Hey everyone! You’re in for a treat and a half today! 😍

On the podcast this week, I sat down with the one and only Joe Sanok, popular founder of Practice of the Practice and host of one of the most successful, longest-running podcasts in our field. Joe helps therapists build a private practice that they absolutely love … one that makes money, serves people deeply, AND doesn’t burn you out in the process.

Heading into this interview, I was eager to hear his backstory, and he did not disappoint. :)

In this episode, Joe shared how he stumbled into private practice almost by accident, and the journey that his career took to bring him all the way to where he is today … guiding and inspiring the next generation of therapists.

We're not just talking tactics and strategies here, y’all (though we cover plenty of those). We're digging into the personal evolution that happens when you grow a business.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The 3P Process Joe uses to validate every new idea he has (and how it helped him turn a $500 course idea into a $20,000 done-for-you service!).
• Why you should never think of your business as your baby (and the surprising reframe that changes how you show up as an owner).
• Why there are probably 10 different ways you can serve a single client… (This was such a creative way to grow your practice AND serve at a deeper level. I loved it!!)
• The simple pricing rule to use when raising your rates. (Spoiler alert: might make your stomach flip! 😉)

Whether you're just starting out, growing a group practice, or wondering what's next, there's something here for you. Joe is one of the most respected leaders and teachers in the private practice world, and this interview shows why.

So give this a listen. And maybe - just maybe - start dreaming a little bigger about what your practice could become. 🤩

Lots of love,

~Wendy

P.S. What was your #1 takeaway from this conversation? Send me a DM on Facebook or an email at Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com and tell me. And if you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a 5 star review too. Thanks!

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TODAY’S GUEST: JOE SANOK

Joe Sanok launched Practice of the Practice in 2012, first as a blog, and later as a podcast, so he could talk about what he was learning about business, marketing, and private practice. In the years since, he's sold his very successful group practice, became an author, a keynote and TEDx speaker, a business consultant, and podcaster. His show, The Practice of the Practice Podcast, is the #1 podcast for therapists and one of the top podcasts in the world.

He's been featured in multiple outlets and is the author of Thursday is the New Friday. Joe has been named a top therapist resource for his podcast, blogging, and consultant services. Check out his signature program: The Practice Academy.

His Website: https://practiceofthepractice.com/

His Podcast: https://practiceofthepractice.com/listen-to-the-podcast/

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Okay, let’s talk about this, folks.

I know a lot of us break out in hives at the mere thought of marketing. 😜

And yet - some of the most talented healers I know sit with open appointment slots while people who need their help are scrolling Psychology Today, completely lost.

It's heartbreaking on both sides. 💔

But we can fix that. :)

So today, I’ve found someone who can help. Aaron Price is quite the therapy evangelist, who’s cracked the code on this whole thing. He helps therapists bridge the gap between "I know I can help…" and "but how do the right people actually find me?".

And now, he even has a unique tool that he designed and developed himself, Therapy Profile Pro, that I loved learning about.

I know how to write a smart profile, and have helped countless therapists do exactly that. And even with that, I found this conversation to be incredibly helpful.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The simple math formula that will change how you think about marketing. (This is easy - and eye opening.)
• The TWO questions we should all be asking when we consult with a new client (… and why the second question can give you SO much insight into your ideal clients).
• Aaron’s three-paragraph Psychology Today formula that actually works to attract better clients (and how not to waste precious real estate on your profile).
• The specific Psychology Today optimization hacks that some therapists miss completely (and how to use those for your advantage).

This episode really was filled with actionable tips you can implement today. And Aaron was kind enough to offer a discount code for Ideal Practice listeners who want to take advantage of his software.

I am not an affiliate, y’all. I just liked what he had to share, and I think what he has to offer is probably worth a look.

So grab a cup of coffee and give this one a listen.

Because when you learn to market authentically and strategically, you're not just filling your caseload – you're making it easier for the people who need your unique gifts to actually find you.

#win/win 😎

~Wendy

P.S. If you aren’t a therapist, you will still find his tips helpful for whatever online marketing you may do. Not. Even. Kidding. :)

P.P.S. Have you left a review for us yet over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify? Hint hint….

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TODAY’S GUEST: AARON PRICE

Aaron Price is a marketing expert and software engineer who specializes in building marketing tools for private practice therapists. As the founder of Therapy Profile Pro, Aaron has helped over 1,000 therapists enhance their Psychology Today profiles, refine their professional focus, and attract more of their ideal clients authentically and ethically.

