Do you feel awkward or uncomfortable talking about money with your therapy clients? You're not alone! Many of my clients find money conversations tough, both in client sessions and in their personal lives. That's why today's podcast episode is all about how to normalize these chats from the get-go. You'll learn how to handle fee increase conversations and objections during sales calls with grace and confidence, why justifying your therapy fees isn't necessary, and why it's crucial to focus on your business's sustainability.

I'll also introduce you to my unique Devotional Sales practice that helps therapists navigate sales talks with ease. Plus, I'll share details about my course, Healing Money, designed to help therapists like you tackle money issues head-on. Remember, as a therapist, you're also a business owner. It's time to set fees that allow you to live your life joyfully and work resentment-free. Tune in to learn more!

Topics covered in this episode:

1. How you can normalize talking about money with your therapy clients from the start
2. Tips for talking about money with your therapy clients
3. Why it’s important to practice discussing money in your personal life
4. Why you shouldn’t justify your fee increases to your clients
5. How you can effectively screen potential clients during initial calls

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach

Resources from this episode:

• Purchase Devotional Sales Practice use the code SHOW for $10 off until the end of February
• Join the Healing Money Facebook group to access my FREE course

Related episodes:

• How to Ethically Raise Your Therapy Fees [Ep 46]
• Why Lowering Your Fees Isn't Always the Answer [Ep 39]
• My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients [Ep 7]

Quote:

"Whenever you hear 'must be nice' in your head, or feel a tinge of jealousy, envy, resentment, there's something up in your practice that needs an adjustment." - Felicia

Are you a therapist grappling with how to ethically raise your therapy fees? You're not alone! In today's episode, I take you on a journey through the often misunderstood process of fee increases. I'll debunk myths and shed light on why it's not just okay but absolutely necessary for the health of your practice to increase your therapy fees periodically.

Then I'll delve into the importance of clear communication with clients about fee changes, providing them with reasonable notice, and setting up safeguards in the form of informed consent. You'll also learn how to handle situations where a client can't continue at the new rate and how to navigate these sensitive conversations. Plus, I'll discuss the crucial role of marketing when planning fee increases and the questions you need to tackle to ensure your practice continues to thrive even as you implement fee changes.

Are you ready to raise your therapy fees with confidence? Let's do it!

Topics covered in this episode:

• Can you raise your therapy fees whenever you want?
• Is it ethical to significantly raise your therapy fees?
• How to effectively and ethically communicate fee changes to your clients.
• What to do if a client cannot continue at the new rate.
• Why is it important to consider marketing strategies when raising your therapy fees?
• How can you prepare for different scenarios when raising your therapy fees?

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Join my Facebook group: Healing Money
• Sign up for the Liberated Business Group Program: www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness
• 1:1 Private coaching: www.thebadtherapist.coach/private-coaching 

Resources from this episode:

• Ten Reminders for Therapists About Fees 
• Try My Therapist Rate Increase Letter Template [So You Don't Burn Out]
• Three Different Ways To Set Your Fee (spoiler, do all three!)
• SCRIPTS INCLUDED! How to Keep Your Intake Calls Under 10 Minutes, Reliably Book Clients, and Handle Objections without Falling into the Trap of Trying to Prove Yourself

Related episodes:

• How to Uphold Your Cancellation Policy Without Feeling Guilty [Ep 19]
• My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients [Ep 7]
• How to Raise Your Fees & Take a Week Off from Your Practice Every Month [Ep 2]

Quote:

“Yes, you are allowed to raise your fees by whatever amount that you choose.” - Felicia

Welcome back to another guest episode of the Bad Therapist Show! In this episode, I sat down with Eddie Vals, founder of WellnessFi, an accounting firm for therapists and mental health practitioners.

During our conversation, Eddie shares his personal journey from dealing with ADD while creating a robust team serving therapists nationwide. He emphasizes the importance of evolving your services as the industry is changing, and how hiring help can lead to personal and business growth. We also delve into the concept of designing your life and business to align with your desires and much more!

Tune in to learn how to navigate the complexities of accounting for therapists, and discover how you can focus more on your therapy practice and less on the numbers. Plus, if you stick around until the end, you will find out how you can get a free consultation and a discount on bookkeeping catch-up services from WellnessFi. Don't miss this enlightening conversation!

