Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #641 – Ask Allison Live

Release Date: April 21, 2025

In Episode #641 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages with listeners in a dynamic live Q&A session, addressing pressing questions and providing actionable insights for therapists navigating the challenges of building and sustaining a successful private practice. The episode delves into topics ranging from overcoming imposter syndrome to strategic marketing and financial considerations, offering a wealth of knowledge for both new and seasoned practitioners.

1. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Building Confidence in Marketing

Listener: Holly

Holly initiates the discussion by referencing a previous podcast episode about the dilemma of accepting insurance versus maintaining a private pay model. She highlights the struggle with confidence in self-marketing as a barrier to practice growth.

• Allison emphasizes the universality of imposter syndrome, especially when venturing into new aspects of practice-building. At [02:42], she states:

  “It's the imposter syndrome for what it is, which in my mind is like, it's you doing something new, period.”

• Strategies to Mitigate Fear of Being Seen: Allison advises therapists to consistently engage in activities that feel least intimidating, such as networking with familiar and supportive individuals. She underscores the importance of clarity in defining one’s niche to streamline marketing efforts.

  “Do the thing that feels least scary consistently... find the least scary people to network with.” ([04:10])

• Building Positive Reinforcement: By taking actionable steps despite fears, therapists open themselves to positive client interactions that reinforce their confidence.

  “If we keep holding ourselves back and we don't just do the damn thing, then we don't get the opportunity to have that positive reinforcement for it.” ([05:00])

2. Refining Your Niche and Marketing Approach

Listener: Evelyn

Evelyn discusses the evolution of her ideal client profile, noting a shift towards clients grappling with self-worth issues rooted in religious upbringing. She seeks guidance on integrating this nuanced layer into her existing marketing strategy without overhauling her website.

• Integrating Sub-Niches: Allison advises maintaining the core focus while subtly incorporating the new layer of specificity. She suggests adding descriptive paragraphs that address the unique challenges of clients with religious backgrounds affecting their self-worth.

  “You could either do one paragraph or you could do like a couple sentences... that some of their self worth is rooted in this idea that they were supposed to play these specific roles which don't feel aligned for them.” ([10:16])

• Creating Specialty Pages: If the ideal clients are already aware of their specific issues, Allison recommends establishing dedicated specialty pages to enhance searchability and provide targeted support.

  “If your ideal client has a clear perspective, I want you to market to that clear perspective.” ([11:42])

• SEO and Interlinking: She emphasizes the importance of linking related specialty pages within the website to improve SEO and create a comprehensive resource network for visitors.

  “Make it a little spider web makes Google happy.” ([12:32])

3. Transitioning from Group Practice to Independent Private Practice

Listener: Sarah

Sarah expresses her dilemma about leaving a group private practice where she’s currently a contractor to start her own independent practice. She’s concerned about financial constraints and potential conflicts of interest.

• Legal Considerations: Allison reassures Sarah that as a contractor, she generally has the freedom to start another practice without legal repercussions, especially if she hasn’t signed any restrictive agreements.

  “As a contractor, you're supposed to be able to have another job... you don't legally owe that to her.” ([14:22])

• Starting on a Budget: Allison provides practical advice on launching a practice with minimal investment by prioritizing essential expenses and utilizing cost-effective tools like Squarespace for website creation.

  “You can start off and get to a point where you can afford to do that... being a sole proprietor, that's going to be a lot less expensive than if you were an LLC.” ([16:48])

• Maintaining Dual Roles: She suggests maintaining the group practice role while gradually building the independent practice, ensuring financial stability during the transition.

  “Start your own practice on the side while maintaining your group practice.” ([14:36])

• Financial Strategy: Allison recommends that any revenue generated from the new practice be strictly allocated towards overhead and savings to facilitate a smooth transition.

