The Practice of Therapy Podcast

PsychCraft Network
  • 4.8 (72)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast is here for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychotherapists, and mental health clinicians in their practice journeys. I'm Gordon Brewer and the person behind The Practice of Therapy Blog and Website that provides tools, resources and advice for people starting, growing or expanding their private practices. The podcast will help you learn from other experts in the field to move your private practice forward to success. The Practice of Therapy Podcast is part of the PsychCraft Network of Podcasts; PsychCraft, LLC

  1. 1d ago

    What I'd Do Differently If I Started Private Practice Today | TPOT 436

    When I started my private practice nearly 20 years ago, there were not nearly as many resources available for therapists as there are today. I learned a lot by trial and error, and looking back, there are definitely some things I would do differently. In this episode, I'm sharing what I wish I had known when I first started private practice. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I made things more complicated than they needed to be. From keeping paper records to waiting too long to outsource, I can see now how simpler systems would have made a big difference early on. I talk about the importance of having a good practice management platform, building your website and SEO, networking in your community, and using tools like AI to help with marketing and systems. I also share why I think it's important not to quit your day job too quickly, how to build financial reserves, and what to think about when deciding between insurance, private pay, or a hybrid model. I also get into the difference between the clinical side and business side of your practice, why those systems need to stay separate, and how learning Profit First can help make your practice more sustainable and profitable. Whether you are just starting private practice or you've been in it for a while, I hope this episode helps you think about how to simplify, plan ahead, and build a practice that supports both your clients and your life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Therapy Intake Pro Profit First for Therapists Workbook Making Profit First Work For You

    45 min

  2. 1d ago ·  Bonus

    You Might Also Like: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie

    Introducing Treating Mental Illness Like a Physical Injury with Olympian Alexi Pappas from No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie. Follow the show: No Magic Pill with Blake Mycoskie After becoming an Olympian in 2016, runner Alexi Pappas was afraid to slow down. Her mother had died by suicide when Alexi was just four years old, and she feared that her own depression would become a death sentence, too. But with the support of friends and family, she found the strength to get help and heal. Alexi’s story is for anyone who wants to feel a little braver, to face the world new each day, and understand that it doesn’t take Olympic strength to change your life. In this conversation you’ll learn: – Why we should treat mental illness like a physical injury – How to tell the difference between pain as warning vs. pain as transformation – The best way to support someone who is suffering – How to embrace the unknown with excitement rather than worry You can learn more about Alexi Pappas and buy her book at https://www.alexipappas.com/. And watch Blake on Alexi’s podcast, Mentor Buffet, here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jtbyxv34TMw. Enough Foundation's mission is to spread reminders in every form — bracelets, messages, actions, community — until feeling ENOUGH becomes the cultural default. To learn more, visit weareenough.co.  Produced, Directed, and Cinematography by Wubetu Shimelash / IG: Wubetu Shimelash Disclaimer: No purchase necessary. While supplies last. Visit http://www.weareenough.co/rules for full terms. More information on Blake’s other projects here:  Morning Water  Morning Water is a daily hydration formula that restores energy, balance, and performance with essential electrolytes, minerals, and nutrients in one simple routine.  To learn more, visit morningwater.co and use code NOMAGICPILL for 25% off your first order. SONIA  Sonia is a conversational AI companion designed for emotional support. Through voice and text, it offers guided wellbeing sessions, including meditations, journaling, personalized recommendations, and practical exercises. To learn more, visit www.soniahealth.com and download it on the App Store. MOOVLAB At MOOVLAB, we bring health and wellness to your workday.  MOOVLAB - the answer to sitting is moving.  To learn more, visit www.moovlab.com Follow Blake on Instagram and stay up to date with Lemonada on Facebook and Instagram. For a list of current sponsors and discount codes for this and every other Lemonada show, go to lemonadamedia.com/sponsors. Joining Lemonada Premium is a great way to support our show and get bonus content. Subscribe today at lemonadapremium.com. Subscribe to Spotify Premium to watch ad-free video. Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical questions or concerns you may have. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. From Imposter Syndrome to Confident Private Practice Owner | Bianca Hughes | TPOT 435

    Jun 8

    From Imposter Syndrome to Confident Private Practice Owner | Bianca Hughes | TPOT 435

