Wise Practice Podcast

Building a thriving faith-based private practice takes courage, wisdom, and a commitment to growing your business without compromising your faith or values. Hosted by Whitney Owens, owner of a seven-figure, multi-location group practice and founder of Wise Practice Consulting, the Wise Practice Podcast offers practical strategies, honest lessons, and real conversations for Christian practice owners. Whether you’re building a solo practice or growing a team, you’ll find encouragement and actionable guidance to help you lead with confidence, build a sustainable business, and stay rooted in what God has called you to do. You don’t have to build your practice alone. Welcome to the Wise Practice Podcast.

How to Get More Therapy Clients with Google Ads with Brandon Grill | WP 203 09/15/2026

How to Get More Therapy Clients with Google Ads with Brandon Grill | WP 203 I’ve used Google Ads in my own practice, especially during seasons when we needed to fill caseloads quickly, so I was excited to sit down with Google Ads expert Brandon Grill and really dig into what makes them work. In this episode, Brandon and I talk about how to know if your practice is actually ready for Google Ads, why your website and overall digital presence matter so much, and why getting more specific with the services you advertise can make a huge difference. We also talk about the numbers you should be watching, including click-through rates and conversion rates, how to tell if the problem is your ad or your landing page, and why practice owners still need to stay involved even when someone else is managing their campaigns. We also get into insurance versus private pay practices, how Google Ads can work alongside SEO, and what can go wrong when campaigns aren’t set up or tracked well. If you’ve been wondering whether Google Ads are worth the investment for your private practice, this episode will give you a much clearer picture of what to consider before you start spending money. 03:22 – Brandon’s Journey Into Google Ads 05:40 – Who Is a Good Candidate for Google Ads? 08:30 – Why Your Digital Footprint Matters 09:46 – Google Ads for Insurance vs. Private Pay Practices 11:50 – Why Run Google Ads for Your Practice? 13:57 – Click-Through Rates and Conversion Rates 16:34 – Common Google Ads Myths and Mistakes 18:53 – Improving Lead Quality and Landing Pages Meet Brandon Grill Brandon Grill is a Google Ads expert focused on helping therapists and mental health practices. He specializes in improving every part of the lead generation process, from ads to conversion tracking to landing pages to conversion rate optimization (or CRO). His work is focused on helping private practices turn more clicks into qualified inquiries while making the most of their marketing budget. Brandon's Links Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42634300

The Free Google Tool Most Practice Owners Aren't Using with Mary Walker | WP 202 09/08/2026

The Free Google Tool Most Practice Owners Aren't Using with Mary Walker | WP 202 If you’re investing in SEO, how do you actually know if it’s working? In this episode, I’m joined by Mary Walker of Simplified SEO Consulting to break down Google Search Console and show practice owners how to use it to understand what’s happening with their website. We look at real data from my own counseling practice, including impressions, clicks, search queries, average position, and which pages are gaining or losing traction. Mary also explains how to identify the keywords bringing people to your website, determine whether those searches are actually attracting your ideal clients, and find opportunities to strengthen services you want to grow. We also talk about what to look for if you’ve been paying an SEO company and want to know whether your investment is actually improving your visibility over time. The best part? Google Search Console is free, and the information inside it can give you actionable ideas for your website, blogs, and overall marketing strategy. Mary is also offering Wise Practice listeners a waived onboarding fee for foundational SEO programs—a $350 value—as well as 10% off an SEO consulting package. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is my SEO actually working?” this episode will help you figure out exactly where to look. 06:13 – Why Therapists Struggle to Measure SEO 08:17 – Free Tools to Understand Your Website 10:45 – Why Google Search Console Is So Helpful 13:03 – Looking Inside Whitney’s Search Console 19:13 – Are You Attracting the Right Clients? 22:31 – Finding SEO Opportunities in Your Data 27:04 – How to Know If Your SEO Company Is Working 32:03 – Can Your SEO Keep Improving? 33:54 – Special SEO Offer for Wise Practice Listeners Show Sponsor Wise Practice Summit (Ticket sales end 9/11) If you're enjoying today's episode, I want to personally invite you to one of my favorite events of the year—the Wise Practice Summit, happening October 8th through 10th in Nashville, Tennessee. If you're a practice owner who wants practical strategies to grow your business, become a stronger leader, and connect with other faith-based practice owners who truly understand the unique challenges of this work, this event is for you. Over three days, you'll hear from incredible speakers, gain actionable tools you can implement right away, and connect with trusted partners like GreenOak Accounting and other experts who are dedicated to helping private practice owners thrive. More importantly, you'll be surrounded by a community of people who share your heart for serving others while building healthy, sustainable businesses. We're just a few weeks away, so if you've been thinking about joining us, now is the time to grab your ticket. I'd love to meet you in Nashville and spend those three days learning and growing together. Learn more here: Meet Mary Walker Mary Walker is the owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, where she helps private practice owners grow their businesses through ethical, strategic SEO. With dual Master’s degrees in Psychology and Digital Marketing, she brings a unique blend of human insight and technical expertise to her work. Mary is passionate about helping therapists and helping professionals feel confident in their online presence without losing the heart of what they do. She is also a mom of five and a strong advocate for building a business that supports both professional success and personal fulfillment. Mary Walker's Resources I’d love to offer listeners a waived onboarding fee for our foundational SEO programs, which is a $350 value, as well as 10% off our SEO consulting package). Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42541915

4 Ways Insurance-based Practices Quietly Lose Time and Money with Justin Ith | WP 201 09/01/2026

4 Ways Insurance-based Practices Quietly Lose Time and Money with Justin Ith | WP 201 If you take insurance in your practice, there’s a good chance you’re losing money somewhere in the process without even realizing it. In this episode, I’m joined by Justin Ith, co-founder and CEO of Aria, to talk about the hidden costs of accepting insurance and the places where revenue tends to slip through the cracks. We break down credentialing, eligibility verification, claim submission, and denials, and Justin shares what practice owners should be paying attention to in each area. We also talk about why so many denials actually start much earlier in the process, how small errors can turn into lost revenue, and how automation can help growing group practices reduce administrative work without continually adding more staff. If you’re running an insurance-based practice and want to protect your revenue while making the administrative side of your business easier, this episode is for you. 04:41 Meet Justin Ith, Co-Founder of Aria 05:27 The Story Behind Aria 10:07 Four Ways Insurance-Based Practices Lose Money 11:32 Credentialing Mistakes That Delay Revenue 14:28 Eligibility Checks & Medicaid Challenges 16:52 Claim Submission, Modifiers & Human Error 19:02 Why Insurance Denials Really Happen 23:56 How Aria Helps Practices Automate & Scale Show Sponsor Wise Practice Summit If you're enjoying today's episode, I want to personally invite you to one of my favorite events of the year—the Wise Practice Summit, happening October 8th through 10th in Nashville, Tennessee. If you're a practice owner who wants practical strategies to grow your business, become a stronger leader, and connect with other faith-based practice owners who truly understand the unique challenges of this work, this event is for you. Over three days, you'll hear from incredible speakers, gain actionable tools you can implement right away, and connect with trusted partners like GreenOak Accounting and other experts who are dedicated to helping private practice owners thrive. More importantly, you'll be surrounded by a community of people who share your heart for serving others while building healthy, sustainable businesses. We're just a few weeks away, so if you've been thinking about joining us, now is the time to grab your ticket. I'd love to meet you in Nashville and spend those three days learning and growing together. Learn more here: Meet Justin Ith Justin Ith is the co-founder and CEO of Aria, the practice automation platform for growing group practices. He has spent the past decade in health technology, with a focus on billing and revenue cycle, working with organizations of every size, from solo practices to large systems like Optum, Providence, and Seattle Children's. What he cares about most is the business side of running a practice: the owners who set out to help people and end up buried in back-office work they never trained for. That is the problem he started Aria to work on. Justin's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42464610

