The one thing I now know is that "The only constant in life is change!" I used to try to find the perfect scheduling system and the perfect way to manage my working hours. However, usually, as soon as I thought I found it, something in life would change, and the "perfect" schedule would no longer be suitable. At first, I thought I just had to keep pushing to find the "right" way to manage my time, but what I have been learning is that I can incorporate more flexibility into my working schedule a...
May 21, 2025•11 min
You go to school, complete your Masters degree, and juggle multiple jobs while starting your Canadian private practice. What happens now? Suki, my guest in today's podcast episode, carried her childhood curiosity with her through her academic and professional journey, and it has served her well. Working in alignment with her inner values and principles has helped her stay true to the course. Now, Suki's practice is full, and she's looking to hire an associate. In today's episode, we discuss her ...
May 14, 2025•30 min
Lyba's niche, vision, and mission all revolve around authenticity, connection, and community. She uses community in her marketing networks and in the goals that she sets for herself, as well as a guiding principle for her practice to incorporate the future. Having this vision in mind is a great guiding light that can help you keep yourself - and your Canadian private practice - on track toward your dreams. In this podcast episode, Lyba and I talk about her new private practice, how she's managin...
May 07, 2025•22 min
Today, Julia takes another trip down memory lane, revisiting a gem from the Fearless Practice archives. In this encore episode, Julia talks to Mark, the Deputy Registrar and General Counsel at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) about the rules and regulations that apply to registered psychotherapists in private practice. You can find the show notes to the original episode here . Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Ep 158: Julia Smith...
Mar 26, 2025•33 min
In 2016, Julia reached out to Jane in her search for a narrative supervisor. Both of them were drawn to narrative therapy - Jane already having many years of experience with the modality, and agreed to be Julia's supervisor. In 2020, when Julia was building up her virtual practice, she reached out to Jane to see if she would be interested in becoming an associate, and Jane agreed again! Now, their paths have shifted again, and they are colleagues and friends. In this podcast episode, Julia and J...
Mar 19, 2025•25 min
Hey you! Are you thinking about starting a Canadian private practice in 2025? If so, what is going to help you achieve the first step of your dream affordably and hassle-free? I know exactly what it is like to want to start a Canadian private practice but have no idea how to tackle it. It seems like a mountain of decisions and so many admin tasks. However, I went through it myself, and I've put all of my lessons, experiences, and advice into one comprehensive, simple, and free e-course - just fo...
Mar 12, 2025•12 min
Katie has been working full-time in two different schools with students as a counsellor, family and play therapist as well as has a part-time private practice on Saturdays. When she is not doing virtual sessions with her clients, she sees them outside in nature with her dog. Since she has been working full-time in schools for the last 10 years, Katie is now starting to truly give her private practice the attention and energy it needs for her to develop it more fully. One day she hopes to work so...
Mar 05, 2025•23 min
Amy worked as a social worker for 20 years in crisis management in tandem with police and emergency services. She saw how intense and difficult the work could be, and wanted to create a place where her clients could receive their therapy that was softer, more welcoming, and curated to their requirements. Now, Amy runs a large private practice in Canada with therapists and staff working together all under the same shared values and goals. In this episode, we discuss building a practice from the g...
Feb 26, 2025•30 min
Natasha and Cherise met on an internship, became friends, and decided to work together to open up a Canadian private practice that is based on their shared values; accessibility, equity, and transparency. Working with a business partner in private practice is a great way to divide up the stress and double up the ideas. Together, they each handle specific roles, discuss new options, and help each other where they can. MEET NATASHA AND CHERISE Pacific Pines Wellness was founded with the mission to...
Feb 19, 2025•27 min
In this episode, I'll update you on how direct billing is going in my Canadian private practice. If you have not yet listened to episode 141 , I'd recommend that you start there and then return to this episode! I was apprehensive at first to include direct billing, but now I enjoy using it and the benefits that come along with it! In this episode: What I love What I had to change What I don't like What I love With Jane App (the EMR I use) direct billing works great. It is user-friendly for my cl...
