Fearless Practice - podcast cover

Fearless Practice

Jules Smithfearlesspractice.ca
Where are you in your private practice journey? How's it going for you? I'm Jules Smith, and I'm so glad you're here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won't just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let's learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together.
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Episodes

How to Start Your Canadian Private Practice Today! | Ep 72

Are you ready to start your Canadian private practice but don't know how to build it? Are you looking for long-term successful solutions that can work on a tight budget? Are you searching for something else besides joining a group or a subscription plan to help you start private practice? If any of these questions resonate with you, give this episode a listen. I know what it's like to want to build your Canadian private practice by hand, your way, and I know that doing anything on a budget is to...

May 10, 202310 min

Kristi Garrido: Building a Group Play Therapy Practice | Ep 71

Does your specialty include working with kids and families? Have you been interested in learning more about the play therapy modality? Can you build a successful private practice from the play therapy niche? Put together a team of skilled and like-minded clinicians, hire a proactive and dedicated admin assistant, put up a website, and let the process develop. In some ways, the process is that simple. Of course, there are some necessary fine print steps that you need to add, but you can do it too...

May 03, 202342 min

Julie Lounsbury: How a Leap of Faith Led to Success in Private Practice | Ep 70

What has been holding you back from launching your Canadian private practice? Which challenges have you been nervous about facing that you know others before you have accomplished? What can it take to help you to accomplish them too? There are pros and cons of working in a steady job for another company or organization, and pros and cons of running your own Canadian practice. Neither option is good nor bad in general, but where it matters is what matters to you. Do you want to be in charge of yo...

Apr 26, 202339 min

Eileen Bona: Using Animal-Assisted Therapy in Counselling | Ep 69

Have you considered bringing animals like dogs or cats – even goats! – into the therapy room? What does it take to become certified to offer this service? Did you know that chickens are one of the most popular therapy animals? If you love animals and know that your clients do too, and you've heard about the benefits that animals can offer clients in therapy, then consider offering animal-assisted therapy! In this episode, Eileen and I discuss the differences between animal-assisted therapy and o...

Apr 19, 202356 min

Maegan Megginson: Success Depends on Rest and Authenticity | Ep 68

Have you ever felt stifled in your role as a therapist? Is there a way to branch out and still help people while letting your personality shine? Why is rest essential to success? Some therapists have felt frustrated or held back from their clinical work because they want to let their personality and ambition grow with their business, while others have felt burnt out from doing work that does not resonate with them. Have you struggled with one or both of these issues? How can these be reconciled?...

Apr 12, 202339 min

Jenniel Taylor: How to Navigate Your First Steps in Private Practice | Ep 67

Have you recently entered private practice? Are you looking for effective marketing strategies to boost your new Canadian private practice? How closely are you working with your values? Starting anything takes courage, especially when it comes to putting your name out there as a counsellor in your community! Whether you are recently licensed or you have freshly completed your master's degree, it's always helpful to learn from someone who has just finished walking the path that you're about to st...

Apr 05, 202330 min

How to Get Continuing Education Credits: CECs | Ep 66

Are you up to date with your CECs? Do you need some extra help? Do you want to know a great, quick, and professional way to get them while meeting other exceptional Canadian therapists? CECs are important for all Canadian therapists to have, whether you work for someone else or if you run your own Canadian private practice. They help you to stay up to date with new research, develop yourself as a skilled therapist, and can even be assets when it comes to marketing your practice. Whether you've a...

Mar 29, 202314 min

The Do's and Don'ts of Canadian Private Practice | Ep 65

As a therapist – especially in private practice – there is much to know and to make sure to do in your everyday schedule, besides seeing clients. It can feel like a lot, so this is a quick, simple, and informative episode that you can keep on hand to make sure that you are staying within the guidelines while working towards your goals. The don'ts Avoid waitlists: Once you get busy enough that you have the option of starting a waitlist, that's great! It shows that you are succeeding within your n...

Mar 22, 202320 min

How to Enjoy Private Practice in the Winter | Ep 64

Does the change of seasons also create a change in your energy levels? Do you sometimes find it difficult to maintain a faster working pace in the colder months? Is there a way to work slowly and still effectively? In these colder months when your energy levels can shift, it could be best for you and for your work to also adjust your pace, allowing you to continue doing great work without burning yourself out. In this Episode: Why private practice can feel more difficult in the winter My past ta...

Mar 15, 202316 min

New Psychology Today Feature: Updated Endorsements! | Ep 63

Are you looking for ethical and effective ways to market yourself? Is there a fellow counsellor in your field that you want to recommend? Have you heard about the new Psychology Today feature? Even though the endorsement feature on Psychology Today has been around for some time, they recently revamped it, allowing you to clearly showcase your endorsements and recommendations on your profile to potential clients. It's a great, free marketing tool that benefits all therapists! In this podcast epis...