Before founding Therapy Profile Pro, Aaron led marketing for multiple education and climate tech companies. He has also been attending therapy himself for the past few years—a journey he describes as life-changing.

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Ever feel like you're screaming into a void when it comes to marketing your practice? 😵

If so, you're going to love what I have for you today, because I'm talking with the brilliant Marina Gee about something that could completely transform how you connect with your ideal clients: authentic storytelling.

And that might even mean telling YOUR story.

(Even though we’re often taught specifically not to do that…)

Marina is a digital marketing strategist who runs an agency specifically focused on helping healthcare professionals and private practice owners. She's passionate about helping heart-centered practitioners (like you!) cut through all the digital noise and build genuine trust with the people who need your services most.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• The most effective way to build trust with your audience on social media (spoiler: it doesn’t involve dancing on TikTok!).
• Why your education and credentials matter WAY less than you imagine to potential clients (and what you should be sharing with them instead).
• The two most revealing (and valuable) questions you should be asking every new client.
• The three types of personal stories every practice owner can share (and why they don’t need to be as personal as you think).

I have to tell you: this conversation completely shifted how I think about sharing personal experiences with clients.

Because here's the thing … Your credentials matter, but your story is what makes people say, "This is the person I want to work with".

So give this one a listen. Because your people are out there looking for exactly what you offer.

Let's help them find you.

~Wendy

P.S. “Okay Wendy - you’ve got me thinking…“

If that’s what you find yourself saying as you listen, would you please share a little love with a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts or Spotify?

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TODAY’S GUEST: MARINA GEE

Marina Gee is a dynamic marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and creative visionary dedicated to empowering brands through storytelling and purposeful strategy. As the founder of MG Media Creative, she blends innovation with intuition to elevate health, wellness, and private practice businesses.

Marina’s voice has been featured on leading podcasts like ‘The Soul of Business' and ‘Pastor Plus' and in publications including ‘Bold Journey Magazine’ and ‘Canvas Rebel’. Bilingual in Spanish and English, she’s passionate about authentic connection, global impact, and building heart-led businesses. Marina’s mission is simple: help others show up, stand out, and succeed with clarity and confidence.

Her Website: www.mgmediacreative.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mgmediacreative1

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mg-media-creative

Instagram: www.instagram.com/mgmediacreativeagency

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Hey there everyone,

Have you ever hired someone to handle your insurance billing, only to have it turn into a total mess? Maybe even a nightmare? 😵‍💫

If so, you're not alone in that!

Today, I’ve shared with you the unvarnished truth about my own experience with insurance billing companies. Because over the course of 20+ years in private practice, I switched billing providers seven different times.

Yes... Seven. Times.

It was quite the journey.

Not gonna lie. 😒

But here's the thing.

There are times when hiring a billing company is EXACTLY the right thing for you to do. And handled well, it can bring you peace of mind, better cash flow, and even more business.

But handled poorly, it can cost you. A lot.

Today, I thought it might help if I told you some of the mistakes I made - and lessons I learned - so that you can get this right from the start!

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The one type of billing company that never worked out well for me (and the one that finally did).
• The most important rule when it comes to letting other people handle your money.
• Exactly what questions to ask when vetting a billing company (and exactly WHO to ask for reviews).
• My go-to resources if you need help with your billing (or - if you want to handle it yourself 🤓)

So give this a listen.

Because after going through 7 of these companies and countless headaches, I've learned a thing or two that might just save you years of frustration.

To your success,

~Wendy

P.S. While you’re here, can I ask a favor?

If you enjoyed this episode, please take 2 minutes to share a 5 star review and maybe a few words over on Apple Podcasts. Your support means more than you can imagine, and helps us get discovered by others who could use this kind of help. Thank you! 🙏

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MENTIONED:

Episode 57: Take Your Practice on the Road with Kym Tolson

Course: Bill Like A Boss

Episode 165: What If Insurance Billing Wasn’t So Hard? A Helpful Conversation with Jeremy Zug

Podcast: The Claim Game

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COACHING: Need a Quick Start Consult?

Got a problem in your practice that you can’t solve? Have an idea you want to try but don't know where to start? A Quick Start Consult gives you access to high quality coaching without the expense of a full blown coaching commitment. I'm serious about your success - so we don't just talk about your business. We work on it - together. Click here for details.