    Are you charging enough in private practice, or does guilt keep getting in the way? In this episode, Gordon is joined by Bianca Hughes, LPC, therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. Bianca shares how she moved from hospital work into private practice and the mindset shifts that helped her build a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and authentic. Gordon and Bianca talk about money mindset, imposter syndrome, marketing, confidence, and why therapists need to see themselves as both clinicians and business owners. Bianca also shares why it's important to respect the value of your license, ask for help, find community, and do your own personal work along the way. If you've ever struggled with charging your worth, owning your value, or building a private practice without burning out, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Bianca Hughes Bianca Hughes, LPC is a therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with more than 10 years of experience, Bianca is passionate about helping ambitious mental health clinicians build careers that feel aligned, authentic, and sustainable. Known as a "Soul Aligner," Bianca guides newer clinicians through the challenges of licensure, job searches, salary negotiation, confidence, and career clarity. Through heart-centered community and mentorship, she helps therapists move beyond uncertainty and create a path that honors both their professional goals and their true selves. Bianca has built a thriving private practice rooted in her values, proving that clinicians do not have to chase hustle culture to be successful. Her work has earned recognition, including Richmont Graduate University's 2024 Alumni of the Year award, and she has spoken for conferences and organizations, including Amazon. She has also hosted two podcasts and appeared on more than 37 podcasts as a trusted voice in the mental health field. Therapy Website Instagram LinkedIn Threads Soulful Clinician Collective Website Threads Instagram YouTube Free Quiz

    34 min
  4. How to Make Therapy More Culturally Responsive | Dr. Phebe Brako | TPOT 434

    May 25

    How to Make Therapy More Culturally Responsive | Dr. Phebe Brako | TPOT 434

    In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Phebe Brako for a really thoughtful conversation about what it means to make therapy more culturally responsive. So many of the clinical theories we learn were developed through a Western lens, and while those theories can be helpful, they don't always fit every client, every family system, or every cultural background. Dr. Phebe talks about why therapists need to examine their own worldview, stay curious about their clients' lived experiences, and be willing to adapt the models they use in the therapy room. We talk about culture, family systems, CBT, attachment, mindfulness, and why good therapy is not one-size-fits-all. This is such an important reminder that culturally responsive care is not a box to check. It is an ongoing commitment to learning, listening, and doing the work. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Dr. Phebe Brako Phebe Brako, LMFT, LMHC, NCC, is a licensed therapist, educator, speaker, and host of Between Two Worlds with Dr. Phebe. She is the Founder and CEO of 253 Therapy and Consult, a group therapy practice based in University Place, Washington. Phebe's work focuses on culturally responsive therapy and the ways traditional clinical theories can be adapted to better serve Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other communities of color. She is also passionate about supporting the next generation of therapists through supervision, training, and consultation. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn 253 Therapy Summer Training Institute

    44 min
  5. Why Private Practice Looks So Different Now | Lex E Santí | TPOT 433

    May 18

    Why Private Practice Looks So Different Now | Lex E Santí | TPOT 433

    Private practice has changed a LOT over the last few years… and therapists are still trying to figure out what comes next. In this episode, Gordon talks with Lex E. Santi about the evolution of therapy after telehealth, online platforms, insurance shifts, and changing client expectations. They dive into why more clinicians are entering private practice, why clients still crave in-person connection, and how companies like BetterHelp, Alma, and Headway are reshaping the profession. They also explore the pressure therapists feel to market themselves, build niches, and create an online presence in a rapidly changing industry. Toward the end of the conversation, Lex shares how writing, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and storytelling intersect in his clinical work and creative life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Lex E Santí Lex Enrico Santí is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and the founder of A Key Therapy PLLC, where he works at the intersection of evidence-based practice and the deeper human questions that bring people into therapy in the first place. Trained as a licensed clinical social worker and currently completing his doctorate at the University of Kentucky, Lex brings a grounded, integrative approach to his work — drawing on modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness alongside his own framework for healing he calls the AMI model. The son of Cuban immigrants and a former Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, Lex carries a lifelong fluency in crossing cultures — literally and emotionally. He speaks three languages and brings that same attunement to difference, displacement, and belonging into his clinical work. In the therapy room, he holds space for individuals navigating anxiety, identity, and the transitions that quietly reshape a life. He also supervises emerging clinicians, teaches workshops on meditation and understanding anxiety, and is building A Key Therapy into a group practice rooted in presence, curiosity, and care. He believes that good therapy — like good writing — is about learning to tell a truer story about yourself. Beyond the therapy room, Lex is a published author with an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University — the author of four books of poetry and a collection of short stories and essays. A meditator and someone who thinks seriously about the spiritual dimensions of mental health, he lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York with his family. He is a proud husband, father, and has another child on the way. Website Facebook LinkedIn The Song of the Midnight Rider

