The Freedom Therapist

In this episode, I sit down with occupational therapist and director of Thrive Together Therapy, Aileen Mathyssen - a remote OT, private practice owner and leader in rural & remote allied health in Western Australia. Aileen’s story starts in Ireland, moves through Bondi and lands in Paraburdoo - a tiny mining town in WA where she became a true generalist OT and one of the only allied health professionals families could access. We speak honestly about how hard rural and remote practice can be — and why so many of us stay, build businesses here, and wouldn’t change it for the world. Aileen shares her path in creating Thrive Together Therapy — a neuroaffirming, community-led OT practice serving kids and adults across remote WA — while raising two boys, navigating Pilbara life and learning to back herself as a business owner building something sustainable. Inside this episode, we cover: What surprised her most about moving from city OT life to remote WA The realities of starting and growing an OT practice in a town hours from the nearest major city How Thrive Together Therapy grew from one OT with a vision into a values-led allied health team reshaping what remote care can look like We speak about the model Aileen created where her support doesn’t stop at the therapy room - it ripples into classrooms, families and the whole community. How mentoring, support and group supervision helped her leave her government role and go all in What freedom in business looks like for her now: school carnivals, family travel, and a rural OT business she genuinely loves to lead AND if Aileen’s story has you imagining a business that finally feels like you — with community around you, systems that make sense, and space for your life outside client work - The Freedom Therapist Club is open for enrollment for the 2026 cohort. Early Bird ends tonight. This is the last day to join with the reduced pricing and the full stack of bonuses for 2026. We won’t offer this pricing or these bonuses again for this round - and we’ve already had returning and new members quietly slide their names onto the list. If you want support to grow a sustainable, profitable, values-led practice next year - and you don’t want to do it alone — you can learn more and join us here: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club Connect with Aileen: Instagram: @busybrains_kidsInstagram: @thrivetherapypilbaraThrive Together Therapy: https://thrivetogethertherapy.au/  

What does it really look like to start a private practice before you feel “ready”? In this episode, I sit down with Chante Niemand, occupational therapist and founder of Little Lighthouse Therapy in North Brisbane — a paediatric practice she opened just six months ago that has already grown to include her first team member. This isn’t a story about scaling fast or chasing big numbers. It’s about the quiet courage it takes to step out of your comfort zone, trust a future vision, and begin before all the pieces are perfect. Chante shares openly about: The moment of encouragement that sparked Little Lighthouse Therapy into being Why she chose to start her business now — and how she considered her long-term vision and sustainability Building a clinic space that feels warm, playful, and child-led (including scooter board soccer!) What has surprised her most in her first six months — from referrals to capacity growth The vulnerability of networking and “showing your face” in the community, and how she built strong referral relationships The identity shift from OT to business owner — and what it means to carry a brand that feels true to who you are How she navigates imposter feelings, systems, and the messy trial-and-error of running a new practice This is such a generous and grounded conversation for anyone who’s dreaming of opening their own practice, or in those early months wondering if it’s all too soon. Chante’s story is a reminder that you don’t have to have it all figured out to begin — you just need to back yourself, start with what you have, and keep showing up in a way that feels honest. LINKS: Connect on Instagram: @littlelighthousetherapy Little Lighthouse Therapy    

For a long time, I avoided Instagram in my practice. I’d overthink every caption, second-guess every post, and tell myself I’d “come back when I had time.” (Which we both know never really happens.) But the moment I stopped forcing it and built a structure that actually worked in a therapist’s real week everything changed. Clients started finding me through my words. Opportunities landed that I couldn’t have planned for. And my content started to feel like part of the work, not a distraction from it. In this episode, I’m sharing how that shift happened. The honest story behind going from avoidant to visible and what it really takes to make marketing feel like you again. You’ll hear: the real reason therapists feel resistance to showing up online what helped me stay consistent without performing how to find content inside your everyday work (instead of inventing it) and why the therapy space needs more ethical, human voices online right now If you’ve ever thought, “I know how to explain this better, I just don’t know how to say it online” this one’s for you. And if you’re ready to make content feel not only simple, straightforward but ennoyable? Join me for The Freedom Therapist Content Method™ https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/masterclass A free live masterclass happening Thursday, November 13 at 5:30 PM AEDT. It’s the framework that changed everything for me, and it might just change how you feel about marketing too.

