changes everything 39:39 – Connecting to your why 41:54 – Identity and beliefs vs business strategy 44:50 – Dropping the mask and showing up authentically 47:57 – Embracing imperfection and progress over perfection 52:40 – Why pleasing everyone isn’t possible (and that’s okay) private practice planning, therapist goal setting, counselling business growth, psychology private practice tips, social workers private practice, play therapy business planning, therapy planning strategies, therapist productivity tips, business planning for counsellors, therapy practice success, ADHD business planning, therapy mindset support, private practice coaching, practice momentum program, therapist income growth, therapy business strategies, therapist goal planning, therapist authenticity, therapy productivity hacks, counselling business tips

Have you ever felt like your website should be getting you inquiries—but it’s just sitting there like a pretty business card nobody’s picking up? In this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes of testing one of my own lead magnets with women in private practice, and what I discovered about why so many therapists struggle to implement even the simplest website strategies. I take you inside the real feedback I got when I gave away a step-by-step guide to improving websites. Three different therapists told me they had already done everything inside my resource—but when I checked their websites, none of them had. This opened up a powerful reflection on why we often think we’re doing the right things, but we’re actually missing what matters. And it’s not laziness—it’s desensitization, imposter syndrome, or just being too close to our own work to see it clearly. You’ll also hear about how identity and mindset play just as big a role in client attraction as strategy does. I’ll walk you through what to do when you feel stuck, how to use clarity as a tool, and why sometimes it’s not about learning more strategies, but embodying the belief that you can actually have what you want. Your quick win action step: Take 10 minutes today to look at your homepage with fresh eyes. Ask yourself: Do I have a clear, client-facing message in plain language? Are my booking buttons easy to find? Are there visual trust cues (like testimonials or logos)? If not, pick one to update today—you’ll be amazed how quickly small changes can shift your results. If you’d love support to make your private practice website and business actually work for you, here’s how I can help: Practice Momentum Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Booked & Better Monthly Private Practice Tools: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ Website Wellness Check: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Diploma Counsellor Society Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/dcs-waitlist/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprivatepracticecoach Timestamps: 01:32 – The freebie I created for therapists 03:54 – First round of surprising feedback 05:51 – Checking websites against what therapists “thought” they had done 08:30 – The recurring problem I noticed 12:05 – Why we stop seeing what’s right in front of us 13:59 – Fresh eyes vs being too close to your own work 15:38 – How I’m reworking the resource to make it clearer 17:30 – Why free resources often don’t create results 18:46 – The SEO and messaging copy-paste guide story 23:20 – Why therapists dismiss strategies without implementing 30:26 – Matching body and brain habits with ADD 31:56 – Weekly focus and brain dump strategy 34:09 – Mindset shift: expect a pleasing outcome 40:51 – Lessons from my 45-day experiment 43:34 – The power of creating future memories 47:39 – Embodiment and shifting identity 50:35 – Why clarity is always a gift 52:29 – My mission: giving you the straightest line to results| therapy website mistakes, private practice website, therapist lead magnet ideas, counselling business growth, psychology private practice tips, therapy marketing strategies, therapist website audit, therapist client attraction, private practice identity shift, counselling SEO tips, private practice mindset, website wellness check, therapist imposter syndrome, private practice clarity, therapist authenticity, therapy website booking buttons, counselling practice growth, psychology practice coaching, therapist business tips, private practice success

