Wise Practice Podcast

Whitney Owens

Hi, I'm Whitney Owens. I am a group practice owner and faith based practice consultant and I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. Want to grow your practice? Want to grow your faith? Want to enjoy your life outside of work? You have come to the right place. Each week on the Wise Practice Podcast I will give you the action steps to have a successful faith based practice while also having a good time. Let's get started.

  1. 4D AGO

    How to Build a Specialty Practice That Attracts the Right Clients with David Sanchez | WP 176

    ​​Have you ever asked yourself, Should I niche down… or am I going to lose clients if I do? I hear this question all the time from practice owners. We're trained to treat a wide range of issues, so choosing a specialty can feel risky. But what if clarity is actually the thing that creates momentum in your practice? In this episode, I sit down with David Sanchez, founder of Charlotte Counseling Associates, to talk about how he built a highly specialized, faith-based group practice focused on sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and couples healing. What began as a general solo practice slowly evolved into a clear niche — and that decision transformed his referrals, marketing, and long-term vision. Inside this conversation, we talk about: • How David discovered his niche and knew it was the right fit • What changed in his caseload once he specialized • How to research whether your niche is needed in your city • Hiring and training associates within a specialty model • Why clarity in your messaging makes marketing easier, not harder We also discuss the deeper layer behind niching — passion. When you care deeply about the work, it fuels your energy, your leadership, and your sustainability as a business owner. If you've been wondering whether it's time to specialize your solo or group practice, this episode will help you think strategically and confidently about your next steps. And if you're looking for ongoing support as you grow, doors to the Wise Practice Community are open now through March 27th. I'd love to support you inside that space. Listen in and start building a practice that attracts the right clients — on purpose. 10:28 When a General Practice Becomes a Niche Practice 12:42 Hiring for a Specialty Model 14:48 Training and Maintaining Clinical Excellence 15:55 How to Research Demand in Your City 17:34 Marketing a Niched Practice Clearly 18:39 The Role of Passion in Sustainability 20:13 Shifting from 1099 to W2 22:33 What Changed After Joining the Mastermind 26:03 The Power of Community for Practice Owners 28:00 How to Connect with David Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM  If you've ever looked at your calendar and thought, "I know I'm a good therapist… so why isn't my caseload fuller?" — you're not alone. Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it's not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability. I'm Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I'm hosting a free live training called "Why Your Caseload Isn't Full (Even Though You're a Great Therapist)" on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this webinar, I'll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload. If you're a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I'd love for you to join me. Go to wisepracticeconsulting.com/events to register. I'll see you on March 24th at noon Eastern. Meet David Sanchez, MS, LCMHCS, CSATS, Brainspotting Certified, EMDR Trained, DARTT Trauma Trained In October 2014, David Sanchez started his solo practice, Charlotte Counseling Associates, out of a strong desire to serve others dealing with mental health and addictions.  In 2017, Charlotte Counseling Associates PLLC moved to a larger location in beautiful South Park on Fairview Rd. By 2018, he remembered his vision to create a group practice as there was a deep need in the community, and he wanted to work alongside intelligent and talented therapist professionals.  As of January 2026, David is grateful to have five therapist professional associates (specialized in sex and porn addiction and betrayal trauma), a payroll specialist, and a new client coordinator and office admin as part of his staff. David is planning to hire at least two more therapists in 2026.  CCA's mission is to help individuals, couples, and families heal, recover, and move forward from affairs, sex addiction, betrayal, trauma, and more in Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The ultimate goal is not only stopping the acting out behavior, but improving trust, connection, communication, vulnerability, empathy, and overall intimacy in the relationship and family system. David's Resources Website Charlotte Counseling Associates on Facebook Charlotte Counseling Associates on Instagram Links and Resources Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community (The doors close on March 27th) Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

    30 min
  2. MAR 3

    How to Get Insurance Companies to Raise Your Rates with Jeremy Hinote, LPC, NCC, CPCS | WP 175

