SUKI O’HUALLACHAIN: GROWING A SUCCESSFUL PRIVATE PRACTICE IN CANADA | EP 161
You go to school, complete your Masters degree, and juggle multiple jobs while starting your Canadian private practice. What happens now?
Suki, my guest in today’s podcast episode, carried her childhood curiosity with her through her academic and professional journey, and it has served her well. Working in alignment with her inner values and principles has helped her stay true to the course.
Now, Suki’s practice is full, and she’s looking to hire an associate. In today’s episode, we discuss her journey and tips for having your own unique, great private practice experience. Listen in!
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MEET SUKI
Suki O’Huallachain (o-who-la-hon) is a CCC therapist located in Port Coquitlam, BC. She has been a therapist since 2018 and has recently transitioned to private practice after working for almost 6 years in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver. Suki is currently navigating hiring an associate and focusing on the “business” side of therapy as her practice is now full after 1 year.
Learn more about Suki on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles.
In This Episode
- Suki’s therapist origin story
- Going through university
- Transitioning out of a government job
- Becoming full in private practice
- Suki’s advice to listeners
Suki’s therapist origin story
‘I had always been such a curious person and a curious child … My brothers and sisters [and I] loved murder mysteries movies, and I loved trying to figure out who had done it. Noticing the body language, how they interact with someone, just noticing the events that lead up to the storyline. I just loved trying to figure that out! … I think that dovetails with therapy.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
Suki had always been interested in people, how and why they act the way that they do, and this powerful curiosity came with her from childhood into her Canadian private practice.
When Suki went to university, she started with science. However, she soon discovered that it was not for her! So, she pivoted direction and completed her degree in health science and biology.
‘I was more interested in the evolutionary piece than the ecology piece of biology, and I think that leans into the science behind therapy. I love the caveman part of us! And I incorporate some of these pieces into my therapy now.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
Going through university
Once Suki got into her Master’s program, she started having to balance her work life with her school responsibilities.
She worked in a recreational mental health program while studying different modalities and spent this time figuring out what she wanted her niche to be.
‘I loved working with folks either in active addiction or active homelessness. That’s what my practicum was based [on], community … That was the niche I found in terms of a population I liked to work with, not necessarily a certain modality.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
Suki thoroughly enjoyed her Masters because it allowed her the chance to try out different modalities until she found the one that she felt the most comfortable and best-fit with. It also taught her that she is allowed to change, both in specialty and modality, while still being experienced.
Transitioning out of a government job
Suki worked at a government job for a while when she was in the process of building up her private practice, and it was tough with 10-hour shifts! But now, she has fully transitioned into her private practice.
‘There was a time when I was juggling the government job, the associate job, and then my private practice, which I would not recommend! I knew something had to go, so I made the decision last November to leave the government job, which was hard.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
It was tough for Suki to leave her government job. Some of her clients had been clients of hers for five years, so leaving her position was difficult. Suki wanted to make sure that they got the care and attention they needed and wanted, especially those who have trauma with saying goodbye and changing therapists.
‘It was hard to leave, but I know it was a necessary step.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
Becoming full in private practice
Initially, Suki was subletting an office space in a different community, but she knew that she wanted to be closer to home, and luckily, her clients decided to move with her! Now, in her new location, she’s full!
Currently, Suki is working five days a week and trying to find a balance. She wants to navigate the business part of it while still meeting her own needs and being her own boss.
‘I think I realize how many hours a day I can work. I now count myself at just four clients [a day] … Once I’m at four, I block out the rest of my schedule, and I think that has worked very well for me … Then I can have lunch, go to the gym, walk my dog, and do all the other life things.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
To manage her schedule to her needs, Suki’s been using Jane App, and it has made managing her professional and personal life so much easier.
Now, Suki’s goals have turned toward hiring a great associate for her private practice. She wants to figure out what success means to her in private practice and then hire a Canadian therapist based on that conclusion. These principles keep her guided and grounded and help her to build a practice that she feels aligned with and proud of.
‘I just want to see who that person is. Sure, you could be amazing with the clinical end of it, but how are you with your humor, communicating with other people, and managing your burnout? I think that’s something I look for. The human piece of an associate.’ – Suki O’Huallachain
Suki’s advice to listeners
No fixed roadmap or plan will give you all the answers, but if you are eager and curious, you can create a practice that fits you like a glove and serves your clients the best. Remember, if it doesn’t work, you are allowed to change!
Connect With Me
Ep 160: Lyba Sultan: From Idea to Private Practice in Canada | EP 160
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Learn more about Suki on her practice website, Psychology Today, and LinkedIn profiles
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Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
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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/.
