Scaling Therapist Podcast: More Income, More Independence, More Impact (Not More Hours)

Hey there, lovely listeners! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. I'm your host, James Marland, joined by the ever-insightful Dr. David Hall. Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that's all too familiar in our modern lives – decision fatigue. So, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and let's get into it!

Kicking things off, we've got our weekly tool, tech, or tip segment, where we share nifty little tricks to make life a tad easier. James brings up a genius Google Calendar hack – did you know you can create tasks and checklists right there? Yep, a total game-changer! James chimes in, adding that this tip has him feeling more organized and on top of his tasks. It's like having your to-dos give you a friendly nudge right when you need it.

But wait, let's jump into the juicy topic of the day – decision fatigue. David and James dissect this modern-day woe, highlighting how our lives, thanks to technology and its intricacies, require us to make an astronomical number of decisions daily. Ever feel mentally exhausted by the evening? That's decision fatigue rearing its pesky head. David goes on to illustrate this by comparing it to our ancestors' simpler lives and routine diets.

James cleverly asks, "So, what are the signs of decision fatigue?" David and James exchange experiences, revealing that frustration, procrastination, and making hasty decisions are common indicators. When your mental gas tank is running low, your ability to think things through falters, leading to subpar choices.

Now, it's time to unveil the strategies to conquer decision fatigue! David drops golden nuggets of wisdom that could simplify your life in remarkable ways. First up, automate. By setting routines and processes on autopilot, you free up mental space for more important decisions. As David mentions, Steve Jobs' iconic black turtleneck was a symbol of his attempt to streamline his choices.

Secondly, pre-plan. Your brain is freshest in the morning, so make those crucial decisions early. James notes the connection to schoolchildren – they tend to be more disciplined during school hours because they've already used up their decision-making energy. David adds that he pre-plans meals to avoid the tempting late-night snacking frenzy, and it's totally relatable!

Finally, David drops the mic with the third tip – simplify and declutter. He likens our natural tendency to accumulate stuff to cluttering our mental space. Embracing simplicity isn't a one-time act but an ongoing process. Both hosts agree that this is easier said than done, but it's oh-so-liberating when you're able to let go of unnecessary baggage.

To regain control over your choices and ward off the looming specter of decision fatigue, a proactive approach is key. Start by automating recurring tasks and routines, freeing up mental space for more critical decisions. Set up reminders, delegate where possible, and implement tools that streamline your daily life. Next, capitalize on your brain's peak performance in the morning by pre-planning important choices early in the day. Map out your meals, schedule creative sessions, and establish a clear roadmap for the day ahead. Lastly, embrace the power of simplification – regularly assess your commitments, possessions, and subscriptions. Weed out the unnecessary to create an environment that fosters mental clarity and minimizes the constant drain of decision-making. Remember, these steps aren't just one-time solutions; they're ongoing practices that can significantly alleviate decision fatigue and empower you to lead a more purposeful, streamlined life.

Before we wrap up, let's roll out some practical action steps from today's insightful chat:

And there you have it, our whirlwind journey through decision fatigue and how to conquer it like the rockstars you are! Remember, folks, life doesn't have to be complicated – take those small steps towards a simpler, more empowered you. Stay tuned for more awesome content coming your way on the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. Until next time, keep making those smart choices!

In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, hosts James Marland and David Hall dive deep into the concept of passive income. They tackle the question: Is passive income really a lie? It's a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it truly mean? James Marland sets the stage by highlighting the allure of passive income, stating that "Everybody wants passive income." But is it as effortless as it sounds?

David Hall, a seasoned therapist, and entrepreneur, breaks down the distinction between passive income and active income. Active income, he explains, involves a direct exchange of time for money, such as hourly paid services like psychotherapy, supervision, or consulting. These activities require his presence and time investment, making it a straightforward active income model. David's hourly rates for his services are substantial, showcasing the direct correlation between his time and income.