Why Knowing What to Do Isn't the Problem | WP 200 08/25/2026

Why Knowing What to Do Isn't the Problem | WP 200 Have you ever thought, “I know what I’m supposed to do, so why am I still stuck?” I’ve been there too. We can listen to all the podcasts, read all the books, take the courses, go to the conferences, and fill notebooks with great ideas. But knowing what to do and actually implementing it are two very different things. In this episode, I’m wrapping up our four-part series by talking about what I think so many practice owners are really missing: implementation and accountability. I’m sharing several stories of practice owners who didn’t find some magical strategy that suddenly fixed everything. They started taking small steps, asking questions, getting support, and actually doing the things they already knew they needed to do. One practice owner built a full caseload. Another finally started paying herself. Another reached the point where she could step away from her practice for several days and trust that everything would keep running. That kind of change happens one step at a time. I also share more about the Wise Practice Membership Community and why we’ve built it around not just teaching you what to do, but helping you actually implement it alongside other faith-based practice owners. So instead of asking yourself, “What should I learn next?” I want you to ask: What am I going to implement this week? 03:51 Why Knowing What to Do Isn’t Enough 05:44 Information Overload vs. Implementation 07:28 Why CEO Time Often Falls Apart 10:11 What Actually Creates Transformation 10:42 From Grad School to 50 Clients in Five Months 12:20 Rebuilding a Practice From Scratch 13:25 Making Changes That Finally Create Profit 15:12 Building a Practice That Can Run Without You Show Sponsor Ubuntu Freelancers Imagine starting your day knowing the phones are being answered, new client enquiries are being followed up, appointments are booked, your inbox is organised and your administrative systems are running smoothly. That’s what building the right team can do. One practice owner recently shared this after hiring through Ubuntu Freelancers: “I am elated with Nicole! I feel a huge relief every time I open my email. She has already made a huge impact helping me create routines and stay on top of daily priorities. I truly feel she is going to be a life-changing addition.” Ubuntu Freelancers helps therapy practices build high-performing remote administrative teams with carefully matched professionals who become a genuine extension of the practice. If you’re ready to spend less time managing your business and more time doing the work you love, Ubuntu would love to help. Wise Practice listeners receive five complimentary hours of onboarding support with every successful placement. Just mention the code WISE when you book your Discovery Call at . Links and Resources Join the Wise Practice Community (The Wise Practice Community will open for enrollment August 26–28.) /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42441160

The 10 Most Common Mistakes I See Practice Owners Make | WP 199 08/18/2026

The 10 Most Common Mistakes I See Practice Owners Make | WP 199 Running a private practice means making mistakes. The goal is not to avoid every single one. It is to recognize what is keeping you stuck and make changes before those patterns start controlling your business. In this solo episode, I’m sharing 10 mistakes I regularly see practice owners make, including trying to do everything themselves, making decisions based on emotions instead of data, chasing shiny objects, waiting too long to hire, and avoiding difficult conversations. We’ll also talk about why your practice will always go through changing seasons, how easily your identity can become tied to your business, and why consuming more information will not help unless you actually implement what you are learning. Y’all, you do not have to fix everything today. Choose one area that stood out to you and take one practical step forward. 00:00 Ubuntu Freelancers 01:39 Welcome and upcoming private practice webinar 03:30 Ten common mistakes practice owners make 05:40 Trying to do everything yourself 10:01 Data, shiny objects, and hiring 15:30 Difficult conversations and changing business seasons 18:55 Identity, investing, and implementation 24:10 Building community, episode recap, and Wise Practice membership Show Sponsor Ubuntu Freelancers If you’ve thought about hiring remotely but weren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. Questions about quality, communication and finding the right person stop many practice owners from taking the next step. That’s where Ubuntu Freelancers comes in. Ubuntu specialises in connecting therapy practices with exceptional South African professionals who have the skills, professionalism and experience to become valued members of your team. Every candidate is carefully vetted and matched to your practice, making the hiring process straightforward and stress-free. Whether you’re hiring your first Virtual Assistant or expanding your support team, Ubuntu guides you through every step of the journey. As a thank you to Wise Practice listeners, Ubuntu will cover the first five hours of onboarding support with every successful placement. Simply mention the code WISE when you contact Ubuntu at . Links and Resources Free Webinar: 10 Proven Strategies to Grow a Christian Private Practice [ August 25th ] Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42348640

The 12 KPIs Every Practice Owner Should Track | WP 198 08/11/2026

The 12 KPIs Every Practice Owner Should Track | WP 198 Are you making business decisions based on actual data, or are you chasing whatever shiny idea feels promising this month? When your practice has one great month followed by one disappointing month, it can be hard to know what is really working. You might invest more money in marketing, hire another therapist, or make a major change without having the numbers to support that decision. In this episode, I’m sharing the 12 key performance indicators, or KPIs, that every private practice owner should be tracking. These numbers can help you identify problems earlier, make calculated decisions, understand whether your marketing is paying off, and create more consistent growth in your practice. We’ll talk about the intake numbers that matter, including new inquiries, conversion rates, and no-show percentages. I’ll also explain how to measure the real value of your Google Ads, what to look for inside Google Search Console and your Google Business Profile, and why revenue alone does not tell the full financial story. For group practice owners, we’ll also cover payroll, operating expenses, therapist caseloads, client churn, and average length of stay. These metrics are not about judging your team. They are tools that help you start better conversations, improve the client experience, and make thoughtful decisions about the health of your practice. You do not have to track everything perfectly overnight. Choose one number from this episode and start there. What we consistently measure is much easier to understand, improve, and grow. 02:58 Why Your Practice Growth Feels Inconsistent 05:23 Why Measuring Your Numbers Matters 08:28 Intake KPIs Every Practice Should Track 10:36 Conversion Rates and Intake No-Shows 13:52 Marketing KPIs and Google Performance 17:18 Revenue, Payroll, and Operating Expenses 20:49 Therapist Caseloads and Client Churn 23:42 Average Length of Stay and Final Takeaways Show Sponsor Ubuntu Freelancers What happens when a potential new client calls while you’re in session? Maybe they leave a voicemail. Maybe they don’t. Either way, there’s a good chance they’ll call another practice. Every missed enquiry is someone looking for help, and every delayed response is a missed opportunity to grow your practice. Ubuntu Freelancers specialises in helping therapy practices build dedicated intake and administrative support teams who answer calls, respond to enquiries, schedule appointments and create an exceptional first impression for every client. Because Ubuntu Freelancer’s focus’s on behavioural health organisations, they understand what great client care looks like from the very first interaction. Wise Practice listeners receive five complimentary hours of onboarding support with every successful placement. Simply mention the code WISE when you book your Discovery Call at . Links and Resources Free Webinar: 10 Proven Strategies to Grow a Christian Private Practice [ August 25th ] The Wise Practice Community will open for enrollment August 26–28.) Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42258025

The Hidden Reason Your Practice Isn't Growing | WP 197 08/04/2026

The Hidden Reason Your Practice Isn't Growing | WP 197 What if the thing keeping your practice from growing isn’t your marketing, your website, or how hard you’re working? Y’all, most practice owners already know a whole lot about what they should be doing. The hard part is actually following through when you’re trying to make every decision, solve every problem, and carry the weight of the business by yourself. In this episode, I’m talking about why community may be the missing piece in your practice growth. I’m sharing how support, accountability, and honest feedback changed my own journey from solo practice owner to group practice leader. We’ll also talk about why more information isn’t always the answer and how having the right people beside you can help you move forward with more confidence. You were never meant to build your practice alone. 01:46 Free webinar invitation 02:47 The hidden reason your practice isn’t growing 05:18 Why practice ownership can feel so lonely 07:48 How community changed Whitney’s business 11:00 Why information alone doesn’t create growth 13:44 Every season of growth requires support 17:12 Inside the Wise Practice Community 19:28 Enrollment dates and webinar details Show Sponsor Ubuntu Freelancers If you became a therapist to help people, but now spend your evenings answering emails, managing schedules, chasing paperwork and trying to keep your practice running, you’re not alone. Ubuntu Freelancers helps therapy practices build dedicated remote administrative teams, so practice owners can spend less time managing the business and more time caring for clients. Unlike general staffing agencies, Ubuntu focuses on work with therapy practices and behavioural health organisations. They understand the unique demands of mental healthcare and carefully match practices with experienced Virtual Assistants, Intake Coordinators, Executive Assistants, Billing Specialists and Client Care Coordinators who become a trusted extension of your team. As a special offer for Wise Practice listeners, Ubuntu Freelancers will cover the first five hours of onboarding support with every successful placement. Simply mention the code WISE when you book your Discovery Call. Visit to learn more. Links and Resources Free Webinar: 10 Proven Strategies to Grow a Christian Private Practice [ August 25th ] Registration is required, so be sure to save your spot here: Join the Wise Practice Community The Wise Practice Community will open for enrollment August 26–28. Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42172300

