The Build Your Private Practice Podcast

Liane Wood

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. 1D AGO

    Why BetterHelp Isn't Your Competition—And Who Actually Is

    If you've ever wondered, "How am I supposed to compete with BetterHelp?" this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane breaks down why platforms like BetterHelp are not actually your competition — even though it can feel that way. Yes, corporate therapy platforms have massive ad budgets, strong brand recognition, and seem to be everywhere online. But they are built for volume, not depth. And that difference matters more than you think. In this episode, Liane explains who your real competition actually is (hint: it's not another therapist), why competing on price or speed is a losing game, and how clarity, connection, and trust are what truly attract aligned clients into private practice. This conversation is about shifting from fear-based marketing to clarity-based messaging — so your practice stands out for the right reasons. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why BetterHelp isn't your real competition What corporate therapy platforms cannot replicate Why client confusion is the biggest threat to private practice growth Why messaging matters more than marketing tactics Simple ways to clarify your niche and connect with the right clients Ready to Clarify Your Message? If this episode leaves you thinking, "I know I need to be clearer, but I don't know where to start," check out the Niche & Copy Crash Course. This low-cost, DIY training helps you: Clarify your niche without boxing yourself in Write copy that sounds human and connects Attract clients who feel aligned with your work 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca You are not too small, not behind, and your work still matters.

    11 min
  2. FEB 9

    If Clients Are Searching, Why Aren't They Finding You?

    If you've ever found yourself wondering "People are clearly looking for therapy… so why isn't my practice showing up?" this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane breaks down one of the most frustrating realities many Canadian therapists are facing right now. Clients are searching, but the way they search and how they find providers has fundamentally changed. This conversation is not about shouting louder, posting more, or becoming an SEO expert overnight. It is about understanding how Google, AI-driven search results, and client behaviour intersect, and what small, practical shifts can make it easier for the right clients to actually find you. You will learn why a beautiful website is not enough on its own, how zero-click searches are quietly impacting visibility, and how aligning your language with what clients are really searching for can change everything. This episode is about clarity over complexity, alignment over hustle, and building visibility in a way that feels ethical, grounded, and sustainable. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why more people searching for therapy does not automatically mean more inquiries How Google and AI summaries are changing how clients discover therapists The most common reasons therapists' websites do not convert, even when traffic exists Why client language matters more than clinical or professional terminology The three types of content that most support therapist visibility Simple, foundational SEO shifts that actually make a difference Three concrete actions you can take this week to improve how you show up online Ready to Stop Waiting to Be Found? If this episode has you thinking "I know I need to show up more clearly online, but I do not know where to start," Accelerate Your Practice was designed for exactly that moment. This signature program supports Canadian therapists who want to fill their caseload with aligned, paying clients without feeling salesy, overwhelmed, or burned out. Inside, you will learn how to clarify your messaging, build ethical visibility, and create simple marketing systems that support consistent growth. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Explore More Support Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, tools, and programs to support your next stage of private practice growth.

    10 min
  3. FEB 2

    What the Data Really Says About Private Practice in 2026

    Is private practice really oversaturated, or are we misunderstanding what is actually happening in the market? In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane takes a grounded, data-informed look at the growing fear many therapists are feeling about the future of private practice. If you have found yourself worrying that there are too many therapists and not enough clients, this conversation will help you reframe that belief with evidence, context, and perspective. You will hear what the numbers really say about mental health access in Canada, why low utilization is not a sign of failure, and how changes in search behavior, technology, and visibility are reshaping how clients find therapists as we move into 2026. This episode is not about hustling harder or competing with large corporate platforms. It is about understanding what is changing, what is staying the same, and how to position your private practice in a way that feels ethical, aligned, and sustainable. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What the data actually says about mental health access and private practice in Canada Why oversaturation is not the real problem and what is How client discovery has changed with Google, AI, and modern search behavior Why relying only on referrals is becoming less reliable and more stressful How independent therapists can stand out through clarity and positioning, not hustle Ready to Stop Relying on Referrals? If you are ready to build a steady stream of aligned, paying clients without feeling salesy, overwhelmed, or out of integrity, Accelerate Your Practice is designed to support you. This signature program helps Canadian therapists get found by the right people, build trust through clear and grounded messaging, and create marketing systems that support consistent practice growth. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Explore More Support Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, programs, and tools to support your next stage of growth.