    39 min
  6. What to Say to Someone Grieving (Most People Get This Wrong) | Shelby Forsythia | TPOT 432

    May 11

    What to Say to Someone Grieving (Most People Get This Wrong) | Shelby Forsythia | TPOT 432

    Grief is something every one of us will face at some point, and yet most of us have no idea what to say when someone is hurting. In this episode, I'm joined by Shelby Forsythia, a grief coach, author, and host of the Grief Grower podcast. Shelby shares her own story of profound loss and how it shaped the work she does today, helping people navigate grief in a way that actually honors what they are going through. We talk about why so many common phrases miss the mark, what grieving people are really experiencing beneath the surface, and how grief doesn't just affect your emotions, it changes your identity. Shelby also breaks down the three simple phrases that can completely shift how you support someone in pain. If you've ever felt unsure of what to say, or worried about saying the wrong thing, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Shelby Forsythia Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother's death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a "student of grief" and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they've faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. Website Grief Grower Podcast Shelby on Instagram

    43 min
  7. What It Really Takes to Run a Profitable Private Practice | Brandy Mabra | TPOT 431

    May 4

    What It Really Takes to Run a Profitable Private Practice | Brandy Mabra | TPOT 431

    Thinking about starting a private practice in 2026? There's a lot to consider… and it's not as simple as it used to be. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I'm joined by Brandy Mabra, who brings nearly two decades of experience across private practice, corporate healthcare, and entrepreneurship. We dig into what's really happening in the industry right now—from AI and changing business models to profitability and long-term sustainability. If you're wondering whether now is the right time to start (or grow) a practice, this conversation will help you think more strategically about your next move. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Brandy Mabra Brandy Mabra is the CEO of Savvy Clover Coaching & Consulting and a CEO coach for private practice owners in healthcare. Brandy has over two decades of business management and leadership experience. She has worked in diverse business climates and has turned hot mess practices into well-oiled, profitable machines. She has spent her career building, scaling, and leading 9-figure practices and now uses her skill set to help women private practice owners grow their businesses with sustainability and profit in mind. Brandy earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Master's in Health Administration from A.T. Still University. She is a Certified Professional Coach and Master Energy Leadership Practitioner, receiving her credentials from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She has been part of the Entrepreneur Leadership Network and has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, PopSugar, Create & Cultivate, and several well-known podcasts. Brandy is also the host of the top-ranked CEO podcast, CEO Conversations: The Private Practice Podcast. She is the founder of Private Practice CEO™, which empowers her clients to fully step into their role as CEO—building practices with streamlined operations and engaged teams that can run without them. Brandy loves to travel and spend time with her family. She believes you can't build a business on fumes—and that CEO breaks are required. Website Instagram The Private Practice Podcast How To Create a CEO Mindset in Private Practice

    33 min
  8. Why A Lot of Therapists Struggle in Private Practice | Katie Piura | TPOT 430

    Apr 27

    Why A Lot of Therapists Struggle in Private Practice | Katie Piura | TPOT 430

    Thinking about starting a private practice… but feeling unsure where to begin? In this episode, Katie Piura shares the mindset shifts every therapist needs to make before launching (or growing) a successful practice. From burnout in agency work to building something aligned and sustainable, Katie breaks down the real challenges therapists face and why being a great clinician isn't always enough. We also get into the business side of private practice that grad school never taught you, including money mindset, marketing, and why asking for help might be the most important step you take. If you've been thinking about private practice but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure... this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode  Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Katie Piura She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in culturally competent mental health care, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, and child, adolescent, and young adult populations. As a bilingual clinician and trainer, she has led workshops, courses, and media education segments across a range of settings—from Latin media outlets to universities. Her work centers on serving diverse communities, with a focus on first- and second-generation immigrants, Latinx populations, and youth. She provides accessible, evidence-based education in both English and Spanish. The Private Practice Start Program Registration Instagram Website

    31 min
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4.8
out of 5
72 Ratings

About

This podcast is here for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychotherapists, and mental health clinicians in their practice journeys. I'm Gordon Brewer and the person behind The Practice of Therapy Blog and Website that provides tools, resources and advice for people starting, growing or expanding their private practices. The podcast will help you learn from other experts in the field to move your private practice forward to success. The Practice of Therapy Podcast is part of the PsychCraft Network of Podcasts; PsychCraft, LLC

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