One of the hardest things in private practice is showing up, doing “all the things,” and still not seeing clients book in. In this episode, I unpack why that happens and what you can do about it. From the therapist who completely transformed her website copy (and brought me to tears in the process!) to the client who is now on track to generate $300K working only two days a week, these stories show you what’s possible when you know what to do—and take action on it. If you’ve ever wondered why your effort doesn’t always equal results, this conversation will hit home. I share the truth about why therapists get sidetracked, why supervisors aren’t always the best source of business advice, and how not knowing what to do creates procrastination and avoidance. I also dive into how undercharging and watered-down messaging can hold you back, and how shifting into a new identity as a business owner changes everything. By the end, you’ll see that getting clients isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing the right things with clarity, confidence, and support. And if you don’t know what those things are yet, that’s okay—you can learn them. Your quick win action step: Take a look at your website today and ask, “Am I speaking clearly to my ideal client in a way that would make them feel seen, understood, and ready to reach out?” If the answer is no, choose one page to update with client-centered copy this week. If you’d like support to finally attract more clients into your private practice, here are ways I can help: Practice Momentum Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Booked & Better Monthly Private Practice Tools: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ Website Wellness Check: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Diploma Counsellor Society Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/dcs-waitlist/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprivatepracticecoach Timestamps: 01:25 – Why I love working with therapists who implement 02:42 – A website full of watered-down copy 04:14 – The transformation that made me emotional 05:41 – How to know you’ve written powerful copy 07:53 – Why strong copy will shift her whole business 10:32 – The client who finally tracked her numbers 12:19 – What her projections revealed 13:41 – How small changes = massive growth 15:53 – Why her two-day-a-week practice is now set up for success 18:43 – The truth about distractions and procrastination 22:37 – Why therapists don’t know what to do in business 25:37 – The danger of relying on peer or supervisor business advice 26:39 – Counselors undercharging due to supervisor advice 30:23 – Why we need competencies for supervisors in business matters 32:19 – The importance of asking “why” when you’re told to undercharge 33:23 – Identity shifts: from therapist to business owner 34:33 – Why clarity comes from learning, not guessing why therapists don’t get clients, private practice marketing, therapist website copy, counselling business coaching, therapy client attraction, private practice identity shift, therapist imposter syndrome, undercharging therapists, therapy business coaching, psychology practice growth, therapy website tips, practice momentum coaching, therapist distractions, therapy procrastination, therapist mindset support, therapy website wellness check, counselling business growth, private practice mistakes, therapy supervisor advice, therapist income growth

So often, when therapists come to me saying their practice isn’t growing fast enough, they’re focused on strategies, tactics, and quick fixes. But here’s the truth: none of that works sustainably unless you do this one thing first. In this episode, I share the breakthrough I had on retreat in Daylesford that reminded me of the power of identity, alignment, and choosing to see the abundance that’s already here. I’ll take you behind the scenes of my own journey—yes, including oracle cards, journaling, money mindset work, and even a 90-minute scalp massage that turned into a profound lesson. You’ll hear how I realized that the version of me capable of creating $100K in six weeks isn’t someone I have to become. She’s who I already am. And that shift—seeing myself as already enough—changes everything. If you’ve been tempted to buy another course, change your entire strategy, or throw in the towel because “nothing is working,” this episode will help you see things differently. Growth doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from aligning who you believe yourself to be with the results you want. From there, the right actions feel natural and the results follow. Your quick win action step: Take ten minutes today and journal on this prompt—“Who do I already know myself to be that is aligned with the results I want in my practice?” Then, circle one belief from your list and act from that place this week. If you’re ready to grow your private practice with clarity, confidence, and support, here’s how I can help: Practice Momentum Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/momentum/ Booked & Better Monthly Private Practice Tools: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/booked--better/ The Ultimate Private Practice | Free Community for Therapists: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/ultimate-private-practice-free-community/ Website Wellness Check: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/website-wellness-check-up-aud/ Diploma Counsellor Society Waitlist: https://sales.brooklynstorme.com/dcs-waitlist/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theprivatepracticecoach Timestamps: 01:29 – Why I always book the next holiday before starting work again 03:12 – Oracle cards, journaling, and connecting with guidance 05:42 – Big money mindset breakthroughs and letting go of responsibility for others 08:57 – Rest, renewal, and listening to my own energy 13:33 – Journaling with the Wealthy Woman Oracle Deck 15:43 – Realizing abundance is already here 20:07 – Shifting from seeing cost to seeing choice and resourcefulness 23:19 – How subconscious shifts pop into awareness 26:07 – Journaling on identity and the $100K stretch goal 29:36 – Realizing I already am the version of me I thought I had to become 34:10 – Why I left Instagram and simplified my business 36:45 – Why identity comes before results 39:37 – The danger of running strategies from a “not good enough” mindset 42:24 – Why identity work is the first step in Practice Momentum 46:23 – Mantras, evidence, and choosing “Why not me?” 49:09 – The power of making a clear decision 53:26 – Tracking, aligned action, and why what you focus on grows 54:44 – Daily practices to strengthen connection and receive guidance 57:25 – A surprising lesson from a 90-minute scalp massage 59:18 – Final reflections and the breakthrough therapy business growth, therapist identity shift, private practice abundance, counselling business coaching, therapy mindset support, money mindset for therapists, therapist manifestation, private practice success tips, counselling identity shift, therapy business clarity, private practice mindset, therapist journaling prompts, therapy client attraction, practice momentum coaching, therapist income growth, therapy business strategies, therapy spiritual alignment, therapist empowerment, therapy business breakthroughs, counselling practice growth