Explore every episode of the podcast The Practice of Therapy Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| When Coping Becomes a Cage: Rethinking Depression | Dr. Terry Lynch | TPOT 455 | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:35:56 | |
What happens when the strategies we use to protect ourselves begin to limit our lives? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy, Gordon Brewer welcomes Dr. Terry Lynch, a medical doctor and psychotherapist based in Ireland, for a conversation about depression, emotional wounds, and the ways coping can become a cage. Terry shares his trauma-informed perspective on depression and explores how people-pleasing, withdrawal, and avoiding risks can serve as self-protection while carrying long-term costs. He discusses the role of the inner critic and how therapists can help clients rebuild their sense of self, develop a more compassionate inner dialogue, and recognize opportunities for choice. Through examples from his clinical work, Terry illustrates how small, manageable steps can help clients expand their comfort zones. This conversation invites therapists to look beyond diagnostic labels and stay curious about the experiences and protective patterns shaping their clients' lives. Find episode resources and learn more about Terry's course: Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Dr. Terry Lynch Dr. Terry Lynch is a fully registered medical doctor, a fully accredited psychotherapist and author. A leading figure in mental health in Ireland, Terry provides a recovery-focused mental health service in Limerick, Ireland. For over 10 years, Terry has been a passionate and an outspoken advocate for change, especially toward a deeper and more accurate understanding of emotional distress and mental health problems, and also toward the creation of truly recovery-focused mental health services. Terry's first book 'Beyond Prozac' (2001 and 2004) was a bestseller in Ireland and was shortlisted for the MIND (UK) Book of the Year award in 2002. Terry's second book, 'SELFHOOD: A Key to the Recovery of Emotional Wellbeing, Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental Health Problems' was published in September 2011. SELFHOOD is the first book in a series - The Mental Wellness Book Series, which Terry will be writing over the coming years. | |||
| Beyond the Diagnosis: The Stories That Shape Our Clients | Dr. Travis Heath | TPOT 454 | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:41:43 | |
What do we miss when a diagnosis becomes the whole story? Dr. Travis Heath joins Gordon Brewer to explore how narrative therapy helps us understand the stories clients tell about themselves—and the stories their families, communities, and culture tell about them. Together, they discuss how labels can both offer clarity and limit understanding, why slowing down matters in therapy, and how curiosity can open up new possibilities. Travis also shares ways therapists can reflect on their sessions, question familiar assumptions, and move beyond simply listing a client's strengths to hearing the experiences behind them. This conversation invites therapists to look beyond the diagnosis and make room for clients to feel more fully seen and known. In this episode: Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Dr. Travis Heath Travis Heath, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and has been in community practice for nearly two decades. His scholarship has included looking at shifting from a multicultural approach to counseling to one of cultural democracy that invites people to heal in mediums that are culturally near. Other writings have focused on the use of rap music in narrative therapy, working with persons entangled in the criminal injustice system in ways that maintain their dignity, narrative practice stories as pedagogy, and a co-created questioning practice called reunion questions. He is co-author, with David Epston and Tom Carlson, of the first book on Contemporary Narrative Therapy released in June 2022 entitled, Reimagining Narrative Therapy Through Practice Stories and Autoethnography. He has presented his work in 10 countries to date. Hear more from Travis on his podcast, Therapist Confidential, and explore his conversations and webinars at https://www.psychotherapy.net Email: theath@knowfully.com | |||
| What Growing a Group Practice Really Takes | Whitney Owens | TPOT 453 | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:37:11 | |
Growing a private practice takes more than adding clients and hiring therapists. It also means learning to delegate, trust your team, and let go of doing everything yourself. In this episode, Gordon Brewer welcomes back Whitney Owens, founder of Water's Edge Counseling and Wise Practice Consulting. Whitney shares her journey from solo therapist to group practice owner, including the challenges of building a leadership team, navigating staff turnover, and creating systems that support growth. Gordon and Whitney explore how confidence develops through experience, why clear values matter in hiring, and how faith shapes Whitney's approach to leadership. They also discuss taking risks, investing in professional relationships, and making room to enjoy the business you're building. Whether you're considering your first hire or leading an established group practice, this conversation offers practical ideas for sharing responsibility and growing as a leader. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Whitney Owens Currently, Whitney owns a thriving group practice in Savannah, Georgia, called Water's Edge Counseling. When not running the practice, you can find her coaching, running, or drinking coffee while reading a book. She is married to a pastor and is the mother of two beautiful girls. She has walked the road of balancing work and family and continues to learn along the way. As a graduate of Richmont Graduate University, she received training not only in professional counseling but also in faith integration. Over the years, she has worked in numerous clinical settings, from residential treatment to hospital work to opening multiple private practices. She is also the author of a Lent devotional for faith-based practice owners called The Practice of Becoming! Now, she lives the lifestyle she loves, working 4 days a week, picking her kids up from school, and enjoying a profit in her business. She can do the work she loves, live out her faith, and have fun doing it! Website | |||
| How Therapists Can Practice What We Preach About Mindfulness | Debi Trent Brown | TPOT 452 | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:40:59 | |
Therapists spend a lot of time encouraging clients to slow down, practice mindfulness, and become more aware of what they need—but practicing those same things in our own lives can be much harder. In this episode, Gordon talks with Debi Trent Brown about mindfulness beyond meditation, the importance of creating small moments of joy, and what it means to live more authentically. They explore how the "rules" we pick up from family, culture, and society can quietly shape our choices, why pausing before we respond can help us better understand ourselves, and how consistency—not perfection—builds self-trust. Debi also shares practical ways therapists can become more grounded and intentional in everyday life while learning to practice more of what we preach. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Debi Trent Brown Debi Trent Brown is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes deeply in the power of human connection and the importance of creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard and supported. Using a collaborative, solution-focused approach, Debi helps clients build self-confidence, strengthen coping skills, practice mindfulness, and develop greater trust in their own inner voice and intuition. Her areas of focus include anxiety, depression, self-esteem, stress management, addiction, negative thinking, anger management, grief, communication, and decision-making. Debi is especially passionate about helping people become more present, grounded, and intentional in their everyday lives while learning to recognize the things that bring them joy and create meaningful change. Website https://debitrentbrowntherapy.com | |||
| How to Make More Impact Without Adding More Clients | James Marland | TPOT 451 | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:42:16 | |
What happens when being "successful" in private practice starts to look a lot like burnout? In this episode, Gordon talks with James Marland about the three traps that can keep therapists stuck in one-on-one work: the clock trap, calendar trap, and couch trap. They unpack why being fully booked isn't always the same as being free, and how tying your income, time, and impact entirely to client hours can eventually become exhausting. James also shares practical ways therapists can begin thinking beyond traditional one-on-one work through workshops, courses, trainings, and other resources that allow their expertise to reach more people. The conversation covers protecting your calendar, testing new ideas without a huge upfront investment, and using the knowledge you already have in a way that creates more flexibility and impact. If you've ever felt like your schedule is running your life—or wondered how to grow without simply adding more clients—this episode offers a different way to think about success in private practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet James Marland James Marland helps therapists expand their impact beyond one-on-one clinical work by creating additional income streams through workshops, courses, and other scalable resources. He is the host of the Scaling Therapist podcast and works with therapists to turn their expertise into practical offerings that can reach more people without adding more hours to their schedules. Through Course Creation Studio, James also helps with the strategy and behind-the-scenes tech needed to launch and run workshops and courses. Email James: james@coursecreationstudio.com | |||
| Supporting Postpartum Moms Through Private Practice | Hannah Short | TPOT 450 | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:31:58 | |
One of the things I've learned over the years is that the work we feel most drawn to often has some connection to our own experiences. That doesn't mean our story becomes the center of the therapy room, but it can absolutely shape the populations we care about, the problems we notice, and the kind of practice we want to build. In this episode, I talk with Hannah Short about how her own experiences with eating disorder recovery and postpartum helped shape her clinical niche. We also get into thoughtful self-disclosure, creating a practice where clients feel genuinely understood, moving from virtual work into an in-person office, and using systems and AI to make solo practice a little more manageable. There's a lot here about finding meaningful work, building a practice around it, and remembering that sometimes the best clues about your niche are already part of your story. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Hannah Short, LCSW, BCBC Hannah Short, LCSW, Board-Certified Bariatric Counselor, is the founder of Rooted & Nourished Psychotherapy, a solo private practice in Waco, Texas, offering in-person and virtual therapy services across Texas. She specializes in women's mental health, body image, eating disorders, bariatric surgery preparation and recovery, perinatal and postpartum support, and trauma-informed care, including EMDR. Hannah has struggled with her own eating disorder and is 10 years in recovery. She also built her practice while navigating her own postpartum journey, bringing both lived and professional expertise to her work with women in transition. She's known for her direct, relatable approach both in clinical work and through her "Between Sessions" newsletter and content. Her mission is to create space for women's stories without shame, diet culture, or clinical distance. | |||
| Branding Your Private Practice: How to Stand Out and Get Found | Ritu Riedweg | TPOT 449 | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:38:08 | |