Feb 12, 2025•13 min
I think we can agree that stress is something we'd all like to reduce in private practice! For me, in 2024, I realized that my working life was too stressful. It was something I really wanted to change so that I could relax more and enjoy my work and life! I've now come up with three strategies for 2025 that I'll be implementing to see if I can decrease stress and increase a sense of contentment when I log on and off from my Canadian private practice. In this episode: A quick recap Addressing th...
Feb 05, 2025•20 min
Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed by stress, from both inside and outside the private practice? How can you distinguish between fear, stress, and what is essential to do? Chanel, my guest today, answers that question to remember and use the power of your "why". Why did you start your private practice? Why are you working in counselling and therapy? These answers can help give you the fortitude to keep going. In today's episode, Chanel and I discuss the importance of "why" and how you can use it ...
Jan 29, 2025•30 min
If you are on a path for marketing your Canadian private practice, being mindful of your search engine optimization (SEO) may take some time to build momentum, but it is one of the direct routes to success. In today's episode, Delia and I discuss our interests in SEO, why it is important for marketing our practices successfully, and other topics - including growing a business with interns! MEET DELIA Delia Petrescu is a Registered Psychotherapist and founder of Get Reconnected Psychotherapy Serv...
Jan 22, 2025•30 min
Alexia is Canadian, but spent time living and working in Norway, where she has learned about some of the Scandinavian ways of life, including "Hygge", the feeling of being cozy and content and slowing down to make space for the enjoyment of life. This principle has inspired Alexia in her private practice, and she incorporated these values into her daily sessions with clients, encouraging them to actively use gratitude where applicable in therapy. Join us for our cozy chat today about coming into...
Jan 15, 2025•33 min
Are you a Registered Psychotherapist? Are you licensed through the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)? Do you know what you're allowed and not allowed to do in your private practice? Today's guest is Mark, the Deputy Registrar and General Counsel at the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. We discuss rules and regulations that pertain to registered psychotherapists in private practice. MEET MARK Mark Pioro is the Deputy Registrar & General Counsel at the C...
Jan 08, 2025•31 min
Today, Julia takes another trip down memory lane, revisiting a gem from the Fearless Practice archives. In this encore episode, Julia talks to Alison Puryear, a US therapist and consultant, about how to market a new private practice. You can find the show notes to the original episode here . Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Ep 146: Deanna Desantis: Being a Nurse, Psychotherapist, and Equestrian Counsellor | EP 146 Sign up for my free e-course on How to Sta...
Nov 27, 2024•43 min
My guest today, Deanna, has followed her passions to a place where she now runs a Canadian private practice, working with horses and their riders while still being a nurse. She has combined her expertise and personal experience so that she can work and make a difference in the lives that she is most drawn to. In today's episode, Deanna and I discuss her entry into psychotherapy, how she manages to be a nurse while running her practice, and how she has integrated her love for horses and the life ...
Nov 20, 2024•29 min
When you establish your private practice in an underserved specialty, you increase your chance of being placed under the spotlight. A great niche could offer you an immediate step-up in getting noticed, help to connect with clients, and with potential referral sources. You may also feel that you enjoy your work much more and are more fulfilled when you position the focus of your practice amongst the niche that you are most passionate about working with. In this podcast episode, my guest Lauren a...
Nov 13, 2024•32 min
This year has been characterized by personal changes in mindset and approach to my practice, and professional development within my Canadian private practice and podcast. Today's episode will be a deep dive into my personal story, in celebration and reflection of year eight in private practice! In this Episode: November 2023 The beginning of 2024 Spring and summer of 2024 Towards the end of this year The struggles of year eight Cultivating a "maintain mindset" over a capitalist-growth mindset Th...
Nov 06, 2024•23 min
Sometimes, the most successful path that someone can take is the one that comes organically. By following your passions, seeing what works and what doesn't, and taking your personal and professional preferences into account, you can make it easier for yourself to develop a balanced lifestyle that fulfills you both inside and outside the counselling room. For my guest today, Jillian did (and is doing) just that. Jillian works closely with their values, knows how to structure the workday to align ...
