Ideal Practice

Whether we recognize it or not, there are countless hidden rules and unconscious scripts that keep us from attaining financial freedom.

But learning to recognize those rules, and rewrite those scripts can be done.  

Learn how with Lisa Michaud, an international success coach who identified those barriers in her own life, and broke through them.

Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Lisa's inspiring journey to a multi-million dollar net worth is a testament to her determination and resilience.

A life-altering health scare instigated her journey from a corporate success to a personal growth advocate. And in this episode we dive into her conscious and intentional decision to take control of her financial life and go for her dream, a decision that literally changed everything. 

We moved fast. And in this oh-so-candid conversation, we talked about the need to shift our attitudes towards money and establish healthy financial boundaries.

We explored how our perceptions of money can influence our financial habits, and how overcoming these mindsets can pave the way for success.

This is critical for wellness professionals, therapists and healers.

With a focus on authenticity and growth in business, Lisa's insights are sure to inspire and motivate you to take charge of your financial destiny.

And it's about time, don't you think? I sure do. :)

Here's to your Ideal Practice,
- Wendy

P.S. And hey - before you go - would you mind leaving us a 5 star review over on Apple Podcasts? That would  be SO awesome!

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TODAY’S GUEST:  LISA MICHAUD

Lisa Michaud is an International Success Coach, Speaker, Entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor and host of the “Goalden Girls” Podcast. In her mid-30’s, she’s created a multimillion-dollar net worth, a growing real estate empire, incredible network and beautiful family. As a coach and speaker, Lisa inspires, leads and motivates everyone she works with, including entrepreneurs, executives, parents, and leaders who are committed to creating fun and meaningful lives. Lisa is a wife, mother and hopeless romantic who lives in Vancouver, Canada.

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WHERE to FIND HER: 

WEBSITE: http://www.lisamichaud.com
PODCAST: https://www.lisamichaud.com/podcast
INSTA: www.instagram.com/thelisamichaud

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NEED a COACH?
Check out the one-time consult I offer at www.WendyPittsReeves.com.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Would you like to hear some of the secrets behind a thriving private practice? That’s what you’ll get in today’s episode.

When I started my private practice, I had a strong, clear and powerful vision for what I wanted to build. That, I now know, was a key driver in my success. I’ll tell you more about what that vision was and how it guided every decision I made. (This is so important.)

But we won’t stop there. I’ll also revel several other core strategies that I know contributed to the success of my practice.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. How I built a brand totally by accident. 😜

2. About one strategy that I really had to push my little introvert heart to use - and how it paid off.

3. The most powerful action of all that I know helped us earn our place as a respected community resource.

And there’s lots more.

Every one of these helped me get my business off the ground even when it was just me, AND as I built a successful group practice with more business than we could manage.

Which one of these stands out for you? Which one of these are you using, or plan to START using, in your practice? 

Shoot me a DM or an email and let me know. 

And enjoy! 

~Wendy  
   xoxo

P.S. “Well that was encouraging, 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 or Spotify?

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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, then 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]

Whooo boy. 

Sometimes, it’s a miracle this business of mine ever worked…. but it did, in SPITE of what I’m going to share with you today, lol. 

When I started my practice, I had to figure out everything on my own. With no such thing as coaches, masterminds, online courses, or even a business class in grad school, no one taught me how to run a business. 

Looking back, I can see at least 7 big mistakes I made, and not surprisingly - they were ALL about how I handled the money. 

Sharing those with you today.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

1. How to separate business and personal finances
2. How to make sure you’re ready for taxes
3. How to handle client accounts and…

…most of all, why understanding how to handle the money side of things is vital to the success of your practice.

My hope is that by sharing my experiences and a few hard-learned lessons, you can avoid some of the pitfalls that I fell into.

~Wendy 
   xoxo

P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a minute to share your 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or even Spotify. If you’ve been meaning to do that, but keep putting it off, how about heading over there now? Then send me a screen shot so we can celebrate together! :)

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MENTIONED: 

Episode 63: The Power and Magic of Running a Soul Aligned Practice: An Interview with Maira Holzmann >> https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/63

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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, then 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]

What a story - and what an incredible conversation.