QUICK START CONSULT: https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Buckle up, y’all, because we’re getting into one of the most critical (and most avoided!) topics in private practice ownership … paying yourself an actual salary.

I'm talking with the brilliant Carla Titus, a fractional CFO who helps mental health group practices and healthcare providers get financially healthy. Carla works with everyone from solo practitioners to seven-figure practices, and she’s the kind of person who speaks truth to us in a way that we need to hear it. :)

Because here's the thing …

You're not running a charity. You're running a business.

And CEOs don't work for free – so why should you?

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What’s really going on when you don’t pay yourself a salary. (Hint: it’s not because you don’t have the cash.)
• When debt could be a GOOD thing. 🤔
• The concept of "owner's equity" that will completely flip the way you think about starting a business (or even putting money into your practice).
• Key characteristics that ALL successful business owners have in common.

Carla also coined my new favorite phrase: "financial treatment plan."

That's exactly what we need, isn't it? The same intentional, systematic approach we use with our clients, but applied to our money. We get that language!

When you stop treating your practice like volunteer work and start paying yourself what you're worth, everything changes, my friend.

You show up differently. You serve better. And you actually enjoy running the business you worked so hard to build.

Give her a listen.

~Wendy

P.S. Carla was a high-energy, straight-talking, positive-thinking, downright inspiring guest. If you thought so too, would you mind giving her (and us!) a 5 star rating over on Apple? Thank you!

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TODAY’S GUEST: CARLA TITUS

Carla Titus is a finance expert with over 17 years of combined corporate financial planning, analysis, strategy, and online business experience. She provides fractional CFO services and financial consulting to business owners looking to grow their business profitably.

Carla is the owner of ‘Wealth & Worth Within’. Her mission is to empower business owners to achieve financial clarity and peace of mind, so that they can get back to what they enjoy.

Her Website: https://www.wealthworthwithin.com/

Her Podcast: CEO Financial Clarity Corner

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MENTIONED:

Full Focus Planner by Michael Hyatt

On Carla’s Podcast: Breaking the Cash Crunch Cycle: How to Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck in Your Business

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

I’m so excited about today’s conversation, guys, which is a weird thing to say about … insurance. 😵‍💫

Today’s guest, Jeremy Zug from Practice Solutions, lives and breathes mental health billing (yes, that's a thing!). And he doesn't sugarcoat it.

Mental health billing IS harder than medical billing.

Insurance companies DO play games with us. That little voice in your head telling you this stuff is complicated and frustrating? You're absolutely right. But here's what Jeremy knows that most of us don't - there's a better way to play this game.

In this episode, Jeremy walks us through his unique approach that completely flips the traditional billing process on its head. (I so wish I'd known this 20 years ago!)

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why you should do payment posting BEFORE submitting a claim (this one tip alone could save you thousands).
• The red flags that mean it's time to walk away from an insurance contract.
• What to negotiate in your contracts beyond just payment rates.
• The six must-haves when choosing a billing service (... 7 if you include my own!).

Listen, I know many of you would rather have a root canal than deal with insurance billing. I get it. I've been there, got the scars to prove it. 😬

But avoiding this stuff doesn't make it go away. It just costs you money and creates problems in your therapeutic relationships.

So let’s learn how to do this better - for our clients’ sake, and our own.

Give this a listen.

~Wendy

P.S. Even if you don’t or can’t accept insurance in your practice, you may still find this an eye opening conversation. Would love to hear from you if you do!

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TODAY’S GUEST: JEREMY ZUG

Jeremy Zug is a nationally recognized leader in healthcare operations and financial optimization for mental and behavioral health professionals. An expert in insurance billing and revenue cycle management, his career drives financial health and operational excellence for these professionals.

In 2017, Jeremy co-founded Practice Solutions with his wife, Kathryn. This expanded medical billing company offers billing services, professional support, and educational resources to thousands of mental and behavioral healthcare providers for optimal revenue cycle management. Their combined knowledge, stemming from private practice experiences in college, underpins the company's success in supporting financial well-being.

His Website: Practice Solutions

His Podcast: The Claim Game

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COACHING: Need a Quick Start Consult?

Got a problem in your practice that you can’t solve? Have an idea you want to try but don't know where to start? A Quick Start Consult gives you access to high quality coaching without the expense of a full blown coaching commitment. I'm serious about your success - so we don't just talk about your business. We work on it - together. Click below for details.

QUICK START CONSULT https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Hey there, everyone!