When therapists think about branding, it's easy to immediately think about logos, fonts, colors, and websites. But your brand is so much more than what your practice looks like online. It is also the feeling people get when they encounter you, the story they associate with you, and ultimately, whether they feel like they can trust you. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Ritu Riedweg about personal branding, marketing, and what therapists can do to make their practices easier to find and easier to connect with. Ritu brings an interesting perspective to this conversation because her career has crossed both the marketing and therapy worlds. She originally studied social work before building a career in marketing, branding, and design. Later, after experiencing the transformational impact of therapy in her own life, she trained as a therapist herself. Eventually, she realized she could combine those two areas of experience by helping other therapists become more effective at marketing and branding their practices. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Ritu Riedweg Ritu Riedweg is a brand strategist, web designer, and personal branding expert who helps therapists, coaches, and healers stand out online, get found on Google, and connect with their ideal clients. With a background spanning marketing, coaching, therapy, and web design, Ritu brings both strategy and a deep understanding of the helping professions to her work. After building her own therapy practice, Ritu returned to her marketing roots and launched a personal branding and website agency focused on helping heart-centered professionals build businesses that reflect who they are and the people they are called to serve. Her approach blends thoughtful branding, clear strategy, and authentic storytelling to create an online presence that feels personal, professional, and aligned. | |||
| Working With High-Risk Teens in Private Practice | Katie K. May | TPOT 448 | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:34:06 | |
Working with high-risk teens can feel overwhelming, especially when self-harm, suicidal thoughts, emotional dysregulation, or repeated hospitalizations are part of the picture. So how can therapists provide both compassion and structure without letting fear drive the treatment? In this episode, Gordon talks with Katie K. May about working effectively with high-risk teens and their families. Katie shares why validation matters, how therapists can provide strong clinical leadership, and why caregiver involvement is such an important part of the process. They also discuss proactive safety planning, recognizing patterns before a crisis, helping teens build skills they can actually use outside the therapy room, and why therapists need clear frameworks and support when doing high-risk clinical work. Katie also shares ideas from her book, Teen DBT in Practice, including how therapists can help teens move toward a life worth living while creating more confidence and sustainability in the work. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Katie K. May Katie K. May is a licensed therapist, author, speaker, trainer, and group practice owner whose mission is to stop the revolving door of hospitalizations for teen self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and shutdowns by giving families and clinicians practical tools that create lasting change. She is the founder of Creative Healing, a multi-location teen support center in the Philadelphia area, and the author of the #1 Amazon best-seller You're On Fire, It's Fine: Effective Strategies for Parenting Teens with Self-Destructive Behaviors. Her second book, Teen DBT in Practice, provides clinicians with a practical framework for applying DBT with adolescents and moving beyond surface-level behavior management toward meaningful, lasting change. One of a select few Linehan ("Lynn-a-hayn") Board-Certified DBT Clinicians in Pennsylvania, Katie specializes in evidence-based treatment for self-harm, suicidal behaviors, and complex emotional challenges in teens. She is an ongoing guest expert on Good Day Philadelphia, where she shares practical guidance on teen and parent mental health. Known for her clinical practicality and lived experience as a teen who once turned to self-harm herself, Katie bridges the gap between the therapy room and the family living room. Her work helps parents and professionals decode behavior as survival, regulate the nervous system, and create new coping strategies that last because the whole family is integrated into the treatment plan. | |||
| Why Rapport Matters More Than Ever in Private Practice | Nora Anger | TPOT 447 | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:40:54 | |
Building rapport isn't just about helping clients feel comfortable. It can play a major role in whether they trust you, open up, and keep coming back. In this episode, I sit down with Nora Anger, LPC, to talk about building stronger therapeutic relationships in private practice. We discuss what clients really want from their therapists, common reasons they leave therapy, thoughtful self-disclosure, creating safety and trust, and how to balance compassion with challenging clients when they need it. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Nora Anger Nora Anger, MS, LPC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than a decade of experience in the mental health field. She specializes in trauma, grief, anxiety, and depression, helping clients navigate difficult life transitions and experiences. Known for her warm, direct, and down-to-earth approach, Nora has a particular strength in building rapport with clients who may have struggled with therapy in the past. She earned her master's degree from Chestnut Hill College and currently provides counseling in the greater Philadelphia area. | |||
| Is Your Private Practice Too Dependent on You? | TaVona Denise | TPOT 446 | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:33:21 | |
What happens to your private practice when you step away? In this episode, Gordon talks with TaVona Denise about what her Private Practice Vitality Report revealed about owner dependency, burnout, delegation, and the systems that keep a practice running. They explore why hiring more staff doesn't always create more freedom, how to tell if your practice still depends too heavily on you, and the simple 30-day question that can uncover exactly where your systems need work. If you want to build a practice that can grow without requiring you to be involved in every decision, this conversation is a great place to start. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet TaVona Denise TaVona Denise is a strategic operations consultant for independent practice owners who are making money but can't take a vacation. A former clinic director and PT with 13 years running her own contracting company, she knows what it's like to be the best thing that ever happened to your patients and show up sick because calling out would lead to chaos. She is the author of the Private Practice Vitality Report 2026, a cross-disciplinary study of 43 practice owners that challenges what most owners assume about stability and freedom. TaVona's on a mission to ensure there are no martyrs in medicine. | |||
| The Systems Your Private Practice Needs to Run Smoothly | Lisa Permar | TPOT 445 | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:30:17 | |
A private practice can look successful on the outside and still feel exhausting behind the scenes. Clients are showing up, revenue is coming in, and everything appears to be working, but the owner may still be answering every question, fixing every exception, following up on loose ends, and carrying far too much of the practice in their own head. In this episode, Gordon talks with Lisa Permar about the small, repeated friction points that quietly drain a practice owner's time, attention, and energy. They explore how everyday tasks around intake, scheduling, billing, documentation, and team communication can become much bigger problems when there are no clear systems behind them. Lisa also shares her framework of moving from firefighter to builder to operator and explains why hiring more help does not necessarily solve the problem if the processes themselves are unclear. Gordon and Lisa also discuss delegation, creating simple and useful SOPs, and what it takes to build a practice that can continue functioning when the owner needs to step away. Whether you are running a group practice or working solo, the goal is not to automate every interaction or remove the human side of your work. It is to create enough structure around the predictable and repeatable parts of your practice that you can protect your attention for the things that truly require your judgment and care. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Lisa Permar Lisa Permar is an operations architect and the founder of Zero Friction Practice, where she helps private practice owners build the systems their businesses need to run smoothly without relying on memory, constant oversight, or late nights. Drawing on years of experience building the operational backends of businesses across multiple industries, Lisa specializes in helping clinical practices improve intake, scheduling, billing, cash flow, delegation, and documentation. Through the Zero Friction Method, she works alongside practice owners to install practical infrastructure, create clear playbooks, and remove the owner as the bottleneck so the practice can operate with greater clarity, consistency, and freedom. Free Practice Friction Quiz + Friction Tax Calculator Podcast listeners will also receive 55% off The Friction Tax Blueprint, a step-by-step diagnostic that helps practice owners uncover where their practice is quietly draining time, money, and mental bandwidth. | |||
| Private Practice Money Mistakes That Could Be Costing You | Margo Masri | TPOT 444 | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:35:44 | |
Your private practice may look profitable on paper, but does the money actually feel available? In this episode, Gordon talks with Margo Masri, founder of Heartfelt CFO and Tax Services, about the financial decisions that can quietly create cash flow problems for private practice owners. They explore the risks of over-hiring, ignoring taxes, taking on office space too soon, and trying to grow without fully understanding the costs involved. Margo also shares why practice owners need to know what they personally need to live on, build financial systems that can grow with the business, and approach financial mistakes as opportunities to make better decisions moving forward. Whether you are starting a private practice or managing a growing team, this conversation offers a reminder to slow down, understand your numbers, and make financial decisions that support the practice you actually want to build. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Margo Masri Margo Masri is the founder of Heartfelt CFO and Tax Services, a company she started in 2003 to help business owners better understand their finances and build stronger, more sustainable businesses. With extensive experience in bookkeeping, advanced accounting strategies, tax planning, and virtual CFO services, Margo takes a holistic approach to helping clients create financial systems that support their personal and professional goals. She also coaches small business owners through financial challenges and regularly speaks at industry events. | |||
| The Neurodivergent Therapist's Guide to Private Practice | Martin Altman | TPOT 443 | 04 Aug 2026 | 00:33:48 | |
