MY BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM 200 PODCAST EPISODES! | EP 200
This is an amazing milestone: I had no idea back in 2022 that the Fearless Practice Podcast would grow so big, and that I would still be here recording in 2026!
Of course, I could not have done this by myself. Thank you to Jane App, my podcast department team, and you, the audience. You are as much a part of this team as we are, and your listenership helps us develop and continue publishing new episodes.
In celebration of this milestone we’ve all achieved together, I’m sharing eight of my biggest takeaways from this journey with you.
Jane is an all-in-one health and wellness practice management platform designed to be helpful to you, no matter how or where you practice. Available online and on any device, Jane offers branded online booking, beautiful scheduling, insurance management, customizable charting, online intake forms, patient reminders, integrated payment processing, online appointments (telehealth) and more! Use the code FEARLESS2MO at signup to receive your first month completely free!
In This Episode
- The path is rarely linear – and that’s not a problem!
- Values are a business strategy
- Offline marketing still works!
- Clarity is essential
- Sustainable scheduling prevents burnout (6) 09:06
- Privacy tools and EMRs are your best friends
- Everyone benefits from mentorship
The path is rarely linear – and that’s not a problem!
‘Across 200 episodes, one of the most consistent themes that I’ve seen is that Canadian private practice rarely follows a clean timeline.’ – Jules Smith
From the interviews I’ve shared on the Fearless Practice Podcast, a consistent thread that continues through them all is that the path to private practice is varied.
Many therapists didn’t graduate and open a private practice with a full caseload, and many therapists start in agencies, hospitals, or even have to take steps back from private practice throughout their careers for different reasons.
‘For myself, I started working for the BC Government, moved to Halifax, opened a private practice, and then worked at Dalhousie for a bit as I grew my private practice. And then, once COVID hit, I went completely online and built my private practice as a virtual [one] … And it took almost 10 years!’ – Jules Smith
Remember this: just because your path takes turns doesn’t mean that you aren’t on the right path! Keep going, take stock when needed, and enjoy the ride.
Values are a business strategy
‘Values aren’t just something you put on your website, they’re a decision-making tool. On this podcast, there have been so many conversations with Canadian private practice owners about their values and how it helps [them] guide their private practice.’ – Jules Smith
When you’re clear on what matters, such as community, accessibility, autonomy, and integrity … You suddenly have a filter for the big decisions. These big decisions could pertain to your schedule, who you hire, and how you spend your time working.
At the end of the day, the foundation upon which you build your practice is rooted in the values that mean a lot to you.
Offline marketing still works!
One thing that shows up in the podcast conversations again and again is how Canadian private practice owners are focusing on offline or in-person marketing and networking – especially in this saturated market.
‘[Offline marketing] is working for private practice owners because therapy is trust-based, and when they meet you in person, it builds that connection and trust. Plus, it helps you stand out in a saturated market.’ – Jules Smith
Having a conversation with a community member about your private practice will take you further in a way that posting about it on social media may not be able to. The power of meeting people where they’re at, and in person, cannot be overstated in building rapport with your community.
Clarity is essential
Clarity is what helps the right clients choose you quickly. I discuss clarity in-depth in my free workbook on how to start a Canadian private practice, and who you help and why.
Remember, the more that you niche, the more you stand out, and that can be really helpful for someone who’s looking for help with a specific problem.
Sustainable scheduling prevents burnout
‘One of the biggest lessons that shows up repeatedly when I’m talking to Canadian private practice owners, as well as when I’m doing my solo episodes, is that scheduling isn’t just a lifestyle preference: it’s part of clinical care.’ – Jules Smith
Edit your mindset to only see success as something that is sustainable. If something requires you to continuously push yourself beyond your limits mentally, physically, and professionally, then it may not be success in the holistic sense.
Whatever helps you do great work and supports your well-being is essential to being successful, so try challenging yourself to start to see it that way!
Privacy tools and EMRs are your best friends
As you know, I love and use Jane App as my practice management system.
I love that I can do bookings, reminders, invoicing, notes, intake forms, direct billing: everything that you need to start and grow a private practice!
They will walk you through the solutions to your problems step-by-step. And, they’re a Canadian-founded business as well. They take so much stress away so that we can focus on being the best therapists that we can be!
Also, I’ve been using Hushmail for my emails, and I sleep so much better at night knowing that my emails and my client’s personal information are all secure.
Everyone benefits from mentorship
‘Everyone benefits from mentorship, consultation, and shared learning. Private practice can be very isolating, so make sure that you have clinical and community support so that you’re not alone!’ – Jules Smith
Consider joining group consultations with other therapists, renting out office space if you have extra, and collaborating with other therapists – such as listening to this podcast!
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Nicole Lobo: From Group Practice Back to Solo | EP 199
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)
Get started with Hushmail here and get one month for free!
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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/.