    What if your lowest-paying insurance panel is costing you thousands a year… and you didn't even realize you could ask for a raise? In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hinote, owner of Savannah River Counseling in Augusta, Georgia, to break down exactly how he negotiated a major reimbursement increase with one of the most notoriously difficult payers: Tricare. And yes, it worked. Jeremy shares the step-by-step process he used to: • Identify his lowest reimbursement rate • Research what others in his area were being paid • Prepare a compelling renegotiation letter • Push back (professionally) multiple times • Secure a $20 per session increase We also talk through the emotional side of the process. The fear of losing a panel. The tension between serving clients and running a sustainable business. And the mindset shift required to advocate for your value. If you're insurance-based, considering joining panels, or wondering whether you're being underpaid, this conversation will give you practical tools and the confidence to start asking better questions. Jeremy also shares specific resources, negotiation tips, and what insurance companies actually care about when reviewing rate increase requests. If you've ever thought, "I guess this is just what they pay," this episode may change your perspective. 06:15 How we met (and why he joined Wise Practice right away) 09:42 The real problem: insurance rates that don't make sense 12:42 Credentialing lesson: what he'd do differently next time 15:28 Tricare's rules + who to contact to renegotiate 17:55 The negotiation play-by-play (and why he kept pushing) 20:16 The win: about $20 more per session 22:56 How much of his caseload was Tricare (high stakes) 23:45 My takeaway: your business has to survive to keep serving 26:35 When to ask for increases (and put it on your calendar) 27:39 The resource that helped: The Insurance Maze 33:24 Don't overload your practice with low-paying panels 35:38 Is Wise Practice worth it? Jeremy's honest answer Jeremy's Resources Website Facebook X Instagram LinkedIn Links and Resources Navigating the Insurance Maze Get my book, The Practice of Becoming Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

    40 min
  3. FEB 24

    Making Space for the Sacred in Your Practice with Jordan Raynor | WP 174

    Running a successful practice can slowly crowd out the very faith that called you to this work in the first place. In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Raynor to talk about how to make space for the sacred in your practice without adding more to your plate. We explore what it looks like to shift from working for God to working with God, and how that simple change can transform the way you lead, care for clients, and experience your work. This conversation felt especially timely during the Lenten season, a time that invites reflection, awareness, and slowing down even in the middle of a busy practice. Rather than focusing on doing more, this episode centers on noticing God's presence in the work you're already doing. Jordan and I also talk about the importance of community for faith-based practice owners, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why sustainable work requires rest, connection, and play. If you've been feeling stretched thin or disconnected from your faith in your work, this episode offers a grounding reminder that you don't have to carry it all alone. 09:00 You don't have to lead with God to be led by God 11:30 Simple daily practices that increase awareness of God's presence 14:00 How identity in Christ changes the way you lead and take risks 17:00 Why secure faith leads to healthier ambition, not less 19:45 The loneliness of leadership for therapists and practice owners 23:30 Why the church community isn't always enough for practice owners 26:45 How to find or create a faith-based vocational community 30:30 Rest, play, and sustainability in the life of a therapist 34:00 What it takes to go the distance in sacred work Show Sponsor Berries This episode was brought to you by Berries - the AI assistant helping clinicians save hours each week on documentation. Try it for free using the link below and use code WISEPRACTICEPODCAST to get 50% off your first month Try Berries: https://heyberries.com/?via=wise-practice-podcast Jordan Raynor's Resources  Website LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