Have you ever wondered how much easier private practice could feel if you stopped fighting the way your brain works? In this episode, I'm talking with Martin Altman, LPC, about his experience as a therapist with ADHD and how understanding his own neurodivergence helped him find a niche that genuinely fit. We get into the strengths and challenges that can come with ADHD, how Martin stays present with clients, and why building the right systems can make private practice feel a whole lot more sustainable. Martin also shares a really helpful perspective on emotional hijacking and why distraction is not always about lacking focus or discipline. Sometimes our thoughts and emotions are simply taking up too much bandwidth. Whether you have ADHD yourself or work with neurodivergent clients, I think you'll find this conversation honest, encouraging, and full of useful takeaways. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Martin Altman, LPC Martin Altman, LPC, is a therapist and the owner of Stillwater Counseling in Atlanta, Georgia, where he specializes in working with clients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, and Level 1 autism. As both a clinician and someone with ADHD, Martin combines professional training, research, personal experience, and a straightforward, relatable approach to therapy. Raised on a farm in South Georgia, he blends what he calls "old-school wisdom" with modern science to help clients slow down, manage emotional and sensory overwhelm, and become more productive without sacrificing their creativity. Martin studied psychology at the University of Georgia and earned his master's degree in counseling from Georgia State University. After working with several large mental health organizations in Atlanta, he built a private practice focused on helping neurodivergent clients feel understood, supported, and more in control of their lives. | |||
| The Emotional Weight of Private Practice | Lindsay Benson | TPOT 442 | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:33:24 | |
Therapists are great at taking care of everyone else, but we are not always so good at noticing what the work is doing to us. In this episode, I'm talking with Lindsay Benson about the hidden toll private practice can take on our nervous systems. We get into therapist burnout, the stress that builds up from sitting with difficult stories all day, and the small practices that can help us reset between sessions. Lindsay also shares her experience moving from insurance to private pay, offering therapy intensives, and building a practice that feels more sustainable. This is a great conversation for anyone who loves the work but wants to have a little more energy left when the workday is over. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Lindsay Benson LPC-S With 20 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Lindsay Benson is passionate about helping people heal from the inside out. She earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University, where her calling to work with trauma survivors began while volunteering with abused youth. That experience confirmed what she has known ever since, that helping others heal is more than a profession; it is her life's purpose. For more than a decade in private practice, Lindsay has specialized in working with adults struggling with anxiety, trauma, shame, burnout, self-judgment, and a sense of disconnection from themselves and their lives. She is especially passionate about helping individuals reconnect with their authentic selves, cultivate self-compassion, and live with greater purpose, presence, and fulfillment. Lindsay believes lasting healing happens when we address the whole person mind, body, and spirit. Her integrative approach combines evidence-based therapies with holistic practices, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Somatic Healing, Transpersonal Psychology, Energy Psychology, Mindfulness, Reiki, Emotion Code, Body Code, Healing Remembered, and meditation. Her work focuses on helping clients regulate their nervous systems, heal unresolved wounds, and reconnect with their innate capacity for healing. Driven by a passion for supporting fellow clinicians, Lindsay co-founded Divine Legacy Collective, an organization dedicated to helping therapists thrive personally and professionally through immersive, embodied continuing education experiences. Rather than traditional lecture-based trainings, Divine Legacy Collective offers experiential CEU retreats and workshops that allow therapists to personally experience the very practices they can bring into their clinical work. Through trauma-informed yoga, somatic practices, meditation, parts work, nervous system regulation, time in nature, and opportunities for deep reflection, therapists leave not only with new clinical skills but also feeling renewed, grounded, and more connected to their Highest Self. Lindsay's mission is simple: to help people and the professionals who care for them move beyond surviving and into a life of authenticity, connection, healing, and lasting well-being. | |||
| The Mindset Shifts That Make Private Practice Feel More Sustainable | Tyana Tavakol | TPOT 441 | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:32:14 | |
What if the biggest thing holding your private practice back isn't your marketing strategy but your mindset? In this episode, I'm joined by Tyana Tavakol to talk about the beliefs that shape the way we build our practices. We explore scarcity versus abundance, the value of finding your niche, and why trying to appeal to everyone often keeps you from connecting with the clients who need you most. We also dive into building an online practice, creating meaningful professional relationships, and learning to trust your own expertise instead of comparing yourself to everyone else. If you've ever questioned whether you're doing enough or wondered why private practice feels harder than it should, I think you'll find this conversation both encouraging and practical. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Tyana Tavakol (she/her), LMFT Tyana Tavakol is an LMFT licensed in CA & FL specializing in anxiety, trauma, and late-diagnosed autistic adults. She is passionate about helping people move beyond self-criticism, unmask, and better understand themselves through a neurodiversity-affirming lens. Her work focuses on helping clients reconnect with who they are beneath years of people-pleasing, perfectionism, and the belief that something is "wrong" with them. Through therapy, education, and online content, Tyana is committed to making conversations about autism, mental health, and healing more accessible, compassionate, and empowering. | |||
| Private Practice Stress: What's Filling Your Bucket? | Kristin Oja | TPOT 440 | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:35:18 | |
Are you burning out in private practice without realizing it? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon talks with Kristin Oja, DNP, founder of STAT Wellness, about optimizing stress resilience and preventing burnout. Kristin shares a functional medicine perspective on why burnout is not always caused by work alone. Often, it is the buildup of stressors outside of work, including sleep, caffeine, exercise, relationships, technology, self-talk, and lack of recovery. Kristin explains the idea of the "stress bucket" and how even good things, like exercise, intermittent fasting, sauna, cold plunge, and high achievement, can become stressors when there is not enough recovery. Gordon and Kristin also talk about why therapists and private practice owners need to pay attention to their inner voice, create healthier boundaries with phones and email, and build small resets into the day between clients. If you are a therapist, counselor, or private practice owner feeling exhausted, disconnected, or stretched too thin, this conversation will help you think differently about burnout and what it really takes to recover. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Kristin Oja Kristin obtained her Doctor of Nursing Practice, Masters of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner focus, and is a Registered Nurse. She is also an entrepreneur, functional and lifestyle medicine guru, personal trainer, group fitness instructor, and lover of everything health and wellness! Passionate about taking a Personalized Medicine approach, Kristin focuses on uncovering the root cause of chronic illness and disease. Taking into account her patients lifestyle, diet, genetics, environment, and stress, each treatment plan is unique and individualized. Kristin has been serving and caring for patients for over 10 years. She strives every day to provide high quality care by doing everything with compassion, integrity, and above all a serving heart. Kristin founded STAT Wellness, which stands for Strength To Achieve Total Wellness, to help transform medicine. Statistically, as a society, we are getting sicker and sicker. At STAT Wellness, we want to partner with you to help you not only look your best but to feel your best by combining the best practices of medicine + movement. | |||
| How AI Search Is Changing Private Practice Marketing | Natalie Moore | TPOT 439 | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:53:07 | |
Is SEO dead, or is it just changing? In this episode, I'm joined again by Natalie Moore, a licensed marriage and family therapist and SEO coach for therapists in private practice. Natalie breaks down the difference between SEO and AIO, or artificial intelligence optimization, and explains why therapists don't need to panic about AI search replacing traditional SEO. We talk about how private practice owners can make their websites easier to find on Google, ChatGPT, Perplexity, and other AI search tools. Natalie shares why specialty pages, Google Business Profiles, clear niche messaging, and client-centered copy still matter, and how AI search adds another layer to what therapists are already doing online. If you're a therapist in private practice trying to get found by the right clients, this conversation will help you understand how SEO and AI can work together instead of competing against each other. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Natalie Moore, LMFT Natalie Moore is a licensed marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles and the founder of Space for Growth Therapy & Coaching. In her therapy practice, she specializes in supporting high-functioning women navigating anxiety, burnout, people-pleasing and the identity shift of motherhood. She is also an SEO coach for therapists, helping clinicians make their websites easier to find and easier for the right clients to recognize themselves in. Her work sits at the intersection of clinical nuance, ethical marketing, SEO and AI search strategy. BrightLocal's 2026 Local Consumer Review Survey (This includes helpful data on how local search behavior is shifting, including the rise of AI tools for local business recommendations.) | |||
| How to Protect Your Private Practice From the Unexpected | Jeanine Rousso | TPOT 438 | 29 Jun 2026 | 00:30:06 | |
What happens when the therapist is the one who needs support? In this episode, I'm talking about the very real challenges therapists face when life disrupts their ability to work. Private practice can offer freedom and flexibility, but it can also leave clinicians vulnerable when illness, grief, natural disasters, burnout, or unexpected emergencies come up. We'll look at why therapists need a safety net, how financial stress impacts clinicians, and what it means to prepare your practice for the unexpected. From emergency grants and burnout prevention to referral networks and professional wills, this conversation is a reminder that therapists are human too. Jeanine Rousso, co-founder of Therapist Resource Network, joins me to share how her nonprofit is supporting mental health clinicians through emergency financial assistance, advocacy, and resources for long-term sustainability. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Jeanine Rousso, LCMHC, LMHC, LPC, ACS Throughout her 20 years working in the mental health field, Jeanine noticed a growing need for support among mental health clinicians, especially in times of personal emergencies and burnout. As the need for mental health treatment increased among clients, so did the need for the clinicians themselves to be cared for. Unfortunately, the broken mental health system does not often afford therapists the space and financial stability to receive much-deserved care in their times of need. Jeanine founded TRN as a way to support therapists in new ways. | |||
