Hi friends! Whitney here — and today's Wise Practice episode is one every single practice owner needs in their back pocket. Whether you're brand-new to private practice or scaling into a thriving group, the same question always surfaces: "What should I actually pay myself?"

It sounds simple… until taxes, entity types, self-employment rules, "reasonable salary" requirements, and quarterly payments make your head spin. That's why I brought on someone who makes money talk feel human — Barry Roach Jr., enrolled agent and owner of Core Accounting & Consulting Group.

Barry has spent years helping therapists understand their numbers, strengthen their financial foundation, and navigate tax decisions with confidence. And in this episode, he breaks down:

✨ When (and when NOT) to elect S-Corp status ✨ What "reasonable salary" really means — no guesswork ✨ The mistake new practice owners make when paying themselves ✨ How to avoid a painful April tax bill ✨ The simple formula for deciding what to take home today

If you've ever wondered whether you're paying yourself too little, too much, or totally wrong… this episode will save you stress, money, and confusion.

Trust me — you're going to walk away feeling empowered and clear on your next steps.

Tune in now and finally get the answers you've been searching for.

02:42 The #1 question practice owners ask: "What should I pay myself?" 07:30 Sole prop vs. LLC vs. S-Corp 09:33 Ouch: the 43% tax reality check 😬 11:16 The S-Corp advantage (a.k.a. how to keep more of your money) 12:48 Paying yourself when your practice is tiny but mighty 14:34 When an S-Corp actually hurts you 16:00 Reasonable salary: the "many hats" method 19:37 The IRS wants its money… quarterly 😅 21:11 Safe harbor rules, in plain English 23:10 Partnerships + guaranteed payments

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In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I sit down with Davia Ward — CEO and founder of Healthcare Partners Consulting & Billing — and one of the most mission-driven leaders I've ever met. With over 37 years of experience in healthcare, Davia has built a nationwide billing firm grounded in accuracy, compassion, and Christ-centered service. But what struck me most in our conversation wasn't just her expertise… it was her heart.

Davia shares her powerful personal journey from file clerk to registered nurse to founder of a thriving billing company that now employs and empowers women across the country — military wives, single moms, survivors, and those who simply needed someone to believe in their potential. Her story alone is worth listening to.

But this episode is also packed with practical, timely tools for insurance-based practice owners, especially as we head into the end of the year. Davia breaks down:

✨ What every practice owner needs to know about open enrollment ✨ How to communicate with patients about insurance changes (without stress) ✨ The biggest billing mistakes clinics make in December ✨ How to avoid claim rejections related to year-end transitions ✨ Why therapists must stop assuming what clients can or can't afford ✨ A powerful mindset shift around reimbursement, value, and leadership

Plus — Davia created an end-of-year billing SOP toolkit just for Wise Practice listeners. Yes, really.

This conversation is equal parts heart, wisdom, and highly actionable guidance. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by insurance billing, unsure how to navigate the year-end chaos, or simply needed encouragement from a strong Christian leader… this episode will bless you.

Tune in and learn how to streamline your billing, strengthen your leadership, and serve your clients well — one claim at a time.

03:10 Meet Davia Ward 04:18 Why She Created a Patient-First Billing Company 07:52 Empowering Women Through Hiring & Leadership 08:44 Integrating Faith Into Business & Service 10:38 What Practice Owners Must Know About Open Enrollment 11:57 Smart December Reminders to Prevent Claim Issues 13:29 Teaching Clients to Understand Their Benefits 14:53 Avoiding Year-End Claim Rejections 17:51 When Insurance Stops Paying: How to Have the Conversation 18:59 Stop Assuming What Clients Can Afford

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Wise Practice Mastermind

In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I'm excited to welcome my dear friend and trusted colleague, Alison Pidgeon. Alison is the founder and CEO of Move Forward Counseling, a thriving multi-location practice in Pennsylvania with eight offices and more than 65 clinicians. I've had the joy of watching her grow from a single-location practice to a seven-figure business, and her insights on scaling are truly invaluable.

