The Build Your Private Practice Podcast

Liane Wood
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Weekly

This Podcast is for Canadian mental health practitioners ready to build a private practice that supports their life—not drains it. Whether you're looking to start, grow, or scale with more ease, income, and impact—this podcast is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    The Simplest Cash Flow Fix in Private Practice (You Can Do It This Week)

    What if one relatively simple change could improve your cash flow, reduce your credit card processing fees, and make it easier for clients to say yes to therapy? That's what we're talking about in this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast. This summer, 253 Canadian therapists shared how clients are paying for therapy inside their practices. And one number stood out. More than half of therapists said extended health benefits are the biggest source of client payments. But about half of therapists also said none of their practice income comes in through direct billing. That's a big gap. Because when clients have to pay the full session fee upfront, submit their own claim, and wait to be reimbursed, that can create a real cash-flow challenge for them. And it can cost your practice more, too. In this episode, we cover: How Canadian therapy clients are paying for sessions Why extended health benefits matter so much in private practice What direct billing actually means Why paying the full session fee upfront can be a barrier for clients How direct billing can make therapy easier to access Why clients may prefer therapists who offer direct billing How credit card processing fees can quietly add up What the numbers can look like for a solo practitioner How much larger the savings can become in a group practice What to check before offering direct billing How to handle balances your client's insurer doesn't cover Why you should give yourself a little lead time to get set up How to start the process this week For a solo practitioner seeing 20 clients a week, the difference can add up to thousands of dollars a year in reduced credit card processing fees. And that's before you count the potential impact of making payment easier for clients. Direct billing doesn't change the care you provide. It simply removes one more hurdle between your client and the therapy they're already covered for. So if you've been thinking direct billing sounds complicated—or assuming it isn't available to you—this episode is worth a listen. Your first step? Check which insurers accept direct billing claims from someone with your professional designation. Then start the registration process. You may be able to make this change within the month. Grab the free Direct Billing Toolkit here. Read the full Canadian Therapist Marketing Report here. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com/

  2. Oct 19

    The Future of Private Practice: What Therapists Need to Know

    Private practice is changing. There are more therapists entering the field. Clients have more options. AI and digital platforms are reshaping how people access support. And being a strong clinician, while absolutely essential, may no longer be enough on its own. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane sits down with Michael Kerman, founder and president of Leading Edge Seminars, to talk about what he's seen change across more than 30 years of working with Canadian therapists—and where he believes the profession is heading next. Michael has had a front-row seat to the way therapists learn, grow, and build their careers. And one thing is clear: The therapists who thrive in the years ahead will be the ones who keep learning. Clinically. Professionally. And as business owners. In this episode, we cover: How therapist training has changed over the past 30 years Why therapists are becoming more integrative in their clinical work How virtual care changed the way therapists work and learn What Michael noticed at BYPP's 10-year celebration Why specialization and reputation are becoming increasingly important Why clinical skill and business skill need to work together How therapists can stand out without becoming "marketers" Why speaking, community involvement, and professional visibility matter What AI could mean for the future of therapy Why therapists need to keep challenging themselves as the profession changes What newer therapists should invest in now Why experienced clinicians still benefit from lifelong learning The importance of caring for yourself alongside your clinical and business growth How Leading Edge Cancún combines professional development with actual rest One of the biggest messages from this conversation is simple: Never stop learning. Your clinical skills matter. Your business skills matter. Your ability to adapt matters. And so does your willingness to keep growing as a person. Because building a long, meaningful career in this profession isn't about reaching a point where you finally know everything. It's about staying curious enough to keep learning. Michael also shares the story behind Leading Edge Cancún, where therapists can combine high-quality clinical training in the mornings with time to rest, recharge, and enjoy the afternoons. Liane will also be presenting an evening session on: Protecting the Work Only You Can Do: The Forces Reshaping Private Practice and How to Stay Ahead If the idea of meaningful professional development paired with a real break sounds good to you, you can learn more here: https://leadingedgecancun.com/?ck_subscriber_id=4286739213 Use code BYPP100 to save $100 off your training/accommodations package. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com/

  3. Oct 12

    The Power of Gratitude in Private Practice

    Gratitude is something we talk about a lot this time of year. But what if it could be more than a feeling? What if gratitude was something you intentionally practiced in your private practice? In this Thanksgiving episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is reflecting on what she's most grateful for after celebrating 10 years of Build Your Private Practice—and why the people and relationships behind the work matter so much. Because no private practice is built entirely on your own. There are colleagues who answer questions when you're stuck. Referral partners who trust you with the people they care about. Team members who keep things moving behind the scenes. Friends and family who hold things together when your workday runs late. And sometimes, one of the most meaningful things you can do is simply let those people know you noticed. In this episode, we cover: What Liane is most grateful for after 10 years of Build Your Private Practice Why gratitude is more than something we feel once a year How a simple thank you can strengthen professional relationships Why being specific makes a thank-you note more meaningful The three people Liane encourages you to thank this Thanksgiving Why a genuine thank you should come without an ask attached How small acts of appreciation help build stronger communities Why the strongest practices are often deeply connected to the people around them How to make gratitude an intentional part of your private practice Why relationships matter when you're building something sustainable This Thanksgiving, Liane has one simple challenge for you: Write three thank-you notes. One to someone who has supported your practice professionally. One to a colleague who has been there when you needed them. And one to someone who helps make your work possible behind the scenes. Keep them short. Make them specific. And leave the ask out. Because sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is simply: I noticed what you did, and it mattered. Private practice can feel isolating, but you don't build something sustainable alone. Take a few minutes this week to acknowledge the people who have helped you along the way. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com/

