The Therapist Mom Podcast: Launch and Grow Your Private Practice

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is filled with practical strategies for navigating those inevitable sick days when motherhood and private practice collide. If you’ve ever found yourself juggling a client caseload while fielding that dreaded call from daycare or school, wondering how you’ll reschedule appointments, protect your income, or just get through the day without guilt, you’re in the right place.

As a fellow therapist, mom, and business owner, I know firsthand how disruptive a last-minute sick child can be to your day, your schedule, and your sense of control. It’s never as simple as just “calling out”—when you’re the boss, the admin, and the backup caregiver, every decision can feel loaded. Let's talk about how to manage these moments with less overwhelm, a lot more clarity, and absolutely no shaming yourself for being human.

In this episode, I share my honest experience from when my daughter came home sick, and how I went from chaos to calm—not because it was easy, but because I put a few key systems in place before the next inevitable sick day hit. If you’re building a private practice around the (sometimes sticky, sometimes snotty) realities of motherhood, this one’s for you.

• Making a Sick Day Plan: How to quickly assess your options when your child is unexpectedly sent home and how to set boundaries around rescheduling and cancellations.
• Streamlining Client Communication: The templates and systems I use to let clients know about cancellations with clarity and compassion—without overexplaining or apologizing excessively.
• Building a Buffer for Lost Income: Why planning for the unpredictable protects your financial and emotional well-being, and how to start doing this right now.

• 00:02: Introduction to the realities of balancing private practice and motherhood in real time.
• 00:54: Story of receiving the daycare call—scrambling to rearrange appointments and the cascading impact.
• 04:12: Discussing the emotional fallout: income loss, guilt, and second-guessing yourself.
• 09:11: Tactical advice on what most workplaces provide that private practitioners often lack—and why you need a plan.
• 11:23: Step-by-step checklist for handling cancellations and communication.
• 13:58: Using systems and templates to minimize chaos during child sick days.
• 17:53: How to protect your income and create a “sick day buffer” in your practice.
• 19:36: Reframing the experience: Why you’re not alone if this feels hard—and why you’re not failing.

Let’s break this down: You can’t control when a child gets sick, but you can control how you respond. A key theme that emerged in this episode is the importance of having a simple, go-to plan ready—before the chaos starts. I shared how I developed my own “sick day checklist” so that when that daycare number pops up, I don’t freeze or panic—I follow the plan. For example, knowing which appointments to cancel, how to assess if you can see any clients from home, and deciding with confidence (not guilt!) helps you feel less out of control in the moment.

Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:

• Step 1: Have a saved message template for last-minute cancellations. I use, “My child is sick, I need to cancel today’s session. I’m so sorry for the short notice. You’ll have priority for open slots this week.”
• Step 2: Use an online scheduling tool or EHR that allows clients to rebook themselves. I use Jane, but anything that cuts down on back-and-forth is a lifesaver.
• Step 3: Don’t overexplain. Your clients understand more than you think, and they don’t need all the details about your child’s illness to respect your boundaries 13:58.

We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when sick days hit:

• Mistake 1: Waiting until the last minute to decide on cancellations—this only increases your stress.
• Mistake 2: Feeling obligated to apologize excessively or justify every detail to clients.
• Mistake 3: Not building a financial cushion for missed work—sick kids are inevitable, but an income “buffer” is empowering, not optional.

If you’ve been holding your breath every time the school nurse calls, or if you’re tired of feeling like you have to choose between being a good mom and a good therapist, you’re not alone. This episode is here to help you set compassionate boundaries, streamline your sick day strategy, and give yourself the same grace you give your clients.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

If you've ever felt that little flinch when another company shows up promising to make your practice easier, you're not being cynical. You're being a good clinician. So much of the tech in our field was built by people who have never sat with a client and don't understand what's at stake when you're holding someone's mental health and their private information in your hands. We've learned to be wary, and honestly, for good reason.

But wary doesn't have to mean doing it all alone. In this episode, Ashley talks with Julie Durnan, a naturopathic doctor who spent 20 years on every side of a clinic: the treatment room, the front desk, and the business behind it all. Julie built GingerDesk to give practitioners their time back, and when it was acquired by Jane in 2026 she stayed on to lead what's now Jane Admin Services. She's a founder, a builder, and a mom, and she still owns a clinic and sees patients, so everything she shares comes from the practitioner's chair first.