A common question I get from practice owners is: “What kind of content should I be creating to market my practice?” Should you be blogging? Doing video? Starting a podcast?

I get it. The options are endless, and each has its own learning curve. That’s why this week, I’m sharing my own content creation journey—the wins, the flops, and a few good lessons I’ve learned over the years.

Here’s some of what you’ll hear:

• The time I hurt my hand the night before my blog was due but published anyway (and why that’s NOT the way to do marketing!).
• What seven years of blogging taught me about writing for your clients—and yourself.
• Why my experiment with YouTube worked… and why it didn’t.
• How podcasting finally clicked as my “just right” content platform.

Most of all, you’ll learn the key questions to ask yourself when choosing the format that fits you best.

Whether you’re just starting out or ready to refresh your marketing strategy, this episode will help you get clear on where to focus your energy.

Give this a listen—I think it’ll help you breathe easier as you build your authentic online presence.

~Wendy 💜

P.S. If you’re enjoying the podcast, could you help me spread the word? Do you know 2 friends who could really use a boost of encouragement each week? Please share this episode with them. They’ll thank you!

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MENTIONED:

Episode #163: I've Got a Great Logo - Does That Mean I've Got a Great Brand? A conversation with Michelle Knox.

• Blue Yeti: The microphone I use for meetings, courses and coaching calls.
• Samson Q2U: The mic I use for the podcast.
• Auphonic: Sound engineering software I use.
• Buzzsprout: The podcast hosting platform I use as well.

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FREE RESOURCE: Assess Your Progress with the IP360 SCORECARD.

As a coach of mine used to say, running a business is a full contact sport. There are SO many different parts of it to keep up with, manage, think about, and create - at every step of the way. How do you know what to work on first or where to focus your energy? How do you tell where your weaknesses are and where you're solid?

Well I’ve got you covered! The IP360 Scorecard, based on the 7 Pillars of an Ideal Practice, is designed to give you a practical, actionable, big-picture review of your practice as it stands. And you can complete it in less than 10 minutes.

Click on the link below to get your free copy today.

The IP360 Scorecard

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Today, I'm talking with the truly talented Michelle Knox, a brand strategist and designer who has become not only one of my closest friends, but also one of my most trusted advisors over the years.

Michelle helps women entrepreneurs, small businesses, and nonprofits cut through the noise and create messaging that actually makes the right people stop and pay attention.

In this episode, we’ll dive deep into why most people are starting their branding journey completely backwards, and how to fix that before wasting another dollar on pretty graphics that don't convert.

Michelle breaks down her powerful "3 C's" framework and shares some seriously eye-opening stories about what happens when you finally get clear about who you really serve.

(And, uhm, we’ll include a behind-the-scenes look at my own brand evolution that I hadn't exactly planned to share…😅).

In our conversation, you'll learn:

• The essential step you must take before you even think about designing a logo or a website.
• Why your messaging should REPEL most people from working with you. (And yes, I meant to say that.)
• The one fear that you must face, if you want to stop looking and sounding like everyone else. (And please, for the love of your clients, do stop looking and sounding like everyone else!)
• A simple way to test whether your messaging is landing with the right people (Spoiler alert: this one could take you out of your comfort zone.)

Michelle also shares that standing out isn't about being louder (or prettier or more poetic or more clever or…whatev’s).

It's about being clearer.

#TRUTH: Bland branding might feel safe, but it's also invisible.

One of the things I love about Michelle is her ability to call it out when she sees me making a mistake in my own branding.

Today - you will learn from her too, just as I have.

Give it a listen.

~Wendy

P.S. Did this make you think? If so, good. That’s what my goal is here on the Ideal Practice podcast. And if that happens often - if you love the value that we bring to you each week - would you please give us a 5 star review and a few words over on Apple Podcasts?

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TODAY’S GUEST: MICHELLE KNOX

Michelle Knox is the owner of Lone Red & Co., an online branding & marketing collaborative. They help entrepreneurs with decades of experience brand their mastery so they can market with confidence, earn more money, create a bigger impact, and feel inspired about what's next in their businesses (and lives!).

In addition to Lone Red & Co.'s marketing services, Michelle also offers growth consulting to small businesses and nonprofits who are looking to grow their revenue and impact. Partnering with them to identify and fix the leaks in their marketing and sales systems so they can scale without having to hire more staff.

Her Website: lonered.com

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/loneredandco/

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MENTIONED:

And excellent book: Start With WHY, by Simon Sinek

Support the show

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

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com