    12 min
  4. JAN 26

    From Hope to Strategy: How to Attract Clients Without Relying on Referrals

    Waiting for referrals can feel familiar and exhausting. If you've ever caught yourself thinking, "It's been quiet. I hope things pick up soon," this episode is for you. In this solo episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane speaks directly to therapists who are relying on referrals as their primary or only way of attracting clients and feeling stuck in the uncertainty that comes with it. While referrals can absolutely be part of a healthy practice, they should not be your entire strategy. This conversation is about shifting from hope to strategy, so you can take back control of your caseload in a way that feels ethical, aligned, and not salesy. Liane walks you through BYPP's four-phase visibility strategy, designed to help therapists move from being quietly "findable" to clearly and consistently seen by the right clients and referral partners. This episode is an invitation to stop waiting and start building something stable, sustainable, and values-aligned. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why relying solely on referrals keeps your practice unpredictable The difference between passive waiting and proactive visibility Why hope isn't a business strategy, even though it works beautifully in therapy BYPP's four-phase visibility framework: Root & Reflect: Clarifying your niche, strengths, and message Be Seen With Clarity: Aligning your website, directories, and online presence Tell the Story: Letting people know who you are and how you help Build Real Relationships: Creating sustainable, values-based referral connections How to market your practice in a way that feels human, ethical, and aligned Why consistency matters more than being everywhere How perfectionism keeps therapists invisible and what to do instead Ready to Move Beyond Referrals? If you're ready to create a steady stream of aligned, full-fee clients without burnout or pressure, Accelerate Your Practice is designed to help. This is BYPP's signature program for therapists who want predictable, sustainable growth without relying on referrals or running themselves into the ground. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Explore More Support Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, tools, and programs to support your next stage of private practice growth. You don't have to figure this out alone.

    8 min
  5. JAN 19

    The Power of Community in Private Practice

    Private practice can feel isolating—especially when you're trying to make big decisions, grow sustainably, or figure out the business side without burning out. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane is joined by Lena Lang, BYPP's new Community Growth Partner, for an honest conversation about why community is not just a "nice to have," but a foundational part of building a sustainable private practice. Together, they unpack what community really offers therapists—from practical strategy and shared learning, to motivation, perspective, and a sense of not doing this alone. If you've ever felt like you're second-guessing every move, stuck in isolation, or hesitant to engage in group spaces because of past experiences, this episode will help you rethink what supportive community can look like. This conversation is about moving out of silos, learning faster (and with less friction), and building a practice that's supported by connection—not pressure. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why private practice can feel isolating—and how community changes that What a healthy, values-aligned professional community actually looks like How learning from others' experiences can save you time, money, and energy Why community support matters strategically, not just emotionally Common mistakes therapists make when trying to grow their practice alone How shared knowledge helps you avoid unnecessary trial and error What to do if you've had negative experiences in other communities Why "you don't have to figure this out alone" isn't just a phrase—it's a strategy How community can reduce burnout while supporting sustainable growth Why there is space for you in private practice, even in a crowded field You Don't Have to Build Your Practice Alone If you've been trying to grow your practice in isolation, this is your reminder that support matters—and it's allowed. Come join us inside our free Facebook group for mental health therapists. It's a grounded, values-driven space where you can ask real questions, get support, and connect with other therapists who understand the realities of private practice. 👉 Join the free community here https://www.facebook.com/groups/buildyourprivatepractice Explore More Support Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, programs, and tools to support your next stage of growth.

    23 min
  6. JAN 12

    Your Financial Forecast: How to Plan for Sustainable Income in 2026

    Your Financial Forecast: How to Plan for Sustainable Income in 2026 Being fully booked doesn't always mean your private practice is financially stable. In this episode of The Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane walks you through how to take a grounded, realistic look at your private practice finances—and why income planning matters as you head into 2026. If you've ever wondered why you're working hard but still feeling financially stretched, this conversation will help you identify where money leaks happen and what to do about them. You'll learn how to forecast your income in a way that feels simple, ethical, and sustainable—without spreadsheets taking over your life. This episode is about shifting from "staying busy" to intentionally planning for income that actually supports you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why a full caseload doesn't automatically equal financial stability How to calculate your real monthly income needs (and what that number tells you) Common money leaks in private practice—like unpaid admin, cancellations, and sliding scale overload How to set compassionate, professional boundaries around fees and policies Why client retention plays a bigger role in your income than you might think How a weekly "CEO hour" can help you make clearer, calmer financial decisions What 2026 income planning really looks like for therapists who want sustainability—not burnout Ready to Create More Stability in Your Practice? If you're ready to build a steady stream of aligned, full-fee clients without relying on referrals or running yourself ragged—check out Accelerate Your Practice. This signature program is designed to help you create income stability, confidence, and ease in your private practice. 👉 Learn more here: https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice Explore More Support: Visit https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca for free resources, programs, and tools to support your next stage of growth.

    10 min
  7. JAN 5

    Digital Marketing That Works for Therapists

    Digital marketing does not have to feel overwhelming, salesy, or unethical, even for therapists. In this episode of the Build Your Private Practice Podcast, Liane Wood is joined by Adam Jesperson, co-founder of Fractal Marketing, to break down what is actually working in digital marketing for Canadian therapists right now, and what to stop wasting your time and money on. They talk about: Why marketing feels so uncomfortable for many therapists and how to reframe it What has changed in digital marketing over the last few years The role of Google Ads, SEO, and GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) in 2026 How therapists can ethically use marketing to reach people who are actively seeking help Simple, low-cost ways to improve your online presence This conversation is especially helpful if: Marketing makes your stomach drop Your website is not converting into inquiries You feel torn between helping and selling You want sustainable visibility without burning out Listen now to learn how to approach digital marketing in a way that feels ethical, effective, and aligned with your values as a therapist. Connect with Adam: Website: https://www.fractalmarketing.ca/ LinkedIn: Adam Jesperson https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-growyourpractice/ Resources: → Learn more about https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/accelerate-your-practice → Learn more about https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/scale-your-practice → Visit the Build Your Private Practice Homepage https://www.buildyourprivatepractice.ca/

    26 min

About

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.