In this episode, Patrick Casale and Dr. Tina Vitolo, founder of The Black Sheep Therapist® movement, talk about bringing non-traditional modalities and spiritual practices into clinical therapy settings and the service side of therapy. This conversation tackles the gray areas, legal myths, and shame therapists face when paving their own path to offer services like tarot card readings, crystal work, and past-life regression.

3 key takeaways:

1. You Can Integrate Spiritual/Energy Practices Ethically: Dr. Tina Vitolo shares her nationwide research into actual state laws and ethics codes—there is rarely black-and-white language forbidding innovative approaches. If you use clinical competence, appropriate training, and client consent, your practice can be both ethical and innovative.
2. Stop Letting Shame and Fear Lead Your Decisions: Therapists often get shamed online for using things like tarot or other unconventional methods. As Dr. Tina Vitolo says, "Shame doesn’t create change." If you’re transparent, informed, and focused on client values, there’s room to break the mold.
3. Your Authenticity is Your Niche: Patrick Casale and Dr. Tina Vitolo both emphasize that our niches are often versions of ourselves. By owning your background and therapeutic style—even if it’s unconventional—you’ll attract the clients who truly need you.

Dr. Tina Vitolo’s “The Black Sheep Therapist” movement is providing real support and proof that you can be both ethical and innovative. Whether you’re chasing integration or just tired of rigidity in the profession, this episode is your permission slip to show up as your whole self and try a new approach to therapy.

More about Tina:

Dr. Tina Vitolo is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, published researcher, and founder of The Black Sheep Therapist® movement—an online community of over 5,000 therapists redefining what ethical and innovative clinical practice looks like. Holding a Doctorate in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and a Master’s from NYU, Dr. Vitolo is recognized as one of the only thought leaders in the mental health field developing tangible, legally grounded frameworks for integrating spiritual, energy-based, and unconventional practices into therapy.

Through her Black Sheep Therapist Academy, Tina provides nontraditional, CEU-approved trainings that translate complementary and alternative interventions into clinically compliant, theory-aligned practice. As the creator of the Innovative Practitioner Accelerator®, she helps therapists navigate the gray areas of law, regulation, and ethics with confidence and clarity—transforming fear and confusion into empowerment and informed innovation.

Dr. Vitolo’s work is built on the foundation of her doctoral research on the intersection of innovation, regulation, and ethical practice. She is the only clinician to have developed a comprehensive framework for ethical integration—rooted in a deep reading of state regulations, ethical codes, and informed consent standards—to support therapists in incorporating any and all nontraditional modalities into legitimate clinical work. Her mission is to dismantle outdated myths, elevate the profession, and prove that spirituality, intuition, and science can not only coexist—but thrive—within clinical practice.

Check out The Innovative Practitioner Accelerator®: Dr. Vitolo’s flagship program, The Innovative Practitioner Accelerator®, helps therapists confidently merge traditional clinical practice with their spiritual, intuitive, or energy-based approaches—without fear of crossing ethical or legal lines. The program includes personalized guidance, templates for informed consent and clinical documentation, and training on how to articulate your theoretical alignment so your work is both compliant and authentic. Learn more on Tina's website: theblacksheepguide.com

1. Website: theblacksheepguide.com
2. Instagram: @the_blacksheep_therapist
3. TikTok: @theblacksheeptherapist
4. Facebook: facebook.com/groups/blacksheepguide

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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 & Portland, Maine, Summit 2026!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

 The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Sabrina Longley about what it means to truly build a fat-affirming therapy practice. This topic is especially important as we head into the new year, and toxic resolution/fitness culture starts ramping up.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Assume Less, Listen More: Approaching clients from a place of curiosity rather than assumption is crucial. Don’t make judgments about health, habits, or desires based on body size.
2. Representation Matters: The resources, images, and stories we use in our practices should reflect the identities and lived experiences of all bodies—including larger bodies. Take the time to diversify your media, office environment, and marketing materials.
3. Challenge Industry Narratives: The weight loss industry cashes in on insecurity and shame—often with little focus on actual health. As providers, let's not become agents of these narratives. Instead, support every client’s autonomy, dignity, and humanity.

More about Sabrina:

Sabrina is passionate about offering lived and clinical experience support to both clients and other mental health providers related to topics including racial justice, neurodivergence, fat liberation, teen mental health, and DBT. She works to honor her own lived experience and the lived experiences of other marginalized folks to promote ethical and just mental health care.

