Ideal Practice

I've got something a little different for you today, folks. We’re going to take a glimpse into the future, and talk about AI.

As healers (and humans!) navigate this new and rapidly evolving technology, it’s natural to feel a mix of curiosity, confusion, and perhaps even a little fear. But the reality is that this new technology is here - and we need to learn to understand it.

Today’s guest certainly gives us some food for thought.  I recently had the pleasure of speaking to serial entrepreneur, CEO, and general force to be reckoned with, Maria Szandrach.

Maria is the co-founder of Mentalyc, an AI-powered platform that automates note-taking for therapists, streamlines administrative tasks, and personalizes treatment plans.

Think about that for a moment.

In this episode, you’ll hear how Maria went from patient to disruptor once she saw how other industries were using the power of AI to work more efficiently.  Maria explains how she quickly realized that, no, AI can’t replace a therapist, but it sure can save them hours of time and help them serve more people, with more impact.

You’ll also learn…

1. How Maria identified a pain point for therapists that no one else was addressing. 
2. How AI can give therapists more time in their day, thus allowing them to have more impact. 
3. Why you ALWAYS need to read the fine print when using AI in your therapy practice. 
4. How to make sure that your patients don’t feel vulnerable or exposed if you’re going to introduce AI into your practice. 
5. When you can use a free tool like ChatGPT, and when you need to use a specialized tool instead. 

This is an important conversation, y’all, for a couple of reasons.

First of all, AI isn’t going away. The question isn't if AI will impact your practice, but when. Early adopters are already using tools like Mentalyc to save time and improve patient care.

So if you’re not open to learning how AI could help your practice and your patients, your colleagues will be.

Second, along with massive change comes massive opportunity. People from all kinds of professions and industries are finding new ways to solve problems and expand their businesses with the help of AI.

Could you be the next disruptor, just like Maria? Perhaps you’ll be another who finds new ways for AI to empower therapists. :)

Let’s explore the future of psychotherapy. Tune in to this week’s episode and see if AI might could be the key to simplifying your Ideal Practice. ✨

~Wendy
   xoxo

P.S. “Okay Wendy - THAT was interesting....!“ If that’s what you find yourself saying as you listen, would you please share a little love with a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify?

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TODAY’S GUEST: MARIA SZANDRACH 

Maria Szandrach is the CEO of Mentalyc, the first HIPAA-Compliant AI Note Generator software for Psychotherapists, Psychologists, and Mental Health Counselors.  She actively engages in thought leadership while advocating for ethical and responsible technology development in mental health. 

• Her Website 
• The Mentalyc Guide to using AI in Private Practice.  (A free resource.) 

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Packages are often misunderstood in our industry, but the truth is, they can really make a difference for your private practice.

In fact, learning how to strategically add pricing packages to your work can boost profits, enhance the value of what you offer, and make life easier for your clients – all  at the same time.

What’s not to love about that?

So let’s talk about this. Today, we’ll explore 3 types of packages you could create, and how they could help.

We’ll talk about what each of those types are, and I’ll share several examples of how they can be used.

I’ll also tell you about the time that being able to put together the right kind of package for the moment helped me make a BIG transition in my own practice without losing a single client.

Yeah - this is a skill worth learning.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy
  Xoxo

P.S. Are you already using packages in your practice? If so, shoot me an email and tell me about it. How has that been working for you??

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THIS WEEK’S HOMEWORK:

Play with this. Based on the concepts I shared in this episode, sit down and sketch out a messy first draft (or second) for what a possible package might look like in your practice.

Then - want some feedback? Send it to me in the body of an email (not as an attachment!) and I’ll send some notes back within 48 hours.

No, there’s no charge for this. My gift to you… Send your notes to [email protected].

I’ll be looking for it! 👀

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FREE RESOURCE

Are you cramming client hours into a packed day? Working hard but feel like you're still not making any money? With decades of experience, I’ve found a LOT of ways to boost your bottom line, and I’ve pulled some of my favorites together into a free guide for you.

Download this today, check out what’s inside, and tell me which one you’ll try first. :)

31 Practical Ways to Increase Cash Flow In Your Private Practice

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

There’s more than one way to make money, my friend.

But far too often in the private practice world, we’re used to providing a single service to a single client for a single hour or session, and that’s it.