| Building a Private Practice Right Out of Grad School | Jarrod Hoffman | TPOT 437 | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:44:46 | |
Can you really build a successful private practice right out of grad school? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I talk with Jarrod Hoffman about building a private practice right out of grad school and the lessons he has learned in those early years of practice ownership. Jarrod shares his experience of stepping into private practice, navigating pricing, working through imposter syndrome, and learning how to communicate the value of the work he does. We also talk about why niching matters, how our own stories often shape the clients we feel called to serve, and why private practice requires both strategy and internal growth. This conversation is a great reminder that building a sustainable private practice is not just about getting more clients. It is about knowing your value, understanding the transformation you offer, and creating a practice with intention and purpose. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Jarrod Hoffman LPC-MHSP, RPT Jarrod Hoffman is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Mental Health Service Provider Temp who works with teens, adults, and families navigating anxiety, depression, grief, addiction, and life transitions. Before becoming a counselor, Jarrod graduated from Covenant College and worked in youth ministry. His own experiences with grief, anxiety, depression, addiction, job loss, and isolation have shaped his passion for helping others find healing and transformation. Jarrod loves walking alongside clients as they grow healthier, feel more empowered, and begin to move through life with greater freedom and hope. Originally from Florida, Jarrod now calls Memphis home. He is married to Katie and enjoys jiu-jitsu, soccer, reading, coffee on rainy days, and bike rides on sunny ones. | |||
| What I'd Do Differently If I Started Private Practice Today | TPOT 436 | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:45:28 | |
When I started my private practice nearly 20 years ago, there were not nearly as many resources available for therapists as there are today. I learned a lot by trial and error, and looking back, there are definitely some things I would do differently. In this episode, I'm sharing what I wish I had known when I first started private practice. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I made things more complicated than they needed to be. From keeping paper records to waiting too long to outsource, I can see now how simpler systems would have made a big difference early on. I talk about the importance of having a good practice management platform, building your website and SEO, networking in your community, and using tools like AI to help with marketing and systems. I also share why I think it's important not to quit your day job too quickly, how to build financial reserves, and what to think about when deciding between insurance, private pay, or a hybrid model. I also get into the difference between the clinical side and business side of your practice, why those systems need to stay separate, and how learning Profit First can help make your practice more sustainable and profitable. Whether you are just starting private practice or you've been in it for a while, I hope this episode helps you think about how to simplify, plan ahead, and build a practice that supports both your clients and your life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free | |||
| From Imposter Syndrome to Confident Private Practice Owner | Bianca Hughes | TPOT 435 | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:33:43 | |
Are you charging enough in private practice, or does guilt keep getting in the way? In this episode, Gordon is joined by Bianca Hughes, LPC, therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. Bianca shares how she moved from hospital work into private practice and the mindset shifts that helped her build a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and authentic. Gordon and Bianca talk about money mindset, imposter syndrome, marketing, confidence, and why therapists need to see themselves as both clinicians and business owners. Bianca also shares why it's important to respect the value of your license, ask for help, find community, and do your own personal work along the way. If you've ever struggled with charging your worth, owning your value, or building a private practice without burning out, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Bianca Hughes Bianca Hughes, LPC is a therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with more than 10 years of experience, Bianca is passionate about helping ambitious mental health clinicians build careers that feel aligned, authentic, and sustainable. Known as a "Soul Aligner," Bianca guides newer clinicians through the challenges of licensure, job searches, salary negotiation, confidence, and career clarity. Through heart-centered community and mentorship, she helps therapists move beyond uncertainty and create a path that honors both their professional goals and their true selves. Bianca has built a thriving private practice rooted in her values, proving that clinicians do not have to chase hustle culture to be successful. Her work has earned recognition, including Richmont Graduate University's 2024 Alumni of the Year award, and she has spoken for conferences and organizations, including Amazon. She has also hosted two podcasts and appeared on more than 37 podcasts as a trusted voice in the mental health field. Therapy Website Soulful Clinician Collective Website | |||
| How to Make Therapy More Culturally Responsive | Dr. Phebe Brako | TPOT 434 | 25 May 2026 | 00:44:16 | |
In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Phebe Brako for a really thoughtful conversation about what it means to make therapy more culturally responsive. So many of the clinical theories we learn were developed through a Western lens, and while those theories can be helpful, they don't always fit every client, every family system, or every cultural background. Dr. Phebe talks about why therapists need to examine their own worldview, stay curious about their clients' lived experiences, and be willing to adapt the models they use in the therapy room. We talk about culture, family systems, CBT, attachment, mindfulness, and why good therapy is not one-size-fits-all. This is such an important reminder that culturally responsive care is not a box to check. It is an ongoing commitment to learning, listening, and doing the work. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Dr. Phebe Brako Phebe Brako, LMFT, LMHC, NCC, is a licensed therapist, educator, speaker, and host of Between Two Worlds with Dr. Phebe. She is the Founder and CEO of 253 Therapy and Consult, a group therapy practice based in University Place, Washington. Phebe's work focuses on culturally responsive therapy and the ways traditional clinical theories can be adapted to better serve Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other communities of color. She is also passionate about supporting the next generation of therapists through supervision, training, and consultation. Website | |||
| Why Private Practice Looks So Different Now | Lex E Santí | TPOT 433 | 18 May 2026 | 00:38:42 | |
Private practice has changed a LOT over the last few years… and therapists are still trying to figure out what comes next. In this episode, Gordon talks with Lex E. Santi about the evolution of therapy after telehealth, online platforms, insurance shifts, and changing client expectations. They dive into why more clinicians are entering private practice, why clients still crave in-person connection, and how companies like BetterHelp, Alma, and Headway are reshaping the profession. They also explore the pressure therapists feel to market themselves, build niches, and create an online presence in a rapidly changing industry. Toward the end of the conversation, Lex shares how writing, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and storytelling intersect in his clinical work and creative life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Lex E Santí Lex Enrico Santí is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and the founder of A Key Therapy PLLC, where he works at the intersection of evidence-based practice and the deeper human questions that bring people into therapy in the first place. Trained as a licensed clinical social worker and currently completing his doctorate at the University of Kentucky, Lex brings a grounded, integrative approach to his work — drawing on modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness alongside his own framework for healing he calls the AMI model. The son of Cuban immigrants and a former Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, Lex carries a lifelong fluency in crossing cultures — literally and emotionally. He speaks three languages and brings that same attunement to difference, displacement, and belonging into his clinical work. In the therapy room, he holds space for individuals navigating anxiety, identity, and the transitions that quietly reshape a life. He also supervises emerging clinicians, teaches workshops on meditation and understanding anxiety, and is building A Key Therapy into a group practice rooted in presence, curiosity, and care. He believes that good therapy — like good writing — is about learning to tell a truer story about yourself. Beyond the therapy room, Lex is a published author with an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University — the author of four books of poetry and a collection of short stories and essays. A meditator and someone who thinks seriously about the spiritual dimensions of mental health, he lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York with his family. He is a proud husband, father, and has another child on the way. | |||
| What to Say to Someone Grieving (Most People Get This Wrong) | Shelby Forsythia | TPOT 432 | 11 May 2026 | 00:42:43 | |
Grief is something every one of us will face at some point, and yet most of us have no idea what to say when someone is hurting. In this episode, I'm joined by Shelby Forsythia, a grief coach, author, and host of the Grief Grower podcast. Shelby shares her own story of profound loss and how it shaped the work she does today, helping people navigate grief in a way that actually honors what they are going through. We talk about why so many common phrases miss the mark, what grieving people are really experiencing beneath the surface, and how grief doesn't just affect your emotions, it changes your identity. Shelby also breaks down the three simple phrases that can completely shift how you support someone in pain. If you've ever felt unsure of what to say, or worried about saying the wrong thing, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Shelby Forsythia Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother's death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a "student of grief" and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they've faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. | |||
| What It Really Takes to Run a Profitable Private Practice | Brandy Mabra | TPOT 431 | 04 May 2026 | 00:32:56 | |