This one is for the solo or newer practitioner who is holding all of it themselves, staring at the admin pile, wondering when they're actually allowed to get help, and trying to tell the difference between a company that truly cares and one that just says the right things. Julie's answer starts with a four-week-old baby strapped to her chest and a front desk that just quit, and it ends somewhere genuinely useful for your practice.

• How to tell the difference between tech built for a bottom line and tech built by people who have actually done the work
• Why about 90% of a sustainable practice is systems, not marketing, and where to begin
• When to bring in admin support, and the first tasks to hand off without losing control
• How to price your work so that getting support is actually possible
• The one intake system every new practice needs before anything else

• [00:03] The earned distrust of tech in our field, and why not every company is the same
• [02:14] Meet Julie Durnan: naturopathic doctor, founder of GingerDesk, now Head of Admin Services at Jane
• [07:16] When motherhood and business collide, and why chasing perfect balance keeps you stuck
• [13:58] Making peace with messy, and the glass balls versus plastic balls of practice and parenting
• [17:12] When and how a solo practitioner should bring in admin support
• [25:09] What real customer care looks like, from feature requests to support
• [29:17] What Jane Admin Services actually does for practitioners
• [35:23] The one system every new practice needs

1. Not All Practice Tech Is Built the Same The distrust is earned, and Julie doesn't argue with it. What makes a company different is who built it and the question they ask when they make decisions. Jane was started by a clinic owner, so the question in the room is never "how does this move a metric," it's "how does this help the clinic." When you're sizing up any tool or company, listen for whether the people building it have actually run a practice.

2. Systems, Not Marketing, Keep a Practice Alive Julie opened her first clinic believing that if she marketed well and treated patients well, everything else would fall into place. Then her front desk quit three months in and every system walked out the door, because it all lived in one person's head. The lesson: most of running a practice is building repeatable systems. Start by getting what's in your head onto paper so your practice can survive one person leaving.

3. Stop Chasing Balance, Build Around Priorities and Seasons Julie's reframe is to drop the idea of perfect balance and ask instead, "what do I need to protect today?" Some days that's a work sprint, some days it's your kid, some days it's a walk outside so you're actually useful to both. Make peace with messy, know your glass balls from your plastic ones, and let the rest be imperfect. Protecting one non-negotiable, for Julie it's exercise and time in nature, is what keeps the whole thing sustainable.

4. Know When to Bring in Support, and How to Do It Right The best time to get admin help is earlier than you think, while systems are still simple to set up. Begin with the smallest task to build trust, then expand. Two things matter most: charge enough that outsourcing admin is warranted, which is about pricing your work fairly rather than having a huge caseload, and define your expectations before anyone starts, the role, the hours, the tasks, and the outcome you want. Most hiring regret is really an onboarding and expectations problem.

• Learn more about Jane and book a free demo HERE and use code ASHLEY1MO for a one month grace period when you sign up

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with actionable insights to help you make empowered, informed decisions about using therapy practice platforms like Headway, Alma, Grow Therapy, and Rula. If you’ve been feeling stuck in the overwhelm of private practice logistics, second-guessing your platform choices, or wondering if you’re missing better options for building a sustainable practice, you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s navigated this path since earning my LCSW back in 2015—and made plenty of “learn as you go” decisions—I know how heavy the pressure can feel when you’re trying to grow a career and a family at the same time. You deserve honest, non-judgmental guidance about what these platforms truly offer (and what they don’t), so you can run your practice your way—and fully own your choices. Let’s dig into what today’s shifts in practice management mean for you, your paycheck, and your peace of mind.

1. Why Providers Turn to Therapy Platforms:

Learn why therapy platforms seem appealing (especially for moms and those craving more control and time freedom), and the nuanced realities behind their promises.

2. The True Costs and Risks of Platform Dependency:

This episode breaks down the recently announced Headway marketplace fee, explores the bigger business model behind these platforms, and helps you rethink what these costs mean for your own financial goals and practice autonomy.

3. Catalyzing Change Without Shame or Guilt:

Discover how to make empowered, shame-free choices about which tools you use, and get practical steps for reclaiming control—whether you stay on a platform or build something on your own terms.

