Kelly Higdon is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the co-founder of ZynnyMe, a company that helps therapists grow their private practices. In a recent podcast episode, Higdon discussed the issue of burnout among therapists and shared some tips and advice on how to avoid it.

The Importance of Self-Care

Higdon emphasized the importance of self-care as a way to prevent burnout. “Is there room for your own therapy, your own healing modalities, your own consultation, those kinds of things of like who is taking care of you in your business?” She noted that many therapists neglect their own self-care in favor of taking care of others. However, self-care is essential for therapists to maintain their well-being and avoid burnout. Higdon recommended finding someone who is supporting you in your business and reaching out to them regularly. There is a community aspect to self-care.

Remember to “Set Boundaries”

“Where are your boundaries? What have you been starting with, and are you holding to them?” Setting boundaries is critical for therapists to prevent burnout. Higdon suggested that therapists set clear boundaries around their work hours and communicate them clearly to their clients. Following through on your commitments is an excellent way to prevent resentment and burnout “And then when people cancel and you don't enforce and you don't follow through on your commitments, Resentment. It starts and then it moves into agitation. Then it moves into anger and frustration, and then that gets that shows up in the therapeutic relationship.”Other ways to set boundaries include not taking calls or emails outside of work hours, taking breaks between sessions, and setting limits on the number of clients they see each day.

Therapists often fall into the trap of martyrdom. While they take of everyone else their own needs are trampled. Higdon also stressed the importance of keeping your boundaries with clients and staff as a way to prevent burnout. She noted that many therapists struggle with boundaries, often feeling responsible for their everyone’s well-being. However, Higdon emphasized that living this way is not healthy and builds up anger and resentment. When working with clients setting expectations around communication, appointment scheduling, and payment. It can also involve setting limits on the amount of time spent in the session or the number of sessions offered. With employees, it means attracting the people who buy into your vision and mission and having honest conversations with them about what you can and can’t do.

“Be Honest and Authentic”

Being authentic is a way to protect yourself from burnout. “…getting really clear about who you feel passionate about working with, knowing that you can change the messaging and who you wanna work with.” If you get excited about what you do this shows up in the session. Higdon also emphasized the importance of honesty and authenticity in setting boundaries with clients. She advised therapists to be transparent about their own limitations and boundaries, as well as to communicate their concerns and expectations clearly. This can help to establish a sense of trust and respect between therapist and client, which can ultimately help to prevent burnout.

Links and resources

Wise Practice Facebook Community Group

Whitney Owens on Instagram

Visit Whitney Owens Consulting

Email your questions to Whitney

Zynnyme Website

Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast

Kelly on Facebook

Kelly on Instagram

Kelly on YouTube

Free Private Practice Library

Running a successful business requires more than just a good idea or a product. Entrepreneurs and business owners must also master the art of managing systems and processes to ensure their operations run smoothly and efficiently. In a recent podcast episode, therapists and business consultants Kasey Compton and Whitney Owens share their insights on this critical topic, along with answering common questions on a range of business topics.

The Importance of Systems and Processes:

Compton and Owens emphasize the importance of having systems and processes in place to ensure a business runs smoothly. They discuss the various benefits of having well-defined systems and processes, including increased efficiency, reduced errors, and improved customer satisfaction. Compton shares some of her strategies for implementing systems and processes effectively, such as involving employees in the process and creating clear guidelines.

Hiring and Delegation:

During the Q&A segment, Owens and Compton answer questions about hiring and delegation. They discuss the importance of hiring the right people and delegating tasks effectively. “Don’t hire out of fear, and don’t hire out of desperation.” Compton emphasizes the need to hire individuals who share the company's values and culture, and who possess the necessary skills and experience. “At a foundational level, your values have to match.” Owens shares his approach to delegation, which involves identifying the right tasks to delegate, setting clear expectations, and providing the necessary support and resources.

Managing Finances:

Compton and Owens also provide valuable insights on managing finances. They discuss the importance of budgeting and cash flow management, and offer tips on how to avoid common financial mistakes. Compton emphasizes the need to have a clear understanding of a company's financials, and to use data and analytics to make informed decisions. Owens stresses the importance of having a financial plan in place, and the need to review and adjust it regularly.

Dealing with Difficult Employees:

Owens and Compton also address a question on how to deal with difficult employees. They discuss the importance of setting clear expectations and communicating effectively with employees. Compton suggests using positive reinforcement and coaching to help employees improve their performance, while Owens stresses the need to document any performance issues and follow the company's disciplinary procedures.

Doing more does not always get you more. Conclusion:

In conclusion, systems and processes are critical to running a successful business. By implementing effective systems and processes, entrepreneurs and business owners can increase efficiency, reduce errors, and improve customer satisfaction. Additionally, hiring the right people, delegating tasks effectively, managing finances, and dealing with difficult employees are all essential components of running a successful business. By following the advice and insights provided by business experts like Kasey Compton and Whitney Owens, entrepreneurs and business owners can build strong and sustainable businesses that thrive in today's competitive market.

Resources and Links

• Meet You In Kentucky 2023

• Mindsight Partners

• Facebook and Instagram - @hiKaseyCompton

• Wise Practice Facebook Community Group

• Whitney Owens on Instagram

• Visit Whitney Owens Consulting

• Email your questions to Whitney

Podcast Produced and Show Notes Written By James Marland

In this episode of The Wise Practice Podcast, Whitney Owens interviews Daniel Fava, a digital business consultant and founder of Private Practice Elevation. Together, they discuss seven ways to simplify therapy practice websites to increase conversions. Private Practice Elevation offers website design, SEO, and website support services to help private practice owners grow their business through online marketing. Having a website is a great way to showcase your business or personal brand. However, it is important to remember that a website is only effective if it is user-friendly, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. In this article, we will discuss seven key points that can help you improve your website design and make it more attractive to potential clients.

• Simplified SEO Consulting Spring Break Blog Writing Workshop for Therapists

• Simplified SEO Consulting

• Guest’s webpage: Private Practice Elevation

• Daniel Fava on Instagram: daniel.fava

• Free eBook “5 Things Every Private Practice Owner Can Fix On Their Website in the Next Week to Increase Client

• People who mention Whitney's podcast when reaching out to us can get $200 off a website project, $50 off an SEO assessment, and $15 off the first 3 months of a WordPress care plan

• Wise Practice Facebook Community Group

• Whitney Owens on Instagram

• Visit Whitney Owens Consulting

• Email your questions to Whitney

 

Read More

Episode 17 features an interview with Jessica Tappana, an LCSW group practice owner, and founder of Simplified SEO Consulting. The conversation focuses on the importance of SEO for therapists to attract clients, and Jessica's passion for her work in this area. Whitney and Jessica discuss the importance of having a Christian counseling page on a therapy practice's website. The speakers agree that it is a personal decision and that there are benefits to having such a page, especially for practices that are overtly Christian. It is suggested that having a separate Christian counseling page can help reach clients who are specifically looking for a Christian therapist, and from an SEO perspective, it can help a practice rank well in search results for Christian counseling.

The Benefits of Having a Christian Counseling Page

The podcast discusses the benefits of having a separate Christian counseling page on a therapy practice's website, especially for practices that are overtly Christian. The speakers suggest that having such a page can help reach clients who are specifically looking for a Christian therapist, and it can also help a practice rank well in search results for Christian counseling. They also suggest having separate pages for different types of counseling, such as marriage counseling and couples therapy.  Also mentioned is the importance of being direct in the language used on the page, and suggest having separate pages for different types of counseling, such as marriage counseling and couples therapy.

Attracting Clients with Different Backgrounds

The speakers discuss the idea that counselors who market themselves as Christian counselors may mistakenly believe they will only attract clients of the same faith. They emphasize the importance of counselors being open about their faith and targeting their ideal client while remaining open to clients of various backgrounds. Tappana explains that clients of minority faiths often struggle to find a counselor who understands their culture and that disclosing her Christian faith to clients has led to productive discussions about their differing beliefs. Owens adds that counselors who specify their religious background do not necessarily limit themselves to seeing only clients of the same faith, and they may attract clients of different Christian denominations or clients who appreciate their understanding of a particular belief system. They highlight the benefits of counselors being open about their faith and targeting their ideal client while remaining open to clients of various backgrounds.

Balancing SEO Strategy and Service Pages

Whitney added a Christian counseling page to her site and found it to be in the top 10 pages for hits at her practice. Jessica has considered adding a faith-based counseling page but is concerned it may turn off certain demographics, such as those with religious trauma or the LGBT community. They discuss the SEO benefits of having such a page and the individual decision each practice must make. Tappana mentions that they have therapists of various faiths, including Christian, Jewish, agnostic, and even atheist, and that they have instead opted for blog posts on the topic rather than a dedicated page.The speakers recommend including a subheading on the Christian counseling page that addresses common concerns such as whether one must be Christian to benefit from counseling. They also suggest having sections on working with teens or couples who have different faith systems.

Final Thoughts

The speakers emphasize the importance of considering the ideal client and being explicit about the type of counseling offered on the page. They highlight that even if two therapists have the same beliefs and interpretation of the Bible, their approaches might still differ, so their websites should reflect that uniqueness. They also stress the significance of understanding what clients are searching for and being clear about it on the website to attract the right people and improve SEO strategy.

Episode Quotes and Tips

• "It's all about honing in on that ideal client." - Whitney Owens

• "Your website should reflect that diversity of us as Christian therapists." - Whitney Owens

• "Being explicit about what you're titling the page is important." - Whitney Owens

• "The more clear you are on your website about who you are as a clinician, the more likely you are to get the calls from the right people." - Whitney Owens

• "There is a difference between Christian counseling and biblical counseling. So be clear about that on your page as well." - Jessica Tappana

• "Even if you and I had the exact same beliefs and the exact same interpretations, um, of the Bible and the exact same, um, Christian traditions still, I think how it would impact us and how it would come out in the chair would be a little bit different." - Jessica Tappana

• "It's okay for your website to have that unique feel." - Jessica Tappana

Links and Resources

• Early Bird Pricing for the Wise Practice Summit

• Simplified SEO Consulting Home Page

• Connect on Instagram with Jessica: @simplifiedseo

• Connect on Facebook with Jessica - Simplified SEO Consulting

• Special offer for Simplified SEO Courses: 25% off of any of our online courses on SEO with the code WISEPRACTICE

• Connect with the Wise Practice Community Facebook Community Group

• Whitney on Instagram

• Visit the Web Page

• Email your questions to Whitney

Links

• Wise Practice Summit

• The Productive Therapist: 20% off our VIP Prep Package that helps practices get organized and ready to hire a virtual or in-office assistant with the coupon code: WISEPRACTICE

• The Productive Therapist on Facebook

• The Productive

• Facebook Community Group

• Instagram

• Visit the Web Page

• Email your questions to Whitney

Whitney Owens, the host of the Wise Practice Podcast, is joined by Uriah Gilford, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner of a group practice in Northern California. Uriah is also the creator of Productive Therapist, a virtual assistant company that serves therapists in private practice. In this lighthearted and engaging conversation, Whitney and Uriah discuss the pillars of productivity for a therapy office.

The First Pillar of Productivity is Personal Productivity

The first pillar of productivity is personal productivity. This refers to your ability to manage your time and focus on the tasks that matter most. It means being able to prioritize your tasks, set realistic goals, and make the most of your time. To achieve this, you need to understand your own work style and habits, and learn how to make the most of your time. For example, you can use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and timers to keep track of your progress and ensure that you're on track.

Personal productivity is all about utilizing your time and energy in the most effective way possible. This includes developing habits and routines that maximize your potential and help you stay focused and on track. Whitney mentions several strategies for improving personal productivity such as setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and taking regular breaks.

The Second Pillar of Productivity is Pretty Good Organization

Organization is crucial for productivity as it allows individuals and businesses to stay on top of tasks and responsibilities. Whitney highlights the importance of creating a system for managing tasks and information, such as using a to-do list or a productivity app. He also suggests implementing a process for filing and storing important documents and information.

The Third Pillar of Productivity is Plenty of Delegation

Delegation is an essential aspect of productivity as it allows individuals and businesses to distribute tasks and responsibilities, freeing up time and energy for other important tasks. Whitney emphasizes the importance of delegating tasks to the right people and setting clear expectations and guidelines. The benefits of  outsourcing tasks to professionals and using automation to streamline processes were also mentioned. 

The Importance of Mindset and Habits in Productivity

The conversation also touched on the importance of mindset and habits in productivity. It's crucial to have the right mindset and habits in place in order to be productive. This means setting goals, being proactive, and avoiding distractions. It also means creating a routine that supports productivity and sticking to it, even when it's difficult. For example, you can get up earlier in the morning, turn off your phone, or find a quiet workspace to focus on your work.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the conversation around productivity and its three main pillars has given us a valuable insight into what it takes to be productive. Whether it's personal, organizational, or deletional productivity, it's important to understand the role that each pillar plays in increasing productivity. By focusing on each of these pillars and incorporating the right habits and mindset, we can achieve our goals and be more productive in all areas of our lives. Remember, being productive isn't about working harder, it's about working smarter, and these three pillars can help you do just that.

Links and Resources

• The Productive Therapist: 20% off our VIP Prep Package that helps practices get organized and ready to hire a virtual or in-office assistant with the coupon code: WISEPRACTICE

• The Productive Therapist on Facebook

• The Productive

• Facebook Community Group

• Instagram

• Visit the Web Page

• Email your questions to Whitney

 

On the latest episode of the Last Practice Podcast, host Whitney Owens interviews Lisa Mustard. Lisa is a licensed marriage and family therapist in South Carolina who has a passion for health, wellness, fitness, and personal development. She started the therapy show podcast with the goal of providing convenient, fun, interesting, and easily accessible education for talk therapists.

Links and Resources

• Wise Practice Summit 2023

• Lisa Mustard

• Lisa on Instagram

• Lisa on Facebook

• Lisa on Linkedin

• Facebook Community Group

• Instagram

• Visit the Web Page

• Email your questions to Whitney

• Background on Lisa Mustard

  Lisa has been in the therapy field for over a decade and has worked for a military branch in South Carolina as a contractor and now a full-time employee. While she has never owned her own private practice, she considers herself a business owner and a "practice owner" in the sense that she creates continuing education courses.

  The Origin of the Podcast

  The podcast was born out of Lisa's frustration with the traditional models of continuing education and professional development. She wanted to provide a more engaging and accessible option for therapists looking to improve their skills and knowledge. The podcast focuses on clinical information skills, introduces listeners to inspiring professionals in the field, and teaches professional development.

  The Focus on Continuing Education (CE) Creation

  The latest episode of the podcast focuses on how therapists can create their own CE courses. Lisa shares her insights and experiences on how she has been successful in creating courses that are convenient, fun, interesting, and easily accessible. She encourages therapists to think outside the box and find creative ways to make their education engaging and beneficial to their clients.

  PodCourses

  Through her podcast and CE course creations, Lisa Mustard is helping to revolutionize the traditional models of continuing education and professional development. Listeners are sure to find inspiration and valuable insights on how they can take their education to the next level.

  Links and Resources

  • Wise Practice Summit 2023

  • Lisa Mustard

  • Lisa on Instagram

  • Lias on Facebook

  • Lisa on Linkedin

  • Facebook Community Group

  • Instagram

  • Visit the Web Page

  • Email your questions to Whitney

In this conversation, Whitney Owens, a successful business consultant, is providing guidance to Brenda Stewart, a therapist looking to expand her practice. Whitney shares valuable insights and advice on staying a cash-based practice, converting clients to cash pay who want to use their insurance benefits, and decisions around space and growing. With Whitney's expert guidance and the support of the Wise Practice Community, Brenda is taking her therapy practice to the next level.

Read More here

Links and Resources

• Wise Practice Membership Community - Join Today

• Wellspring Therapy Associates

• Wellspring on Instagram: @wellspringtherapyassociates

• Facebook Community Group

• Instagram

• Visit the Web Page

• Email your questions to Whitney

Welcome to the latest episode of The Wise Practice Podcast, where we explore the challenges and rewards of building a successful therapy practice. In this episode, we dive into the topic of working with church staff members and adding services to your practice as a therapist. Our guest is Melissa Altman, an LMHC in Indiana who has been counseling for eight years and recently transitioned into private practice. With her expertise and experience working with faith-based clients, we explore the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a faith-based practice and how to market your services effectively.

The Importance of Creating a Strong Brand (Webinar Invite)

The first lesson that we learned in this episode is the importance of creating a strong brand for your practice. Whitney discussed how having a clear brand that aligns with your values can help attract your ideal clients and set your practice apart. She also touched on the importance of SEO and how it can help potential clients find your practice online.

The Benefits of Networking with Churches

Another key takeaway from the episode was the importance of networking with churches in your community. Melissa shared her experience of working in a church counseling center for several years and how that helped her build a strong network of referral sources. She also discussed how speaking engagements and workshops at churches can help raise awareness about your practice and attract new clients.

The Challenges and Rewards of a Faith-Based Practice

Melissa shared her personal journey of transitioning from working in a church counseling center to starting her own private practice. She talked about the unique challenges and rewards that come with working in a faith-based practice, including the importance of understanding and respecting the religious beliefs of your clients. She also discussed how her own faith informs her approach to therapy and how she incorporates spirituality into her work.

The Importance of Continuing on Your Professional Journey

The final takeaway from the episode was the importance of continuing on your professional journey as a therapist. Melissa shared her own experience of transitioning from working in a church counseling center to starting her own practice and how it has been both challenging and rewarding. She emphasized the importance of being open to new opportunities and continuing to learn and grow as a therapist.

In conclusion, this episode of The Wise Practice Podcast provided valuable insights and tips for therapists looking to work with faith-based clients and add services to their practice. From creating a strong brand to networking with churches and continuing on your professional journey, the discussion highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working in a faith-based practice.

Links and Resources From the Episode

Sojourn Counseling

Instagram for Missy: @missydawn111

Webinar Registration

Wise Practice Membership Community

Connect with Whitney

Facebook Community Group

Instagram

Visit the Web Page

Email your questions to Whitney

Show Notes and Podcast Production by James Marland

In this podcast episode, Whitney Owens, a licensed therapist and practice consultant, and Bewindi Jackson, a licensed therapist and telehealth practice owner, discuss the differences between hiring therapists as 1099 independent contractors versus hiring them as W2 employees. They also touch on the advantages and disadvantages of each model, such as independence, financial benefits, and turnover rates. Additionally, they delve into the importance of considering the values that are important to the practice and how they align with the chosen business model. They also discuss the importance of running the numbers and making sure the practice is profitable while also providing the best experience for clients and therapists. Read More

Links from the Show

Register for the Webinar: How to Grow a Faith-based Practice

Against All Odds Professional Counseling Services

Bewindi books and podcast resources

Social Media for Bewindi:

Instagram: @empowered2serve

Facebook Link for AAOPCS

Facebook Link for Bewindi

Connect with Whitney

• Facebook Community Group
• Instagram
• Visit the Web Page
• Email your questions to Whitney

Summary

In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, Whitney Owens and David Sturgess discuss the process of hiring a virtual assistant (VA) for a mental health practice. Whitney provides guidance on the financial considerations and considerations for finding the right fit for your practice.

Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Whitney and David begin the discussion by addressing the common question of how much to spend on a VA as a percentage of gross revenue. Whitney estimates that for a typical practice bringing in $100,000 in gross revenue, it might be reasonable to budget $3,000 a year for a VA, or $250 a month. This breaks down to about $31.25 per eight-hour a month.

Whitney reminds him that it's important to track the results of the VA's work and make adjustments as needed. If the VA isn't producing results, it's okay to let them go and try someone else. Whitney also suggests an alternative to hiring a virtual assistant. If there are schools nearby, he could try hiring an intern with a marketing or business background to write blogs and improve the practice's SEO, rather than a clinical intern.

Scaling Financially

The conversation turns to the topic of scaling financially and when it might be appropriate to set aside funds for other projects, such as starting a nonprofit. Whitney advises having a rainy day fund in place first and then thinking about what you really want to do. She suggests considering if you have the time, emotional bandwidth, and willingness to work for free to make a non-profit happen. Alternatively, he could focus on growing your for-profit practice to a point where it doesn't depend on you seeing clients. This would free up time to work on the nonprofit.

Wise Practice Membership Community

Whitney mentions that the doors to the Wise Practice Membership Community will be reopening in February and invites listeners to learn more about the benefits of the community. David speaks highly of his experience in the community, praising the weekly contact, virtual group circles, discounts, and the opportunity to build friendships and professional connections with other mental health professionals. He also appreciates the freedom to openly discuss faith and pray for one another within the community.

Three Quotes Form the Episode

• "If you hire someone and it's not producing results, you don't have to keep them."

• "Everything in our practice is a trial and error."

• "Watch your numbers, track things."

Conclusion

Overall, the discussion between Whitney and David highlights the importance of careful financial planning when considering hiring a VA, as well as the value of seeking guidance and support from a professional community. To learn more about David's practice, visit Foundry Counseling or call the toll-free number 888-710-3030.

Connect With Whitney

Facebook Community Group

Instagram - @whitneyowensconsulting

Visit the Web Page

Email your questions to Whitney