Thinking about starting a private practice in 2026? There's a lot to consider… and it's not as simple as it used to be. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I'm joined by Brandy Mabra, who brings nearly two decades of experience across private practice, corporate healthcare, and entrepreneurship. We dig into what's really happening in the industry right now—from AI and changing business models to profitability and long-term sustainability. If you're wondering whether now is the right time to start (or grow) a practice, this conversation will help you think more strategically about your next move. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Brandy Mabra Brandy Mabra is the CEO of Savvy Clover Coaching & Consulting and a CEO coach for private practice owners in healthcare. Brandy has over two decades of business management and leadership experience. She has worked in diverse business climates and has turned hot mess practices into well-oiled, profitable machines. She has spent her career building, scaling, and leading 9-figure practices and now uses her skill set to help women private practice owners grow their businesses with sustainability and profit in mind. Brandy earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Master's in Health Administration from A.T. Still University. She is a Certified Professional Coach and Master Energy Leadership Practitioner, receiving her credentials from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She has been part of the Entrepreneur Leadership Network and has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, PopSugar, Create & Cultivate, and several well-known podcasts. Brandy is also the host of the top-ranked CEO podcast, CEO Conversations: The Private Practice Podcast. She is the founder of Private Practice CEO™, which empowers her clients to fully step into their role as CEO—building practices with streamlined operations and engaged teams that can run without them. Brandy loves to travel and spend time with her family. She believes you can't build a business on fumes—and that CEO breaks are required. Website | |||
| Why A Lot of Therapists Struggle in Private Practice | Katie Piura | TPOT 430 | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:30:33 | |
Thinking about starting a private practice… but feeling unsure where to begin? In this episode, Katie Piura shares the mindset shifts every therapist needs to make before launching (or growing) a successful practice. From burnout in agency work to building something aligned and sustainable, Katie breaks down the real challenges therapists face and why being a great clinician isn't always enough. We also get into the business side of private practice that grad school never taught you, including money mindset, marketing, and why asking for help might be the most important step you take. If you've been thinking about private practice but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure... this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Katie Piura She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in culturally competent mental health care, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, and child, adolescent, and young adult populations. As a bilingual clinician and trainer, she has led workshops, courses, and media education segments across a range of settings—from Latin media outlets to universities. Her work centers on serving diverse communities, with a focus on first- and second-generation immigrants, Latinx populations, and youth. She provides accessible, evidence-based education in both English and Spanish. The Private Practice Start Program Registration
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| How This Simple Method Transforms Private Practice Sessions | Tanya Dantus | TPOT 429 | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:36:34 | |
What if the thing keeping your clients stuck isn't what they're talking about… but what they're avoiding feeling? In this episode, I'm joined by Tanya Dantus, and we dive into a really practical way of helping clients move through what's actually underneath the surface. Tanya shares her RIFRA Method, which stands for Root, Impact, Feel, Reflect, and Act, and how this process helps clients stop intellectualizing and start creating real change. We talk about why so many people struggle to access their emotions, how that shows up in therapy, and what it looks like to guide someone through it in a way that feels safe and doable. There's also a great conversation around boundaries, validation, and how early patterns continue to show up in work and relationships. If you've ever felt like your clients understand their issues but still feel stuck, this one will give you a different lens and some practical tools you can start using right away. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Tanya Dantus, LMFT, SEP Tanya Dantus is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who specializes in working with high-functioning women navigating relationship patterns, people-pleasing, and emotional disconnection. Her work integrates relational therapy, depth psychology, and somatic approaches to help clients move beyond insight into lasting, embodied change. She is the creator of the RIFRA Method, a framework that helps clients understand the roots of their patterns, process emotional experience, and take aligned action. She is also the author of The Power of No, which brings this work to a wider audience of women ready to reclaim their voice, safety, and self-trust. | |||
| Are Superbills Worth It in Private Practice? | Mark Florian | TPOT 428 | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:28:48 | |
Thinking about taking insurance in your private practice or trying to figure out a better way to handle out-of-network clients? This is one of those decisions that almost every therapist wrestles with at some point. On one hand, insurance can help fill your caseload and make therapy more accessible. On the other hand, the admin work, lower reimbursement rates, and constant back and forth can leave you feeling stretched thin and frustrated. In this episode, I'm joined by Mark Florian, founder of Deputy Care, and we get into what is really happening behind the scenes with insurance, superbills, and out of network billing. We talk about why so many therapists start on insurance panels and then eventually want to move away from them, and what makes that transition so difficult. We also unpack the hidden friction in the system, from denied claims to clients struggling to get reimbursed, and how all of that can impact both your income and your clients' ability to stay in therapy. If you've ever felt stuck between wanting to help more people and wanting to build a sustainable private practice, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Mark Florian Mark Florian is the Founder of Deputy Care, a platform dedicated to helping private-pay clinicians increase patient retention by eliminating the "administrative dread" of insurance. With over 15 years of experience building the technological "plumbing" of healthcare, Mark has served as the CTO of Advekit and was an early engineering leader at Zocdoc. Today, he is on a mission to "kill the superbill," replacing outdated PDF receipts with automated "payment floating" technology that allows patients to access their out-of-network benefits instantly. Mark's unique perspective sits at the intersection of high-scale health tech and the deeply personal relationship between therapist and client. | |||
| Private Pay vs Insurance: What Therapists Get WRONG | Avivit Fisher | TPOT 427 | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:34:26 | |
Private pay versus insurance is one of the biggest decisions therapists face, and honestly, it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we're breaking down what therapists often get wrong when thinking about these two models. It's not just about money or convenience. It's about how you want to run your practice, who you want to serve, and where you're willing to spend your time and energy. If you've been going back and forth on whether to take insurance, go private pay, or try a hybrid approach, this conversation will help you think about it in a much clearer way. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Avivit Fisher Avivit Fisher is a marketing strategist and the founder of REdD Strategy, a boutique consultancy that helps therapists and private practice owners attract private-pay clients through clear positioning, ethical marketing, and sustainable systems. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy and healthcare marketing, she works with clinicians nationwide to build practices that stand out, grow intentionally, and align with their values. The State of Private Pay Therapy Practices | |||
| Thoughts on AI and Tech Platforms in Private Practice | TPOT 426 | 30 Mar 2026 | 00:41:19 | |
What happens when you open the floor and let your audience ask anything? That's exactly what we did in this episode, and the questions did not disappoint. We're diving into the big ones therapists are quietly asking right now. Is AI going to replace us? I'm sharing my honest thoughts on where all of this is headed, what most therapists are getting wrong about AI, and why the human connection in therapy still matters more than ever. If you've been feeling unsure, frustrated, or even a little threatened by the changes happening in our industry, this episode will help you step back, rethink the problem, and approach it with clarity instead of fear. Plus, I'm answering real listener questions and giving you practical ways to navigate it all as a practice owner. This is one of those conversations that might challenge how you've been thinking about the future of therapy. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Rethinking Depression | Hidden Brain Podcast Wealth & Worth Within Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free | |||
| Helping Clients Navigate Digital Overwhelm in Private Practice | Eli Singer | TPOT 425 | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:30:39 | |
Most of us know the feeling. You pick up your phone to check one thing and suddenly twenty minutes have disappeared. For many people, this has become a daily pattern, and it is starting to show up more and more in therapy sessions. In this episode, I sit down with Eli Singer to talk about digital overwhelm and the complicated relationship many of us have with our phones and devices. Eli has spent years working in the digital world, including building one of the early social media agencies in North America. After stepping away from that work, he began focusing on helping people develop healthier relationships with technology. We talk about why so many people feel stuck when it comes to changing their phone habits, and why the issue often has less to do with willpower and more to do with confidence. Eli also shares his Offline Now Matrix, a simple framework that helps people understand where they are in their relationship with technology and what kind of support they might need to make a change. We also get into how these issues show up in therapy, the difference between habit and deeper emotional drivers behind phone use, and why digital overwhelm is becoming an important area for therapists and coaches to pay attention to. If you have clients who struggle with screen time, digital burnout, or feeling constantly tethered to their devices, this conversation will give you a helpful way to start thinking about it. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wealth & Worth Within Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Eli Singer Eli Singer is a Toronto-based founder, coach, and author focused on digital wellbeing. After years in digital marketing, he built Offline.now to help people and families reduce digital overwhelm without detox extremes. His work centers on a shame-free framework called the Offline.now Matrix and a directory of digital wellness professionals. | |||
| How Therapists Can Use Social Media Without Feeling Fake | Jazzmyn Proctor | TPOT 424 | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:24:32 | |