The problem with that is that there are only so many hours in the day, and your income is capped.

But what if that wasn’t how it had to be? What if there were all kinds of fun ways you could leverage the service you already provide and the knowledge you already have in ways that serve more people, make more money for you, AND don’t take up more of your time?

Yeah - let’s talk about that.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to move beyond dollars for hours and into more creative ways to serve…

The possibilities really are endless.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

1. How to creatively increase revenue and serve more people in at least 5 different areas of your practice.
2. One really easy way to stop losing money on the front end while still serving your 1:1 clients well.
3. Several strategies for adding easy income with low-ticket digital products.

And I’ll provide specific examples for every single idea I share with you today.

Which one are you thinking about trying?

Drop me an email and let me know. 😘

~Wendy
  Xoxo

P.S. Are you enjoying Ideal Practice? If so, please help me spread the word. Do you have one or two friends who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Who else needs this kind of practice-boosting info? Please consider sharing this episode with them - and thank you!

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FREE RESOURCE:

Are you cramming client hours into a packed day? Working hard but feel like you're still not making any money? With decades of experience, I’ve found a LOT of ways to boost your bottom line, and I’ve pulled some of my favorites together into a free guide for you.

Download this today and tell me which one you’ll try first. :)

💰 31 Ways Practical Ways to Increase Cash Flow in Your Private Practice

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COACHING:  NEED REAL 1:1 HELP?

Let’s talk about that. Maybe you’ve got a problem in your practice that you can’t solve. Maybe you have an idea you want to try but don't know where to start. A Quick Start Consult gives you access to high quality coaching in a targeted work session where we will get things done. Promise.

Click here for details.

🔥 Quick Start Consult

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Y'all know that when I talk about what it means to have an Ideal Practice, I’m talking about building a private practice that is ideal for you. And of course, that's very different from one person to the next.

But the one thing that we all have in common, is that we want to make money, good money. And we want to do so in a way that feels good, and is in alignment with who we are.

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Ajita Robinson, has done. And how she’s done it is nothing short of inspiring.

Ajita is a Grief and Trauma Therapist, a bestselling author, a TEDx Speaker, and an Income Strategist, along with many other achievements.

More than anything, though, she’s building a true legacy of mental health care that is impacting lives across the U.S., while still having a life of her own.

In this episode, you’ll hear about her journey, all the way from trauma survivor to the incredible success of building an 8 figure practice. (!)

And the coolest part is that she’s doing this in a really unique way that I’ve not heard much about before: a powerful combination of smart strategic thinking, building the right relationships, and leveraging the power of contracts and grants.

My hope is that this will inspire you to think differently as well.

But perhaps more than anything, I want you to hear what she did once she realized she was out of alignment with her own values in what had been a really successful career. There’s a story there that you’re going to love.

Isn't it funny how, when you’re being called to a certain path, the universe keeps bringing you back to it over and over and over again?  🤔

Yep.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

1. Why you’re never starting from zero even if you have to start over, and that your skills are far more transferable than you realize.
2. How she managed to diversify her income and scale her business by building the right relationships. (So dang smart.)
3. How to serve your clients, rather than sell to them.
4. Why you might need to give your clients what they want before you can give them what they need.
5. The importance of doing your own inner work before you can heal others.

I am SO not kidding when I tell you that you are in for a treat. And yes, I know I say that all the time, but you really are in for a treat!

I can’t wait for you to hear this!

~Wendy
   Xoxo

P.S. pppsssst…Have you heard about this?

I am in the middle of developing a structured mastermind specifically for advanced practice owners, and I’m wondering if that might be you. I explained what a Mastermind is and how it works in Episode 44.

You might be working way too many hours, facing burnout, and looking for a better way. Or, you might be feeling pretty good about things and ready to grow, but hold back because it feels like So Much Work. You might just be tired of trying to figure out everything all by yourself.

Maybe it’s time to get some help. Maybe it’s time to find your tribe.  🖤

I am putting together a small cohort of practitioners for a 7 month mastermind with a purpose. This is not a small thing; it’s an investment in your practice, and in your Self. But it is a cool thing. If you’d like to know more, click here to get all the details.

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

In last year's cohort of EVOLVE, the group coaching and mastermind that I offer once a year, we spent an entire month talking about nothing other than our relationship to money and its impact on our practice.