Mar 08, 202311 min

Marketing Your Private Practice on Podcasts | Ep 62

You might feel uncertain as to where to begin when it comes to marketing yourself on podcasts – it's something new! Even if you are a little nervous, it's easier, more lucrative – and more fun – than you might think. Being a guest and talking on someone else's podcasts or even starting one for your Canadian private practice are great, creative, and versatile ways for you to showcase your practice. In this Episode: Podcasts are free marketing Boosting your SEO and Google ranking Dynamic marketing...

Mar 01, 202313 min

How to Provide Inter-Provincial Online Counselling | Ep 61

Have you been considering expanding your Canadian private practice? Can you counsel people who live in other provinces besides yours? What are the protocols? Online counselling is here to stay, and many counselling therapists and clients alike prefer this system with its flexibility and the autonomy it can provide them. However, there are some important regulations to be aware of when it comes to online counselling, especially when you want to broaden your reach and work with more clients. In th...

Feb 22, 202312 min

Adding Insurance Companies to Your Canadian Private Practice | Ep 60

Do you want to take insurance in your Canadian private practice? Are you feeling frustrated with managing your direct billing? What is the best way for small business owners to handle their energy and time when it comes to collecting payment? Once you have your license number, it is much easier to be recognized by Canadian insurance companies as a provider. Unfortunately, a lot of plans don't recognize Counselling Therapists or Psychotherapists yet. Although, this is slowly changing day by day! ...

Feb 15, 202321 min

John Hubert: Regulation and Why It Is Vital for Canadian Counsellors | Ep 59

Why is self-regulation necessary for Canadian counsellors? What would it take to maintain a bottom-up approach to regulation? Is it possible to join a regulatory body to maintain efficacy and ethics across your profession? Regulation might seem like a daunting world, but in reality, it is the tool that helps Canadian private practice owners to keep doing the best work that they can in the knowledge that they are being ethical and putting their clients best interests first. You can also become an...

Feb 08, 202339 min

Why You Can't Use Testimonials in Canadian Private Practice | Ep 58

We all know that testimonials are the gold standard for marketing. People trust and value the opinions of others, and so they will often look for endorsements or referrals when they are deciding on who to work with or which services or products to buy. However in private practice, it is highly unethical to ask clients for testimonials. So, how can you connect with your ideal clients and market your Canadian private practice in an ethical yet effective way? In this podcast episode, I discuss how ...

Feb 01, 202313 min

Heather Peters: Accounting in Canada for Private Practice | Ep 57

Why should you invest in a business accountant? Have you used online accounting services in the past that have ultimately cost you more money and time? Numbers can be tricky, even for someone experienced, and especially for someone new. If you are running a Canadian private practice, consider hiring someone professional to take care of your numbers so that you can focus on what you do best: your clinical work! In this podcast episode, I discuss everything accounting with Heather Peters for a qui...

Jan 25, 202334 min

Why You Should Create a Private Practice Podcast | Ep 56

Do you want to explore different ways to market your Canadian private practice while diving into new skills? What are some unique ways to promote your Canadian private practice? Whether you want to diversify your marketing efforts, develop new interpersonal and business skills, expand your network, and increase connection with your client base, podcasting is a powerful and creative tool that you can utilize! I discuss my personal experiences with podcasting for my Canadian private practice and o...

Jan 18, 202320 min

Allison Puryear: Marketing Skills for Canadian Private Practices | Ep 55

How can you become a great boss for your employees? What does it take to truly connect through copy? What is needed to launch multiple successful private practices, even in different provinces? You can be intentional with your Canadian private practice, and create it to suit you, your temperament, and your skills. Simultaneously, you don't have to keep growing and growing until you reach the moon! Your business is a way for you to serve the needs of your community while supporting yourself and y...

Jan 11, 202340 min

When Should I Hire a VA for My Canadian Private Practice? Live Consultation With Danik Bernier | Ep 54

Are you at a crossroads in your Canadian private practice? What does your practice need to help it grow? What do you need help with to do your best work? Regardless of the level that you are at within your private practice, or however seasoned you are as a therapist, things like impostor syndrome can trip anyone up. However, it doesn't have to stay this way. Whether it's about raising your rates or hiring a virtual assistant, these limiting beliefs can keep you stuck until you rise to meet and o...

Jan 04, 202342 min

How to Give Bonuses and Wage Increases to Your Staff | Ep 53

As the end of the year comes around and it's time for celebrations, seeing loved ones, and appreciating those around us, you may be considering giving bonuses to your staff! Are you considering giving gifts or a financial bonus? Which is better? How can you factor inflation into your decision-making process? Managing a Canadian private practice is a difficult process, but one way to make everything run smoother is to take care of your employees and show your appreciation for all the hard work th...

