SANDRA KARLIN: FROM TECH TO THERAPIST IN PRIVATE PRACTICE | EP 201
Our paths can change in ways that we may not easily foresee. While Sandra was someone who always knew that she liked and wanted to help people, she only became a therapist later on in life: her first career was in tech!
It was only after she completed her Master’s degree – studying part-time while working in the Canadian tech hub – that she pivoted her career, starting both from scratch and in a new industry in counselling.
Over the last three years, Sandra has graduated, started, and grown her private practice from solo to group, and become a new mom. In this episode, we cover her journey, what she has learned, and what she wants to share with you, the listener. Join us!
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MEET SANDRA
Sandra Karlin is a Registered Psychotherapist and group practice owner of Beyond Happiness Counselling, supporting adults and couples in Kitchener‑Waterloo and virtually across Ontario. With a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she brings a warm, supportive, and sensitive approach to therapy, helping clients make sense of what they’re going through while building practical skills for change. Sandra works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, self‑esteem and body image, grief and loss, career changes, major life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. Her integrative style includes mindfulness, person‑centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Walk & Talk therapy, and Gottman Method couples counselling (Clinical Foundations training).
Learn more about Sandra on her private practice website, Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles.
In This Episode
- When Sandra started her private practice
- Running a private practice as a new mother
- Changing careers from tech to therapy
- Marketing the private practice
- Offering walk-and-talk therapy
- Sandra’s advice to listeners
When Sandra started her private practice
Sandra completed her internship at a local clinic and then decided to stay on. While at the clinic, she slowly started building out her private caseload on the side.
At times, Sandra was working with an average of two private clients for a year, so it was truly slow and steady!
‘In the first year, I only had like two or three clients on the side, and then I just slowly grew. I rented one room, I got that filled up, and then added a second day to my schedule, I filled that up, and then I got my own office full-time, and now I’m moving again … It’s slowly building!’ – Sandra Karlin
Sandra completed her Master’s at Yorkville University and landed a great placement where she still occasionally works part-time, while now running her private practice. She also joined another group practice, where she works one day every two weeks, while managing her ever-growing practice with contractors.
Running a private practice as a new mother
Sandra started looking into hiring contract therapists when she was around four months pregnant.
She was concerned about her client’s therapy journeys and didn’t want their work to be interrupted while she took maternity leave. So, Sandra decided to hire contractors to take over some of her caseload.
‘I’m only working part-time right now [after maternity leave] … So I think keeping the balance right now as well is helping me, and that’s what I want to do and continue: growing my family but also growing my practice.’ – Sandra Karlin
Changing careers from tech to therapy
She always knew that she wanted to help people and be of service, but that has taken shape over time: being a therapist is Sandra’s second career.
At first, Sandra worked in tech. However, she decided to complete her Master’s degree part-time over four years while working in tech, and once she graduated, she made the switch.
‘It wasn’t as rewarding as I thought it would be, working in tech … That’s where the job market was, especially a couple of years ago, but I didn’t find it as rewarding. So, I was looking into Master’s programs and wanted to pursue it afterwards!’ – Sandra Karlin
Marketing the private practice
To market her private practice currently, Sandra has been using a mixed approach in terms of techniques, utilizing:
- Psychology Today referrals
- Word-of-mouth
- Google Ads
- Social media presence
- Videos on social media profiles
‘[Using social media] also shows who you are as a person. Clients relate to the person, not the modalities, so it’s the therapeutic relationship. I feel like if you’re talking and they’re hearing your voice, your presence, your body language … I feel that’s what makes you visible to people who might consider therapy.’ – Sandra Karlin
Offering walk-and-talk therapy
Sandra has found that offering walk-and-talk therapy in her private practice makes therapy more accessible. Some clients might feel nervous, shy, or too self-conscious to sit face-to-face with their therapist, and walking in nature means that you are side-by-side with them instead.
Additionally, you get to be out in nature, which may aid in helping people’s mental health, bringing a sense of calmness, and allowing one’s eyes to travel as they gather their thoughts without feeling self-conscious.
Walking also supports people’s therapeutic journey by offering them a literal way to talk through their stuck patterns or thoughts, bridging new thoughts and patterns with physical motion.
‘What I notice is that clients are able to talk more freely compared to the same client in the room.’ – Sandra Karlin
Sandra’s advice to listeners
If private practice is something that’s often on your mind, try it out!
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
My Biggest Takeaways from 200 Podcast Episodes! | EP 200
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!
Learn more about Sandra on her private practice website, Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and Instagram 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/.