In this episode, you get to meet Maira Holzmann, LCSW - a somatically trained therapist, group practice owner, and business coach out of Denver, Colorado. And I promise you, by the end of our conversation,  you will adore her!

Although today she's playing big - it wasn't always that way.

In fact, she'll tell you that she 'failed" private practice 3 times before she finally began to figure things out. 

But she is a remarkably resilient person, who knows her strengths, and knows when she needs help.  That energetic combination has led her through some tough times into a MUCH better place. And from her experiences, she now has a lot to share with the rest of us.

Through her story, she challenges all of us to believe in ourselves and to dream bigger - in a soulful, meaningful way.

Give this a listen. You'll be soooo glad you did.

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TODAY’S GUEST:  MAIRA HOLZMANN, LCSW

Maira  passionately works at the intersection of being a seasoned therapist running a growing group practice and a business coach for soul-aligned therapists who want to stop feeling overworked, underpaid and unappreciated. With her extensive training in empowered somatics, healing trauma, and nurturing resilience Maira is dedicated to helping psychotherapists do good, live large and thrive more.  

You can find her at:
www.MoreThrivingTherapists.com
www.SomaticTherapyPartners.com

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MENTIONED: 

• Episode 39: Why Closing Her Group Practice was One of the Best Things She Ever Did: An Interview with Ali Boehm
• Episode 42:  Thinking Big: How to Grow and Manage a Large Group Practice with Amanda Landry
• Episode 43: What I Got Right as a Group Practice Owner, and a Few Things I Missed.

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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, then 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]

🙋‍♀️Hey there! 

Looking to boost your online profile and connect with your ideal clients? 🤝 

Check out the 5 quick tips I'm sharing on the podcast today to create a profile that leaves a lasting impression on the right people.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

1.  How to make MUCH better use of this important marketing real estate.
2. How to sharpen you message so that you stand out from the 100s your clients are considering.
3. How to take advantage of one powerful tool that too many wellness professionals ignore.

And more!

Remember, you only get one chance to make a good first impression. 

Your online profile is like your virtual receptionist, your calling card. Getting this right will make all the difference in whether your next awesome client reaches out to you, or moves on. 

Let’s get this right. :) 

Enjoy!

~Wendy 
  xoxo

P.S. if you’re enjoying the podcast as much as I hope you are, could you help me spread the word? Who are two friends or colleagues you know who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Who else needs this kind of teaching? Please share this episode with them - and thank you!

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT: 

How quickly and clearly can you answer these questions?

• Who are you as a human being?
• Why should I trust that you ‘get’ me?
• How can you actually help me?
• What do you do that’s like no other?
• And why should I choose you over the 100s that are right there beside you on my screen?

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MENTIONED: 

• Episode 61: Starting a Private Practice? Figure Out These 5 Essentials First.

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NEED SOME HELP?

Got a problem in your practice that you’re trying to solve? Have an idea you want to try but don't know where to start? A Quick Start Consult may be exactly what you need. I'm serious about your success - so we don't just talk about your business. We work on it - together. Click here for details.  https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

When you start your private practice, there are so many details to sort out that it can be daunting at first.

How the heck do you even know where to start? 

Well my friend -  I think I can help.

In this episode, we’ll cover 5 key decisions you need to make up front, the absolute core aspects of your practice that you’ll want to figure out first. 

All of these come from my own experience, and all are critical to building a successful and sustainable practice.

And heck - even if you’ve been in practice for a while - it never hurts to revisit these concepts. Are you still clear on each? Are there areas where you might need to shake things up a bit?? If so, this will help you start that review.

You’ll also hear about the benefits of a Quick Start Consult for business coaching - it's a game-changer when it comes to taking action and propelling your practice forward. :)  

Listen in as we explore how to think about each of these 5 essential areas and gain valuable insights to help you create the ideal practice you really want.