• 00:02: The vital importance of ownership, autonomy, and nuance in building your private practice as a mom.
• 02:07: Headway’s new marketplace service fee and why it’s causing such a stir for therapists.
• 03:54: Navigating shame, judgment, and real-life reasons why so many providers choose these platforms.
• 06:37: What therapy platforms actually do for you: credentialing, billing, marketing—and the limitations.
• 09:35: Real talk on the harm of shaming colleagues for their platform choices and how support—not shame—moves us forward.
• 14:46: Running the numbers: A breakdown of the true financial impact of Headway’s marketplace fee.
• 17:39: Venture-backed business models, changing contracts, and the critical risks of relying on platforms for your caseload.
• 20:12: Strategic steps you can take now—whether you want to stay on a platform or build your own credentialing foundation.

Let’s break this down: Every therapist mom’s life context is different. Many turn to platforms like Headway because the idea of handling credentialing, billing, and non-stop marketing feels overwhelming or simply isn’t possible in their current season. That doesn’t make you less professional or less committed. The real issue isn’t with those who use platforms—it’s with systems that don’t make alternative paths clear or accessible. Shame has no place here; instead, let’s get curious and strategic about what works for your reality 03:54.

Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:

Step 1: Run the math for any platform you’re considering or already using—$10 a session adds up to thousands each year.

Step 2: Check if your profile is listed in platform marketplaces without your knowledge and adjust your settings to direct clients to you personally, if possible 15:16.

Step 3: Stay informed about sudden platform changes. The real concern isn’t just one fee—it’s the business model where your reliance on their referrals puts your income and autonomy in their hands.

We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:

• Mistake 1: Don’t assume using a platform is your only path, or that you’re “stuck” forever—credentialing is hard, but absolutely doable with support and learning 22:30.
• Mistake 2: Don’t let shame or peer judgment keep you from making the best choice for your family or business right now.
• Mistake 3: Reacting in panic (rage-quitting a platform overnight) rather than planning a thoughtful, stepwise transition if that’s where you want to go.

• Free CEU on Credentialing Your Own Practice: Practical guidance on the credentialing process, hosted by Kim Tolson and others.
• Kim Tolson’s Bill Like a Boss Course & Membership: Step-by-step support for learning how to credential for your own private practice.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

Pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood are not ordinary life stages with a baby added on top. Anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, identity shifts, relationship strain. All of it can look and behave differently during the perinatal period. And yet most of us walked out of grad school having never heard the word perinatal.

If you see parents in your practice, and almost all of us do, this episode is for you. Even if you would never call yourself a perinatal specialist.

I sat down with Melissa Medjuck and Kate Borsato, co-founders of The Perinatal Collective, a team of more than 20 therapists supporting families across Canada. We talk about what makes this stage clinically distinct, why the standard interventions often do not land with new parents, and the gaps most training programs leave us to fill on our own. I will be honest, I did not get this training in grad school either. I came to it after my first baby, and I think back on clients I saw before that certification and wish I had known what I know now. That is exactly why this conversation matters.

• Why the perinatal period is clinically different from anxiety or depression at any other life stage
• What a generalist therapist can miss or misread when a new parent is in the room
• Why intrusive thoughts and postpartum OCD are so common, and how to tell them apart from actual risk
• How untreated perinatal struggles show up years later in your clients
• Why you do not need full certification to support parents well, and where to start

• 00:00: Introduction—why honest, strategic perinatal mental health conversations matter for all therapists
• 00:47: Guest intros and the Perinatal Collective’s mission to ensure no parent waits for care
• 05:35: The shocking lack of perinatal education in most counseling and social work training
• 12:11: What makes pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood fundamentally different clinically
• 14:04: The influence of systems—childcare, gender roles, finances—and why mental health never exists in a vacuum
• 23:29: Why every therapist (not just perinatal specialists) needs basic training to support parents
• 29:00: The danger of missing (or mishandling) issues like intrusive thoughts or dad’s postpartum depression
• 33:31: Creating the Perinatal Mental Health Conference—filling the gap with relevant, nuanced, real-world education

When a client is building a family, every dimension of life shifts at once. Hormones, sleep, identity, relationships, the body itself. On top of that, the stakes feel impossibly high, so an ordinary worry can balloon into something that runs all day. Kate names it well: this is the before-and-after pivot of a person's life. If you treat it like regular anxiety that happens to coincide with a baby, you will miss what is actually going on.

