On today’s episode, we’re tackling the fears that hold aspiring private practice therapists back. From worrying about failure and finding clients to fearing instability, these doubts are real—but they don’t have to stop you.

break down why traditional training leaves therapists unprepared for the business side of private practice and how to move forward anyway. You don’t need to have it all figured out—small, intentional steps can build confidence and momentum. I’ll also share practical ways to work through fear, from finding community support to taking proactive steps like journaling and networking. 

And if you're ready for more guidance, my Build to Run program is designed to help you go from hesitant to thriving in private practice. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.raisedtoempower.com/built-to-run

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

On today’s episode, I sit down with Alexandria Theordor, a digital marketing coach who helps therapists and private practice owners grow their businesses with marketing strategies that are authentic, ethical, and effective.

For many therapists, marketing feels overwhelming, confusing, or just plain uncomfortable. But the truth is, without it, finding clients—and building a sustainable practice—is nearly impossible.

Alex, a licensed clinical social worker, transitioned into private practice during the COVID-19 pandemic and quickly discovered a passion for digital marketing. Through her own journey, she learned how intentional, values-driven marketing can help clinicians create thriving, sustainable businesses.

In this conversation, we tackle the biggest misconceptions about marketing, break down actionable strategies for attracting clients, and explore ways women and moms can build their practices while maintaining balance.

Learn more about Alex and her work at www.stresslesstherapist.com or on Instagram @StressLessEnterprisesLLC. And don’t miss her Free SEO Optimized Blog Post Templates for Therapists.

Access this free resource HERE and get three thoughtfully structured blog post templates designed specifically for mental health professionals. With each template, you'll have the guidance you need to create powerful, SEO-friendly blog content that showcases your expertise, reaches your ideal clients, and highlights the value of therapy.

You can also get 10% off your first purchase on Lyrical Host with Alexandria’s code STRESSLESS10.

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this episode, we’re talking about a topic that often goes unspoken among therapists—how to handle major medical emergencies as a business owner. I'm joined by Norine Vander Hooven, an LCSW with over 37 years of experience, who shares her personal journey through a life-altering medical crisis that offered challenges and insights into managing a private practice amidst unexpected adversity.

Norine opens up about the crucial period when she was unable to work due to a severe health emergency, the importance of having a professional will, and the resilience required to balance her medical recovery while maintaining her therapy practice. 

We discuss how this experience influenced her approach to therapy and private practice, including the significance of transparency with clients and setting realistic expectations for both herself and those she serves.

Learn more about Norine and her work at https://westlaketraumaandresilience.com, https://thecraftworkscollective.com, https://mentalhealthmerch.store and on the following channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westlaketraumaandresilience      

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/emdrconsultant.norine

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

On today’s episode, I sit down with Valery Krieg, therapist, business coach, and founder of Practice With Valery. Valery’s journey from public health to private practice ownership is packed with valuable insights, and she’s here to share her expertise on building a thriving, sustainable therapy business—without the overwhelm.

We talk about the reality of starting and scaling a private practice, why traditional marketing advice often falls flat for therapists, and how to attract ideal clients without relying on cookie-cutter strategies. Valery shares the key to future-proofing your practice so it weathers any storm, making sure your business stays strong no matter what comes your way. 

If you're ready to take control of your practice—on your own terms—this episode is for you.

Don’t miss Valery’s Savvy Practice Summit this March 10-12th. It’s the ultimate FREE virtual event designed to take you from broke to booked. Join 24 Experts in Marketing, Business, and Entrepreneurship Spill the REAL Secret to More Money—and Less Stress—in Private Practice. Register Here: https://savvypracticesummit.com/registration?am_id=ashley9657

Grab Valery’s Practice Profit Calculator here: https://practicewithvalery.com/calculator. This FREE all-in-one tool makes it easy to find the perfect fee—one that respects your clients and creates a steady income for your practice. 

Learn more about Valery and her work at www.practicewithvalery.com and on the following channels:

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

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicewithvalery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@practicewithvalery

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this episode of Raised to Empower, I’m joined by Alicia Murray, a licensed mental health therapist and the owner of a thriving virtual group therapy practice serving clients across New York. In addition to running her practice, Alicia helps fellow therapists take the leap into private practice—guiding them through the challenges of launching, growing, and structuring a business that aligns with their goals.

We sit down for a must-hear conversation for any therapist thinking about private practice: should you build your business around financial goals, or should your core values take the lead? And what’s the best model for you—going solo or running a group practice?

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a private practice that supports both your purpose and your bottom line. 

