Podcast Summary

Podcast: Private Practice Startup
Episode: 192 – Up Close and Personal with Amanda Patterson
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guest: Amanda Patterson (Amanda Landry, LMHC)
Release Date: June 15, 2020

Episode Overview

This episode features an intimate conversation with Amanda Patterson, a prominent therapist, practice owner, and private practice consultant based in South Florida. As part of the podcast’s “Up Close and Personal” miniseries, hosts Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux set typical business talk aside to get to know Amanda’s personal journey—including her childhood, formative experiences, career path, personal quirks, and motivations. The conversation balances lighthearted moments with insightful reflections relevant to therapists and entrepreneurs.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

Amanda’s Background and Family (05:05–07:35)

• Amanda is a rare Florida native, having grown up in Miami and later Broward County.
• She is the oldest of four closely-knit sisters: Liz, Kim, and Kathy.
• Describes her upbringing as “middle class, kind of normal,” with both ups and downs.
  • “I think…people assume if you’re a therapist you maybe come from a certain kind of family. My family had its ups and downs…my own traumas that drove me to become a therapist.” (05:42)

Formative Personality and Early Interests (07:39–11:39)

• Always had a strong, direct personality—describes herself as “opinionated,” ambitious, and persistent.
• Balances extroversion and a bookworm/intellectual side; identifies as a proud Ravenclaw (Harry Potter reference).
• Affection for Harry Potter:
  • Favorite artifact: Harry Potter “cupboard under the stairs” recreated in her home.
  • “There was a fire inside of me, right? And I didn’t really know what to do with that fire.” (07:41)
• Major involvement in cheerleading, both as athlete and coach, spanning middle school through college. Enjoyed coaching, especially young kids for the fun and lack of pressure.
• Strong social orientation—has always valued time with friends.

Career Aspirations and First Jobs (13:39–17:05)

• Initially planned to be a lawyer, majored in psychology as a path to law school, but discovered a passion for psychology in her first year at FSU.
  • “I loved psychology…and just changed my course of action.” (14:03)
• Noted that her caring/empathetic disposition suited therapy better than law.
• First family job at age 12 working the phones at an auto salvage yard; first “real” job at Bear's Etc., assembling and personalizing bear figurine gifts.

Challenges in the Field (18:05–19:16)

• Discusses the issue of under-compensation and limiting beliefs instilled during graduate school:
  • “I was really programmed from grad school to accept whatever job was given to me and not ask for raises…not being limited by that belief system.” (18:12)
• Emphasizes the importance of therapists learning that it's possible—and vital—to earn a fair income.

Business and Coaching Journey (19:28–22:08)

• Amanda has had coaches throughout her private practice journey, always focusing on “upleveling” and achieving the next goal.
  • “What I'm always looking for when I’m coaching is like up leveling, like what’s the next step?” (19:44)
• Currently working on stepping back from direct client work and empowering her group practice staff.
• On coaching’s impact: “If you hire a coach that knows how to help you move through whatever you're moving through, you will achieve that goal.” (21:54)

Five-Year Vision & Coaching Philosophy (22:08–23:59)

• Goals: Two thriving practice locations, highly trained teams, strong brand recognition.
• Passionate about helping therapists create actionable business and marketing plans.
• Prefers practical, “nitty gritty” coaching over general “lifestyle” coaching.
  • “I'm too practical for that. That's just not—doesn’t work well for me.” (23:27)
• Determined to shift the field’s narrative so therapists can aspire to and achieve higher income levels.

Personal Tidbits & Lighthearted Moments

Crushes and High School Life (24:08–27:37)

• Celebrity crushes: Rider Strong (“bad boy” types) and Josh Hartnett.
• Reflects on her “first child” syndrome—class president, cheerleader, leadership roles.
• Attended a highly diverse high school and values that experience.

Meeting Her Husband (27:39–30:09)

• Amanda and her husband (also a psychologist) share the same birthday.
• They met as undergraduates through Greek life, were friends first, and eventually reconnected at a mutual friend’s wake.
• “He’s more Corey than Hunter—just a very nice…energy where I’m a little wiry.” (27:47)

Embarrassing Moment (31:04–32:31)

• Shares a funny, humanizing story of laughing so hard at a post-concert prank in ninth grade that she peed in a friend’s car:
  • “We lost our minds…I peed my pants in her sister’s tan dam.” (31:49)

On Being Vegan (32:48–34:32)

• Vegan for 10 years—ethical vegan (avoids animal products, not just diet).
• Doesn’t miss meat, but notes some inconvenience when dining out.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a therapist and overcoming limiting beliefs:

  “I was really programmed from grad school to accept whatever job was given to me…not being limited by that belief system.” (18:12)

• On her business philosophy:

  “I’m a very practical person in my life…that’s just not my particular market. I’m too practical for that.” (23:18)

• On growth and motivation:

  “There’s a fire inside of me. I don’t…it’s just there. It’s part of my disposition and I think that just keeps me going.” (37:50)

• Favorite read and business book:

  "Profit First…just opened my mind to practical ways that I can shift my business." (37:15)
  "My favorite series book is Jane Eyre. I also love…Pride and Prejudice—anything from that genre." (36:45)

Lightning Round Highlights (34:47–38:07)

• Dream job (if not therapy): Own a bed & breakfast
• Biggest pet peeve: Loose water bottles rolling in the car
• Favorite place visited: Whistler, British Columbia (honeymoon spot)
• Biggest fear: The dark—always sleeps with a light or the TV on when alone
• Unwinding: Reading, especially during quarantine

Structure & Timestamps

• Amanda’s Family and Childhood: 05:05–07:35
• Teen Years & Harry Potter Love: 07:39–11:39
• Cheerleading, Interests, and Social Life: 11:39–13:39
• Becoming a Therapist: 13:39–14:53
• First Jobs: 15:17–17:05
• Biggest Industry Challenges: 18:05–19:16
• Coaching, Up-Leveling, Transitions: 19:28–22:08
• Vision, Group Practice, Coaching Style: 22:08–23:59
• High School and Crushes: 24:08–27:37
• Meeting Her Husband: 27:39–30:09
• Embarrassing Moment: 31:04–32:31
• Veganism: 32:48–34:32
• Lightning Round: 34:47–38:07

Episode Takeaways

• Amanda’s trajectory highlights the balance between drive and empathy—a key to her success as a therapist and consultant.
• She exemplifies how private practitioners can break free of limiting narratives around compensation and professional identity.
• Relatable personal stories (from high school crushes to embarrassing moments and Harry Potter fandom) make this industry leader accessible and inspiring.

For more info about Amanda Patterson, visit: amandapattersonlmhc.com

Find practice resources and connect with the hosts at: privatepracticestartup.com