Want to stay ahead in your private practice? Valery Krieg joins Jeanene Wolfe In this episode to discuss future-proofing your practice in an ever-changing landscape. They dive into marketing strategies, burnout prevention, and navigating industry shifts, plus an inside look at the upcoming Savvy Practice Summit, a free virtual event packed with expert advice on marketing, scaling, and financial strategy for therapists.The sign-up form for the summit is in the show notes. Tune in now and take your next steps toward success!

“The first thing that I always tell my clients that I work with is understand your marketing strategy. I think that the core is to really understand what you're doing and why. I mean, that's one of the best ways to stay on top of things and to know what's coming around the corner. I think so many of us do a lot of different types of marketing, and in some ways, we get kind of lucky when we don't really know what's working or why it's working, so we just keep doing all of it. So my first piece of advice is, really understand your strategy. Understand what's working and why it's working, so you can streamline, only focused on the things that have the highest impact and that are bringing in clients.” - Valery

Here’s what we’ll cover in this episode:

***Future-Proofing Private Practices – The challenges therapists face in 2025, including shifting client trends, economic uncertainties and industry changes impacting private practice sustainability.

***Marketing Strategies for Therapists – The importance of ongoing marketing efforts, creating systems for consistency and tailoring strategies to attract ideal clients effectively.

***Burnout Prevention & Business Sustainability – How therapists can implement structured systems to reduce stress, avoid burnout and maintain a steady client flow without feeling overwhelmed.

***Savvy Practice Summit Overview – A breakdown of the upcoming Savvy Practice Summit (March 10-12, 2025), its purpose, key topics, and how therapists can benefit from expert-led discussions on scaling and growing their businesses.

About Valery Krieg:

Valery Krieg is a therapist, private practice owner, and business coach dedicated to helping therapists build thriving, sustainable practices. After struggling with ineffective, cookie-cutter marketing strategies in her own practice, she developed a method to help therapists attract their ideal clients and grow their businesses with confidence. Now, she teaches therapists how to ditch outdated advice, simplify their marketing, and create a practice that truly fits their life and goals.

Connect with Valery:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practicewithvalery/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@practicewithvalery

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@practicewithvalery

Website: https://practicewithvalery.com/

Register for the Savvy Practice Summit: Register for the Savvy Practice Summit

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this milestone 100th episode of The Colleague Down The Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe welcomes Miranda Palmer, LMFT, a passionate therapist advocate, to discuss the financial and systemic challenges facing therapists today. Miranda shares insights from a recent discussion on the biggest problems therapists encounter. She highlights unsustainable insurance reimbursement rates, financial instability, and the increasing number of therapists leaving the profession. They dive into the complexities of insurance contracts, clawbacks, and the impact of venture capital-backed companies entering the therapy space. Miranda encourages therapists to take control of their careers by understanding their worth, setting sustainable rates, and advocating for legislative change. She emphasizes the importance of standing out rather than competing and creating a fulfilling, financially viable private practice. Listen in for an eye-opening conversation on making therapy work for therapists while still serving clients effectively.

“If we all said no to insurance contracts that were not sustainable for us, that literally are not good for clients, you have to see twice as many clients, you're falling asleep in session, you can't even get your clients in on the regular amount of treatment that they're needing. All of the different things that we know happen in this scenario, if we just said no to those things. I'm a client of that insurance company, and there's nobody who's a trauma therapist in my area who has space, that insurance company still has to connect me with a trauma therapist, and they have to find that person for me.” - Miranda Palmer

In this episode, let’s discuss:

***Financial Struggles of Therapists

The episode highlights the unsustainable reimbursement rates from insurance companies, the financial instability of therapists, and the growing number of professionals leaving the field due to inadequate compensation.

***Challenges with Insurance Companies

The discussion covers the exploitative practices of insurance companies, including delayed payments, clawbacks, and regionally inconsistent reimbursement rates that make financial planning difficult for therapists.

***The Business Side of Therapy Many therapists struggle to see themselves as business owners, leading to poor financial decisions. Miranda emphasizes the importance of calculating sustainable rates and making informed choices about contracts.

***Impact of Venture Capital in the Therapy Space

The rise of VC-backed therapy companies is discussed, with concerns about their profit-driven models further reducing therapist compensation and creating new challenges for independent practitioners.

***Advocacy and Solutions for Therapists

The conversation encourages therapists to take action, whether by advocating for legislative changes, shifting to private pay models, or making informed decisions about which insurance contracts to accept.

About Miranda Palmer:

Miranda Palmer is an LMFT and a therapist advocate who has been helping prelicensed and licensed therapists find joy and financial sustainability in their work.