  “All I want you to sock away. Like, don't spend it on anything except overhead and then saving so that you can eventually make that shift over.” ([17:00])

4. Marketing to a Specialized Clientele in Eating Disorders

Listener: Adam

Adam, a relatively new private practitioner specializing in eating disorders, seeks advice on marketing to clients who have extensively engaged in treatment but still struggle, alongside managing a sustainable financial model.

• Targeted Networking: Allison advises Adam to network with treatment centers to connect with clients who are frequent visitors and may need ongoing support, positioning himself as the therapist who understands their persistent challenges.

  “Talk to all the treatment centers because they have their frequent flyers.” ([20:56])

• Website Messaging: She recommends that Adam’s website copy should confidently communicate his expertise and commitment to helping clients who have not found success through previous treatments.

  “You've been to therapy, you've been to treatment, you could teach me how to do therapy... I know how to help you get where you want to go.” ([21:06])

• Financial Models: Addressing the financial aspect, Allison introduces the “Green Bottle Model” for sliding scale payments, helping clients assess their ability to afford therapy without compromising their financial stability.

  “The green bottle model... helps them realize they can pay your fee by making sacrifices.” ([22:00])

• Balancing Affordability and Sustainability: She emphasizes maintaining a private pay model to ensure financial viability while accommodating clients who are invested in continuing their therapy journey.

  “Residential is way more expensive than you are.” ([22:30])

5. Implementing Rate Increases Amid Economic Uncertainty

Listener: Unknown

A listener contemplates raising therapy rates from $160 to $175 amidst a challenging economic climate, apprehensive about potential client pushback.

• Justifying Rate Increases: Allison supports the decision to raise rates, highlighting that clients who prioritize therapy are likely capable of accommodating a modest increase.

  “People who can afford 160 out of pocket can afford 175.” ([24:55])

• Flexible Adjustments: She suggests offering a conversation-based approach for clients who may experience financial hardship due to the rate increase, ensuring transparency and maintaining client relationships.

  “We're raising our rates to 175. If this creates significant financial hardship for you, let's set up a time to talk.” ([25:34])

• Client Communication: Allison recommends proactive communication, where clients can discuss their ability to continue therapy, reducing assumptions and fostering trust.

  “The people who were like, well, it'd be nice to not have my rate changed, aren't going to hop on the phone with you. They'll just pay the 175.” ([26:00])

• Protecting Financial Well-being: She underscores the importance of not sacrificing the financial health of both the therapist and the practice, especially during economically volatile times.

  “Don't sacrifice your therapist's financial well being and your financial well being because things are crazy economically.” ([25:00])

Key Takeaways

• Embrace Vulnerability: Acknowledge and address imposter syndrome to build confidence in self-promotion and networking.

• Niche Refinement: Continuously evaluate and refine your niche to ensure your marketing strategies resonate with your ideal clients.

• Strategic Transitioning: When moving from group to independent practice, leverage existing roles to maintain financial stability while gradually establishing your own client base.

• Targeted Marketing: Focus on specialized populations by networking with relevant institutions and clearly communicating your unique value proposition.

• Financial Adaptability: Implement thoughtful rate adjustments and flexible payment models to balance client affordability with practice sustainability.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's you doing something new, period." – Allison ([02:42])

• "Do the thing that feels least scary consistently." – Allison ([04:10])

• "If you keep holding ourselves back and we don't just do the damn thing, then we don't get the opportunity to have that positive reinforcement for it." – Allison ([05:00])

• "You're going to keep them from having to go back into residential, ideally, like, that's the goal." – Allison ([21:58])

• "Don't sacrifice your therapist's financial well being and your financial well being because things are crazy economically." – Allison ([25:00])

For therapists seeking further support in building their private practice, Allison invites listeners to join the Abundance Party, her comprehensive membership program offering step-by-step guidance. Additional resources, including free checklists and worksheets, are available at www.abundancepracticebuilding.com. To participate in future live Ask Allison sessions, contact the team at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com.

Remember to share this episode with fellow therapists to empower your community in building the practices they envision.