Before we dive in, I share a quick story about a long-running joke between us—our shared dream of owning hot tubs. Alison bought hers years ago; I kept putting it off. And then, in the most unexpected way, I ended up being gifted a blow-up baptism hot tub from our church. It felt like the perfect metaphor for business growth: sometimes the things we hesitate on finally come together in surprising ways.

Today, Alison and I talk about what practice owners often get wrong when scaling, how to hire and retain strong clinicians, when to invest in leadership, and why delegation is essential if you want to grow to seven figures without burning out.

If you're dreaming of a bigger practice—or wondering what sustainable scaling really looks like—you're going to love this conversation.

06:22 From One Location to Eight 07:48 Common Pitfalls When Scaling 10:17 What It Takes to Reach Seven Figures 11:57 When to Hire HR 14:41 Hiring Therapists Who Stay 17:33 Values-Based Hiring 18:09 The Power of Delegation 22:47 Investing Before You're Ready 23:29 Why Bigger Doesn't Mean More Work 24:48 Systems, Bonuses & Accountability 27:49 Building Connection Across Locations

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Wise Practice Mastermind

Today's episode is such a good one, y'all. If you've ever wondered how to actually protect your brand—or if all those scary trademark scam letters are legit—you are in for a treat. I brought back one of my favorite past guests, Joey Vitale, and trust me… when someone comes on the Wise Practice Podcast twice, it's because they REALLY know their stuff.

Joey is not only a top-rated trademark attorney, he's the guy who makes the legal side of business feel simple, human, and—dare I say—fun. And after everything he's taught me (and after using his team personally for my own trademark), I knew we needed a round two.

Today we're diving into what's new in the trademark world, how to spot a scam a mile away, why those "blue check" Gmail verifications matter, and the surprising places your brand might be at risk without you even realizing it. And listen—after the week I've had using ChatGPT to accidentally make up an entire fictional plot for my book club (yes, really), I can confidently say: do NOT let AI handle your trademark strategy. Leave that part to the experts.

So if you want to protect the business you've worked so hard to build—or you simply want to stop second-guessing every trademark-ish email that lands in your inbox—this episode is going to give you clarity and peace of mind.

Let's jump in and talk trademarks, scams, and everything in between with the brilliant and always entertaining Joey V.

02:00 – Whitney's ChatGPT Book Club Fail 06:54 – Meet Joey Vitale (Again!) 09:28 – The Good, the Bad & the "Do Not Trademark This" List 15:32 – When Another Business Has Your Same Name 21:20 – Beware Trademark Scams 23:52 – The Gmail Blue Check & Why It Matters 30:01 – AI, DIY Risks & USPTO Updates 31:28 – How to Work With Indie Law (+ Listener Discount)

Joey Vitale's Resources

Website 👉 $300 off any trademark service after you book and complete the free consult call. LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Facebook

The 3 Mistakes You Must Avoid to Protect Your Brand with Joey Vitale

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Wise Practice Mastermind

If you've ever felt like your practice is stretching you, shaping you, or even changing you—this episode is going to speak straight to your heart.

Today, I'm sitting down with the incredible Shelby Rhea Miller, LPCC, founder of Sycamore Counseling Services, to talk about what really happens when God uses your business to grow you.

Shelby's story is full of courage, risk-taking, surrender, and the kind of spiritual formation that only comes from stepping into something bigger than yourself. She's built a thriving practice from the ground up, but even more importantly—her practice has been building her.

In this conversation, we unpack what it means to follow the Holy Spirit in business decisions, how to find joy even when the risk feels huge, and how God shows up in the unexpected twists and disappointments along the way. If you're a practice owner wondering where God is leading you—or why your growth feels stretching—this episode will encourage you to lean in with faith and boldness.

Let's dive into "Creating a Practice That Changes You" with my friend Shelby Rhea. You're going to love this one.