  4. Oct 5

    10 Years of Build Your Private Practice: What I've Learned Along the Way

    Ten years. That's how long Build Your Private Practice has been supporting therapists as they navigate the business side of private practice. And in this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is taking you behind the scenes of BYPP's 10-year celebration—and sharing some of the biggest lessons she's learned along the way. From what went right to what went sideways, this episode is a look at what it really takes to build something that lasts. Because whether you're building a business, growing a private practice, running a workshop, or trying something new, things will not always go exactly as planned. And that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. What matters is how you respond, what you learn, and whether you keep moving forward. In this episode, we cover: What the BYPP 10-year celebration looked like behind the scenes Why nobody builds a sustainable business or private practice alone What happened when parts of the event didn't go according to plan Why people often remember how you handled a problem more than the problem itself What Liane learned from the feedback after the event Why documenting your systems and processes makes future growth easier How workshops can be a simple, natural way to grow your private practice Why sharing what feels "basic" to you can be incredibly valuable to someone else The lesson behind asking for the testimonial, opportunity, consult, or next step Why therapists may need to get a little louder about the expertise they already have One of the biggest takeaways from the day? You don't have to have everything perfectly figured out before you take the next step. Your workshop does not need to be revolutionary. Your event does not need to run flawlessly. Your marketing does not need to be complicated. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is share what you already know, make the invitation, and give people a chance to say yes. Because if you don't ask, the answer is already no. And if you've been sitting on an idea for a workshop, a group, a talk, or another way to share your expertise, this episode is a reminder that you may already know more than enough to begin. If you're feeling full of ideas but unsure what to prioritize next in your practice, Liane can help you get clear on your next move. Learn more about Accelerate Your Practice here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Learn more about Scale Your Practice here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com/

  5. Sep 28

    A Full Practice Can Still Feel Broken

    Your calendar is full. Clients are coming in. Revenue is coming in. So why does your private practice still feel financially stressful? Being busy and being profitable are not the same thing. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane shares the story of a therapist who had her first truly profitable month—without adding a single new client or working more hours. What changed? She got clear on her cash flow, started planning properly for taxes, and finally understood what the money coming into her practice actually needed to do. Because a full calendar tells you about your revenue. It doesn't necessarily tell you whether you have a profitable private practice. And when you're already fully booked but not making enough—or constantly worrying about money—the answer usually isn't squeezing more clients into your schedule. Sometimes, you need better systems around the income you're already earning. In this episode, we cover: Why a full practice can still feel financially stressful The important difference between revenue and profit Why a booked-out calendar doesn't necessarily mean your practice is profitable How unclear cash flow can make a thriving practice feel financially tight Why setting money aside for taxes matters Why seeing more clients isn't always the answer to making more money How better financial systems can create more stability without increasing your caseload Why follow-up is one of the most underused ways to turn inquiries into clients What profitability gives you beyond the numbers How to build a practice that supports your life instead of draining it If your practice is full but money still feels tight, start by looking at the money you're already making. Can you clearly see your cash flow? Are you consistently setting aside what you'll need for taxes? Do you know what's actually available to you after your practice expenses and obligations are covered? The goal was never just to be busy. It's to build a profitable, sustainable practice that gives you more freedom—not one that asks you to keep working harder. If you're ready to turn your full practice into one that feels more profitable, sustainable, and supported, Scale Your Practice can help. Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca/ Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com/