Connect with Miranda:

Website: zynnyme.com
Instagram: @zynnyme

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of The Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe explores a topic that therapists encourage in clients but often struggle with themselves—vulnerability. While we create safe spaces for others, many of us hesitate to open up with colleagues, fearing judgment or self-doubt. Jeanene unpacks why vulnerability feels risky in the therapy field, the challenges it presents, and how avoiding it can lead to isolation and burnout. She shares her own journey in private practice and offers practical steps to build a safe, supportive professional network. Whether it's finding a trusted colleague, joining the right consultation group, or fostering a culture of openness, this episode is a must-listen for any therapist looking to make their work sustainable.

“Vulnerability isn't about spilling everything to everyone. Begin with one trusted colleague, someone whose values align with yours, who listens without judgment. Then seek out consultation spaces that encourage openness; not all supervision or consultation groups are created equal. Find ones where collaboration and respect are prioritized over competition or performance. Be mindful of how therapists' spaces feel, whether it's in a Facebook group, which I don't recommend as a place to get this type of clinical support, a local meet up, which can be fabulous for referrals and networking, or an online forum. Now check in with yourself. Does it feel safe? Are people supportive, or is there a tone of judgment or shaming? Choose spaces that reflect the kind of connection you need.”

In this episode, I explore:

***Vulnerability is essential for therapists; not a weakness: Avoiding vulnerability can lead to isolation and burnout, making private practice unsustainable.

***Therapists are not immune to self-doubt and professional challenges: Acknowledging these struggles helps normalize them and fosters professional growth.

***Building a supportive professional network is crucial: Thriving in private practice requires trusted colleagues, consultation groups, and safe spaces where the***rapists can openly discuss challenges without fear of judgment.

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe welcomes Dreya Blume, a licensed clinical social worker and long-time Tarot practitioner, to explore the integration of Tarot into therapy. Dreya delves into the history of Tarot, its misconceptions, and its use as a projective tool rather than fortunetelling. She shares her Tarot journey, its parallels to inkblot tests, and how she uses it in sessions to help clients connect with their intuition. The discussion covers the importance of open-mindedness in therapy, authenticity in practice, and the growing acceptance of non-traditional techniques. Dreya also highlights the significance of focus and gratitude in mental well-being, emphasizing that "what you focus on will grow." The episode wraps up with resources for therapists looking to incorporate Tarot into their work and a reminder that therapy doesn’t have to be lonely—community and support are essential.

“So in [my informed consent] is a little sentence about using Tarot. I use tarot as a projective tool to help people connect quickly to their intuition. So that's in there. So when I get to that section, I ask if they have questions, and then I say, hey, if I think using tarot cards might be helpful depending on what we're working on, I might suggest or invite you to engage with the cards. But if you want to use the cards, you can always invite me and say, hey, could we do this today? So now it's out in the open, and then I go on so I don't belabor the point. But now they know, because certainly I want people to self-select out. I don't want someone who's going to be upset by that to use me as a therapist. I only want people who are open. Because I believe that we should have a sense of our ideal client. And why not, you know, why not believe that we can fill 20 or 30 slots with our ideal clients so we can show up fully and they can show up fully. ”- Dreya Blume

We’ll discuss about:

***Tarot as a Therapeutic Tool: Tarot can be used in therapy as a projective tool, similar to inkblot tests, helping clients access their intuition and emotions rather than serving as a fortune-telling device.

***The Importance of Authenticity in Practice: Therapists should embrace their unique approaches, including non-traditional methods like Tarot, while maintaining transparency and informed consent with clients.

***Creativity and Intuition in Therapy: Effective therapy requires intuition and creativity, allowing therapists to adapt techniques to individual clients rather than relying solely on evidence-based practices.

***Focus Shapes Reality: Encouraging clients to focus on positive aspects of life and practice gratitude can help shift their mindset and improve their emotional well-being.

About Dreya Blume:

Dreya is a licensed clinical social worker. She has had a private therapy practice for the past twenty years. Dreya has also been a student of the tarot for the same amount of time, and has been passionate about bringing the cards into the therapy room.

Connect With Dreya:

Website: dreyablume.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/368562231879067

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode, Jeanene Wolfe chats with Michelle Risser, a therapist turned CEU provider and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Michelle shares her journey from working in HIV/AIDS social work to teaching large conferences and eventually becoming a CEU provider during COVID as a way to explore additional income streams. She discusses the paperwork and approval process, emphasizing that it shouldn't deter therapists from sharing their expertise. Using the acronym KEEP (Knowledge, Education, Experience, Passion), Michelle helps therapists identify their unique strengths and build courses on topics like sibling loss, burnout, and perinatal mental health. Michelle's practical advice, like her catchphrase "Choose one thing and start," encourages therapists to strategically expand their offerings while managing their workload effectively.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable insights on reducing burnout and building new opportunities!

