How to Start a Private Therapy Practice (Without Burning Out or Going Broke) | E68

You’re craving more freedom, better clients, and real income... but is private practice actually the dream you think it is? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to start a successful private therapy practice—and trust me, it’s not what most therapists expect. Whether you're yearning for more freedom, higher income, or a deeper impact, going solo can be amazing... if you make intentional, informed decisions from day one. I’ll walk you through the crucial questions every therapist needs to answer before jumping into private practice, share the pros and cons of insurance vs. private pay, and unpack the coaching-vs-therapy conversation that so many clinicians miss (at their own risk). This is the conversation I wish someone had with me before I started Growing Self. So consider this your honest, heartfelt, experienced guide to launching a practice that truly supports your life, your energy, and your goals. Timestamps: 00:00 – Do You Want a Private Practice or a Business? 02:15 – What Private Practice Really Involves 12:38 – Door #1: Insurance-Based Practice 17:59 – Door #2: Self-Pay Private Practice 25:10 – Marketing Mistakes Therapists Make 27:05 – Therapy vs. Coaching: Know the Difference 30:35 – What to Do Before You Launch 41:44 – How to Find Your Niche As a Therapist If you’re seriously thinking about starting a private practice, please don’t wing it. Join me in my free CEU training: 4 Steps to Discovering Your Niche as a Therapist. I created it to help you get crystal clear on who you are as a practitioner, who you want to serve, and how to attract your dream clients. It's everything I wish I’d known when I started my private practice. You’ll also receive one CEU credit for completing the training and acing the knowledge check.  👉 Access the Free CEU Training: 4 Steps to Finding Your Niche as a Therapist Also, if you’re in the messy middle of your professional evolution, or if you're just craving more real-talk conversations about the behind-the-scenes of life as a therapist—let’s stay connected. I hang out on LinkedIn more than I probably should (hey, it's where the smart, soulful professionals are). That’s where I share exclusive content for therapists, updates on my latest free CEU trainings, insights into private practice success, and the occasional nerdy deep dive into clinical ethics, coaching, or how to market yourself without selling your soul. I’d love to hear from you!  👉 Come find me on LinkedIn! Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobbywww.growingself.com P.S. If you found this episode helpful, please share it with a colleague, your supervision group, or anyone else dreaming of going solo. Let’s raise the bar together.