LIV NOËL DAKKAK: NICHING WITH YOUR PASSION IN PRIVATE PRACTICE | EP 171
Do what you love, and you won’t work a day in your life? Close, but not quite! Niching down and working within your passion and ideal client group will still take effort and work, but it can be easier than staying a generalist, especially if you are dreaming about working more intentionally with the groups of people you care the most about helping.
In today’s episode, I speak with Liv (they/them) about niching down, starting a private practice, and running workshops, all of which they started in an effort to reshape their life around their needs, dreams, and desires.
So, it’s maybe not about not working at all, but about doing the work that feels right for you!
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MEET LIV
Liv (they/them) is a registered social worker who works primarily with queer, neurodivergent and disabled folks who have experienced trauma. They are guided by anti-oppressive, strength-based, trauma-informed care and use methods such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to get to the root of what you are struggling with.
They offer services to individuals and partners, youths and adults, virtually across Ontario and in-person in Cornwall.
Learn more about Liv on their Psychology Today profile and bookings page.
In This Episode
- Why Liv became a social worker
- Starting a private practice
- Partnering with aligned organizations
- Niching down to boost success
- Advice for listeners
Why Liv became a social worker
‘I think, like so many people who go into social work and psychology, I was really driven by my own mental health struggles, in terms of the intersection of my personal identity and the impact that that’s had on me.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
From Liv’s personal experience, as well as seeing people struggle with mental health, they felt drawn to becoming a Registered Social Worker to help people go through life a little more easily.
Additionally, Liv works primarily with queer, neurodivergent, and disabled folks because they have these life experiences too.
‘I worked in many different sectors of the public system before going into counselling and before settling on therapy, but I think a lot of experience over these past years, being in these different sectors in mental health and with youth, allowed me to learn what I liked and didn’t like and to feel comfortable where I am now.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
Starting a private practice
After Liv’s extensive experience working in the public sector, they started to consider opening up a Canadian private practice. This was partially due to burnout, a need to structure work around their health more, and simply a desire for something new in their career.
‘There were some things that I needed that I wasn’t necessarily getting within the public system, which was a need for more autonomy, more flexibility, especially considering my disabilities and the fact that I’m chronically ill. I needed to have certain things, like a decreased workload and to be able to provide more for myself with more control over my schedule.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
Starting a private practice allowed Liv to create the life that they wanted to live. One that was professionally structured around their personal needs, and that supported a happier, healthier, freer lifestyle with less stress and more flexibility.
After working in the public sector, Liv worked in another group practice, but after a few months, they started their own private practice, which is what Liv is doing now.
‘I really enjoyed the group private practice setting, I think there’s a lot to being in a group … Much less lonely, a good support system, supervision and things like that, but there were certain things that I wanted to have more control over … I wanted to target my ideal client more … steer away from being a generalist specialist and specialize.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
Partnering with aligned organizations
Liv’s private practice is going well! Now that they’re able to work more freely, Liv can build the practice from the ground up in close alignment with their values.
Also, Liv has started to partner with organizations where they see drop-in clients.
‘I would say that connecting with organizations has really helped decrease some of the loneliness and [to know] that there’s a community that I’m reaching out to, and for sure that’s really helped.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
Liv explains that they know things take time, so they are making professional moves to increase clients, market the practice, and collaborate with like-minded organizations while slowly growing the solo practice each month.
Niching down to boost success
To stand out and connect with their ideal clients, Liv has made a big effort to niche down.
‘Niching down has shaped the way that I am creating or marketing myself, and I think that helps me because I am being more specific.’ – Liv Noël Dakkak
Niching down in private practice is not only a great business strategy for success, but also a method for you to really integrate your work with your passion.
Liv has also begun participating in workshops to expand their client base and strengthen their professional network.
Advice for listeners
Things take time! Be patient, especially in the first few months of private practice. Don’t let impostor syndrome get you down, since sometimes you will need to put in lots of effort before you see a return on it. So, be patient, keep going, and work with your passion!
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Catharine Martin: Inside Jane App’s AI Scribe | EP 170
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!
Learn more about Liv on their Psychology Today profile and bookings page
Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
About Jules Smith
Jules Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They are also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, they provide invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice.
Jules also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
