Episode #645: When You Aren’t Filling As Fast

Summary

Abundant Practice Podcast – Episode #645: When You Aren’t Filling As Fast

Release Date: May 3, 2025

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Summary:

In Episode #645 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves into the common challenge therapists face when their private practices aren't growing as quickly as they'd hoped. Titled "When You Aren’t Filling As Fast," this episode provides actionable insights and strategies to overcome feelings of discouragement tied to comparing one's practice growth with that of others. Allison breaks down eight essential factors that influence the speed at which a private practice can grow and offers practical advice on leveraging personal strengths to foster success.

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Introduction to Today's Topic

The episode opens with Allison addressing a listener's concern about feeling discouraged when comparing their practice’s growth to others. She emphasizes the detrimental effects of such comparisons, highlighting how they can invoke feelings of shame and inferiority. Allison assures listeners that understanding the factors influencing practice growth can help them focus on controllable elements and set themselves up for success.

Notable Quote:

“Comparing your growth to others is a surefire way to tap into those feelings of shame and inferiority.”
— Allison Puryear [00:36]

Eight Key Factors Affecting Practice Growth

Allison outlines eight pivotal factors that determine how swiftly a private practice can grow. Each factor is discussed in detail, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what impacts their practice's trajectory.

1. Doer vs. Non-Doer Dynamic

   Allison explores the distinction between therapists who are natural "doers" and those who are not. Doers tend to dive into multiple projects with enthusiasm, which can accelerate growth but may also lead to spreading oneself too thin.

   Notable Quote:

   “If you are not a natural doer, I don't want you to beat yourself up. You've already made it this far in your career by using whatever skills have worked for you in the past.”
   — Allison Puryear [00:13]

2. Financial Structure: Insurance vs. Private Pay

   The financial model of a practice significantly impacts growth. Accepting insurance can increase client volume due to broader accessibility but may involve lower reimbursement rates and administrative hassles. Conversely, a private pay model offers higher control over rates and potentially greater financial rewards but may result in a slower client acquisition rate.

   Notable Quote:

   “Insurance can help you build a larger clientele quickly because it makes your services more accessible to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise.”
   — Allison Puryear [03:32]

3. Finding Your Niche

   Specializing in a specific area allows therapists to attract clients more effectively. Allison advises against choosing a niche solely based on marketability and instead recommends selecting one that aligns with personal passions and expertise.

   Notable Quote:

   “The best niche for you is the one that lights you up. When you're excited and you're energized by your work, that enthusiasm shines through.”
   — Allison Puryear [03:32]

4. Location’s Impact

   Whether operating in-person or virtually, the geographical location can influence practice growth. Areas that value therapy and have a higher demand can facilitate quicker client acquisition. Conversely, less saturated markets present opportunities to fill existing needs.

   Notable Quote:

   “If you're in a city that already values therapy, then you're in a really good position.”
   — Allison Puryear [03:32]

5. Fee Structure

   Setting appropriate fees impacts perceived value and client decisions. Lowering fees does not necessarily attract more clients; instead, competitive pricing aligned with the value provided fosters better client perceptions and satisfaction.

   Notable Quote:

   “Your fee is a part of your perceived value. So don't be afraid to raise your fee if it feels aligned with what you want in your life right now.”
   — Allison Puryear [08:48]

6. Marketing Your Practice

   Effective marketing is crucial but can be overwhelming due to the plethora of available strategies. Allison emphasizes the importance of choosing marketing methods that resonate with one's strengths and ensuring consistency rather than spreading efforts too thin.

   Notable Quote:

   “The best marketing strategy is the one that aligns with your strengths and it allows you to stay consistent.”
   — Allison Puryear [08:49]

7. Support System

   A robust support system, including mentors, peer groups, and communities, plays a significant role in practice growth. Connecting with others who share similar goals and challenges can provide invaluable advice and motivation.

   Notable Quote:

   “Isolation can be a real growth killer. The more you connect with others who are on the same journey, that's the more you are going to go.”
   — Allison Puryear [08:48]

8. Luck

   While luck is an uncontrollable factor, Allison discusses how therapists can maximize opportunities by being open to unexpected referrals and being prepared to seize them. Emphasizing gratitude and focusing on positive aspects can also help maintain a constructive mindset.

