Abundant Practice Podcast - Episode #626: Natural Disasters & Private Practice, feat. Dr. Julia Colangelo

Release Date: March 5, 2025

Hosts:

• Allison Puryear: Founder of Abundance Practice Building
• Dr. Julia Colangelo: Therapist, Coach, and Disaster Survivor

1. Introduction

In Episode #626 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear welcomes Dr. Julia Colangelo to discuss the profound impact of natural disasters on private practices. Drawing from Julia's firsthand experience surviving the devastating Maui wildfires, the episode delves into the challenges faced by therapists in the wake of such catastrophes and offers invaluable insights into rebuilding both personally and professionally.

2. Surviving the Maui Wildfires

a. The Disaster Unfolded

Dr. Julia Colangelo recounts the harrowing experience of the Maui wildfires, specifically the Lahaina fires, which erupted due to neglected electrical infrastructure exacerbated by strong winds. The fire swiftly engulfed the town, leaving destruction in its wake.

“Overnight I went from a small business owner with a successful steady business to losing almost all of my IP on electrical devices and different hard drives that I had and podcast equipment, everything.”
— Julia Colangelo [04:01]

b. Immediate Personal and Professional Losses

The wildfires led to the loss of Julia's home, car, and essential business equipment. With her two young daughters, aged 11 months and 4 years, Julia had to flee in a car, witnessing their home burn from a rooftop. This abrupt transition from stability to chaos had both emotional and logistical repercussions.

“It took us four hours to flee. What would have taken about 30 minutes to get to safety.”
— Julia Colangelo [05:39]

3. Emotional and Psychological Impact

a. Trauma and Survivor’s Guilt

Julia opens up about the deep emotional scars left by the disaster, including survivor’s guilt and the struggle to reassure her children amidst her own fear and uncertainty.

“Building back the trust of thinking some everything's going to be okay. And then not because of what I did or didn't do. Things are still not okay.”
— Julia Colangelo [05:32]

b. The Prolonged Reality of Trauma

Unlike sudden crises, the aftermath of the wildfires presents an ongoing trauma. Five months post-disaster, Julia describes the persistent exposure to destruction as a form of continuous exposure therapy.

“Every day has been kind of exposure therapy over time... but it was already destroyed.”
— Julia Colangelo [07:19]

4. Professional Challenges and Business Recovery

a. Impact on Private Practice

The destruction severely affected Julia's business, leading to substantial financial losses and a sudden need to refund services. This abrupt downturn made her question the very foundation of her practice's success.

“I refunded on my own accord, probably $20,000 worth of retreats, deposits that were folks planning to come to Maui.”
— Julia Colangelo [13:07]

b. Navigating Client Relationships Post-Disaster

Julia shares the difficulties in maintaining client relationships during the recovery phase, including clients requesting refunds and expressing a desire to pause services.

“Nothing could have prepared me for what the short, midterm, and then very long term effects would be on my sense of self as a business owner.”
— Julia Colangelo [14:15]

c. Strategic Rebuilding and Adaptation

In rebuilding her practice, Julia emphasizes the need for radical acceptance and adapting business models to accommodate the unpredictability of disasters. She highlights the importance of financial discipline and the willingness to pivot in the face of adversity.

“You will build something. It will just be different. It will be different, and there will be grief and layers in it, but you'll be able to build something.”
— Julia Colangelo [23:17]

5. Personal Resilience and Healing

a. Physical Activity as Coping Mechanism

Julia found solace in manual labor, which helped her manage trauma and regain a sense of control. Engaging in physical tasks provided a flow state that was essential for her healing process.

“Moving my body helped so much... it felt so good.”
— Julia Colangelo [19:02]

b. Support Systems and Community Engagement

While the initial response to the disaster saw a surge in community support, Julia notes that sustained recovery requires ongoing effort and the cultivation of new support networks.

“Message us. We're open books and the resources that we can share that we wish we would have done differently or instead are available to you.”
— Julia Colangelo [24:15]

6. Lessons Learned and Advice for Therapists

a. Accepting Vulnerability

Julia underscores the importance of acknowledging one's own trauma and vulnerability as a therapist. This self-awareness is crucial for authentic healing and effective client support.

“I had to have that radical acceptance and that practice within myself.”
— Julia Colangelo [23:49]

b. Financial Preparedness and Flexibility

Therapists are encouraged to develop flexible business models that can withstand unexpected disruptions. This includes financial planning, diversifying income streams, and being open to pro bono work when possible.

c. Building Resilient Communities

Creating strong support networks within the therapist community can provide mutual aid and shared resources during times of crisis.

7. Conclusion

The conversation between Allison Puryear and Dr. Julia Colangelo offers a poignant exploration of the intersection between personal trauma and professional practice in the face of natural disasters. Julia's resilience, adaptability, and insights serve as a guiding beacon for therapists navigating similar challenges. The episode reinforces the message that while disasters can devastate, they also present opportunities for growth, rebuilding, and fostering deeper connections within the therapeutic community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• “Overnight I went from a small business owner with a successful steady business to losing almost all of my IP...”
  — Julia Colangelo [04:01]

• “Building back the trust of thinking some everything's going to be okay.”
  — Julia Colangelo [05:32]

• “You will build something. It will just be different.”
  — Julia Colangelo [23:17]

• “Moving my body helped so much... it felt so good.”
  — Julia Colangelo [19:02]

• “I had to have that radical acceptance and that practice within myself.”
  — Julia Colangelo [23:49]

For therapists seeking support in building a resilient private practice, resources are available at abundancepracticebuilding.com. Additionally, the Abundance Party membership program offers step-by-step guidance to enhance practice sustainability and personal well-being.