5 Habits of the Most Successful Practice Owners | WP 196 07/28/2026

5 Habits of the Most Successful Practice Owners | WP 196 Y’all, building a successful private practice is not about chasing every new idea or reacting to every little problem. It is about creating steady habits that help you lead well, make smart decisions, and keep moving forward when things get hard. In this episode, I’m sharing five habits I consistently see in effective practice owners. We’re talking about staying consistent, developing leaders instead of simply managing employees, knowing your numbers, expecting change, and staying grounded in your faith. I’m also sharing honest examples from my own practice, including hiring through turnover, building a leadership team, tracking the data that actually matters, and learning not to make every decision based on emotion. Whether you are a solo practice owner or leading a growing team, these habits can help you build a practice that is sustainable, profitable, and aligned with the work God has called you to do. 1:35 Welcome and Why Private Practice Feels Harder 4:02 Five Habits of Effective Leaders 6:56 Choose Consistency Over Constant Change 10:39 Build Leaders, Not Just Employees 14:32 Know Your Numbers 18:45 Expect Change Instead of Resisting It 22:42 Stay Grounded in Something Bigger 24:54 Recap of the Five Habits 25:38 Wise Practice Summit and Closing Thoughts Show Sponsor Aria This episode is brought to you by Aria, the practice automation platform. You did the work. You billed for it. But did you actually collect it? If you take insurance, the gap between the care you delivered and what actually lands in the bank can be wider than you think. Aria’s reporting shows you that gap in plain numbers: what you charged, what you collected, and what’s still sitting unpaid. No more wondering where it went. Right now, Aria is giving the Wise Practice community a free first month of reporting, no contract. It works with SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, and other common EHRs, with more on the way. See where your money’s going at . Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/42121910

Private Practice Feels Different Right Now and How to Move Forward | WP 195 07/21/2026

Private Practice Feels Different Right Now and How to Move Forward | WP 195 What do you do when private practice feels heavier than usual? In this solo episode, I’m sharing honestly about the fear, stress, uncertainty, and pressure so many practice owners are carrying right now. From shifting caseloads and money worries to personal grief, leadership challenges, and the weight of caring for a team, this season has felt like a lot. If your practice feels hard right now, you are not alone. I’m talking about what I’ve been seeing in the private practice world, what I’ve been walking through personally, and how we can respond with faith, grace, community, and grounded rhythms instead of fear, overworking, or avoidance. Y’all, this is a real and honest conversation about leadership, faith, hard seasons, and remembering that this will not last forever. I also share why community matters so deeply right now and invite you to join us at the Wise Practice Summit, October 8–10 in Nashville, Tennessee. 04:04 Fear, caseload struggles, and money stress 05:11 Whitney’s honest update on a hard season 09:24 You are not alone if your practice is struggling 10:33 What not to do when things feel hard 12:16 Facing hard things with compassion and grace 13:36 Why practice owners need community 17:15 Finding rhythms that ground you 18:11 Remembering everything is a season 22:02 Wise Practice Summit invitation Show Sponsor Aria This episode is brought to you by Aria, the practice automation platform. You did the work. You billed for it. But did you actually collect it? If you take insurance, the gap between the care you delivered and what actually lands in the bank can be wider than you think. Aria’s reporting shows you that gap in plain numbers: what you charged, what you collected, and what’s still sitting unpaid. No more wondering where it went. Right now, Aria is giving the Wise Practice community a free first month of reporting, no contract. It works with SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, and other common EHRs, with more on the way. See where your money’s going at . Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41943960

Profitable Marketing: Marketing Tactics That Are Cheap and Generate Results With Joshua Brummel | WP 194 07/14/2026

Profitable Marketing: Marketing Tactics That Are Cheap and Generate Results With Joshua Brummel | WP 194 Y’all, marketing your practice does not have to mean spending a fortune and hoping something sticks. In this episode, I’m joined by Joshua Brummel, co-founder of Therapy Flow, to talk about practical marketing tactics that are low-cost, high-impact, and actually worth your time as a practice owner. We get into email marketing, reactivating past clients, networking in a way that feels more natural, creating content that can be repurposed across multiple platforms, lead magnets, SEO, and why your website still matters so much. Joshua brings such a clear and helpful perspective on what is working in marketing right now, especially for group practice owners who want to be intentional with their time, energy, and money. If you’ve been wondering how to get more consistent with your marketing without overcomplicating it, this conversation is going to give you some really practical places to start. 05:22 Marketing Tactics That Actually Create ROI 06:30 Why Email Marketing Still Works 09:24 How to Make Email Marketing Easier 12:16 Reactivating Past Clients 13:15 Networking With a Real Purpose 17:37 Repurposing Content for More ROI 19:11 Lead Magnets and Low-Cost Client Conversion 23:04 Why Volume Matters in Marketing 27:51 Website and Google Business Optimization 29:23 How TherapyFlow Helps Practice Owners Show Sponsor Aria This episode is brought to you by Aria, the practice automation platform. You did the work. You billed for it. But did you actually collect it? If you take insurance, the gap between the care you delivered and what actually lands in the bank can be wider than you think. Aria’s reporting shows you that gap in plain numbers: what you charged, what you collected, and what’s still sitting unpaid. No more wondering where it went. Right now, Aria is giving the Wise Practice community a free first month of reporting, no contract. It works with SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, and other common EHRs, with more on the way. See where your money’s going at . Meet Joshua Brummel Joshua is the Co-Founder of Therapy Flow, a marketing and CRM company. With over 8 years of experience working in the private practice space, he has played a pivotal role in helping practice owners build seven-figure businesses by driving marketing success for thousands of clients. Therapy Flow is known for its ability to help therapy practices launch paid ads. Having managed more than $3 million in ad spend, they know how to not only generate consistent clients but also ensure a return on investment. Joshua is the author of 'The Flow,' a newsletter with over 15,000 weekly readers. and host of group practice con, a practice owner conference designed for 7-figure practices. Joshua's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41895880

How to Know if Your Marketing is Working with Neal Samudre | WP 193 07/07/2026

How to Know if Your Marketing is Working with Neal Samudre | WP 193 Are you investing in marketing for your therapy practice but wondering if it’s actually working? In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I’m joined again by Neal Samudre, founder of Sambright, to talk about what practice owners really need to know before they decide to start, stop, or change their marketing strategy. We talk about why marketing is not a quick fix, how long you should give SEO or Google Ads before making decisions, and why practice owners need to understand their data instead of making choices out of fear or frustration. Neal breaks down the key numbers to watch, how to establish a baseline, and why feedback between you and your marketing partner matters so much. We also talk about the cost of inaction. Because if people in your community cannot find your practice, they cannot get the help they need. In this episode, we cover: ➡️ How to know if your marketing is working ➡️ Why you need an experimental mindset with marketing ➡️ How long to stick with SEO or Google Ads ➡️ What feedback to give your marketing partner ➡️ Why practice owners need to track inquiries and conversions ➡️ The difference between marketing problems and intake problems ➡️ Why outsourcing SEO and Google Ads can be better than hiring in-house ➡️ The cost of doing nothing in your practice growth If you are a Christian practice owner who wants to grow wisely, make better marketing decisions, and understand what your data is actually telling you, this conversation is for you. 00:00 Sponsored by Aria 05:23 Meet Neal Samudre 07:06 Is your marketing actually working? 11:28 How long to give SEO and Google Ads 17:37 What data practice owners should track 26:41 In-house marketing vs. outsourcing 30:03 The KPIs that matter most 42:34 When marketing works but intake is broken 43:55 The cost of inaction Show Sponsor Aria This episode is brought to you by Aria, the practice automation platform. You did the work. You billed for it. But did you actually collect it? If you take insurance, the gap between the care you delivered and what actually lands in the bank can be wider than you think. Aria’s reporting shows you that gap in plain numbers: what you charged, what you collected, and what’s still sitting unpaid. No more wondering where it went. Right now, Aria is giving the Wise Practice community a free first month of reporting, no contract. It works with SimplePractice, TherapyNotes, and other common EHRs, with more on the way. See where your money’s going at . Meet Neal Samudre Neal Samudre is the founder of Sambright, a digital marketing firm that helps health and wellness practices get more qualified inquiries with Google Ads, SEO, and AI search. He is also a former CMO, the author of the book "Start From Joy," and is a regular speaker on joy and personal development. He lives with his wife and children in Nashville, TN. Neal's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41800710

