Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #668 – Strategies For Faster Growth
Release Date: July 16, 2025
Host: Allison Puryear
In Episode #668 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages in a deep and insightful conversation with guest Ariel, a therapist navigating the transition from a long-term agency role to building a sustainable private practice. This episode delves into the challenges and strategies associated with accelerating practice growth, offering valuable advice for therapists in similar positions.
Transitioning from Agency to Private Practice
Ariel begins by sharing her journey of shifting from a seven-year tenure at an agency to establishing her private practice over the past year. She discusses the delicate balance of reducing agency commitments while increasing focus on her private endeavors.
"[...] I currently have been in private practice for a year, but I've been working with the same agency for I think seven years. And so in the last year I'm trying to kind of transition more to private practice and scale down the agency work."
[02:19]
Ariel highlights the initial steps she has taken, such as building a website, creating professional listings, and defining her niche. Despite these efforts, she expresses feelings of stagnation and frustration due to the slow manifestation of results, compounded by her role as the primary breadwinner and the limited time she can dedicate to marketing.
"[...] I feel like I'm just being hard on myself and, like, it's kind of hard to have the motivation."
[03:35]
Networking Strategies
Allison addresses Ariel’s concerns about networking effectiveness, especially considering her upcoming relocation to Charlotte, North Carolina. She reassures Ariel that maintaining relationships remotely is feasible, especially with the rise of virtual therapy.
"If you have the relationship with people, you stay licensed in that state, you're going to still get referrals from them."
[05:48]
Ariel reflects on her worries about building local connections only to move shortly after, but Allison encourages proactive networking strategies that transcend geographical limitations.
SEO and Online Marketing
The conversation shifts to the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in attracting clients. Allison provides practical advice on utilizing tools like Google’s Keyword Planner to identify relevant search terms that potential clients might use.
"[...] you'll have to create a free account, but that'll tell you how often that search term is used, how kind of expensive it is."
[23:46]
Ariel admits her initial confusion with SEO concepts but acknowledges progress in understanding with format assistance.
Content Creation: Blogs and Videos
Addressing the role of content in SEO, Allison emphasizes the synergy between blogging and video creation. She suggests using platforms like YouTube for video hosting and integrating blogs to enhance web presence.
"I love the combo of like, video blog, SEO, because I feel like the main purpose of blogging in 2025 is for SEO."
[26:15]
Ariel raises concerns about using social media for video distribution, revealing her reluctance to engage in platforms she dislikes. Allison respects this stance and offers alternative strategies, assuring that social media is not mandatory for leveraging video content effectively.
Utilizing AI Tools like ChatGPT
The discussion explores the use of AI tools such as ChatGPT for enhancing blog posts and video scripts. Allison advises using ChatGPT as an editing assistant to maintain personal tone and optimize content length for SEO purposes.
"[...] you can use ChatGPT to write a script for a video. You can do the video or if you're better, the opposite way."
[20:26]
She cautions against over-reliance on AI, emphasizing the need for personal touch to ensure authenticity in the content.
Professional Listings and Directories
In the final segment, Allison recommends various professional listings beyond well-known platforms like Psychology Today. She advises Ariel to explore niche directories related to autoimmune disorders and specific therapeutic modalities, enhancing visibility among targeted client groups.
"I would look at therapy den. I would look at inclusive therapists... if you can find the ones that are already full, then that's going to help."
[26:58]
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
The episode concludes with Allison offering ongoing support and encouraging Ariel to continue her steady progress despite current challenges. She underscores the importance of patience and strategic focus, especially during periods of economic and seasonal fluctuations.
"You're putting things... it's all coalescing."
[25:03]
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Networking: Building and maintaining professional relationships can yield long-term referral benefits, even when considering relocation.
- Effective SEO Practices: Utilizing tools like Google Keyword Planner can help identify valuable search terms to enhance online visibility.
- Content Synergy: Combining blogs and videos can significantly improve SEO and attract a broader client base.
- Selective Professional Listings: Targeting niche directories can increase the likelihood of attracting ideal clients.
- Balanced Approach: Managing time and expectations is crucial, especially for therapists balancing primary income roles with practice growth.
This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for therapists aiming to accelerate their private practice growth, offering actionable strategies and empathetic support to overcome common obstacles.
For more resources, visit www.abundancepracticebuilding.com. If you need additional support, reach out to the team at help@abundancepracticebuilding.com.