    36 min
  4. FEB 17

    Embracing Lent as a Practice Owner | WP 173

    Lent doesn't have to feel rigid, heavy, or like one more thing you're failing at as a practice owner. In this episode, I'm talking about how to actually practice Lent in a way that's gentle, meaningful, and realistic for the season of life and leadership you're in. We're moving away from rules and performance and toward relationship—creating space for God in the middle of running a practice, making decisions, caring for clients, and juggling real life. I walk through practical ways to approach fasting, letting go of distractions, and filling that space with what truly restores you, whether that's prayer, reflection, giving, or simply slowing down. If you've ever wondered how Lent can support both your faith and your work as a practice owner—without comparison, shame, or pressure—this episode is for you. 01:53 How Practice Owners Can Actually Practice Lent 03:20 Moving from Performance to Relationship 05:09 Lent as a Practice of Becoming 06:21 Comparison, Fasting, and Letting Go of "Shoulds" 08:39 What Fasting Is (and What It Isn't) 11:22 Fasting Beyond Food: Work, Social Media, and Busyness 13:32 Filling the Space You Create 15:00 Lent as a Season of Giving 16:54 Sundays, Mini Easters, and Grace 18:18 Using a Devotional to Stay Grounded During Lent Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Mastermind

    22 min
  5. FEB 10

    Why Lent Matters for Practice Owners | WP 172

    If you're a practice owner, chances are you're reading this while doing something else—answering emails, moving between sessions, or thinking about what still needs to get done today. I know that pace well, and I also know how easy it is for even meaningful things to become "just one more thing" on a full plate. This episode isn't about adding another strategy or asking you to work harder. It's an invitation to slow down and reflect on why Lent matters for practice owners—especially in the middle of a season when everything feels like it's speeding up. As client needs increase and leadership demands grow heavier, we don't need more noise. We need grounding, intention, and space to notice what's really happening in us and around us. In this conversation, I talk about Lent as a rhythm of reflection rather than a task to complete. Whether you've practiced Lent for years or are just beginning to explore it, my hope is that this episode helps you see it not as something extra, but as a way to lead your practice—and your life—from a steadier, more faithful place. If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things on the outside but longing for deeper grounding on the inside, this episode is for you. 01:31 If you're multitasking right now, I see you 02:12 This isn't another tip, it's a breather 03:03 Why everyone's saying the same thing, I'm busy 05:51 February and March are about to get wild 07:28 Ash Wednesday is Feb 14, so here comes Lent 08:38 Lent 101 what it is and what it's for 10:42 Fasting isn't punishment, it's making space 12:20 Slowing down shows you what needs to come off your plate 15:10 How this devotional helps when urgency is loud Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Mastermind

    18 min
  6. FEB 3

    Lessons I Learned from Writing a Book | WP 171

    I'm really glad you're here today because this episode is a little different and honestly pretty personal for me. I'm talking about something I've never shared before, what it was actually like to write my first book. Not the polished highlight reel version, but the real behind-the-scenes story. The doubts, the learning curve, the surprises, and the parts I didn't expect at all. If you've ever thought about writing a book, creating something meaningful, or putting an idea into the world that's been sitting on your heart for a while, this episode is for you. I'm walking you through why I wrote The Practice of Becoming, how it came together over time, what I learned along the way, and what I wish I had known before I started. We're talking about the why, the process, the fears, the imperfect launch, and why doing the thing imperfectly still matters. So if you're curious about writing a book, self-publishing, or just need permission to start before you feel ready, stick with me. I'm sharing the honest, messy, encouraging version of this journey, and I think you're going to get a lot out of it. Let's dive in. 02:09 Why Your Why Matters More Than Anything 02:57 I Didn't Realize I Was Writing a Book Until It Was Done 04:37 Why I Did Not Write This Book for Money 06:26 The Lent Email Series That Sparked the Book 10:44 The Goal That Started as a Three-Year Dream 13:36 Letting Go of Perfection in the Launch 18:43 How Writing a Book Builds Clarity, Confidence, and Credibility Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming, at my website https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    24 min
  7. JAN 27

    Staying the Course (Part 4 of 4): What Faithful Investment Actually Looks Like This Year | WP 170