More about Eddie Vals:

Eddie Vals is a founder of WellnessFi. WellnessFi is an accounting firm specializing in supporting mental health practitioners.  Eddie founded Wellness Five five years ago, and in that time, it has grown from a one-man operation serving just a few local clients to a robust team of 15  serving mental health entrepreneurs all over the country.

Topics covered in this episode:

1. How Eddie turned his personal experiences with therapy into a successful accounting firm for therapists
2. What led Eddie to choose therapists as his primary clients, and how has this decision shaped WellnessFi's growth
3. What are the benefits of hiring an accountant early in your business journey, and how can it impact your growth?
4. Eddie shares essential accounting tips for therapists.
5. The challenges Eddie has faced as his business grew from a one-man operation to a team of fifteen.
6. What are the benefits of working with a coach?
7. How can you design your dream life first and then shape your business around it?

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Connect with Eddie Vals:

• Website: https://www.wellnessfi.com

Resources from this episode:

• Quickbooks
• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine Hardcover by Mike Michalowicz
• Relay
• Wealthfront
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
• The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It by Michael E. Gerber
• We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power Paperback by Rachel Rodgers

Related episodes:

• The Profit First Model: A Game Changer for Your Private Practice [Ep 44]

Quote:

“You need to hire people as soon as possible or you're going to get stuck doing these things that feel like chores.” - Eddie Vals

Are you ready to take control of your business finances in 2024? Then this episode is for you! Today, I want to share a model with you that not only transformed my relationship with money but brought financial stability to my business. It's called the Profit First model and it's based on the book Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. Join me as I share my personal journey with the Profit First model and reveal how it changed my business. Together, we'll explore the benefits of this model, how you can apply it in your own business, and how to divide income into different accounts for profit, taxes, owner's pay, operational expenses, and more.

By the end of this episode, you'll learn how this approach can help you avoid overspending and ensure you always have enough set aside for taxes or business emergencies. Plus, I'll discuss how you can adapt the Profit First model to fit your unique needs and circumstances. So tune in, and let's take control of your business finances in 2024!

Topics covered in this episode:

1. What is the Profit First model, and how can it revolutionize your business finances?
2. How does dividing your revenue into five different accounts help manage your money better?
3. Determining how much money you should put in each account.
4. What are the different ways to adapt the Profit First Model to suit your unique needs and circumstances?
5. Why is setting a consistent salary for yourself crucial in running a successful private practice?

Connect with Felicia:

• 1:1 Coaching: www.thebadtherapist.coach/private-coaching
• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Resources from this episode:

• Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine Hardcover by Mike Michalowicz
• My program Liberated Business
• We Should All Be Millionaires: A Woman’s Guide to Earning More, Building Wealth, and Gaining Economic Power 

Quote:

"Profit First is a system for approaching your business finances, and it was a total game changer for me." - Felicia

Are you a therapist dreaming of starting a therapy private practice but not sure where to begin? Then today's podcast episode is for you! Join me as I guide you through the essential steps to launching your therapy private practice. From registering your business and obtaining necessary legal documents to setting up a bank account and securing liability insurance, I've got you covered!

But it's not just about the technicalities; I delve into the importance of establishing clear policies around fees and cancellations that work for you. Plus, I share insights on how to effectively market your therapy private practice and why having a professional website is crucial in today's digital age. This episode is your quick-start guide to making your dream of owning a therapy private practice a reality. Don't let uncertainty hold you back - tune in now and take the first step towards building your successful private practice!

Topics covered in this episode:

• Legal, financial, and ethical considerations when starting a therapy private practice in 2024.
• Navigating the technical aspects of starting a therapy private practice.
• How you can create policies and practices that not only meet professional standards but also align with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
• What marketing strategies should you consider if you want to start a therapy private practice in 2024?
• Why having a website is crucial for a therapy private practice and how can it benefit you.