When exploring passive income, David introduces the notion of "invested income" rather than passive income. He emphasizes that while passive income may not be an absolute reality, it's possible to create a leveraged system that reduces the effort required over time. He uses the analogy of building a machine—a pulley system—where you invest effort upfront to reap greater rewards later. The key is understanding that you won't eliminate work entirely, but you can make it more efficient and less demanding.

James and David address the common misconception that passive income is an easy way to generate money without any effort. They stress that this idea is a hook that draws people in, but the reality is quite different. Instead, they propose focusing on the concept of invested income, where you strategically put in the work to develop systems that yield higher returns over time. James likens it to the "get rich slow" method, emphasizing the importance of providing consistent value to your audience.

David and James underscore the significance of building relationships and nurturing your audience. They discuss the value of email lists, highlighting that the size of your audience plays a pivotal role in the success of your invested income endeavors. While many people are hesitant to join yet another email list, David stresses that providing consistent value is key. When people find value in what you offer, they're more likely to engage and even become paying customers.

As the conversation wraps up, David offers practical advice for therapists looking to scale their practice with invested income:

In conclusion, while the idea of true "passive income" might be a bit of a misnomer, the concept of invested income provides a clear path for therapists to scale their practices and generate higher returns over time. By building relationships, providing value, and strategically leveraging their expertise, therapists can create a powerful and efficient machine that ultimately yields greater financial rewards.

Key Takeaways:

Remember, the road to financial success involves effort and investment, but by taking strategic steps and embracing your unique style, you can create a powerful machine that generates significant returns for your therapy practice. So, is passive income a lie? It depends on your perspective, but invested income is a tangible and achievable path for therapists looking to scale their practices and achieve financial growth.

Links and Resources

Welcome back to The Scaling Therapy Practice with James Marland! In this episode, James interviews a special guest, Leo Debroeck, who shares valuable insights about the Counselor's Choice Award and other effective ways to scale your therapy practice. Get ready to learn about making your practice more distinguished, increasing revenue through continuing education courses, and the importance of taking action.

Leo DeBroeck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Child Mental Health Specialist in Washington State. He is the president and founder of Counselor's Choice Award, LLC which reviews and promotes scientifically validated counseling products, therapeutic tools, and books. He has written several children's therapy books, which are self-published and available on Amazon.com, for use in therapy settings addressing grief, self-confidence, addiction, neglect, abuse, and others. He also has a difficult time summarizing himself in 3-5 sentences for James to read as an introduction.

Leo Debroeck started the Counselor's Choice Award after realizing that he can be the one to make a difference in the field of therapy. He explains, "There's always somebody saying, 'Oh, somebody should go take care of that. Somebody should write therapy books.' I said, 'Yeah, somebody' and then I started doing it. Now I'm seven books later."

Leo and his coworkers saw a need for an improved system to vet therapy tools and products, so they created the Counselor's Choice Award. Their goal is to ensure that all products and tools advertised are legitimate and reviewed by licensed mental health therapists. Leo explains, "We base all of our work on the scientific model, like how an academic journal peer-review works."

The Counselor's Choice Award offers three major ways to help therapists scale their practice:

Therapists can submit their therapy products, books, or tools for review, and if approved, receive the Counselor's Choice Award logo to showcase their recognition. Leo emphasizes, "We want to recognize therapists who are running a good practice and meeting certain standards."

Leo and his team have started offering free continuing education credits for approved courses. This enables therapists to create online courses, which can be an additional revenue stream and allow them to share their expertise with a broader audience.

The Counselor's Choice Award can help private practices and group practices become more distinguished and reputable by meeting specific criteria. This recognition can attract more clients and therapists to join their team.

Leo advises therapists not to wait for someone else to take action. He shares, "If you're trying to grow your practice, I'm a therapist looking at what place to join after I've gotten my license. I'm gonna be looking for one that's also more distinguished, one that's got some kind of recognition besides just that we're licensed."