1. Radical Insights Consulting Facebook: facebook.com/radicalinsightsconsulting
2. Radical Insights Consulting Instagram: instagram.com/radicalinsightsconsulting
3. Podcast Facebook: facebook.com/acesupyoursleevepod
4. Podcast Instagram: instagram.com/acesupyoursleevepod
5. Website: Radicalinsightsconsulting.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 All Things Private Practice FB Community

–––––––––––––––––––––

Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Portland, Maine, Summit 2026!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

✨ Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

Mentioned in this episode:

Portland, Maine, Summit 2026

 The 2026 Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway Summit is happening for the first time in the United States in beautiful Portland, Maine, on September 1st–3rd, 2026. Portland, Maine, is a beautiful coastal city in the Atlantic Ocean. There's a lot of history there, and it's a very funky, creative, safe, walkable, diverse, and progressive city. You will get 9 NBCC CEs. We have ASWB pending—we'll make an announcement when that's finalized—and have 13 prolific industry leaders. This summit has always been about showing that our skills are applicable in so many different ways, and to motivate you to think bigger, grow in this profession, take more risks, work through self-doubt, and really embrace the doubt-yourself-do-it-anyway mentality. Spots are limited. Reserve your spot here: https://www.empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

Doubt yourself. Do it anyway. See you in Maine.

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Making intentional pivots and facing the unknown can be daunting—especially as therapists and entrepreneurs.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Yunetta Spring Smith about the evolution and burnout of entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of not defaulting to "factory settings" when faced with big transitions.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Don’t just survive—seek sustainability. There’s a difference between what helps us survive and what actually builds a sustainable business and life. Sometimes survival habits served us in the past but are no longer a fit for who we’re becoming.
2. Your old ways got you here, but they won’t always take you forward. Restoring “factory settings”—going back to hustle and burnout—can feel tempting during uncertainty, but intentionality and mindfulness help us create with more ease, not just urgency.
3. Face the wave, don’t turn your back. When obstacles and change come, it’s natural to want to run to what’s familiar. But if we face the wave instead of turning away, we create opportunities to ride it consciously and learn from the process.

If you or anyone you know is navigating entrepreneurial pivots or feeling pulled between old habits and new growth, this conversation is for you.

More about Yunetta:

Yunetta Spring Smith is a thriving Therapreneur, blending her expertise as a therapist and entrepreneur. She is the owner of Spring Forth Counseling, Ground Breakers Coaching and Consulting, and the founder of the first BIPOC EMDR Therapy Directory.

Yunetta is a Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR-certified therapist, approved consultant, trainer, and international speaker. Specializing in supporting the healing of resilient children residing in adult bodies, Yunetta helps clients navigate intersections of historical neglect, coupled with childhood, racial, and religious trauma. Passionate about BIPOC and marginalized communities, she emphasizes the importance of race, culture, and identity in her consultations, training, and overall therapeutic approach.

Nationally recognized as a mental health media expert, she spreads awareness through the “Talk It Out Tuesday” mental health segment on the Rickey Smiley Morning Show, her upcoming rebranded podcast “Rewired, From The Ground Up,” and her self-published self-care workbook, “Take the Struggle Out of Self-care: Six Weeks to Create Your Self-care Strategy.”

Yunetta is a groundbreaker, stigma breaker, and cycle breaker who plants seeds of encouragement with every encounter. She strives to cultivate spaces where individuals can realize they aren’t broken—they are breaking through

1. Instagram: instagram.com/yunettaspringsmith
2. Yunetta's Events and Trainings: groundbreakerstherapy.com/events
3. Aruba Cruise 2026: counselingcomm.kartra.com/page/aruba_cruise
4. Portland, Maine Summit 2026: empoweredescapes.com/portland-maine-summit

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Navigating private practice as a neurodivergent therapist, parent, and business owner is complex—and sometimes, the most important growth comes in those moments when we allow ourselves to pause, reassess, and adapt.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Amanda Losch, neurodivergent therapist and mother, about the choice to step away from direct client work to focus on family, health, and community impact, and how this shift has come with grief, relief, and a redefining of professional identity.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Grief and Relief Can Coexist: Stepping back from a role you’ve worked hard to build may bring up conflicting emotions. Allow yourself to hold both the grief of letting go and the relief of honoring your needs without shame.
2. Redefining Impact: Our ability to help doesn’t end when we step away from direct practice. Supporting the neurodivergent community, advocating for accessibility, and sharing lived experiences creates ripple effects—sometimes bigger than one-on-one sessions.
3. Work with Your Energy, Not Against It: Accepting the natural ebb and flow of creativity, motivation, and energy can lead to better self-compassion. Instead of striving for an unrealistic “balance,” meet yourself where you are, appreciate your unique rhythms, and give yourself permission to rest.

If you’re in the thick of change or burnout, you’re not alone. Sometimes the best way forward is through curiosity, flexibility, and a little less self-judgment.