Oct 30, 2024•35 min
Many therapists may struggle with finding and hiring the best-fit staff for their private practice, and that may include hiring interns and students who want to complete their practicums. So, how do you go about finding them? My guest Flora in today's episode interviewed more than 30 different candidates for a position at her practice! There's some trial and error, but once you know more about what you are looking for and what the vision is that you have for your practice, it can help to make th...
Oct 23, 2024•30 min
If you have been a long-time listener, you'll know that ever since I started my Canadian private practice, I have never offered direct billing to clients. There were many reasons for this, such as when I started eight years ago, there weren't many insurance companies covering registered counselling therapists. Plus, each insurance plan seemed to have a different rule or agreement on whether a registered counselling therapist could be covered, and if so, by what percentage. Until now! In 2024, th...
Oct 16, 2024•14 min
One of the great benefits of building a value-based practice is that it makes it easier for you to return to work each day, remembering why you do the work that you do. It also allows your clients to know exactly what you stand for, and how they can best connect with you and your mission. Join us for today's podcast episode, where Blackcy and I discuss why we both came into the helper's profession, how to curb burnout when managing workloads, and why incorporating our values into our practices i...
Oct 09, 2024•33 min
Everyone knows about authenticity, but if you stop and think about it, why would clients trust a private practice that doesn't act with integrity, or that comes across as insincere in their marketing? People who are looking for therapy are more likely just looking for professionals who have the skills and expertise that they need, someone they feel they trust and can help them. So, when you bring your authenticity into your marketing, work, and in your relationships with your clients and staff, ...
Oct 02, 2024•30 min
Do you want to build a values based private practice? And are you thinking; "What does that actually mean?" Many people may shy away from the business-aspect of running a practice because they feel awkward following the standard, capitalistic model of working with employees and clients, and where the goal is solely to maximize profits. I'm here to tell you that you don't need to do it this way! You can run a Canadian private practice that you are proud of, that makes you enough money, and that d...
Sep 25, 2024•8 min
Life can take us in many different directions, and what helps is how we can make use of the knowledge that we acquire when exploring these routes. For today's guest, Dr. Stacey Hatch followed her passion for psychology and working with people all the way from her near two-decade work experience in television to now running her own successful Canadian private practice! In this podcast episode, we talk about her journey into counselling, how she managed to complete her studies while teaching and w...
Sep 18, 2024•36 min
Are you interested in offering affordable and accessible therapy in your private practice? We all know that one of the main barriers to care is cost, and it is an issue that many Canadians face. However, there are ways to incorporate low cost fees in your private practice! In this podcast episode, I talk with Maureen, who owns Help Clinic Canada. She noticed a strong need across her community, and brought her passion from her decades of working in mental health along with her to serve this need ...
Sep 11, 2024•34 min
Today we're going to get a little more personal! I'm going to share more about my Canadian private practice and how I run it, especially when it comes to raising and lowering my rates. In the spirit of integrity and authenticity, I want to share these things with you! In this episode, I'm going to be talking about how I raised my rates and then lowered them, and the reasons why I chose to do this, and what I have learned along the way. In this episode: Playing the market Managing the stress of r...
Sep 04, 2024•22 min
Join Julia for an encore presentation of her 2022 conversation with Heidi Sturgeon. It's a thought-provoking episode that has an unexpected twist at the end! You can find the show notes here . Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Ep 133: Canada's new tax exemption on regulated therapy services | EP 133 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Article: How to Set Up a Canadian Private Practice Website Sign up for...
Jul 31, 2024•53 min
Today we are celebrating that Registered Counselling Therapists and Registered Psychotherapists no longer have to charge tax! There are decades of work behind the scenes to bring this to fruition, so it is a big deal! Thank you to the CCPA for making this happen! In this podcast episode, I'll give you all the information about what this means and what you should do next so that you're in the loop and on the right track. In this Episode: Who doesn't have to charge tax anymore? What does this mean...
Jul 24, 2024•12 min