“Another thing I want people to keep in mind is that a lot of times therapists who haven't done any additional income streams don't realize that when I say $20 an hour and people go, Oh, but I make 150 in my therapy practice, okay, but you're not just gonna have one person in your course, right? It's $20 an hour per person. So if it's a two hour CE for 39 bucks, you get 10 people in there, which is not a lot and not hard. You just made $390. That's more than I make for two hours in my therapy practice. I know it's not for people in different areas, but to me, it's like I'm doing something different, I'm doing something fun, and I'm making at least the same money or more, and possibly put it on demand. Like you said, you're adding people into your world and onto your list, and you're establishing your expertise, and it's just so many good things about it, and you're at least making your your therapy income, if not more.”- Michelle Risser

Let’s talk about:

***Michelle’s Journey to CEU Providing: Michelle transitioned from 1:1 work with clients to becoming a CEU provider during COVID as a way of seeking additional income streams.

***The KEEP Framework: Using the acronym KEEP (Knowledge, Education, Experience, Passion) to identify unique expertise and ensure confidence in teaching CEU courses.

***Popular CEU Topics: In-demand topics include sibling loss, infant loss, EMDR, burnout, and perinatal mental health. Appealing course titles and descriptions are critical for participant interest.

***The Role of Marketing: Effective marketing strategies, including SEO and social media, can help therapists promote their CEU courses and overcome discomfort with self-promotion.

***Balancing Multiple Income Streams: Manage additional responsibilities by setting boundaries, prioritizing tasks, and leaning on a supportive network to reduce burnout.

About the Michelle Risser:

Michelle is a therapist in private practice and a multi-passionate entrepreneur. She believes that diversified income streams are the key to more impact and less burnout for mental health professionals. Michelle is passionate about helping therapists step into their expertise as approved CEU providers so they can have more income and more impact! She's the creator of several courses as well as her group mentorship program, The Therapist Educators Academy. Michelle lives with her family in Central Ohio, rows on a rowing team, is a cat lady with no cats, and is obsessed with knitting.

Connect with Michelle:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelle_risser

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Jeanene Wolfe welcomes Dr. Keith Klostermann to tackle the critical topic of intimate partner violence (IPV). They explore how the pandemic exposed the complexities of IPV, with Dr. Klosterman breaking down its various forms—physical, emotional, financial, and sexual—and discussing its prevalence across diverse demographics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces, recognizing subtle signs, and integrating explicit safety planning into therapy.

“I think it's figuring out, does the client feel safe? What are some options in terms of a safety plan, even being thoughtful about what form will the safety plan take? Is it paper and pencil? Is it digital? What's it gonna look like? I think that part of the process has to be really collaborative in nature, because as therapists, we can develop the greatest safety plan in the world. This is what you should do, all these things, but if our clients aren't willing to do it, then its value is useless. It's just an exercise that maybe makes us feel better in the moment, like, hey, we did something. But I think it's really important to make sure that however you develop that these are things that your clients are willing to do.” - Dr. Keith

Let’s dive into:

***Understanding Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): Defining IPV across physical, emotional, financial, and sexual dimensions.

***Recognizing and Addressing IPV in Therapy:Identifying subtle signs of IPV, such as non-verbal cues and controlling behaviors.

***Safety Planning and Intervention Strategies: Developing collaborative, behaviorally descriptive safety plans tailored to client needs.

***Cultural, Socio-Economic, and Ethical Considerations: Addressing IPV within diverse cultural and socio-economic contexts; Building trust, respecting client autonomy, and avoiding victim-blaming.

***Therapist Self-Care and Professional Development: Prioritizing self-care, setting boundaries, and managing therapist burnout. Engaging in continuous learning and self-reflection.

About Dr. Keith Klostermann:

Dr. Keith Klostermann is a Quality Assurance Manager at the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN). He is licensed as a mental health counselor and marriage and family therapist in NY State and is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. Dr. Klostermann is recognized by the American Mental Health Counselors Association (AMHCA) as a Fellow in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Education and Research, and Diplomate and Clinical Mental Counseling Specialist in Couples and Family Counseling, Child and Adolescent Counseling, Integrated Behavioral Healthcare, and Military Counseling. In addition to his role at CVN, Dr. Klostermann is a Core Faculty member in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Walden University.

Dr. Klostermann served as one of the lead trainers in the VAs national implementation of Behavioral Couples Therapy for Substance Use Disorders (BCT-SUD). He has won numerous awards for his teaching, leadership, and research including but not limited to the 2021 Outstanding Professional Award (Internal Association for Marriage and Family Counseling), 2020 Dr. Linda Seligman Counselor Education of the Year (American Mental Health Counseling Association), 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award (Association for Child and Adolescent Counseling), and 2019 Outstanding Professional Member Award (European Branch of the American Counseling Association).

Get updates about future Fictionalized Clinical Consultation Groups: www.CollabOasis.com/FCC_live

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/