Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #629 Summary Title: What Do New Practice Owners Struggle With
Host: Allison Puryear
Release Date: March 15, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #629 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into the unexpected challenges that new private practice owners often face. This episode, titled "What Do New Practice Owners Struggle With," provides invaluable insights for therapists transitioning from agency roles to their own practices. Allison not only identifies common hurdles but also offers practical strategies to overcome them, ensuring a smooth and sustainable growth trajectory for budding practitioners.

Key Challenges for New Practice Owners

1. Unrealistic Expectations for Practice Growth

Allison begins by addressing one of the most prevalent issues among new practice owners: unrealistic expectations about the pace of growth. Many therapists anticipate rapid client acquisition and substantial income shortly after launching their private practices. However, as Allison emphasizes:

"Building a full private practice takes time. Even if you're doing all the right things, the seeds that you plant today, like networking or optimizing your SEO, might not sprout for months."
— Allison Puryear [02:45]

She underscores the importance of patience and consistent marketing efforts, likening the process to a home renovation where results are seen gradually over time. Allison advises therapists to incorporate contingency plans, such as maintaining additional savings or juggling a part-time job, to mitigate the financial strain during the initial growth phases.

2. Starting with an Overloaded Client Base

Another unexpected struggle arises when therapists transition from group practices to private settings with an already full or nearly full caseload. While this might seem advantageous initially, it presents unique challenges:

"If you are starting full, I want you to carve out time, just one to two hours a week to work on your business instead of in your business as a clinician."
— Allison Puryear [04:10]

Managing a substantial client base from the onset can hinder the establishment of efficient systems and a targeted marketing strategy. Additionally, relying heavily on existing clients may lead to a mismatch between their needs and the therapist's ideal niche, complicating future client acquisition and retention.

3. Navigating Seasonal Dips

Allison also highlights the inevitability of seasonal fluctuations in a private practice. Whether it's summer, winter, or holiday seasons, periods of reduced client intake are natural, especially in the early years:

"Dips don't mean you're failing. They're just a part of the rhythm of running a business."
— Allison Puryear [05:15]

Such downturns can trigger fear and panic, potentially leading to overcorrections like excessive marketing spend or compromising service quality. Allison recommends saving extra funds during busier months to cushion the impact of slow periods and maintaining a stable mindset to view these dips as temporary setbacks rather than indicators of failure.

Practical Strategies and Advice

1. Adopt a Strategic and Patient Mindset

Allison emphasizes that building a successful private practice is as much about mindset as it is about strategy. Therapists should approach their practice with the end goals clearly defined, allowing them to make decisions aligned with their desired work-life balance and professional aspirations. For instance:

"If you don't want to work till 8pm, then don't work till 8pm. If you don't want to take insurance, don't take insurance."
— Allison Puryear [04:45]

Starting with the end in mind helps avoid unnecessary transitions and struggles, paving the way for sustainable success.

2. Allocate Time for Business Development

For those inheriting a full practice, Allison advises dedicating specific hours each week to focus on business development rather than solely on clinical work. This time can be used to:

• Enhance marketing efforts
• Refine administrative paperwork
• Clarify the vision and direction of the practice

By systematically addressing these areas, therapists can ensure their practice operates efficiently and remains aligned with their professional goals.

3. Financial Planning for Stability

Preparing for financial variability is crucial. Allison recommends:

• Maintaining a contingency budget
• Saving diligently during peak periods
• Avoiding measures driven by panic during slow months

This proactive approach ensures that therapists can navigate financial uncertainties without compromising the quality of their services or their well-being.

Resources and Support

To assist therapists in overcoming these challenges, Allison offers several resources:

• Free Worksheets and Checklists: Available at AbundancePracticeBuilding.com, these tools help therapists implement the strategies discussed in the episode.

• Abundance Party Membership Program: A step-by-step guide through building a private practice, helping therapists work fewer hours while tripling their income and attracting ideal clients. More information can be found at AbundanceParty.com.

• Six Tools to Shift Scarcity Mindset: A free guide aimed at transforming the often limiting mindset that new practice owners may experience. Interested listeners can DM Allison the word "sheets" to access this resource.

Conclusion

Episode #629 of the Abundant Practice Podcast offers a comprehensive exploration of the unexpected struggles faced by new private practice owners. Allison Puryear provides a balanced blend of identifying common pitfalls and offering actionable solutions, all reinforced by a supportive and strategic mindset. By leveraging the resources and advice shared in this episode, therapists can navigate the complexities of establishing a thriving private practice with greater confidence and clarity.

Notable Quotes:

1. "Building a full private practice takes time. Even if you're doing all the right things, the seeds that you plant today, like networking or optimizing your SEO, might not sprout for months."
   — Allison Puryear [02:45]

2. "If you are starting full, I want you to carve out time, just one to two hours a week to work on your business instead of in your business as a clinician."
   — Allison Puryear [04:10]

3. "Dips don't mean you're failing. They're just a part of the rhythm of running a business."
   — Allison Puryear [05:15]

4. "If you don't want to work till 8pm, then don't work till 8pm. If you don't want to take insurance, don't take insurance."
   — Allison Puryear [04:45]

This episode serves as an essential guide for therapists embarking on the journey of private practice ownership, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to build a sustainable and fulfilling professional life.