Fearless Practice

Jules Smith
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Where are you in your private practice journey? How's it going for you? I'm Jules Smith, and I'm so glad you're here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won't just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let's learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Nadia and Debora D'Iuso: A Sister-Team in Private Practice | Ep 188

    Can siblings work well together? How do family-led businesses run in the mental health space? Sisters Debora and Nadia both experienced the same childhood trauma, which sparked an interest in mental health for them from a young age.  While they went their separate ways for a few years to study and pursue their careers, their paths have converged again in opening a private practice as co-founders!  In this podcast episode, Nadia, Debora, and I discuss their history from past to present, what led them into therapy, and how it is running a business with your sibling.  MEET NADIA AND DEBORA Dr. Nadia and Dr. Debora D'Iuso are a sister team of highly trained psychologists who believe effective therapy starts with genuine connection, empathy, and actionable strategies. Their approach combines compassion and collaboration, delivering proactive support as your mental well-being evolves through life's stages. Together, they lead Crosstown Psychology & Wellness, a Toronto-based clinic offering personalized, evidence-based care for adults, teens, and couples navigating life's challenges. Learn more about Nadia and Debora on their practice website, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles.  In this episode:  How Nadia and Debora became therapists  Building a private practice together Marketing the private practice  How Nadia and Debora became therapists Both Nadia and Debora experienced grief in their youth: their uncle, whom they were close to, died by suicide. This moment became a turning point for them both, because they turned their grief into a passion for helping others. 'I'll never forget when I heard the news, I'll never forget every moment of that experience. It stayed with me for a long time, but what really drew me to understanding what I wanted to do with my life was that experience of grief … I remember thinking, "How do I help my family through this? What do I do with this?" … It led me into this thought of, "I want to help others."' - Dr. Nadia D'luso   Debora remembers when their mother came back from seeing a therapist, and how much she remarked that the experience had helped her process her grief, and it stuck with her.  In their early 20s, Nadia encouraged Debora to study psychology. Since then, they both fell in love with the subject, which has steadily developed into a career that they share together.  'I think for me, my decisions to … pursue a PhD in psychology were driven by research. I was part of a psychotherapy process group, and what really attracted me to the research was studying what worked in therapy, and that's a bit of my mindset, where it is just the recognition of, "What are we doing? What is working, what isn't working?" and it spoke to my curiosity.' - Dr. Nadia D'luso Both sisters completed their PhDs separately, which helped them to develop independently and then regroup later to start a Canadian private practice.  Building a private practice together Now, Nadia and Debora have been able to link arms in a shared private practice, continue learning together, and pool their skills and expertise - coupled with sibling compassion and understanding - into an aligned practice.  'We had spent a number of years working in different settings … Having worked in hospital settings, I loved my experience, but I remember having conversations: "I wish I could do more" … Ultimately, we know in real life that change takes time, and therapy takes time, and we came together with that idea of, "Let's hone in on our strengths, on our specializations, and really come together to build a practice that was consistent with how we saw effective therapy.' - Dr. Debora D'luso  So far, it has been going really well! Being in private practice for Nadia and Debora has been an incredible experience for both of them.  They purchased Jules' workbook to help them launch their new private practice together, which helped them tremendously. They took the information and applied it day by day, and week by week, to slowly create the most aligned practice that they could.  Marketing the private practice Thinking about marketing their private practice was made so much easier when they considered what their brand would be.  Discovering and building their brand helped them to stay consistent and aligned with their values throughout the process of thinking through their business, and how they would put the word out about it into the digital and local spheres around them.  'Thinking about our brand … and writing posts that were also consistent with our voice, and consistent with our values and being able to express that on [social media] platforms was something that was really exciting! So I know that we all talk about marketing as feeling initially quite scary … but it was also something for me [that was] really exciting with that opportunity of being able to speak to how I saw myself as a clinician and how I wanted to forge that connection with potential clients down the road.' - Dr. Debora D'luso For Nadia, authenticity was a big part of how she and Debora were able to market their practice effectively as well. Marketing authentically translates into marketing effectively, because it clearly brings in the best-fit clients for your practice.  To better connect with their audience, the sisters have started using newsletters alongside social media to diversify their marketing efforts and give their audience a way to know them that is not entirely based on social media, which is effective in an age when people are intentionally reducing their scrolling.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: How to Prevent Burnout by Scheduling Breaks in Private Practice | EP 187 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here and get one month for free! Learn more about Nadia and Debora on their practice website, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    31 min
  2. How to Prevent Burnout by Scheduling Breaks in Private Practice | Ep 187

