Abundant Practice Podcast — Episode #680: "Why Is Choosing A Niche So Hard?"

Host: Allison Puryear
Date: August 23, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Allison Puryear addresses why choosing a niche is often a stressful, challenging process for therapists starting a private practice. She walks through common misconceptions, the emotional barriers that contribute to indecision, and offers actionable advice for overcoming imposter syndrome and perfectionism. Allison’s aim is to make niching less daunting—framing it as a flexible, exploratory process rather than a lifelong professional commitment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Importance—and Reality—of Choosing a Niche

• Niching Is Essential, But Not Rigid:

  • "You need a niche. It's crucial for your success." (03:16)
  • The idea that one must pick the "right" niche and stick with it forever is a myth.

• Niching Is Like Dating, Not Marriage:

  • "Choosing a niche is like dating. It is not like getting married." (05:12)
  • Allison normalizes trying out a niche for a while, then shifting if it’s not a good fit.

2. Overcoming the Pressure to Choose the “Perfect” Niche

• Dispelling Myths of Finality:

  • "A niche does not have to be a career long commitment... It's about finding something that works for you right now." (05:25)
  • Changing a niche later is common and not catastrophic—website and listing updates are manageable.

• Permission to Experiment:

  • "If you're feeling stuck about choosing the perfect niche...give yourself permission to try something out." (08:28)
  • Therapists are encouraged to start somewhere, and refine as they learn.

3. Insight vs. Action: Why Waiting Won’t Magically Create Clarity

• Insight Requires Reflection and Action:

  • "You can't just sit there thinking about niche and land on a niche." (09:31)
  • Instead, ask reflective questions about experiences, preferences, and client relationships.

• Avoid Analysis Paralysis:

  • Picking a niche out of anxiety or fear isn't optimal; making decisions is a practice, not a one-off event.

4. Imposter Syndrome and Feeling “Not Enough”

• Recognizing Imposter Syndrome:

  • "You might start doubting yourself...Maybe you feel like you're not successful enough to be the therapist for them..." (12:34)

• Growth Over Perfection:

  • "You don't have to be perfect, you do to be willing to grow." (13:42)
  • Training, supervision, and consultation are there to help anyone develop skills for their chosen niche.

5. Financial Myths About Niching

• Misconceptions About Clients’ Ability to Pay:

  • "That's just a myth. Most niches...are willing to pay for therapy if they can." (16:52)
  • Only a tiny segment, like those working with unhoused populations, truly face barriers to payment.

• Value Proposition, Not Discounting:

  • "Do your clients see the worth in the work you're doing?...If so, they're going to find a way to make it work." (18:34)

6. Decision-Making, Decisiveness vs. Perfectionism

• Action Over Perfection:

  • "If you're struggling with indecision, just choose one of the things on your list...Just choose one. Go with it for six months." (21:11)

• Learning Transfers Across Niches:

  • "Even if you decide to pivot later, the marketing lessons and the insights that you gain...will transfer..." (22:33)

• Perfectionism as a Barrier:

  • "Perfectionism has a way of making us freeze because we're worried that the decision won't be right..." (23:22)
  • There is no “perfect” niche, just what fits now.

7. Niching as a Tool, Not a Prison

• Niche as a Practice Tool:
  • "A niche is a tool. It helps you focus your marketing and attract the right clients." (24:49)
  • Not set in stone; allows therapists to avoid burnout and direct their energy effectively.

8. Next Steps and Resources

• Free Workbook: "Niche vs. Ideal Client":

  • "If you DM me the word sheets, this week's free worksheet is Niche versus Ideal Client." (27:04)

• Know Your Niche Course:

  • "$27 Know Your Niche course will clarify your niche within an hour to an hour and a half." (11:46)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Choosing a Niche:
  • "Choosing a niche is like dating. It is not like getting married." (05:12)
• On Feeling Stuck:
  • "You can't meditate those answers into existence...You're likely going to choose something out of fear or anxiety, which is not the best foundation for your practice." (10:14)
• On Imposter Syndrome:
  • "You are enough for whatever niche you choose." (13:11)
• On Financial Myths:
  • "Most niches...are willing to pay for therapy if they can." (16:52)
• On Action vs. Perfection:
  • "A good enough niche is good enough." (22:12)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00–03:15 — Welcome, episode setup, niche pressure in the therapy world
• 03:16–05:28 — The necessity of a niche, addressing common fears
• 05:29–08:30 — Niching as dating, permission to try and switch
• 08:31–11:55 — Reflection, forced insight, and the ‘Know Your Niche’ course
• 12:00–16:00 — Imposter syndrome and inadequacy
• 16:01–19:30 — Myths about clients' willingness/ability to pay, value proposition
• 19:31–24:48 — Decision-making, perfectionism, and the reality of pivoting
• 24:49–27:10 — Niche as a tool, wrap-up, worksheet, and resources

Resource Highlights

• Free Worksheets:
  Niche vs. Ideal Client (DM "sheets" or check show notes)
• Paid Resource:
  Know Your Niche Course - $27, promises niche clarity in under 90 minutes (details in show notes)
• Support:
  Free checklist for new therapists (link in show notes)

Episode Tone & Language

Allison’s style is warm, reassuring, and practical. She uses relatable analogies, direct affirmations, and hands-on advice, offering both empathy and a gentle nudge toward action. Her language is casual, encouraging ("you are enough", "give yourself permission"), and she normalizes the fears and doubts that come with building a private practice.

Missed the episode? This summary gives you a clear outline of Allison Puryear’s actionable advice for choosing a private practice niche—minus the overwhelm.