The Connected Therapist | Private Practice, Self-Care, Marketing, Burnout, Counseling, Couples Therapy

Jen Alley & Gillian Amaro
  • 5.0 (7)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you feeling isolated as a therapist, trying to grow your private practice, or wrestling with imposter syndrome? Or, maybe you’re someone who loves diving into therapeutic concepts, exploring business growth strategies, and discovering ways to expand both personally and professionally. If any of that resonates, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping therapists like you build emotionally and financially sustainable practices. We’re your hosts, Gillian Amaro and Jen Alley—Licensed Professional Counselors and Supervisors, each with over 15 years of experience. We’ve been there: navigating burnout, battling imposter syndrome, and facing the loneliness that often comes with running a private practice. We believe being both human and a therapist is a journey of continual learning, growth, and connection. Through this podcast, we’ll share practical tips, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking conversations to support you in creating a community, a practice, and a life you love. If you’re ready to build a practice that feels good emotionally and financially, deepen your self-awareness, or learn more about experiential therapy, this podcast is for you. We’re so glad you are here. grab your coffee—or better yet, throw on your tennies, pop in your earbuds, and let’s dive in!

  1. 05/31/2025

    20: You Don’t Have to Do Private Practice Alone: Linder Dwyer on Finding Community

    In this episode, we’re joined by one of our own community members, guest Linder Dwyer, a Licensed Professional Counselor and private practice owner in Austin, Texas, who shares her personal journey of finding connection and support in our community and membership. Whether you’re craving support, feeling stuck in isolation, or just curious about what it’s like inside our membership, this episode gives you a glimpse into the power of shared space and mutual growth.   JOIN THE COMMUNITY: If this conversation resonates and you’re looking for a space to feel more grounded, inspired, and supported as a therapist—you don’t have to do it alone.   Learn more at www.theconnectedtherapist.org/membership Whether you’re building a practice, navigating burnout, or simply want to grow alongside people who get it, our membership is here to support you with consultation, business/goals and growth, personal support, and connection.     About Our Guest: Linder Dwyer https://www.connectioncounselingaustin.com/ Linder offers therapy for people pleasing women and empowers them to become a bolder version of themselves. She specializes in anxiety, relationships, and self-esteem.  https://www.instagram.com/connectioncounseling/   Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    14 min

  2. 05/22/2025

    19: Expectations Vs. Reality: What It's Really Like to Be a Therapist in Private Practice

    So many therapists dream of private practice — the flexibility, autonomy, and freedom to do meaningful work on your own terms. But what’s the truth behind the dream? In today’s episode, we are breaking down the real-life expectations vs. reality of running your own therapy practice. Whether you're just starting out, building your caseload, struggling with the business aspects of your practice, or wondering if private practice is right for you, this episode will give you a look at: The myth of total flexibility — and what “freedom” really looks like How income works in private practice (and what people often miss) Why burnout doesn’t magically disappear when you’re your own boss Marketing truths: clients won’t just come because you build a website The emotional and practical skills needed to build a sustainable practice Private practice can be deeply fulfilling — but it’s not effortless. This episode will help you make more informed, empowered choices about your career path.   Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    36 min

  3. 05/18/2025

    18: The Last Session: Navigating Termination in Therapy with Care and Clarity

    In this episode, we're diving into one of the most important — and often overlooked — parts of the therapeutic process: the termination session. Whether therapy is ending because goals have been met or life circumstances are shifting, how we close out our work with clients matters. You'll learn: What termination sessions are and why they’re essential Common reasons therapy might end — and how to talk about it What a thoughtful, intentional last session can include How clients and therapists can navigate the emotions of goodbye Tips for creating meaningful closure, even when endings are unplanned Here are some key elements you might include: Review of progress: Revisit the goals you set and the growth you've experienced. Highlight key insights: Discuss meaningful takeaways, tools, or breakthroughs. Acknowledge challenges: Talk about any unfinished work or lingering questions. Discuss future support: Plan for next steps, relapse prevention, or potential follow-up. Explore emotions: Make space for grief, gratitude, anxiety, or relief — all are valid. Celebrate the work: Honor the courage and effort it took to show up and engage. You might include some sort of meaningful ritual or reflection piece during this time. Say goodbye: Name the ending and express appreciation for the relationship. Contract for any future reaching out if this is part of your practice. Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    22 min

  4. 05/08/2025

    17: The First Session: Helping Clients Clarify Their “Why” and Begin Treatment Planning

    In this episode, we dive into the essential elements of a first therapy session—how to build connection, uncover your client’s deeper "why" for seeking therapy, and begin contracting to co-create a strong foundation for working together and treatment planning. Whether you're a new therapist or a seasoned clinician looking to refresh or reflect on your intake process, this conversation offers practical strategies, sample language, and a flexible framework to make your first sessions more intentional and impactful. What You'll Learn: Why and how the first session sets the tone for the therapeutic relationship How to help clients articulate their deeper hopes or reasons for starting therapy A flexible framework to structure your first session Clinical considerations for meeting clients where they are   Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    27 min

  5. 05/01/2025

    16: How to Run a Successful Therapy Intake Call: A Step-by-Step Guide for Clinicians

