Ideal Practice

Do you ever feel like your practice is held together by nothing more than rubber bands and band-aids?  Feel like you're constantly putting out fires instead of actually growing the business you dreamed of? 

If this sounds familiar, you'll love what I have for you today, because I'm talking to the ever-so-organized Ariana Refsdal about creating systems that actually work for creative, intuitive healers like us.

Ariana is a business systems expert who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs streamline their back office operations through a more holistic approach. 

And, she knows that organizing our office isn’t what we get excited about - so she wants to make this easier for all of us. The better things are behind the scenes, the better we’ll be with our clients - right? 

Right!  (She gets us, friends.)

So in this episode, you'll learn:

• The 3 systems every practice owner needs to have in place (and why you need them sooner than you think!).
• The one system that will help you get out of your own way, so your business can finally grow.
• How to onboard your clients in a way that sets boundaries AND makes them feel supported from day one. (I love that.)
• Why systems don’t have to be complicated to be powerful, plus which system you should implement first.

This conversation really hit home for me. 

Because here's what I know about you… You're amazing at the clinical work, the healing work, the magic you were called to bring to your clients. 

But if behind-the-scenes chaos is keeping you up at night or distracting you during sessions, then something's got to give.

So give this one a listen.  Because when your business runs smoother, you just feel better.  

You do better work, you show up more for your clients…

…and you make more money too. 😎

What’s not to love about that?!

~Wendy

P.S. Can you help a friend out?  I will be reaching out to other podcasts soon as a potential guest myself, so I can share some of what we do here on Ideal Practice for others. What podcasts do YOU listen to that you think I should reach out to?

Please reach out to let me know!

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TODAY’S GUEST:  

Ariana Refsdal is an Aligned Business Strategist who helps mission-driven entrepreneurs simplify their systems, optimize their operations, and build a business that supports the life they actually want to live. 

With a background in virtual support, project management, and strategic planning, she bridges the gap between vision and execution—especially for purpose-led founders who feel stuck in the back end of their business.

Ariana believes your business can be both impactful and easeful, and she’s here to help you reclaim your time, attract aligned clients, and move forward with clarity and confidence.  

Her Website: www.inspiredvirtualcollaborations.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/inspiredvirtualcollaborations

 Her Gift for You: www.inspiredvirtualcollaborations.com/systems-mini-guide

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Today, we’re going to get out of the office, out of our heads, and back into our bodies, my friends.  Woot! 🥳

In this episode, I've brought back one of my favorite guests - the brave and oh-so-creative Gary Katz - for a deep dive into the magic of experiential work.

Gary is a licensed therapist and founder of the Center for Intimacy Recovery, a group practice with services now in seven states around the U.S.  

He's also the most wonderfully creative human who takes therapy way beyond the traditional office setting. 

We're talking surf therapy in New York, boxing classes with clients, even summer camp for 80 year olds …

But there's more.

Gary has brought that same creative spirit he uses in his clinical work to the connections he has with colleagues, too. 

With his "Therapy Tribe", he’s created a whole community for mental health professionals that is equally creative - and fun! - with pickleball, salsa dancing, summer camps and Mexico retreats! 

(He thinks we therapists need more play in our lives. I think he’s right.)

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why physical exhaustion can be a helpful "backdoor" into helping clients connect with their bodies (particularly those with a history of abuse or trauma).
• How one experience while surfing with a client completely transformed his perspective as a therapist (... and what crashing waves can teach us about our feelings and emotions 🤔).
• Important factors that you need to consider BEFORE you take a client on an experiential session (because this is NOT something you do casually).
• The super simple (but incredibly powerful) way you could start exploring experiential work right away.

So, if you've ever had a little voice in your head whisper, "What if I tried something different with my clients?" - this episode is for you.

Because maybe, just maybe, YOUR willingness to step out of your comfort zone is the exact medicine your clients need to step out of theirs.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy
xoxo

P.S. So was I right? Did you love this? If so, could you give us a quick review or thumb’s up over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Thank you SO much! 

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TODAY’S GUEST:  

Gary Katz is a psychotherapist and founder of The Center for Intimacy Recovery, centered in New York, which focuses primarily on intimacy and relationships. The practice has grown into a large group practice of 20 therapists, 12 weekly groups (all private pay), now with therapists in 7 or 8 states across the country.

