Ideal Practice

At some point in the life of any kind of service-based business, something shifts.

The work is meaningful.
Clients are coming in.
Your calendar may even be full.

And inevitably, the day comes when you start asking yourself… Hang on a minute. This is good but it’s a LOT… Is this sustainable? Can I keep this up?

Not just financially — but energetically.

This week on the podcast, I’m joined by Rachel Robertson, a kinesiologist, Pilates instructor, and studio owner on Vancouver Island who has navigated that exact transition.

Rachel started where many practitioners do — working one-to-one with clients. But over time, she began asking a deeper question:

      What kind of business actually supports the life I want?

That led her through several evolutions — contracting, workshops, online training, and eventually building a studio and team of instructors.

So today, I wanted to talk to her about the very real growing pains of expanding a service-based business. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What happens when your 1-to-1 work is no longer enough. (Time to stretch!)
• What Rachel’s learning about hiring… (it’s been interesting…😉)
• How money discomfort impacts your staff, much less your clients.
• How designing your business around your life changes everything

Managing growth doesn’t always mean working more hours; sometimes it means redesigning the model entirely.

I wanted to share this so you can begin thinking more intentionally about the next stage of your practice — whether that’s adding team members, expanding services, or simply building something more sustainable.

If you haven’t done this already, you may want to try my IP360 Scorecard, a quick and easy way to get a birds eye view of your own business development. I’ll even send you some information afterwards that will help you figure out what phase you’re in - and where you could grow next.

(You’ll find the link to that below.)

Rachel had so much to teach us in this episode. Do check it out!

~Wendy

P.S. If you're someone who secretly wonders whether you’re the only one figuring this business thing out as you go…You’re definitely not. 😉

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TODAY’S GUEST:  RACHEL ROBERTSON

Rachel Robertson is a kinesiologist, Pilates instructor, and founder of Return to Form on Vancouver Island. With more than a decade of experience in movement and rehabilitation, Rachel helps both clients and practitioners rethink how sustainable movement — and sustainable businesses — are built.

Her work blends science, movement, and practical business insight, and she now leads a growing Pilates studio while also teaching workshops and webinars for healthcare professionals.

Her website: returntoform.ca | Find her on Instagram: @returntoformkinesiology

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MENTIONED

• Mind Over Money™
  One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help insulate you from holiday stress. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. :)
  
        Use the Promo Code “Ideal50” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)
         Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Okay guys - so we’re digging into a really tiny detail of your practice this week, one many small business owners may never even think about…

Your voicemail greeting.

I know! Seems sooooo minor! Like - who cares about that anyway?

Your potential clients do. That’s who.

I had an experience recently that reminded me of how important this is, so I want to share that with you. Because when it takes someone weeks or months to get up the nerve to call you in the first place, the last thing you want to do is have a voicemail greeting that runs them off.

Right? Right.

That’s why this episode matters.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Why something as simple as your business voicemail can create such a powerful first impression.
• The hidden message your systems send to potential clients. (Are you sending the message you mean to send? 🤔)
• A super simple, 3 part framework that will help you improve your greeting immediately.
• A sample script you can adapt for your own practice. (Details matter!)
• One small “systems habit”, a pro tip that will save you time later

And we’ll talk just a bit about how these kinds of operational details impact your client’s view, so that you’re building trust with them from the very beginning.

And hey - if this episode stirs something for you — or if you’d like some help tightening up the systems in your practice — feel free to reach out.

You can always start with a Quick Start Consult (www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult) where we take a focused look at what’s working in your practice – and what could work better.

Because after all - sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference!

~Wendy

P.S. Here’s a challenge for you! Call your own office number this week. Listen to your greeting as if you were a potential client. Do you like what you hear?? Need a little tweak? Give this episode a listen and you’ll have what you need. 🙂

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Dealing with money mess and stress?
This could help.

• Mind Over Money™
  One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help insulate you from holiday stress. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. :)

Use the Promo Code “Ideal50” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)
Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Here’s the thing.