06:47 – Meet Shelby Rhea Miller, LPCC 09:07 – The Spiritual Calling Behind Starting a Practice 10:17 – Faith-Building Through Risk 11:47 – Finding Joy in Risk 12:48 – Growing Your Caseload & Your Faith 14:33 – The Power of Surrender 16:08 – Getting Out of Your Own Way 18:20 – Shifting From Scarcity to Abundance 19:37 – Trusting Others in the Building Process 21:49 – Balancing Logic With Faith 24:06 – Throwing Out the Spreadsheet 25:33 – When Plans Don't Go Your Way 27:52 – Returning to Trust in Hard Moments 29:45 – Rituals That Keep You Centered 31:04 – The Invitation to Grow With God

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Wise Practice Mastermind

As a therapist and group practice owner, I know firsthand how the work we do shapes us. The stories we hold, the crises we navigate, and even the simple act of showing up empathically day after day can impact our emotional and spiritual health. That ongoing impact is called vicarious trauma, and it plays a bigger role in our work—and our leadership—than we often acknowledge.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jenny Hughes, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in trauma and PTSD and supports helpers and healers through these exact experiences. Jenny offers such a compassionate, grounded perspective on what vicarious trauma looks like, how it shows up in our bodies and businesses, and why it's something we all encounter as clinicians. She also introduces the beautiful idea of vicarious resilience—the glimmers of hope and connection we receive from doing this work.

We also talk about how faith, community, and honest conversations can help us lead from a place of clarity instead of overwhelm. Whether you're a solo practitioner or running a growing group practice, this conversation will give you language, tools, and encouragement to navigate the emotional weight of this work with more intention.

This conversation is full of insight, encouragement, and practical wisdom for anyone doing the sacred work of helping others heal.

07:13 Meet Jenny Hughes, PhD 09:40 What Vicarious Trauma Really Is 11:55 Real-Life Example: When Heavy Stories Stick With Us 14:10 Understanding Vicarious Resilience 16:14 Soft Transitions and Healthy Processing 18:40 How Our Humanity Shapes Our Leadership 21:54 What Group Practice Owners Need to Name Out Loud 23:43 The Trauma of Running a Practice 25:32 Building Support Systems for Leaders 27:26 Inside the Brave Trauma Therapist Collective 30:47 Giving Yourself Permission to Be Human

Jenny's Resources

Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn TikTok YouTube Free Vicarious Trauma Tracker The BRAVE Trauma Therapist Collective

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Wise Practice Mastermind

Hey friends, it feels so good to be back on the mic! After months of prepping for the Wise Practice Summit and connecting with so many amazing practice owners in Greenville, I'm coming into this episode fired up and full of gratitude.

If you've ever had one of those seasons where you thought, "This is just too much… maybe I should quit," I've been there too. But let me tell you, God always shows up. The Summit was such a beautiful reminder that the work we do—growing our practices, leading our teams, and serving from a place of faith—truly matters. And when we keep showing up with perseverance and prayer, He blesses it in ways we can't even imagine.

Today, I'm thrilled to introduce you to Anna Sasser-Christian, founder of Little Dove Counseling in Walnut Creek, California. Anna has been part of the Wise Practice community for a while now, and I've watched her grow from a solo therapist to leading a thriving group of seven clinicians — all while becoming a new mom!

In this live consulting episode, Anna brings a thoughtful question about leadership — not just how to manage a team, but how to show up as a Christ-centered leader who creates clarity, connection, and peace within her practice. We're diving deep into self-awareness, spiritual grounding, and what it really means to lead with faith at the core.

So grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get into a conversation that's going to encourage you, challenge you, and remind you that you don't have to do this work alone.

07:40 Exciting News: Next Stop — Nashville! 08:45 Introducing Anna Sasser-Christian, LCSW 10:30 From Solo Therapist to Strong Leader 11:50 The Heart of Leadership: Self-Awareness & Faith 17:15 Clarifying the Vision for Your Practice 23:00 Letting Go of Control and Listening to God 25:30 Hearing Feedback with Humility 28:00 Why Every Leader Needs Coaching & Community 34:40 Final Reflections: Leading with Faith and Rest

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Wise Practice Mastermind

Hey friend, Whitney here. I'm fired up about today's episode because we're pulling back the curtain on how clear branding, mission, vision, and values can fuel real growth in your faith-based practice.

