The Challenges of Private Practice | TPOT 360
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Release Date: 12/09/2024
Dori Lewis | Should you Consider Integrating Psychedelics into Trauma Work in Private Practice? | TPOT 384
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
What if the path to healing trauma isn’t just through talk therapy, but through carefully guided psychedelic experiences? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I sit down with Dori, an experienced therapist and psychedelic facilitator, who shares her deeply informed perspective on the nuanced, responsible, and transformational use of medicines like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin mushrooms. Dori doesn’t just follow trends—she’s been on the frontlines, participating in research, working underground before legalization, and now helping clients access inner healing...
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Tamar Blue | Creating a Safer Space for Peer Support and Digital Therapy | TPOT 383
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Are you ready to discover a powerful new way to support your clients—and yourself? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon sits down with Tamar Blue, founder of , a revolutionary platform that empowers therapists, coaches, and mental health advocates to create secure, community-driven support groups online. Whether you're a provider looking to scale your services or someone seeking a safe space to heal and connect, this conversation is packed with insight, innovation, and heart. Don’t miss this inspiring story of how one woman turned a passion for peer support into a...
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Steve Bisson | Let the Work Find You: Niching with First Responders Through Podcasting | TPOT 382
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
What Happens When the Work Finds You? Steve Bisson didn’t plan to become a go-to therapist for first responders—but sometimes, purpose arrives without a roadmap. In this episode, Steve shares how a chance encounter on a crisis team back in 1999 set off a chain of events that led to a passionate, purpose-filled career. From riding along in police cruisers to launching a podcast that speaks directly to the hearts of firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers, Steve’s story is a powerful reminder that when you say yes to the work that moves you, incredible things happen. Whether...
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Jeremy Zug | Private Pay, Insurance, or Hybrid? Decide For Your Private Practice | TPOT 381
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
What if the two most important questions in your practice— 'Is this financially viable?' and 'Am I doing the work I love?' — didn’t have to compete? In this eye-opening episode, Jeremy dives deep into the strategic crossroads every private practice owner faces, especially when considering whether to take insurance, stay private pay, or explore a hybrid model. He breaks down the real numbers, state-by-state reimbursement differences, and the often-overlooked red flags in insurance relationships—like sneaky non-quantitative treatment limitations and the true cost of claim denials....
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James Marland | Stop Trading Hours for Income: Scalable Growth in Private Practice | TPOT 380
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Are you tired of the “time for dollars” trap—where every vacation, sick day, or even slow week hits your bottom line? In this episode, James Marland gets real about the burnout that comes from trading hours for income and why the solution isn’t just slapping together an online course. He dives into what it really takes to build something scalable and sustainable—without losing yourself or your sanity in the process. Whether you’ve toyed with the idea of creating a course or you’re just craving more freedom in your practice, this conversation is a must-listen. It's honest,...
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Dr. Robyn Miller | Preparing For The Worst: Professional Wills in Private Practice | TPOT 379
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
What happens to our clients when we’re suddenly not there to care for them? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Dr. Robyn Miller dives into the difficult but essential topic most therapists avoid: what happens when a therapist dies or becomes incapacitated. With compassion, clarity, and deep professional insight, Dr. Miller reveals the ethical, legal, and emotional chaos that can follow when we don’t have a solid closure plan in place—and how TheraClosure offers a dignified, comprehensive solution. If you’re a mental health professional who’s ever told yourself, “I’ll...
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Natalie Moore | How to Rank on Google: The Private Practice Guide to Keyword Research | TPOT 378
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
If you’ve ever poured your heart into writing a blog post only to hear crickets, this episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast is for you. Natalie Moore breaks down exactly why keyword research is the non-negotiable first step to getting found online—and she does it with a dartboard metaphor you won’t forget. From picking the right phrases (think “EMDR therapist LA” instead of “trauma therapist California”) to building backlinks that actually move the needle, Natalie shares the exact strategies therapists need to compete online—without trying to beat Psychology Today at their...
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Jordanne Sculler | Why Every Therapist Needs Therapy: The Key to a Stronger Private Practice | TPOT 377
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Tune into this episode to explore why therapists must do their own self-work to be truly effective. Jordanne shares why personal growth isn’t optional—it’s essential for providing ethical, insightful, and compassionate care. She discusses how ongoing self-reflection helps therapists navigate complex client dynamics, avoid burnout, and foster deeper therapeutic relationships. Using the powerful analogy, "Would you take a cooking lesson from someone who doesn’t cook?" she emphasizes the importance of therapists engaging in their own healing and development. Whether you're a therapist or...
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Whitney Owens | Retaining Therapists in Your Group Practice for Long-Term Success | TPOT 376
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, host Gordon Brewer welcomes Whitney Owens, a seasoned group practice owner and consultant, to discuss the critical issue of therapist retention. Whitney shares her insights on why losing a therapist can be costly—not just financially, but in terms of client care, team morale, and overall practice stability. She breaks down practical strategies to create a supportive work environment, improve hiring and onboarding processes, and foster long-term commitment among therapists. Whether you're struggling with turnover or looking to build a...
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Christy Pennison & Steph Korpal | Cultivating Joy and Intentionality in Private Practice | TPOT 375
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
In the fast-paced world of private practice, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind—managing clients, handling business operations, and juggling personal life—while neglecting the very thing that can lead to lasting success and fulfillment: reflection. But what if you had a simple, structured way to pause, recalibrate, and infuse joy into your practice? Enter the Five R’s of Reflection—a framework designed by Christy Pennison and Steph Korpal to help practice owners thrive with intention. In this episode, we’re diving deep into Rhythm, Ritual, Relationship, Realignment, and...
info_outlineStarting and running a private practice is a journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and the potential for both professional and personal fulfillment. Gordon Brewer, a seasoned mental health professional and founder of The Practice of Therapy, reflects on his journey into private practice, sharing insights that are both inspiring and practical for current and aspiring private practitioners.
The Journey to Autonomy
Gordon began his private practice journey in 2006 after gaining extensive experience working in nonprofit agencies. While he credits his nonprofit work for providing invaluable clinical training, he found himself drawn to private practice for its autonomy and financial potential. Transitioning to full-time private practice in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in his career, one that required him to embrace the challenges and opportunities of running his own business.
Mindset Matters: Developing a Business Perspective
A recurring theme in Gordon’s advice is the importance of adopting a business mindset. To thrive in private practice, clinicians must view their work not just as a therapeutic endeavor but as a business venture. This includes understanding:
- Return on Investment (ROI): Assessing where to invest time and money to maximize success.
- Profitability: Ensuring income exceeds expenses to sustain and grow the practice.
- Systems and Processes: Establishing efficient workflows to optimize operations.
“Clarity around your ‘why’ is essential,” Gordon emphasizes. For many, the “why” includes achieving autonomy, earning more, and escaping the bureaucracy of agency work.
Don't miss Gordon's invaluable advice on starting and scaling a private practice, overcoming challenges, and building a supportive network. Tune in now to take your practice to the next level! 🙌
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
The Practice of Therapy Collaborative
The Practice of Therapy Community
Productive Therapist: https://productivetherapist.com/
GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/