The Freedom Therapist

Therapists, we need to talk.

If you’ve ever felt like no matter how much you do, it’s never enough—this episode is for you.

I see so many therapists caught in the cycle of overworking, overgiving, and thinking that the answer is to just push a little harder. More clients. More hours. More effort.

But let me tell you something that took me way too long to learn: Working harder is NOT the solution—it’s the problem.

I know this because I lived it. I was fully booked, had a growing waitlist, and was doing everything “right.” But behind the scenes, I was running on empty. And the more I worked, the further away financial security and freedom felt.

In this episode, we’re breaking down:

✔️ Why the therapy hustle is broken—and why more clients won’t fix it

✔️ The invisible work that’s stealing your time (and how to take it back)

✔️ The shift that finally helped me step out of survival mode and into ease

✔️ Why financial freedom isn’t about how much you make—it’s about how you make it

💡 Plus, I’m sharing the mindset shifts that helped me move from overworked and overwhelmed to running a business that actually supports me too.

If you’re tired of feeling like you’re doing everything but still getting nowhere, hit play now.

👉 Join My Free Masterclass: The 3 Secrets to How I Make Money as a Therapist

I’m sharing the exact shifts that helped me move from burnout to $30-50k months—without working more.

📲 Come Say Hi on Instagram: @miapoko

I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway from this episode!

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

Therapists, let’s be honest: we make things harder than they need to be. Whether it’s rewriting something that’s already good, overthinking decisions, or trying to do more to prove our worth, we’ve all been there. In today’s episode, I’m sharing a personal story about a tough week, how taking intentional time away from work gave me clarity, and why we need to start leaning into ease. Because here’s the truth: your business doesn’t have to feel hard to be successful.

We’ll dive into:

• Why ease isn’t being lazy or a sell out… and what it ACTUALLY is
• How overcomplicating drains your energy and keeps you stuck.
• Simple, actionable strategies to work in your strengths, stop second-guessing yourself, and let your business feel fun and sustainable.

This episode is your permission slip to stop doing more and start trusting that you (and your work) are already enough.

What You'll Learn:

1. The mindset shift you need to embrace ease in your business.
2. Why working in alignment with your strengths leads to better results.
3. Practical ways to simplify decisions and free up your energy.

If this episode resonates, share it on Instagram and tag me or DM me at @miapoko

I LOVE chatting with you all SO MUCH!

Can’t wait to hear your thoughts xx

Mia

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

Ever wonder what REALLY happens inside an OT Inspire / Freedom Therapist Strategy meeting?

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Freedom Therapist Podcast! This episode feels extra special because I’m sitting down with Marlee—my incredible operations manager at OT Inspire, an amazing Therapy Assistant, a dear friend, and honestly, the heartbeat of our business since 2022. Marlee has been with me through it all—the highs, the challenges, the big wins—and she’s such a massive part of why we are where we are today.

In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain and letting you into the unfiltered, behind-the-scenes magic of our team. There was no script, no plan—just a raw, real conversation about where we’ve been, what we’ve learned, and where we’re headed. This isn’t just about strategy; it’s about how we show up for each other, for our clients, and for the big dreams we’re bringing to life in 2025. I’m so excited to share this with you!

We hit record mid-strategy meeting, so what you’re about to hear is unscripted, unfiltered, and filled with all the feels.

• Reflecting on 2024 – The highs, the lows, and the big shifts that shaped both our business and personal lives this year.
• Values in Action – How freedom, balance, energy, and purpose guided our decisions and redefined how we show up—for ourselves, for our clients, and for each other.
• Confidence, Imposter Syndrome, and Resilience – Marlee opens up about navigating imposter syndrome, growing into her role, and finding her stride in a year filled with personal and professional challenges.
• Big Lessons on Work, Life, and Leadership – We discuss the guilt of working flexibly, how we’ve let go of the “shoulds,” and why true growth often starts with slowing down and doing less—but with more intention.

This episode is for anyone who has felt the weight of “not doing enough,” questioned their worth, or needed a reminder that progress—no matter how slow—is still progress. It’s a heartfelt conversation about growth, grace, and the power of showing up for yourself and others, even when it’s hard.