In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland welcomes special guest Stefani M Cohen, LCSW, who has written a book on overcoming the fear of dogs. Stefani, a licensed clinical social worker, discovered a surprising number of people, especially children, are afraid of dogs. She shares how she turned her passion for helping people conquer their fear into a book that could reach a broader audience.

Stefani's journey to writing the book started when her daughter expressed a sudden fear of dogs. After successfully helping her daughter overcome her fear through exposure therapy, Stefani realized she could help others as well. She began using her therapy dog, Mugsy, to assist clients in overcoming their fear of dogs, and her practice started to grow. Stefani's desire to help more people and share her expertise led her to write the book.

Writing the book wasn't without its challenges. Stefani found herself facing numerous decisions about the content, format, and publishing process. She decided on hybrid publishing and collaborated with a publisher that gave her book a personal touch. While the writing process had its ups and downs, Stefani's determination and willingness to try new things kept her moving forward.

Stefani highlights the importance of teaching kids how to read dog behavior and understand when a dog is happy, scared, or overexcited. This knowledge empowers kids to feel safer around dogs, reducing their fear and promoting positive interactions.

Stefani emphasizes the significant benefits of overcoming the fear of dogs, including the positive impact on mental health and relationships. The human-animal bond can be a transformative experience, promoting personal growth and overall well-being.

Stefani's advice to aspiring authors and therapists is to overcome any doubts and take action. She encourages them to start writing and not wait for the perfect moment. Embrace the "just do it" mindset and share your valuable insights with the world.

Stefani advises embracing a growth mindset, learning from failures, and not taking rejection personally. Instead of doubling down on unsuccessful efforts, read the data and make adjustments accordingly. It's essential to detach yourself from the outcomes and focus on continual improvement.

Welcome to the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. In this episode, James Marland and David Hall dive into the topic of delegation, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for entrepreneurs and practice owners. They discuss the importance of clear communication, defining outcomes, and managing expectations when delegating. 

Marland discusses a delegation-making framework from Mike Michalowicz's program, "Run Like Clockwork." He highlights the importance of three key elements: permission, information, and outcome. To make effective decisions, one needs permission within their roles, the right information, and the confidence to do what's best. Marland emphasizes that if any of these elements are missing, it's essential to communicate with the person assigning the work and seek clarification or guidance.

David Hall expresses his concerns about defining clear outcomes when delegating tasks, especially for those who struggle with organization. He shares his frustration with disorganization and the need to measure the impact of delegating tasks effectively. Hall acknowledges that as therapists, many tend to be intuitive feelers rather than objective measures. However, he highlights the importance of setting measurable outcomes and engaging in a discipline of clear communication to avoid disappointment.

James Marland emphasizes the significance of clarity and early check-ins when delegating tasks. Providing clear instructions, and defining the finished product, timeframe, and required resources can help virtual assistants or team members understand the expectations. Marland also suggests scheduling early check-ins to provide feedback and ensure that the delegated tasks align with your desired outcome. These check-ins allow for course correction and prevent potential disappointments.

One key aspect of effective delegation is ensuring that your direct reports and virtual assistants understand the desired outcome, rather than just the assigned tasks. By clearly communicating the outcome you wish to achieve, you provide them with a sense of purpose and direction. When individuals understand the bigger picture and the ultimate goal, they can contribute more meaningfully and creatively to the process. This approach encourages them to think critically and take ownership of their work, going beyond simply completing tasks. It empowers them to make informed decisions and find innovative solutions that align with the desired outcome. Ultimately, helping your team members understand the outcome fosters a sense of shared purpose and motivates them to strive for excellence in their work.

When it comes to delegation, it's essential to keep the bigger picture in mind. David Hall uses the metaphor of the forest and the trees to explain this concept. He emphasizes that the outcome or the gestalt of the situation is more critical than individual tasks. David says, "It's not about a collection of trees; it's about the forest." By shifting our focus to the experiential outcome for clients, therapists can create a more meaningful and holistic therapeutic process.