Connect with Felicia:

• 1:1 Coaching: www.thebadtherapist.coach/private-coaching
• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Resources from this episode:

• Starting a Private Practice In Counseling Checklist

Related episodes:

• Ep 29 Improve Your Website Instantly with This Simple Practice 
• Ep 19 How to Uphold Your Cancellation Policy Without Feeling Guilty
• Ep 7 My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients
• Ep 4 How to Pick a Therapy Niche That Makes You Happy

Quote:

"There's actually a lot you can do to start your private practice that can all happen in a day and honestly in a matter of hours.” - Felicia

Are you ready to supercharge your 2024 with some powerful affirmations? Today, I'm diving into an episode dedicated entirely to affirmations for 2024. This isn't just about achieving goals faster - it's about enjoying the journey, finding peace and joy outside of external circumstances, and cultivating a fundamental sense of okayness. Whether you're soaring high or navigating shaky ground, these affirmations are designed to fuel your spirit and enhance your life. You'll learn how to connect with yourself on a deeper level, visualize your business successes, and feel those emotions in your body.

I also share tips on how to create your own affirmations and cultivate the internal experience you desire. And if affirmations seem challenging, don't worry, I have a hack for that too! Remember, this episode is here for you to revisit anytime you need a pick-me-up or a moment of connection with yourself. So, are you ready to step into 2024 with confidence and joy? Tune in now and let's make 2024 a year of growth, fulfillment, and happiness!

Topics covered in this episode:

1. The affirmations for 2024 that can uplift your spirits throughout the year.
2. How can you enjoy the journey towards your goals, not just the achievement of them?
3. How can visualizing your business success and connecting with your body enhance your overall well-being?
4. How can giving yourself permission to be happy in the present moment transform your outlook on life?
5. How can a fear inventory complement your use of affirmations for 2024 and make them more impactful?

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Quote:

"Give yourself permission to be happy right now. You deserve to be happy right now, and it is totally possible." - Felicia

Hello and welcome back to another episode of The Bad Therapist Show! In today's episode, I'm answering one of the listeners' questions about networking for therapists. Bradlisia in Tennessee wants to know my thoughts on networking, and if it's the gold standard for marketing private practices, or if it's just a really big waste of time.

I invite you to join me as I discuss the pros and cons of networking as a marketing strategy, and whether it's truly the golden ticket or just a shiny distraction. You'll learn common mistakes therapists make in their networking efforts, the importance of having a clear plan, staying consistent in your efforts, and having someone who keeps you accountable. Plus, I'll share a crucial element that could make or break your success with networking!

This episode is a must-listen for any therapist looking to grow their private practice. Are you ready? Tune in to discover if networking is the missing piece in your marketing puzzle!

Topics covered on Networking for Therapists:

1. What are the benefits of networking for therapists?
2. The importance of relationship building in networking for therapists.
3. My top tips and tricks on how you can make networking work for you.
4. Evaluating and enhancing your networking strategy as a therapist.
5. What to do if you're feeling overwhelmed with networking.
6. How to network like a 'pro therapist'.

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Resources from this episode:

• Submit your questions for the next episode

Related episodes:

• Ep 5 Marketing Mindset Shifts You Need to Make to Fall in Love With Marketing 
• Ep 6 Mastering Your Marketing Strategy

Quote:

"Networking is never going to go out of style in terms of marketing strategies." - Felicia

In today's episode, I discuss a crucial piece of your website that you're probably leaving out and so missing an opportunity to attract more clients. Do you know what it is? Freebies for therapists. Whether you prefer to call them freebies or opt-ins, the point is they can be a game-changer in attracting potential clients.

Join me as I delve into the topic of creating an opt-in that specifically addresses the problems faced by your clients. This strategy can effectively capture their attention, even if they are not yet ready to commit to working with you. The key is to use language that resonates with your audience and addresses their immediate concerns. And here's a twist - while freebies are often free, they don't necessarily have to be. Did I just blow your mind? Then hurry up and tune in to the episode to discover how you can harness the power of opt-ins on your website to attract potential clients.

Topics covered on Attract More Clients with Freebies for Therapists:

1. How freebies for therapists can capture leads that you might otherwise lose.
2. The journey a potential client takes before they actually hire you and how to engage them effectively at each stage.
3. How can you increase the motivation and trust levels of potential clients to get them to agree to work with you?
4. The different kinds of freebies for therapists and how to make them more compelling.
5. What are some simple ways to create a freebie without overwhelming yourself or your potential clients?
6. Examples of freebies for therapists that have been used effectively to grow an email list of potential clients.