If you’re ready to embrace the messiness of growth, reflect on what matters, and lean into the magic of what’s to come, this episode is for you.

Thank you, Marlee, for sharing your heart, your wisdom, and your light with all of us. I am endlessly grateful for you and for everything we’ve built together.

And if you LOVED this chat - and want more! Let us know! Please leave us a review or share this episode with a bestie!

Or tag, comment or DM me on Instagram @miapoko and let me know your 2025 word of the year or the biggest lesson you’ve learned this year.

Here’s to flourishing, embodying, and thriving in 2025! ✨

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

Welcome to another heartfelt episode of The Freedom Therapist Podcast! I’m so excited to share this beautiful conversation with my dear friend, Ilma Ali. Ilma is a designer and artist based in Darwin, whose journey and work are brimming with creativity, heart, and intention.

In this episode, recorded live in Bali, we dive into her incredible career spanning architectural design, fine art, and wearable textile collections showcased on independent runways. Ilma’s story is one of trusting your intuition, following your passion, and creating with purpose.

Here’s what we explore in this inspiring and soulful conversation:

• Creative Roots: How Ilma’s childhood in rural Sri Lanka and her global upbringing shaped her unique perspective and creative philosophy.
• Self-Trust in Action: Ilma shares how she’s learned to navigate doubt and lean into self-trust, even when the path forward wasn’t clear.
• Art that Moves People: The story behind her Flowers Underwater collection, its impact on audiences, and the heartfelt moments that reminded her why she creates.
• Navigating Burnout: Ilma’s practical advice for balancing creativity and well-being, including her non-negotiable Monday night baths and quarterly breaks.
• The Power of Baby Steps: Why taking small, intentional steps can lead to big transformations, and why it’s okay for dreams to take time.
• Meditation & Flow: Ilma’s meditation practice, how it fuels her creativity, and the magic that happens when she lets go of control in her art.

This conversation is packed with heart, wisdom, and actionable insights for anyone balancing a creative passion with life or business.

You can find Ilma’s incredible work HERE:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilmaalidesign/

@ilmaalidesign

• Website: www.ilmaali.com

Let’s Connect:

Did this conversation resonate with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Find me on Instagram, LinkedIn, or wherever you hang out online. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with a friend, or leave a review- it means the world.

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

Welcome back to The Freedom Therapist Podcast! 🎉

In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes of what’s shaping up to be an exciting, expansive year in business. We’re talking all things strategy, mindset, and how I’m building on the solid foundations we created in 2024 to expand in 2025. This year is all about doing what we do so well and growing from that space – no more trying to juggle a hundred things at once.

I’m sharing:

• Why starting this year with a slower, more steady energy has been such a game-changer for me (and why I’m loving it).
• How simplifying my business and letting go of things that weren’t serving us made space for real growth.
• The power of knowing your numbers – not just revenue, but profit margins – and why it’s been one of the most empowering things I’ve done.
• How flexibility and freedom are core to our team’s success (and the boundaries that keep us thriving).
• Why self-trust and confidence are at the heart of my 2025 strategy – and how I’m leaning into my own magic in a world full of noise.
• My focus on creativity, video content, and giving myself time to grow the parts of my business I love most.

And of course, I couldn’t talk about 2025 without sharing some exciting plans for The Freedom Therapist Club. This program lights me up like nothing else, and I’m so proud of the transformations I’ve seen inside it.

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating a business that truly aligns with your values, your energy, and your vision, this one’s for you.

Let’s make 2025 the year your business feels as good as it runs. 💫

Loved this episode? Share it on Instagram and tag me @miapoko And if this podcast has been helpful or inspiring for you, please leave a review - it means the world and helps us grow this beautiful community. 💕

✨ Free Guide for Therapists: The Freedom Therapist Reset ✨

Love your business, but know it’s time to love yourself a little more too?

The Freedom Therapist Reset is your first step to creating more time, money, and freedom in 2025—without the hustle.

Inside this free guide, you’ll discover:

• How to identify what’s draining your time and energy (and let it go).
• Simple shifts to reclaim your time and create space in your schedule.
• How to align your business goals with your dream life, so every step you take moves you closer to freedom.

