Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive

Dr. Kate Walker Ph.D., LPC/LMFT Supervisor
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Welcome to Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive, the ultimate resource for mental health professionals ready to step into their power, grow their practices, and create a career they love. I'm Dr. Kate Walker, a Texas LPC/LMFT Supervisor, author, and business strategist who's here to show you the path to success. Formerly Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses, we’ve rebranded because, well, we’re way too big for Texas now! This community of badass therapists is growing nationwide, and we’re here to help you create a career and practice you love, no matter where you are.  Every week, you'll get practical advice, proven strategies, and motivation to help you build a thriving practice—one that gives you the freedom to live your life on your terms. From mastering marketing to designing scalable systems and becoming a clinical supervisor, this podcast is your roadmap to leveling up without burnout. Hit subscribe and get ready to unlock your badass potential. Your thriving practice starts now!

  1. 3D AGO

    187 Alan Pruitt CPA Helps Therapists Keep More of What They Earn

    Taxes are not just an April problem. They are shaped by the systems and decisions you build throughout the year. In this episode, I sit down with CPA Alan Pruitt from The Therapist CPA to talk about what therapists often miss when it comes to taxes, bookkeeping, and profitability in private practice. Alan works exclusively with therapists, and he breaks down the financial concepts clinicians actually need in plain language. We explore why so many therapists feel stressed even when they are fully booked, how messy bookkeeping leads to missed deductions, and why understanding your numbers is critical for long-term sustainability. This conversation is not about becoming a tax expert. It is about building enough clarity and structure to support the kind of practice you actually want to maintain. In this episode, we cover: • The three financial numbers every therapist should track • Why therapists often overpay in taxes without realizing it • How S Corps and retirement planning can reduce tax burden • The connection between financial sustainability and burnout prevention If you are building a private practice, tax planning is not separate from clinical sustainability. Clear systems reduce stress, improve decision-making, and help you keep more of what you earn. Want to work with Alan directly? Check out The Therapist CPA. Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training.  Want deeper support? Inside the Step It Up Membership, we work through supervision structure, documentation systems, ethical business practices, and sustainable private practice growth designed specifically for therapists and supervisors. 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.

    50 min

  2. MAY 15

    186 Side Hustles For Therapists: Which Ones Actually Work and Which Are Just More Burnout

    If you have ever thought about adding a side hustle to your therapy practice, this episode is for you. Not every extra income stream creates freedom. Some create stability and long-term growth. Others quietly drain your time, energy, and confidence. The difference usually has less to do with the opportunity itself and more to do with whether the business model actually fits you. In this episode, I walk through five of the most common side hustles therapists ask me about, including supervision, group practice, courses and trainings, certifications, and coaching. We look at the real pros and cons of each, along with the ethical and operational realities that often get overlooked. This discussion is not about chasing more money. It is about building something sustainable that supports the kind of professional life you actually want. In this episode, we cover: • Why supervision can create recurring, stable income when structured well • The hidden leadership and bookkeeping demands behind group practice ownership • What therapists misunderstand about creating courses and trainings • Why coaching requires separate systems, marketing, and ethical boundaries If you are considering adding another income stream, do not start with potential profit. Start with fit. The best side hustle is the one that aligns with your strengths, your tolerance for leadership, and the way you actually want to spend your time. When your business model fits your personality and values, growth feels sustainable instead of exhausting. Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training. Want deeper support? Inside the Step It Up Membership, we discuss supervision structure, marketing systems, documentation, and ethical business growth designed specifically for therapists and supervisors building sustainable practices. 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.

    28 min

  3. MAY 8

    185 How To Know If You Are Actually Ready To Supervise

    Clinical supervisor readiness is often framed as a confidence issue, but that is not what we see in practice. Most clinicians who consider supervision already have the experience. What they lack is a clear, repeatable structure for how supervision actually works. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin and I explore the gap between being ready and being prepared, and why waiting for certainty often keeps clinicians stuck longer than necessary. We also break down the difference between counseling and supervision. Supervision is not simply an extension of clinical work. It is an evaluative role that requires documentation, accountability, and ethical clarity. Without systems in place, supervisors can quickly feel overwhelmed or inconsistent. This conversation highlights how structure, not personality, is what creates effective and sustainable supervision. A major focus in this episode is the role of systems. From contracts to evaluation to remediation, these are not optional components. They are what protect your license, support your supervisee, and create a process for real growth. We also address the importance of humility in supervision, knowing your limits, and connecting supervisees to the right resources instead of trying to be everything for everyone. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why readiness to supervise is different from feeling confident  What systems you need before taking your first supervisee  How evaluation and remediation actually support growth  Why supervision requires structure, not just experience If you have been questioning whether you are ready, shift the question. It is not about readiness alone. It is about whether you have the systems to support it. Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode got you thinking about whether you are truly ready to supervise, or made you realize that what you are missing is structure, not confidence, you don't have to do it alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we walk through how to create supervision processes that are clear, ethical, and repeatable so you can step into this role with confidence and consistency. 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.