    28 JAN

    How to Prevent Burnout by Scheduling Breaks in Private Practice | Ep 187

    Are you a telehealth therapist? Do you see most of your clients virtually? As a fully remote Canadian private practice owner, I have done lots of trial and error to find the daily routine that works for me, helps me prevent burnout, and allows me to feel recentered between each client. Of course, there are some days when I need to change things up, but now I have found a system for taking breaks throughout the day so that I am fresh and grounded before each virtual session - while avoiding burnout.  If you're looking for some inspiration for a schedule or a guideline for breaks to try out, feel free to give this episode a listen!  In this episode:  Preventing burnout Take a short morning break  A mindful lunchbreak  Afternoon break and evening breaks Taking breaks throughout the week  Preventing burnout 'For me, burnout is me feeling wired but tired. I'm feeling tense and jittery; my nervous system is probably overactive. I'm tired, but I have adrenaline, and a feeling of "Go-go-go!" and I start to push myself, and in this state I get a lot done - but it's really not worth it, because once I stop working, I find it really hard to relax and wind down.' - Jules Smith  Burnout can be tricky to manage because it doesn't happen overnightt. While it may seem like it helps you to get more done and work a lot, it often comes at a cost.  You feel overwhelmed and tired, but too wired to fully rest. This means that you don't replenish your spent energy, leaving you slowly but surely burning out until you physically can't go on. 'Even though I get a lot done in this "wired-but-tired" state, it's really not worth it in the long-run, because it just leads to burnout. So, this year I'm going to be organizing and using my breaks differently to prevent this wired-but-tired feeling!' - Jules Smith   Take a short morning break In the past, Jules used to wake up and get ready for the day, log in to work, and complete tasks until lunchtime. However, they noticed that working for such an extended period of time created a tense feeling by midday.  So, this year, Jules is trying out a new schedule. Rather than working in a block of time from the start of the day until lunch, Jules is taking a short break between emails and work to give their mind a break and a short rest.  'So far, what I'm noticing is just taking that little break in the morning has been really helpful in not feeling on edge by the time I take my lunch break … In the past, I would tell myself I'd take a break, but then get lost in work, and then forget to take a break. But now, because I still need to get ready for the day, I take that break each morning.' - Jules Smith If you don't work from home, maybe try giving yourself a short 15-minute coffee or tea break in between your tasks so that you have some time to recenter.  A mindful lunchbreak The quick answer: No more scrolling while eating on lunchbreaks! Give audiobooks a try instead.  Jules used to often scroll during their lunchbreaks, but as the therapists listening will know, social media and reels are sensory overloads to our minds. Time on social media often leaves us feeling way more jittery and wired than rested after we've spent some time scrolling.  'Our brains are processing a ton of information in just a few seconds, and doing that over and over and over again, obviously, isn't going to help me feel rested after the break is over. So, instead of going on Instagram and watching reels during lunchtime, I'm now going to be listening to audiobooks while I eat my lunch. So far, that has been really calming and relaxing!' - Jules Smith  Therefore, instead of mindless scrolling, Jules is trying mindful listening, and the results have been hugely positive. Try listening to audiobooks or a quiet podcast while you eat - if you want to do something extra while eating!  Afternoon and evening breaks  Jules always makes an effort to head outside or go to the gym in the afternoon, since no matter which season it may be, there's a good chance the sun will be out!  Secondly, (and this is something Jules has done in the past already), Jules takes a 30-minute break between each client throughout the day. 'After my afternoon break, I get home, and I set up for my clinic hours, which are in the evening, and in between each client, I always take a 30-minute break. During this time, I do the billing, I write my notes … I plan to move around, maybe eat something, look outside my window, take some breaths, and maybe do some stretching.' - Jules Smith During these 30-minute breaks, Jules also recommends staying away from your devices to minimize the risk of scrolling through social media because it can disrupt your intentional choice to rest. Protect your energy and your peace by being mindful of how you spend your breaks.  Taking breaks throughout the week In the past, Jules tried out a 50/50 workweek. If you are interested in learning more or trying it out, give this podcast episode a listen where Jules describes the process, pros, and cons.  For the start of 2026, Jules is making Thursdays a day to focus on SEO and have clinical meetings with their associate. So far, this system is working out great for them!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 186: Anabeli Jackson: Secure Email Solutions for Canadian Therapists | EP 186 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!  Check out my private practice Listen to my podcast episode on trying out a 50/50 workweek!  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    14 min
  3. Anabeli Jackson: Secure Email Solutions for Canadian Therapists | Ep 186