Students later told me that this was one of the most powerful segments of their journey through the program - and I wasn't surprised.

Understanding your personal money story is critical to your success in every way. So, today I want to share some of what they experienced with you.

In this episode, I’m going to walk you through a series of questions to guide you as you reflect on your relationship to money.

We'll explore what you’ve learned over time, what beliefs  may have been created as a result, and how this might be impacting your success today. But to make the most of this episode, you have to engage with it.

What do I mean by that?

I mean stop the audio after each question. Spend some time with your journal and your thoughts, your memories and your observations. You'll learn so much more from this if you actually implement what I suggest here.

And then, let's rewrite those old stories for something better - something MUCH better.

Give it a listen...

~Wendy 
   xoxo

P.S.  HEADS UP, Y'ALL: If the deeper work that this kind of reflection brings appeals to you, or if you just find yourself struck by how much there is to learn as you grow your own Ideal Practice, consider joining us in this year's EVOLVE mastermind. Doors open for a few more days only.

>>>>>. Get all the details at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/evolve.  📣📣📣 

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If you enjoyed this episode, 
you might also like: 

• Episode 8. <<. What Should I Charge? 3 NEW Ideas to Consider When Setting Your Rates.
• Episode 48. << Lighten Up and Enjoy the Money You Make! My Conversation with Linzy Bonham

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

As a therapist, I’ve often felt like my job was to say out loud what everyone in the room was thinking but no one could say.

I’ve learned over time that - as uncomfortable as that can be in the moment - it helps sooooo much to just say it out loud.

Because here’s the thing.

We can’t change anything if we keep hiding what’s wrong.

If we’ve got a problem and we don’t tell anyone, or even worse, barely admit it to ourselves, we can’t do anything about it. Right?

Not only that - we often find that a lot of other people have the very same problem - which means we’re not so crazy after all.

And that same principle applies to our business.

It’s no wonder that so many therapists, healers and other wellness professionals are suffering in their private practice. Most of us have little or no business training or experience. And all of us are trained to put our clients first - even if it’s to our own detriment.

Add to that the fact that we are shamed for wanting to make $ at ALL, and you’ve got a recipe for burnout, disappointment and a business that is nothing like you wanted it to be.

So that's what I want to talk about today.

In this episode, you’ll hear not only about some of the struggles I’ve had as a private practice owner, but those that I see way too many of you suffering with as well.

I think you’ll find that whatever your hidden challenges as a business owner may be, you have a lot more company than you think.

But I want to change that. I don’t want you to suffer through private practice. I want you to enjoy it.

So I’ve got a solution. Full disclosure: in today’s episode you’ll also hear about EVOLVE, a really special experience I’ve created that will help you feel a whole lot better about things and that I hope you’ll consider being a part of.

I invite you to tune in, and just hear what I’ve got to say.

Much love,

~Wendy
    Xoxo

P.S. As you listen, are you recognizing yourself in any of the stories I’ve shared here? If so, I would love to hear what resonates. Would you send me a note? Just send it to [email protected], I’ll respond personally - and thank you!

GREAT NEWS EVERYONE!
You guys have been asking me for this - and I’m excited to say that doors for the 2024 cohort are open NOW. Looking for your true business besties? You’ll find them here.

EVOLVE©

A Structured 7-Month Mastermind Experience
Offering Coaching, Accountability and One-of-a-Kind Support
for Advanced Practice Owners

EVOLVE offers the community you long for and the guidance you need to develop a well rounded, fully grounded, comprehensive private practice that functions well on all levels, so that it’s profitable, sustainable and - can I say this? - enjoyable.

This experience is only offered once a year, and is specifically designed for practice owners who are tired of just tolerating their practice, and ready to make it their IDEAL Practice©.

Are you a therapist, life coach, wellness professional or other healer in private practice? Tired of just getting by and ready for something better? Wondering how to make more money, have more time, serve your clients and still have a life?

Maybe this is what you’ve been looking for. 🙂

Click here and I’ll tell you all about it. 

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

This week, in my 90th 😱 episode of the Ideal Practice(c) podcast, I’m going to tell you about the 3 most effective success hacks that have contributed soooo much to my own growth over the years.

If I’d had these systems in place when I started my practice, I could have saved tens of thousands of dollars that I lost to inexperience, a lack of business training and self doubt.

