Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #673 Summary
Title: Building A Practice In A Saturated Market
Host: Allison Puryear
Release Date: August 2, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #673 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear tackles a common concern among therapists: building a thriving private practice in a saturated market. This episode provides actionable insights, personal experiences, and strategic advice to help therapists navigate highly competitive environments successfully.
Understanding Market Saturation in Therapy
Allison begins by addressing the prevalent worry among therapists about entering or operating in markets crowded with professionals. She poses the critical question from a listener:
“I live in a saturated market. It feels like there are therapists on every street. Should I focus on online therapy in other areas, even if I prefer in person?”
— Listener's Question
Allison’s Personal Experience with Market Saturation
Allison shares her personal journey moving to Seattle and later Asheville, both of which presented seemingly oversaturated therapy markets. She recounts the initial fear and overwhelm, especially in Asheville where the saying goes:
“You can't swing a dead cat without hitting a therapist here.”
— Allison Puryear ([04:30])
Despite the high concentration of therapists, Allison observed that many practitioners were thriving, indicating underlying demand.
Reframing Saturation: Demand vs. Competition
One of Allison’s key insights is redefining market saturation. She emphasizes that the presence of numerous therapists often signifies strong community investment in mental health. Drawing a parallel with Starbucks, she explains:
“Starbucks is not opening in areas without demand. They’re choosing locations where demand already exists.”
— Allison Puryear ([15:45])
Similarly, a saturated market for therapy indicates a healthy demand for mental health services.
Strategies for Thriving in Saturated Markets
Allison outlines several strategies to excel despite high competition:
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Focus on What You Can Control: Instead of fixating on the number of competitors, concentrate on delivering exceptional services and building a strong personal brand.
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Create a Niche: “You can become an expert in your niche and that's going to help you stand out from the crowd.”
— Allison Puryear ([23:10]) -
Leverage Virtual Therapy: Expanding beyond local clients can tap into broader markets, mitigating local saturation.
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Invest in Continuous Learning: Engaging in courses and seeking guidance can sharpen your skills and marketing strategies, giving you an edge over less proactive peers.
Embracing a Niche and Expanding Beyond Local
Allison stresses the importance of defining a specific niche to differentiate oneself in a crowded market. By specializing, therapists can attract clients looking for particular expertise, thereby reducing direct competition.
Additionally, she encourages embracing virtual therapy as a means to reach clients beyond the immediate geographic area, thus expanding potential clientele.
Importance of Mindset and Continuous Learning
A pivotal theme in the episode is the mindset shift from viewing saturation as a barrier to seeing it as an opportunity. Allison asserts:
“Even if you feel like your market is saturated, you can still succeed. All you need is the right mindset, the right strategies, and a willingness to invest in yourself and your business.”
— Allison Puryear ([36:50])
She underscores the value of resilience, adaptability, and ongoing education in overcoming perceived market limitations.
Practical Resources and Takeaways
To support listeners in implementing the discussed strategies, Allison offers practical resources:
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Free Worksheet: “6 Tools to Shift Scarcity Mindset” – Available by DM’ing her.
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Abundance Party Membership Program: Step-by-step guidance on reducing work hours while tripling income. Interested therapists can DM the word “party” for access.
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Additional Support: Access free trainings, checklists, and worksheets at www.abundancepracticebuilding.com.
Furthermore, Allison reiterates the importance of not succumbing to the fear of saturation and encourages therapists to focus on building their unique practice regardless of market conditions.
Conclusion
Episode #673 of the Abundant Practice Podcast by Allison Puryear is a comprehensive guide for therapists navigating saturated markets. By shifting mindsets, focusing on niches, leveraging virtual platforms, and committing to continuous growth, therapists can build successful and fulfilling private practices even in highly competitive environments. Allison’s blend of personal anecdotes and strategic advice offers both inspiration and practical steps for mental health professionals striving to thrive.
Additional Resources:
- Membership Program: Abundance Party
- Free Tools & Worksheets: AbundancePracticeBuilding.com
- Email Support: help@abundancepracticebuilding.com
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