    In this episode, we dive into one of the most important but often overlooked parts of building a thriving therapy practice: the intake call. Whether you're a new clinician or a seasoned therapist refining your systems, this conversation will help you feel more confident, clear, and grounded in how you approach these early conversations with potential clients. You'll learn: The true purpose of an intake call (and what it's not) What to say and ask during the call How to spot red flags and determine client fit Common mistakes to avoid Tips for showing up warm, professional, and boundaried   Reflection Questions for Therapists Use these to refine your intake process or in supervision/consultation: How do I want clients to feel after an intake call with me? What information do I truly need to gather on the call—and what can wait? Where do I tend to overgive, overshare, or overfunction on intake calls? Have I clearly defined who I’m a good fit for—and who I’m not? Do I know what my fee structure/availability is before getting on the calls?  What is one small shift I could make to feel more grounded and boundaried in these calls? Do my current policies reflect what I can sustainably offer? How do I handle it when I realize I’m not the right fit for a client?   Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    16 min

  6. 04/24/2025

    15: Community: A Non-Negotiable for Therapist Resilience

    Loneliness has officially been declared an epidemic due to its significant impact on both mental and physical health—and therapists are not immune. In fact, despite being in a profession centered on connection, many therapists quietly experience deep loneliness and isolation. In this episode, we explore the reality that therapists need community too. Whether it’s through peer consultation, authentic friendships inside and outside the field, or intentional emotional support, connection is a vital part of our resilience, our well-being, and our ability to show up fully for others. We’ll talk about the research on loneliness and burnout in the mental health profession, the emotional and clinical benefits of community, and why friendships outside of therapy circles matter more than we often realize. You’ll also hear about the space we’ve created for therapists to connect, reflect, and grow—together.    Reflection Questions: Where in my life am I feeling most connected right now? Where am I feeling most isolated? Do I have people I can be fully myself with—without explaining, fixing, or performing? What kind of community do I most need right now? What gets in the way of me reaching out or letting others in? What’s one small, doable step I could take this week to move toward connection? Resources:  Vivek Murthy's book, The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World Vivek Murthy on the Rich Roll Podcast   Our Affiliate:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    31 min

  7. 04/17/2025

    14: Boundaries Start Within: How Therapists Can Avoid Burnout by Honoring Their Limits

    As therapists, we're trained to hold space for others—but what about holding space for ourselves? In this episode, we explore the deeply human practice of setting boundaries with ourselves—not from a place of perfection, but with self-compassion and care. We talk about the habits that quietly lead to burnout—like overbooking, saying yes when we need to say no, people-pleasing, and ignoring our own signals—and how internal boundaries can help us create more spaciousness, presence, and sustainability in our life and work. We'll also share why boundaries aren’t one-and-done—they’re living, breathing, and always evolving. We’ll explore how to regularly check in with ourselves, make room for what we need, and honor our shifting capacity with kindness and intention. If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be doing more or struggle to give yourself permission to rest, reflect, or check in, this conversation is your gentle nudge to come back home to yourself and re-evaluate what you need and what is and isn't in alignment with your values.    Possible Reflection Questions:  What are the subtle ways I tend to override my own needs in service of others? Where in my week do I consistently feel drained—and what boundary might help protect my energy there? What stories or beliefs come up when I consider saying no, taking a break, or doing less? When was the last time I checked in with myself about my current capacity? What did I notice? What does self-compassion look like for me on a hard day or when I have neglected or overridden my own boundaries? Where might my boundaries need to shift right now to reflect who I am and what I need in this season? How can I create regular space (even 5 minutes) to listen inward and tend to my own limits with care?   Resource:  Setting Boundaries that Stick by Juliane Taylor Shore   Partner:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    43 min

  8. 04/10/2025

    13: Boundaries With Clients for Therapists in Private Practice

    In this episode, we explore one of the most important and often tricky parts of being a therapist: setting and holding boundaries with clients. We’ll talk about the difference between internal boundaries and external boundaries and why both are essential for sustainable, ethical practice.   We’ll also dive into common challenges therapists face and explore how to reset boundaries with clarity and care when they’ve gotten blurry.   Consider reflecting on the following questions:  Where am I overextending or holding resentment? What part of me feels uncomfortable setting limits—and what does that part need? What do I need to shift in my practice (or what boundaries do I need to set) to honor my own system and needs?  What boundaries/guidelines do I feel unclear on in my practice that I need to spend time clarifying so that I can communicate them to my clients?    Resource:  Setting Boundaries that Stick by Juliane Taylor Shore   Partner:  Simple Practice: Use this link to access an exclusive 30-day free trial PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card. Access an exclusive 30-day free trial for your network PLUS an additional month free when you add a credit card     Next Steps: Subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss an episode. Share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need a reminder that they’re not alone. Leave us a written review wherever you are listening.   Let's Connect:  Our Website: www.theconnectedtherapist.org Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connected.therapist/ Join the community: The Community + Membership Get the newsletter

    32 min
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About

Are you feeling isolated as a therapist, trying to grow your private practice, or wrestling with imposter syndrome? Or, maybe you’re someone who loves diving into therapeutic concepts, exploring business growth strategies, and discovering ways to expand both personally and professionally. If any of that resonates, you’re in the right place. This podcast is all about helping therapists like you build emotionally and financially sustainable practices. We’re your hosts, Gillian Amaro and Jen Alley—Licensed Professional Counselors and Supervisors, each with over 15 years of experience. We’ve been there: navigating burnout, battling imposter syndrome, and facing the loneliness that often comes with running a private practice. We believe being both human and a therapist is a journey of continual learning, growth, and connection. Through this podcast, we’ll share practical tips, actionable strategies, and thought-provoking conversations to support you in creating a community, a practice, and a life you love. If you’re ready to build a practice that feels good emotionally and financially, deepen your self-awareness, or learn more about experiential therapy, this podcast is for you. We’re so glad you are here. grab your coffee—or better yet, throw on your tennies, pop in your earbuds, and let’s dive in!

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