Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #606 - "Make 2025 Better Than 2024"

Release Date: December 28, 2024

Host: Allison Puryear
Membership Program: Abundance Party (www.abundanceparty.com)
Resources: Free private practice checklist and worksheets (www.abundancepracticebuilding.com)
Support Email: help@abundancepracticebuilding.com

Introduction

In Episode #606 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, Allison Puryear guides therapists through a comprehensive assessment to ensure that 2025 surpasses 2024 in terms of practice growth, personal fulfillment, and professional sustainability. This episode is particularly valuable for both new and seasoned therapists looking to refine their private practices, offering actionable insights and practical tools to overcome common challenges.

Assessing and Reassessing Work Hours

Allison emphasizes the importance of evaluating and potentially redefining your work hours to align with your personal preferences and lifestyle. She challenges the conventional belief that therapists must adhere to rigid schedules, advocating for flexibility to enhance both productivity and personal well-being.

• Key Insight: "Do not buy into the BS that you have to work evenings or weekends if you don't want to." (00:XX)

• Action Step: Use the free worksheet available at AbundancePracticeBuilding.com to outline your ideal working hours and strategize how to communicate changes to clients confidently.

Selecting the Right Clients and Niche

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the importance of working with clients who not only benefit from your expertise but also make your work sustainable and enjoyable. Allison encourages therapists to evaluate whether their current client base aligns with their professional satisfaction and personal energy levels.

• Notable Quote: "Sometimes we feel compelled to stay with the niche or client population that we've worked with forever, even if it's draining." (00:XX)

• Guidance: Gradually transition to a new niche by phasing out previous clients as they complete their therapy, while simultaneously promoting your new focus area.

Setting and Adjusting Fees

Allison addresses the often-daunting task of setting fees, reassuring therapists that their pricing should reflect their practice's sustainability rather than market comparisons.

• Recommendation: Utilize Tiffany McLean's Fun with Fees Calculator from Lean and Make Bank to determine appropriate pricing based on personal and professional needs.

• Encouraging Insight: "In my experience...nearly everyone I've worked with on this issue is shocked that it went as well as it did." (00:XX)

• Action Step: Implement the fee adjustments confidently, knowing that most clients will respect the change or continue with the therapy without significant issues.

Goal Setting for Sustainable Growth

Allison advocates for setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals rather than vague objectives. By focusing on actionable steps, therapists can create a clear roadmap for their practice's growth.

• Practical Tip: Break down long-term goals into daily actions. For example, if your 90-day goal is to increase your client base, determine the weekly tasks needed to achieve this, such as weekly blogging or networking.

• Quote: "Make sure your goals are SMART...if it doesn't get scheduled, it probably won't get done." (00:XX)

Celebrating Achievements and Building Confidence

Allison encourages therapists to acknowledge and celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how small. Recognizing progress fosters a positive mindset and reinforces the courage required for business ownership.

• Notable Quote: "Business ownership is courageous...and it's exciting and scary and hard and easier and freeing and binding." (00:XX)

• Encouragement: Reflect on past challenges you've overcome, such as setting fees with confidence or managing technology issues, and take pride in these achievements to bolster your motivation for the future.

Identifying Current Needs and Challenges

Acknowledging areas of struggle is crucial for growth. Allison prompts therapists to honestly assess their current challenges, whether it’s burnout, client acquisition fears, or system management issues.

• Guidance: "Acknowledge that this is a part of business ownership...Things are not always smooth sailing." (00:XX)

• Action Step: Identify specific areas where you need support and seek appropriate resources or mentorship to address these challenges effectively.

Seeking Help and Building a Support System

Allison highlights the importance of seeking help when needed and leveraging community resources to build a successful practice. She introduces the Abundance Party membership program as a comprehensive resource for ongoing support.

• Recommendation: Join the Abundance Party for step-by-step guidance, access to mentorships, and resources tailored to prevent burnout and promote sustainable practice growth.

• Quote: "We have mentorships. We have limitless practice for those of you who are full but needing to make changes so that you don't stay stuck in burnout." (00:XX)

Conclusion and Final Encouragement

As the episode wraps up, Allison reiterates the importance of awareness, clarity, intention, and consistent effort in achieving a thriving practice in the upcoming year. She encourages listeners to utilize the provided worksheets and resources to implement the strategies discussed.

• Final Thought: "Next year needs to be amazing...take some time to think through these questions." (00:XX)

• Call to Action: Access the worksheet by visiting AbundancePracticeBuilding.com or DMing the word "sheets" to integrate the episode's insights into your practice planning.

Additional Resources

• Worksheet and Tools: Available at AbundancePracticeBuilding.com
• Membership Program: Abundance Party (www.abundanceparty.com)
• Sponsor: Therapy Notes (therapynotes.com) – Use promo code "abundant" for two months free.

Share and Connect: If you found this episode valuable, consider sharing it with a therapist friend to help them build the practice they desire. Follow, rate, and review the podcast to support future content that empowers therapists to achieve greater freedom, income, and satisfaction in their private practices.

This summary captures the essential discussions and insights from Episode #606 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, providing a comprehensive overview for those seeking to enhance their private practice in the upcoming year.