Kate, Melissa, and I all said the same thing. Nobody mentioned perinatal mental health in our training. The good news is you do not have to go get fully certified to help. A few courses, some focused learning, or a conference can teach you what presents differently and where your usual interventions fall flat. Telling a new parent to rest and ask for help is lovely in theory and often useless in their actual reality. Learning the nuance is what makes you useful.

Around 50% of moms report intrusive thoughts about intentionally harming their child, and nearly all parents have intrusive thoughts about their child being hurt. These are anxiety-based, not dangerous, but when a provider does not know the difference, they can mishandle a disclosure badly and shut a parent down for good. Knowing how to sit with a scary thought, ask direct questions, and tell an intrusive thought apart from genuine risk is some of the most important work you can do here.

Perinatal struggles do not disappear on their own. Clients show up years later still carrying what started in pregnancy or postpartum. Dads and non-birthing parents experience postpartum depression too, which surprises a lot of providers. The goal of this episode is not to send you running for a certification. It is awareness: recognize when something perinatal is in the room, and either build the skills or refer to someone who has them.

• Perinatal Mental Health Conference (virtual, November 4 to 6, 2026, 55+ sessions): https://perinatalcollective.com/conference — use code EMPOWER15 for 15% off registration
• The Abundant Therapist Mastermind: https://perinatalcollective.com/the-abundant-therapist-mastermind
• The Perinatal Collective website: https://perinatalcollective.com/
• Follow The Perinatal Collective on Instagram: @theperinatalcollective and @insidethepractice

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

Let's be honest. Most of us are either all in on AI or convinced it's the beginning of the end for our profession. I think the truth lives somewhere in the messy middle, and that's exactly where this episode sits.

This is a replay of episode 137, and I'm bringing it back because the AI conversation in our field hasn't slowed down one bit. I'm not here to convince you to use AI or to scare you away from it. I'm sharing what I've seen, where I have real concerns, and how an AI documentation tool helped me catch up on notes during a postpartum season with a baby who wasn't sleeping and a military move on the horizon. If you've been curious but cautious, or you've felt judged for even thinking about it, this one's for you.

• Why the AI conversation feels so loaded for therapists, and how fear of the "ethics police" can shut down the nuance we need
• The difference between consumer AI and healthcare grade AI, and why the real ethical question isn't "is it AI?" but "who controls the data?"
• My non-negotiable checklist for choosing an AI tool, including HIPAA compliance, a BAA, encryption, and making sure it isn't training on your client data
• Where I use AI in my practice and where I never will (spoiler: clinical judgment stays with me)
• A simple script for talking to clients about AI note taking, plus what to do if a client says no

• [00:52]: Why this episode isn't about convincing therapists to use or avoid AI in private practice
• [04:16]: Confidentiality fears, ethics anxiety, and when caution tips into paranoia for therapists
• [05:01]: How big box therapy platforms earned our distrust around client data
• [07:00]: Consumer AI tools like ChatGPT vs. HIPAA compliant AI built for healthcare
• [08:24]: The real ethical question about AI in therapy: who controls the data
• [12:11]: How an AI note template improved my documentation for insurance clients
• [14:43]: The boundaries I keep around AI in my private practice
• [16:42]: What to look for in an AI tool for therapists: HIPAA, BAA, encryption, and data training
• [20:23]: Therapist judgment, working mom realities, and the systems that squeeze our time
• [21:49]: How to talk to therapy clients about AI note taking and consent
• [23:15]: Staying sustainable, ethical, and judgment free as a profession

ChatGPT and other consumer tools are not HIPAA compliant, and they should never touch client information. But healthcare grade AI tools exist, and they're built around encryption, access controls, and a signed BAA. Before you decide AI is off limits, ask the questions that actually matter: Where does the data go? Who can see it? Who controls it?

If you're considering AI for therapy notes, here's your starting checklist:

• HIPAA compliant: Anything touching your notes has to protect client information
• A BAA available: Same standard you hold your EHR to
• Data encryption: Non-negotiable
• No training on your client data: Your sessions should never be teaching the AI
• Built for healthcare: Not a general tool with a healthcare feature tacked on

I use AI to help draft documentation, write letters to other providers, and make sure I'm capturing what matters. I review and edit every note. What I don't use it for is diagnosing, choosing a treatment approach, or any clinical decision. I went to school for that. The AI didn't. Keeping that line clear is what keeps me inside my ethical boundaries.