Marketing can feel uncomfortable for a lot of therapists. Most of us were trained to be neutral, private, and to keep the focus on the client. So when someone tells you that you need to show up on social media or talk about your work publicly, it can feel a little strange. But visibility matters more than ever when it comes to building a private practice. In this episode, I'm joined by Jazzmyn Proctor, a therapist, podcaster, and marketing mentor who helps clinicians show up online in ways that feel authentic and sustainable. Jazzmyn shares how she started building her presence while still in grad school and how social media became a natural way to grow her practice and connect with the right clients. We talk about the tension many therapists feel between being a "blank slate" and being visible online, how to find a marketing style that fits your strengths, and why you do not have to be everywhere to grow your practice. If social media has ever felt intimidating or overwhelming, this conversation will give you a practical and realistic way to think about marketing your work. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wealth & Worth Within Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Jazzmyn Proctor, M.S., LGPC, NCC, CTP Jazzmyn Proctor, M.S., LGPC, NCC, CTP, is a mental health therapist specializing in trauma-informed, attachment-based therapy under the supervision of Dr. Jennifer Kaufman Walker. She earned her master's degree from Hood College. During her time in graduate school, she was actively involved in community initiatives, including serving on the board of directors for Annapolis Pride. Jazzmyn believes strongly in working to create meaningful change both inside and outside of the therapy room. | |||
| Scaling a Private Practice with Intensives, Classes, and Conferences | Dr. Wyatt Fisher | TPOT 423 | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:26:49 | |
Couples therapy can be some of the most rewarding work we do as therapists, but it can also be one of the most challenging. Many couples don't reach out for help until things feel like they're falling apart. By the time they sit down in your office, there are often years of resentment, hurt, and miscommunication built up beneath the surface. In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Wyatt Fisher, a psychologist and couples therapist who has spent years refining his approach to helping couples work through those deeper issues. Wyatt shares how his own personal and professional experiences shaped his work with couples and why he eventually moved away from the traditional weekly therapy model. We talk about the power of marriage intensives, how addressing resentments first can change the entire course of therapy, and some of the practical tools he uses to help couples rebuild connection and accountability. Wyatt also shares how he's structured his practice to include intensives, coaching, classes, and conferences to create a more comprehensive model for helping couples. If you work with couples or have ever wondered how to structure therapy so couples can make real progress faster, I think you'll find this conversation really interesting. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wealth & Worth Within Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Dr. Wyatt Fisher Dr. Wyatt Fisher is a licensed psychologist who has specialized in marriage counseling since 2004. He holds a master's and doctorate in clinical psychology and helps couples repair their relationships through practical tools and structured approaches to resolving resentment and rebuilding connection. Dr. Fisher's passion for helping couples began after experiencing his parents' divorce as a child and later navigating significant challenges in his own marriage. Through years of intentional work and healing, he and his wife rebuilt their relationship, which now informs both his personal and professional perspective on marriage. In addition to his private practice, Dr. Fisher hosts the Dr. Wyatt Marriage Podcast, where he shares practical advice and strategies to help couples build stronger, healthier relationships. | |||
| Doing Couples Therapy as a Husband-and-Wife Team | Kiana & Andrew Joyner | TPOT 422 | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:30:29 | |
If you've ever thought about offering couples therapy in your private practice but felt intimidated by the complexity of it, you're going to love this conversation. In this episode, I'm joined by Kiana and Andrew Joyner, a married duo who run their practice together and specialize in couples work. Kiana is a licensed therapist, and Andrew is a certified professional coach, and together they bring a really unique dynamic into the therapy room. We talk about what it actually looks like to do couples counseling as a husband and wife team, how they divide roles between therapy and coaching, and why communication is still the number one issue couples bring to the table. They also share how Facebook groups have become one of their biggest referral sources and how they positioned themselves in a niche that still sets them apart. If you're curious about building a couples niche, partnering with your spouse in private practice, or simply refining your approach to couples work, there are a lot of practical takeaways in this one. And if couples therapy feels like a lot to hold on your own, you might just be inspired by what's possible when you do not have to do it alone. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Wealth & Worth Within Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Kiana Joyner, MSW, LCSW, LICSW & Andrew Joyner, CPC, SHRM-CP Kiana and Andrew Joyner are a therapist–coach duo helping individuals and couples build clarity, communication, and accountability through a culturally aligned blend of therapy, coaching, and lived experience. As Certified Wealth Educators, they also address how financial stress and values-based decision-making impact relationships, guiding clients toward sustainable emotional and relational health. Kiana Joyner, LCSW, is a licensed therapist specializing in grief, trauma, emotional wellness, and relationship dynamics. As a Certified Wealth Educator, she also helps clients navigate the emotional and relational impact of financial stress with clarity, compassion, and accountability. Andrew Joyner is a certified coach and former corporate HR leader specializing in communication, accountability, and conflict resolution. As a Certified Wealth Educator, he helps clients navigate financial conversations and decisions with clarity, structure, and values-based intentions. | |||
| Diversifying Your Income Without Burning Out | Jenny Melrose | TPOT 421 | 23 Feb 2026 | 00:34:37 | |
If you've ever thought, "There has to be a way to make money in my private practice besides just seeing more clients," this episode is for you. In this conversation, I'm joined by Jenny Melrose, host of the Practice to Profit podcast, and we dive into what it really looks like to diversify your income as a therapist. We talk about moving from one-to-one work into one-to-many offers, creating resources based on the same questions your clients ask over and over, and building income streams that do not require you to be in the therapy room 40 hours a week. Jenny shares practical ideas like workshops, group programs, retreats, train-the-trainer models, and digital products. We also talk about the importance of growing an email list, using SEO the right way, and how AI can help you create content faster without losing your voice. If you are curious about passive income, scaling your expertise, or simply building a private practice that works for your life instead of running it, you will get a lot out of this one. I'm excited for you to meet Jenny and start thinking differently about what is possible in your practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Jenny Melrose Jenny Melrose helps entrepreneurs stop spinning their wheels and start building profitable, sustainable businesses. As the host of the Practice to Profit podcast, she teaches business owners how to shift from busy work to strategic action using clear plans, simple metrics, and CEO-level decision making. Her work focuses on turning effort into results, without overwhelm or hustle culture. | |||
| Private Practice Profit Margins: What's Healthy (and What's a Red Flag) | Gretchen Roberts | TPOT 420 | 16 Feb 2026 | 00:39:28 | |
Running a private practice usually means you did not set out to become a numbers person. You are trained to help people, not to read profit and loss statements or stress about tax projections. But the reality is this. If you own a practice, you are running a business. In this episode, I sit down with Gretchen Roberts of Red Bike Advisors to talk about the financial side of private practice in a way that feels practical and doable. We unpack how to use your financial reports as a management tool, what healthy profit margins actually look like, and the payroll mistakes that can quietly drain your profit. We also talk about cash flow and why it is what truly keeps the doors open, especially during the ups and downs that come with business ownership. Since we are in tax season, we cover common tax mistakes, why taxes should not be a once-a-year event, and how to avoid those painful surprises at filing time. If you have ever avoided looking at your numbers or felt unsure about what they are telling you, this conversation will help you think more like a business owner. Your practice needs financial clarity to stay sustainable. And you deserve a business that supports you, not one that burns you out. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Gretchen Roberts I'm Gretchen Roberts, CEO of Red Bike Advisors, a national tax, accounting, and advisory firm serving healthcare practices, dental practices, and scaling service businesses that need a truly strategic financial partner. Since 2009, we've helped hundreds of practice owners, including dentists, medical practice owners, chiropractors, physical therapists, veterinarians, and alternative medicine practitioners, simplify their finances, optimize profitability, reduce tax burdens, and build businesses that generate real and lasting wealth. Our mission is to help practice owners move from financial stress to becoming Financially Retired by Design by building a business that funds your life, freedom, and future. As a business owner myself, I bring an operator's mindset that blends real-world experience with deep expertise in practice finance, tax strategy, profitability optimization, and exit readiness. At Red Bike Advisors, we provide year-round partnership to healthcare practices generating one to fifteen million dollars in revenue. Our services include proactive accounting, strategic tax planning, financial advisory, and tax-focused wealth building that eliminates financial guesswork and supports long-term growth and exit readiness. | |||
| Treating Neuroplastic Pain in Therapy and Private Practice | Dr. Melissa Tiessen | TPOT 419 | 09 Feb 2026 | 00:46:48 | |
What if chronic pain isn't a sign that your body is broken—but that your nervous system is trying to protect you? In this episode, Dr. Melissa Tiessen, a clinical psychologist and neuroplastic pain specialist, joins the show to unpack a paradigm-shifting way of understanding chronic pain and persistent physical symptoms. Drawing on neuroscience, trauma-informed therapy, and real-world clinical experience, Melissa explains how pain can exist without tissue damage—and why that realization can actually be good news. You'll learn how neuroplastic pain develops, why symptoms can move, change, or intensify without a clear medical cause, and how fear, emotional suppression, and learned nervous system patterns can keep people stuck in cycles of pain and distress. Melissa also shares her own experience with neuroplastic pain, making this conversation deeply human, accessible, and hopeful. Whether you're a therapist, a practice owner, or someone who's been told "you'll just have to live with it," this episode offers a compassionate and science-backed framework for understanding pain, anxiety, and the body's threat response—and what it really means to get unstuck. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Dr. Melissa Tiessen Dr. Melissa Tiessen is a clinical psychologist in private practice, serving clients virtually throughout Ontario, Canada. Her practice focuses on the treatment of chronic pain and other chronic neuroplastic symptoms. She is passionate about health professional education and well-being, and is also the co-founder of Intentional Therapist, a continuing education initiative designed to support mental health therapists in protecting and reclaiming their own well-being. She co-hosts the podcast Putting You In Your Schedule and can be found on LinkedIn quietly creating a self-care revolution. Learn more about Dr. Tiessen: https://linktr.ee/drmelissatiessen | |||