    21 JAN

    Anabeli Jackson: Secure Email Solutions for Canadian Therapists | Ep 186

    As a Canadian therapist in private practice, you are probably often needing to send and receive sensitive, private information. How often have you worried about these documents' security and safety? What should you do to secure email communications and keep unnecessary stress at bay?  This is where Hushmail comes to the rescue. For less than $20 CAD per month, you can completely insure, assure, and secure your entire email inbox, including your forms and signatures. They pride themselves on security and simplicity, leaving you with a solution that you can start using right out of the box from the minute to sign up.  In this episode, I chat with Anabeli about everything to do with Hushmail. We answer your questions and provide clear solutions to help you start 2026 with both digital email security and peace of mind.  MEET ANABELI Anabeli Jackson is the Marketing Manager at Hushmail, where she leads content strategy and helps therapists understand secure communication with clarity and confidence. She focuses on removing the overwhelm from topics like encryption, compliance, and secure communication so clinicians can protect client trust and stay compliant with confidence. Anabeli has been with Hushmail since 2014 and brings a strong foundation in communication and marketing. Her work supports mental health providers across Canada and the U.S. who depend on Hushmail to communicate securely with their clients. Learn more about Anabeli on her LinkedIn profile.  In this episode:  What is Hushmail? Why Canadian therapists should use Hushmail  What encryption is and why you need to use it  How you can get started with Hushmail   What is Hushmail? 'Hushmail is a secure email platform … built specifically for healthcare and therapy practices. It lets you send and receive secure, encrypted emails, and it helps you build secure forms where you can collect information securely with legally binding signatures - and it's all in one place.' - Anabeli Jackson The two cornerstones of Hushmail are focused on client and clinician security when sending sensitive emails and documents online, and simplicity since you don't need to do any tech implementation yourself!  These essential emails and documents are securely sent and kept private and secure by using encryption to protect them.   Why Canadian therapists should use Hushmail  You may be asking: Why should I pay to use Hushmail instead of the available, free services?  The answer is this: Canadian therapists handle highly sensitive information from multiple clients. Using a free email provider simply does not provide enough security and protection, while Hushmail guarantees it.  'We make it really practical to have [your client's private information] safeguarded, because encryption is the one step … that you can put in place to have your information secure … So [Hushmail] supports federal law, but also with provincial privacy laws.' - Anabeli Jackson  Hushmail provides the security that you and your clients need to send private information without concern in an easy, simple way. Plus, it is a Canadian company that is PIPEDA and HIPAA compliant! What encryption is and why you need to use it  Encryption is essentially a method of scrambling the information contained in emails and documents so that it cannot be understood by any third party, other than the intended recipient.  With Hushmail, you have a key that both scrambles and unscrambles the message which only you and your client has access to.  '[Encryption] is relevant because nowadays the online risk and cyber security … there's a lot of bad actors out there, and you don't want this information out there. You don't want this information to be seen by people who are not the intended recipients. So, encryption is a very easy way to protect that information.' - Anabeli Jackson  How you can get started with Hushmail  Take the step now to secure your communications with clients, and save both them and yourself the stress and anxiety of worrying whether the information is safe.  And with Hushmail, that peace of mind will not break the bank. For purely email purposes, you can get Hushmail for $16.99 CAD. If you want to include the forms and signatures, it is $24.99 CAD.  If you are listening to this episode and want to try Hushmail out, click this link to sign up with Hushmail and get your first month entirely free of charge! Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Regan Swerhun: Expanding Private Care to Northern Communities | EP 185  Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here and get one month for free! Learn more about Anabeli on her LinkedIn profile Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    15 min
  4. Regan Swerhun: Expanding Private Care to Northern Communities | Ep 185

