How do counsellors get into the profession? Have you had an idea hanging around your thoughts for the last couple of years about trying something new? Has your mindset held you back from attempting to create some of your new dreams or ambitions?

It takes courage for a person to try something new. But education, finances, family, time and so much more can also get in the way of starting. This means it could be years before beginning to build your dream Canadian private practice.

In this podcast episode, Shannon and I talk about her process of opening up her Canadian private practice piece by piece, day by day, and step by step. Starting a practice doesn't have to feel so far away when you allow yourself to try, and to start small. Join us and be inspired!

MEET SHANNON

Shannon Smith is a Registered Counselling Therapist (candidate) and a certified Intuitive Eating Counsellor. Her background is mental health nursing; she worked in Halifax's Eating Disorder Program for 15 years.

Shannon believes when we lose sight of who we are, several common issues can arise, including anxiety, disordered eating, and negative body image. She works with clients who want to feel more comfortable in their own skin, and more connected to themselves and others.

Learn more about Shannon on her website and Instagram page.

In this episode:

• Doing an MA during the pandemic

• Launching a private practice

• Using social media wisely

• Doing in-person versus online

• Setting rates that align

• Shannon's advice for listeners

Doing an MA during the pandemic

In August 2020, Shannon began looking into various masters programs to become a therapist. The program that she ended up choosing had its deadline within that week, so she spent a couple of days rushing to get everything ready to apply to begin that September.

She studied online for most of her degree and completed her practicum in person over the last eight months.

Launching a private practice

On March 1st Shannon opened her Canadian private practice, on March 2nd she had her first client, and on March 3rd her second client, and it slowly continued to steadily grow from there on out.

Shannon has noticed that the majority of her clients are coming in through her website, through her previous connections from her years working in the eating disorder field, and also through Instagram.

Using social media wisely

Because so many people use social media daily, it is a great tool for businesses to use to connect with their ideal clients because the digital world has become like another marketplace for sharing and finding information.

However, it can be a taxing environment, both for a person's mental health and energy, and also for counsellors that try to find the right ways to market themselves and their practices ethically.

Doing in-person versus online

Shannon chooses to only do online virtual therapy with her clients.

She works on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. She has young children that she wants to take to and from school, be around for, and also make time for her personal hobbies and routines.

Setting rates that align

Setting rates is a common struggle amongst counselors and workers in the mental health field. One of my podcast episodes goes over how to ethically set and raise rates for new and current clients, and you can get the full information there.

However, consider setting your rates in a way that allows you to be financially taken care of and consider offering Open Path services for clients that require some additional financial assistance or donating to mental health organizations each year.

Connect with me:

Instagram

Website

Resources mentioned and useful links:

Ep 95: Shelly Qualtieri: Using Lifelong Experience in a New Private Practice | EP 95

Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice

Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)

Learn more about Shannon on her website and Instagram page