Abundant Practice Podcast - Episode #635: Small Kids, Neurodivergence, & Private Practice

Host: Allison Puryear
Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #635 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages in a heartfelt and insightful conversation with Kate, a therapist navigating the complexities of transitioning from a group practice to her own private practice. The episode delves into the challenges faced by therapists with small children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, and offers practical strategies for building a sustainable and fulfilling private practice.

Guest Background and Current Struggles

Kate opens up about her recent transition from a group practice to private practice after taking maternity leave to welcome her second daughter. Balancing parenthood with building a business has been overwhelming, leading to financial anxiety and uncertainty about her website's effectiveness in reaching her ideal clients.

"I am still feeling, like, kind of stuck in a lot of ways with SEO stuff, and just, like, am I actually reaching people in the right way?"
(03:04)

Kate's niche centers around supporting neurodivergent, anxious parents, a segment she passionately serves but finds financially challenging due to clients' limited affordability.

Marketing Strategies and Networking

Allison assists Kate in dissecting her current marketing efforts and explores potential strategies to enhance her practice's visibility and client acquisition.

1. Website and SEO Concerns:
   Kate has developed a one-page website but is uncertain about its SEO effectiveness. She questions whether a single-page design hampers her online presence.

   "Does it matter if it's actually not SE pages? Like, does that affect SEO negatively?"
   (13:02)

   Allison acknowledges the mixed opinions surrounding one-page websites and emphasizes the importance of specific, client-focused content. She suggests that blogging can compensate by targeting diverse search queries.

   "I think the specificity of each page matters, which is not what you want to hear. But the blogging helps, right?"
   (28:34)

2. Networking Efforts:
   Kate has engaged in networking through The Abundance Party membership program, local Facebook groups, and neurodivergent practitioner websites. Despite these efforts, she struggles with limited responses from potential collaborators like doulas and pediatricians.

   "I've reached out to my pediatrician who sees my kids and a few others in the area. I've also contacted a couple of doulas, a few of whom were recommended by other party members, but I haven't been getting any response."
   (07:05)

   Allison advises persistence and suggests targeting aligned therapists, such as marriage or couples counselors, who can refer clients needing specialized support for neurodivergent, perinatal issues.

   "If five people who are good referrers know about you, it's going to be a no brainer to your practice."
   (27:05)

3. Blogging and Content Marketing:
   Recognizing Kate's writing background, Allison encourages her to explore blogging as a means to enhance SEO and provide value to her clients. She emphasizes creating specific, empathetic content that addresses the unique experiences of neurodivergent parents.

   "It could be things that aren't even specific to neurodivergent parenting, but that all parents feel it in a specific way."
   (14:18)

Financial Management and Insurance Navigation

Kate expresses deep concerns over financial sustainability, particularly regarding insurance reimbursements and the viability of working with Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).

"Should I be looking at doing something else short term to bring in money?"
(17:06)

Allison advises a clear assessment of Kate's financial situation to determine immediate needs versus long-term goals. She highlights the importance of understanding the specifics of insurance platforms like Headway and Mentalia, cautioning that out-of-network benefits can vary significantly based on location and client demographics.

"Mentalia is not going to get you clients calling, but they will potentially make it easier for people to afford you depending on the out of network benefits."
(21:27)

Kate shares her experience with insurance providers, noting positive aspects of Aetna while deciding to discontinue United due to inadequate reimbursement rates.

"Aetna pays the best reimbursement of really any insurance."
(20:19)

Balancing Parenthood and Practice Building

The episode poignantly captures the emotional and mental strain of managing a private practice while parenting young children. Kate candidly discusses the "existential anxiety" prevalent among therapists striving to sustain their practices under challenging personal circumstances.

"I have a nine-month-old and a four-year-old. So it's, it's just a tough season of life."
(25:56)

Allison empathizes, reminding Kate that successful practice building is a controllable process anchored in strategic marketing and consistent effort.

"People just need to find you. That's all it is."
(27:05)

Practical Takeaways and Recommendations

1. Expand Networking Efforts:

   • Engage with aligned therapists and professionals who can refer clients.
   • Participate in speaking engagements at moms groups and virtual meetups to increase visibility.

2. Enhance Online Presence:

   • Consider transitioning to multi-page websites for targeted SEO benefits.
   • Start a blog focusing on specific, relatable topics that resonate with neurodivergent parents.

3. Evaluate Insurance Platforms Carefully:

   • Research and understand the out-of-network benefits in your area.
   • Test platforms like Mentalia on a trial basis to assess their suitability.

4. Manage Financial Anxiety Strategically:

   • Assess your financial needs realistically to determine if short-term solutions like EAPs are necessary.
   • Maintain a balance between immediate financial support and long-term practice goals.

Conclusion

In this episode, Allison Puryear provides Kate with compassionate and actionable advice to overcome the hurdles of building a private practice amidst personal challenges. The discussion underscores the importance of targeted marketing, strategic networking, effective financial management, and the resilience required to thrive as a therapist serving specialized populations.

"I'm sorry it's slow and I'm sorry it's hard because I mean, I remember had a four-year-old and one-year-old, you know, like it was."
(24:43)

As Kate continues her journey, she gains clarity and encouragement, reinforcing the podcast's mission to empower therapists to create abundant and fulfilling private practices.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think the specificity of each page matters, which is not what you want to hear. But the blogging helps, right?" — Allison (28:34)

• "People just need to find you. That's all it is." — Allison (27:05)

• "I'm still feeling, like, kind of stuck in a lot of ways with SEO stuff, and just, like, am I actually reaching people in the right way?" — Kate (03:04)

Additional Resources:

• Abundance Party Membership Program: Step-by-step guidance on building a private practice. www.abundanceparty.com

• Free Private Practice Checklist and Worksheets: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com

• Contact for Support: Email help@abundancepracticebuilding.com

Stay tuned for more episodes of the Abundant Practice Podcast, where Allison Puryear continues to support therapists in creating joyful and sustainable private practices.