Without a sense of intimacy with oneself, people can’t fully experience intimacy with someone else. Our hearts are fragile so we develop strategies to keep them safe and avoid getting hurt. The Center for Intimacy Recovery helps clients find ways to have the intimacy and connection in life that we are all seeking. 

Website: www.intimacyrecovery.com
Email: [email protected]

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Can you believe we're halfway through the year already? 

Yikes - that went fast. 😳

So how are you doing with those big goals you set for your practice back at the start of the year? If you’re not sure, or if it’s been a while since you’ve checked in with those goals - this is for you. 

The truth is, most of us can only handle about 90 days’ worth of focus at a time anyway, so checking in with a quarterly review is actually the best way to pause, reflect, and course-correct if needed. 🤓

In this episode, you’ll hear 4 simple questions you can use to guide your thinking as you reflect on your progress over the past 90 days. Then, we’ll use that reflection to revisit your intentions and map out your plan for the next 90 days, too.

#Winning!

Those big plans you mapped out at the start of the year? They still count. The key to making them real, though, is this kind of process. 

So sit down, grab a pen and a notebook, get comfortable, and get ready…

Today, I’ll walk you through a simple 4-part journal exercise that will give you a powerful framework to review your goals and ensure that you stay aligned as you work towards them with intention.

Because life happens, right? 

And I get it.  It’s all too easy to get busy, to get overwhelmed, and just … lose sight of the big picture.

But not today! 

Today, YOU are the one driving the bus, and your business follows your lead. 😎

(Am I right?)

So give this a listen - and make some time to really sit with this process so you can get the most out of it.

Your future self will thank you! 🥰

~Wendy  

P.S. If you’re the type who likes to go deeper, be sure to check out this free resource I’ve got for you too. Click here to get your copy of the Quarterly Success Checker. → www.wendypittsreeves.com/quarter. It’s a perfect guide for those who like a more comprehensive process. :)  

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FREE RESOURCE: The QUARTERLY SUCCESS CHECKER
If you’re like me and you love taking a deep dive into the planning process for your practice, then you might want a little more than the 4 questions I’ve outlined in today’s episode. Try those as a place to start. And then try this.

For you, I’ve got something else. Click on the link below to get your no-cost copy of the Quarterly Success Checker. This free tool is much more comprehensive, and will give you an even deeper sense of where your progress is, and where you want to go next.

Here’s the link:  www.WendyPittsReeves.com/quarter

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking about some of the more creative ways that some therapists are working with their clients.

Because the truth is, I always love the sheer variety of different ways that we can serve our clients. 

So today, I thought I’d share my own story with you, and tell you about a slightly crazy thing I did back in the day. 😁

Today, you’ll hear the wild story of how I turned a simple observation about some of my clients into "Secret Adventures for Courageous Women" – a monthly experiential program that ran for three years and changed everything.

You’ll hear:

• The one (amazing!) thing that happened to each woman who joined one of my experiences. (Every. Single. Time.)
• The exact, 7-step framework I used to design my experiences (spoiler alert: one of them may involve dancing 💃).
• Some of the more surprising things that can happen during experiential therapy (even when you plan carefully down to the last detail).
• How I learned to create experiences that worked beautifully, powerfully, and repeatedly (… plus - the ONE thing I would have changed). 

Y'all, this was never just about the experience itself. 

It was about watching women discover they could handle way more than they ever imagined. It was about seeing them come back as completely different people. A foot taller, eyes brighter, empowered in ways that surprised us both…

And here's the thing – you may have your own version of this hiding in plain sight. 

Maybe it’s time to stop talking and start doing.

Give this a listen, and then ask yourself: How could you introduce even a tiny experiential component to your client work?

I'd love to hear what adventures your mind starts to cook up!

~Wendy

P.S. “WHOA Wendy - THAT was crazy… and also cool!”
If that’s what you’re saying to yourself 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:  

How could you introduce an experiential creative component to your client work? Even a small one?

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COACHING:  Need a Quick Start Consult? 

Got a problem in your practice that you can’t 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 below for details.

QUICK START CONSULT: 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’s guest caught my attention when I got word about an experiential workshop she was hosting for therapists in our area. When I looked into it, I was struck by the way she’s grown her practice - managing to combine her skills and experience in a VERY creative way. 

