Abundant Practice Podcast Summary Episode #649: Is It Bad Timing To Start A Practice Right Now Release Date: May 17, 2025 Host: Allison Puryear

Introduction

In Episode #649 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear tackles a pressing question from her listeners: "Is there a time of year that's better or worse than others for starting a private practice?" Released on May 17, 2025, this episode delves into the nuances of timing when launching a private therapy practice, offering actionable insights and strategies to navigate seasonal fluctuations in client engagement.

Understanding the Optimal Timing for Starting a Private Practice

Allison begins by addressing the core question, emphasizing that "right now honestly is not the ideal time to launch your private practice if you're considering leaving your current job" (02:15).

Key Points:

• Seasonal Slowdowns: Many therapists, especially those new to private practice, experience a natural slowdown during the summer months. This period can be challenging if one is heavily reliant on immediate client income.
• Financial Cushion: If you're not immediately dependent on your practice's income or plan to maintain your current job while gradually building your practice, summer can be a strategic time to start.
• Foundation Building: The slower months offer an opportunity to focus on essential aspects like system setup, paperwork, marketing strategies, website development, and networking without the pressure of high client demand.

Managing Slow Periods Effectively

Allison emphasizes the importance of maintaining consistency in marketing efforts, even during slower seasons. She warns against the common pitfall of reducing or halting marketing activities when referrals decrease.

Notable Quote: "Consistency is always going to trump sporadic bursts of energy." (05:05)

Strategies Discussed:

1. Maintain Consistent Marketing:

   • Visibility: Continue marketing efforts to ensure your practice remains visible, positioning you well for busier periods.
   • Long-Term Benefits: Steady marketing lays the groundwork for attracting clients when demand increases, especially in the fall.

2. Implement Small, Manageable Steps:

   • Actionable Tasks: Write one blog post a week, attend local networking events, meet potential clients for coffee, or update online directory profiles.
   • Cumulative Impact: Regular small actions contribute significantly over time, building momentum without overwhelming you.

3. Invest in Learning and Growth:

   • Skill Enhancement: Use the extra time to sharpen clinical skills, attend trainings, and create content that showcases your expertise.
   • Niche Refinement: Revisit and clarify your niche, ensuring your messaging resonates with your ideal clients' needs and pain points.

Notable Quote: "Treat marketing like brushing your teeth. It's something you do regularly because it keeps your practice healthy, not just when there's a problem." (06:45)

Addressing Internal Challenges and Maintaining Motivation

Allison acknowledges the emotional and psychological challenges that come with slow periods, such as self-doubt and pressure.

Notable Quote: "If your bills depend heavily on immediate client income, late summer or late spring and early summer might feel really tough and stressful." (04:50)

Advice Offered:

• Self-Reflection: Engage in activities like journaling, therapy, or mindful walks to process feelings of inadequacy or doubt.
• Internal Work: Use this time to strengthen your resilience and reassess your commitment to private practice.
• Community Support: Avoid venting in unproductive spaces like Facebook groups or Reddit, and instead focus on constructive actions that support your practice's growth.

Maximizing Opportunities During Slow Seasons

Allison highlights that while summer is typically slower, some niches and client populations may thrive during this time.

Notable Quote: "Some therapists do just fine in the summer, especially if they specialize in working with different populations that come in more in the summer." (07:00)

Recommendations:

• Understand Your Niche: Anticipate the seasonal rhythms of your specific client base to tailor your services accordingly.
• Strategic Planning: Develop a marketing plan that aligns with your clients' availability and needs during different times of the year.

Structured Marketing and Goal Setting

For those who thrive on structure, Allison suggests setting clear, achievable goals for summer marketing efforts.

Actionable Steps:

• Weekly Planning: Map out a weekly plan that includes one visibility action, one connection-building activity, and one content creation task.
• Focus on Control: Concentrate on activities you can control to build momentum, ensuring sustained progress regardless of client volume.

Notable Quote: "Setting goals for your summer marketing efforts... helps you build momentum that pays off later." (06:10)

Empathy and Encouragement

Allison expresses deep empathy for therapists struggling with motivation and self-doubt during slow periods, highlighting the cyclical nature of reduced marketing leading to prolonged slowdowns.

Notable Quote: "I really empathize with therapists who find themselves stuck in the worry and doubt... but you know that what you've been doing isn't yielding results anymore now that summertime has come." (06:50)

Encouragement:

• Stay Consistent: By maintaining steady marketing efforts, therapists can break the cycle of slowdown and set themselves up for success when the demand increases.
• Avoid Self-Fulfilling Prophecies: Recognize and counteract patterns that contribute to prolonged slow periods by staying proactive and engaged.

Conclusion and Action Steps

To support therapists in maintaining consistency during slow seasons, Allison introduces the Summer Sprint program—a specialized initiative designed to keep therapists motivated and visible throughout the summer months.

Key Offers:

• Enrollment Details: Enrollment closes on May 23rd, with the program running through June, July, and August.
• How to Join: Therapists interested in participating can DM the word "study" on social media or click the link in the show notes.
• Special Discount: Current Abundance Party members receive a special discount.

Additional Resources:

• Free Worksheet: A worksheet addressing motivation struggles is available by DMing "sheets" on social media or accessing it through the show notes.
• Supportive Tools: Access to a free private practice checklist, worksheets, and more can be found at abundancepracticebuilding.com.

Final Encouragement: Allison urges listeners to share the episode with fellow therapists, fostering a supportive community dedicated to building thriving private practices.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Consistency is always going to trump sporadic bursts of energy." (05:05)
• "Treat marketing like brushing your teeth. It's something you do regularly because it keeps your practice healthy, not just when there's a problem." (06:45)
• "If your bills depend heavily on immediate client income, late summer or late spring and early summer might feel really tough and stressful." (04:50)
• "Some therapists do just fine in the summer, especially if they specialize in working with different populations that come in more in the summer." (07:00)
• "Setting goals for your summer marketing efforts... helps you build momentum that pays off later." (06:10)
• "I really empathize with therapists who find themselves stuck in the worry and doubt... but you know that what you've been doing isn't yielding results anymore now that summertime has come." (06:50)

Final Thoughts

Episode #649 of the Abundant Practice Podcast serves as a comprehensive guide for therapists contemplating the timing of launching a private practice. Allison Puryear provides a balanced perspective, acknowledging the challenges of seasonal slowdowns while offering practical strategies to maintain momentum and build a resilient practice. By emphasizing consistency, strategic planning, and personal growth, she equips therapists with the tools needed to thrive regardless of the time of year.

For more resources, worksheets, and support, visit abundancepracticebuilding.com and consider joining the Summer Sprint program to stay motivated and visible throughout the summer months.