REGAN SWERHUN: EXPANDING PRIVATE CARE TO NORTHERN COMMUNITIES | EP 185
Have you ever felt a persistent pull toward work that feels more aligned with who you are, even when it means leaving something secure behind? Regan had the same feeling, and made the decision to lead a Canadian private practice with fellow colleagues that was built on their shared values.
In this episode, Regan and I talk about her non-linear journey into therapy. We explore how she and her practice are finding creative ways to serve rural and Northern First Nations communities, and how she is thinking about safety and accessibility for virtual clients.
We also dive into marketing with authenticity, building trust through your website and social media, and why community-building has been at the heart of her growth. Join in for the conversation!
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MEET REGAN
At 26, Regan Swerhun left a stable community counselling job to follow her passion for trauma-focused work and build a private practice in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She now focuses on EMDR and trauma-informed therapy, offering both in-person and online sessions. Regan also provides counselling to youth in Northern First Nations communities and uses social media to make mental health conversations more real and accessible.
Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles.
In This Episode
- Why Regan pursued a career in therapy
- Leaping into private practice
- Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy
- Marketing the private practice
Why Regan pursued a career in therapy
‘Honestly, therapy was not my first choice. It was kind of a roundabout life journey to get to where I am now.’ – Regan Swerhun
Though Regan began a degree in business, she decided to switch and focus on social work. While completing her Master’s degree in Social Work, Regan began working in a hospital in Toronto. There, she quickly discovered that she enjoyed doing patient intake and hearing people’s stories and their unique life experiences. This signaled to her that something lay beyond. Once moving back to Thunder Bay, she focused on clinical work at a not-for-profit.
‘I got a good position at one of our not-for-profit organizations in town. So, I was with that company for three years, so really, as of recently – this Fall – made the transition, but in the time that I was with the community programs, I learned a lot.’ – Regan Swerhun
The same itch that Regan had while working in the hospital came back again when she worked at the organization and she craved to run her own private practice.
Leaping into private practice
Regan was asked by a colleague who had already been in private practice for a long time if she would be interested in working with him.
However, due to some differences in provincial laws and regulations, she cannot co-own it. So, they split it up as leaders.
‘It has made it feel like I’m immensely leading this group practice, but I have the support [from him] … because there is so much start-up.’ – Regan Swerhun
Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy
Regan and her team’s long-term goal is to serve rural communities that don’t have easy access to therapy and its services.
While Regan drives twice a month up to a northern, more rural community to see clients, she also is planning to offer more virtual services.
‘Our ongoing plan is to connect with other community buildings in the areas and create a partnership … where someone can open up the door for them, someone can help to have the laptop ready … and then leave that space.’ – Regan Swerhun
Marketing the private practice
Regan and her team have worked a lot on the practice website.
One of their main goals was to really make an effort to show what their office space looks like, and feels like, to interested clients.
‘The whole basis of our marketing strategy right now is just to build community. We’re new, we’re here, this is what we’re about, and this is all of the inside that we can let you see through before you step into our world!’ – Regan Swerhun
Regan combines website and social media efforts to showcase the Canadian private practice and notes that it has now grown enough to also attract clients through word-of-mouth.
If you need extra support for your marketing efforts, you can try applying to this grant!
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | EP 184
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 FEARLESS2MO for two months free)
Create your website with WordPress!
Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles
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/.