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Resources from this episode:

• Burnout Archetype: www.evolvingwhole.com
• ConvertKit
• Flowdesk
• Submit your questions for the next episode

Related episodes:

• Episode 39: Why Lowering Your Fees Isn't Always the Answer

Quote:

"Let yourself be imperfect and let yourself have it not all figured out." - Felicia

Are you considering lowering your fees to attract more clients to your private practice? If so, this episode is a must-listen for you! Today, I delve deep into a common yet critical mistake therapists often make - lowering their fees to increase revenue when they actually have a marketing problem. Join me as I explain how this seemingly beneficial strategy can result in long-term issues such as an overbooked schedule, reduced income, and ultimately, burnout.

But don't worry, it's not all negative! I will share with you how to determine if what you're experiencing is truly a fee issue or a hidden marketing problem and help you craft an effective marketing strategy that will not only attract more clients but also enhance your credibility and generate more sustainable income! By the end of this episode, you will know how to identify and resolve your marketing problem and see why prioritizing quality over quantity leads to a more sustainable and fulfilling private practice. So, are you ready? Let’s tune in!

Topics covered in this episode:

1. Are you making the common mistake of lowering your fees to attract more clients?
2. How to identify if your financial problem lies in marketing or your fee structure.
3. The pitfalls of lowering your fees to build your client base.
4. How you can improve your marketing strategies to attract the right clients without resorting to lowering fees.
5. How to identify and solve marketing problems at different stages of your client journey.
6. Handling money objections during sales calls.

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Resources from this episode:

• Work with me 1:1 coaching: www.thebadtherapist.coach/private-coaching
• Devotional Sales Practice: www.thebadtherapist.coach/shop/p/devotional-sales-practice
• Marketing Strategy Clinic: www.thebadtherapist.coach/shop/p/marketing-strategy-clinic-qa-with-felicia
• TherapieSEO: www.therapieseo.com

Related episodes:

• Ep 5 Marketing Mindset Shifts You Need to Make to Fall in Love With Marketing
• Ep 6 Mastering Your Marketing Strategy
• Ep 7 My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients
• Ep 29 Improve Your Website Instantly with This Simple Practice 
• Ep 30 How to Build a Strategic Website That Will Bring More Clients to Your Practice With Sarah Busse 

Quote:

"Lowering your fee doesn't actually solve this problem. In fact, it moves you backwards."- Felicia

Are you a therapist struggling to navigate the ever-changing landscape of online marketing? For today's podcast episode, I invited Kristie Plantinga, a marketing expert for therapists and coaches, to talk about SEO for therapists. We discuss how online marketing has evolved over the years, Kristie shares her predictions for the next 2-3 years and what it means for your private therapy practice. She shares invaluable insights on future-proofing your business online with SEO for therapists and working effectively with your team so you can see a return on your investment.

Plus, Kristie will introduce her new platform, Best Therapist, a game-changing therapist directory that focuses on quality over quantity. This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies that will help you stand out in a competitive market and attract your dream clients. Are you ready to learn about SEO for therapists and maximize your online presence? This episode is a must-listen!

More about Kristie Plantinga:

Kristie Plantinga is the founder of TherapieSEO, a marketing agency for therapists, coaches, and wellness practitioners.

Topics covered in this episode:

1. What is the role of SEO in therapy marketing and how has it evolved over the years?
2. The importance of SEO for therapists and effective ways to leverage it.
3. What are the challenges and opportunities in SEO for therapists?
4. How can investing in your SEO now benefit your therapy practice in the future?
5. What does it mean to future-proof your business online and why is it important?
6. How can therapists work better with their marketing team to achieve the best results?
7. Common misconceptions therapists have when hiring a team member for marketing tasks.
8. What role does adaptability play in the success of a therapist's marketing strategy?
9. What is Best Therapist and who is it for?

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Connect with Kristie:

• Website: www.therapieseo.com
• Best Therapists: www.besttherapists.com

Resources from this episode:

• www.psychologytoday.com
• www.goodtherapy.org
• www.therapyden.com 
• www.betterhelp.com
• www.talkspace.com

Related episodes:

• Episode 10: From Employee to CEO with Kristie Plantinga

Quote:

"I found that therapists and marketers who serve therapists are typically two to five years behind compared to other industries." - Kristie