Podcast Summary: Abundant Practice Podcast

Episode #608: Someone Stole My Practice's Name

Host: Allison Puryear

Release Date: January 4, 2025

In Episode #608 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear tackles a common yet distressing issue faced by therapists: discovering that another practice has adopted the same name as your own. Through compassionate guidance and actionable advice, Allison helps listeners navigate this challenging scenario without letting it derail their professional journey.

1. Introduction to the Issue

Allison opens the episode by addressing a listener's concern: another practice has the exact same name. She empathizes with the emotional turmoil that comes with such a discovery, recognizing the frustration and disappointment it can cause.

Notable Quote:

"Whether it's someone down the street or across the country, realizing that you are not the only one using your business name can feel really frustrating and disappointing and like sometimes a little unfair."
— Allison Puryear [02:30]

2. Emotional Impact and Acknowledgment

She emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these feelings. As therapists, Allison understands that building a practice involves significant time, energy, and creativity. The overlap in business names can feel like a personal setback.

Notable Quote:

"You pour time, energy, and creativity into building your business and now it feels like someone else is stepping on your toes."
— Allison Puryear [04:15]

3. Assessing the Situation

Allison reassures listeners that sharing a business name with another practice is not uncommon and isn't necessarily catastrophic. She clarifies that unless the name is trademarked, such overlaps are a possibility and not indicative of wrongdoing on anyone's part.

Notable Quote:

"Unless you trademarked your business name, sharing a name with someone else is always going to be a possibility."
— Allison Puryear [06:50]

4. Exploring Options

Allison outlines three primary strategies therapists can adopt when faced with this dilemma:

a. Changing Your Practice Name

If maintaining a unique brand identity feels crucial, therapists can opt to change their practice name. Allison advises swift action to prevent prolonged uncertainty and recommends clear communication with existing clients to avoid confusion.

Notable Quote:

"If you go this route, do it really quickly. Communicate with your people clearly and move on."
— Allison Puryear [08:25]

b. Reaching Out to the Other Practice

Another approach is to courteously request the other practice to consider a name change. However, Allison cautions that without a trademark, the other party isn't legally obligated to comply, and such negotiations may not always yield favorable results.

c. Keeping the Same Name

Alternatively, therapists can choose to retain their existing name. Allison highlights that the true differentiator lies in the quality of services, client relationships, and effective marketing rather than the name itself.

Notable Quote:

"Your success isn't about your practice name, it's about how well you connect with your ideal clients."
— Allison Puryear [11:10]

5. Focusing on What Matters Most

Allison encourages therapists to concentrate on delivering exceptional therapy, building strong relationships with clients and colleagues, and refining their marketing strategies. She emphasizes that clients seek the right fit and will gravitate towards practices that resonate with their needs, regardless of the name.

Notable Quote:

"Most of the time it's not malicious, it's just coincidence. The right people are going to find you."
— Allison Puryear [13:45]

6. Maintaining a Positive Mindset

Addressing the psychological aspect, Allison stresses the importance of avoiding a scarcity mindset. She reassures listeners that there's an abundance of clients and opportunities available, and one name duplication won't limit their success.

Notable Quote:

"Finding out somebody has your practice name would throw most of us into a scarcity spiral. So let's work our way out of that."
— Allison Puryear [16:20]

7. Resources and Support

To assist therapists in overcoming such challenges, Allison offers a free worksheet titled "6 Tools to Shift Scarcity Mindset." She also promotes her membership program, Abundance Party, which provides step-by-step guidance for building a successful practice with increased income and reduced working hours.

Notable Quote:

"If you are looking for help building your practice, I highly strongly recommend the Abundance Party."
— Allison Puryear [19:00]

8. Conclusion and Encouragement

Allison wraps up the episode by reiterating that the duplication of a practice name is manageable and should not hinder therapists from pursuing a fulfilling and prosperous career. With the right strategies and mindset, therapists can continue to thrive and make meaningful connections with their clients.

Notable Quote:

"Your practice is going to thrive because of you, not because of your business name."
— Allison Puryear [20:45]

Final Thoughts

In this episode, Allison Puryear provides a balanced mix of emotional support and practical advice for therapists grappling with the issue of a duplicated practice name. By focusing on what truly matters—quality of care, client relationships, and effective marketing—therapists can navigate this challenge with resilience and confidence.

For additional resources and support, listeners are encouraged to visit www.abundancepracticebuilding.com and explore the Abundance Party membership program.