   Notable Quote:

   “You can control how open you are to luck, how many opportunities you give it to land in your lap, and you can control how you respond to it.”
   — Allison Puryear [08:49]

Strategies for Focusing on What You Can Control

Allison encourages therapists to evaluate which of the eight factors they can influence and to concentrate their efforts there. By acknowledging their strengths and areas for improvement, therapists can create a personalized action plan to enhance their practice growth.

Notable Quote:

“Do what you need to do to make sure that you have the practice you want. That's going to take work and it's going to take consistency.”
— Allison Puryear [12:04]

Conclusion and Resources

In wrapping up, Allison offers listeners additional resources to aid in their practice growth journey. She promotes her membership program, the Abundance Party, which provides step-by-step guidance on reducing work hours while tripling income. Additionally, she provides a free worksheet titled "Common Marketing Strategies for Therapist" and encourages listeners to engage with the Abundant Practice community for ongoing support.

Notable Quote:

“If you're ready to get more intentional with your practice building and focus on factors that really matter, I have a free worksheet for you called the Common Marketing Strategies for Therapist that can help speed up your growth.”
— Allison Puryear [12:04]

Listeners are directed to visit www.abundancepracticebuilding.com for free checklists, worksheets, and more support. Allison also invites them to join the Abundance Party or reach out via email for personalized assistance.

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Additional Resources Mentioned:

• Abundance Party Membership Program: Learn more at www.abundanceparty.com
• Free Private Practice Checklist and Worksheets: Available at www.abundancepracticebuilding.com
• Contact for Support: [e-mail]
• TherapyNotes Sponsorship: Use code [e-mail] for two months free at therapynotes.com

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Takeaway:

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for therapists feeling stagnant in their practice growth. By identifying and understanding the key factors that influence growth, and by focusing on controllable elements, therapists can navigate challenges more effectively and cultivate a thriving private practice aligned with their personal and professional goals.

Transcript

[Allison]

Foreign welcome to Ask Allison.

[Unknown Co-host]

Y'all ask the questions about having a fun and thriving practice and I answer them.

[Allison]

We have a worksheet for you today.

[Unknown Co-host]

So you can bring this answer into your life. You can Access [e-mail] links where you'll also be able to ask any questions you have for Ask Allison. If you want more support, we've got some free trainings in there too. If you can't get enough Ask Allison, check out our YouTube channel for our entire Ask Allison library.

[Allison]

Welcome back to Ask Allison. Here's today's question. I'm comparing my practice's growth to others and feeling discouraged. Any tips to stop the comparison? Absolutely. Before I answer though, I'd like to thank TherapyNotes for sponsoring Ask Allison. I have talked about Therapy Notes for years, know their features by heart, but the thing that really sets them apart is what I want to talk about. They genuinely care about your experience. Experience is not just about troubleshooting. They actively implement user suggested features like their new AI notes and automated client payments. Everybody at TherapyNotes believes in the product and wants you to love it too. Plus, they're independently owned, which keeps their prices fair, their focus on innovation, and they prioritize the customer experience. With over a hundred thousand therapists already on board, they've proven you don't have to compromise success for quality. If you're ready to see for yourself, try Therapy notes free for two months with the code [e-mail] all right, so it's really easy to get caught up in the comparison game, especially when you're seeing other therapists succeed and grow and thrive. And maybe you feel like you're not growing as fast as you'd like, or maybe you're wondering if your practice will ever reach the level of somebody else's. But here's the truth. Comparing your growth to others is a surefire way to tap into those feelings of shame and inferiority. So today we are going to unpack why comparison is so detrimental and what really affects the speed of growth in private practice. I'm going to walk you through eight eight key features that are going to influence how quickly or slowly your practice grows. But more importantly, I'm going to help you focus on what you can control and how to set yourself up for success. So let's start with the first feature of how fast your practice is going to grow is the doer versus the non doer dynamic. Your personal work style is what we're basically talking about. Some of us are doers. We get an idea, we get super excited about it. We dive in head first. For a doer, that laser focus can really drive growth quickly. You're the type of person who gets things done, and when you focus all your energy on building your practice, things can really take off. But there's this downside to being a doer as well. Because sometimes we get so excited about all the things like working on a book or creating a course outline and building our practice that we spread ourselves really thin. And when you are juggling multiple projects, it can take a lot longer to see the growth that you're hoping for. So the thing here is, if you are not a natural doer, I don't want you to beat yourself up. You've already made it this far in your career by using whatever skills have worked for you in the past. Maybe that scheduling, accountability, mentorship, persistence. Whatever it is, whatever it is that lights a fire under your ass, right? So remember that you've already overcome challenges to get here. Pick one thing to focus on. Lean into the strategies that have helped you succeed in the past. It is not about being someone you're not. It's about utilizing your natural strengths and the tools that you have built thus.

