Ep 136: Running a Therapy Practice When Your Kids Are Sick

This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with real-life, actionable insights for therapist moms who are trying to juggle a private practice and motherhood—especially during those relentless high-illness seasons. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep your practice running when daycare calls (again) or felt the guilt of canceling on clients because your child is sick, you’re not alone—and you’re absolutely in the right place.As both a therapist and a mom of three—with plenty of urgent care visits and rescheduled sessions under my belt—I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to manage everything when life throws you those inevitable curveballs. In this episode, you’re going to hear my candid story of scrambling to pick up my daughter from daycare, plus the practical systems and compassionate boundaries I’ve put in place to make my business (and motherhood) sustainable.Whether you’re new to private practice or a seasoned pro, if you need permission to build a flexible, values-aligned business that honors both your clients and your family, this conversation is for you.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBuilding Flexibility Into Your PracticeHow to navigate unpredictable childcare and sickness without feeling like you’re failing your clients (or your kids).Communicating With Clients About Life’s Disruptions Straightforward scripts and tips for having honest but professional conversations with clients when you need to reschedule.Setting Boundaries and Managing GuiltWhy you don’t have to give free sessions when you have to reschedule—and how to handle tough feelings that come up around client cancellations and boundaries.Episode Timestamps[00:00:02] Introduction—Why therapist moms need a different kind of support during sick season and what this episode will cover.[00:01:33] The reality check: private practice vs. agency life when kids are home sick.[00:05:05] A behind-the-scenes story of urgent care visits, full client days, and hard choices.[00:08:07] How to set expectations early with clients (including scripts for the intake session).[00:17:38] Handling guilt, late cancellation fees, and why you don’t owe anyone a free session.[00:23:30] Final thoughts on self-compassion, building resilient systems, and being gentle with yourself.Top Takeaways on Managing Private Practice When Your Kids Are Sick1. Establish Flexibility From Day OneLet’s break this down: Building flexibility into your private practice isn’t just for your sanity—it supports your clients, too. During your intake session, set expectations with new clients that, as a parent, you may have to reschedule on short notice. This honest approach creates understanding and trust right off the bat. For example, I often say, “I take consistency seriously, but sometimes I may need to reschedule due to my kids’ needs.”2. Use Clear, Compassionate Communication (Without Oversharing)Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: When you need to reschedule, keep your message simple: “I need to cancel/reschedule our session today because my child is sick.” No need for details or apologies—just direct, respectful communication.Step 2: Offer alternative times if you can, or let the client know you’ll reach out as soon as new slots become available.Step 3 (Pro tip): Set aside a template or script that you can use in a pinch—this saves time and reduces emotional overwhelm when you’re in the thick of chaos.3. Ditch the Guilt Around Cancellations and BoundariesWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:Mistake 1: Offering a free session whenever you have to reschedule—it’s simply not expected or necessary.Mistake 2: Over-explaining or justifying your situation to clients. It’s OK to keep your personal life private while still being honest about the need for flexibility.Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period⭐️ Follow on Instagram @Raisedtoempower⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.comYou don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat— book your consultation here!🎧 If you find today's episode helpful or inspiring, be sure to share it with your therapist friends, subscribe to the show, and leave your five star rating and review.Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.