Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses Dr. Kate Walker Ph.D., LPC/LMFT Supervisor

Navigating the leap from structured agency work to the exhilarating world of private practice can feel like a tightrope walk over ethical quandaries and financial uncertainties. Jocelyn Aguilar joins me on a journey that traverses these high stakes, sharing her unique perspective as a pioneer in online counseling for Christian women confronting anxiety. Together, we confront the hard-hitting questions every mental health entrepreneur faces: How do you build a practice that balances the books without compromising on care? Can you truly marry income with integrity? Our conversation is a treasure trove of insights for those ready to find out.

What does it mean to keep your financial engines running while charting a course through the choppy waters of private practice? In a profession where time is your currency, we dissect the concept of passive income, cutting through the noise to bring you actionable strategies, like office space rentals, that complement your primary business. I open up about my experiences, from the incremental growth of early mornings to the calculated risks of side hustles, offering a compass to therapists who are steering their businesses towards sustainable shores. Let's decode the dilemmas of time management and income diversification.

Finally, the episode shifts gears, focusing on the roadmap for growth and strategic planning essential to any business venture. Whether it's the cautious calibration of financial milestones or the ethical considerations during practice expansion, we're revealing the nuts and bolts of what it takes to thrive. I extend a special thanks to Ridgely Walker for her contributions, and spotlight resources for those looking to rise to the role of supervisor. Tune in and join our community of Texas counselors dedicated to crafting not just businesses, but legacies within the mental health field.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

Ever felt that twinge of awkwardness when the topic of money arises in your therapy practice? Join us as we strip away the discomfort with my insightful guest, Jennifer, guiding you through the complexities of financial discussions in the counseling room. We're tackling the big questions head-on: How do you introduce your rates with confidence? What's the smoothest way to handle declined payments? And how do you maintain the integrity of your practice while being compassionate to those facing financial hurdles? Our conversation is a treasure trove of strategies for any private practitioner seeking to balance ethical considerations with the bottom line. 

This episode isn't just about the numbers; it's about fostering respectful, clear-cut relationships with your clients from the get-go. We'll share our combined wisdom on setting, discussing, and sticking to your fees and policies, including the sticky situations of no-shows and rate increases. Discover how to apply sliding fee scales ethically and fairly, the potential perks of pro bono work, and the value of mentorship in offering affordable services. Whether you're a seasoned therapist or embarking on your private practice journey, our exchange is designed to equip you with the tools you need to navigate these waters with ease and professionalism. With Jennifer's expertise, we're shining a light on the path to a financially and ethically sound practice.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

Embark on a voyage through the transformative landscape of counseling with Dr. Tara Fox from Midwestern State University as our guide, uncovering the often-intricate journey from graduate student to Licensed Professional Counselor associate. In the heart of Texas, where the path to licensure is as sprawling as the state itself, Dr. Fox bestows upon us her knowledge, from the art of tracking clinical hours to finding that perfect supervisor who will champion your growth and align with your counseling ethos. Her astute advice doesn't stop there; for online students, she lays out a blueprint for building professional relationships that are both meaningful and enduring.

As you navigate the waters of LPC supervision and licensing, it's paramount to find a supervisor who not only aligns with your professional aspirations but also provides a secure anchor for your developing practice. Dr. Fox shines a light on the questions you should be asking to gauge compatibility and supervision styles and underscores the importance of a strong, genuine connection. This chapter doesn't shy away from the realities of ethical practice and staying abreast of the ever-evolving professional regulations, ensuring you're well-equipped to apply for that coveted LPC Associate license in Texas with confidence.

Lastly, we address the nitty-gritty of practical hours and the sometimes daunting transition from student to professional. For those wondering if school counseling practicum hours fit the bill for LPC requirements, we've got answers. And for those pondering the chicken-or-the-egg dilemma of finding a supervisor versus landing a job, we clarify the steps to ensure a seamless transition. Dr. Fox also arms you with a realistic timeline for acquiring your LPC associate license, sparing you from common pitfalls that could delay your start in this rewarding profession. Tune in for an episode rich with insights, poised to fortify your journey toward making a profound impact in the lives of others through counseling.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

Navigating the financial and ethical tightrope of side hustles in the counseling field can be as complex as the human mind itself. This episode peels back the layers on the reality that many counselors face as 1099 independent contractors, where the pressure of financial instability can cloud clinical judgment and ultimately impact the quality of care provided to clients. We don't just talk about the stress of juggling multiple income streams, though. Our discussion opens up a toolkit of strategies, from the support of partners to alternate jobs, that can help solopreneurs balance their books and preserve the sanctity of their practice.

Embrace the courage to tread uncharted career paths with us, as we also spotlight the importance of professional growth that resonates with personal fulfillment. You'll hear an inspiring story of a counselor who kneads her passion for baking into her therapeutic approach, illustrating that diversifying interests can lead to innovative and fulfilling career avenues. Let's challenge the norms of career progression and explore the ethical pursuit of side hustles that not only provide financial security but also enrich the lives of counselors and clients alike. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a novice in the field of counseling, this episode promises insights into maintaining integrity while building a multifaceted career.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

Embark on a journey to seamless tax management with Dr. Olivia Wedel, a beacon of wisdom in the labyrinth of tax law for professional counselors. Feel the empowerment course through your veins as we dissect the essentials of record keeping, navigate the chasms between 1099 and W-2 positions, and unpack the ethical considerations that are pivotal to your practice. Dr. Wedel brings her rich tapestry of experience to the table, ensuring you'll come away with a toolkit brimming with strategies to make peace with the IRS and keep your financial health in check.

Let's shift gears and explore the linchpin of business success: unshakeable organization and meticulous planning. Learn how honing your skills through training and education isn't just a career-booster; it's a lifeline for ensuring compliance with professional standards and laws. I'll illuminate the paths of setting competitive hourly rates and forecasting annual expenses, ensuring that every step you take in your private practice plants you firmly on the ground of prosperity. 

Finally, we chart the territory of business entities and tax preparation, where choices like PLLCs, LLCs, and S-Corps shape your fiscal landscape. With recent changes stirring the federal waters on worker classification, understanding these nuances has never been more crucial. Dr. Waddell and I will guide you through the maze, offering financial tips and sage advice for managing your practice's wellbeing, striking the perfect balance between deductions and solid business decisions. Tune in for an episode that transforms daunting tax tasks into a mastered craft, exclusively for our dedicated listeners.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

As our counseling practices flourish, we're faced with the critical task of balancing ethical standards with the burgeoning demand for our services. This episode promises to guide you through the thorny issues ranging from the use of client testimonials and navigating the pitfalls of Google reviews to ensuring compliance with HIPAA and House Bill 300. We tackle the potential for burnout during the delicate transition from agency work to private practice, and share effective strategies for self-care and professional sustainability. If you're curious about incorporating AI into your practice without overstepping ethical boundaries, you won't want to miss the wisdom imparted by guest expert Jenny Melrose, who also provides the opportunity for earning continuing education credits through her illuminating webinar.

Navigating the murky waters of content creation is no simple feat in the mental health profession—misrepresenting your skills in pursuit of market appeal can lead to serious consequences. We'll confront the ethical quandaries in advertising, particularly concerning the accurate portrayal of one's expertise in sensitive areas like eating disorders. Struggling with client waitlists? We offer ethical and practical solutions to provide value while clients anticipate your services. Moreover, the complex journey of trademarking, as I've personally experienced with AchieveBalance.org, is demystified, showing how it integrates with ethical business expansion. This episode wraps with a call to uphold responsibility, especially in rural and underserved communities, while extending an invitation to collaborate and grow within our professional support network.
Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.