Abundant Practice Podcast
Episode #662: Fear & Private Practice
Released on June 28, 2025

In Episode #662 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear delves deep into the pervasive issue of fear that many therapists encounter when contemplating the transition from agency work to private practice. Titled "Fear & Private Practice," this episode provides invaluable insights, personal anecdotes, and actionable strategies to help therapists overcome their fears and build a thriving private practice.

1. Understanding the Root of Fear in Private Practice

Allison opens the episode by addressing a common concern among therapists: the intense fear associated with starting a private practice. She empathetically acknowledges that while fear is a natural emotion, it can become a significant barrier to professional growth.

Notable Quote:
"We have fear pop up when you have to cold email a potential referral source, or when you realize you have to have a conversation with a client about money." [05:30]

2. Allison's Personal Journey with Fear

To illustrate the impact of fear, Allison shares a deeply personal story from her younger years. At 19, she battled severe anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder, leading her to an overwhelming sense of helplessness.

Notable Quote:
"I realized that avoiding that fear was keeping me stuck. That instinct to avoid and shrink back was not helping me move forward in my life." [09:15]

This introspection became a turning point, teaching her that confronting fear is essential for personal and professional advancement.

3. Fear as a Catalyst for Growth in Therapy

Allison draws a parallel between the challenges her clients face and her own entrepreneurial journey. While therapists guide clients to face their fears, they often struggle to apply the same principles to their businesses.

Notable Quote:
"Private practice is not for the faint of heart. Building private practice is about constant growth, both professionally and personally." [14:45]

She emphasizes that embracing discomfort is not only beneficial but necessary for establishing a successful private practice.

4. Building a Tolerance to Fear

A significant portion of the episode focuses on developing a tolerance to fear rather than seeking its elimination. Allison shares practical strategies to manage fear and use it as a motivational tool.

Notable Quote:
"I've built up a tolerance to fear. I've gotten better at noticing when the fear arises, acknowledging it, and then moving forward anyway." [18:20]

She encourages therapists to view fear as a signal indicating impending growth and to take proactive steps despite their anxieties.

5. Practical Examples of Overcoming Fear

Allison provides concrete examples from her own experiences, demonstrating how facing fears can lead to remarkable achievements.

• Starting a Podcast: Initially terrified of putting her voice out to the world, Allison persevered, leading her podcast to over 2 million listens and positively impacting countless listeners.
  "When I push through fear, incredible things happen." [23:10]

• Hosting Webinars: Despite her fear of live presentations, Allison educated herself on webinars and successfully integrated them into her business model.
  "Now webinars don't faze me at all, and they've helped me grow my business in ways I didn't expect." [26:05]

These anecdotes serve as powerful testimonials to the transformative power of confronting fear.

6. Actionable Steps to Overcome Fear

Towards the end of the episode, Allison offers listeners a challenge to actively engage with their fears to propel their businesses forward.

Notable Quote:
"What scary thing are you willing to do today to move your business forward?" [32:50]

She suggests practical actions such as reaching out to potential referral partners, raising service rates, making important phone calls, or responding to potential clients. Additionally, she promotes her Abundance Party membership program, which provides community support and resources to aid in overcoming these challenges.

7. Resources and Support

Allison highlights the availability of free resources to assist therapists in their journey:

• Worksheets: Including the "Common Fears and My Responses" worksheet, accessible by messaging the word "sheets."
• Community Support: Through the Abundance Party, offering a supportive environment for growth.
• Free Trainings and Checklists: Available at AbundancePracticeBuilding.com.

Notable Quote:
"If you want to get a little extra support in moving past your fear and building your practice with more confidence, then the Abundance Party is a great option for you." [35:40]

Conclusion: Embrace Fear as a Sign of Progress

Allison concludes the episode by reiterating that fear is not a deterrent but a marker of being on the right path. By leaning into fear, therapists can unlock new opportunities and achieve significant growth in their private practices.

Notable Quote:
"Fear is a sign that you're on the right track. So let's lean in and let's grow together." [39:55]

She encourages listeners to take immediate, albeit small, steps towards confronting their fears, assuring them that support and resources are available to guide them through the process.

Final Thoughts:

Episode #662 of the Abundant Practice Podcast is a compelling exploration of the role fear plays in the journey to private practice. Through heartfelt storytelling, practical advice, and motivational encouragement, Allison Puryear empowers therapists to transform their fears into catalysts for success. Whether you're contemplating leaving an agency or seeking to elevate your existing practice, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable steps to help you navigate and conquer your fears.

For more resources and to access the episode's worksheets, visit AbundancePracticeBuilding.com.