More about Amanda:

Amanda is an AuDHD therapist and private practice owner living in the Chicago suburbs, specializing in developmental trauma. Amanda recently took time away from direct practice to become a caregiver to her neurodivergent family. Between drop-offs and naps, she is building a resource network in her community for neurodivergent families, as well as providing education on safety, accessibility, and inclusion to local organizations. She enjoys exploring the intersection of neurodivergent parenting, chronic health, and developmental trauma. You can find content about the realities of parenting a neurodivergent family on Instagram @complex.motherhood, and you can find local resources (if in the Chicagoland area) on @ndfamilyguide.

1. Instagram: @complex.motherhood + @ndfamilyguide
2. Website: Ndfamilyguide.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 All Things Private Practice FB Community

–––––––––––––––––––––

Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Alma!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

In this episode, Patrick shares his personal journey with writing, highlighting the challenges of self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the realities behind both self-publishing and traditional publishing. Whether you’re a therapist looking to expand alternative income streams or someone thinking about sharing your story, this episode is packed with insights.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Every Story Has Value: Patrick encourages putting book ideas on paper, reminding listeners that self-doubt is normal but should never stop you from starting.
2. Different Paths to Publishing: From self-published workbooks and manuals to scoring a major book deal, there’s no single right route—just the one that’s best for your goals, skills, and audience.
3. Start Small and Refine: Commit to writing regularly, even if it’s just 15 minutes or a single sentence a day. You’ll rarely stop at one sentence, and the process of refining your work is continuous.

If you’re looking to step beyond traditional therapy, recession-proof your business, and want to learn more about diversifying income through retreat hosting, podcasting, and writing books, check out the Beyond Private Practice: Recession Proofing Intensive on December 12, 2025. Learn more: allthingspractice.com/beyond-recession-intensive

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Kimberly and Justin Slagle, branding experts and founders of Practicery, a no-BS branding studio for therapists, about why therapists (and all service providers) should ditch the outdated marketing cliches and embrace authentic, vulnerable branding.

3 Key takeaways:

1. Authenticity Over Credentials: Credentials do matter—but what attracts clients is your realness, relatability, and willingness to show up as a human, not just a list of titles.
2. Show, Don’t Tell: Paint the experience. Clients want to know what it’s like to work with you—use your content, visuals, and messaging to show that from the very first impression. Make your website and marketing feel like YOU.
3. It’s OK to Pivot—and Imperfect is Better Than Invisible: Your brand should evolve with you. Don’t let perfectionism stop you from launching—put it out there, refine it as you go, and don’t be afraid to shift direction as you grow.

More about Kimberly and Justin:

Kimberly and Justin Slagle are the creative duo behind Practicery, a no-BS branding studio built by a therapist and a designer who actually get this field. They partner with helpers, healers, and therapist-run businesses to craft brands, websites, and messaging that sound and feel like the real you—human, grounded, and impossible to ignore.

If your brand or website feels a little “off” and you’re not sure what’s missing, they offer personalized web and brand audits—it’s honest, strategic feedback from people who actually get therapists and what you’re trying to build.

And they’re also about to launch something new that they are really excited about: Practicery Pop-Ins! These are creative, midday drop-in sessions for therapist business owners to brainstorm, get inspired, and connect with other people doing the same damn thing. No pressure, no fluff, just smart support and real talk.

1. Website: practicery.com
2. Facebook Page: facebook.com/practicery
3. Facebook Group: Therapists Who Brand

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

During economic downturns, it's understandable to think about diversifying your income beyond the therapy room. In this episode, Patrick Casale opens up about the highs and lows of hosting international retreats and the basics of what it takes to build a retreat business that has the potential to lead to more income and security.

After launching 19 retreats across the globe since 2022, Patrick Casale shares what it really takes to recession-proof your business while following your passion.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Build Your Audience Before You Launch: A loyal, engaged audience is essential for successful events. Don’t count on luck—consistent podcasting, a thriving Facebook group, and authentic relationship-building paved the way for his own sold-out retreats.
2. Marketing Matters (A Lot): Social media and clear messaging aren’t optional. Knowing your target market—and communicating value consistently—is the difference between an empty event and a thriving one.
3. Start Small and Niche Down: Not ready to host in Ireland? Try a local, one-day event and partner with other wellness professionals. Know exactly who your retreat serves and what transformation you offer—this clarity powers your marketing and event design.

If you’re looking to step beyond traditional therapy, recession-proof your business, and want to learn more about diversifying income through retreat hosting, podcasting, and writing books, check out the Beyond Private Practice: Recession Proofing Intensive on December 12, 2025. Learn more: allthingspractice.com/beyond-recession-intensive

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Jennifer Agee openly discuss the realities of running a business together as partners with different neurotypes. They share the unique strengths and challenges that they bring into their business partnership, highlighting Patrick Casale's AuDHDer (Autistic/ADHD) perspective and Jennifer Agee's neurotypical perspective, who self-described “as neurotypical as neurotypicals get.”