If you’re like most healing arts professionals, you sell your time.

Five sessions. Ten sessions. Maybe a package here or there.

But what if you focused on your expertise, and the transformation your clients get when they work with you? What if you designed your practice around that instead?

In this conversation, Joanna Sapir and I explore what it means to create structured client programs — intentional journeys that guide someone from where they are to where they want to be — while also bringing more clarity and predictability to your income.

If you’re tired of selling hours for dollars, and looking for a more creative, robust way to design your private practice, this episode may open up a whole new way of thinking.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• The difference between a session package and a truly transformational program. (Such a great shift to make…)
• How front-end and back-end offers can support both immediate results and long-term healing (and lead to healthy, sustainable client relationships over time.)
• Why narrowing in on your ideal client actually strengthens your work. (Hmmm…-where have you heard that before? 😉)
• What a truly consultative sales process really looks like (without the weird pressure! 😅)

We also talked about pricing — and why the structure of your offers matters more than most practitioners realize.

When you get this right, great things can happen.

Deeper client outcomes. Stronger positioning in your community. And a business model that actually supports the life you’re trying to build.

And hey! Be sure to grab Joanna’s handout on the three core systems she says you need to have in place (including her sales framework). You’ll see the link for that with her bio below.

This could really set your practice apart, y’all.

Just sayin’. :)

~Wendy

P.S. If this conversation nudges you into looking at how your pricing and structure are working for you (or not!) I'd love for you to explore Mind Over Money™.

This little mini course is my 31-day reset for your relationship with money — combining a nice blend of inspiration and practical strategy in about five minutes a day. And - it comes with your own downloadable journal!

Use promo code Ideal50 to get $50 off! 💖

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TODAY’S GUEST: Joanna Sapir

Joanna Sapir is a business strategist for holistic practitioners, particularly those that integrate multiple modalities. Her special ability is in helping practitioners set up repeatable systems and processes in their businesses to serve their clients more powerfully, enroll committed long-term clients, and create steady income and cash flow. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, she is a mother of two, a USA Masters National Champion in Olympic-style Weightlifting, and the host of the Business Revolution for Practitioners podcast.

Her Website
Her Podcast
Her Gift: Three Powerful Systems that will Completely Transform Your Practice

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Okay - I’ll admit it. My bookkeeper used to send me a Profit and Loss (P&L) statement for my practice every time we met - and I barely looked at it.

Not proud of that.

But I blew it off because I didn’t really understand HOW to use it, what the various segments meant, or how to pull information from those long columns of numbers that I could actually use.

Well - not any more. Today, I go over those suckers with a highlighter and a pen, and I keep the latest one on my desk so I can refer back to it when I make decisions.

That’s what a P&L can do for you. And today, we are going to teach you how to do the same thing. :)

In this episode, I’m joined by Randall Avery — a former corporate finance professional who now helps mental health professionals and other practice owners understand their numbers. With his help, we broke this stuff down in a way that actually makes sense.

No jargon. No shame. No such thing as a dumb question.

Just clarity - and I think you’ll love that.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What a P&L actually is (and what it isn’t.)
• How to break down revenue sources in your practice. (So helpful when deciding where to focus your growth! 🎯)
• The difference between cost of care and operating expenses. (Totally new to me, y’all.)
• Why tracking trends over time matters more than one “bad” month.
• How keeping a healthy stash of reserves changes everything.

We also talked about the emotional side of money — the avoidance, the shame, the “I should know this by now” energy that keeps smart, capable clinicians (like you and me!) stuck.

Yeah. You know what I’m talking about - don’t you?

I know. I see you.

But learn this skill and you can shift from guessing…to knowing.

From bracing for impact… to planning for expansion.

I also asked Randall to create a simple P&L tool for you, so you’d have something to check with if you want a visual reference to follow along. You’ll find a link to that down below. (Thank you, Randall!)