~Wendy
  xoxo

P.S. Do you have a favorite episode of Ideal Practice? (or two?) If so, have you shared them with a friend? Posted a review on Apple Podcasts? Sent me a note just to share your thoughts about it all? If not, I invite you to do so. You’re such an important part of this community. Let me hear from you! 

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MENTIONED: 

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek. 
• How Great Leaders Inspire Action: A TED. Talk with Simon Sinek

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COULD YOU USE SOME HELP?

If you’ve got a problem in your practice that you’re trying to solve, or an idea you want to try but don't know where to start - this could be just the thing. A Quick Start Consult gives you just what you need to jumpstart your progress. I'm serious about your success, so let’s work on it - shall we? 

Click here for details >>> https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Today, y’all, we’re talking about the guys. :)

I met Shawn Helvey when he reached out to me in advance of a move to our area. In true proactive form, he was trying to get the lay of the land so he could understand the mental health culture in our area.

I liked him immediately.

So of course, it was only a matter of time before I invited him to join me on the podcast.

Shawn Helvey is a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Man Made Mentors, a group practice focused on helping young men and their families.

In this fascinating episode, we explored his unique approach to therapy, the importance of specializing, and how his life experiences have shaped his work. (There were some great stories there!)

We also tackled the topic of male emotional vulnerability, and the work he does to help men become emotionally available and strong.

Shawn is passionate about mentoring his clients, and his staff. He strikes me as kind, emotionally strong, and refreshingly direct. I can see why his practice stays full. :)

I hope you enjoy this incredible conversation on the integration of strength and vulnerability in psychotherapy, and how Sean Helvey's innovative approach is making a positive impact on the lives of men and their families.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy

P.S. While you’re here, can I ask a favor?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take a minute to share your 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or even Spotify. If you’ve been meaning to do that, but keep putting it off, how about heading over there now? Then send me a screen shot so we can celebrate together! :)

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TODAY’S GUEST:  SHAWN HELVEY

Shawn Helvey is a therapist, mentor, and coach who specializes in working with men of all ages trying to find a deeper purpose in their lives. He earned his master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Central Florida and is a Licensed Counselor in Tennessee and Montana.

After working in an agency setting, he founded ManMade Mentors in 2016. Today, he works with men of all ages across the country. In addition to seeing clients, he is a clinical supervisor consulting with and supporting the next generation of mental health therapists who are actively pursuing licensure.

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MENTIONED: 

• His Website: www.ShawnHelvey.com
• His Podcast: The ManMade Podcast 
• Episode 47: Why I’ve Changed My Mind About Having a Niche Practice  
• Episode 42: Thinking Big: How to Grow and Manage a Large Group Practice with Amanda Landry

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SIGN UP for a QUICK START CONSULT: 

Got a problem in your practice that you’re trying to solve? 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 without the expense of a full blown coaching commitment. I'm serious about your success - so we don't just talk about your business. We work on it - together. Click here for details.    https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Do you dread having certain conversations with your clients?

We've all been there.  Whether it's talking about something as simple as your upcoming vacation or as hard as confronting their overdue account - we hate feeling like the bad guy with our clients.

But mastering this skill is critical to the success and sustainability of your business.

So in this episode, we'll dive into the nitty-gritty of tackling some of the challenging discussions that are just a natural part of any private practice.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The kinds of common situations that call for carefully managed, but direct, communication.
• How to think through the best structure for having those conversations, including how to soften the blow in a way that makes sure your clients feel heard.
• Strategies for dealing with the emotion that may come up as well.

And we'll talk about how to set boundaries that work for both you and your clients, while keeping that relationship strong.

Not sure what to say, how to say it, where or when?

Don’t worry. I’m here to help - and you’ve got this. 

~Wendy
   xoxo

P.S. if you’re enjoying the podcast as much as I hope you are (!), could you help me spread the word? Who are two friends or colleagues you know who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Who else needs this kind of teaching? Please share this episode with them - and thank you!

_______________
SIGN UP for a QUICK START CONSULT.

Got a problem in your practice that you’re trying to solve? 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 without the expense of a full blown coaching commitment.

