Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #609 “Ask Allison Live” Summary

In Episode #609 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages directly with her audience in a live "Ask Allison" session. Released on January 6, 2025, this episode delves into pressing questions from therapists aiming to transition from agency jobs to thriving private practices. Allison offers actionable insights, practical strategies, and heartfelt encouragement to help listeners overcome common obstacles in building a successful private practice.

1. Determining Your Therapy Fees

Listener Question: Jesse inquires about whether the median income figures discussed are pre-tax or post-tax and seeks guidance on calculating an appropriate hourly fee based on these statistics.

Allison's Insight: Allison emphasizes the importance of personalizing fee structures rather than relying on what neighboring therapists charge. She advises therapists to consider their individual financial needs—including living costs, retirement contributions, and desired time off—when setting their rates.

“What you charge actually has everything to do with your life and nothing to do with the therapist next door.” (03:01)

She recommends using tools like Tiffany McLean’s “Fun with Fees” calculator to derive a fee that aligns with one’s personal and professional goals, ensuring sustainability and financial well-being.

2. Exploring Additional Income Streams vs. Raising Fees

Listener Question: Tiffany shares her situation of a nearly full practice with 20 clients weekly and expresses a desire to increase income without expanding her client base. She contemplates exploring coaching or other income streams.

Allison's Guidance: Allison strongly advises against diversifying income streams unless driven by passion. She advocates for raising therapy fees as a more straightforward and effective method to enhance income without overextending oneself.

“I would rather you raise your fee to make it more of a premium fee… it's much easier money just to raise your rates.” (05:21)

When Tiffany mentions her interest in men’s issues and potential retreats or groups, Allison supports her enthusiasm but cautions about the required momentum and marketing efforts. She suggests that niche groups like men’s retreats can be lucrative and fulfilling but require careful planning and the right timing, especially for those managing personal commitments like parenting.

“It might be something you start promoting in the new year because everybody's starting to check out for the year. But it's an underserved market.” (08:35)

3. Navigating Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Listener Question: Brittany seeks advice on offering CEU trainings for therapists, questioning the complexity and cost involved in the process.

Allison's Recommendations: Allison advises partnering with already credentialed organizations to handle the CEU accreditation process, thereby minimizing the burden on individual therapists. She shares her experience with launching “Not Boring CES” and highlights that while obtaining CEU credits can be time-consuming, leveraging existing platforms can streamline the process.

“Unless you're going to do it a ton and maybe build out a thing where you do it, I would just find these places that have it handled.” (09:22)

She encourages therapists to start small by observing and learning from those already offering CEU trainings before committing to the process themselves.

4. Effective Marketing Strategies for Private Practice

a. Enhancing Online Visibility Through SEO

Listener Question: Nikki, a therapist struggling to attract clients in her newly established practice, seeks comprehensive marketing advice.

Allison's Strategy: Allison underscores the significance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in boosting online presence. She recommends engaging reputable SEO consultants like Simplified SEO Consulting, despite their higher costs, to ensure effective website optimization.

“I don't get paid to promote them, but I've referred them to so many people and they're really solid.” (12:07)

For budget-conscious therapists, she suggests exploring DIY SEO programs or focusing on optimizing existing platforms like Psychology Today.

b. Building Referral Networks with Medical Professionals

Allison highlights the value of networking with OB GYNs and concierge practices as potent referral sources. She advises creating a compelling script to communicate with medical offices and emphasizes targeting affluent areas where private-pay clients are more common.

“I would call the offices in more affluent areas first… finding concierge practices or functional medicine doctors who are typically not taking insurance could be a great option.” (16:08)

c. Leveraging Social Media Without Overwhelm

Listener Question: Isabelle seeks guidance on utilizing LinkedIn and overcoming creative blocks associated with social media marketing.

Allison's Approach: Allison acknowledges the challenges therapists face with social media but encourages incremental engagement. She suggests creating video content, such as Instagram reels, without the pressure of immediate posting.

“Make videos, like making little reels. And just don't post them. You are not allowed to post them.” (25:11)

By gradually increasing comfort with being on camera and adopting a strategic approach, therapists can effectively connect with their target audience without experiencing creative burnout.

“Follow a strategy, because what I see is the vast majority of therapists on Instagram are not getting clients. That's why our marketing strategies are priorities.” (28:21)

5. Transitioning from Agency Work to Private Practice

Listener Question: Angelica shares her plans to leave a full-time agency job after 11 years to focus entirely on her private practice. She expresses anxiety about losing structure and fears burnout.

Allison's Supportive Advice: Allison commends Angelica's decision to take a planned and restful transition, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional readiness. She recommends utilizing resources from the Abundance Party membership program, such as the “Build the Right Practice” course, to help redefine business structures separate from agency norms.

“There are certain things about your agency work that you're going to bring into this that have nothing to do with what your practice can be if you want it to be.” (20:31)

Allison also highlights the necessity of processing any residual workplace trauma during this transition period to ensure a healthy and sustainable start to the private practice.

“I want your nervous system to have a minute to settle down… a lot of us end up having some workplace trauma and that needs to be attended to.” (19:53)

Conclusion

Episode #609 of the Abundant Practice Podcast serves as a valuable resource for therapists navigating the complexities of building and sustaining a private practice. Through live questions, Allison Puryear provides nuanced advice on pricing strategies, marketing techniques, continuing education, and personal transitions. Her empathetic and pragmatic approach equips therapists with the tools and confidence needed to overcome common challenges and achieve a balanced, fulfilling professional life.

Listeners are encouraged to engage further with Allison’s Abundance Party membership program and utilize the resources available at AbundancePracticeBuilding.com for additional support and guidance.

Notable Quotes:

• Allison on Setting Fees: “What you charge actually has everything to do with your life and nothing to do with the therapist next door.” (03:01)

• Allison on Raising Fees vs. Alternative Income: “I would rather you raise your rates instead to make more money.” (05:21)

• Allison on SEO Services: “I don't have any affiliate anything but simplified SEO consulting… they are really solid.” (12:07)

• Allison on Social Media Strategy: “Follow a strategy, because what I see is the vast majority of therapists on Instagram are not getting clients.” (28:21)

This summary captures the essence of Episode #609, providing therapists with actionable insights and strategic advice to build an abundant private practice.