| Diversifying a Private Practice Through Couples Work | Erin Valente | TPOT 418 | 02 Feb 2026 | 00:32:05 | |
What if couples therapy isn't about fixing the other person at all? In this episode, Gordon sits down with Erin Valente, a couples therapist based in Los Angeles, to talk about one of the most common mistakes couples make when they come to therapy—and why real change doesn't live with one partner, but in the relationship itself. They explore why couples work can feel intimidating for therapists, how regulation and co-regulation shape meaningful conversations, and what it really takes to help couples move out of blame and into connection. Erin also shares how she's structured her private practice to avoid burnout, including her work with ketamine-assisted therapy, groups, and coaching. Whether you work with couples, are curious about relationship dynamics, or are thinking about new ways to diversify your practice, this episode offers a grounded, thoughtful look at what healing in relationships actually looks like. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Meet Erin Valente Erin Valente is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in trauma-focused therapy for individuals and couples. With advanced training in EMDR, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and somatic and narrative therapy, Erin helps clients reconnect with their inner voice and move toward healing, growth, and authentic connection. A lifelong student of the human experience, Erin explores the intersections of psychology, emotion, and personal wisdom. She believes that while psychology offers valuable direction, true healing emerges when we integrate our own understanding of who we are and what we need. Her approach centers on helping individuals and couples rediscover alignment, resilience, and self-compassion as they navigate life's inevitable challenges—heartbreak, love, loss, and transformation. Drawing from her background in trauma-informed therapy, domestic violence work, and somatic awareness, Erin creates a deeply resonant therapeutic experience that empowers lasting change. She has been featured on multiple podcasts, hosts her own show, and is launching a group coaching program designed to help individuals and couples cultivate passionate, healthy relationships that support the healing of the human experience. Website | |||
| Free Continuing Education for Therapists | Tobin Richardson | TPOT 417 | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:32:33 | |
In today's episode, I'm excited to introduce you to Tobin Richardson, the founder of a platform called Save the Therapist. When I first learned about what Tobin is building, I knew this was something many of you would want to hear about. Continuing education is a requirement for all of us, but let's be honest. It can be expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes hard to fit into an already full schedule. Tobin saw that problem firsthand and decided to do something about it. He created a platform that offers high-quality, accredited continuing education for therapists that is completely free. In this conversation, Tobin shares his background in counselor education, what led him to start Save the Therapist, and how the platform works. We talk about why the podcast format is such a powerful way to learn, how therapists can earn CE credits without added financial pressure, and why accessibility in education matters now more than ever. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the cost or logistics of earning CE credits, or if you're simply looking for a more practical and user-friendly way to keep learning as a clinician, I think you'll really enjoy this episode. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Tobin Richardson, EdD, NCC Tobin Richardson, EdD, NCC, is a counselor educator with a decade of experience building and delivering innovative educational resources to therapists in both community mental health and large VC-backed provider organizations. Since launching in early 2025, his NPR-style CE platform, Save the Therapist, has garnered over 4,000 therapist registrants and more than 7,000 course completions. | |||
| Preventing Burnout in Private Practice | Dr. Julie Merriman | TPOT 416 | 19 Jan 2026 | 00:33:20 | |
There are some conversations you record where you know right away that they're going to land differently. In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Julie Merriman, a therapist, professor, and longtime advocate for helpers who are quietly burning out. We talk about something that hits close to home for many of us in this profession: what happens when we're really good at helping everyone else, but don't know how to receive ourselves. Julie shares how so many therapists become what she calls "floating heads of competence." We're full of knowledge, skill, and clinical insight, yet deeply disconnected from our bodies, our needs, and our sense of purpose beyond performance. We talk honestly about burnout, compassion fatigue, money, boundaries, nervous system regulation, and why private practice itself isn't what burns us out. Disconnection is. This isn't a conversation about working harder or pushing through. It's about staying human in a profession that asks a lot of us, and learning how to stay in it without losing ourselves. If you've ever felt tired in a way that rest doesn't fix, this episode is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Julie Merriman Dr. Julie Merriman is a licensed professional counselor, counselor educator, professor, and author, and the voice behind From Burnout to Freedom—a movement helping high-achieving women in healthcare over 50 heal from burnout and reclaim their freedom. With more than 30 years of experience in clinical practice and counselor education, Dr. Merriman has trained hundreds of emerging therapists, served as an associate dean, department director, and clinical coordinator, and led CACREP accreditation work. Her scholarship and teaching span compassion fatigue, burnout, trauma-informed care, polyvagal theory, spiritual integration, and the lived experience of long-term helpers. After experiencing a profound, career-shaping burnout that ultimately contributed to her breast cancer diagnosis, Dr. Merriman rebuilt her life and work from the inside out. Today, she blends neuroscience, embodiment practices, and decades of clinical wisdom to guide women healers through identity transitions, emotional exhaustion, and the "scorched earth" season that often arrives after 50. Her podcast, From Burnout to Freedom, offers honest conversations and research-backed strategies for women who have spent a lifetime caring for everyone else and are finally ready to reclaim creativity, joy, and purpose. Dr. Merriman brings a relatable, deeply human presence to every interview. She combines academic rigor with ranch-life storytelling, humor, and a fierce commitment to helping helpers heal. | |||
| When Narcissism Walks Into Your Therapy Office | Dr. Anthony Mazzella | TPOT 415 | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:45:55 | |
If you've ever found yourself thinking, "Why is this client so hard to reach?" or "Why does every conversation turn into a power struggle?" this episode is for you. Today, I'm joined by Dr. Anthony Mazzella, a psychoanalyst who specializes in working with narcissistic dynamics. We go far beyond surface-level conversations about narcissism. This isn't about labels, buzzwords, or quick fixes. It's about what's actually happening underneath the behavior and what truly helps. We talk about why arguing over "reality" never works, why confrontation often backfires, and how curiosity, containment, and staying with the process can completely change the way therapists work with narcissistic clients and how partners survive narcissistic relationships. Whether you're a therapist sitting with these dynamics in the room, a supervisor guiding clinicians through complex cases, or someone trying to understand a relationship that feels confusing and exhausting, this conversation offers a grounded and compassionate framework for understanding narcissism. This is one of those episodes that stays with you, and I'm really glad to share it with you today. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Mazzella As a leader and expert in the field, Dr. Mazzella holds various clinical positions, including, but not limited to, treating patients in his private practice, training professionals at two post-graduate training institutes, conducting research, and lecturing across the country. While his focus with his patients is psychodynamic in nature, his main goals are to build a trusting relationship and help each patient reduce the frequency and intensity of their emotionally painful thoughts and suffering. He helps his patients overcome both acute and long-standing problems that may be more embedded in their personality. | |||
| The Unconventional Path: Why Your Practice Doesn't Need Another Resolution | TPOT 414 | 10 Jan 2026 | 00:35:14 | |
As we step into a new year, many of us feel it—that quiet but persistent pressure to do more, fix more, and somehow have everything figured out right now. New goals, new systems, bigger numbers—and for practice owners, that pressure can feel especially heavy and often pretty lonely. In today's episode, I want to invite you to think about January differently—not as a month for pushing harder or becoming more efficient, but as a chance to slow down and get honest about what you can actually hold. Drawing on Barbara Brown Taylor's Home by Another Way and Oliver Burkeman's 4,000 Weeks, we'll talk about burnout, the efficiency trap, and why things don't magically get easier "once we get there." This conversation is about reconnecting with your why, redefining what growth really means, and considering what it might look like to go home by another way this year—one that creates more space, alignment, and sustainability in your practice and your life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free | |||
| How AI Can Transform Private Practice Marketing | Greg Goodman | TPOT 413 | 22 Dec 2025 | 00:40:20 | |
I am so excited for today's episode because we're diving into one of the most transformative tools in private practice right now: AI. And joining me is someone who has been living at the intersection of mental health, creativity, and digital marketing for nearly two decades—Greg Goodman of Goodman Creatives. Greg isn't a therapist, but his story is rooted deeply in the world of mental health. Inspired by his father's work as a clinician, he built a career helping therapists share their voice, grow their practices, and create meaningful impact through smart, authentic marketing. Today, he runs an international creative agency that exists to support helpers—and now he's leaning all the way into how AI can make marketing more accessible than ever. In our conversation, Greg and I talk about the real, practical ways therapists can use AI to save time, generate powerful copy, create content with confidence, and stand out in a growing field. We also explore the ethical concerns around AI, the importance of keeping our humanity in the process, and how to train AI to actually sound like you. If you've been curious—or even hesitant—about how AI fits into your private practice, this episode is going to open your eyes to what's possible. Greg brings a blend of heart, tech wisdom, and decades of industry experience, and I can't wait for you to learn from him. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Greg Goodman Greg Goodman is a marketing and web design expert with two decades of experience helping therapists grow thriving practices. With a deep understanding of the mental health industry, Greg specializes in creating authentic, client-centered marketing strategies that resonate with both therapists and the people they serve. His passion for visual storytelling plays a key role in his work, as he believes powerful imagery can make a therapist's message more relatable and emotionally impactful. Driven by a calling to "help the helpers," Greg's dream is to positively impact the mental health of more than 1,000,000 people around the world.
