Abundant Practice Podcast: Episode #674 Summary Title: Therapists & Money
Host: Allison Puryear
Guest: Aja Evans
Release Date: August 6, 2025

Introduction

In Episode #674 of the Abundant Practice Podcast, host Allison Puryear engages in a profound conversation with financial therapist Aja Evans about the intricate relationship therapists have with money. This episode delves into the common financial challenges therapists face, the cultural and societal factors influencing their financial behaviors, and practical strategies to cultivate a healthier financial mindset. Whether you're a therapist struggling with money management or seeking to enhance your private practice's financial sustainability, this episode offers invaluable insights.

Common Money Hang-ups Among Therapists

Allison and Aja begin by exploring the prevalent financial obstacles that many therapists encounter.

Aja Evans [02:25]:
"One thing that I see over and over with women is that they feel like they don't know enough. What is stopping them is their lack of education. I don't know enough about money investing, account 405, 123. What is this mean?"

Key Points:

• Lack of Financial Education: Many therapists, particularly women, feel inadequately informed about financial matters, hindering their ability to manage and grow their wealth.
• Money Avoidance: Emotional discomfort and past financial traumas lead some therapists to avoid dealing with money altogether, exacerbating financial instability.
• Navigating Financial Relationships: Therapists often struggle with managing money within personal relationships, whether in partnerships, marriages, or family dynamics.

Cultural and Societal Influences on Financial Attitudes

The discussion highlights how societal norms and cultural expectations shape therapists' financial behaviors.

Allison Puryear [04:59]:
"Every single one of those three, culture is in there, society is in there."

Key Points:

• Predominantly Female Profession: With most therapists being women, societal messages about women's roles and financial capabilities significantly impact their financial attitudes.
• Changing Dynamics: As more women become primary breadwinners, there's an increased need for financial confidence and education to support their roles effectively.

Therapists' Relationship with Money

Allison dives deeper into the unique financial challenges therapists face, stemming from their professional training and societal expectations.

Aja Evans [05:20]:
"I find therapists very nervous or uncomfortable that they feel like they need to either have an MBA and that means they cannot handle their budget, the P&L."

Key Points:

• Professional Conditioning: Therapists are often conditioned to prioritize client care over business acumen, leading to discomfort in managing the financial aspects of their practice.
• Money Narratives in Training: Phrases like "pay your dues" and "not in this for the money" instilled during graduate programs can create unhealthy money beliefs, making it difficult for therapists to set appropriate fees and boundaries with clients.

The Importance of Financial Education for Therapists

The conversation underscores the necessity for therapists to acquire business and financial skills to sustain their practices.

Aja Evans [12:07]:
"But I don't need to do this. Do you want to be a director one day? Do you want to run a program? Do you want a private practice? You need to know this stuff."

Key Points:

• Business Acumen: Understanding profit and loss statements, budgeting, and financial planning is crucial for therapists looking to run successful private practices or assume leadership roles.
• Integrated Learning: There's a pressing need for graduate programs to incorporate comprehensive business and financial management training to better prepare therapists for the realities of running a practice.

The Emotional Side of Money and Therapy

Allison and Aja explore the emotional complexities therapists face when dealing with money, both personally and professionally.

Aja Evans [17:24]:
"I wrote Feel Good Finance and literally dedicated the book to baby Asia because that's what I needed so much at that time for somebody to be like, okay, let's walk you through what's going on."

Allison Puryear [32:37]:
"So get honest with yourself. I promise you'll feel better afterwards just coming up with what's been holding you back and then making a new plan for it."

Key Points:

• Emotional Digging: Addressing money issues involves exploring deep-seated beliefs and emotions, much like therapeutic work with clients.
• Relief Through Confrontation: Facing financial anxieties and setting clear financial boundaries can lead to significant emotional relief and empowerment.

“Feel Good Finance” Book Overview

Aja introduces her book, Feel Good Finance, which serves as a guide to understanding and transforming one's relationship with money.