You don't need to over explain. Something like, "I'm looking at using a secure tool to support documentation so I can stay more present in sessions. I'll send you a letter with more detail and a consent form if you're open to it." And if a client says no? That's their right. You can still dictate a summary after session and get a stronger note than typing it from scratch.

• Berries AI (the AI documentation tool I use): Use code RAISEDTOEMPOWER for $50 off

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with real-world, actionable insights to help you market your private practice in a way that actually fits your life (without burning out or losing yourself along the way). If you’ve been overwhelmed by marketing, felt that tug to do “all the things,” or are wondering how to draw in the right clients while honoring your limits as a parent, you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s navigated the juggle of motherhood, private practice, military spouse life, and all the messy, beautiful realities that come with it, I know firsthand how easy it is to fall into the trap of comparison and hustle. Spoiler: You don’t have to. Sometimes, it’s a small pivot—giving yourself permission to simplify or say no—that makes all the difference for your sanity and your referrals.

In this episode, I’m sharing the strategies that have helped me (and the therapists I support) step out of marketing survival mode, focus on what actually works, and drop the guilt about not doing it all. Whether you’re brand new to private practice, shifting from full-time work, or a seasoned therapist looking to fine-tune your systems, this episode was designed with you in mind.

• How to Ditch “Survival Mode” Marketing: Why doing more isn’t always better—and how intentional simplicity can make marketing less overwhelming.
• Finding YOUR Aligned Strategies: Discover how to identify the few strategies that actually move the needle for your unique client base.
• The Two Non-Negotiables for Long-Term Success: Learn why a website and intentional networking are critical, no matter what else you try.

• 00:00: Honoring the realities of building a private practice as a mom and why “all-in” marketing isn’t always the answer.
• 01:54: Moving beyond hustle—how to choose marketing strategies based on what works for you (not just copying others).
• 06:57: Why feeling overwhelmed and exhausted by marketing doesn't mean you’re failing—it might just mean you need to edit your approach.
• 13:00: The 3–5 Strategies Rule: How to simplify and select only the most effective ways to reach your clients.
• 19:32: Why having your own website—and building real referral connections—are must-haves, not optional extras.
• 26:12: Practical reflection: How to audit your current marketing efforts and let go of what isn’t serving you.

1. Intentional Marketing Beats Doing Everything

• Let’s break this down: “Spaghetti at the wall” marketing—trying every single platform or strategy just because someone else is doing it—doesn’t automatically lead to more clients. In fact, it often leads to burnout, self-doubt, and wasted energy. I’ve been there: signing up for every directory, half-heartedly posting everywhere, all because it looked like “the answer” for someone else. The truth? When you focus on what feels sustainable for you and matches where your clients actually search, your marketing becomes more effective and much less draining. 02:22 for my candid story on this shift.

1. Focus on 3–5 Core Marketing Strategies

• Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:
• Step 1: Audit what you’re currently doing—where are clients actually finding you? Which activities drain your energy?
• Step 2: Identify your top 3–5 marketing strategies. Non-negotiables? A clear, client-friendly website and intentional networking with referral sources.
• Step 3: Give yourself permission to let go of anything that isn’t moving the needle, even if it works for others. Simplicity = sustainability and results. 13:00.

1. Don’t Let Comparison or “Shiny Objects” Derail You

• We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when applying these strategies:
• Mistake 1: Switching strategies every time someone else says there’s a “better” way—this prevents you from gaining traction.
• Mistake 2: Confusing social media engagement (likes, views, followers) with real client inquiries and actual business growth.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is filled with honest, practical insights to help you finally take action on starting your private practice—even if life feels busy, messy, or overwhelming. If you’ve been caught in a cycle of waiting, over-preparing, or second-guessing every move, and wonder if you’ll ever feel “ready,” you’re in exactly the right place.

As someone with over a decade in private practice, and as a mom who has built a business while juggling motherhood, unpredictability, and those all-too-familiar waves of self-doubt, I know firsthand that the moment you feel fully ready rarely—if ever—arrives. What matters isn’t waiting for total confidence or perfect timing; it’s taking that first small step in the midst of your real, beautiful, complicated life. Let’s get real about what’s keeping you on the sidelines and how you can finally begin.