This isn’t just a guide—it’s an invitation to reset, realign, and build a business that works for you.

👉 Download The Freedom Therapist Reset Now

It’s time to unlearn the hustle and create a life and business you love. Let’s make 2025 your year!

With love,

Mia xx

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

In this heartfelt and unfiltered episode of The Freedom Therapist Podcast, Mia reflects on the highs, lows, and lessons of 2024. Recorded just days before Christmas, she opens up about navigating an unplanned trip to Alice Springs, the duality of personal challenges and professional success, and how she leaned on gratitude, connection, and her team to get through it all.

This episode is a reminder that success isn’t about perfection or avoiding the mess—it’s about learning to grow and thrive through it. As we wrap up another year, Mia challenges us all to let go of the pursuit of perfection and lean into what truly matters: connection, love, and the joy of being human.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why success is measured by your ability to adapt, not by avoiding challenges.
• How leaning into gratitude can shift your mindset during stressful times.
• The importance of systems, foundations, and team support in running a business.
• Why surrendering perfectionism can create space for meaningful connection.
• How to balance the dualities of life—joy and sadness, chaos and calm, work and rest—while running a business.
• Why memories and connection matter more than a perfectly checked-off to-do list.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00:00] Introduction: Reflecting on a chaotic but meaningful year.
• [00:05:30] Navigating unexpected challenges during an unplanned trip to Alice Springs.
• [00:12:45] Gratitude as a daily practice: Finding hidden gifts in the chaos.
• [00:20:15] Leaning into systems and team support to keep the business running smoothly.
• [00:30:00] Surrendering perfectionism and choosing intentionality over completion.
• [00:40:20] The power of connection: Prioritising relationships over to-do lists.
• [00:50:00] The “both/and” mindset: Embracing imperfection while striving for success.
• [01:00:00] Closing reflections and a challenge to listeners: Choose connection, joy, and love as we move into 2025.

Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Mia’s FAVE Notion content calendar template by The Virtual Chapter: https://shop.thevirtualchapter.co/content/
• Connect with Mia on Instagram: @miapoko
• Get your 2025 Freedom Therapist Reset here

Let’s Connect:

If this episode spoke to you, share it with a friend who could use a reminder that chaos and imperfection? Is human—and beautiful. Or tag Mia on Instagram @miapoko with your biggest takeaway or reflection from 2024.

Wishing you a holiday season filled with laughter, love, and connection. Thank you for being part of this incredible community, and here’s to thriving together in 2025! 🎉

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

 In this heartfelt, raw and transformative episode, Mia Poklepovich reflects on the journey from chaotic, burnout-filled exhausting Decembers to creating her most regulated, easeful, and profitable December yet. This is an inspiring look at what’s possible as a therapists in business when you choose a different way - and has some actionable practical steps for you to use in your business right now.

• The Before: A behind-the-scenes look at Mia’s past Decembers filled with overbooking, chaos, and emotional exhaustion, and the toll it took on her, her team, and her business.
• The Shift: How Mia and her team transformed their approach to December, creating systems, boundaries, and intentional rest that changed everything.
• The Strategies:
  • Setting meaningful boundaries (with clients, the team, and yourself).
  • Planning with intention using tools like Notion and Asana.
  • Prioritising rest and creativity as essential business strategies.
  • Shifting from a hustle-driven mindset to focusing on what truly matters.
• The Ripple Effect: How these changes not only improved Mia’s experience but also created a more aligned, regulated, and joyful team dynamic.
• Actionable Tips: Simple steps you can take today to make your December (and beyond) more easeful and aligned.

• [00:03:00]: Mia shares a voice note from her operations manager reflecting on the dramatic changes in how their business operates in December this year
• [00:08:00]: The emotional impact of looking back on chaotic Decembers and celebrating how far the business has come.
• [00:12:00]: The importance of boundaries—why they matter and how to enforce them meaningfully.
• [00:20:00]: Planning with intention: tools, strategies, and the power of mapping out time for creativity and rest.
• [00:30:00]: Creative rest as a game-changer for business owners and why it’s essential for long-term success.
• [00:40:00]: Closing reflections: Why it gets to be this good and how therapists and women in business can make small, impactful changes starting today.