Aja Evans [14:03]:
"I walk the reader through the historical context of money and how it has shown up in our society and how that impacts different people in specific ways."

Key Points:

• Historical and Psychological Contexts: The book examines how societal and familial influences shape individual money beliefs and behaviors.
• Practical Examples: It provides real-life scenarios and actionable steps for readers to identify and alter unhealthy financial patterns.
• Personal Dedication: Aja's personal experiences and struggles with money inspired the creation of this resource, aiming to support others in similar journeys.

Impact of Social Media on Financial Perceptions

The duo discusses how social media distorts perceptions of others' financial statuses, leading to unrealistic comparisons and judgments.

Aja Evans [20:21]:
"We never have the full picture. We never have somebody else's full financial picture. And we will fill in those gaps very quickly without knowing."

Key Points:

• Incomplete Narratives: Social media often showcases only the positive aspects of individuals' financial lives, neglecting debts, struggles, and the behind-the-scenes efforts required to maintain appearances.
• Judgment and Assumptions: Observing others' seemingly affluent lifestyles can lead to unwarranted judgments and feelings of inadequacy, regardless of one's actual financial standing.

Financial Modeling for Children

Allison and Aja emphasize the importance of teaching children about money to shape their future financial behaviors positively.

Allison Puryear [25:13]:
"You are making a decision that for you, in for your family, is going to impact how they see money when they are older."

Key Points:

• Early Education: Introducing children to financial concepts and healthy money habits helps them develop a balanced and informed relationship with money.
• Breaking Negative Cycles: By addressing and transforming one's own money beliefs, therapists can model positive financial behaviors for the next generation.

Conclusion and Takeaways

The episode concludes with actionable advice and encouragement for therapists to take control of their financial lives.

Allison Puryear [31:25]:
"Take stock of what your life looks like. And what does your life cost you a year."

Aja Evans [32:37]:
"Get honest with yourself. I promise you'll feel better afterwards just coming up with what's been holding you back and then making a new plan for it."

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Assessment: Therapists should regularly evaluate their financial situation, understanding their expenses and setting clear financial goals.
• Continuous Growth: Financial education and emotional work around money are ongoing processes that require dedication and honesty.
• Resource Utilization: Books like Feel Good Finance and tools provided by platforms like Abundance Practice Building can support therapists in their financial journeys.

Final Thoughts

Episode #674 offers a comprehensive exploration of the financial challenges therapists face and provides practical solutions to overcome them. By addressing both the emotional and educational aspects of money management, Allison Puryear and Aja Evans empower therapists to build sustainable and fulfilling private practices. For those seeking further support, resources such as abundancepracticebuilding.com and the Feel Good Finance book are highly recommended.

Notable Quotes:

• Aja Evans [02:25]:
  "One thing that I see over and over with women is that they feel like they don't know enough. What is stopping them is their lack of education."

• Allison Puryear [04:59]:
  "Every single one of those three, culture is in there, society is in there."

• Aja Evans [05:20]:
  "Because it feels like you should almost either be a therapist or care about business and that they are not at war, they are one."

• Aja Evans [12:07]:
  "Do you want to be a director one day? Do you want to run a program? Do you want a private practice? You need to know this stuff."

• Aja Evans [14:03]:
  "I walk the reader through the historical context of money and how it has shown up in our society and how that impacts different people in specific ways."

• Allison Puryear [31:25]:
  "Take stock of what your life looks like. And what does your life cost you a year."

Resources Mentioned:

• Feel Good Finance by Aja Evans: Available at local bookstores, libraries, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.
• Abundance Practice Building: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com
• Therapy Notes Promotion: Use promo code abundant at therapynotes.com for two months free.

Connect with the Host and Guest:

• Allison Puryear: Host of the Abundant Practice Podcast and founder of Abundance Practice Building.
• Aja Evans: Financial Therapist and author of Feel Good Finance.

Thank you for tuning into this comprehensive summary of Episode #674: Therapists & Money. For more insightful discussions and resources, visit Abundance Practice Building and subscribe to the Abundant Practice Podcast.