Managing a private practice, like any business, means managing growth. And growth always happens in phases. That means, we all start as beginners somehow - right?

I know.

But the start up phase of a private practice can be completely overwhelming. No one taught us how to do this in grad school, and we have a LOT of questions.

• What do I charge?
• Should I offer a sliding scale?
• How will I get paid?
• Who should I work with?
• Where will I see them?
• Do I have to offer evening appointments?
• How do I get referrals?
• What do I say when someone asks me what I do?

Whew boy. So. Many. Questions.

(And that’s just for starters!)

Well don’t worry my friend, because I’ve got you covered.

In today’s episode, I’m going to break it all down, so you’ll know what you HAVE to know up front, and what can wait.

In this episode, I’ll share:

1. Three key decisions you’ll have to make up front, and how getting those in place will make everything else so much easier.
2. Four new skills it will help to learn in your new role as a business owner.
3. A handful of specific action steps to take as you figure out the foundation of your practice.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Let’s fix that.

Let’s get you started, so you can open your doors to new income, and new ways to help others.

~Wendy

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT:Based on what you’ve learned from today’s episode, what one thing could you do today to move your private practice, your business, forward?

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MENTIONED:

• Episode 67. What Should You Charge When Clients Cancel at the Last Minute? [https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/67]
• Episode 82. Overcome Money Shame for More Success, with Profit Coach Sam Varner [https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/82]

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NEED a Money Mindset RESET?

You’ll love this. Get it for $50 off with the promo code Ideal50 at checkout!

Mind Over Money [http://wendypittsreeves.com/mind]

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

In this episode, I’m taking time to look back at what I wish I’d known when I started my private practice as a young therapist in the early 90s. (SO many things, y’all.😑)

Back then, I was juggling a toddler, a full-time job as a department head, managing 2 adoptions, and starting a brand-new business. And back then, we didn’t have the kind of resources that are available today, so I was figuring it all out alone.

In this personal reflection, I’ll share the lessons, missteps, and wisdom I sooo wish someone had handed me — especially around boundaries, money, even the structure of my business - and especially, the need to believe in myself more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why so many new practice owners overextend themselves (and what to do instead.)
• The emotional toll of hiding money stress and business mistakes…🫢
• What healthy boundaries actually look like.
• How to design the kind of ideal week that helps prevent overwhelm. (I still need this, lol.)
• The mindset shift that makes getting paid feel respectful, not uncomfortable! (We all need this…)

We’ll also talk about how your growth as a business owner keeps unfolding at every stage — and why that’s a beautiful thing. 🥰

Because here’s the thing…

You really can build a practice that sustains you, instead of one that quietly drains you - if you only knew a few things that I myself didn’t learn for a very long time.

~Wendy

P.S. If money is part of your growth edge right now, my mini-course Mind Over Money will help you shift your mindset in the sweetest way possible — and in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. See the link below - and use promo code IDEAL50 to get it over half off, for just $47.

This is the course I wish I’d had in my early 30s. It’s light, even fun - but powerful — and it will meet you right where you are.

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MENTIONED

• Mind Over Money™ >> One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help insulate you from holiday stress. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. 🙂

Use Promo Code: IDEAL50 to get $50 off. Sweet!

Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind

• Evolve™ (Coming February 2026! >> A self-paced version of my signature coaching program to help you build a practice that fits your life. More details coming soon...

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Listen. I get it.

Money can be one of the hardest things to talk about — especially for therapists, healers, and wellness professionals who pour their hearts 💟 into their work.

That’s why I’m bringing back one of the best episodes from the Ideal Practice archives — all about the messy, emotional relationship healers have with money.

This is a conversation about boundaries, integrity, and abundance — and how talking about money with your clients is not just practical, but deeply therapeutic.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

• Why ignoring financial dynamics in therapy actually hurts the client relationship. (No one talks about this, y’all. 🤔)
• How to view money as a healthy, energetic and even healing presence in your practice. (Who knew?!)
• The mindset shift that allows you to lead a vibrant practice that’s both profit-centered and still people-forward. 💪

You’ll also hear how your willingness to name the “money elephant” in the room will strengthen trust with almost every client you serve.

And when you learn these skills, my friend, your fear about any money talk will begin to fade — and you’ll start seeing it as a natural part of good, ethical care.

I know. #Radical, right?

Here’s a little challenge for you…

If you’ve got a client that you need to talk to about the money side of your relationship, don’t wait another week. Choose one account, one overdue balance, or one fee conversation — and let’s address it, how about it?

Be clear. Be kind. And take that step today. You will feel better, and there’s a good chance they will too.

You got this!

~Wendy

P.S. #Truth >> Especially if there’s a problem, your clients are already thinking about money — whether you address it or not. Take the pressure off both of you by naming it clearly, kindly, and with confidence. They’ll appreciate it!!

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MENTIONED

• Mind Over Money™

One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help insulate you from holiday stress. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. :)

Use the Promo Code “Ideal50” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)

Learn more atwww.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.

• Evolve™ (Coming February 2026!)

A self-paced version of my signature coaching program to help you build a practice that fits your life. More details coming soon…

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com