I'm coaching my friend Nathan Hansen, LPC of Great Lakes Wellness Counseling, and we get super practical on turning values into hiring, culture, and clinical excellence, and how to rally your team around a shared purpose.

We dive into:

• How to define and live out your mission, vision, and values
• Ways to build team culture and community, even with 1099s
• Practical ideas for branding and rebranding your practice
• Keeping faith and purpose at the center of your business

Quick heads-up: the Wise Practice Community opens tomorrow with a limited-time promo of 89 cents for your first month, November 12 through 14. If you've been wanting weekly live trainings, expert Q&As, small-group accountability, editable paperwork, and a supportive community that understands your faith, this is your moment. Learn more here: https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com/community

07:15 The Power of Mission, Vision, and Values 10:50 Branding with Intention 13:20 Inside Whitney's Workshop Process 17:30 How to Engage Your Team (Even as 1099s) 21:00 Living the Mission Every Day 27:00 Encouraging Growth and Expertise 30:20 Integrating Faith and Leadership 33:00 The Power of Community

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Wise Practice Mastermind

This week's episode of the Wise Practice Podcast is one I'm especially excited about because it's a live consulting session with the amazing Shirlonda Shepard, owner of True North and Associates in Savannah, Georgia. Shirlonda came to the show with a heartfelt question: How can faith-based therapists integrate their Christian values into counseling while staying ethical and professional?

I love conversations like this because they get to the core of what so many of us wrestle with—how to honor God in our work without overstepping our role as clinicians. In this episode, Shirlonda and I talk openly about the gray areas: what to do when faith and ethics seem to collide, how to support clients with different beliefs, and what it means to let the Holy Spirit guide your sessions.

You'll also hear us dive into practical topics like marketing your faith-based practice, handling tough client conversations, and even hiring staff who align with your mission.

If you've ever wondered how to integrate faith into therapy without losing your footing as a professional, this episode will speak straight to your heart.

05:15 The Big Question: Balancing Faith and Ethics 08:50 When Values and Client Choices Collide 10:45 Helping Clients Define Their Own Faith 12:00 Practical Example: The Marijuana Conversation 14:00 Letting Clients Find Their Own Convictions 16:10 Faith-Based vs. Christian Counseling 17:45 Why Transparency Matters 19:45 Ethics, Licensing, and Clarity in Marketing 22:20 Faith in Hiring Decisions

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Wise Practice Mastermind

Have you ever felt that holy nudge - that mix of excitement and fear that says, "Maybe it's time to go out on my own"?

I remember that feeling so vividly. You're standing on the edge of something new, your heart's racing, and the "what ifs" start flooding in. What if I'm not ready? What if it fails? But also… what if this is exactly what God is calling me to do next?

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with Amanda Zuccaro, a Licensed Professional Counselor who's right in that in-between space - still working at her current practice but feeling called to step into her own. We talk about how to know when you're ready to make that leap, how to prepare financially and emotionally, and what it looks like to take faith-based action even when everything isn't perfectly lined up yet.

If you've ever dreamed about starting your own practice - or you're wondering if now's the time - this conversation is for you. Amanda's story will inspire you to stop spinning your wheels, trust the process, and take that first brave step toward your own wise practice.

04:49 The Big Question: When Is It Time to Go Out on Your Own? 05:21 Setting the Scene: Amanda's Current Practice and Goals 11:58 The Cost of Waiting: Why Time Is Money 14:45 Facing the Fear: Will Clients Follow Me? 15:23 Exploring Contract Options and Dual Roles 17:21 The Real Work of Private Practice 19:12 Amanda's Plan: Building Momentum and Confidence 22:44 Action Steps and Encouragement

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Wise Practice Mastermind