I’m speaking with Julie Jerrolds, an LPC Supervisor and EMDR-certified therapist from the beautiful Seymour, Tennessee - right up the road from me. :)  Julie is the visionary founder of Open Reins Counseling, where she provides her clients with a combination of equine-assisted therapy and EMDR.

In this inspiring conversation, you’ll hear how Julie’s built a thriving, unique practice that truly embodies her passions, blending deep clinical skill with the healing power of nature and horses. 

You’re also going to learn:

• The first step to take when starting out in a new niche (and why you’re probably more ready than you think).
• Why your practice has to evolve over time, and how to know that you’re evolving in the right direction.
• Why healers need to experience healing too – and what an impact that will have on your own practice going forward.
• A beautiful ritual Julie uses to draw a line under her day and disconnect from work at the end of it.

Y’all, there is a lesson here for all of us … There is so much more that we can do as therapists than just sit in a room and talk with someone once a week.

I have always been a huge fan of experiential work. I also love seeing a therapist who finds creative ways to expand what she’s already offering. Julie has shown us a power example of what’s possible here.

Imagine what could happen if you gave yourself permission to think outside of the box.  To dream bigger.  To think differently.  To find a way to combine one or more of your passions and serve your clients deeply in the process.

Would that be FUN? 

Well, here’s the really fun part … it’s your business, and you get to design it any way you want. So - why not play with that a bit? ;) 

Just ask Julie!

~Wendy

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:  JULIE JERROLDS

Her Website: www.openreins.com

Her Journal: Daily Mindfulness Journal

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/open_reins_counseling 

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MENTIONED:  

Episode 12: Make More Money. Do More Good. How Bonnie Barclay Tripled Her

Episode 24: A Life of Service and Adventure: The Inspiring Journeys of Amye Cole, LMFT

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

I know that a lot of you feel overwhelmed by social media, so today, I've got something to share that's going to take a huge weight off your shoulders.

I'm chatting with the lovely Berlyn Komar, founder of Planted Marketing and the Greenhouse community, who specializes in helping purpose-driven brands create authentic, aligned content marketing that actually feels good.

Berlyn brings a refreshingly practical approach to a topic that leaves most of us feeling overwhelmed. She's sharing how to make social media work FOR you rather than drain you - and it's simpler than you might think.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why you don’t need to be active on every social media platform (and the two things to consider when choosing which platforms to post on).
• Why Berlyn still posts regularly on Instagram – even though it has NEVER brought her a client (and the one key benefit that it has provided).
• How to transform ONE piece of content into an entire month's worth of social posts, blogs, and emails … all without extra work. (I loved this one, y’all. 🥰).
• A simple strategy to use if you’re worried about being judged by friends and family when you show up online. 🥸

Here's the truth, my friends…

When your marketing flows from a place of ease and truth - when it's an authentic invitation to connect rather than a desperate grab for attention - people will feel that difference. And they'll be drawn to you naturally.

So take a deep breath, because you don't have to do it all. 

You just have to find what works for YOU. (And this episode will help!)

~Wendy

P.S. Are you on Facebook or Linked In? Those are the 2 places I tend to be. (Sorry Instagram!) Would love to connect with you there. Send me a request and tell me you heard this invite here! :) 

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TODAY’S GUEST:  BERLYN KOMAR 

Berlyn Komar is a seasoned digital marketing strategist and founder of Planted Marketing, a full-service agency specializing in organic content marketing for purpose-driven brands. 

With over a decade of experience, Berlyn has helped countless small businesses and solopreneurs grow by building authentic marketing strategies. She also founded The Greenhouse, a membership community that provides affordable, hands-on marketing support for solopreneurs navigating the challenges of DIY marketing. Passionate about empowering women entrepreneurs, Berlyn combines strategic expertise with a creative, values-driven approach to business growth.

• Her Website: https://plantedmarketing.com/ 
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@plantedmrkting 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantedmrktng/ 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/planted-marketing 

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Growing a successful private practice takes a lot more than a nice office and some cool posts on Instagram or a brief profile in Psychology Today.

It takes courage - and lots of it.

There have been countless times when I knew I wanted to go somewhere with my practice that would require me to step up in a bigger way, to play a bigger game.