Understanding the Gestalt David explains that therapists often have a natural inclination towards the bigger picture, as they are more intuitive and focused on the overall outcome. This allows them to think beyond the individual pieces and consider the client's experience as a whole. He advises fellow therapists to lean on their strengths and think about the experiential outcome they want their clients to have.

The goal is the Outcome James Marland adds to the discussion, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is the outcome, not the specific method or task. He states, "The goal is not the method; the goal is the outcome." James believes that different clients require different approaches, and therapists need to adapt their methods to each individual. This flexibility allows therapists to maintain a strong therapeutic alliance and facilitate positive change.

Delegating tasks is a crucial aspect of scaling your therapy practice, but it requires trust between the therapist and the individual to whom tasks are assigned. James explains the importance of trust and the need for regular check-ins to ensure that tasks are completed correctly.

James suggests adopting a "trust but verify" approach when delegating tasks. Once a therapist has established trust with their assistant, they can have less frequent check-ins. However, it's vital to maintain a certain level of verification to ensure tasks are being accomplished effectively. James recommends checking in regularly during the initial stages and gradually reducing the frequency as trust is established.

Ownership plays a significant role in effective delegation. When someone takes ownership of a task, they become responsible for it, ensuring its completion. David highlights the importance of ownership and mentions that owning both success and failure is essential. It fosters a culture of accountability and trust within the team. By taking responsibility for their actions, assistants can build trust with therapists and demonstrate their commitment to the practice's success.

To delegate effectively, it's crucial to have clear role definitions within your practice. David and James discuss their experiences as co-business owners and emphasize the need for explicit role assignments. By clearly defining responsibilities, both partners can work in harmony and avoid confusion or overlapping tasks.

David warns against delegating tasks to a group or leaving them ambiguous, as this can lead to miscommunication and hinder task completion. Instead, he advises delegating tasks to specific individuals, ensuring that they take ownership of the responsibility. By doing so, tasks are more likely to be completed efficiently and effectively.

While clear delegation is vital, it's also important to maintain flexibility and open communication within the team. David and his wife, who is also his business partner, demonstrate how they collaborate and support each other within their counseling business. They have distinct roles but are free to ask for assistance when needed. This balance ensures that responsibilities are clear, but the team can provide support to one another as required.

Scaling your therapy practice requires effective delegation practices. By focusing on the outcome, building trust, and maintaining clear communication, therapists can delegate tasks efficiently and ensure their practice's success. Remember to listen to your disappointment, address it as a discussion starter, and use visuals and check-in meetings to enhance clarity and accountability. Trust, open communication, and a well-defined delegation process are the keys to scaling your therapy practice.

Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice Episode 31 of our podcast, where we dive into the world of delegation and its impact on productivity. In this episode, we explore the delegation process from the perspective of a therapist or supervisor, discussing the steps involved and how to overcome common challenges. Join us as we uncover practical strategies for effective delegation and maintaining a healthy working relationship with a virtual assistant.

It's important to acknowledge that feeling uncertain or hesitant about delegation is perfectly normal. As a therapist or supervisor, it's natural to have concerns about wasting time, being perceived as the "bad guy," or encountering difficulties in communication. Recognize that these feelings are valid and shared by many. As James Marland, our guest, suggests, "You don't wanna waste time. You have trouble being the bad guy. You get mad. Some of those difficult conversations are hard." It's essential to address these concerns head-on and find ways to overcome them. However, the key to having more time is to push work down in the organization so you can do the things only you can do. 