You’ve written the caption in your head a hundred times. You talk about these topics all day in sessions — emotional regulation, connection, care, identity, growth — it flows so easily when you’re in the room. But the moment you sit down to share it online, your stomach drops. You start rewriting, second-guessing, shrinking. And suddenly the thing that should feel like connection feels like exposure. In this episode, I’m unpacking why it feels so hard to show up online as a therapist or allied health practitioner, even when you know exactly what to say (and when we don’t too!) We’ll talk about: – How the therapy / private practice space can make visibility feel terrifying – Why the moment you finally get busy or successful can trigger the biggest wobble – The link between self-doubt and professionalism (and how it quietly keeps you small) – Why confidence doesn’t come before visibility… and what to do instead – How to collect new “evidence” that you can hold this season of your business Because you don’t need to feel ready to be seen. You just need a process that doesn’t fall apart every time you doubt yourself. If you’ve been avoiding marketing, rewriting the same caption ten times, or resenting how performative online spaces can feel —this episode is for you. It’s not about “being more confident.” It’s about finding a process that is YOURS. And if you’re ready to build a structure that holds you steady through the wobbles, on all the weeks - join me for The Freedom Therapist Content Method™, my free masterclass on Thursday 13 November. I’ll walk you through the exact 5 hour content rhythm I use to keep my practice visible without overworking or losing my integrity. It’s 100% Free. It’s live. And we will be capping numbers - so jump on in if your keen! And THANK YOU to the over 100 of you who are already registered!! Register here → www.thefreedomtherapistclub.com/masterclass

If you’ve ever tried to keep up with marketing your private practice while juggling clients, reports, and the chaos of real life — this episode is for you. We talk about what it really looks like to find rhythm in your business when everything feels unpredictable: why showing up online feels so heavy for allied health practitioners and therapists, and how to create visibility that feels ethical, sustainable, and human. Because visibility doesn’t have to mean more noise or self-promotion. It can be the way your care becomes findable. Inside this episode: The truth about therapist burnout and online visibility Why traditional content strategies don’t work for private practice How to rebuild rhythm when you’ve lost momentum online What sustainable marketing really looks like for therapists Mentioned: 🗓️ Free Masterclass — The Freedom Therapist Content Method™ How to Create Content That’s Visible, Ethical & Gets You Fully Booked in Less Than 5 Hours a Month. Live Thursday 13 November, 5:30 p.m. AWST. Join us here.  

We poured some wine, hit record, and spoke about what it really feels like to start a brand new practice from scratch. In today’s episode, I sit down in person in Mparntwe/Alice Springs with my gorgeous friend and client, Hannah Muir, the founder of Deep End Counselling. We poured some wine, settled the nerves, and talked about what it really feels like to build a business from the very beginning. Hannah shares so honestly about: Why vulnerability is at the centre of her practice, and why creating a “lounge room, not an office” matters so deeply. Her passion for perinatal mental health, and the huge gaps in support she sees for women and families. The privilege and power of being invited into someone’s birth space — and the feminism, capitalism, and absurdity of what women still have to fight for in maternal care. The messy parts of starting a practice — imposter syndrome, showing up on social media, working around family, and trying not to burn out. What it actually looks like to create a business that supports her family, instead of the other way around. This is not a polished “here’s how I did it” story. It’s a raw, real conversation about starting from scratch, juggling a hundred balls in the air, and learning what sustainable practice really means when your wellbeing — and your family’s wellbeing — is on the line. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to start your own practice with little kids, while still staying true to your values and your life, Hannah’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between them.   Connect with Hannah On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deep.end.counselling/ Deep End Counselling: https://www.deependcounselling.com/   Download your FREE GUIDE: The 3 Content Types You Need to Stand Out Online as a Therapist -  https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/content  

