Episode Overview
Podcast: Private Practice Startup
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Episode: 153 – Fatherhood, Life and Private Practice, Making it All Work
Guest: Matt Jean, LMFT
Date: September 14, 2019
This episode explores the unique challenges and joys of balancing fatherhood, personal life, and launching a successful private practice as a mental health professional. Guest Matt Jean – therapist, entrepreneur, and father of four (including triplet daughters) – shares his inspiring story, practical strategies for work-life balance, the role of teamwork with his wife, and the importance of authenticity and boundaries.
Key Themes & Insights
1. Fatherhood as Motivation & Anchor
- Matt Jean is the devoted father of four girls (including triplets and one older sibling born just 15 months apart).
- His journey through separation, reconciliation, and rapid family expansion became the driving force behind both his personal growth and professional path.
Quote:
"At one point we had four under two."
— Matt Jean [04:06]
Notable Story:
The discovery of expecting triplets came at a time of marital separation and uncertainty:
“When we found out my wife was pregnant with triplets… I said a prayer to myself… and I said that if this is where I need to be, then I want twins. And I didn't tell her… until we found out that we were having triplets... I was excited because I got confirmation about something I had doubt about, which is our relationship.”
— Matt Jean [04:34]
2. Building a Private Practice Around Family
- Matt chose private practice largely for its flexibility, allowing him to be present for his children—dropping them off and picking them up at school, attending events, and bonding daily.
- He left the mental health field temporarily after personal and professional turmoil, returning when his daughters were around three.
Quote:
"Being in private practice allows me that same flexibility in their lives. I get a chance to get them ready for school, pick them up, spend time with them after school... just being there for them on a consistent basis."
— Matt Jean [10:16]
3. Teamwork and Partnership at Home
- Teamwork with his wife is central: as he puts it, “Teamwork makes the dream work.” Her support—both emotional and financial—provided Matt with the safety net to transition from part-time to full-time private practice.
Quote:
"Having a partner that is very supportive as well ... her working full time allowed me the flexibility to start private practice part time, and then when my private practice was doing well enough to go full time."
— Matt Jean [11:50]
4. Authenticity, Branding & Transparency
- Matt emphasizes authenticity in his practice, both in appearance and interactions. Branding himself (including his unique personal style) is intentionally a reflection of who he is.
Quotes:
"You have to create that brand, and I know I am that brand... I want to reflect myself in a way that's respective of my brand."
— Matt Jean [02:52]
- Transparency is a value he brings into all relationships: with clients (about his parenting and boundaries), with colleagues, and with his children (involving them in the entrepreneurial journey).
Quote:
"They had a chance to come to the office when I didn’t have any furniture. They saw the entire process..."
— Matt Jean [14:46]
5. Practical Strategies for Balance
- Rigid boundaries and open communication with clients about his schedule: mornings and school pick-up times are non-negotiable family priorities; evening hours are for client sessions.
- Matt’s office is intentionally kid-friendly—complete with a changing table and toys, signaling safety and inclusion for clients with families.
Quote:
"One of the first pieces of furniture I got in my office is a changing table... so that my clients can know that, hey, my office is kid friendly."
— Matt Jean [16:42]
- Self-care is a daily, deliberate practice—designing his office as a sanctuary, taking regular walks to the nearby beach, and prioritizing time with both family and friends.
Quote:
"My office is a sanctuary for me ... The colors, the theme, the aromas, the sounds ... and then my office is not too far, it's a ten-minute walk from the beach. ... It's a part of what I need to find balance."
— Matt Jean [19:37]
6. Collaboration and Planning with His Wife
- They hold weekly or monthly family meetings (sometimes including the children) to set goals, plan healthy habits (e.g., “Green Week”), and organize household and professional ambitions.
- Both are educators/trainers who mutually support each other’s professional growth.
Quote:
"We have weekly meetings. ... Some meetings the kids are involved, other meetings is just us two brainstorming. ... We plan a lot, and I think having a plan allows us to walk in a direction that's going to allow us to get to our destination in an easy ... fashion."
— Matt Jean [24:34]
7. Advice and Encouragement for Private Practice Starters
- "Don’t wait for the perfect time—make a plan and take the leap. You have to move forward even if life isn’t perfect."
Quote:
"Not to wait. A lot of us wait until we find the perfect time, but I don't think there's a perfect time. ... Create a plan and then execute."
— Matt Jean [26:37]
Memorable Moments & Quotes
| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |-----------|--------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:34 | Matt Jean | "When we found out that she was pregnant with triplets...I said a prayer..." | | 10:16 | Matt Jean | "Being in private practice allows me that same flexibility in their lives..." | | 11:50 | Matt Jean | "Her working full time allowed me the flexibility to start private practice..."| | 14:46 | Matt Jean | "They had a chance to come to the office when I didn't have any furniture..." | | 16:42 | Matt Jean | "One of the first pieces of furniture I got in my office is a changing table..."| | 19:37 | Matt Jean | "My office is a sanctuary for me..." | | 24:34 | Matt Jean | "We have weekly meetings... Some meetings the kids are involved..." | | 26:37 | Matt Jean | "Not to wait. A lot of us wait until we find the perfect time..." |
Important Timestamps & Segments
- 02:17–07:15: Matt's family background, discovery of triplets, and the impact on family dynamics.
- 07:19–11:16: Timeline of private practice launch; transition in and out of the field; importance of family in career choices.
- 12:59–14:35: Structuring the workday around family routines and explicit boundary-setting with clients.
- 14:46–17:57: Involving children in entrepreneurship, transparency at work and home.
- 19:37–21:07: Self-care strategies and office as a sanctuary.
- 21:07–25:49: Partnership with his wife: mutual support, shared planning, family meetings.
- 26:31–26:37: Final takeaway and advice for aspiring private practitioners.
Summary Takeaways
- Family can be a powerful motivator, shaping both personal and professional journeys.
- Intentional, ongoing partnership with a supportive spouse is invaluable—teamwork truly “makes the dream work.”
- Authenticity in branding, transparency with clients, and boundary-setting are keys to balancing practice and life.
- Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s fundamental to being able to support others.
- There’s never a “perfect” time to start—planning, support, and the willingness to leap are essential.
Listeners leave with both inspiration and practical wisdom for balancing the unpredictable demands of entrepreneurship, family, and personal fulfillment—reminded that success comes from clarity of priorities, honest communication, and shared purpose.