The Truth About Cutting Costs and Growing Your Practice in 2026 with Julie Herres | WP 192 06/30/2026

The Truth About Cutting Costs and Growing Your Practice in 2026 with Julie Herres | WP 192 Before you cut another expense in your practice, ask yourself this: what is it costing you *not* to have it? In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I’m joined by Julie Herres, founder of GreenOak Accounting, to talk about making wise money decisions in your private practice. Y’all, this has been a challenging year for practice owners. So many of us are feeling the pressure around finances, growth, staffing, marketing, and knowing where to invest our money. It can be tempting to start cutting costs just to feel more in control, but not every expense is the problem. Julie and I talk about how to look at your numbers with more clarity, how to know whether an expense is actually helping your practice grow, and why cutting something that saves you time or brings in revenue can sometimes cost you more in the long run. We also get into the habits of successful practice owners, including tracking your data, reviewing your finances regularly, surrounding yourself with the right experts, and making sure your personal lifestyle does not put pressure on your business. If you’ve been feeling nervous about money, unsure what to cut, or wondering where to invest next in your practice, this conversation will give you some practical things to think through. In this episode, we cover: * Why practice owners are feeling more cautious about money right now * The difference between cutting costs and cutting growth * How to think about ROI beyond just dollars * Why tracking your numbers matters so much * What successful practice owners are doing differently * When it’s time to get professional help * How to protect your practice from financial stress Julie and the GreenOak Accounting team will also be joining us at the Wise Practice Summit in Nashville, Tennessee, October 8–10. If you want to be in the room with other faith-based practice owners and experts who can help you grow with wisdom and clarity, I would love to see you there. 07:10 What to consider before cutting expenses 16:28 The importance of tracking your numbers 20:44 Habits of successful practice owners 27:44 Focusing on what actually moves the needle 30:59 Financial advice for practice owners right now 35:03 How to connect with GreenOak Accounting Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on Check out all of the podcasts on the Meet Julie Herres Julie Herres has helped hundreds of private practice owners gain financial freedom. Founder of GreenOak Accounting, the country’s largest firm serving healthcare private practices, Julie is an accountant, consultant, speaker, author of Profit First for Therapists and host of the Therapy for Your Money podcast. Julie's Resources /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41710605

Why Christian Practice Owners Need Each Other: The Case for Community, Connection, and Building Together in Faith - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 191 06/23/2026

Why Christian Practice Owners Need Each Other: The Case for Community, Connection, and Building Together in Faith - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 191 What if building your practice alone isn’t strength, but isolation? Y’all, practice ownership can feel lonely real quick. You’re making decisions about money, hiring, marketing, systems, leadership, and growth while also trying to stay grounded in your values and your faith. In this episode, Amy Dover wraps up her Wise Practice Podcast takeover with a conversation for Christian practice owners who feel called to build something bigger but are tired of carrying it all by themselves. Amy shares the unique tension of running a faith-aligned business, why community matters so much for practice owners, and what changed in her own practice when she stopped making every decision from gut feeling and started leaning into support, strategy, and wise counsel. She also talks about the real cost of isolation, the spiritual importance of being sharpened by others, and why managing is not the same as thriving. 4:13 Why Practice Owners Need Community Too 6:02 The Unique Tension Christian Practice Owners Carry 8:04 The Real Cost of Building Alone 9:46 The Spiritual Cost of Isolation 11:29 What Community Changed in Amy’s Practice 14:53 Managing Is Not the Same as Thriving 16:45 Who Built to Last Is For 19:50 Built to Last Mastermind Details 21:23 How to Join Built to Last 22:40 Final Encouragement for Practice Owners Show Sponsor SamBright Time for a quick shoutout to our sponsor, SamBright. How many hours did you spend on marketing this week? Tweaking your website, wondering why your SEO isn't moving, trying to figure out if your Google Ads are doing anything at all? For most practice owners, the answer is too many. And the frustrating part is, it still isn't filling your therapists’ schedules the way it should. SamBright takes all of that off your plate. SEO, Google Ads, local search run as one system with one goal: more qualified calls from people who are ready to book. You focus on running your practice. They focus on making sure more clients find you. Book a call at . Amy Dover's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41416745

What I Would Do Differently If I Were Starting a Group Practice Today - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 190 06/16/2026

What I Would Do Differently If I Were Starting a Group Practice Today - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 190 What would you tell yourself if you could go back to the very beginning of your group practice? Y’all, that question will make you think. In this episode, Amy Dover is taking over the podcast again as part of her June series on group practice ownership. Amy is a licensed marriage and family therapist, owner of Dover Counseling Services in southeastern Alabama, and a Wise Practice consultant with over a decade of experience building and leading a group practice. Today, Amy is talking about what she would do differently if she were starting a group practice all over again. And her answer might surprise you. Before the systems, the compensation models, the hiring processes, or the spreadsheets, Amy says the first thing she would tell herself is this: find your people. Amy shares the honest lessons she has learned about money, scarcity mindset, hiring, leadership, people-pleasing, and stepping out of the therapist role and into the CEO role. She also talks about the spiritual side of practice ownership, including what it looks like to stop striving, trust God with the outcome, and build a practice that is sustainable instead of exhausting. If you are a Christian practice owner who feels like you are trying to figure it all out alone, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath. 4:39 What Amy Would Tell Herself Before Starting a Practice 9:09 Money Mistakes and Compensation Lessons 11:03 Scarcity Mindset and Financial Fear 12:12 Why Profit Can Honor God 13:55 Hiring Lessons for Group Practice Owners 16:21 People-Pleasing vs. Practice Needs 18:24 Stepping Into the CEO Role 20:36 Why Busyness Is Not Faithfulness 22:16 Learning to Stop Striving Show Sponsor SamBright This episode is sponsored by SamBright, the marketing growth partner for your practice. You didn't start a practice to spend your evenings figuring out why your ads aren't converting. You built it to help people. SamBright handles the growth side, so you don't have to think about it. Their team builds and manages your SEO, Google Ads, and local search presence. For larger practices, they even nurture clients with their email and SMS marketing. Most clients start seeing new client calls within 30 days of launch. If you want to get back to running your practice by offloading the marketing, book a call at sambright.com/schedule. That's . Amy Dover's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41407790

Is It Time To Hire Your First Therapist? What Nobody Tells You about the Leap From Solo to Group - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 189 06/09/2026

Is It Time To Hire Your First Therapist? What Nobody Tells You about the Leap From Solo to Group - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 189 Amy Dover is taking over the Wise Practice Podcast for this special June series, and today she’s talking about one of the biggest milestones in private practice: hiring your first therapist. In this episode, Amy shares the story of hiring her first clinician, the mistakes she made early on, and what she wishes someone had told her before she stepped into the role of employer and leader. She talks honestly about the difference between simply adding another therapist and actually building the systems, expectations, contracts, culture, and leadership foundation your practice needs to grow well. If you’re a solo practice owner wondering whether it’s time to hire, this conversation will help you think through your referral pipeline, your readiness to lead, your values, your infrastructure, and the fear that can sometimes keep you stuck. Amy also shares about her upcoming mastermind, Built to Last: Growing from a Solo Practice to a Group, for Christian practice owners who are ready to make their first hire or grow beyond their first team member. 5:02 The story behind Amy’s first hire 7:18 Why “get busy, hire” is not enough 8:21 The danger of hiring without systems or a roadmap 10:08 Hiring without a contract 12:37 Why your first therapist needs clear direction 13:28 How to know if you’re not ready to hire 17:39 What readiness to hire actually looks like 19:39 When hiring becomes a faith question 22:37 Built to Last: Growing from Solo Practice to Group 24:08 Early bird discount and registration details Show Sponsor SamBright Today's sponsor is SamBright, and if you've ever paid for SEO or Google Ads and felt like you had nothing to show for it, stick with me for a second. Most marketing agencies sell you one channel. They measure success with impressions and click reports that don't tell you whether your phone actually rang. That's the problem, not you. SamBright runs SEO, Google Ads, and AI search together because that's how clients make decisions now. They even run email and SMS marketing for larger practices. One system covers multiple channels. And every Monday morning you get a plain-English update on how it's going. If your practice’s caseloads should be fuller than they are, book a call at Amy Dover's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41407300