What happens when you realize you don’t have to run your practice the way everyone else is telling you to? Today on the Freedom Therapist podcast I’m joined by Emily Mackaway — occupational therapist, mum of two, and founder of My Family OT. Emily’s story is one of reimagining what’s possible: from burning out in systems that didn’t work for her brain or her family, to slowly crafting a business that fits around school pick-ups, big emotions after the school day, and her own neurodivergent needs. In this episode we dive into: Emily’s winding path into OT (and why she swore she’d never follow in her mum’s footsteps). What it was like juggling paediatrics, adults, palliative care, and neuro rehab — and the burnout that followed. Why she refuses to see kids unless parents are also on board, and how that shifted the heart of her practice. The pressure so many therapists feel to “do it all,” and how Emily found the courage to scale back into the work that actually lights her up. Building a business that bends around family life, rather than the other way around. The role of time, trial and error, and even a little jealousy in finally claiming her lane. If you’ve ever felt like you should be able to see everyone, do everything, or grow your practice in a certain way — Emily’s story will feel like a deep exhale. Connect with Emily On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/my.family.ot/ My Family OT: https://www.myfamilyot.com.au/ We also spoke about THIS device to help with iPhone distractions! https://getbrick.app/  

Therapists and allied health practitioners often tell me that content takes so much time — one post can swallow an entire day, only to land with crickets. The truth is, your marketing isn’t failing because you’re not posting enough. It’s because the way you’re creating content is missing the connection piece. In this episode, I’m sharing my favourite content strategy — one that’s so easy you can start using it this week. No endless content calendars. No 100 idea brainstorms or hectic content batching. Just a simple shift that helps you create posts that actually connect with the people you want to reach. If you’ve ever wondered why your content feels invisible, or you’re tired of overthinking what to post, this episode will give you a straightforward strategy to make content part of your practice in a way that feels natural, doable, and effective. Links & Resources Connect with me on Instagram: @miapoko  Join The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club  

Maybe you’ve been sitting on a price rise for months because you can’t find the words that feel professional enough. Maybe you’ve got a program living half-built in your laptop because it doesn’t feel “ready” yet. Or maybe you’ve deleted the messy, human line from your caption and replaced it with something polished that could’ve come from anyone. That’s perfectionism in the messy middle of business growth — and it shows up for every therapist I know. In this episode, I talk about what growth really feels like when you’re running a therapy practice: the overthinking, the second-guessing, the rewriting until your shoulders ache. I’ll name the moments perfectionism sneaks in, why it gets so loud in these stretchy seasons, and what it can look like to trust your own voice anyway. Because your clients, your community, your team — they don’t need you to be flawless. They need your presence. And your voice, as it is today — imperfect, raw, unfiltered — is already enough. Links & Resources Connect with me on Instagram: @miapoko Join The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

What does it really look like to build a practice that reflects both your values and your humanity — instead of just following the well-worn path? In today’s episode I’m joined by the wonderful Tess Neates, a paediatric occupational therapist and founder of Self & Space in Boorloo/Perth. Tess has woven together her love of creativity, connection, and community into a practice that feels deeply her own — blending OT with creative arts therapies, yoga, nature-based work, and an unwavering commitment to relationships with families. We talk about: Tess’s journey into OT, and why connection has always been at the centre The pivot points — moving between peds, mental health, and aged care — and what she learned through those jumps (including imposter syndrome along the way) How she began to integrate creative arts therapy, yoga, and movement into her OT practice (and what it was like at first to wonder, “is this too woo-woo?”) The power of simple, creative interventions (like the Wombat Stew sensory bowl) and why “less” often creates more impact The challenges of starting Self & Space — from calendar management to boundaries when your phone is always buzzing The routines and practices Tess uses to support her own energy and creativity — and why boundaries are always a work in progress Her reflections on freedom, variety, and balance in private practice This conversation is such a reminder that you don’t need to have it all figured out before you begin. Tess shows us that you can start small, follow what lights you up, and slowly build a business that holds your values at the centre. Whether you’re a therapist thinking about private practice, feeling pulled towards more creative work, or simply craving a reminder that you’re allowed to do things differently — you’re going to love this one. Connect with Tess Instagram: @_selfandspace_ Listen to Tess's Mindful Listening Playlist here.     Links & Resources Connect with me on Instagram: @miapoko  Join The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