James Marland shares an effective framework for decision-making when delegating tasks to a virtual assistant. The framework consists of three crucial elements: permission, information, and confidence. First, ensure that the virtual assistant has the necessary permission to make decisions within their role. This may involve setting boundaries and providing access to accounts, tools, or technology. Second, equip them with the right information to make informed decisions. Clear communication and documentation are key here. Finally, focus on building the virtual assistant's confidence in their decision-making abilities. Encourage them to ask questions, seek clarification, and propose solutions.

To instill the delegation framework effectively, it's crucial for therapists and supervisors to hold their virtual assistants accountable. Make sure they know that they need to be following the decision-making framework. Your direct reports need to be able to walk themselves through the delegation and ask themselves what am I missing? Am I missing permission, information, or confidence? Emphasize the ongoing nature of this framework and make it clear that they should use it whenever they encounter obstacles. Encourage them to identify themselves which element (permission, information, or confidence) they are missing and ask for the necessary support. By involving virtual assistants in the decision-making process, they gain confidence, learn your decision-making preferences, and reduce your decision overload. 

David and James highlight the significance of giving virtual assistants permission to ask for clarification or guidance. It is often difficult for assistants to ask questions because they feel like they will bother their manager or that the manager will chastise them for their lack of ability to proceed. The therapist needs to make it safe for their direct report to bring up gaps in permission, information, or confidence. This open communication fosters a collaborative environment and allows the virtual assistant to feel empowered in their role. As David states, "The goal is not that they ask you every time this problem comes up. In the process of asking, they develop a new competency to know that they have permission or how to access permission."

Virtual assistants should feel comfortable seeking permission or clarification when faced with uncertainties. David and James encourage providing a framework that allows virtual assistants to ask for guidance without feeling inadequate. James adds, "Give them a way to say, 'I think this is what I should do, but I've never done this before, and I just want your eyeballs on this to make sure that I'm making the right decision.'"

Clear boundaries and rules are essential in the delegation process. Both parties should understand the scope of work and the limitations of the virtual assistant's role. James emphasizes, "Having clear boundaries and then a way to come to you when things go outside the boundaries is key. And not to make anybody feel bad, like don't make them feel bad that they're coming to you, and you don't feel bad that they didn't know. It's just your way to figure out the rules, the permissions."

The second element discussed is information. David and James stress the importance of ensuring virtual assistants have all the necessary information to successfully complete a task. They use the example of ordering pens to illustrate the significance of clarity.

To avoid misunderstandings, it is crucial to provide specific instructions and preferences. David explains, "If you told me to order pens and my history is black, and I order blue 50 black pens for all your therapists who wanted blue, I did not have the right information, so I could definitely not complete that task." By clearly communicating preferences and details, the virtual assistant can execute the task accurately.

Creating standard operating procedures or utilizing tools like loom videos can be beneficial in sharing information with virtual assistants. David suggests, "If you're not that sort of person, but you're just kind of walking through this process with a VA for the first time, have them write their own standard operating procedure." Having a centralized database of documented procedures ensures that information is readily accessible and decreases reliance on individual knowledge.

Confidence plays a crucial role in the delegation process. David and James emphasize the importance of allowing virtual assistants to seek confirmation and guidance when lacking confidence.

Virtual assistants should feel comfortable expressing their lack of confidence without fear of judgment. James advises, "Give them the verbiage to invite them to come up with a solution. If they have misinformation or they're wrong, it's not bad. Then you have a chance to instruct them on what you want them to do." This is how confidence grows. This is how a direct’s capacity grows. As they think through the process they will grow and come up with surprising solutions in their area or experience. 

David acknowledges the fear of delegating important tasks and highlights the potential benefits of finding someone who may excel in a particular area. He notes, "Even if I had the time, would I be as good as somebody else that I could hire? It's the humility to even say, 'There may be people out there that do this better than me.'"

Welcome to another episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice"! In this episode, James Marland and David Hall dive into the topic of hiring and making good hiring decisions. They discuss their own experiences and challenges when it comes to hiring the right people for their therapy practices. Join them as they explore the dynamics of objectivity, optimism, and confirmation bias in the hiring process. Get ready to gain valuable insights into finding the best fit for your team and avoiding common pitfalls. Let's dive in!