[Unknown Co-host]

Far in your life.

[Allison]

All right, number two, let's talk about the financial side of your practice. This is a big one. If you're on insurance panels, you'll probably see faster growth than someone who is strictly private pay. Because insurance companies act as a marketing team for you, they make it easier for people to find you. They handle a lot of the financial conversations. Insurance can help you build a larger clientele quickly because it makes your services more accessible to people who might not be able to afford it otherwise. But here's the thing that gets tricky. Insurance companies may not always pay well. Some can be a really huge headache to work with. Depending on your area, taking insurance may mean a pretty big pay cut. But if you're in a position where you need to build quickly, that lower pay rate may be worth it, at least for a little while. On the other hand, private pay gives you much more control over your rates and can be a lot more financially rewarding in the long term. But that doesn't mean it's like the fast track to growth. It will take longer to fill your caseload if you're private pay. But if you're comfortable with a slower and steadier pace, then this can be a better choice for you. Ultimately, you need to decide what works best for you. And if you are considering taking insurance, make sure you do your homework. Learn what the insurance companies in your area are like. Talk to your local colleagues. Get insights about what it might be like for that insurance to be a part of your practice. Next is finding your niche. 99.9% of the time, having a clear niche is going to help you grow your practice much faster than being a generalist. And let's be real, most of us didn't get into this field just to be average at everything. We got into this because we have a passion for helping people. We want to work with those who really benefit from our expertise. The key here is to choose a niche that aligns with what you're best at and the people you enjoy working with. I know that there's a lot of pressure to pick a popular niche that promises quick success. Don't fall into that trap. The best niche for you is the one that lights you up. When you're excited and you're energized by your work, that enthusiasm shines through. It attracts the right clients through great marketing. Some niches are going to take longer to develop than others. So remember, any niche can be successful if you're really passionate about it. If you're someone who loves working with teens, families, individuals, whatever, going through a really specific challenge, that's your niche. Your niche is the challenge itself, as they describe it. It's not their understanding of it three months into sessions. It is what they're coming into therapy for. Don't chase a niche just because it seems like it's going to be really marketable or have faster growth. It is creating a practice you love that serves your ideal clients that I am really wanting for you. This next one's kind of tricky, but it's true. Your location has a really big impact on how quickly your practice grows. I am not talking about where you rent your office space for those of you who are in person. I'm talking about your city in general. If you're wanting to have some kind of more localized therapy, whether that's in person or whether that's online, if you're in a city that already values therapy, then you're in a really good position. If you're not, I would market to those cities that really value therapy. People in those areas tend to already understand the importance of therapy, and it is easier to build a client base when you're not having to convince therapy people that therapy is like a real thing. That said, some less saturated markets can also be a great opportunity, especially if your community is starting to recognize the value of therapy. If you're in an area where there aren't many therapists. That's a chance to step in and serve the need that's already there. But at the end of the day, it's about finding the opportunity where you are, whether that's a crowded city or a smaller town, or virtually throughout your entire state. Fee structure is another thing that is going to make or break the speed with which we build. You might think that lowering your fees is actually going to bring in more clients, but that is not the case. Perceived value is a really huge factor in how clients choose their therapist. One of my clients shared a story that stuck with me. I've actually had a couple clients show this recently, but she was looking for a couples counselor. She realized that she had already ruled out all the therapists who charged the same rate she did because she assumed that they were less competent. Instead, she chose somebody with a higher fee, assuming that that higher price signaled more experience or expertise. This is not about judging others or assuming that high fees always mean high quality therapy because that's not the case. It's just a reminder that your fee is a part of your perceived value. So don't be afraid to raise your fee if it feels aligned with what you want need in your life right now. Pricing is not just about what's fair to you. It's about how your clients perceive the value they're getting. Marketing your practice is a really, really, really huge part of all of this. It can feel really overwhelming at times. There is so much advice out there on how to market. But the reality is just because something worked for the person in the office next to yours or your friend you went to grad school with does not mean it's going to work for you. The best marketing strategy is the one that aligns with your strengths and it allows you to stay consistent. So I say all therapists need to.

