Ep 164: Money Mindset for Therapists: Facing the Fear of Going Private Practice

Overcoming Money Fear as a Therapist Mom: Creating Stability in Private PracticeThis episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest conversations and practical strategies to help you navigate the financial fears that come with building your own private practice—while also juggling the realities of motherhood. If you’ve ever felt anxious about the unpredictability of private practice income, or questioned whether you’re “allowed” to want more security and abundance, you’re in the right place.As a therapist, coach, and mom (who has been in your shoes), I know that those inside fears about money and worthiness are often the biggest hurdles to designing a business and lifestyle that supports both your family and your professional calling. In this episode, I get real about how our field—and the systems around us—shape our money mindset, and I share the shifts that helped me find freedom and sustainability.Whether you’re thinking about leaving agency work, already running a private practice, or dreaming of having more control over your time and income, this episode will give you the clarity, permission, and practical tools you need to move forward.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeBreaking Down Money Shame: Why so many therapists carry fear and guilt around money—and how oppressive systems perpetuate this scarcity mindset.How to Create Safety in Your Private Practice Leap: Practical strategies for reducing fear as you transition from agency work to entrepreneurship.Why Profit Isn't a Dirty Word: How changing your view of profit can actually help you serve clients and your family better.Episode Timestamps00:00: Welcome, context of motherhood and practice, and naming our “hard stuff.”00:37: Naming money shame: the quiet fear so many therapists carry about financial instability.01:47: Unpacking the roots: how our field and society teach therapists to devalue themselves financially.04:16: Breaking free from guilt and scarcity; giving yourself permission to want more.05:09: The reality of being a business owner—and why you deserve sustainability, not just survival.07:04: The myth that private practice is always unpredictable: the power of taking control.08:19: Facing the discomfort of profit and learning to value your work with confidence.09:23: What to do with money fear: actionable steps for creating safety and support.10:55: Encouragement and final permission to step into a practice that supports your real life.Top Takeaways on Building Financial Stability (and Compassion) in Private PracticeMoney Isn’t the Problem—Shame and Scarcity Are. Let’s break this down: Most of us were never taught to run a business or dream of abundance without guilt. We received messages—both direct and subtle—that helping professions like ours should be separate from wanting (or achieving) financial security. But that narrative isn’t serving anyone. Wanting to make enough to breathe, take care of your family, and avoid burnout? That’s human, not selfish. I’ll never forget that clench in my stomach when I considered leaving the “safe” paycheck. If you feel that too, know it makes sense—and it means you’re ready for something more (01:47).You Have More Control Than You Think Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:Step 1: Get curious about your fear instead of bulldozing through it. What would you need to truly feel safe making this leap? (09:26)Step 2: Build a basic safety net—whether that’s 3 months of savings, a side caseload, or a roadmap to avoid common mistakes.Step 3 (Pro tip): Focus on systems and strategy, not just hustle—when you design your practice intentionally, you actually have more control than in most agencies, and you can build in time for your family and your needs (07:11).Don’t Fall into These Common Traps We all make mistakes, but here’s what to avoid:Mistake 1: Believing you’re “bad with money”—you just weren’t taught the skills yet.Mistake 2: Letting guilt talk you out of seeking the stability and abundance you (and your family) deserve.Mistake 3: Internalizing the idea that if you’re making a profit, someone else must be losing. Profit lets you give more, take better care of yourself, and stay in this work for the long haul (08:52).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 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.