Trusting Your Gut James Marland reflects on his past hiring practices, where he relied heavily on his gut instinct. He believed that his experience in interviewing and working in mental health gave him the ability to discern the truth from lies. Trusting his gut was a very bad way to make hiring decisions. We want to like people. Our job is to hire people, which means we overlook red flags in the hiring process.  David Hall adds that the “trusting your gut” approach lacks objectivity and can be influenced by personal biases. He states, "Intimacy and objectivity are mutually exclusive. The closer you are to something, the less objective you become."

David Hall shares his own experience of being overly optimistic and trying to see potential in candidates who were not qualified for the job. He highlights the importance of maintaining objectivity in the hiring process, even though therapists are trained to believe in people's ability to grow and change. James Marland agrees, noting that confirmation bias can blind hiring managers to red flags and lead them to make poor hiring decisions.

Using an analogy of planting a tree, James Marland emphasizes the importance of finding candidates for your therapy office who not only have the right skills and personality but also fit well within the specific environment of the therapy practice. He points out that sometimes a great candidate may not thrive in a particular setting, and it is crucial to recognize this early on. Candidates need to match the “soil” in your office for them to thrive. 

David Hall reveals his personal goal of reaching a specific number of clinicians in his practice and quitting the hiring process altogether. He explains that he often brings candidates in for interviews with the hope of solving the problem of filling positions. However, he acknowledges that this mindset can lead to confirmation bias and a tendency to overlook potential issues. He also shares his experience with job posting boards, emphasizing the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations for finding quality candidates.

There is a real challenge with maintaining objectivity while being personally invested in the hiring process. The role of a hiring manager can blur the lines between job performance and personal reflection. David Hall shares his compromise, where he focuses on finding a solution to his hiring needs rather than viewing it solely as his job. This mindset helps him separate personal investment from the objective evaluation of candidates.

What makes this challenge even harder is the shortage of therapists. Hiring can be a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly when there is a shortage of quality candidates. A way to add some objectivity is to get a recommendation from a trusted person in the industry. Exploring alternative methods, such as word-of-mouth recommendations and networking, to attract the right individuals. It is important to resist the illusion that posting a job will automatically attract the perfect fit. Instead, focus on finding the best among the available options.

Building a successful therapy practice requires more than just excellent clinical skills. It also involves assembling a team of talented individuals who share your vision and dedication to providing exceptional client care. But hiring the right people can be a challenge, and making poor hiring decisions can lead to personal and professional pain. In this episode, James Marland and David Hall discuss their experiences with hiring and share valuable insights on scaling a therapy practice by hiring A-players.

Making hiring decisions can be emotionally challenging, especially when personal connections come into play. David Hall reflects on the pain he has experienced due to poor business partnerships and hires that didn't work out. He emphasizes the importance of objectivity and the consequences of allowing personal bias to cloud judgment.

David shares a story where he turned down a candidate for a job but later learned that they had found success elsewhere. This experience brought him consolation, as he realized that saying no can sometimes lead to better outcomes for both parties involved. James adds that it's crucial to trust the data and behavioral interview questions you use. Make decisions that align with a resounding "hell yes" rather than settling for a lukewarm "maybe." Remember, you are preprogrammed to overlook red flags. 

While the "hell yes" principle generally holds true, David reminds us that hiring decisions should also consider individual circumstances and expectations. He shares an example where his friend hesitated to hire a candidate who seemed awkward during the interview. However, after considering the potential client base and their preferences, they realized that the candidate's quirks could actually be seen as disarming and appealing to the clients. 

David acknowledges that not every hire will have clear warning signs. Sometimes surprises happen despite thorough interview processes. The key is to reflect on the expectations, maturity, and alignment of values during the hiring process. It's impossible to eliminate bad hires entirely, but by using discernment and minimizing the risks, you can reduce the likelihood of making poor hiring decisions.