[Unknown Co-host]

Have a great website.

[Allison]

All therapists need to network. But some therapists love social media, while others find that writing blogs or running workshops are their sweet spot. The trick is finding what's authentic to you and stick with that. Because marketing is definitely not about doing everything that could bring in clients. It's about doing very few things really well. So instead of throwing everything at the wall and seeing what sticks, choose up to five strategies that resonate with you and keep doing those consistently. Seventh factor that impacts your growth is having the right support system. It is crucial for success. The therapists who tend to build their practices faster are the ones who have a really strong network of people cheering them on whether that's mentorship or a peer support group or an online community like mine, having people who understand your challenges and can offer advice is really, really priceless. Isolation can be a real growth killer. The more you connect with others who are on the same journey. Not the naysayers, not the people who say, wouldn't you like a nice, steady, stable job? Let's not talk to those people about your business, but the other people who are going on the same journey. That's the more you talk to them, the faster you're going to go. And if you don't have a solid support system yet, please seek one out. It makes such a huge difference. Number eight I would say that impacts the speed of your practice growth. His luck. I know that's not something we can control, but luck is a real factor in how quickly your practice grows versus somebody you might be comparing yourself to. So maybe you get a referral from a perfect source or you just happen to meet the right person at the right time. You can't control luck, but you can control how open you are to luck, how many opportunities you give it to land in your lap, and you can control how you respond to it. So if things aren't going as fast as you want, I want you to try shifting your focus to the things that are going well. Take stock of all the good things in your life. Maybe your health, your family, the fact that you're building a practice that aligns with your values. Gratitude can really be a game changer when it comes to shifting your mindset and staying positive. And I want you to think through these eight growth factors and think about of the ones you can control. How in are you on those? Like maybe the person you're comparing yourself to has been nailing each of these things and you're nailing two or three of them. Do what you need to do to make sure that you have the practice you want. That's going to take work and it's going to take consistency. If you're ready to get more intentional with your practice building and focus on factors that really matter, I have a free worksheet for you called the Common Marketing Strategies for Therapist that can help speed up your growth. Dm me the word sheet and I'll send you this week's worksheet as well as links to all the previous worksheets. And if you want or need help with marketing so that clients can come in the door, I want you to join us in the Abundance party. We have helped thousands and thousands of therapists fill their practice by teaching them the marketing strategies that work best for them, and they then get to love the practice that they built instead of feeling like they just keep kind of trying things and they're not sure if they're the right things to try. All right, y'all. You can find the party in the Show Notes if you're listening to the podcast or hit us up with the word party on social media. I will see y'all later and I hope you have a great day.

[Unknown Co-host]

If you're ready for a much easier practice, Therapy Notes is the way to go. Go to therapynotes.com and use the promo code abundant for two months free.

[Allison]

I hope that helped.

[Unknown Co-host]

If you have questions for Ask Allison.

[Allison]

Or you want to get your hands.

[Unknown Co-host]

On the worksheet for this episode, go to abundancepracticebuilding.com Links.

[Allison]

If you're listening, you.

[Unknown Co-host]

Probably need some support building your practice.

[Allison]

If you're a super newbie, grab our.

[Unknown Co-host]

Free checklist using the link in the Show Notes. I'd love for you to follow rate and review, but I really want you to share this episode with a therapist friend. Let's help all our colleagues build what they want.