As therapists, we often see bookkeepers as the magicians of our business finances — the ones who keep everything organized, balanced, and under control. I’ve noticed, though, that many of us feel a gap between what our bookkeepers know and what we understand about how money actually works in our own practices.

In this episode, I talk about some of the defensiveness and gatekeeping that can show up in the financial world — especially around bookkeeping — and how it mirrors what therapists and counselors experience when it comes to how our work is valued and compensated.

My guest, Sara Walls, has experienced both sides of that story. She started out as a therapist who needed help managing her practice finances and eventually became a bookkeeper who now supports other therapists with their money. Sara actually stepped away from private practice for a while, until she discovered tools like Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and my course, Money Skills for Therapists. Those resources helped her find clarity and confidence with her finances.

One of Sara’s biggest realizations during that process is summed up beautifully in this quote:

(00:06:17) “It became clear the more I got into it that what I didn’t know was how much I could actually afford to pay myself, when I could pay myself, how consistently I could pay myself, exactly how much I should be saving for taxes.” — Sara Walls

In our conversation, Sara shares her journey from therapist to bookkeeper, practical financial habits that therapists and health practitioners in private practice can build, and some helpful ways to make yourself work on your money — especially if you have ADHD or are neurodivergent.

Reducing Stress and Enhancing Financial Management with Accountability

(00:02:45) Bookkeepers' Unrecognized Complexity in Accounting Profession

(00:08:45) Therapist turned Bookkeeper shares financial insights

(00:19:10) Bookkeepers: Undervalued and Underpaid Professionals

(00:20:58) Routine Financial Engagement for Reduced Money Stress

(00:28:44) Financial Co-Regulation for Enhanced Accountability

(00:30:37) Financial Literacy Training for Therapists

Establishing Open Lines of Communication & Good Financial Habits for Long-Term Success

Finding the right financial professional for your practice often means having an honest conversation or even an interview to get a feel for how transparent and open they are when you ask questions, and how they view your roles in the business relationship. Some bookkeepers may hold their cards close as a way to “protect” their value, while some practice owners might not realize just how complex the work of keeping finances straight really is.

Here are a few ways you can start improving your bookkeeping and financial management skills right now in your therapy practice:

Establish a financial routine: Regularly approach your finances, whether it's checking your bank app, updating spreadsheets, or using accounting software like QuickBooks.
Systemize & organize: Keep track of your income and expenses in a consistent way. A little automation and delegation can go a long way in helping you stay on top of things.
Learn basic accounting: Understanding simple accounting concepts like debits and credits can give you confidence and make your financial decisions much easier.
Find assistance & accountability: Work with a bookkeeper who understands the unique needs of therapists and small business owners, and who’s open, transparent, and happy to answer your questions.
Avoid the “it’s a write-off!” trap: Deductions can be helpful, but make sure you’re also paying yourself consistently and setting aside enough for taxes.
Evaluate your support: Take a moment to reflect on your current financial professionals. If they’re not responsive, transparent, or aligned with your goals, it might be time to find a bookkeeper, advisor, or CPA who’s a better fit.

Ready to feel confident with your money?

Are you a Solo Private Practice Owner?

I made this course just for you: Money Skills for Therapists. My signature course has been carefully designed to take therapists from money confusion, shame, and uncertainty – to calm and confidence. In this course I give you everything you need to create financial peace of mind as a therapist in solo private practice.

Want to learn more? Click here to register for my free masterclass, “The 4 Step Framework to Get Your Business Finances Totally in Order.”

This masterclass is your way to get a feel for my approach, learn exactly what I teach inside Money Skills for Therapists, and get your invite to join us in the course.

Are you a Group Practice Owner?

Join the waitlist for Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. This course takes you from feeling like an overworked, stressed and underpaid group practice owner, to being the confident and empowered financial leader of your group practice.

Want to learn more? Click here to learn more and join the waitlist for Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. The next cohort starts in January 2026.

Get to Know Sara Walls:

Sara Walls is a clinical social worker and entrepreneur based in Houston, Texas, who has expanded her professional repertoire to include a specialized bookkeeping service for therapists. A graduate of Money Skills for Therapists, Sara started Little Frog Financial, a year and a half ago to help fellow therapists and small business owners navigate the often-daunting world of financial management. Her personal experience with the financial challenges common in the therapeutic field has uniquely equipped her to assist others in overcoming similar obstacles.

Follow Sara Walls:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarawallslcsw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarawallslcsw/

Mentioned in this episode:

Start Feeling Calm and Confident About Your Group Practice Finances

Feeling overworked and underpaid in your group practice? You’re not alone. Running a group practice can feel like carrying the weight of everyone’s paychecks — including your own — and wondering if it’s all really worth it. That’s why I created a free guide called “How to Stop Feeling Overworked and Underpaid in Your Group Practice.” Inside, I’ll walk you through the four keys to becoming the confident financial leader your practice needs — so you can start feeling calm and in control of your money again. This guide is the first step toward the same kind of financial clarity and confidence I teach inside my deeper program, Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. 🙌 Download your free copy today — and let’s start building a group practice that supports you, not just everyone else.

Get the Free Guide: How to Stop Feeling Overworked & Underpaid in Your Group Practice

182: Bookkeeping For Therapists Behind the Scenes: Gatekeeping vs Alignment