If your practice has ever felt quiet, you know the spiral. You start tweaking your website, Googling “SEO for therapists,” or posting more on Instagram — but still, no new referrals. And when you do get engagement, it’s mostly from other therapists, not the parents, teachers, or clients you actually want to reach. This is where most therapists get stuck. We think marketing is about doing more. But the truth is: your message has to land first. In this episode of The Freedom Therapist Podcast, I’m sharing why so many private practice therapists struggle with referrals (even when they’re posting, even when they’re showing up) — and the exact first step to take instead. You’ll hear: Why word-of-mouth referrals eventually dry up, and what to do before panic sets in The difference between “therapist language” and the real words parents and clients actually use My formula for writing content that actually connects and converts into referrals The 3 simple questions to ask yourself before you write anything — website copy, an Instagram caption, even a blog post How to make your words feel like a safe space for the people you most want to work with If you’ve ever stared at your screen thinking, I don’t even know what to say anymore or felt BIG imposter syndrome vibes around content or copy this episode will help you find words that finally connect — and bring in the right referrals. I’d love to hear what landed for you — come find me over on Instagram @miapoko and share your reflections. And if this episode supported you, leaving a review truly helps more therapists find this space — and reminds others that they’re not alone in navigating the wildness of this work.

This week’s episode is one I recorded on the fly, after a real conversation reminded me of just how heavy things have felt for so many therapists right now. Between constant NDIS changes, shifting ballparks, and the relentless pressure of report writing, it’s no wonder so many of us are feeling tired, questioning ourselves, and teetering on the edge of burnout. In this episode, I speak honestly about: Why it’s natural to feel drained, flat, or second-guessing yourself in a system that keeps moving the goalposts. How perfectionism sneaks in when change feels out of our control — and what to do with that urge to over-carry. The small, 5% shifts that actually help — grounding rituals, noticing impact, and giving yourself permission not to fix the whole system. Why the spark for your work isn’t gone, even if it feels dim right now. The resilience of our therapy community, and why I’m so proud of us. If you’ve been feeling heavy, flat, or on the verge of burnout, I want this episode to remind you: you’re not alone, you’re not broken, and the spark for your work will return. I’d love to hear what landed for you — come find me over on Instagram @miapoko and share your reflections. And if this episode supported you, leaving a review truly helps more therapists find this space — and reminds others that they’re not alone in navigating the wildness of this work.

So many therapists, health professionals & allied heath practitioners tell me the same story: “I mapped out my whole week, and by Wednesday it was chaos again.” If you’ve ever felt like your calendar just doesn’t stick — no matter how motivated you are — this episode is for you. We’ll explore why traditional productivity hacks and rigid schedules often fail in therapy businesses, and what’s really underneath the struggle to stay consistent. I’ll share practical ways to approach time management as a therapist, so your calendar reflects your actual capacity (not just your endless to-do list). What you’ll hear in this episode: Why therapists often overplan or avoid planning altogether The deeper role of your nervous system in building a sustainable schedule How to create white space in your week without guilt A simple reframe for planning from capacity, not pressure This isn’t about forcing yourself into another system. It’s about building a business that can hold you — even on the messy weeks. → Come say hi or share what landed: @miapoko