And I don’t even want to think about all the sleepless nights I suffered through. 😣

Ugh.

But as much as I hate thinking about what I missed back then, I LOVE what each of these have added to my life ever since.

I’ll explain what I mean by that in the episode. :)

(And hey - you need these too, y’all. Just sayin’.)

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

1. Some of the biggest risks you take if you’re working in a vacuum without the support of others who understand what you’re going through.
   
   
2. My top 3 success hacks for continuous growth through it all. (Psst! Can you tell what they all have in common?)
   
   
3. Many of the specific skills I’ve learned directly by hiring and working with good coaches throughout my life as an entrepreneur.
   
   
4. My three best tips for making a good mastermind work.
   
   
5. The one appointment I’ve kept nearly every week for over 7 years now-and why it matters so much to keep it going. 

But that’s not all.

You’ll also be among the first to hear about INTENTIONAL DESIGN, the 100% free training for your success in private practice that I’m putting together. I’m offering it for the first time ever, starting on Monday, February 12.

Details on THAT bit of goodness in the episode itself, and below!

Do give this a listen, because they don’t teach you THIS in grad school either.

~Wendy
Xoxo

P.S. Don’t forget to check the details below about the free 3-day training that I'm offering over lunch next week! 🥗 I’d so love for you to come!

ANNOUNCING:
3 Strategies for Crafting & Protecting Your Version of an Ideal Practice

You’re invited to bring your lunch and join me on-line next week, from 12-1 eastern, M-W. Each day, I’ll be teaching on one of the 7 Pillars of an Ideal Practice©. 

With a fun mix of story, strategy, and discussion, we’ll talk about the most common mistakes practice owners make in payment and pricing, marketing and promotion, and in the perspective we bring to the work. 

Then, I’ll show you what to do instead! Take 30 seconds to register, and you’re all set! 

CLICK HERE to REGISTER. (It’s free!)
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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT: 

• How would your practice, or your experience as a business owner, be different if you had the competent, consistent and clear-eyed support that a coach, mastermind or accountability partner could bring? 

_______________ 

MENTIONED: 

1. Ep 40: Introducing: The 7 Pillars of an Ideal Private Practice© 
2. Ep 84: Why It May NOT Be a Great Idea to Start a PrivatePractice

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

You’re in for a real treat today, my friends.

You’ll hear from Soribel Martinez, a truly inspiring woman who has built a multi-million dollar private practice from the ground up.

Soribel shares the story of how she took the leap from full-time employment to start her own practice…. with a waitlist of 150 patients BEFORE she opened her doors!

Say whaaaaaa…?! 🤯

You’ll hear the exact strategies that she followed to launch and grow her practice. And most importantly, Soribel talks about the mindset that got her to where she is today - CEO, sought-after business coach, adjunct professor, published author, and philanthropist.

Honestly, there is so much wisdom here.

And the best part?

You already have everything you need inside you to replicate Soribel’s success.

In her own words;

You have a business that has the potential to change the world. Don’t let anyone tell you any other way. You have everything it takes. Go do it! Find the tools, read the books, and learn about how to become an entrepreneur.

And for your first task, listen to this episode where you’ll learn…

• How to work with what you have in the beginning
• The importance of staying in your zone of ‘genius’
• A simple trick to automatically elevate your importance
• The one word that we should loose from our vocabulary
• And much more!

I’m so excited to share this with you.

Dive in and listen to Soribel's story!

~Wendy
   Xoxo

P.S. “Oh my gosh, I love this Wendy!“ If that’s what you find yourself saying as you listen, would you please share a little love with a 5-star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts? Your support means more than you can imagine, and helps us get discovered by others who could use this kind of encouragement. Thank you! 🙏

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TODAY’S GUEST: SORIBEL MARTINEZ

Soribel Martinez, LCSW, MBA, is an influential leader in the mental health sector and CEO of SMPsychotherapy and Counseling Services in Connecticut. Born in the Dominican Republic and a U.S. immigrant at twelve, Soribel’s journey from a school social worker to a visionary business consultant showcases her resilience and strategic acumen.

She innovated the MDPP Framework™, propelling her practice to serve over eleven thousand clients. An adjunct professor at Post University and a member of its Management Advisory Board,

Soribel is also an accomplished author, with her memoir 'Unbreakable' and contributions to 'Ignite Your Leadership'. She epitomizes transformative leadership and empathetic mentorship.