James and David discuss the importance of finding candidates who genuinely enjoy the tasks associated with the job they're applying for. James recalls his experience of hiring virtual assistants who genuinely loved their work and didn't consider any task beneath them. This team-oriented mindset is crucial for a thriving therapy practice.

David shares an example from his practice, where pre-licensed therapists are often hired as employees, which is a controversial practice in the industry. He believes that the traditional mindset of therapists needing to suffer and overwork themselves can hinder positive client care and therapist development. Instead, he looks for candidates who demonstrate humility and are willing to grow within the practice.

Sometimes, seemingly small behaviors can reveal whether a candidate is a good fit for a team-oriented practice. David mentions how he values something as simple as maintaining cleanliness in the office kitchen. When some candidates resisted participating in mundane tasks like emptying the dishwasher, they exhibited a mindset that undermined the team mentality he sought.

James adds that it's not about the dishes themselves; it's about the behavior and attitude of being a team member who looks out for others. This mindset reflects the kind of individual who is likely to thrive in team-oriented therapy practice.

The first step in building a high-performing team is to identify the behaviors that lead to success in your therapy practice. As James Marland puts it, "So spend some time writing down the tasks that need to be done. Like what are the things that lead to success in your office, and then what are the behaviors that get those tasks done?" Think about the behaviors that define a successful therapist in your practice, such as not canceling appointments, being dependable, and maintaining a well-organized calendar.

Pro-tip: You can learn from your existing A-players in the team. Observe their quality and quantity of work, the reports they produce, and the results they achieve.

It's not enough to just know the behaviors you want in your team; you need to actively use them in your hiring process. James Marland emphasizes the importance of filtering out bad hires by using behavior-based interview questions. Instead of asking generic questions like "What would your boss say about you?" focus on asking about real-life scenarios related to the specific behaviors you are looking for. The best predictor of future behavior is recent past behavior in a similar situation. See Manager tools for free tools on behavior interview questions. Check out our blog post on Job descriptions to filter candidates for an example of behavioral interview questions. 

Pro-tip: Use a three-part question format: Start with a helpful lead-in, follow with an open-ended question about handling a specific situation, and then focus on the desired behavior.

When faced with poor candidates, it's better not to hire at all than to hire the wrong person. Hiring a wrong fit can lead to more problems and costs than leaving a position vacant. Remember, it's essential to find someone who aligns with your mission and exhibits the necessary behaviors for success in your practice.

Make "no" their default response in the hiring process. Only say "yes" to candidates who are a "hell yes" fit for your practice. Trust the data gained from the behavior interview questions and don't overlook red flags just because you need someone quickly. Remember, the pain of a wrong hire far outweighs the temporary inconvenience of leaving a position open.

Pro-tip: Don't rush into decisions. Take the time to assess candidates thoroughly and look for the ones who genuinely excite you.

In the hiring process for your office, take those small steps that lead to significant growth. Building a dream team for your therapy practice is an ongoing process of finding the right people who embody the behaviors that align with your mission. Don't be afraid to be selective and patient; your perfect A-player is out there!

In this episode of The Scaling Therapy Practice, James Marland and David Hall discuss the topic of hiring a virtual assistant. James, having worked for a virtual assistant company for three years and having interviewed and hired numerous virtual assistants, shares his expertise on the subject. The conversation revolves around the challenges of hiring a virtual assistant, setting expectations, and managing workflow. Throughout the discussion, valuable insights and tips are shared to help listeners navigate the process of hiring a virtual assistant effectively.

Therapists and therapy practice business owners face numerous challenges that can overwhelm their schedules and mental capacities. However, by harnessing the power of virtual assistants, these individuals can offload tasks, free up mental space, and focus on what truly matters for their business growth. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared by David Hall, an experienced entrepreneur, on the potential of virtual assistants and the desired features of a virtual assistant course or package. 

