Abundant Practice Podcast Host: Allison Puryear
Episode: #607: Full Practice, New Problems
Release Date: January 1, 2025

In Episode #607 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, hosted by Allison Puryear, the conversation delves into the evolving challenges faced by therapists as they transition to or manage a full private practice. This episode, titled "Full Practice, New Problems," features a candid and insightful dialogue between Allison and her guest, Allie, addressing real-world issues therapists encounter in their professional journeys.

1. Navigating Negative Interactions on Instagram

One of the primary topics discussed is handling negative comments and interactions on social media platforms, specifically Instagram. As therapists increasingly use these platforms for marketing and client engagement, managing online negativity becomes crucial for maintaining a healthy practice.

Strategies for Managing Negative Comments:

• Blocking and Deleting: Allison suggests that therapists can choose to delete negative comments and block offending users to maintain a positive online environment. This approach prioritizes the therapist's well-being and sets clear boundaries.

  Allison [07:10]: "You can just delete and block and be done with it. [...] It's your account. This is not their house."

• Engaging Constructively: Alternatively, Allison proposes using negative comments as opportunities to educate and connect with the audience. By transforming criticism into content, therapists can address common misconceptions and reinforce their professional stance.

  Allison [05:21]: "A lot of people will take those comments and create more content out of it and be kind of more snarky."

Notable Insights:

• Self-Care First: Allison emphasizes the importance of therapists prioritizing their own mental health over engaging with negativity. The approach should align with what feels right for the therapist, ensuring that online interactions do not become a source of stress.

  Allison [06:50]: "It's your maintenance first. You got to take care of yourself first."

• Authenticity Matters: When responding to negative comments, maintaining authenticity without being condescending is key. Allison advises keeping responses simple and empathetic to ensure that clients feel heard without the therapist overstepping into therapeutic territory in public forums.

  Allison [10:23]: "Just that clean and easy where they feel heard and seen. And you're also not therapizing them."

2. Implementing and Managing a Waitlist

Allie raises concerns about managing an increasing client base, leading to the consideration of establishing a waitlist. Allison provides a nuanced perspective on the benefits and challenges associated with waitlists in private practice.

Pros and Cons of a Waitlist:

• Pros:

  • Structured Client Flow: A waitlist can help manage client intake systematically, ensuring that new clients are seamlessly integrated as current clients conclude their treatment.
  • Client Assurance: It provides potential clients with a sense of order and expectation regarding availability.

• Cons:

  • Client Attrition: Longer wait times may lead clients to seek therapy elsewhere, potentially reducing the incoming client base.
  • Administrative Burden: Maintaining a waitlist requires meticulous tracking and management, which can be time-consuming.

Strategies for Effective Waitlist Management:

• Consistent Referrals: Allison recommends ensuring a steady stream of referrals to minimize reliance on waitlists. This approach helps maintain client numbers without the complexities a waitlist introduces.

  Allison [12:00]: "I've never been a waitlist person. I've always made sure that my referrals are coming in consistently."

• Time-Based Availability: For therapists who decide to maintain a waitlist, Allison suggests categorizing availability based on client treatment timelines. This method involves understanding when current clients will exit the practice, allowing for timely openings for new clients.

  Allison [14:01]: "I might have some availability in the next two weeks or whatever, and I can call you when that happens."

• Alternative Referrals: Instead of keeping clients on a waitlist, therapists can refer them to trusted colleagues. This ensures that clients receive timely support while maintaining professional relationships within the therapeutic community.

  Allison [14:33]: "An alternative would be to find really great people to refer these folks to instead of keeping them on a wait list."

Key Takeaway: Managing a waitlist requires significant organizational effort and may not be suitable for all therapists. Prioritizing consistent referrals and maintaining a manageable client load can often be more effective in sustaining a successful private practice.

3. Exploring Passive Income Opportunities

The conversation shifts to the concept of passive income within a private therapy practice. Allie expresses curiosity about passive income streams, such as creating and selling digital products like workbooks or video courses.

