Ep 163: Building an Online Therapy Practice as a Mom and Military Spouse

This week I’m bringing you a conversation from my recent appearance on Between Sessions with Berries, hosted by Kym Tolson. In this episode, you’ll find grounded strategies and honest stories about building a private practice that supports your life instead of competing with it.If you’re feeling stretched between the demands of motherhood and your business—or you wonder whether it’s possible to create a practice that works for your real (messy, beautiful) life—you’re exactly where you need to be.As someone who’s built and rebuilt a private therapy practice while moving across states as a military spouse, raising three kids (including managing food allergies and ADHD), and taking three very different maternity leaves, I know firsthand how much courage and creativity it takes. Sometimes, it’s the small but conscious choices—giving yourself permission, redefining what “success” looks like, letting go of guilt—that make all the difference. Today, I’m sharing what it actually looks like to hold space for both clients and kids, and still have energy left for yourself.If you’re a mom in private practice (or hope to be one), building a practice you can take with you, or just trying to imagine a business that supports your family and your needs, you’ll find validation, tactical advice, and encouragement in this conversation.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhat a Real Therapist Mom Schedule Looks Like:Why there’s no such thing as a “typical day” as a mom in private practice—and how I’ve structured my workweek to create genuine breathing room and flexibility.How to Build a Portable, Resilient Practice as a Military Spouse:Lessons from moving and rebuilding my business in multiple states, navigating licensure, and how online therapy has given me agency (and a paycheck) even in transition.Maternity Leave and Private Practice—On Your Terms:How to approach maternity leave with self-compassion and clarity—from emotional prep to finances and communicating with clients—plus what I wish I’d known beforehand.Episode Timestamps00:02: Honest intro—why we need real talk about motherhood and private practice, not more hustle-culture noise.04:45: Behind the scenes: what my days actually look like (spoiler: “typical” is a myth).07:12: My path to building a portable, online therapy practice across state lines as a military spouse.10:51: Practical logistics for licensure, scheduling across time zones, and tech tips to keep it all running.15:46: Why I started The Therapist Mom Podcast—and the fire that keeps me advocating for therapist moms.21:14: How to prepare for maternity leave—emotionally, financially, clinically—and why it’s okay if yours doesn’t look like anyone else’s.26:38: How your niche and client population might shift through motherhood, and permission to check in (and shift) as you grow.33:08: The life-changing impact of leveraging technology (and a little self-forgiveness) to lighten your mental load and documentation.37:25: Final encouragement: Building your practice YOUR way—and why your needs matter.Top Takeaways on Building a Sustainable Therapist Mom Private Practice1. Structure Your Workweek for True FlexibilityLet’s break this down: true flexibility in private practice isn’t about cramming in more—it’s about intentionally carving out buffers so you can breathe. I’ve learned to schedule space after kid drop-off, cap my client caseload, and batch projects/admin on separate days 04:45. Life will always throw curveballs (sick kids, surprise moves), but giving myself permission to move things around—without guilt—is what allows me to show up for my family and my clients.Relatable Example:There are days I have to reschedule because a child is sick at school, and that’s okay—I built my practice knowing this would happen 06:12.2. Prepare for Maternity Leave (and Practice Transitions) with Strategy—and Self-CompassionHere’s how you can start preparing today:Step 1: Begin setting aside savings well before you need them; even small, regular amounts add up 21:14.Step 2: Map out your clinical “exit” early: inform clients, offer clear options for support, and have a plan for referrals or coverage 29:09.Step 3 (Pro-Tip): Give yourself (and your clients) permission for things to look different—the “right” length for maternity leave is what fits you and your family, not what anyone else does 22:15.3. Don’t Ignore Your Own Capacity—Your Practice Should Support Your Life, Not Consume ItWe all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do:Mistake 1: Don’t build a practice that’s modeled on someone else’s life—customize your schedule, your ideal client, your systems to your needs 37:20.Mistake 2: Don’t push yourself to return—or hold onto intense cases—if you’re not ready. Be honest about your clinical capacity post-baby or during life transitions 27:37.Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeMaternity Leave Podcast Playlist Maternity Leave Blueprint CourseBerries use code RAISEDTOEMPOWER to get $50 offJoin 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 a free 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.