Click here to be taken to the show notes with links and other resources.

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Welcome to another episode of "The Scaling Therapy Practice" podcast with your hosts, James Marland and Dr. David Hall! In today's episode, we dive into the exciting world of Continuing Education (CE) courses and how they can benefit therapists looking to expand their practice. David shares his experience with researching and creating profitable CEU courses. 

Expanding your therapy practice through CE courses is an excellent way to provide ongoing learning opportunities for mental health professionals. James and Dr. Hall emphasize the potential of online CE courses, which have a natural pricing limit due to the number of required credits. These courses often require around 40 hours of renewal every two years, allowing therapists to stay up-to-date in their field. To scale CE offerings, creating larger courses and catering to specialty topics can attract a wider audience of professionals seeking advanced knowledge.

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Welcome to another episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, where we dive deep into topics that help you grow your business and find inspiration. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Whitney Owens, who is an expert in organizing conferences. We'll explore the world of conferences and discover how they can refresh your soul and scale up your business. So, let's jump right in!

Conferences have a unique power to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. As Whitney shares, "Amazing things happen when you get amazing people together." It's not just about the knowledge and information exchanged; it's about the connections and relationships formed.

Whitney's love for in-person interactions and her extroverted nature led her to the world of conferences. She reminisces about the joy she felt when planning her wedding, not only because of the marriage but also because she wanted to throw a big party. It was a chance to gather all her loved ones in one place, creating a special and memorable event. This desire to bring people together translated into her passion for organizing conferences.

Conferences provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and grow together. Whitney shares a heartwarming story of a group of friends who met at her summit and formed a deep bond. They would never have crossed paths if it weren't for that conference. These connections are invaluable, opening doors to new ideas, business growth, and personal development.

Aside from the professional benefits, conferences offer opportunities for fun and exploration. Whitney emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and having a good time. She recalls her experience in Nashville, where she got to enjoy line dancing, dine at local restaurants, and go on refreshing jogs. These experiences outside the office setting allow for relaxation, inspiration, and the chance to create lasting memories.

While conferences hold immense potential for growth and connection, they also come with their fair share of fears and challenges. Whitney candidly shares her apprehensions and how she works to overcome them.

 Money is a common fear when it comes to organizing conferences. As the scale of the event grows, so does the financial commitment. Whitney acknowledges this fear and the pressure of breaking even while wanting to offer an exceptional experience without exorbitant ticket prices. However, she remains optimistic and driven to make her conferences both financially viable and rewarding for attendees.

For someone like Whitney, who is a logistics-oriented person, ensuring everything runs smoothly is a significant concern. From securing venues to handling accreditations, numerous moving parts need careful coordination. Whitney discusses the challenges of obtaining continuing education accreditations for her conference and the fear of potential denials. Despite the complexities, she remains determined to navigate this aspect and deliver a seamless experience to attendees.

Whitney's first conference provided valuable insights that she carried forward to improve subsequent events.

One key takeaway is the importance of engaging speakers who bring unique perspectives. Whitney ensures her conferences stand out by incorporating a blend of clinical and business components, catering to the specific needs of Christian therapists who want to build their practices. By offering a distinct experience, she sets her conference apart from others in the industry.

 Whitney believes in infusing her events with fun and creativity. She challenges the notion that being a Christian means a life devoid of enjoyment. By incorporating enjoyable activities and innovative elements into her conferences, she aims to show attendees that they can excel in their work while having fun and maintaining their faith.

Harnessing the Power of Conferences Conferences offer a unique blend of learning, networking, and personal growth. Whitney's experiences as a conference organizer emphasize the power of bringing people together, overcoming fears, and creating unique and memorable experiences. By attending conferences, you can expand your horizons, forge valuable connections, and step out of your comfort zone.