Her Website: SoribelMartinez
Her Non-Profit: JC’ Precious Mind Foundation
Her Practice: SM Psychotherapy & Counseling Services

YouTube
Instagram

Her books:
Unbreakable
The Multi-Million Dollar Private Practice. (Coming soon)

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

We may start out in private practice living in the land of reactivity, making it all up as we go.
But we don’t want to stay there. 

Today, let’s look at Phase II, the Growth Phase of your business. Where are you now, and where might you go next?

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• How to know when you're moving into the middle phase, the growth phase of your practice development. 
• What you’re probably doing well at this point, and where you might want to focus next. 
• In particular, 3 areas of focus where most of the work will be right now.
• The only 4 pages you really need to have on your first website. 

Where do you need to focus now to take your practice to the next level?

Give this a listen - and see what resonates!

~Wendy
  Xoxo

P.S. “Okay Wendy - THAT was interesting….!“  If that’s what you find yourself saying as you listen, would you please share a little love with a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify?

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT:

- As you reflect on your practice and the way it’s working right now, what needs cleaning up? Where are the rough patches that need to be smoothed out?
 
- What could you add or revise in a way that would make things more effective for your clients, and more FUN for you?

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YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: 

• Episode 10: How to Become a Networking Ninja
• Episode 52: 5 Undeniable Reasons Why You Really Should Be Out There Speaking

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MENTIONED: 

• Email Marketing and Management Tools: 
  • MailChimp
  • Constant Contact
  • Active Campaign
• Website Resources
  • Squarespace
  • Wix
  • Brighter Vision

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FREE RESOURCE: The IP360 SCORECARD

As a coach of mine used to say, running a business is a full contact sport. There are SO many different parts of it to keep up with, manage, think about, and create - at every step of the way. How do you know what to work on first or where to focus your energy? How do you tell where your weaknesses are and where you're solid?

Well I’ve got you covered! The IP360 Scorecard, based on the 7 Pillars of an Ideal Practice, is designed to give you a practical, actionable, big-picture review of your practice as it stands. And you can complete it in less than 10 minutes.

Click on the link below to get your free copy today.
The IP360 Scorecard

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Managing a private practice, like any business, means managing growth. And growth always happens in phases. 

We all start as beginners somehow - right?  I know.

But the start up phase of a private practice can be completely overwhelming. No one taught us how to do this in grad school, and we have a LOT of questions. 

• What do I charge? 
• Should I offer a sliding scale?
• How will I get paid? 
• Who should I work with?
• Where will I see them? 
• Do I have to offer evening appointments? 
• How do I get referrals? 
• What do I say when someone asks me what I do?

Whew boy.

So. Many. Questions.
(And that’s just for starters!)

Well don’t worry my friend, because I’ve got you covered.

In today’s episode, I’m going to break it all down, so you’ll know what you HAVE to know up front, and what can wait.

In this episode, I’ll share:

1. Three key decisions you’ll have to make up front, and how getting those in place will make everything else so much easier.
2. Four new skills it will help to learn first in your new role as a business owner.
3. A handful of specific action steps to take right now as you figure out the foundation of your practice. 

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Let’s fix that.

Let’s get you started, so you can open your doors to new income, and new ways to help others.

~Wendy
   xoxo

P.S. Don’t miss the journal prompt below!

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT:

Based on what you’ve learned from today’s episode, what one thing could you do today to move your private practice, your business, forward?

_______________
EXTRA RESOURCES:

• Episode 67. What Should You Charge When Clients Cancel at the Last Minute?
• Episode 82. Overcome Money Shame for More Success, with Profit Coach Sam Varner 

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DON'T FORGET to GRAB THIS! >>>  The IP360 SCORECARD

As a coach of mine used to say, running a business is a full contact sport. There are SO many different parts of it to keep up with, manage, think about, and create - at every step of the way. How do you know what to work on first or where to focus your energy? How do you tell where your weaknesses are and where you're solid?

Well I’ve got you covered! The IP360 Scorecard, based on the 7 Pillars of an Ideal Practice, is designed to give you a practical, actionable, big-picture review of your practice as it stands. And you can complete it in less than 10 minutes.

Click on the link below to get your free copy today.
The IP360 Scorecard 

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]