Welcome to the Pursuing Private Practice podcast!

Join Jennifer McGurk, the CEO of Pursuing Private Practice, and Elizabeth Stasny, owner of Live With Nutrition, to discuss the nuances of running a private practice as a dietitian. They explore the various business models available, including the decision to take insurance vs. private pay, the benefits of in-person vs. virtual sessions, and the potential of group offerings. Elizabeth shares her inspiring journey of building her practice, the challenges she faced, and the importance of community and support in the dietetics field. This episode emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all in business; instead, each dietitian must find what works best for them.

Whether you've been a dietitian for many years or are brand new to the field, this episode will inspire you to explore different types of business offers in private practice.

1. No One-Size-Fits-All in Business: Elizabeth shares how every private practice looks different. From taking insurance to choosing between virtual and in-person sessions, success comes from making choices that fit your values and goals.
2. The Pros and Cons of Taking Insurance: Accepting insurance can increase accessibility and referrals, but it also comes with billing headaches and administrative burdens. Elizabeth explains why the best choice depends on your business model.
3. Elizabeth's Passion Project: With more clients using GLP-1 medications, Elizabeth believes dietitians play a crucial role in guiding them. Her group program provides non-judgmental, science-based support to help clients build healthy habits.
4. The Power of Running a Group Program: Elizabeth highlights the benefits of group programs, from fostering community to creating new revenue streams. She encourages dietitians to explore group offerings alongside one-on-one care.

Timestamps:

• 00:01 Different Revenue Streams in Private Practice: Discussion on ways to diversify income beyond insurance, including group programs, digital products, and courses.
• 01:50 No One-Size-Fits-All in Business: Elizabeth and Jennifer emphasize that success in private practice looks different for everyone, and the best approach is the one that aligns with your goals and values.
• 06:32 Elizabeth's Private Practice Journey: Elizabeth shares how she started her business, from in-person visits to growing her practice after a layoff.
• 16:05 In-Person vs. Virtual Practice: The pros and cons of each, including energy management, accessibility, and client connection.
• 22:22 Taking Insurance vs. Private Pay: A breakdown of the benefits and challenges of accepting insurance, including billing issues and accessibility for clients.
• 32:25 Running a Group Program: Elizabeth explains how group programs can complement one-on-one care and provide additional income opportunities.
• 34:19 Elizabeth's Current Passion Project: Elizabeth advocates for dietitians to be a key part of the conversation, ensuring clients receive proper education and support.

As you continue to grow your private practice, remember that the decisions you make should align with your values, boundaries, and your unique strengths.

Elizabeth is a dietitian and the owner and CEO of Live With Nutrition. Since starting her career in 2012, she has built a thriving private practice with a passion for group programs and community engagement.

She blends intuitive eating, HAES, and behavioral health with clear, evidence-based guidance, focusing on real-life, sustainable nutrition instead of diet rules. Her mission is to free people from the pressure to eat perfectly and challenge the guilt tied to food and health. She helps clients create a nutrition plan that supports their goals, preferences, and well-being - one they can truly LIVE with.

Find Elizabeth on Instagram @livewithnutrition and her website https://www.livewithnutrition.com/

Sponsor:

✨ Business School is designed to guide you through every stage of building a private practice: getting set up, seeing your first clients, growing until you're fully booked, hiring a team, expanding your offers—and even learning how to coast when needed. Inside, you'll follow a step-by-step curriculum with the flexibility to choose the path that fits your current stage of business and life. You'll get access to advanced toolkits, templates, and systems for business topics like marketing and finances, but also for counseling skills and client support. Beyond the curriculum, you're supported by personalized 1:1 coaching, weekly office hours, and monthly themes that address the real challenges of private practice. The program keeps you moving forward with built-in accountability that builds resilience and confidence so you feel like a legit business owner.

Learn more and apply here: https://pursuingprivatepractice.com/businessschool/

Connect with Pursuing Private Practice:

🎉 Instagram: @pursuing.private.practice

📧 Email: Contact Us

Free Resources For Dietitians at Any Stage of Business:

🍎 The Ultimate Checklist to Start Your Private Practice

✨ Free Training: Get Clients Now 3-Day Challenge

👯 Free Workshop: Hire Your Next Team Member

💻 The Pursuing Private Practice Blog

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