I'm serious about your success - so we don't just talk about your business. We work on it - together.   Click here for details.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Almost everything will work if you unplug it for a few minutes…including you.
- Anne Lamott

What do you call a “real vacation”? And when was the last time you had one?

If it’s really a long weekend, then you and I need to talk.

If you can’t remember the last time you took a full week off, or more, then you and I (really!) need to talk. :)

The ugly truth is that way too many healers in private practice feel like they just can’t be away from their clients more than a few days at time. And I get that!

Yet I’ve managed to be away for as much as FIVE weeks at a time, without hurting my practice - at all.

Taking time off is essential for our mental and physical health, right? So let’s figure out how to make that happen.

In this episode, I'll walk you through several of the key steps you’ll need in order to prepare financially, clinically, and strategically for your oh-so-well-deserved break. 

PLUS, I'll share some tips on setting boundaries with clients, providing emergency coverage, and managing the financial aspects of taking time off.

I’ll also share a quick journal exercise at the end to will help you start planning your own getaway.

Remember, your business is there to support your life, not the other way around.

It's time to make self-care and time away from work a TRUE priority -  for the success of your practice, and your own well-being.

You know I’m right. :) 

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a minute to share your 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or even Spotify. If you’ve been meaning to do that, but keep putting it off, how about heading over there now? Then send me a screen shot so we can celebrate together! :)

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT: 

1. What would I have to put in place in order for my clients to do without me for two full weeks (or more?) by this time next year? Make a list.
2. What’s the very first action step I can take on that list to begin making it a reality now?

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MENTIONED: 

• Study by the U.S. Travel Association 
• Report from The Center for Economic Policy and Research (CEPR) 

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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 HERE to get your free copy today.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

This was SO much fun! 

In this episode I had such a fun interview with Kym Tolson, AKA “The Traveling Therapist”. You may recognize her, since she was on Ideal Practice back in Episode 30, talking about everything related to managing your own billing. In fact, she’s the first person I’ve ever invited back for a second visit. 

Because this is the conversation I really wanted to have. :) 

Dreaming of a life on the road? Wondering if you can keep a practice going and travel at the same time? 

This is the episode for you. 

Kym has been on the road full time since February of 2022, still running her business full throttle all the way. So she’s learned a LOT about what it takes to keep a practice going as a ‘digital nomad’. 

Today, she’s sharing some of her favorite tips with you, like: 

1. How to manage appointments across different time zones
2. What to do when your internet is wonky
3. How to find a travel rhythm that suits you
4. Key things to consider in your clinical practice and more.

Oh - and wait til you hear what she uses to get around in as she moves from the east coast to the west and back again…It’s not a camper van, lol. 

With a lively sense of humor, Kym sees the impossible as possible, y’all.

Listen, and you’ll see it too.

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. If you enjoyed this conversation, could you leave a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts? Your reviews are critically important and help us get the podcast in front of more people.

So thank you!

On the other hand, if you didn’t enjoy it so much - don’t worry about it. But thanks anyway :)

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TODAY’S GUEST:  KYM TOLSON, LCSW

Kym, a therapist who is licensed in Virginia, has an online insurance-based therapy practice, and travels full time as a digital nomad. After learning the hard way that she needed to pay closer attention to the billing side of her practice, she dove in to learn all she could about insurance billing herself. We talked about that back in Episode 30. 

Today, she’s also known as the Traveling Therapist, with a podcast and a Facebook group by the same name. She’s also launched a course where you can learn how to do this yourself! 

You can find her at the following:
www.thetravelingtherapist.com
The Traveling Therapist Membership

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MENTIONED: 

• Episode 30. How She Turned a $12,000 Billing Disaster into 8 Streams of Income

SCHEDULING & PRACTICE MGMT:

• Calendly
• Acuity Scheduling 
• Simple Practice 

TECH: 

• SOLIS Hotspot
• PIA VPN 
• Starlink
• MobileMustHave 
• Person Centered Tech 

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]