And each time, that meant I had to face my own internal limits, to tolerate the discomfort of growth, and do things I wasn’t at all sure I could do!

• Learning how to network with community business leaders and government officials, many of whom I initially found quite intimidating.
• Learning how to promote myself and my colleagues with confidence and clarity, standing on the value I knew we brought to our region even before I had that confidence myself.
• Learning how to lead a team, design a program, launch a regional conference, and eventually - run for office - even though I’d never done anything like that in my life. 

And so much more.

Today, I’ll tell you how I did it, how I faced those fears and did what needed doing, every single time.

Turns out - even though I was running on intuition - there was a structure to my process, every time. Today, I’m introducing you to the Courage to Confidence Success Cycle(c), a go-to process I’ve used to face fear and reach new heights over and over again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

      1. …about the complete 7 step process that worked each time I knew it was
          time to grow as a practice owner.
     2. …the one step you must take before you figure out the ‘how’, not after, even
          though most people would do it the other way around.
     3. …the unexpected, unpredictable, and often kind of amazing ways that one
          small courageous step will teach you to lead in ways you didn’t even know
          you had in you.

Whether you’re gathering the nerve to invite a colleague you’ve always admired to coffee, making your first hire, or heck - buying an office building - it’s all scary.

But you already have the courage inside. It’s only in taking action that you’ll build the confidence to match. And the C2C Success Cycle will lead you all the way through.

So give this a listen.

And the next time your business calls you to move forward, whisper a quiet, “Ok”.

And begin.

You can’t see it, but I’m over here, cheering wildly, for you.

~Wendy

P.S. Got something that’s calling you forward now? Shoot me an email and tell me about it. Send it to [email protected]. I’d love to cheer you on!

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT:

If you were not fearful, what would you do?

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FREE RESOURCES

There are certain tools and resources that I’m asked for repeatedly. So, to make those easier for everyone to find, my team has gathered them into one place so that you can grab what you need when you need it. Click on the link below and help yourself!

https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/free-resources

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

“There’s no such thing as a solopreneur.” 

That’s what Melissa Snow said to me when we first met to discuss her possible appearance on the podcast. And just like that, I was hooked.

Her point? 

She went on to explain that our network is our strength,  and finding ways to build deep connections with others is the healthiest, and fastest, way to grow your practice. 

After all - who are you more likely to get a referral from? An insurance company? Some ad you run on Instagram? 

Or a colleague who knows you, trusts you, understands who you serve - and values your work? 

I know the answer to that - and I bet you do too. 

But soooo many healers in private practice fall on the introverted end of the social scale. We’re not shy mind you - not at all. We just prefer deeper, richer conversations over the mad chaos of a Chamber coffee where all that matters is how many business cards you manage to give away. 

Ugh. 

Yeah. We hate that. :) 

But networking, when handled the way Melissa teaches us to handle it, can be a much better experience. And in today’s episode, she’ll share some of that with you.

In this episode, you’ll hear: 

• All the other reasons networking is a smart strategy, way beyond the chance to get a few referrals. (One of my own experiences led to a whole new conference for adolescent girls…)
• Several creative ways to build satisfying professional relationships you’ll actually enjoy, relationships based on connections - not transactions.
• What to do when you attend a networking event and it doesn’t go so well. (It’s not what you think.)
• How imposter syndrome may be holding you back. (My clients talk about this a LOT.)
• What a “fishing pole” friend is, and how handy it could be to have one. (I loved this one so much! 🤭)

You might hear a networking nightmare or two as well. But by the time you get to the end of this lovely conversation, I’m betting you’ll be excited about getting out there to meet a few new folks. 

And they’ll be excited to meet YOU too. 

This networking thing matters more than you may know - but it can also be more fun than you’ve ever believed. 

Still not sure? Give this a listen. 

~Wendy

P.S. If you’re enjoying the podcast (as so many of you tell me you are), could you help me spread the word? Do you have friends or colleagues who could use a new business besty? Please share this episode with them. (Hey! #Networking!) They’ll thank you!

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TODAY’S GUEST:  MELISSA SNOW 

Melissa is a Business Relationship Strategist dedicated to empowering women in entrepreneurship. She founded the Powerful Women Rising Community, which provides female business owners with essential support and resources for business growth. Melissa's mission is to revolutionize networking, promoting authenticity and genuine connections over sleazy sales tactics.  