I’m always thinking of you guys and how to help. I hope today is one of those times. :)

~Wendy

P.S. And y’all, if this episode stirs something up —and you’re wondering what else you may be missing in your practice — start with the IP360 Scorecard. It will help you see where your practice is strong, where it’s leaking, and what needs attention next. Grab it here.

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TODAY’S GUEST: Randall Avery

Randall Avery is a former corporate Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) professional who now helps mental health professionals, attorneys and other service-based practice owners understand and optimize their financial performance. He brings clarity, structure, and strategy to small practice financial management — helping owners move beyond guesswork into confident decision-making.

And at my request, he’s created a sample P&L to help you with today’s teaching. Get your copy right here. 

His book: Hacking The System by Creating Your Own System: A practical guide to making your money count while building wealth.

Website: Deasil Wealth Management | LinkedIn: Connect with Randall Avery

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Marketing doesn’t usually fail because you’re not good at what you do. Not at all!

No - often it fails because you’re being too careful.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through 3 marketing patterns I’ve seen repeatedly in recent coaching calls — patterns that dilute your message, confuse potential clients, and make growth harder than it has to be.

The fixes are simpler than you might think. 

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why “leaving the door open” can actually keep your best people from walking in.
• The difference between simply describing your skills and speaking directly to your ideal client.
• How clarity — not volume — creates TRUE momentum in your marketing…
• Why people wait far too long to ask for help (and what shifts when they don’t!)

You’ll also learn why your marketing often improves faster when you stop trying to do it alone. You can speak more clearly, attract the clients you actually want, and stop second-guessing your message.

If this episode stirred something — a sense that your work is solid, but your message isn’t quite landing — that’s usually the moment to pause and get support.

A Quick Start Consult isn’t about fixing everything.

It’s about naming what matters most next — and getting clear faster than you can on your own.

You don’t need more ideas.
You need sharper focus...

Learn more or book yours at: 👉 https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult
And let's move you forward...

~Wendy

P.S. MANY of my clients tell me they'd done this sooner. Let's get you started now...

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MENTIONED

• Episode 182: The Key to Connecting with Your Dream Clients: My 10 Step Process

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TIRED of BEING STUCK? 

Set up a Quick Start Consult. Click here to learn more!
 https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

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WANT to BE a GUEST on the PODCAST? 

Submit your application here: www.wendypittsreeves.com/guest-application

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Hey there everyone! 

Have you ever wondered why some clients light you up, while others leave you absolutely drained? 

That happens because we, as healers, often feel like we can help anybody. But that doesn’t mean we should help everybody. 

Here’s the thing ... I guarantee you will be better at helping some clients rather than others. And once you see that - and lean into it - amazing things will happen. 

The key to a joyful, thriving, truly Ideal PracticeTM, is working with clients who are ideal to you. 

So, on the podcast this week, I’m bringing back an episode where I gave you a full blown training on this very topic: how to use my 10-step process to understand your ideal client so well that they will be eager to work with you. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• The biggest mistake you can make when defining the problems you solve for your ideal clients. 
• Why it’s critical that you own your authority, your expertise, and how to do that. 
• One of the most important questions you can ask your clients (and why you’ll love what comes next).

And, as always, I come bearing gifts! 

Make sure you stick around until the end, where I’ll let you know how to get your hands on a terrific free resource that will walk you through all of this, step by step. 

Isn’t it time to give yourself permission to tune into the kind of client work that truly makes you happy?
🥰 

Of course it is. And this will help you get there. Give it a listen.
 ~Wendy 

P.S. “Okay Wendy - I get it. I do want to work with my favorite clients because those are the ones I know I can help the most!” If that’s true for you, you’ll be surprised at how much better you get those folks by working through this process. Not. Even. Kidding. 

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 FREE RESOURCE (and Pro Tip!) 

Click on the link below to get your free copy of one of my most powerful coaching exercises. Once you’ve worked this through carefully and thoughtfully, check to see if your marketing copy aligns with the person you’ve described, and adjust as needed. 