    Today's episode is the final part of our January series, Staying the Course, and honestly, it might be the most grounding one yet. We're talking about what faithful investment actually looks like—especially in seasons where things feel uncertain, noisy, or just plain overwhelming. If you've been wondering, What is actually worth my time, energy, or money right now? or feeling pulled in ten different directions by advice, programs, and opinions… this conversation is for you. Because investment isn't just about dollars. It's about stewardship. It's about discernment. And it's about learning how to lead steadily instead of reacting out of fear. In this episode, I'm slowing us down and inviting us to look at investment through a faith-based lens—not reckless growth and not fear-based shrinking, but thoughtful, sustainable leadership over time. We'll talk about where investing really matters, how to tell the difference between fear-based and faith-based decisions, and how to stay rooted in what God is asking you to tend right now. If you've listened along with this series, thank you for being here. And if you're just jumping in, I'm so glad you are. Let's close this series by talking about the kind of investment that brings peace, clarity, and steadiness—not just for your practice, but for you too. 06:51 Fear Based vs Faith Based Decisions 09:54 Investing for Impact Not Just Income 14:27 Support Over Self Sacrifice 17:22 Sustainable Pace Over Rushed Expansion 19:59 Aligning Investment With Values and Joy 21:35 Faith Does Not Eliminate Risk 22:44 Saying Yes Selectively 26:56 Closing Encouragement and Gratitude Links and Resources PracticeVital Get my book, The Practice of Becoming, at my website https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Mastermind

    28 min
  8. JAN 20

    Staying the Course (Part 3 of 4): Leading People Well When You're Tired | WP 169

    Some seasons of leadership don't feel loud or dramatic. They feel heavy. Quiet. Exhausting in a way sleep doesn't fix. If you're leading a practice right now and finding yourself thinking, "I don't have the energy for one more conversation," or "Why does this feel so hard when I'm doing everything right?"—this episode is for you. Today, we're talking about what it really looks like to lead when you're tired. Not just physically tired, but soul tired. The kind of fatigue that comes from carrying responsibility for clients, staff, finances, and vision—often without realizing how much weight you've been holding. This is the third episode in our January series, Staying the Course: Faithful Leadership in Seasons That Ebb and Flow, and it's one of the most honest conversations I've had about leadership. I'm sharing from a very real place—walking through family health challenges, a demanding season of business growth, and my own need to slow down and pay attention to what my body and spirit are asking for. In this episode, we'll talk about: How leadership fatigue actually shows up (often before we name it) Why burnout doesn't mean you're failing—it often means you care deeply The hidden cost of self-sacrifice in faith-based leadership What Scripture shows us about rest, boundaries, and sustainable leadership And how caring for yourself is one of the most loving things you can do for your team If you're navigating a slower season, feeling worn down, or questioning your capacity to keep going—this conversation is an invitation to pause, reflect, and lead yourself with the same compassion you offer everyone else. Let's dive in. 02:30 What "Soul Tired" Actually Feels Like for Practice Owners 04:12 "I Don't Have the Energy for One More Thing" (Normalizing Fatigue) 05:23 Even Jesus Got Tired… Faith, Rest, and Leadership 06:50 When Fatigue Creeps In Quietly (And Then Hits Like a Truck) 08:22 Signs You're Leading While Burned Out 10:29 Leadership Gets Heavy Before You Notice 13:21 Why Self-Sacrifice Isn't Always Faithful Leadership 15:20 Rest Is a Rhythm, Not a Reward 16:28 Leading Yourself Before Leading Others 20:24 Faithful Leadership Looks Different When You're Tired Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming, at my website https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Mastermind

    25 min
5
out of 5
66 Ratings

About

Hi, I'm Whitney Owens. I am a group practice owner and faith based practice consultant and I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. Want to grow your practice? Want to grow your faith? Want to enjoy your life outside of work? You have come to the right place. Each week on the Wise Practice Podcast I will give you the action steps to have a successful faith based practice while also having a good time. Let's get started.

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