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| Why Private Practice Owners Feel Overwhelmed (and How to Fix It) | Samantha Parrinello | TPOT 412 | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:36:51 | |
If you've ever ended a workday wondering, "Where did all my time go?"—this episode is going to change the way you run your business. In today's conversation, I sit down with executive coach Samantha Perinello, a powerhouse in helping business owners reclaim their time, streamline their operations, and finally build the kind of practice that doesn't rely on them for every little task. Samantha has a remarkable track record—her clients regularly get back 10 to 14 hours every single week—and she's here to break down exactly how that happens. We dive into the real reasons so many private practice owners feel overwhelmed, why multitasking is quietly sabotaging your productivity, and how simple habits like time audits, brain dumps, and strategic delegation can completely shift the way you work. If you've been craving more freedom, more focus, and more room to actually grow your business (instead of just keeping it afloat), this is an episode you don't want to miss. Samantha's insights are practical, energizing, and genuinely transformative. Tune in and learn how to take back control of your time—and your practice. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Samantha Parrinello Samantha Parrinello is recognized as a leading executive coach, specializing in helping top-performing executives and entrepreneurs reclaim their most valuable resource—time. With a proven track record of transforming leaders from overwhelmed to optimized, Samantha blends decades of senior leadership experience with cutting-edge performance frameworks. Her clients regularly regain 10–20 hours a week while scaling their businesses faster and living with more freedom. Known as the master of time management and optimization, Samantha has become the go-to coach for leaders who want to multiply their impact without sacrificing their lives outside of work. LinkedIn | |||
| How Personal Calling Shapes Your Private Practice | Derrick Boger | TPOT 411 | 08 Dec 2025 | 00:33:48 | |
In today's episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I'm excited to introduce you to someone who made a big impact on me at the Wise Practice Conference—Derrick Boger. Derrick is a licensed clinical mental health counselor, military veteran, former firefighter, and the founder of Transformation Christian Counseling in Greensboro, North Carolina. His journey into the therapy world is rooted in a lifelong commitment to serving others, and you'll hear that passion come through in every part of our conversation. In this episode, Derrick and I dive deep into what it really looks like to support men in therapy, why emotional safety is the key to communication, and how vulnerability becomes a powerful tool for healing. We also explore the unique challenges men face when opening up, the importance of trust in relationships, and how faith and emotional intelligence can guide meaningful transformation. Whether you work with men, couples, or faith-based clients—or you simply want to listen in on a heartfelt conversation about connection and healing—I think you'll find Derrick's insights both inspiring and grounding. I'm thrilled to share this conversation with you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Derrick Boger, LCMHCA, NCC Derrick Boger is an LCMHCA and the founder of Transformation Christian Counseling in Greensboro, NC. Before launching his private practice, he served eight years in the military, ten years as a firefighter, and over twenty years in church leadership. Derrick integrates faith-based and evidence-based approaches to help individuals and couples heal, grow, and thrive. He is passionate about supporting men, women, and marriages in experiencing true transformation from the inside out. | |||
| The Exit Plan Every Therapist Should Have (But Most Don't) | Carla Titus | TPOT 410 | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:39:28 | |
Welcome back to the Practice of Therapy Podcast! I'm Gordon Brewer, and I am so glad you're here today because we're diving into a topic that every private practice owner needs to be thinking about—whether you're brand new or decades into the work. I'm thrilled to welcome back my friend and financial powerhouse, Carla Titus. Every time Carla joins us, she brings clarity, strategy, and a whole lot of honesty about what it really takes to run a profitable, sustainable practice. And today, we're talking about something most of us don't think about until we're exhausted, burned out, or feeling stuck: your exit plan. Whether you want to sell someday, scale back, hand things off to a leadership team, or simply make your practice run like a well-oiled machine, this conversation is going to challenge the way you think about ownership, profitability, and long-term planning. Carla and I dig into what it means to build a practice that's always exit-ready—not because you're leaving tomorrow, but because an exit-ready practice is a healthy, thriving, profitable practice today. This is one of those episodes that will shift your mindset and give you real-world steps to start strengthening your financial foundation. So let's jump in. Her priorities for her clients are to help them grow profits, have cash in the bank, and pay themselves well so they can build personal wealth. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Carla Titus Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 15 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners looking to grow their businesses profitably. Her priorities for her clients are to help them grow profits, have cash in the bank, and pay themselves well so they can build personal wealth. Carla on TPOT | |||
| How Traditional Therapy Misses the Mark for Men | Marc Azoulay | TPOT 409 | 24 Nov 2025 | 00:40:10 | |
Today's episode is one I've been looking forward to for a long time. We're diving into a topic that doesn't get talked about nearly enough in our field—men's mental health—and why so many traditional therapy approaches miss the mark when it comes to helping men heal. My guest is Marc Azoulay, LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS—the founder of Men's Therapy Online and host of The Men's Therapy Podcast. Marc brings a powerful blend of psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and Buddhism to his work, and he's built an incredible community that helps men get real, get connected, and get results. In this conversation, we're breaking down what it actually takes to build trust and respect with male clients, why "safety" isn't always the right starting point, and how we as therapists can better support men in becoming the best versions of themselves. Marc also shares some fantastic insights on private practice growth, niching boldly, and finding your authentic voice as a clinician. This one's packed with wisdom and heart—so stay tuned, you're really going to enjoy it. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Marc Azoulay LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS Marc Azoulay, LPC, LAC, CGP, ACS, is the founder of Men's Therapy Online, a community and healing hub for men who want to get back on their feet or take their lives to the next level. With the help of his team of licensed clinicians, he provides ongoing men's groups, individual counseling, and powerful wilderness retreats for members. With a background in psychoanalysis, neuroscience, and Buddhism, Marc helps men uncover and destroy the unconscious barriers that hold them back. His mission is to help men become the best versions of themselves and truly show up for their lives, relationships, and communities. Website | |||
| Integrating Sexuality and Somatic Work in Private Practice | Darshana Avila | TPOT 408 | 17 Nov 2025 | 00:44:16 | |
In today's episode, I am sitting down with Darshana Avila for a truly fascinating and important conversation about the intersection of sexuality, somatic work, and trauma healing. As therapists, we often talk about the mind and body connection, but many of us shy away from exploring how that connection relates to our clients' sexuality, intimacy, and sense of pleasure. Darshana brings a deeply trauma-informed and culturally sensitive approach to this work, helping clients reconnect with their bodies, navigate consent, and move beyond shame into embodied wholeness. In our discussion, we explore what sexological bodywork actually looks like, how it differs from traditional sex therapy, and why somatic awareness is essential for both healing trauma and deepening intimacy. We also touch on how therapists can hold space for these conversations within private practice and why it is so important to bring curiosity, consent, and compassion to this part of the human experience. This is one of those episodes that might stretch your perspective a bit, and that is a good thing. I am so grateful to Darshana for sharing her wisdom, and I think you will walk away with a richer understanding of how to support your clients and yourself in a more embodied and holistic way. In This Episode, We Cover:
Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Darshana Avila Darshana Avila is a trauma-informed somatic sex & intimacy practitioner (SEP, CSB) who guides people through embodied journeys of erotic wholeness. Her work blends nervous-system regulation, somatic awareness, consent-fluency, and relational liberation. Featured on Sex, Love & Goop (Netflix), she supports women, non-binary folks, and couples in reclaiming pleasure, voice, and connection. | |||
| Boundaries, Growth, and Private Practice Success | Dr. Jason Branch | TPOT 407 | 10 Nov 2025 | 00:34:29 | |
Well, y'all are in for a treat today. My guest, Dr. Jason Branch, brings some serious fire and fresh perspective to this conversation. He's been in the counseling world for over two decades, as a clinician, educator, and entrepreneur, and what I love most about him is how real he gets about the struggles we all face in private practice: imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and finding the courage to just keep showing up. Jason has an incredible way of using analogies that stick: salamanders, gators, and what he calls being D.U.N. - doing things that are different, uncomfortable, and new. It's all about stepping into growth, setting healthy boundaries, and remembering that we're not impostors... we're learners. So if you've ever doubted yourself or wondered whether you belong in the room, this episode is going to challenge and inspire you. Let's dive into this conversation with Dr. Jason Branch. In This Episode, We Talk About:
Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Dr. Jason Branch Dr. Jason Branch brings over two decades of expertise in the mental health and counseling profession, transforming lives and advancing the field through his work in higher education, community mental health, city government, corporate settings, and substance abuse treatment facilities. As the Founder and CEO of J. Branch and Associates, a dynamic virtual clinical group practice, Dr. Branch leads a team dedicated to providing high-quality therapy services to adults, couples, and families across Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. | |||
| The Keys to Private Practice Success | Wendy Pitts Reeves | TPOT 406 | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:39:01 | |
When I first connected with Wendy Pitts Reeves, I knew she was someone who truly gets it — the ups, downs, and constant balancing act of running a private practice. In this episode, Wendy joins me to share her powerful framework, The Seven Pillars of a Thriving Private Practice, and it's one you'll want to take notes on. Wendy has spent decades building her own successful practice in Tennessee and now helps other therapists do the same through her coaching and podcast, Ideal Practice. In our conversation, we dive into what it takes to build a business that's not just profitable, but purposeful — one that fits who you are and how you want to live. We talk about:
This is one of those conversations that reminds us why we do this work — and how to build a practice that truly supports both your clients and your life. 🎧 Listen in and learn how to build your ideal practice — one pillar at a time. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Wendy Pitts Reeves Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW, is a seasoned therapist-turned-entrepreneur who has spent over two decades building and coaching private practices that serve both clients and the clinicians behind them. After founding and managing a thriving group practice in East Tennessee, Wendy pivoted to support healing-arts professionals — therapists, coaches, yoga teachers, and energy healers — through her firm, C2C Consulting, and her podcast, Ideal Practice. Known for her strategic clarity, intuitive insight, and no-nonsense encouragement, Wendy helps practice owners move through common roadblocks — from money mindset struggles to scattered systems and unclear offers — and build practices that align with their values and vision. She is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council, a speaker and workshop leader, and a former public official, having served in local government in Tennessee. Her approach blends deep therapeutic understanding with solid business strategy, helping clinicians shift from just "doing therapy" to running a business they truly enjoy. Website
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