    32 min

  4. MAY 1

    184 The 2025 Practice Grant: Interview with Svetlana Kutikova and Isaiah Rodriguez

    Private practice is not just about seeing clients. Without consistent referrals and a clear niche, it becomes unpredictable and difficult to sustain. In this episode, I introduce two clinicians from our 2025 Practice Grant, Svetlana Kutikova and Isaiah Rodriguez. Svetlana is building her caseload in a group practice. Isaiah is expanding into supervision as a way to grow his business. Both are navigating what it actually looks like to build something real after licensure. We talk about the early-stage challenges that do not get normalized enough. Inconsistent schedules. Low caseloads. The pressure to “get more clients” without a clear plan. Svetlana shares what it feels like to have ten clients one week and far fewer the next. These are not signs that something is wrong. They are part of the process. You will hear how clinicians move from uncertainty to clarity by identifying who they serve, how they serve them, and how to communicate that effectively. We also discuss what makes a therapist referable, why ease of access matters for clients, and how small systems create long-term stability. Isaiah brings a different perspective. He is looking beyond sessions and stepping into supervision. We talk about what it means to think like a business owner, not just a provider, and how supervision becomes a structured path for growth when it is built intentionally. This conversation is about building. When private practice is treated passively, it creates inconsistency. When it is built intentionally, it becomes sustainable. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why inconsistent caseloads are normal in early private practice  How to clarify your niche so referrals actually come in  What makes it easier for clients to contact and book with you  Why referral relationships matter more than passive marketing  How supervision can become a structured path for growth, as Isaiah demonstrates If you have been thinking, “I just need more clients,” pause here. This is not just a referral problem. It is a structure problem. Sustainable private practice comes from clear messaging, consistent systems, and intentional growth. Connect with Svetlana: Positive Path PsychologyPsychology TodayConnect with Isaiah: F.E.A.R. CounselingPsychology TodayWant to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about building your caseload, creating referral pathways, or growing into supervision, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we build practices that are ethical, structured, and designed to last. 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.

    38 min

  5. APR 24

    183 Supervision: How Therapists Can Turn Expertise Into Income (Ethically)

    Supervision is not just an extra income stream. Without structure, it becomes an ethical and professional risk. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to walk through what it actually looks like to build supervision as an ethical form of income. We unpack the fears clinicians have about liability, confidence, and business setup, and we clarify what supervision requires beyond strong clinical skills. We talk about the difference between seeing supervision as a “side hustle” and understanding it as a structured professional role. You will hear how supervisors move from uncertainty and hesitation to building systems that support both their supervisees and their own license. We also spend time on something that comes up in every training. Ethics and accountability. There is a lot of confusion about liability, business models, and what supervisors are actually responsible for. We walk through how to stay compliant, how to set boundaries, and how to avoid the common mistakes that get supervisors in trouble. This conversation is about structure. When supervision is treated casually, it creates risk. When it is built intentionally, it becomes a meaningful, sustainable extension of your practice. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why supervision is not a quick or easy side income What systems you need before taking your first supervisee How liability actually works and how to manage it Why starting small leads to stronger, more ethical supervisionIf you have been thinking about becoming a supervisor but feel unsure where to start, pause here. This is not a confidence problem. It is a structure problem. Ethical supervision comes from clear systems, defined roles, and consistent processes. Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. Do you wish you could have gotten a CE for this? Join the Step It Up Membership, because they get these episodes as a 1-hour CE. 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.

