Welcome back to the Wise Practice Podcast! In this episode, Whitney Owens interviews her special guest Julia Nepini.  Julia is a clinical and forensic social worker who owns Compassionate Counseling Company, a counseling practice in southeastern Massachusetts. She also runs a consulting business called Compassionate Consulting Company, where she helps clinicians start, expand, and diversify their practices. In addition, Julia hosts the Compassionate Climb Podcast, where she discusses the challenges of being successful in business while maintaining integrity.

Julia's Journey to Private Practice

Julia's passion for helping others led her to pursue a career in social work. After working in various agencies and non-profits, she realized that her values were not fully aligned with those organizations. So, she decided to start her own private practice, Compassionate Counseling, in February 2017. Starting with just herself, she gradually built a team of clinicians and created a practice that embodies her vision. Julia's consulting business grew out of her own experiences and the desire to support other clinicians on their journey. She acknowledges the challenges of running a private practice but finds it incredibly rewarding to help others navigate the same path. Her podcast, the Compassionate Climb Podcast, is a way for her to connect with like-minded professionals who value integrity and compassion.

The Dynamics of Julia's Practice

Compassionate Counseling Company is a multidisciplinary practice that serves the whole family. With 16 clinicians, including eight full-timers and eight part-timers, they provide a range of services and specialties. Julia herself is a divorce mediator and parenting coordinator, offering additional support to individuals navigating the complexities of separated parenting. The practice also runs groups and encourages ongoing growth and exploration among its clinicians.

Should You Start a Private Practice?

Many people consider starting a private practice but aren't sure if it's the right path for them. Having an entrepreneurial spirit is essential for being successful. Julia reflects on her own journey and shares valuable insights for those contemplating this decision. She emphasizes the importance of having some experience in other settings before venturing into private practice. Gaining exposure to different scenarios, clients, and issues can help therapists hone their skills and determine their ideal clients. Julia believes that having a curiosity and interest in the business side of the practice is crucial. "Curiosity and interest in the business side of practice are crucial. Shifting from a clinician mindset to a business owner mentality requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities."Shifting from a clinician mindset to a business owner mentality requires an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Considerations for Starting a Private Practice

While there are many benefits to starting a private practice, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons. "Think beyond the allure of flexibility and autonomy. Consider the administrative challenges and limitations that may come with insurance-based practices."Julia advises therapists to think beyond the allure of flexibility and autonomy and consider the increased liability and responsibility that come with running a practice. Additionally, the choice between insurance-based or private-pay practice should be carefully evaluated. Insurance-based practices provide accessibility but come with limitations and administrative challenges. On the other hand, private-pay practices require a strong focus on marketing and building a reputation. Julia also highlights the potential loneliness of private practice and emphasizes the value of building a supportive team. "Don't underestimate the potential loneliness of private practice. Building a supportive team is incredibly valuable."

Thoughts about Branding Your Private Practice Christian

Personal Motivation: It starts with your own beliefs and motivations. If integrating your faith into your practice aligns with your personal values and mission, and you feel compelled to do so, it can be a valid choice.

Clear Branding and Messaging: If you decide to make your faith a part of your practice, it's important to be clear in your branding and messaging. Clearly communicate what it means to be a Christian counselor in your context and what clients can expect from your practice. This can help potential clients understand your approach and make informed decisions.

Ethical and Respectful Approach: It's crucial to approach the integration of faith with kindness, respect, and ethics. Offer an invitation rather than forcing your beliefs on clients. Make it clear that while you offer Christian counseling, it is also okay if clients prefer a different approach. Respect their choices and provide a safe space for them to explore their own beliefs and values.

Individualized Treatment: Recognize that each client may have a different understanding of what it means to have a Christian counselor. Tailor your treatment approach to the unique needs and preferences of each client, following their lead in terms of how important faith is to them. Incorporate discussions about faith as a component of the initial assessment and continue to address it throughout the treatment process based on their preferences.

Open Dialogue and Check-Ins: Encourage open dialogue with clients about the integration of faith in therapy. This can be done through regular check-ins, like the care coordinator approach mentioned in the conversation, where clients can provide feedback on their experience, including how faith is being integrated and if it's working for them.

Advice on opening a Private Practice

1. Gain experience: Before starting a private practice, gain experience in various settings to develop your clinical skills and identify your ideal clients.

2. Curiosity and interest: If you're considering private practice, cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take on business responsibilities.

3. Weight the pros and cons: Consider the benefits and challenges of private practice, such as increased liability, insurance limitations, and potential loneliness.

4. Build a support system: Surround yourself with a supportive team to combat.

Final Thoughts

The decision to make a private practice a Christian practice is a deeply personal one. It requires careful consideration of various factors and an understanding of how faith integration can impact the dynamics of the practice. Remember the importance of gaining experience in different settings before venturing into private practice, as it allows clinicians to hone their clinical skills, identify their ideal clients, and understand the intricacies of the profession.

Starting a private practice entails not only providing therapy but also taking on the role of a business owner. It necessitates an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to navigate the operational aspects of running a practice, such as marketing, credentialing, billing, and managing expenses. Additionally, practitioners must evaluate their desired level of involvement in the business operations and decide whether they have the capacity and interest to take on that responsibility. You can start your journey by contacting Whitney or Julia in the links below.

Resources

• Whitney Owens on Instagram

• Wise Practice Facebook Community Group

• Visit Whitney Owens Consulting

• Register for the Wise Practice Summit

• Compassionate Consulting of Facebook

• Compassionate Consulting on Instagram

• Compassionate Consulting on Linked in

• Free Quizzes for your readiness to start a private practice and to expand a private practice

 

Show Notes and Audio Production by James Marland