If content keeps slipping off your to-do list — it’s probably not just about time or “sticking to a plan.” In this episode, I’m unpacking why showing up online as a therapist can feel so uncomfortable (and no, it’s not just the algorithm), and how to shift your mindset so creating content feels more like building connection and less like performing. We’ll talk about what’s really behind that hesitation to post, and how sharing what actually matters to you can expand your reach, deepen trust, and make your marketing feel more human. If you’ve been overthinking your posts, avoiding the camera, or wondering how to be visible without burning out — this one’s for you. → Come say hi or share what landed: @miapoko

In this episode, we’re talking about the constant tug-of-war therapists feel between working in the business (client sessions, admin, the to-do list) and working on the business (planning, strategy, sustainable growth). If you’ve ever felt guilty for stepping back from client work to focus on the bigger picture — or overwhelmed by the idea of making time for CEO time when you’re already drowning — this episode is for you. We’re unpacking why this isn’t a motivation problem, and what to do instead — including three strategies I use with my clients (and in my own business) to help make space for real growth without burning out. Keywords: private practice therapist, therapy business strategy, therapist burnout, NDIS business support, scaling your therapy business, time management for therapists, working on your business  

Is Private Practice Still Worth It? Why I’m Choosing to Stay For the therapist on the edge of burnout, change, or walking away — a reminder of what’s still possible There’s Still So Much Goodness in Private Practice Yes, it’s hard. Yes, things are shifting. But this space is still full of possibility. If you’ve felt the weight of all the recent changes If you’ve caught yourself thinking, “Is it even worth it anymore?” This episode is for you. Today, I’m speaking directly to the therapist who’s been holding on by a thread. The one wondering if it’s time to leave. The one who still loves the work, but doesn’t know if there’s room for her in this new version of the system. I get it. You’re not imagining the heaviness in the private practice space right now — especially with the NDIS changes and the uncertainty rippling through our industry. But I want to offer you something else, too: A moment to come back to what’s still good. Because despite it all… Despite the exhaustion, the confusion, the grief… This space still holds so much possibility. And you get to shape it. Inside this episode, I share: The real fears I’ve had lately (and why I’m not having them now) Why I still believe in private practice, even when it’s hard A few of the moments that reminded me why I do this work Three reflective prompts to help you reconnect with what matters Permission to change how you practice — without throwing it all away This one’s for the therapist who’s not ready to give up. The one who knows there has to be another way — but just needed someone to say it out loud first. You’re not alone. And you’re not wrong for still wanting to believe in this work.

You love this work. You care deeply. You hold the emotional weight of your clients, your team, and your community and yet, you’re still afraid to talk about making really great money. In today’s episode, we’re saying the thing out loud: being broke isn’t ethical — it’s unsustainable. I’m unpacking the toxic stories therapists have inherited around accessibility, pricing, and guilt... and what it actually takes to build a practice that works for you, not just for everyone else. This isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about staying in the work you love for the long haul — without burning out. We’re talking: The belief that “good therapists shouldn’t care about money” What happens when you actually start earning well Why being underpaid isn’t ethical — it’s exhausting The difference between accessible and unsustainable How money helps you lead better, not worse And three powerful questions to sit with if money makes you squirm to help create more sustainability in your practice right now. If you’ve ever felt like making money meant selling out… or if you’re quietly exhausted from building a business that only functions when you over-function — this episode is for you. Join The Freedom Therapist Club here: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