Allison's Perspective on Passive Income:

Allison offers a grounded view on passive income, highlighting the misconceptions and challenges associated with it. She underscores that passive income often requires substantial upfront work and ongoing maintenance, contrasting with the common portrayal of it as effortless earnings.

Allison [16:53]: "I think like the idea of passive income [...] is so much more work than people talk about. [...] It's not passive at all."

Considerations for Therapists:

• Alignment with Passion: Allison advises that therapists should pursue passive income opportunities only if they are deeply passionate about the endeavor. This ensures sustained motivation and quality in the products offered.

  Allison [17:45]: "If there's something specific you are on fire about... that kind of energy to work the extra hours."

• Consistency in Marketing: Successful passive income streams, such as digital courses or products, require consistent marketing efforts. Therapists must be prepared to dedicate time and resources to promote these offerings effectively.

  Allison [19:24]: "For it to create an actual income... the marketing has to be really, really consistent."

Allie's Reflections:

Allie contemplates creating DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) skills videos as a potential income stream. She acknowledges the logistical challenges and her preference for maintaining a focus on direct therapeutic work.

Allie [19:04]: "I would love to teach DBT and just have like a DBT skills video. [...] I don't know how to do that."

Key Takeaway: While passive income can diversify a therapist's revenue streams, it demands a significant initial investment of time and effort. Therapists should evaluate their capacity and passion before venturing into such endeavors, ensuring that it complements rather than detracts from their primary practice.

4. Networking with Veterinarians for Niche Specialization

Towards the episode's conclusion, Allie inquires about expanding her network, specifically by connecting with veterinary offices. Recognizing that many of her clients cherish their pets, she sees value in collaborating with veterinarians to support clients dealing with animal loss.

Allison's Insight on Networking with Vets:

Allison affirms the viability of this networking strategy, highlighting the emotional toll veterinary professionals may experience and the potential for mutual support. She emphasizes that such collaborations can provide specialized grief support for pet owners, enhancing the therapeutic services offered.

Allison [22:36]: "I know that it's a powerless thing to have to put a pet down and sit there with the family... here's somebody who really understands."

Benefits of This Niche:

• Targeted Referrals: Collaborating with veterinarians can lead to a steady stream of clients seeking grief counseling for pet loss, aligning perfectly with Allie's therapeutic focus.

• Shared Values: Both parties share a deep love for animals, fostering a genuine and empathetic connection with clients.

Allie's Realization:

Allie recognizes the alignment between her values and her clients', reaffirming the potential benefits of networking with veterinarians.

Allie [23:06]: "Some people don't get the animal thing. They need someone who gets it."

Key Takeaway: Networking within a niche that resonates with both the therapist's and clients' values can significantly enhance client engagement and satisfaction. Collaborating with veterinarians offers a strategic avenue to support clients experiencing pet loss, thereby enriching the therapist's practice.

5. Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

Throughout the episode, Allison reinforces the importance of aligning professional practices with personal well-being and core values. She encourages therapists to prioritize self-care, maintain authentic connections, and carefully evaluate additional income streams to ensure they complement their primary therapeutic roles.

Final Encouragement:

Allison advises therapists to focus on what brings them joy and fulfillment in their practice, suggesting that maintaining simplicity and authenticity often leads to a more sustainable and satisfying professional life.

Allison [20:19]: "Then I say, do that and enjoy it and keep your life simpler."

Conclusion:

Episode #607 of the Abundant Practice Podcast offers valuable insights into managing the complexities of a full private practice. From handling online negativity and managing waitlists to exploring passive income opportunities and strategic networking, Allison Puryear provides practical advice grounded in real-world experience. Therapists navigating similar challenges will find this episode both relatable and empowering, providing actionable strategies to build a sustainable and fulfilling practice.

Resources Mentioned:

• Abundance Practice Building: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com
• Abundance Party Membership Program: www.abundanceparty.com

For additional support or resources, therapists are encouraged to visit the provided websites or reach out via email at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com.