The Loneliness of Leading a Practice Nobody Around You Understands - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 188 06/02/2026

The Loneliness of Leading a Practice Nobody Around You Understands - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 188 Leading a practice can feel lonely in a way most people don’t fully understand. In this special Amy Dover takeover episode, Amy kicks off a four-part series for the month of June by naming something a lot of practice owners feel but don’t always say out loud: the loneliness of leadership. Whether you’re a solo practice owner or leading a group, there are decisions you carry that your spouse, friends, team, or even other business owners may not be able to fully understand. You’re holding clinical complexity, financial responsibility, ethical decisions, leadership pressure, and for Christian practice owners, faith and calling too. Y’all, that is a lot to carry. Amy shares honestly about a hard season in her own practice when Dover Counseling became a seven-figure practice, the culture began to shift, and she found herself sitting alone in her office trying to figure out what had gone wrong. She talks about the pain of leading through that season, the decision to move from 1099 to W2, and the relief that came when she finally found consulting and community with other practice owners who truly understood. This episode is for the practice owner who looks like she’s holding it all together but feels alone behind the scenes. 4:07 Why practice owners need time with other practice owners 6:17 Amy Dover begins part one of the June takeover series 6:51 The loneliness of leading a practice 10:45 Amy’s seven-figure practice milestone and culture shift 15:30 Moving from 1099 to W2 and the cost of change 16:55 The unique loneliness of Christian practice ownership 25:30 Built to Last: Growing From a Solo Practice to a Group Show Sponsor SamBright This episode is brought to you by SamBright, the growth solution for practices that want to get found. Here's what most practice owners don't realize: your patients aren't just Googling anymore. They're asking ChatGPT. They're clicking the first ad they see. They check your Google Maps listing in about ten seconds. If you're not showing up across those places, those calls go to someone else. Simple as that. SamBright runs SEO, Google Ads, and AI search optimization together as one system. For larger practices, they even run your email and SMS marketing. It’s built for your practice and managed by their team, every week. Book a discovery call at Amy Dover's Resources Links and Resources /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41400625

Reverse Interview: Whitney Owens on Building Multiple Income Streams with Laura Long | WP 187 05/26/2026

Reverse Interview: Whitney Owens on Building Multiple Income Streams with Laura Long | WP 187 I’m usually the one asking the questions around here… but in this episode, Laura Long flips the script and interviews me about something I know so many of y’all are thinking about right now: What does it actually look like to build income streams beyond the therapy room? We got real about the journey behind Wise Practice, the fears and risks that came with starting something new, and the tension so many therapists feel when they know they’re called to more but aren’t sure where to begin. This isn’t one of those “just create passive income” conversations. We talk honestly about the emotional resistance, identity shifts, mistakes, faith, burnout, and risk-taking that come with building something outside your private practice. I also share the story of how Wise Practice was born, the seasons where I doubted myself, and what I wish I had known before stepping into entrepreneurship. If you’ve had an idea sitting on your heart for years, this episode might be the push you need to finally take the next step. 4:13 Laura Interviews Whitney on Building Multiple Income Streams 8:47 The Moment Whitney Knew She Had to Start Wise Practice 13:17 Leaving Everything Behind and Starting Over 17:57 The Reality of Building an Online Business 23:30 Why “Passive Income” Isn’t Actually Passive 32:14 Advice for Therapists Who Want Another Income Stream 38:46 Entrepreneurship Requires Risk 43:19 Inside the Call to More Mastermind Show Sponsor Simplified SEO ($50 Off Strategy Sessions) If you’re not quite ready for ongoing SEO services but know you need direction, a strategy session might be exactly what you’re looking for. At Simplified SEO Consulting, our strategy sessions are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear plan forward. We take a deep dive into your website, your goals, and your current visibility, then provide actionable recommendations you can implement right away. This is perfect for private practice owners who want expert guidance without a long-term commitment. Right now, we’re offering $50 off our SEO strategy sessions for listeners of this podcast. If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure what to prioritize next, this is a great first step. You can book your session at . Laura’s Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41232190

Is Now the Time to Build an Additional Stream of Income? | Podcast Takeover with Laura Long | WP 186 05/19/2026

Is Now the Time to Build an Additional Stream of Income? | Podcast Takeover with Laura Long | WP 186 What if the next step in your practice isn’t more clients… but something completely new? In this special Wise Practice podcast takeover, Laura Long joins the show to talk about multiple income streams for therapists, how to know when you’re ready to expand, and why “passive income” usually isn’t as passive as social media makes it sound. From supervision and teaching to consulting, intensives, and online business ideas, Laura shares practical ways clinicians can grow without burning themselves out. If you’ve been feeling pulled toward “something more,” this episode is for you. 4:24 Why therapists start wondering “what’s next?” 14:02 The truth about “passive income” for therapists 20:26 4 categories of alternative income streams 25:00 Clinical expansion ideas beyond group practice 34:16 Green lights and warning signs before starting something new 40:33 Practical next steps to explore your ideas 43:57 Laura shares the Called to More Mastermind Show Sponsor Simplified SEO 10% Off Local SEO (Duration of Contract) If you’re a local private practice owner, your visibility in your specific community matters more than anything else. Local SEO is what helps your practice show up when someone searches for services like yours in your area, and it can make the difference between a full caseload and being overlooked. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we focus on helping helping professionals dominate their local search results through strategic optimization, content, and ongoing support. We understand how important it is to connect with clients in your community, and we build strategies that support long-term growth. For podcast listeners, we’re offering 10% off our local SEO services for the entire duration of your contract. If you’re ready to become more visible in your local area, you can learn more at Laura's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41195095

Billing Without Guilt: Creating a Cancellation Policy That Works with Beth Rontal, LICSW | WP 185 05/12/2026

Billing Without Guilt: Creating a Cancellation Policy That Works with Beth Rontal, LICSW | WP 185 Y’all ever feel that little knot in your stomach when it’s time to talk about money with a client? Like you know you’re called to this work… but charging for it still feels uncomfortable? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Beth Rontal, a clinical social worker and documentation expert who has helped thousands of therapists turn their clinical work into clear, compliant notes that actually protect their practice and their income. But what we really get into is something so many of us wrestle with and don’t always say out loud… the guilt around getting paid. We talk about why that guilt shows up, especially for those of us who see this work as a calling, and how to shift your mindset so you can serve your clients well without burning yourself out in the process. Beth also shares practical, real-world strategies around cancellation policies, no-shows, and getting paid in a way that’s both firm and relational. Y’all, this is the kind of conversation that can change how you run your practice day to day. If you’ve ever struggled with setting boundaries, enforcing your policies, or just feeling confident asking for what your time is worth, this one’s for you. 0:00 Sponsor: Simplified SEO 1:30 Episode intro: why cancellation policies matter 5:50 Meet Beth Rontal + her background 8:10 Therapist guilt around charging clients 9:30 “You’re getting paid for your time” mindset shift 13:43 Building a clear cancellation policy (what actually works) 18:00 What counts as an emergency (and what doesn’t) 26:27 Getting paid consistently (and why upfront matters) Show Sponsor Simplified SEO If you already have a website and some marketing in place but aren’t seeing the results you expected, it might be time to take a closer look at your SEO strategy. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we offer personalized consulting packages designed to help private practice owners understand what’s working, what’s not, and exactly what to do next. Whether you need help with keyword strategy, content planning, or improving your search visibility, we guide you step by step so you can make confident, informed decisions. Right now, we’re offering 10% off our SEO consulting packages for listeners of this podcast. This is a great option if you want expert insight without committing to a full-service plan. To learn more or get started, visit Meet Beth Rontal, LICSW Beth Rontal LICSW, did not set out to become The Documentation Wizard. She spent 20 years as a theater costume designer before answsering a higher calling to become a trauma therapist. For over two decades, she has helped thousands of therapists transform their clinical intuition into clear, compliant documentation that passes audits and protects both client confidentiality and therapist income. She developed these skills while supervising clinicians and helping to create a mental health clinic's first digital documentation system. As a nationally known documentation expert, Beth's trainings, forms, and consultations provide structure and clarity that translate clinical work into notes reflecting high-quality care. She continues to maintain her clinical practice in Boston, MA. Beth's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on Check out all of the podcasts on the /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/41065465