Getting the Whole Picture: Co-Writing Your Client's Transformation Story 

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

One of the most common things I hear from private practice owners is this: 

“I know I need help, but I have no idea where to start...” 

If that sounds familiar, you’re totally in the right place. 😉

Because today, I’m bringing back a super practical, ever-so-encouraging conversation I had with my own right hand, my assistant, Queenie Verhoeven. 

Together, we’ll break down how to hire the right VA — walking you through exactly what to think about as you prepare, how to find the right person, and more. 

I mean, there’s a reason this is one of our most popular episodes ever. :) 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

• When it’s time to hire a VA for your practice (and when it isn’t). 
• Where to find qualified assistants who can bring you the help you need, without wasting time and money on what you don’t. 
• What to look for when you’re finally hiring — and what not to over-prioritize... 
• How to set up a successful working relationship with your new hire. 
• And why hiring help is about more than saving time. (So much more!) 

You’ll learn directly from someone who’s been on both sides of the hiring relationship - which can help you avoid common mistakes many make. 

Listen: you really don’t have to handle everything on your own, nor should you! 

But if this episode stirs up questions about your own path forward, a Quick Start Consult can help you get clear. Learn more about that right here. 

Running a business is SO much better with a good team. 

And you deserve nothing less. 

~Wendy 

P.S. Remember: hiring help doesn’t mean you’re failing — it means you’re growing.

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TODAY’S GUEST: Queenie Verhoeven 

Queenie Verhoeven is a proactive virtual assistant and the founder of Your Business Ally. With over 15 years of experience supporting small business owners, she provides administrative, marketing, and tech support — and, more importantly, freedom from overwhelm. 

She works as a true partner to her clients, helping them focus on what matters most while she handles the behind‐the‐scenes details that keep a business running smoothly. 

Learn more at www.YourBusinessAlly.com.

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JOURNAL PROMPT: 

What is the most important quality you want any team member you hire to have? Is it a specific skill set, experience, an attitude or perhaps a personality trait? 

Before you begin your search, taking some time to think about what matters most. You’ll make a better hire when you do. 

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MENTIONED: 

EPISODE: #75. Virtual Assistants: What They Do, How They Help, and Why You Should Hire One 

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

This week, I’m sharing something I’ve never done on the podcast before: a replay of an interview I did as a guest on Joe Sanok’s show, The Practice of the Practice.
 
In this conversation, Joe and I first did a quick walk through of my 7 Pillars framework - the foundation I use to help practice owners build a business that’s clear, solid, and sustainable. 

And then (because Joe is Joe 😄) we did a deep dive into the money side of it all: pricing, rates, and the mindset stuff that gets in the way.
 
If you’re craving a clearer way to think about what’s working in your practice - and what needs attention next - you’re going to love this one.

In this episode, you’ll learn…

• A simple overview of the 7 Pillars of an Ideal Practice, including the aspect that matters most about each.
• Better ways to think about your ‘product’ (and why an ‘hour a week’ isn’t the only option).
• How building in certain systems can save your sanity as a practice owner.
• Why payment is about soooo much more than your fee (and the hidden clinical cost of not handling it well.)

Plus, I’ve got a sweet deal for you on my popular course, Mind Over Money.

So join Joe and I for a fun (and eye opening) conversation about how to sustain your private practice in a much better way.

~Wendy

P.S.  If you want a quick way to review your own practice through the lens of the 7 Pillars, grab the IP360 Scorecard. It’s free, it takes about 10 minutes, and it’ll show you where your biggest stress points are right now. Link is in the show notes.

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TODAY’S GUEST:  Me! 😉

I’m sharing the audio today from my appearance as a guest on Practice of the Practice with Joe Sanok. Joe is a podcaster, consultant, and practice owner who helps therapists build businesses they love. He has supported thousands of clinicians through training, consulting, and resources for private practice owners.