    14 JAN

    Regan Swerhun: Expanding Private Care to Northern Communities | Ep 185

    Have you ever felt a persistent pull toward work that feels more aligned with who you are, even when it means leaving something secure behind? Regan had the same feeling, and made the decision to lead a Canadian private practice with fellow colleagues that was built on their shared values.  In this episode, Regan and I talk about her non-linear journey into therapy. We explore how she and her practice are finding creative ways to serve rural and Northern First Nations communities, and how she is thinking about safety and accessibility for virtual clients. We also dive into marketing with authenticity, building trust through your website and social media, and why community-building has been at the heart of her growth. Join in for the conversation!  MEET REGAN At 26, Regan Swerhun left a stable community counselling job to follow her passion for trauma-focused work and build a private practice in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She now focuses on EMDR and trauma-informed therapy, offering both in-person and online sessions. Regan also provides counselling to youth in Northern First Nations communities and uses social media to make mental health conversations more real and accessible. Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles.  In this episode:  Why Regan pursued a career in therapy   Leaping into private practice Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy  Marketing the private practice Why Regan pursued a career in therapy   'Honestly, therapy was not my first choice. It was kind of a roundabout life journey to get to where I am now.' - Regan Swerhun  Though Regan began a degree in business, she decided to switch and focus on social work. While completing her Master's degree in Social Work, Regan began working in a hospital in Toronto. There, she quickly discovered that she enjoyed doing patient intake and hearing people's stories and their unique life experiences. This signaled to her that something lay beyond. Once moving back to Thunder Bay, she focused on clinical work at a not-for-profit.  'I got a good position at one of our not-for-profit organizations in town. So, I was with that company for three years, so really, as of recently - this Fall - made the transition, but in the time that I was with the community programs, I learned a lot.' - Regan Swerhun  The same itch that Regan had while working in the hospital came back again when she worked at the organization and she craved to run her own private practice. Leaping into private practice Regan was asked by a colleague who had already been in private practice for a long time if she would be interested in working with him.   However, due to some differences in provincial laws and regulations, she cannot co-own it. So, they split it up as leaders.  'It has made it feel like I'm immensely leading this group practice, but I have the support [from him] … because there is so much start-up.' - Regan Swerhun   Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy Regan and her team's long-term goal is to serve rural communities that don't have easy access to therapy and its services.  While Regan drives twice a month up to a northern, more rural community to see clients, she also is planning to offer more virtual services.   'Our ongoing plan is to connect with other community buildings in the areas and create a partnership … where someone can open up the door for them, someone can help to have the laptop ready … and then leave that space.' - Regan Swerhun Marketing the private practice Regan and her team have worked a lot on the practice website.  One of their main goals was to really make an effort to show what their office space looks like, and feels like, to interested clients.   'The whole basis of our marketing strategy right now is just to build community. We're new, we're here, this is what we're about, and this is all of the inside that we can let you see through before you step into our world!' - Regan Swerhun Regan combines website and social media efforts to showcase the Canadian private practice and notes that it has now grown enough to also attract clients through word-of-mouth. If you need extra support for your marketing efforts, you can try applying to this grant! Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | EP 184 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Create your website with WordPress!  Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    25 min
  5. Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | Ep 184