Creating Passive Income in Private Practice with Jenny Melrose | WP 184 05/05/2026

Creating Passive Income in Private Practice with Jenny Melrose | WP 184 Y’all ever feel like you’ve got a really good idea… but no clue how to actually turn it into income? Maybe you’ve thought about creating a course, writing a book, or building some kind of passive income stream—but it just feels overwhelming. Or maybe you’ve tried, and it didn’t go the way you hoped. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Jenny Melrose to talk about what it really looks like to build something outside the therapy room that actually works. Not just more content. Not just more followers. But a strategy that leads to real growth. We’re getting into where therapists get stuck when it comes to passive income, why your audience matters more than your idea, and how to create something people will actually buy without feeling salesy. If you’ve ever thought, “I know I could be doing more… I just don’t know where to start,” this one’s for you. 05:00 Meet Jenny + her story 11:24 Where to start with passive income 16:00 Why email lists drive sales 24:00 Social media vs real growth 27:39 Simple strategy to sell your offer Show Sponsor Simplified SEO If you're a therapist or private practice owner trying to grow your business online, you’ve probably heard that SEO matters, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. That’s where they come in. Simplified SEO Consulting specializes in helping helping professionals increase their visibility on Google in a way that feels ethical, sustainable, and aligned with your values. They don’t believe in shortcuts or one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, they create customized SEO plans designed to help you attract the right clients consistently over time. To make it easier to get started, they're currently offering a waived onboarding fee for our foundational SEO programs, which is a $350 value. If you’ve been thinking about investing in your long-term growth, this is a great place to begin. You can learn more at Meet Jenny Melrose Jenny Melrose is a business strategist and host of the Practice to Profit podcast, where she helps entrepreneurs turn inconsistent income into sustainable, CEO-level growth. She specializes in helping solopreneurs simplify their strategy, focus on the metrics that actually matter, and build businesses that support their life—not consume it. Jenny is known for breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable steps that create momentum without burnout. Jenny's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40982310

The Marketing Secret Most Practice Owners Miss with Kris Jones | WP 183 04/28/2026

The Marketing Secret Most Practice Owners Miss with Kris Jones | WP 183 Y’all… if your website feels confusing, overwhelming, or just not bringing in the right clients… this one might hit a little too close to home. Because the truth is, most practice owners don’t have a marketing problem. They have a messaging problem. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Kris Jones to talk about something that can completely change how your practice grows without adding more to your plate. We’re talking about story. Not fluff. Not branding buzzwords. A clear, simple way to communicate what you do so the right clients actually say, “This is exactly what I’ve been looking for.” If you’ve ever wondered why people land on your website and don’t reach out… or why your marketing feels like a full-time job… this conversation is going to give you a totally different way to think about it. And honestly, it might just simplify everything. 02:14 The Missing Piece: Your Story 06:04 Meet Kris Jones + What She Does 10:22 What StoryBrand Actually Is 15:34 You’re Not the Hero — You’re the Guide 22:01 Why You Need One Clear Problem 28:03 The 5-Second Website Test Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you’re in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It’s a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet Kris Jones In a world where most business owners are drowning in marketing tactics, Kris Jones discovered something shocking: a single, well-crafted story can replace all your marketing and double your sales. As the founder of Red Door Stories and a hand-selected mentee of StoryBrand's Donald Miller, Kris has perfected the art of turning expertise into irresistible messaging that sells. Kris Jones’ Resources Grab the Free Video & Toolkit: Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40927370

Building a Sustainable Therapy Practice When Life is Heavy with Rebeca Gilbert | WP 182 04/21/2026

Building a Sustainable Therapy Practice When Life is Heavy with Rebeca Gilbert | WP 182 If you’ve ever tried to lead your practice well while your real life feels heavy… this one’s for you. Because let’s be honest, y’all—no one teaches you how to run a business, care for clients, honor your faith, and carry your own hard season at the same time. In this conversation, I’m joined by Rebeca Gilbert, and we’re talking about what it actually looks like to build a sustainable therapy practice when life doesn’t let up. Not in theory—but in the middle of real pressure, grief, and uncertainty. We get into the tension so many of us feel… When does showing up for your clients become too much? How do you know when it’s time to keep going—and when it’s time to step back? And what does “success” even mean when your priorities shift? Rebeca shares her story of navigating private practice during an incredibly heavy season, and how it reshaped the way she thinks about boundaries, income, time, and calling. This episode is a reminder that sustainability isn’t a fixed formula. It’s something you reevaluate in every season. And sometimes, being faithful doesn’t mean getting bigger. It means slowing down, adjusting your expectations, and building a practice that actually supports your life—not just your business. If you’ve been feeling stretched, tired, or questioning what’s next… I think this conversation is going to meet you right where you are. 6:00 Meet Rebeca Gilbert 9:00 Life Changes: Her Husband’s Cancer Diagnosis 14:40 When It Became Unsustainable 18:00 Deciding to Step Away from Practice 25:00 Rebuilding After a Hard Season 29:00 Redefining Success + Sustainability 31:30 Final Encouragement for Therapists Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you’re in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It’s a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet Rebeca Gilbert, LPC (GA), LMHC (FL), EMDR-C, ACS Rebeca Gilbert is a Licensed Professional Counselor and somatic trauma therapist serving women in Florida and Georgia, specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and body-based trauma care. She is a faith-centered private practice owner who helps clients and clinicians move out of survival mode by honoring nervous system regulation, ethical care, and sustainable rhythms of work and rest. Rebeca bridges neuroscience, somatic wisdom, and Christian faith to challenge hustle-driven models of success in therapy and business. Her work invites clinicians to build practices rooted in safety, stewardship, and trust rather than fear or burnout. Rebeca's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40812015

The Secret to Marketing Without Feeling Salesy with Bianca Hughes | WP 181 04/14/2026

The Secret to Marketing Without Feeling Salesy with Bianca Hughes | WP 181 If marketing your practice feels uncomfortable, you’re not alone. Y’all, most of us didn’t get trained in this. We thought we’d be sitting with clients… not figuring out websites, messaging, and how to get found. In this episode, I’m talking with Bianca Hughes about how to market your practice in a way that actually feels natural and not salesy. We get into why therapists avoid marketing, how imposter syndrome shows up, and what really helps clients find you. Here’s the big takeaway. Marketing isn’t about performing. It’s about being clear on who you help and being yourself. Because the right clients are already looking. They just need to be able to find you. 9:46 Why Therapists Avoid Marketing (And Feel So Awkward Doing It) 12:16 The Confidence Shift That Changes Everything 16:37 The Messaging Mistake Keeping Clients From Finding You 19:00 Why Your Website Isn’t Converting (And What to Say Instead) 22:32 The “Secret” to Marketing That Actually Works 26:07 Should You Market Yourself as a Christian Therapist? 28:41 What If Clients Are Already Looking for YOU? Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you’re in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It’s a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet Bianca Hughes, LPC Bianca Hughes is a compassionate therapist whose heart-work breaks down barriers in mental health, guiding high achievers from the prison of perfectionism toward authentic self-discovery and profound inner peace. Through her powerful speaking, she touches lives by illuminating the path to freedom from perfectionism, creating transformative experiences that ripple through organizations and individuals alike. With genuine care, she leads the Soulful Clinician Collective, a mentorship community for new and early-career therapists navigating what's next in their careers, providing real guidance and actionable steps to build financially sustainable careers without the burnout, gatekeeping or the 'therapists can't make money' narrative. Bianca's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40639020