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MENTIONED

• Joe Sanok: A Story of Business Success, True Worth and Personal Evolution | IP 170
• The Practice Academy by Joe Sanok. Note: This is not an affiliate link, but please do mention my name as the person who referred you if you reach out to them. Thank you. 
• The IP 360 Scorecard

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FEELING SQUIRMY about CHARGING for YOUR SERVICES??

Sign up for my course, MIND OVER MONEY. Learn more about it here, and use the promo code ‘Joe’ at checkout, to get it over 50% off! 

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

As we step into a brand new year, I wanted to start 2026 with a different kind of conversation.

In this episode, I’m sharing why I chose to hit the reset button on the podcast over the last few weeks — not by stopping, but by shifting the rhythm. 

After a demanding fall, caregiving responsibilities, and a deep need for creative breathing room, I realized I didn’t need to quit or push harder.

I needed a strategic reset.

So this reflection is an invitation to rethink how we approach consistency, productivity, and growth — especially in seasons where our energy, priorities, or capacity have changed - or need to change. ;)

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Why “pushing through” or quitting entirely are not your only options.
• What a strategic reset can look like in real life (and in your private practice!).
• How small tweaks in rhythm and structure can make a big difference in your energy...
• Why you don't have to burn out to evolve.
• And a gentler way to approach goals, planning, and presence in 2026. (Totally what I’m going to try this year. 🤨)

I’ll share about how I’m approaching this new year differently — with broader intentions, more spaciousness, and a renewed focus on being present rather than forcing outcomes.

Because here’s the thing.

Sometimes the most sustainable way forward isn’t more discipline or bigger goals — it’s permission to pause, recalibrate, and let what’s next unfold with care.

I kind of like that.
How about you?

~Wendy

P.S. If you need an easy tool to help you review all aspects of your practice for your own strategic reset, download your copy of the IP360 Scorecard, right here.  No cost. Takes 10 minutes to do. And will give you a quick overview of the stress points in your practice! 

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FREE RESOURCES

• IP360 Scorecard:  https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/360

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WANT to BE on the PODCAST?
 
You can apply right here! 👉  https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/guest-application

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Well, Happy New Year everyone! 🥳

As we say goodbye to the year that’s been and step forward to who we’re becoming, I wanted to share something meaningful with you.

Someone special once shared this with me during a season of real transition, and I’ve been passing it along ever since.

Here’s the thing.

If you’re in the middle of change — if things feel uncomfortable, uncertain, or unfinished — it may be because something new is taking shape within you. And that might actually be a good thing.

But goodness - that in-between space can be hard.

We can feel the old way ending, while the new way isn’t clear yet. And when that happens, we often rush — into action, distraction, or busyness — just to get out of the not-knowing.

Don’t do that. 🛑

Let yourself stay present, sit with the discomfort of change for a while. This space matters. It’s where growth begins.

The gift I’ve got for you today explains this beautifully… I hope it brings you the kind of comfort it’s brought me over the years. (If it resonates, I’ll also tell you how to download a copy so you can return to it whenever you need.)Wherever you are today, I hope you’re being good to yourself, that you’re surrounded by people who love you, and that you know good things are coming your way soon.

Here’s to what’s next. 🥂

~Wendy

P.S. What change are you in the middle of right now? Hit reply or send me a note — I’d love to hear! 🙏

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FREE RESOURCES

- Want your free copy of today’s reading? Click here ➜ www.wendypittsreeves.com/waiting

- Assess Your Progress with the IP360 SCORECARD in January…and get a free consult!

As a coach of mine used to say, running a business is a full contact sport. There are SO many different parts 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: https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/360

HEADS UP!! For anyone who downloads and completes this free self-assessment in January 2026 >>> I’m offering a no-cost 30 minute online coaching consultation to anyone who completes theirs and submits it to me for a review.

That’s a terrific offer, y’all. Don’t miss it. 😎

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]