    1h 1m

  6. APR 17

    182 The Difference Between a Therapist and a Clinical Leader

    Supervision is not just a continuation of clinical work. Without a shift in mindset, it becomes overwhelming and risky. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to talk about what it really means to step into clinical leadership in supervision. We unpack the identity shift that happens when clinicians move into supervisory roles, and why so many feel unprepared for the responsibility that comes with it. We talk about the weight supervisors feel. Liability, authority, and decision-making that impacts not just one client, but many. This is where clinicians often get stuck. They were trained to reduce power in the therapy room, but supervision requires them to use it appropriately. We also address one of the most common issues we see. Overcontrol. Supervisors who micromanage often believe they are being thorough, but in reality, they are limiting growth. We walk through how to recognize when supervision is creating dependence instead of independence, and what to do differently. Another major focus is rule literacy. Supervisors must understand their board rules, legislative changes, and professional standards. Relying on secondhand information creates risk. Ethical leadership requires going directly to the source and staying informed. This conversation is about responsibility. When supervision is treated casually, it creates confusion and liability. When it is approached as leadership, it becomes structured, ethical, and sustainable. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why supervision requires an identity shift, not just added skills  How to recognize and reduce overcontrol in supervision  What it means to build independent, not dependent, clinicians  Why knowing your rules is a core leadership responsibility This is not about confidence, it is about structure and mindset. If you have been thinking about becoming a supervisor or questioning how you are currently supervising, this is your checkpoint. If this episode resonates, revisit The Supervision Side Hustle: How to Add Income Without Burning Out. It pairs the business side of supervision with the leadership mindset we discussed here. Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about supervision, business structure, or how to build income beyond sessions while staying compliant, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we design practices that are ethical, structured, and built to last. 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.

    29 min

  7. APR 10

    181 Why Great Leaders Don't Avoid Tough Conversations

    Avoiding hard conversations in supervision does not preserve the relationship. It weakens it. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to talk about what really gets in the way of addressing issues with supervisees. We walk through the fear, the hesitation, and the common patterns supervisors fall into when something feels off but they are not sure how to say it. We talk about the difference between a hard conversation and a harmful one. Avoiding the conversation altogether creates risk. Waiting until frustration builds leads to reactions that feel like punishment instead of guidance. Ethical supervision requires something different. It requires structure. We also break down the systems that make these conversations easier. Orientation, evaluation, and remediation are not just paperwork. They are the framework that allows supervisors to give clear, consistent feedback without relying on emotion or guesswork. This conversation also addresses something many supervisors do not think about until it is too late. Documentation and consistency protect your license. When expectations are unclear or only enforced after problems escalate, supervisors can find themselves exposed to complaints or ethical concerns. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why avoiding tough conversations creates more risk, not less  The difference between supportive supervision and permissiveness  How to use structure to guide difficult conversations  What to do if you have already delayed addressing a concern If you are feeling hesitant about addressing an issue with a supervisee, pause here. This is not about confidence. It is about clarity and structure. When you have a system in place, the conversation becomes part of the process instead of something you avoid. Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode brought up questions about supervision, documentation, or how to handle difficult situations ethically, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we build supervision practices that are structured, ethical, and sustainable. 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.

    35 min

  8. APR 3

    180 Anchored Growth: How Therapists Build Sustainable Online Income with Jenny Melrose

    More clients will not fix a broken business model. It will just exhaust it faster. In this episode, I sit down with business strategist Jenny Melrose to walk through what actually creates sustainable income in a therapy practice. We unpack why so many clinicians hit a ceiling, even with a full caseload, and how to shift from volume-based growth to a structure that supports your life. We introduce the CAFE framework, capacity, alignment, focus, and execution, and apply it directly to real therapy practice scenarios. You will hear how therapists move from constant overload to steady, predictable income without adding more sessions. We also spend time on something I know matters to you. Ethics. There is a lot of misinformation about what therapists can and cannot offer. We clarify how to stay within your scope while still creating resources, products, and services that support your clients and expand your reach. This conversation is about design. When your income depends entirely on client hours, you will eventually hit a limit. When your structure is intentional, your practice becomes more flexible, more ethical, and more sustainable. In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why a full caseload does not equal sustainable income  How capacity limits quietly shape your revenue ceiling  What ethical alignment looks like when offering resources beyond sessions  How focusing on one offer creates momentum and measurable growth If you have been telling yourself that the answer is more clients, pause here. That is a volume solution to a design problem. Sustainable income comes from building a model that fits your capacity, aligns with your ethics, and runs on clear, repeatable systems. Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about supervision, business structure, or how to build income beyond sessions while staying compliant, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we design practices that are ethical, structured, and built to last. 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.

    55 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive, the ultimate resource for mental health professionals ready to step into their power, grow their practices, and create a career they love. I'm Dr. Kate Walker, a Texas LPC/LMFT Supervisor, author, and business strategist who's here to show you the path to success. Formerly Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses, we’ve rebranded because, well, we’re way too big for Texas now! This community of badass therapists is growing nationwide, and we’re here to help you create a career and practice you love, no matter where you are.  Every week, you'll get practical advice, proven strategies, and motivation to help you build a thriving practice—one that gives you the freedom to live your life on your terms. From mastering marketing to designing scalable systems and becoming a clinical supervisor, this podcast is your roadmap to leveling up without burnout. Hit subscribe and get ready to unlock your badass potential. Your thriving practice starts now!

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