Their honest reflections highlight the importance of communication, empathy, and flexibility when collaborating across neurotypes—not just in business, but in all relationships.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Self-Awareness and Communication are Critical: Both Patrick Casale and Jennifer Agee emphasize the importance of acknowledging and discussing differences in processing, communication, and strengths. Open, honest conversations can help avoid resentment and frustration in team dynamics.
2. Burnout and Capacity Fluctuate—And That’s Okay: Entrepreneurial life is not static. Patrick Casale shares his experience with Autistic burnout and how roles in the partnership shift as capacity changes. Accepting these ebbs and flows is essential for sustainability and growth.
3. Adapt Roles, Don’t Force Equality: True partnership isn’t always a 50/50 split. Regularly reevaluating what actually works (instead of sticking to outdated expectations) makes the collaboration healthier for everyone involved. Bringing in extra support when needed can make all the difference.

More about Jennifer:

Jennifer Agee is the founder of Counseling Community, Inc. and Counseling Community KC, and the co-founder of Empowered Escapes. A licensed clinical professional counselor and strategic business coach, Jennifer helps fellow helpers and healers thrive emotionally, professionally, and financially.

Her passion? Creating spaces where therapists and wellness entrepreneurs stop surviving and start living. Through coaching, retreats, and a whole lot of joyful disruption, she empowers others to step away from burnout and into purpose-driven abundance.

From launching a nonprofit mission base in South Africa to building a vibrant, affirming counseling practice in Kansas City, Jennifer’s work spans continents and communities—but her heart stays rooted in service, strategy, and soul.

Whether she’s leading a transformational summit, whipping up a sourdough loaf, or talking you into trying the latest TikTok trend, she does it with vision, humor, and heart.

1. Social Media Links: beacons.ai/counselingcommunity
2. Aruba Cruise: counselingcomm.kartra.com/page/aruba_cruise
3. South Africa Retreat: counselingcomm.kartra.com/page/southafrica2026

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

If you have been thinking about launching a podcast, it's normal to feel stuck on the details (like finding that “perfect” name). In this episode, I share my honest journey from private practice owner to podcast host—complete with all the overthinking, imperfect starts, and hard-won lessons along the way.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Progress Over Perfection: Don’t let analysis paralysis (like obsessing over the “perfect” name) hold you back. Get clarity on your target audience and focus on taking imperfect action.
2. Plan for Consistency: Create a master Google Doc of at least 20 episode ideas to avoid getting stuck. Consistency—in planning and publishing—trains your audience to show up for you.
3. Batch Your Efforts and Work With Your Energy: Batch record episodes to match your energy levels, rather than pushing through every day. Find systems and support (like affordable editors or helpful tools) that make the process sustainable.

If you’re looking to step beyond traditional therapy, recession-proof your business, and want to learn more about diversifying income through retreat hosting, podcasting, and writing books, check out the Beyond Private Practice: Recession Proofing Intensive on December 12, 2025. Learn more: allthingspractice.com/beyond-recession-intensive

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

The therapy landscape has been changing as people navigate these challenging times: slower call volumes, increased conglomerates, and uncertainty in the air.

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Michael Fulwiler, marketing advisor, strategist, copywriter, creative director, and digital marketer for mental health professionals, discuss actionable strategies for therapists and private practice owners to sustain and grow their practice without burning out or falling into scarcity traps.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Go Back to Basics with Networking: Now more than ever, investing in genuine, reciprocal relationships with fellow clinicians and referral sources makes a big difference. Networking isn’t about being salesy—it’s about building trust and being clear on your niche so others know who to send your way.
2. Resist Panic Marketing and Spending: When clients slow down, so does income anxiety. Avoid “panic spending” on quick-fix courses or expensive ads. Instead, be deliberate: review what’s really needed in your business and where your time (or hiring help) can have the most impact.
3. Clarity on Your Niche Is Essential: If you want more referrals, get specific about who you serve. The clearer you are, the easier it is for others to keep you top of mind and send the right clients your way—even if it feels counterintuitive during slowdowns.

If you’re feeling the pressure, know you’re not alone—and with a strategic approach, your caseload can grow.

More about Michael:

Michael is a sought-after advisor, strategist, copywriter, creative director, and digital marketer with over a decade of professional marketing experience in mental health. He's the creator of Therapy Marketer, a popular newsletter for therapists, and founder of Fulwiler Media, a content marketing consultancy for mental health companies. Most recently, he was the Director of Brand at Heard, and before that was the Chief Marketing Officer of The Gottman Institute.

He offers marketing consulting calls for therapists as well as longer-term engagements. More info and rates here: michaelfulwiler.com/consulting

1. LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler

–––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️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!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks 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 check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

Mentioned in this episode:

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

The Receptionist for iPad

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking.

Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.