• Audit your December calendar: Where can you create space for rest, joy, or creativity?
• Anchor in your values: Write down how you want to feel this month and let those feelings guide your decisions.
• Start small: Begin with one change—whether it’s saying no, blocking out a creative rest afternoon, or using a tool like Notion to plan with intention.
• Reflect on the ripple effect: How your own regulation impacts your team, clients, and overall business.

"I see you. Whether you’re deep in burnout or starting to take those first small steps toward a more aligned business, know that you’re not alone. I’m still in the trenches with you—running a therapy business, showing up for clients, and juggling all the things. But it can look different, and it can feel easeful and expansive. You absolutely get to create this for yourself."

• Instagram: @miapoko
• Email: [email protected]
• Join the waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club

If this episode resonated with you, Mia would love to hear your reflections—send her a DM or email to share where you’re at, wh

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

In this reflective and inspiring episode, Mia shares her insights following the Freedom Therapist Club Retreat. Drawing from the energy, courage, and openness of the incredible therapists in attendance, Mia discusses the power of reflection and goal-setting as we approach 2025. She explores how staying true to your unique path, managing comparison, and anchoring in your purpose can propel your therapy business forward. This episode is packed with practical prompts to help you map out your goals, ground yourself in your purpose, and face limiting beliefs with confidence.

What You'll Learn:

• Why staying in your lane and leaning into your unique process is your superpower.
• Reflection prompts to celebrate your wins and understand what brought you to this point.
• How to reframe limiting beliefs
• The value of creating an "Obsessed Wall" and purpose mapping for 2025.
• Tips for connecting deeply with your offer and showing up with aligned, authentic energy.

Join the Conversation:

Follow Mia on Instagram: @miapoko

Learn more about The Freedom Therapist Club: www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

In this episode, I'm sharing my own personal journey of transitioning from a cycle of crash and burnout to a thriving, strategically managed therapy business.

Fear in business, especially feelings of burnout and overwhelm, is a focal theme, as we discuss the commonality of these fears and how they shouldn't hinder entrepreneurs. I share my lightbulb moment, when I was on a remote trip and realised the urgent need for change in my life AND business.

I share exactly how I created space for growth through small, intentional steps and the profound importance of aligning your business with personal values for lasting success.

Consider this your permission slip to take action despite your fears, embrace change and invest in yourself for real progress.

Tune in, and let this episode inspire you to move past the fear of failure and step into your path of success.

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Mia on Instagram here. 
• Learn more about The Freedom Therapist Club HERE

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club

In this special episode, Mia sits down with Taylor, a paediatric speech pathologist and Freedom Therapist Club member, who recently left her 9-to-5 to build a business that feels fully aligned and fulfilling. Within just two months, Taylor launched Bloom Together, a freedom-based speech therapy practice in remote Western Australia that has given her back her energy, time AND LOVE for life and work. This conversation dives into Taylor’s incredible shift from burnout to fulfillment, her tips for setting boundaries, and her advice for anyone dreaming of a practice that supports them.

Listen as Taylor shares the highs and challenges of her journey, the transformational mindset shifts, and the powerful changes she’s made to create a sustainable, joyful, and impactful practice.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Taylor navigated leaving a supportive 9-to-5 in search of true freedom
• The steps she took to launch a profitable, purpose-driven practice in just two months that gives her MORE time, location AND financial freedom
• Practical tips for setting boundaries, managing burnout, and redefining what success looks like
• Taylor’s advice for therapists who want to build a life and practice on their own terms

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Taylor at The Rural Speechie (@theruralspeechie) HERE or at Bloom Together HERE (@bloomtogethertherapy)
• Learn more about The Freedom Therapist Club HERE

Connect with Mia:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/miapoko and https://www.instagram.com/ot_inspire_therapy/

Get the Complete Personal Brand Kit for Therapists for just $47! https://thefreedomtherapist.com.au/kit

Join the Waitlist for The Freedom Therapist Club: https://www.thefreedomtherapist.com.au/club