Dec 28, 202215 min

Bank Audits and Retirement: Wrapping up the 2022 Financial Year | Ep 52

2022 is almost over, and 2023 is right around the corner! As the year draws to a close, how do you consolidate your finances? What are the goals that you have set for yourself? Have you been thinking about planning for retirement? Whether you are reassessing where your money has gone in your Canadian private practice, to where you want to spend less or more, or redirect a new stream of income, now is the time to look at the books. In This Episode: How to save money on transactions Pick the right...

Dec 21, 202225 min

Lisa Simone Richards: PR Essentials for Canadian Private Practices | Ep 51

Have you been struggling with getting your Canadian private practice in front of more people? Are you looking for a way to dramatically boost your revenue? Do you want to light a fire beneath your visibility? If you agreed with these questions, then definitely listen to this episode, because it's for you! In this podcast episode, I discuss everything to do with PR with Lisa Simone Richards. From the value of engaging with different media forms, to how to increase the visibility of your Canadian ...

Dec 14, 202237 min

Ashleah Wilson: The Power of Storytelling in Marketing | Ep 50

What is the story that you want to tell about your Canadian private practice? What do you stand for in life and private practice? Why are you a therapist, and how do you reflect this reason to your clients? Marketing might seem like another item on the admin to-do list for your Canadian private practice, but it is so much more. Your marketing is the practice of telling the story of you, your therapy, and how your private practice serves your community. In this podcast episode, I discuss the powe...

Dec 07, 202245 min

Growing Pains I Experienced in My Canadian Private Practice - Year 6 | Ep 49

What has your year of private practice looked like? Which lessons have you learned, or are currently learning? Starting and running a Canadian private practice is a journey of continual growth and education. As you develop, so does your practice! And what impacts you in your personal life may also influence the unfolding of your business. In this annual episode, I take a little dive into what my year has been like, what I've learned, and what my focus will be for the next one! What I did this ye...

Nov 30, 202226 min

Lindsey Thomson: The Need for Tax Free Therapy in Canada | Ep 48

Why is there a need for tax free therapy? What is happening with the Excise Tax bill? How can you add your voice to the campaign of adding psychotherapy and counselling therapy to the list of GST/ HST exempt healthcare practitioners? The CCPA is a great organization to join as a Canadian private practice owner. Whether you are solo or in a group, it is always beneficial for therapists to work together and help each other in the process of providing help for others. Over and above that, join a na...

Nov 23, 202236 min

How to Create Your Canadian Practice Paperwork Packet | Ep 47

Are you concerned that you may have missed important details on your consent forms? Have you been spending hours figuring out which questions you should ask in your paperwork packets to comply with ethical laws? Does admin work in general make you anxious? I've been there! In fact, I spent almost a year drafting up a Canadian practice paperwork packet that is suitable, editable, and concise. You can change, edit, and modify it to suit your private practice like a glove, and it's available to you...

Nov 16, 202218 min

How to Set Your Private Practice Schedule | Ep 46

Sometimes your private practice schedule needs to change to meet your needs because your needs have changed, or you started a side hustle and you need to re-prioritize your time, or you moved to a new location, or hired an assistant! Whatever your situation is, as life shifts, you shift as well. One of the ways to stay on top of the ever-evolving and moving life is to create systems and schedules that are flexible and can be adjusted to suit you and your Canadian private practice. In This Episod...

Nov 09, 202219 min

Dealing With Setbacks in Canadian Private Practice | Ep 45

Are you daydreaming about a life that you want for yourself, personally and professionally? What's been on your mind to try out? Is there something still nagging you that is asking for your attention? If you are putting off exploring your dreams – why? The sooner you can explore the outlines of the possibilities for your dreams, the sooner you can get started on creating them. In this podcast, I share my recent experiences, and a cautionary tale. Learn from me, take away what resonates, and I ho...

Nov 02, 202223 min

Alison Pidgeon: Turn Your Passion Into Another Business | Ep 44

Do you have ideas that you want to explore within the mental health field that lies outside of the therapy room? Or do you have one great idea that you want to try out? Or do you have a passion that you want to try to monetize while growing your private practice? Whatever is on your mind, or wherever you are in your Canadian private practice and professional business journey, in this podcast episode I chat with Alison about her extensive experience with building multiple businesses. From startin...

Oct 26, 202246 min

Claire Blakey: Creating a Sustainable Canadian Private Practice | Ep 43

Do you have a team that supports you in your private practice? Are there other passions in your life that you want to pursue alongside being a therapist? What does it take to create a sustainably successful Canadian private practice? Passive income and diversifying your income streams is not only a good financial decision for your business, but it also supports you because it provides an outlet for you to explore and develop your hobbies outside of therapy, which can make you a happier and a mor...

Oct 19, 202244 min
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