• How to Tell the Difference Between Real Constraints and Fear: You’ll learn to spot the sneaky ways fear disguises itself as “reasonable” reasons to wait, and how to recognize true logistical barriers.
• Why “Ready” is a Decision—Not a Feeling: We’ll unpack how to give yourself permission to move forward, even when self-doubt is loud.
• Action Steps for Getting Unstuck: Practical strategies, scripts, and mindset shifts to help you take the next step toward building the career (and life) you want.

• 00:02: Opening honesty about motherhood, private practice, and why the “perfect time” myth keeps us stuck.
• 01:45: Examining reasons women therapists delay starting—life seasons, certifications, “more research”—and uncovering what’s underneath.
• 07:03: Why real-life barriers and fear are so hard to separate, and the consequences of endless preparation.
• 10:31: How systems, training, and culture teach us to overprepare and internalize self-doubt.
• 16:47: The truth about readiness: why you’ll never feel fully prepared, and why that’s not a problem.
• 19:07: Step-by-step: How to identify real vs. “ambient” constraints and move forward—even if it’s messy.
• 23:59: How courage (not confidence) propels you forward, and how to let go of waiting.
• 25:29: Next steps and how to get clarity (plus, how to connect for a coaching consult).

Let’s break this down: We all have legitimate seasons—babies, school transitions, financial realities—that can impact timing. But more often, the reasons we give ourselves (“I need another certification,” “It’s just not the right time”) are really masked fear. This shows up as endless prep, research, and delaying. The first step is to get radically honest about what’s truly holding you back.

Example: As I shared in this episode, my own leap into private practice was tangled with fear of failure, fear of judgment, and a long list of “responsible” reasons to wait. The truth? That list kept regenerating every season until I finally decided to do it scared.

Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:

• Step 1: Write down all the reasons you’re telling yourself “not now.” Split them into two categories: Real Constraints (logistics like money, childcare, licensing) and Fear-Based Narratives (“I’m not prepared,” “What will others think?”).
• Step 2: For the real constraints, create a concrete plan (even a single, tiny step—like researching business bank accounts or listing names for your practice). For the fear-based reasons, give yourself permission to take action anyway.
• Pro tip: Remember, confidence comes from doing. Each small step quiets fear and builds momentum.

We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:

• Mistake 1: Believing another certification or another podcast episode will make you “ready.” That moment never comes—you always find something else to wait for.
• Mistake 2: Expecting life to “calm down” before you begin. With motherhood, there is always another season around the corner.
• Bonus: Thinking you need to build your whole practice at once. Small, imperfect steps forward are enough.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with actionable insights to help you create and hold boundaries in your private practice—especially as a mom. If you’ve ever felt your work bleeding into your family time, or you’ve struggled to protect your calendar from constant demands, you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s both a therapist and a mom navigating the realities of entrepreneurship and motherhood, I know firsthand how easy it is to let your business overtake the rest of your life. I also know that small, intentional shifts in how you structure your days and protect your time can change everything about your experience as both a clinician and a parent. Let’s dig into the strategies that have changed my own practice and family life, and can help you do the same.

Whether you’re brand new to private practice or you’ve been at it for years but still find yourself stretched thin, this episode will help you anchor your business around your real needs, not just everyone else’s.

• Why Boundaries Matter for Private Practice Moms: How respecting your own limits protects you (and your family) from burnout.
• Concrete Boundary Strategies: Real-life examples of boundaries you can set in your schedule, communication, and workflow to reclaim peace and presence at home and at work.
• Systems That Support (Not Undermine) Your Needs: How to build boundaries into your practice operations, so you’re not left white-knuckling your willpower every week.

