Private Practice Startup Podcast - Episode 167

Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Growing Your Practice After Growing a Human

Date: January 4, 2020
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guest: Kelly Sisson, LCSW – Therapist, Practice Owner & Podcaster

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux are joined by Kelly Sisson, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Sisson Counseling Services. The conversation explores the realities and challenges of building a private practice while also navigating new motherhood, including the impact of trauma, vulnerability, and authenticity. Kelly shares her candid journey through struggle, support, and ultimately thriving—aiming to inspire mental health professionals tackling major life and career changes simultaneously.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Kelly’s Unplanned Journey into Social Work and Private Practice

• (03:13) Kelly shares she became a social worker on her sister’s suggestion, finding fulfillment in supporting others.
• After moving to North Dakota, Kelly was introduced to contracting in private practice, describing the setup period as slow and arduous.
• Notable Quote (03:50):

  "I just kind of rolled with it... I'm so thankful that [my sister] did, though, because it's led me to where I am." — Kelly

2. The Impact of Motherhood & Birth Trauma on Professional Life

• (05:13–07:27) Kelly discovered she was pregnant just as her practice launched, expressing the conflict between building a caseload and upcoming maternity leave.
• She openly discusses her traumatic C-section and the struggle to balance full-time work, building a business, and healing from birth trauma.
• Notable Quote (07:01):

  "If I'm being really, really honest with you, I think I felt more at home at work than I did with my son because I didn't know how to be a mom..." — Kelly

• The hosts commend Kelly’s honesty, noting stigma and shame often prevent new moms from sharing such feelings.

3. Finding Support and Making the Leap

• (09:22–10:37) Kelly describes making the tough decision to leave her stable state job (and its coveted benefits) to pursue private practice full time.
• Cites her father’s entrepreneurship as inspiration for taking the leap.
• Notable Quote (10:37):

  "You're looking at losing your really great health insurance, your consistent paycheck... but I can absolutely move forward." — Kelly

4. Isolation—and the Power of Connection in Solo Practice

• (12:07–13:55) Kelly, once the only clinician at her physical location, acknowledges the challenges of professional isolation and the importance of consultation, connection, and being genuinely herself.
• She details her journey toward authenticity—embracing comfort, personal style, and self-expression—and how it improved both her therapy work and personal fulfillment.
• Notable Quote (13:30):

  "I started just really being myself and embracing those unique parts of me. And it's completely transformed... my own perspective, but even more so, it's transformed my ability to do therapy." — Kelly

5. Building a Support Network & Resourceful Mindset

• (15:22–16:30) Kelly relied on her husband, family, friends, her contracting agency, and fellow therapists (e.g., mentor Charlie Joyce) for emotional and professional support.
• She stresses the importance of learning in areas of weakness, especially business finances, leveraging podcasts and audiobooks.

6. How Things Rarely Go As Planned

• (18:25–20:14) Kelly reflects on her initial plan to go full-time in private practice within two years—a goal that serendipitously came true despite the unplanned arrival of her son.
• She highlights the ethical consideration of not overcommitting before maternity leave and credits her interim emergency services role with developing vital crisis skills.

7. The Value of Therapy for Therapists

• (20:14–22:00) Kelly candidly discusses starting EMDR therapy a year-and-a-half after her son’s birth, seeking intense, effective trauma healing:

  "...how is this even possible? That like I walked in and this was bothering me and I, and I walk out and it's not as much..."

• She describes therapy as transformative, facilitating self-acceptance and helping her process that birth outcomes were not her fault.

8. Final Insights: Embracing Imperfection and Listening to Your Dreams

• (22:14):

  "If you have a dream or have a tug at your heart, it’s there for a reason... there's going to be failures, there's going to be mess ups... but ultimately, lean into that. Life can change in amazing ways." — Kelly

9. What’s Next for Kelly?

• (22:44–24:24) Kelly aspires to expand her podcast, "Kelly and the Encouragers," host women’s events nationwide, and eventually host a talk show to spread encouragement and authentic stories.
• She envisions her audience as primarily women (25–65) seeking inspiration and community.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Authenticity:

  "The more authentic that you allowed yourself to be, the more you flourish, the more you enjoyed work that you did." — Dr. Kate Campbell (13:30)

• On Community:

  "[The podcast] is just that idea of having that community... I'm that type of person... if I see somebody rocking out in life, I'm like, yes. I'm so happy for you." — Kelly (25:15)

• Advice for Listeners (“Startup Nation”):

  "Be brave and be vulnerable, and there's so much freedom in that. When you're able to do that... it not only frees you, but it frees others." — Kelly (25:27)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kelly’s Career Origin Story: 03:13–05:13
• Motherhood and Birth Trauma: 05:13–07:27
• Transition to Full-time Practice: 09:22–10:37
• Isolation & Authenticity: 12:07–13:55
• Support Structures & Learning: 15:22–16:30
• Did It Go as Planned?: 18:25–20:14
• Therapy for Healing: 20:14–22:00
• Key Takeaways & Inspiration: 22:14–22:42
• Kelly’s Vision & Podcast: 22:44–24:24
• Message for Listeners: 25:27

Takeaways for Private Practitioners

• Life transitions, especially new motherhood, can upend even well-laid business plans—but can also lead to invaluable personal and professional growth.
• Vulnerability about struggles (guilt, feelings of inadequacy, trauma) can be profoundly liberating for oneself and others.
• Support systems—personal and professional—are crucial. Seek mentorship, community, and encourage authenticity in all realms.
• Therapy isn’t just for clients; it’s essential for therapists to heal and model self-care.
• Taking leaps of faith, even when the future is unclear, can be necessary for moving from survival to thriving.

For more inspiration and resources for your private practice journey, visit PrivatePracticeStartup.com.