The Hard Truth: 5 Things Practice Owners Shouldn’t Be Doing with Zack Ufland | WP 180 04/07/2026

The Hard Truth: 5 Things Practice Owners Shouldn’t Be Doing with Zack Ufland | WP 180 Y’all ever look around at your practice and realize you’re doing something just because “that’s how everyone else does it”… but deep down, it’s not really working? In this episode, I’m sitting down with Zack Ufland to talk through five things practice owners might need to stop doing. And I’ll be honest, some of these might ruffle a few feathers. We’re talking about things like offering free consults, giving too much grace with cancellations, trying to do everything yourself, and more. These are habits a lot of us pick up along the way without ever really questioning them. What I love about this conversation is that it’s not about shame or judgment. It’s about getting honest. Are you making decisions from fear, or from what actually supports the kind of practice you’re trying to build? We also get into the reality that not everything is black and white. What makes sense in one season of your business might not make sense in another. But if you’ve been feeling stretched thin, second-guessing your systems, or wondering why things aren’t clicking the way you hoped, this episode is for you. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is take a step back and ask, “Is this actually serving me… or is it just what I’ve always done?” 08:03 Stop Offering Free 15-Minute Consultations 13:35 Stop Giving “Grace” for Missed Appointments 18:02 Stop Relying on a DIY Website That Undersells Your Practice 24:48 Stop Saying Yes to Clients Who Aren’t a Good Fit 28:46 Stop Doing Everything Yourself Just to Save Money Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you’re in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It’s a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet Zack Ufland, LMFT Zack Ufland is a private practice owner, consultant, and leader who is passionate about helping therapists build sustainable, thriving practices. After transitioning out of agency work, Zack successfully built a private pay practice—Paradigm Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina—and later expanded into a group practice alongside his wife. He’s known for his focus on creating strong systems, healthy boundaries, and a positive team culture that actually supports both clinicians and clients. Today, Zack helps practice owners grow with intention so their business can support the life they truly want, and he also serves as a consultant with Wise Practice Consulting. Zack's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40596960

How to Leave a Group Practice and Start Your Own (The Right Way) with Zack Ufland | WP 179 03/31/2026

How to Leave a Group Practice and Start Your Own (The Right Way) with Zack Ufland | WP 179 Thinking about leaving your group practice… but not sure when (or how) to actually do it? In this episode, Whitney sits down with Zack Ufland to talk through what it really looks like to step out on your own and build a private practice that actually supports your life. From timing your exit to managing risk and setting up your foundation, this conversation goes beyond logistics and gets into the mindset required to make it work. Zack shares how he knew it was time to leave, how he prepared financially, and the practical steps he took to create a smooth transition for both himself and his clients. He also opens up about the emotional side of starting a business, including fear, uncertainty, and the determination it takes to follow through. If you’ve been wondering whether private practice is the right move, or you’re in the early stages of planning your exit, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next step. 7:53 How to Know When It’s Actually Time to Leave 9:31 The Question Most Therapists Skip: Why Are You Leaving? 11:08 Calculated Risk: Can You Afford to Make the Leap? 13:30 What to Do Before You Put in Your Notice 15:49 Making the Transition Seamless for Your Clients 17:17 Startup Costs: It’s Simpler Than You Think 21:26 The Mindset You Need to Make It Work 24:42 Fear vs. Values: What’s Driving Your Decision? 25:16 Faith, Risk, and Trusting the Process Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you’re in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It’s a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. You don’t have to figure this out alone. Meet Zack Ufland, LMFT Zack Ufland is a private practice owner, consultant, and leader who is passionate about helping therapists build sustainable, thriving practices. After transitioning out of agency work, Zack successfully built a private pay practice—Paradigm Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina—and later expanded into a group practice alongside his wife. He’s known for his focus on creating strong systems, healthy boundaries, and a positive team culture that actually supports both clinicians and clients. Today, Zack helps practice owners grow with intention so their business can support the life they truly want, and he also serves as a consultant with Wise Practice Consulting. Zack's Resources Links and Resources /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40578405

Caring for the Vulnerable While Building a Sustainable Practice with Susan Melendez Doak, LPC | WP 178 03/24/2026

Caring for the Vulnerable While Building a Sustainable Practice with Susan Melendez Doak, LPC | WP 178 What does it look like to care for vulnerable clients without burning out your team or compromising the sustainability of your practice? In this episode, I’m joined by Susan Melendez Doak, LPC, a group practice owner in rural Oregon who has built a practice centered on serving her local community, including Medicaid clients and other often-overlooked populations. Susan shares how she created a model that reflects her values while still making financial sense. We talk about the real challenges of serving high-need clients, what makes this work sustainable, and why alignment matters so much when you’re building a practice that’s meant to last. We also talk about diversifying payer sources, supporting clinicians who do heavy trauma work, improving access to care, and creating a practice culture that attracts people who care deeply about the mission. This is a thoughtful conversation about business, faith, values, and what it means to build a practice that serves people well. 08:50 From Solo To Group Practice + Serving Rural Clients 10:02 Medicaid Misconceptions + Financial Sustainability 16:49 Diversifying Income + Building A Balanced Practice 23:06 Preventing Burnout + Supporting Your Team 26:10 Hiring For Values + Long-Term Alignment 29:25 What’s Next + The Power Of Community In this episode, we cover: Why Susan chose to build her practice in a rural community Common misconceptions about working with Medicaid clients How to create a financially sustainable practice model Ways to support clinicians working with complex trauma Why values alignment matters in hiring and retention How increasing access can transform who your practice reaches If you’ve ever wondered how to run a healthy practice while staying connected to the heart of the work, this episode is for you. Sponsor Wise Practice Community Running a private practice can feel lonely. You’re making big decisions, trying to grow, and wondering if you’re doing it right. That’s why I created the Wise Practice Community. It’s a membership for faith-based practice owners who want support building a healthy, sustainable practice. Inside, we focus on marketing, hiring, systems, finances, and leadership, with live trainings, accountability, and a community that gets it. We’ve recently revamped everything to make it simpler and more effective. Enrollment opens on March 25th and is only open for three days. If you want more clarity, support, and connection, this is for you. Join at for $89/month. Meet Susan Melendez Doak, LPC Susan Melendez Doak is a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and the group practice owner at Newberg Counseling & Wellness in Newberg, Oregon. Susan and her team provide compassionate counseling services with a mission to empower our local community with the skills and the courage to handle the challenges of life. Susan Melendez Doak's Resources Links and Resources /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40516310

Scaling to Multiple Locations with Todd Call | WP 177 03/17/2026

Scaling to Multiple Locations with Todd Call | WP 177 What does it actually look like to grow a group practice across multiple locations? In this episode, I’m joined by Todd Call, co-owner of Triology, a Christian counseling group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has nearly three decades of experience as a therapist, and today his work focuses on visionary leadership and building organizations that help people thrive. Todd shares how Triology began with a simple conversation between two therapists whose caseloads were full and whose waiting lists kept growing. Instead of continuing to turn people away, they started asking a bigger question: What would it look like to keep saying yes to the people who need help? That question eventually led them to hire therapists, expand their team, and build a practice that now serves multiple communities across Montana. We talk through what it’s really like to grow beyond a single office. Todd shares the early days of running two locations, navigating long travel distances between towns, and figuring out how to keep a team connected when people aren’t working under the same roof. Todd also opens up about the leadership shifts that came with growth. Early on, he realized that simply having an open-door policy wasn’t enough to support a growing staff. As the practice expanded, he and his partner had to create more structure, strengthen their leadership systems, and clarify the mission driving their work. We also discuss how faith plays a role in Triology’s mission and how Todd and his team partner with churches and communities to support mental health in a holistic way. In this episode, we discuss: Why does expanding to a new location often require a completely different marketing strategy The leadership changes that happen when a practice grows beyond one office How culture evolves when teams are spread across multiple locations What Todd learned after losing $40,000 in early billing mistakes Why staying connected in person still matters when managing a growing team If you’re thinking about opening a second location or wondering what it takes to scale a practice across cities or states, this conversation will give you a realistic look at the opportunities and challenges that come with expansion. 13:06 Early Multi-Location Challenges: Mileage, Meetings, And Systems 15:22 Traction + The Shift To Real Leadership Systems And A Bigger Vision 17:00 Faith In The Practice: Helping People Thrive (Mind, Body, Soul) 19:12 Current Setup: Four Locations And How They’re Structured 20:04 Big Warning: Marketing Changes When You Expand Past An Hour 22:35 Keeping Culture Strong: In-Person Training, Weekly Supervision, Travel 24:19 Billing Lessons: $40K Mistake And Why In-House Billing Matters 26:14 Microcultures Are Real: How To Scale Without Losing Your Values 29:12 Why Todd Joined Wise Practice (And What He Gets From Community) Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and thought, “I know I’m a good therapist… so why isn’t my caseload fuller?” — you’re not alone. Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it’s not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability. I’m Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I’m hosting a free live training called on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this webinar, I’ll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload. If you’re a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I’d love for you to join me. Meet Todd Call, MS, LMFT LCPC Todd is the co-owner of Thrivology, a Christian group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has 29 years experience as a therapist, and is now focused on the visionary leadership of people and organizations. He is married with 7 children and 7 pets, so please pray for his wife! Todd's Resources Links and Resources (Doors close March 27th) Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40321950