  6. Sep 21

    "The Market Is Saturated" Is a Story, Not a Fact

    If you've ever looked around at all the therapists in your city, scrolled through an online directory, or found someone with your exact niche and thought, "The market is saturated," you're not alone. It can feel like there's no room left. And once you start believing that, it can quietly change the way you build your practice. You stop marketing. You hesitate to change your fees. You make yourself less visible. You may even wonder whether starting or growing your practice is worth it at all. But there's an important distinction we need to make: Seeing more therapists does not automatically mean there's no demand for what you offer. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is unpacking the saturation story—and why the better question isn't whether the market is too full, but whether the right clients can clearly recognize that you're the right therapist for them. Because clients aren't choosing from a faceless crowd of interchangeable therapists. They're looking for the person who understands their specific needs. In this episode, we cover: Why "the market is saturated" can feel so convincing The difference between seeing more competition and understanding actual client demand Why finding the right therapist is often a matching problem How clients really choose the therapist they want to work with Why clarity about who you help matters more than trying to appeal to everyone How the saturation story can keep therapists invisible Why fear can stop you from marketing, changing your fees, or even starting The real cost of assuming there's no room for your practice The question to ask instead of "Is the market too full?" How becoming clearer and more findable can help the right clients recognize themselves in your message Your practice isn't built by competing with every therapist around you. It's built one right-fit client at a time. Instead of asking, "Is the market too full?" Try asking: "Am I clear and findable to the specific people I'm the right fit for?" That's a question you can actually do something about. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com Build Your Private Practice is turning 10! 🎉 Join us on Friday, September 25, 2026, for a full day focused on the operations, finances, marketing, and mindset behind building a private practice that actually works for you. Attend live in Toronto or join us virtually from anywhere. Register here: https://pages.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/bypp-10yr-registation

  7. Sep 14

    Money Was Never on the Syllabus

    If your private practice income feels inconsistent, it's easy to assume you're doing something wrong. One month feels steady. The next feels frighteningly quiet. And somewhere along the way, you start wondering why everyone else seems to have figured out the business side of private practice when you haven't. But there's something important we don't talk about enough: Money was never on the syllabus. Your training taught you how to be a therapist. It taught you ethics, assessment, clinical judgment, and how to care for your clients. It probably didn't teach you how to set your fees, fill a caseload, follow up with inquiries, prepare for slower seasons, or create more predictable income. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is talking about the business education therapists were never given—and why struggling with the money side of private practice isn't a personal failing. It's a skill gap. And business skills can be learned. In this episode, we cover: Why inconsistent income is so common in private practice The business skills most therapists were never taught Why struggling financially doesn't mean you're bad at business The quiet shame therapists can carry around money Why comparing your practice to someone else's can make that shame worse How intentional fees can create a stronger financial foundation Why follow-up is one of the most underused tools in private practice The importance of understanding your numbers How consistent visibility can help create more predictable income Why becoming a stronger business owner has nothing to do with your value as a clinician You didn't graduate knowing how to run a business. You graduated knowing how to help people. The business side is something you learn next. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com Build Your Private Practice is turning 10! 🎉 Join us on Friday, September 25, 2026, for a full day focused on the operations, finances, marketing, and mindset behind building a private practice that actually works for you. Attend live in Toronto or join us virtually from anywhere. Register here: https://pages.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/bypp-10yr-registation

  8. Sep 7

    The September Intake Window is Open

    If your private practice felt quiet this summer, September can feel like the moment you've been waiting for. Routines return. Calendars tighten up. And people who have been thinking about starting therapy finally begin looking for someone to work with. But there's one mistake therapists often make: waiting until the demand arrives to start marketing. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is talking about the September intake window—why fall is such an important time for private practice growth, what gets in the way of filling your caseload, and what you can do right now to make it easier for potential clients to find you and take the next step. Because when your marketing feels like it's going nowhere, it may not mean you're bad at business. Often, it comes down to two things: timing and consistency. In this episode, we cover: Why September can create a natural increase in demand for therapy Why therapists should prepare for fall intake before clients start looking What may really be happening when your marketing feels like it's going nowhere Why timing and consistency matter in private practice marketing How to increase visibility without creating an entirely new marketing strategy Simple ways to remind referral sources that you have availability Why potential clients should be able to understand who you help and how to book within seconds How unclear booking processes can cost you interested clients Why responding promptly to inquiries matters The overlooked power of following up with potential clients What to do if you feel like you missed the August preparation window A simple three-step checklist to help you get more therapy clients this fall If you're feeling behind, you haven't missed your opportunity. The September intake window doesn't close on September 1. Start with three things this week: Be visible. Choose one place where your ideal clients are already looking and show up consistently. Make the next step easy. Check your website, directory listing, contact form, and booking process. Make sure a potential client immediately knows what to do next. Follow up. Look back at the people who have contacted you recently but haven't booked. A warm, human follow-up may be all they need. You don't need to become louder or completely reinvent your private practice marketing. You need to be findable when the right people are ready for support. The clients come back. Let's make sure they can find you. Explore tools, programs, and support at: https://buildyourprivatepractice.ca Join our Facebook community for Canadian therapists: https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Listen and subscribe here: https://thebuildyourprivatepracticepodcast.libsyn.com Build Your Private Practice is turning 10! 🎉 Join us on Friday, September 25, 2026, for a full day focused on the operations, finances, marketing, and mindset behind building a private practice that actually works for you. Attend live in Toronto or join us virtually from anywhere. Register here: https://pages.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/bypp-10yr-registation

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This Podcast is for Canadian mental health practitioners ready to build a private practice that supports their life—not drains it. Whether you're looking to start, grow, or scale with more ease, income, and impact—this podcast is for you.

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