Get Alicia’s FREE Private Practice Startup Checklist at https://stan.store/The_Therapist_HQ and learn more about Alicia and her work at www.convenientcounselingservices.com or on Instagram @the.therapist.hq. 

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this milestone 100th episode of Raised to Empower, I’m reflecting on my mission to help women and mom therapists step into their power and build the private practice they deserve.

For 99 episodes, we’ve tackled the realities of agency and community mental health work—the burnout, the financial strain, and the lack of control over your own career. I know the toll it takes because I’ve been there. Stuck. Exhausted. Wondering if this path was even sustainable.

But I made a change, and you can too. In this episode, I’m breaking down the real cost of staying in a job that drains you and how to create a practice that actually supports you. 

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Burnout is real, and for mental health professionals, it can hit even harder. In today’s episode, I sit down with Cynthia Welsh, a clinical social worker with 25+ years of experience, to talk about how we can protect our energy while doing the work we love.

We get into why burnout is so common—especially for women and moms—how to recognize the warning signs, and what it actually takes to recover. Cynthia shares practical strategies for setting boundaries, taking meaningful breaks, and making self-care non-negotiable.

If you’ve ever felt drained, overwhelmed, or on the edge of burnout, this conversation is for you. Let’s talk about what it really takes to sustain ourselves in this field.

Learn more about Cynthia and her work at www.almacounseling.net and on the following channels:

Facebook: Cynthia Welsh, LCSWC 

Instagram: cynthiawelsh_lcswc

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into an important but often overlooked topic—why therapists need therapy too. As therapists, we spend our days holding space for others, processing trauma, and helping clients navigate life’s hardest moments. But what about us?

The emotional weight of this work is real, and when you add in family responsibilities, global stressors, and the constant pressure to be “the strong one,” it’s easy to forget our own needs. Therapy isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

I share why prioritizing our own mental health makes us better therapists, parents, and people. Plus, I’ll walk through practical ways to avoid burnout and build a sustainable self-care practice. Let’s talk about what it really means to take care of ourselves while we care for others.

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

Today, I'm excited to be joined by two leading figures in the mental health field, Miranda Campbell and Jessica Harris. Miranda is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in attachment trauma and relationship healing for BIPOC individuals. Jessica is a licensed professional counselor who focuses on negative body image, disordered eating, perfectionism, and relational trauma, especially among people of color.

In this episode, we delve into their journey of starting private practices and how embracing collaboration over competition has led them both to new heights. We explore their joint venture, Therapists Bestie, and discuss the power of community and connection in building a successful practice. Plus, get inspired by their new Amazon best-selling workbook, “Attachment Style Makeover”.

Learn more about Miranda and Jessica’s work at therapistbestie.com and be sure to download their freebies: “From Generic to Genuine: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Directory Profile that Attracts Your Ideal Clients” and the “Attachment Style Audit” at https://www.therapistbestie.com/store.

If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Grab your FREE copy of Comprehensive Connecting: Effective Scripts That Expand Your Networking Community & Actually Fill Your Online Practice

In this guide you will get:

• Tips and tricks for building relationships that will lead to referrals in your practice
• Real life examples of messages used to connect with referral sources
• Customizable “Plug and send” scripts for your specific practice and needs

Download your guide here https://bit.ly/CompConnecting 

Ready to streamline your practice and simplify your life? Head over to https://bit.ly/AshleySimplePractice to start your 30 day free trial and get up to $200 off your paid subscription 

Follow Us On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raisedtoempower

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.

In this special episode, I'm joined by Megan Numbers, a PhD-level counselor specializing in military mental health care. We dive deep into the current health care crisis impacting military service members, veterans, and their families across the U.S. Unlike our usual episodes, this one focuses on urgent advocacy and raising awareness.

Key discussion points:

• The breakdown of TRICARE, the military health care program, particularly in the East and West regions.
• Bureaucratic hurdles facing providers due to new claims processors and contract changes.
• Delays in critical medical and mental health care for military families.
• Impact on military readiness, family stability, and healthcare providers' livelihoods.

How you can help:

• Contact your congressional representatives and senators to voice your concerns.
• Reach out to media outlets to amplify this issue.
• Share this episode and related resources within your community.

For additional resources and templates for use to reaching out to Congress and media outlets CLICK HERE or https://bit.ly/tricareadvocacy 

To learn more about Megan and her practice, visit www.playtherapyofthepines.com and connect with her on Instagram @Playtherapy_ofthepines 

Thank you for listening and supporting our mission to advocate for military families.

Follow Raised to Empower on Instagram @Raisedtoempower for updates and more discussions 

Would you like to deliver your own private podcast feed to your audience? Sign up for a free trial today at Hello Audio.