How to Build a Specialty Practice That Attracts the Right Clients with David Sanchez | WP 176 03/10/2026

How to Build a Specialty Practice That Attracts the Right Clients with David Sanchez | WP 176 Have you ever asked yourself, Should I niche down… or am I going to lose clients if I do? I hear this question all the time from practice owners. We’re trained to treat a wide range of issues, so choosing a specialty can feel risky. But what if clarity is actually the thing that creates momentum in your practice? In this episode, I sit down with David Sanchez, founder of Charlotte Counseling Associates, to talk about how he built a highly specialized, faith-based group practice focused on sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and couples healing. What began as a general solo practice slowly evolved into a clear niche — and that decision transformed his referrals, marketing, and long-term vision. Inside this conversation, we talk about: • How David discovered his niche and knew it was the right fit • What changed in his caseload once he specialized • How to research whether your niche is needed in your city • Hiring and training associates within a specialty model • Why clarity in your messaging makes marketing easier, not harder We also discuss the deeper layer behind niching — passion. When you care deeply about the work, it fuels your energy, your leadership, and your sustainability as a business owner. If you’ve been wondering whether it’s time to specialize your solo or group practice, this episode will help you think strategically and confidently about your next steps. Listen in and start building a practice that attracts the right clients — on purpose. 10:28 When a General Practice Becomes a Niche Practice 12:42 Hiring for a Specialty Model 14:48 Training and Maintaining Clinical Excellence 15:55 How to Research Demand in Your City 17:34 Marketing a Niched Practice Clearly 18:39 The Role of Passion in Sustainability 20:13 Shifting from 1099 to W2 22:33 What Changed After Joining the Mastermind 26:03 The Power of Community for Practice Owners 28:00 How to Connect with David Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM If you’ve ever looked at your calendar and thought, “I know I’m a good therapist… so why isn’t my caseload fuller?” — you’re not alone. Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it’s not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability. I’m Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I’m hosting a free live training called “Why Your Caseload Isn’t Full (Even Though You’re a Great Therapist)” on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this webinar, I’ll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload. If you’re a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I’d love for you to join me. Meet David Sanchez, MS, LCMHCS, CSATS, Brainspotting Certified, EMDR Trained, DARTT Trauma Trained In October 2014, David Sanchez started his solo practice, Charlotte Counseling Associates, out of a strong desire to serve others dealing with mental health and addictions. In 2017, Charlotte Counseling Associates PLLC moved to a larger location in beautiful South Park on Fairview Rd. By 2018, he remembered his vision to create a group practice as there was a deep need in the community, and he wanted to work alongside intelligent and talented therapist professionals. As of January 2026, David is grateful to have five therapist professional associates (specialized in sex and porn addiction and betrayal trauma), a payroll specialist, and a new client coordinator and office admin as part of his staff. David is planning to hire at least two more therapists in 2026. CCA’s mission is to help individuals, couples, and families heal, recover, and move forward from affairs, sex addiction, betrayal, trauma, and more in Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The ultimate goal is not only stopping the acting out behavior, but improving trust, connection, communication, vulnerability, empathy, and overall intimacy in the relationship and family system. David's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on Check out all of the podcasts on the /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40245885

How to Get Insurance Companies to Raise Your Rates with Jeremy Hinote, LPC, NCC, CPCS | WP 175 03/03/2026

How to Get Insurance Companies to Raise Your Rates with Jeremy Hinote, LPC, NCC, CPCS | WP 175 What if your lowest-paying insurance panel is costing you thousands a year… and you didn’t even realize you could ask for a raise? In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hinote, owner of Savannah River Counseling in Augusta, Georgia, to break down exactly how he negotiated a major reimbursement increase with one of the most notoriously difficult payers: Tricare. And yes, it worked. Jeremy shares the step-by-step process he used to: • Identify his lowest reimbursement rate • Research what others in his area were being paid • Prepare a compelling renegotiation letter • Push back (professionally) multiple times • Secure a $20 per session increase We also talk through the emotional side of the process. The fear of losing a panel. The tension between serving clients and running a sustainable business. And the mindset shift required to advocate for your value. If you’re insurance-based, considering joining panels, or wondering whether you’re being underpaid, this conversation will give you practical tools and the confidence to start asking better questions. Jeremy also shares specific resources, negotiation tips, and what insurance companies actually care about when reviewing rate increase requests. If you’ve ever thought, “I guess this is just what they pay,” this episode may change your perspective. 06:15 How we met (and why he joined Wise Practice right away) 09:42 The real problem: insurance rates that don’t make sense 12:42 Credentialing lesson: what he’d do differently next time 15:28 Tricare’s rules + who to contact to renegotiate 17:55 The negotiation play-by-play (and why he kept pushing) 20:16 The win: about $20 more per session 22:56 How much of his caseload was Tricare (high stakes) 23:45 My takeaway: your business has to survive to keep serving 26:35 When to ask for increases (and put it on your calendar) 27:39 The resource that helped: The Insurance Maze 33:24 Don’t overload your practice with low-paying panels 35:38 Is Wise Practice worth it? Jeremy’s honest answer Jeremy's Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40185855

Making Space for the Sacred in Your Practice with Jordan Raynor | WP 174 02/24/2026

Making Space for the Sacred in Your Practice with Jordan Raynor | WP 174 Running a successful practice can slowly crowd out the very faith that called you to this work in the first place. In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Raynor to talk about how to make space for the sacred in your practice without adding more to your plate. We explore what it looks like to shift from working for God to working with God, and how that simple change can transform the way you lead, care for clients, and experience your work. This conversation felt especially timely during the Lenten season, a time that invites reflection, awareness, and slowing down even in the middle of a busy practice. Rather than focusing on doing more, this episode centers on noticing God’s presence in the work you’re already doing. Jordan and I also talk about the importance of community for faith-based practice owners, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why sustainable work requires rest, connection, and play. If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or disconnected from your faith in your work, this episode offers a grounding reminder that you don’t have to carry it all alone. 09:00 You don’t have to lead with God to be led by God 11:30 Simple daily practices that increase awareness of God’s presence 14:00 How identity in Christ changes the way you lead and take risks 17:00 Why secure faith leads to healthier ambition, not less 19:45 The loneliness of leadership for therapists and practice owners 23:30 Why the church community isn’t always enough for practice owners 26:45 How to find or create a faith-based vocational community 30:30 Rest, play, and sustainability in the life of a therapist 34:00 What it takes to go the distance in sacred work Show Sponsor Berries This episode was brought to you by Berries - the AI assistant helping clinicians save hours each week on documentation. Try it for free using the link below and use code WISEPRACTICEPODCAST to get 50% off your first month Try Berries: Jordan Raynor’s Resources Links and Resources Connect with Wise Practice on Connect with Whitney Owens on Check out all of the podcasts on the /episode/index/show/8e3a8544-0ec7-4cb0-ae0f-fb8a04e140f0/id/40002475

Wise Practice Podcast

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