Is private practice really "broken," or is the therapy industry simply evolving faster than we expected?

In this episode, I sit down with Allison Puryear for a grounded, honest conversation about the major shifts happening in the therapy industry as we head deeper into 2026. We unpack what is actually behind the slowdown so many therapists are feeling, why what worked from 2020 to 2023 no longer works the same way, and how big therapy tech, virtual care, insurance dynamics, and AI are reshaping access to care. Allison brings decades of perspective to help us zoom out, calm the panic, and understand what is truly changing and what is not.

We also talk about where therapists still have a massive advantage and how to build a practice that is sustainable, human-centered, and resilient in this new landscape. From relationship-based referrals and ethical networking to niche clarity, speaking opportunities, and adapting your marketing without burning out, this episode is about reclaiming agency and momentum when the noise feels overwhelming.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:12 - Why the "easy growth" years of private practice are over

• 7:45 - The real impact of big therapy tech that few are talking about

• 10:30 - How insurance, politics, and trust are quietly shifting client behavior

• 14:05 - What therapists can do that large platforms cannot

• 17:50 - Why networking still works and how to do it authentically

• 20:40 - What AI will realistically change in therapy

• 23:15 - Creative ways to stand out without adding more hours

Wanting to add additional revenue streams in this year? The Scale Up Mastermind is now open for registration for our February 13th cohort kick off! It is application only for high-level therapists looking to scale beyond 1-1. Take 4 minutes and apply here today: https://form.typeform.com/to/f3eIK2r9#source=xxxxx

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Connect with Allison: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com

Follow Allison on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abundance_practice_building/

Abundance Practice Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWFACumyV8XlBgvUfcbyt9Q