AMBER SPERLING: THREE YEARS OF PRIVATE PRACTICE GROWTH | EP 196
Growth rarely happens by accident because it’s built through intention, care, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of my mini-series “Where Are They Now?”, Amber Sperling reflects on the journey of expanding her practice from a single basement setup to a thriving, multi-location space rooted in accessibility and community care.
Amber and I first spoke on the podcast in 2023! To get the full experience of the there-and-now conversation, you can click here to listen to the episode when Amber first came on the Fearless Practice Podcast.
In our conversation in this episode, she shares how prioritizing clients over waitlists, investing in genuine relationships, and leaning into what works have shaped her success, along with the practical lessons and marketing strategies that continue to guide her forward. Welcome to the conversation!
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MEET AMBER
Amber Sperling is a Registered Social Worker, psychotherapist, and founder of Amber Sperling Social Work & Psychotherapy Services, a growing group practice specializing in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is EMDRIA-certified and one of the first clinicians in Canada to hold certification in perinatal mental health, known for helping clients experience meaningful change from the very first session. Amber is expanding her work through MARSHA Care—a broader model that integrates therapy, education, and community to support women’s health across life transitions. She is passionate about building a practice that blends clinical excellence with connection and sustainable growth, so more mothers can access the support they need.
Learn more about Amber on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles.
In This Episode
- How Amber’s practice has grown from 2023 to 2026
- What has changed
- How Amber’s practice goes the extra mile in client care
- Amber’s top 3 marketing tips
- Amber’s lessons learned advice to listeners
How Amber’s practice has grown from 2023 to 2026
Over the last couple of years, Amber’s practice has grown.
During her first interview with the Fearless Practice Podcast, she was operating from her basement in her old house. However, now the practice has its own dedicated space!
‘We have added a second location … And then adding additional therapists. We’ve had so many interns doing amazing things and programs, so it’s been a ride!’ – Amber Sperling
What has changed
Amber credits her team and practice’s drive to meet the needs of their community as the spark that pushed them to continue growing and building up the business.
‘I like to say we get clients in within three days, especially with perinatal clients. The sooner we’re helping mums, the sooner we’re helping families.’ – Amber Sperling
As Amber explains, for her team, having some flexibility and availability is important so that every client that comes into the practice can get seen to in a matter of days.
It bothered Amber to keep clients on a waiting list, and that drive is what contributed to her growing her practice to meet more of the community’s needs.
‘[I also employ] organic connections. I know that’s not necessarily a business strategy, but when I meet someone or they reach out and say, “Hey, I’m passionate about perinatal mental health as well, I’m also trained in EMDR”, I’m like, “Well, that’s a no brainer [to hire them], if we can make it work, then I want you to be here for my clients.”’ – Amber Sperling
How Amber’s practice goes the extra mile in client care
Amber deeply cares about her client niche because she also knows what it feels like to be sitting in the opposite chair.
As such, she and her team have made it a priority to care not just for the client’s mental well-being, but also for the little things, through things like:
- Keeping snacks on hand for the moms and toddlers
- Making the building accessible for every type of ability or need
- Offering free parking for clients
- Offering both in-person and virtual options for sessions
‘I am finding more and more clients want in-person [sessions] and also that flexibility of, “Hey, my baby’s home from daycare”, or, “I’m unwell, can we switch to virtual?” And I’m always like, “Absolutely, just let me know!”’ – Amber Sperling
Amber’s top 3 marketing tips
For Amber, networking has been the top marketing strategy, consistently growing her practice the most.
Even when she felt nervous or unsure, connecting with other mental health practitioners and practice owners has consistently created more and more referral sources, which have sustained her business and helped it expand.
‘I think if you’re trying to grow your practice, doing little things like that [to connect with your network], at least like once a week, block some time, and network with other people.’ – Amber Sperling
Secondly, Amber recommends utilizing social media. While it isn’t for everyone, if it does work for you and allows you to market your practice creatively, use it. Make videos, use your voice, share professional photos or information; anything that can help build consistent traction and help place your practice in front of more people. Be authentic, because that resonates the most with your ideal clients.
And lastly, lean into what you enjoy doing, and do more of it. This could be networking, social media, or even public speaking, hosting community events, or anything that allows more people to interact positively with you, your staff, and your practice. Don’t overthink it, and just do it!
Amber’s lessons learned and advice to listeners
Over these three years, Amber credits the power of goal-setting and pursuing. Keep yourself focused on these goals, because there will be so many shiny objects in your periphery, so be specific about where you are going and what needs to be done to bring these dreams to fruition one at a time.
And, keep doing the things that work! Sure, try a bunch of new techniques, but once you start receiving feedback on what works and what doesn’t, pick what does and scale it.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
How I Developed a Marketing Strategy for My Private Practice – Networking | EP 195
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Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
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Learn more about Amber on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles
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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/.
