In this episode of the "Wise Practice Podcast," host Whitney Owens, a seasoned therapist and faith-based practice consultant, engages in a candid conversation with Bryan Purcell. Bryan, at the early stages of his practice, delves into the emotional rollercoaster of starting a practice and the challenges of marketing it effectively.

The Emotional Journey of Starting a Practice: 

Bryan Purcell shares his raw and relatable experiences in the initial weeks of running his practice. "The emotional experience has been very human. There are moments... where I feel completely hopeful and filled with faith... and then there are days where I feel anxiety and maybe even a little panic," Bryan reveals. This section resonates with many in the counseling field, highlighting the highs and lows of embarking on a new professional journey.

Effective Marketing and Tracking Referrals:

Whitney emphasizes the paramount importance of tracking where referrals originate. "Whatever you do, you're tracking it... Sadly, a lot of people put their efforts into things that aren't working," she advises. Bryanacknowledges the value of this approach, mentioning his use of a tracking sheet from the wise practice community page. This segment offers invaluable insights into the significance of understanding and optimizing marketing strategies based on tangible results.

Building and Nurturing Professional Relationships: 

One of the episode's standout moments is the discussion on the power of appreciation in nurturing professional relationships. Whitney suggests, "If somebody sends you a referral, thank them for the referral... It just shows that you took that extra effort." This gesture, as simple as it may seem, can be a game-changer in fostering long-term professional connections.

Tips for Integrating Faith and Business: 

For those at the intersection of faith and psychology, Bryan's appreciation of the faith-based perspective in the wise practice community is a beacon of encouragement. Whitney underscores the importance of faith-based practice owners finding their tribe and support system. She passionately states, "I also really want faith-based practice owners to be able to incorporate faith and to meet one another and find that community."

Advice from the Episode To Build Your Practice 

• Track Referrals: Whitney emphasizes the importance of tracking where referrals are coming from. This helps in understanding which marketing efforts are working and which aren't.

• Ask for Feedback: When people contact Bryan, especially through platforms like Psychology Today, Whitney suggests asking them what specifically about his profile spoke to them. This can provide insights into what's resonating with potential clients.

• Follow-Up and Show Appreciation: Whitney advises sending thank you notes or messages to those who refer clients, even if the client doesn't end up working with Bryan. This nurtures relationships and increases the likelihood of future referrals.

• Clarify Your Niche: When receiving referrals, especially from family or friends, it's essential to clarify the types of clients you enjoy working with. This ensures that future referrals are more aligned with your specialty.

• Networking: Whitney suggests setting a goal for networking, such as having a meeting or a phone call with one potential referral source per week. This consistent effort can lead to long-term growth.

• Invest in Your Business and Personal Growth: Whitney emphasizes the importance of taking time every week to invest in growing your business and personal development. This could include attending therapy, business consulting, or participating in community meetings.

• SEO (Search Engine Optimization): Whitney recommends investing time in understanding and implementing SEO for Bryan's website. She suggests taking courses on SEO and consistently working on the website to improve its visibility on search engines.

• Consistency: Whether it's podcasting, updating the website, or any other marketing effort, Whitney highlights the importance of being consistent. Over time, consistent efforts can lead to exponential growth.

This episode of the "Wise Practice Podcast" serves as a treasure trove of insights for those navigating the challenges of starting and marketing a faith-based practice. From the emotional intricacies of embarking on a new venture to the practicalities of effective marketing and the power of gratitude in professional relationships, Whitney Owens and Bryan Purcell provide a roadmap for integrating faith and business seamlessly.

Learning Activity

• Register for - How to Double Your Practice in One Year Wbinar Nov 6, 2023, 01:00 PM  in Eastern Time Zone 

Show Sponsor

• Alma - Your private practice support system

• Wildwood Creative - Let us help you bring your unique story to life in a way that is authentic, compelling, and unforgettable.

Links and Resources

• Bryan Purcell Counseling

• Wise Practice Summit

• Whitney Ownes on Instagram

• Check the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network: PsychCraftnetwork.com 

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio