Wise Practice Podcast

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

Nathan Hansen's Links

Facebook Website

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Special Promotion November 12-14: Join the Wise Practice Community for 89 cents

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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

Shirlonda Shepard's Links

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Special Promotion November 12-14: Join the Wise Practice Community

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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

Amanda Zuccaro's Links

LinkedIn

Links and Resources

Special Promotion November 12-14: Join the Wise Practice Community for 89 cents

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Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind

Should you hire employees or contractors? Or could a collective model be a better fit for your vision?

In this episode, I sit down for a live consulting session with Brittany Osborne, MA, LPC, a therapist in Marietta, Georgia, who specializes in helping kids, teens, and adults navigate ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. After years of balancing motherhood and solo private practice, Brittany is ready to take the next step—building a team that offers comprehensive care for families.

Together, we talk through the different ways to structure a group practice—comparing the benefits of 1099 contractors, W2 employees, and even a collective model. I share insights from my own experience shifting my practice from contractors to employees, and how that change shaped our culture, stability, and profitability.

If you're dreaming about expanding your practice but are not sure which direction to go, this episode will help you think through your options and make a plan that fits your values, goals, and vision for the future.

06:40 From Survival Mode to Vision Mode 08:55 The Power of a Personal Story 10:40 Laying the Foundation for Growth 12:10 1099 or W2? Understanding the Difference 15:50 Thinking About a Collective Model 18:40 Lessons from My Own Practice 23:40 Hiring Tips and Supervision Structure 26:50 Growth Milestones and Mindset Shifts 29:40 Community, Faith, and the Power of Support

Brittany Osborne's Resources

Instagram Website

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community. If you've been thinking about joining, now is the perfect time! From November 12–14, you can try your first month for just $0.89.

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Wise Practice Mastermind

Have you ever thought about hiring your spouse, your mom, or another family member in your counseling practice? It sounds wonderful… until you realize it can get complicated fast.

In this takeover episode, my friend and colleague Amy Dover explores a question I know many faith-based practice owners have asked themselves: Should I hire a family member in my counseling practice? Amy shares her own story of working alongside her mom as a practice manager, highlighting both the blessings and the challenges that come with blending family and business. She offers practical steps, biblical wisdom, and reflection questions to help you discern if hiring a spouse, parent, or relative is the right move for your practice.

02:06 The Big Question: Should You Hire Family? 04:53 Cautions & Pitfalls to Consider 06:19 Amy's Story: Hiring Her Mom as Practice Manager 09:20 Practical Steps for Success 11:25 A Faith-Centered Perspective 12:05 Reflection Questions for Practice Owners 14:06 Recap & Final Encouragement

Links and Resources

Email Amy directly at [email protected]

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind

If you've ever wondered, "What's the one move that would actually change my practice?" this episode is for you.

I'm handing the mic to my friend and colleague, Amy Dover, LMFT—a wise, in-the-trenches group practice owner and consultant. In just a few minutes, Amy unpacks the five decisions that most transformed her practice over the past decade: hiring that first therapist, getting real about insurance panels, saying yes to consulting, moving from 1099 to W-2, and—most importantly—prioritizing spiritual rhythms that sustain it all.

You'll walk away with clarity, courage, and your next right step—whether you're solo or already leading a team. And if you're a solo owner ready to hire, listen for Amy's mastermind details starting November 6.

Grab your coffee, open your notes app, and hit play—this one could reshape your next season.

03:00 – 1) Hiring Therapist #1: From solo to group (a faith step) 05:40 – 2) Invest in a consultant: Stop going it alone 08:00 – 3) Insurance strategy: Audit, negotiate, and align with mission 10:50 – 4) 1099 → W-2: Systems, stability, and culture shift 12:45 – 5) Prioritize spiritual rhythms: Lead from overflow 13:50 – Recap, reflection questions, and how to contact Amy

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

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Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Membership

Connect with Amy: [email protected]

Join a Mastermind Group

Hello friends, and welcome back to the Wise Practice Podcast! Today's episode is extra special. My friend and colleague Amy Dover, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, group practice owner in Lower Alabama, and Wise Practice Consultant, is taking over the mic as part of her four-part takeover series.

Amy has such a gift for sharing wisdom straight from her own journey as a practice owner, and today she's talking about something that many of us wrestle with: the decision to pivot to an explicitly Christian private practice.

1:21 Turning 50 and Life Transitions 2:32 Alignment with Calling and Authenticity 3:42 Creating a Safe Space for Christian Clients 4:45 Differentiation in a Crowded Marketplace 6:13 Shaping Team Culture Through Shared Faith 8:46 Building a Legacy Beyond Branding 10:26 Gaining the Right Clients Through Obedience

Links and Resources

Email Amy directly at [email protected]

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Mastermind

Hello friends, and welcome back to the Wise Practice Podcast! This week kicks off something special—a four-part takeover with my friend, Amy Dover.

Amy is a licensed marriage and family therapist, group practice owner in Lower Alabama, and a Wise Practice Consultant. She's walked through the challenges of practice ownership and brings wisdom rooted in both experience and faith.

In this first episode, Amy takes on a tough but common question: What do you do when multiple therapists leave your group practice in the same year?

After losing nine therapists in 2024, Amy shares what she learned about perspective, leadership, protecting your practice, and finding hope through a season of pruning.

You'll walk away with five key considerations to guide you through turnover with peace and purpose.

00:46 When the Resignation Letters Come 01:51 Five Key Considerations 02:27 Step One: Keep Perspective, Not Panic 04:00 Step Two: Honestly Investigate the Why 06:10 Step Three: Reflect on Leadership with Humility 08:26 Step Four: Protect the Health of Your Practice 13:18 Step Five: Move Forward in Hope 15:16 A Final Word of Encouragement

Links and Resources

Email Amy directly at [email protected]

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Summit

Wise Practice Mastermind

Here we go, friends! Today, we're diving into the real nuts and bolts of launching a thriving kids therapy practice! If you've ever dreamed of a playroom that's actually a treatment room, wondered how to navigate parents, paperwork, and school teams without losing your mind, or you're ready to add kiddos to your caseload the right way—this episode is your shortcut.

I'm joined by my friend and kid-therapy powerhouse Melissa Griffing, MS, LPC, RPT, founder of Wellness Counseling in Dallas. She's walking us through the five essentials you absolutely need: minor-ready forms and ROIs, rock-solid confidentiality with parents in the loop, a space that invites play and professionalism, a schedule that works for families and your life, and a referral web that makes you the hub of real change.

We're talking scripts you can steal, room setup must-haves, custody curveballs, and practical rhythms for school coordination and parent consults. If you serve families—or want to—this conversation will save you months of guesswork and a few headaches, too.

Hit play, take notes, and let's build a kids practice that's ethical, sustainable, and wildly effective!

09:28 The Must-Haves for Working with Kids 12:45 Forms, ROIs, and Legal Nuances with Minors 16:11 Confidentiality and Keeping Parents in the Loop 18:29 Navigating Custody Cases and Court Concerns 22:40 Privileged Communication vs. Confidentiality 27:06 Setting Up a Play Therapy Room 29:44 Balancing Kids and Adults in Shared Spaces 31:56 Scheduling Realities for Kid Therapists 35:20 Boundaries with Parents and Limited Time Slots 39:00 Building a Multidisciplinary Referral Network 42:20 The Power of Networking Beyond Therapy 46:31 How Consulting Brings Clarity and Confidence

Show Sponsor Practice at Scale

I want to give a quick shoutout to our sponsor, Practice at Scale. They are your done-for-you growth team for group practices wanting to scale.

If you've outgrown the DIY hustle and you're ready for serious growth, more leads, better systems, and more, Practice at Scale can help. They don't just consult; they do the work.

You get a growth team that's so customized, it feels like you have an in-house team, without the overhead. They help you take the guesswork out of growth.

Want to see what's working and what's not in your practice growth? Get a free marketing and website analysis at practiceatscale.co/wise-analysis. It's time to scale smarter.

Melissa Griffing's Links and Resources

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Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

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Wise Practice Summit

Wise Practice Membership

I can't wait for you to meet my friend Zack Ufland in today's episode!

Zack and his wife, Amanda, run Paradigm Therapy in Raleigh, NC, and their story is such a beautiful example of how faith and community can shape the way we grow our practices—and our families.

What I love most about this conversation is Zack's heart for being willing. He is willing to take risks, willing to listen to God's direction, and willing to step into community even when it feels scary. We talk about everything from merging practices with your spouse, to the hard parts of hiring, to how God shows up in unexpected ways when you're building a business.

If you've ever wrestled with the challenges of group practice ownership or wondered how to integrate your faith more deeply into your work, you're going to be encouraged by Zack's story.

07:17 From Disney World to Group Practice 11:02 Willingness as the Key to Growth 15:50 Taking Risks and Facing Challenges 19:56 Staying Driven Through Faith and Family 22:10 Why Choose Group Practice? 29:42 Different Visions, Shared Purpose

Show Sponsor Practice at Scale

Today's episode is made possible by Practice at Scale, your strategic and done-for-you growth partner if you're ready to grow your group therapy practice with confidence.

Unlike agencies that throw cookie-cutter solutions at you, Practice at Scale works alongside you like an extension of your team. From SEO and Google Ads to operations systems and website updates, they take care of it so you can focus on what matters most: your clients and your life.

Want to know what's working and what's holding you back with practice growth? Get your free marketing and website analysis now at practiceatscale.co/wise-analysis.

Zack Ufland's Resources

Website

Links and Resources

Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

Wise Practice Summit

Wise Practice Membership