    7 JAN

    Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | Ep 184

    Have you ever found yourself loving the work of therapy, but feeling frustrated by systems that make it difficult for your clients to receive the help they need? Dana reached that crossroads and made a brave, intentional leap toward a practice that supports both her clinical values and her personal well-being. In this podcast episode, Dana and I talk about her path into psychotherapy, and what it looked like to slowly and thoughtfully transition from hospital work into full-time private practice.  We also dive into learning SEO as a solo practitioner, using AI without losing your human voice, and why giving your practice time to grow organically can be a powerful choice. There's so much practical wisdom in this conversation, and I'm excited for you to listen in! MEET DANA Dana is an occupational therapist who practices psychotherapy and the owner of Cedar Tree Therapy, a private practice in Whitby, Ontario. With close to a decade of mental health experience, Dana sees individuals with anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD. Learn more about Dana on her private practice website and Psychology Today profile.  In this episode:  Dana's academic background and current practice Going from clinical work to private practice  How Dana's private practice has evolved  The therapist book club  Researching marketing and SEO best practices Dana's advice for listeners  Dana's academic background and current practice  While Dana's private practice is situated in Whitby, Ontario, she completed her Master's degree in occupational therapy at McGill University in Montreal.  'I came back to Ontario after finishing my Master's, and in Ontario specifically … occupational therapists are one of the six regulated healthcare professionals that can practice controlled active psychotherapy. So, my practice is entirely psychotherapy, and my license type is that I just happen to be an occupational therapist.' - Dana Etherington Due to Ontario's regulatory laws, Dana can practice psychotherapy with an occupational therapy background. Remember to always check your province's regulations when planning your future Canadian private practice! The bridge between Dana's occupational therapy background and her current psychotherapy-focused practice is built on her appreciation for her clients. 'I loved spending the day getting to know people, and it felt like such an honor to hear people's stories. From then on, I knew that was how I wanted my career to go, and it feels so special to be trusted by clients to hear some really complicated and vulnerable parts of their lives.' - Dana Etherington  Going from clinical work to private practice After graduating, Dana didn't immediately go into private practice. She first spent time working at a psychiatric hospital beforehand. 'I was working my nine-to-five at the psychiatric hospital, and then I started my private practice part-time. I'd see maybe four clients a week after I was done with my hours at the hospital.' - Dana Etherington  Dana felt frustrated by the systemic barriers that made it difficult for people who needed support and help to find it, and that passion encouraged her to begin offering therapy in her own Ontario private practice. When Dana became a mother, she knew that she had to choose between working in the hospital and committing to her private practice.  'I knew I couldn't go on working both these jobs any longer. I was at this point where I had to make a choice: I either had to leave private practice behind or I had to jump in with both feet. So, I chose to jump in … And I have been full-time ever since 2023!' - Dana Etherington  How Dana's private practice has evolved 'I think it's the best decision I've ever made. It allows me to be the therapist I want to be, and also the mother that I want to be, too. It offers me that flexibility, it allows me to have time and space to also take care of myself. I couldn't think of a better career choice for me.' - Dana Etherington Right now, Dana has an in-person office in downtown Brooklyn as well as sees clients online.  In terms of staff, Dana currently has a contractor. She is open to expanding one day, but not right now. At this moment in time, she enjoys the time, space, and energy, and is giving the practice the chance to grow organically.  The therapist book club As a way to create more community, Dana and some of her fellow therapy colleagues have decided to launch a local therapist's book club in one of the members' offices.  They meet in person over an evening once a month, where they can discuss therapy, private practice-related work, and books that they are collectively reading about their work and specialties.  Researching marketing and SEO best practices Since Dana is running her Canadian private practice, she threw herself into researching everything there is to know about SEO.  Some of the tips she has for listeners are:  Get clear on your niche  Don't be afraid to commit to your niche  Try as best you can to consider what your ideal client is Googling when they are looking for someone like you to help them  When it comes to using AI, Dana recommends it for creating content that you may use for marketing, such as blogs. However, always humanize your work, because SEO is strongest when it is person-written and person-focused.  Dana's advice for listeners  Remember that marketing is part of your job now. It is not an extra luxury piece; it is part of reaching your ideal client and making a positive impact in the community around you. So, don't fear it, embrace it! Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Encore: Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | EP 183 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Create your website with WordPress!  Learn more about Dana on her private practice website and Psychology Today profile Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    22 min
  6. Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 183