00:02: Naming how the new school year immediately crowds our calendars and ramps up demands on both mothers and therapists

01:33: Why boundaries in private practice aren’t optional—they’re essential for sustainable work and family life

04:45: The emotional and practical costs of constant flexibility and how overextending slowly drains your energy

08:34: Putting boundaries into action: specific examples from my own practice—including protected hours, documentation routines, and time off for family

20:04: Building boundaries into the structure of your business so you’re not renegotiating every week

29:08: The discomfort of holding new boundaries, why it’s normal, and how to respond to pushback with kindness and clarity

31:10: It’s not a personal failure if your practice lacks boundaries—it’s a design issue you can fix

1. Your Capacity Is Data—Not an Inconvenience
2. We aren’t trained to see our own exhaustion or limits as valuable feedback. Too often, we override the signals from our body and spirit, believing we must bend further and further to serve everyone else. Instead, I learned to see my own capacity as essential information for designing my practice—protecting my evenings, creating buffer times between sessions and pick-ups, and being honest with myself about what I can truly offer. For instance, after years of feeling depleted, I now block off the hour after school drop-off just to ground myself before my first client 13:16.
3. Build Boundaries Into Your Practice Structure—Not Just Your Willpower
4. If every boundary depends on you making a case, you’ll burn out. Instead, set your availability, cancellation policy, and communication windows in your intake paperwork and booking systems. For example, my calendar now only shows the times I’m actually available—no hidden options. Clients don’t get to negotiate for extra hours because the system simply doesn’t offer them 25:14.
5. How to Start:

• Step 1: Clearly define your available hours and caseload maximum.
• Step 2: Set automated systems—like booking software and out-of-office email responses—to reinforce your limits for you.
• Step 3: Review your policies seasonally and update them as your family or personal needs shift.

1. Don’t Over-Explain—Kind and Clear Is Enough
2. When your boundaries are challenged, it’s natural to want to justify, negotiate, or offer lengthy reasons. But often, over-explaining just invites more requests. Instead, use a brief, warm statement: “That time doesn’t work for me, but here is what I do have available.” Hold firm and know that discomfort is part of the process (not evidence you’re being unreasonable) 29:34.
3. What NOT to Do:

• Mistake 1: Offering a paragraph-long explanation that invites negotiation
• Mistake 2: Making exceptions “just this once” unless they’re truly your choice—not a response to pressure

• Your Ideal Practice Blueprint – A guided workbook to design a private practice that fits your life
• Berries The AI tool I use to support my documention. Use code RAISETOEMPOWER for $50 off

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with practical guidance to help you integrate advocacy into your private practice—without overwhelm or burnout. If you’re a therapist mom who’s felt stretched thin by the competing demands of running a business, raising a family, and simply surviving through this “hanging-on-by-a-thread” world, you’re in the right place.

As someone who’s lived through both the trenches of motherhood and the complexities of building a private practice, I know firsthand that advocacy can feel like another impossible “should” on an already endless to-do list. What I want you to know is this: meaningful change isn’t reserved for the bold and tireless. Sometimes it looks like everyday courage, small wins, and honest conversations—ways we can show up for our clients, ourselves, and our communities even when the world feels heavy. So grab your coffee (and maybe your cold medication or allergy tablets if it’s that kind of day), and let’s dive into ways advocacy can feel supportive, sustainable, and true to your calling.

Educating Your Clients on Rights and Resources:

How simple resource sharing empowers your clients and integrates advocacy naturally into your existing workflow.

Using the Five Calls App for Micro-Advocacy:

How to use this free tool to make your voice heard on issues that matter, even with a packed schedule.

The Power of Amplifying Others’ Work on Social Media:

How lifting the voices of frontline advocates extends your impact and signals solidarity in meaningful ways.

• 00:02: Advocacy in motherhood and private practice, naming the hard stuff and why it’s needed more than ever
• 01:15: How politics and policy impact therapy—and why we can’t separate them as mental health professionals
• 05:28: Three concrete strategies for weaving advocacy into your practice without extra overwhelm
• 07:47: Step-by-step on using the Five Calls app to make advocacy quick, relevant, and sustainable
• 11:45: Why amplifying others on social media is a meaningful way to advance justice

Let’s break this down:

You don’t have to overhaul your life to make a difference. Every time you help a client understand their rights, or connect them to a resource (like workplace accommodations via the ADA, or support for military families navigating TRICARE), you’re engaging in advocacy. I’ve seen shoulders physically drop in relief when clients realize they have options—sometimes, the act of naming what’s possible is a quiet revolution in their lives 07:01.

Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:

• Step 1: Download the Five Calls app—it’s free and quick to set up.
• Step 2: Enter your zip code, choose the issues that matter to you, and use the provided scripts to call your reps directly.
• Step 3: Pro tip—do it while you’re waiting in the school pickup line or at the pharmacy. One call takes five minutes and contributes to larger impact 09:22.

We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:

• Mistake 1: Thinking you have to do advocacy “perfectly” or not at all—sharing relevant posts or supporting colleagues can be powerful.
• Mistake 2: Believing you have to share personal details or risk your professional boundaries—simply signaling your support for equitable policies and marginalized voices is meaningful 13:40.

Visibility isn’t just for self-promotion; it’s currency for justice. Every like, comment, and share that uplifts a frontline advocate or community member helps shift the conversation—both for your clients and your own sense of agency.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with actionable insights to help you confidently choose an electronic health record (EHR) that truly serves your private practice and your life. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by piecing together clunky software or stressed about the never-ending admin behind your sessions, you’re in good company.

As both a therapist and a mom who’s navigated the chaos of launching a practice while managing family life, I know how easy it is to undervalue your own time (especially when “saving money” feels responsible). What I’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—is that making wise, strategic choices about our systems creates so much more time freedom and ease. This episode is for clinicians who want a practice that supports them (not just their clients), who crave flexibility, and who know that practical, honest advice matters far more than fluff.

Today, I'm sharing my real-life missteps and lessons, plus the six essential things to consider when picking your EHR. Let’s make your daily work lighter, your client experience smoother, and your time fully your own—without apologizing for it.

• Why Your EHR Choice Impacts More Than Admin: Discover how your daily workflow, stress level, and client retention all tie back to this one decision—and how to prioritize you in the process.
• Six Must-Ask Questions Before You Choose an EHR: How to compare real costs, ease of use, client experience, and whether a system truly supports a growing practice (without drowning in details).
• Avoid the Biggest EHR Mistakes I Made: Simple ways to save yourself months—maybe years—of stress, lost time, or expensive transitions.

00:02: Honest strategy for building private practice on your terms as a mom and therapist

01:44: Why piecing together free tools cost more in time, money, and mental energy

06:46: How your EHR becomes your practice's entire operating system and shapes client experience

10:42: Six critical factors every therapist mom should consider when choosing an EHR

22:11: Step-by-step: How to evaluate, demo, and actually decide between EHR systems

26:23: My personal experience—and why a system that grows with you is everything for long-term sustainability

Let’s break this down: When I started my practice, I patched together free tools to avoid spending money before clients were coming in. What I didn’t realize was that the true cost was paid in lost time, relentless admin headaches, and a poor client experience. Investing in a solid, all-in-one system from the beginning would have saved me countless hours and spared so much stress. If it feels like you’re “being resourceful” by using scattered, free software, remember: your time is valuable, and your peace of mind is worth more than a few dollars saved each month.

Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:

Step 1: Go beyond the sticker price. Ask: What’s included? Are there hidden fees as you grow, or for add-ons you’ll eventually need?

Step 2: Evaluate customer support—can you reach a real person, and will you get help when you actually need it (not just during business hours)?

Step 3: Try both the provider and client experiences—demo the software, book yourself as a client, and see if it feels simple or frustrating.

Step 4: Check payment and insurance processing. Does the EHR make getting paid (by clients or insurance) genuinely frictionless?

Step 5: Investigate scheduling features and calendar sync—will this system help you protect your family AND work time?

Step 6: Confirm that all features actually work together—you want a streamlined, all-in-one system, not more duct-tape solutions.

Pro tip: Book a free demo and get your hands dirty before making a final decision. Don’t let comparison paralysis stop you from moving forward.

We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when choosing your EHR:

• Mistake 1: Relying only on price and ignoring hidden expenses like added features, credit card processing, or extra clients as you grow.
• Mistake 2: Choosing a system that’s clunky for your clients—if it’s not easy for them, you risk losing them before you ever meet.
• Mistake 3: Waiting too long to switch. Staying with a system that isn’t serving you because moving feels daunting wastes more time and causes more stress in the long run.

If this episode hits home for you, or you know another therapist mom struggling to untangle her practice systems, share this episode and let’s empower each other to create work and life on our own terms.

⭐️ You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat, book a free consultation here

🫶🏼 Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking

🩵 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period

📌 Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower

📌 Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE

📌 Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com

🎙️ If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.