In this warm, honest, and emotionally rich episode, Mia sits down with Darwin-based occupational therapist and founder of Palm Tree OT, Emma Podsiadly to unpack the deeply personal story behind her heart-led private practice. Emma is a paediatric OT, mum to two gorgeous young children, and small business owner. She is always optimistic, and the kind of friend (and therapist!) who will cheer you on and go to in to bat for you! With a background in education and a strong respect for the power of relationships, Emma brings a collaborative and unapologetically passionate approach to supporting children, their families and teachers. Emma shares her winding path to OT from her early years studies to her to her incredible OT prac in Bali to her move to Darwin that shaped her creativity and grit. We hear how she built a values-aligned business while raising two children under three, and how a gut feeling (and a nudge from her husband) eventually became a thriving practice — one rooted in community, sustainability, and joy. Together, Mia and Emma explore: The early days of launching Palm Tree OT with two young children Why private practice felt intimidating — and what shifted that The moment Emma realised she could do this differently (and better) How she landed 17 client calls in one day — and still kept her boundaries What it actually looks like to run a practice around her kids', her family’s and HER needs The moment she found herself dancing in the kitchen and what that taught her about impact What therapists don’t always talk about (and should): judgment, identity shifts, and choosing your lane This episode is a love letter to slow growth, to building your business your way, and to the deep power of showing up as yourself — even (especially) when it’s scary. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re ready to start something — or whether you’re allowed to build a business that feels genuinely good — this one is for you. This is truly SUCH a special and inspiring episode for all therapists and allied health practitioners at all stages of the journey xx You can find Emma at Palm Tree OT here: https://www.instagram.com/palmtreeot/ You can find details for The Freedom Therapist Club here: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club  

You finally start creating a business that feels good in your body. A group program that works. A bit more breathing space in your calendar. Profit that doesn’t rely on you being constantly available. And then the voice creeps in: Am I abandoning the work? Am I betraying my peers who are still in the trenches? Is it okay to want more — when so many are just barely getting by? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a question so many of us carry quietly: Does building a business that gives me more time, more space, more freedom... mean I’m betraying the therapy industry? We talk about: The hidden grief behind growing your practice in a crumbling system Why “depletion” has been confused with “dedication” — and what that’s really costing us What came up in our biggest-ever masterclass (300+ therapists!) and why so many resonated with this exact guilt My own experience launching Empowered Emotions, and the fear I had of making money without 1:1 therapy What therapists need now — not just to survive, but to stay This one’s for the therapist who still loves the work… but knows something has to shift. Reflection prompts inside the episode: Where have you confused depletion with dedication? Where are you still proving you care by staying at overcapacity? What version of your business would let you stay in this work longer? Because wanting more isn’t betrayal. It’s how you stay. Resources & Links: → Replay the free masterclass: The Scalable Therapist Offer™ → Join The Freedom Therapist Club: Enrolments are now open for the rest of 2025. This is where we rebuild your practice in a way that holds you too. Learn more + join we are currently 80% FULL for 2025 → Come say hi or share what landed: @miapoko  

You think you’re just being generous. You think you’re just making your service more accessible. But what if staying affordable is quietly costing you far more than you realise? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of a real pricing conversation I had with a therapist inside The Freedom Therapist Club — one that started with “I’m not sure what to charge for this…”... and ended somewhere much deeper. We talk about: what actually happens when you undercharge (even with the best of intentions) how it impacts your nervous system, your team AND the longevity of your practice and what starts to shift when you give yourself permission to build something sustainable - while you’re still deeply IN it. This one’s not really about pricing. It’s about capacity. And the quiet weight so many therapists carry trying to make it work inside a model that we know needs to change. If you’ve been feeling the pressure — this is for you. 🧡 Mia Resources & Links: The Scalable Therapist Offer™: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/scale It’s a free, live workshop happening on Friday June 20th at 10am AWST, where I’ll show you: exactly how I built my first sold-out scalable offer while running a full remote caseload the 5-step process I now teach inside The Freedom Therapist Club how to finally build the offer that’s been quietly asking for your attention Join LIVE and get the Scalable Offer Template I use with clients to turn “I’ve got this idea” into “this is actually happening.” Because the longer you wait for “space”… the more that idea stays stuck. This hour will help you start. Instagram: @miapoko