    26/11/2025

    Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 183

    We're revisiting episode 143: Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice. Their powerful reflections on growing a queer-informed practice continue to resonate, and we're excited to share this encore episode with both new and longtime listeners. You can find the show notes to the original episode here. Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Jennifer Bonilla: Building a Culturally Responsive Private Practice | EP 182 Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    37 min
  7. Jennifer Bonilla: Building a Culturally Responsive Private Practice | Ep 182

    19/11/2025

    Jennifer Bonilla: Building a Culturally Responsive Private Practice | Ep 182

    Have you noticed gaps in your community where there are needs that require attention? Are you hearing the same or similar pains over and over in the lives of the people around you? This is what happened to Jennifer, and she took the initiative to provide services to those whom she saw needed them the most.  In this episode, Jennifer and I discuss how she based her new, growing Canadian private practice on the values of cultural awareness, belonging, and identity, and how she is making the transition to solo practice financially stable.  We also talk about blogs, working with AI, instilling balance, and why adaptability is an important gift that you should give yourself when working in this mental health field. There are many gems to share, so welcome our conversation!  MEET JENNIFER Jennifer Bonilla is a Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Therapy Across Seasons, serving adults and families online across Ontario. She specializes in helping clients understand how attachment and family dynamics shape their confidence, boundaries, and relationships. Guided by compassion and cultural awareness, Jennifer supports people in moving through life's seasons with greater clarity, connection, and resilience.  Learn more about Jennifer on her practice website, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles.  In this episode:  Why Jennifer decided to become a therapist  Starting a private practice Centering Culture in Private Practice  Financial prep to curb fear  Marketing the practice  Jennifer's advice for listeners  Why Jennifer decided to become a therapist  Jennifer started in the mental health field as a child and youth worker.  While Jennifer enjoyed working with youth and children in Toronto, she saw gaps in care. Starting a private practice  Jennifer appreciated the experience that she had working in other group practices, but she knew that she wanted to start her own practice because she wanted to lay her own foundation. Apart from wanting to ground her practice on a specific set of goals and values, Jennifer also wanted to live a professional life that had more flexibility to it. She wanted to create her own schedule, rather than follow one from someone or something else. Centering Culture in Private Practice  Jennifer noticed that many of her clients kept having the same or similar issues around culture, identity, belonging, and self-assurance.  These conversations kept coming up, and Jennifer noticed that at the core of some of her clients' anxieties were anxieties around cultural identity.  Financial prep to curb fear Jennifer is working in phases. She still has a caseload in the other group private practice, and sees clients on the side in her new, growing private practice.  She's slowly transitioning out of one and into the other as her income grows to make this change carefully and intentionally, without risking her income and livelihood.  By taking it slowly, such as building up emergency savings, relying a little on contract work, and slowly transitioning into private practice, Jennifer can keep making her professional choices from a place of intentionality, not fear.  Marketing the practice  Jennifer is going full-tilt on marketing her solo practice. When she has the time - or makes the time - she writes blogs, vlogs, and networks to get her business off the ground.  When it comes to writing blogs, Jennifer does use AI tools to help her with prompts, but is careful to keep her words her own.  Furthermore, Jennifer is brainstorming about the possibility of hosting workshops from 2026 onwards.  Jennifer's advice for listeners  Take a seasonal perspective. Remember that things come and go, times change. What is sustainable overall? How can you adapt throughout the times?  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Encore: Affordable Ways to Start a Canadian Private Practice in 2025 | EP 181 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Create your website with WordPress!  Learn more about Jennifer on her practice website, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    29 min
  8. Affordable Ways to Start a Canadian Private Practice in 2025 | Ep 181

    12/11/2025

    Affordable Ways to Start a Canadian Private Practice in 2025 | Ep 181

    We're bringing back Episode 157: Affordable Ways to Start a Canadian Private Practice in 2025 for an encore. Whether you missed it the first time or need a refresher, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you launch your practice without breaking the bank. You can find the show notes to the original episode here. Connect with me: Instagram Website   Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Leading with Authenticity in Private Practice: Year 9 | ep 180 Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn

    14 min
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About

Where are you in your private practice journey? How's it going for you? I'm Jules Smith, and I'm so glad you're here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won't just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let's learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together.

Information

  • Creator
    Jules Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    188
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Fearless Practice

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