And THAT’s what we’re talking about today. Good stuff!

HER WEBSITE: www.powerfulwomenrising.com
HER PODCAST → Powerful Women Rising - A Business Podcast for Female Entrepreneurs: https://bit.ly/45j4wBY

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

Okay, friends, let’s have a conversation that could change your entire relationship with money in your practice. 🧐

I’m thrilled to bring you my conversation with the fantastic Shannon Simmons. Shannon is the owner of “Fit For Profit”, a company dedicated to helping health and wellness professionals (like us!) get financially healthy. She's a Profit First Professional and the creator of the insightful Embodied CFO program. 

(I love even the sound of that.)

In this episode, you'll hear her practical, step-by-step breakdown of the Profit First system (it's simpler than you think).  We also explore the crucial (and often overlooked) connection between your money habits and your mindset –  and even how your body feels about money.

You're also going to learn:

• How to guarantee that your practice will be profitable, starting TODAY.
• A common mistake that causes 85% of businesses to fail (and what to do instead).
• A subtle but powerful grounding technique to use when dealing with money stress or making financial decisions.
• The simple system that will let you pay yourself a bonus every 3 months. 🥳

Guys, I loved Shannon’s energy, and I think you will too.  

So, give this a listen.  Because when you take the time to do this work and take care of your ‘money stuff’, you thrive, and your business thrives. 

And guess what, so do your clients. 🥰

~Wendy

P.S.  Are you already following these principles in your practice? If so, I’d love to hear from you. How has this impacted your business?

(Oh - and don’t forget to leave a review for us! Thank you!) 

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TODAY’S GUEST: SHANNON SIMMONS 

Shannon Simmons is Fit For Profit’s founder and CEO. As a business owner, she knows what it’s like to face challenges and feel overwhelmed by finances, from childhood and beyond. Her passion for helping small business owners comes from a time when, as a practicing accountant and bookkeeper, she couldn’t pay her OWN tax bill. As a result, she decided to overhaul her business, starting with the foundation: her financial system.

Today, she helps  professionals who are passionate about finally finding their profit too.

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MENTIONED: 

Her Website: https://fitforprofit.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fit4profit
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit4profit/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonsimmonsffp/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@fitforprofit3890

Book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz   

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
[email protected]

If you've been listening to this podcast for any length of time, then you know that I’m just as likely to talk about how your sun sign affects your practice, as much as your marketing strategy does, right?

But today, I thought I’d go a little deeper.  A little more personal.

I thought maybe it was time to share a more with you about the energy side of running a practice, or what my friends and I call the ‘woo side’ of owning a business.

This topic might not be for everybody (and you can call me hokie if you want to), but I believe that we are all an active, collaborative part of the universe - and that energy impacts everything we do.

So today, I’m pulling back the curtain and sharing 3 of my favorite energy tools – tools I use, not just for managing my practice, but for managing myself too.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How I used an ancient practice to dramatically improve the feel of my group practice space (…including a funny story about the use of vodka in that process).
• My go-to tool for personal guidance, and exactly how I use it to tune into what’s important to me right now.
• Why healers like us sometimes need help from other healers (and a pretty incredible experience I had during my own session with a healer).
• What happens when you believe in angels…😇

Friends -  I’ve recorded this episode because I want to be real with you. If you’re going to listen to someone, learn from them, and maybe follow some of their guidance, I believe it’s important that you know who is behind that voice.

And who knows?

Maybe there’s a reason why today’s episode found you. 🤔

Energy moves in mysterious ways, after all. :)

I hope this is helpful.

~Wendy

P.S. “Okay Wendy - THAT was super 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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MENTIONED:

The Telepathy Tapes podcast: https://thetelepathytapes.com/

Abraham Hicks: https://www.abraham-hicks.com/

The Mystical Shaman Oracle Card Deck: https://www.tribalsoulsanctuary.com.au/product-page/mystical-shaman-oracle-card-deck

The Archangel Michael Deck: https://www.amazon.com/Archangel-Michael-Oracle-Cards-Guidebook/dp/1401922732

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NEED HELP?

Maybe a Quick Start Consult can get you pointed in the right direction.
Learn more here - 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]