Ideal Practice

Hosted by Wendy Pitts Reeves

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196

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

How do I find clients I actually enjoy? How do I make more money without feeling guilty? Can I run a private practice and still have a life? These are just some of the questions long time psychotherapist, group practice founder, and serial entrepreneur Wendy Pitts Reeves tackles each week on The Ideal Practice Podcast.Here, you’ll learn how to create your version of an Ideal Practice that serves you as well as you serve your clients. Learn how to think like a marketer, attract clients you love, get paid well for what you do, and have a life. We’ll talk about the power of intention, the energy of money, and how to banish imposter syndrome for good. In short, we’ll dive deep into what it takes to develop a healthy business that is profitable, impactful, and - can we say this? - enjoyable.When healers stand in their power, make peace with profit, and honor the difference they make in the lives of others, they can change an entire industry.With a mix of interviews, special guests and solo shows from Wendy, you won’t want to miss a minute of this. New episodes every Tuesday. So hit subscribe, and get ready to change your life.

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June 16, 2026Episode 1971 hr 15 min

Want to Sell Your Practice Someday? Start Thinking About It Now. | IP 197

What happens to your practice when you're ready to walk away? Most private practice owners have no idea. Lord knows I sure didn’t when that day came for me.And this week's guest, Dr. Ruth Mannschreck, believes that's a problem - and she wants you to KNOW what to do. A dentist, practice strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies, Ruth helps practice owners create businesses that run more efficiently today while also becoming far more valuable tomorrow.So in this episode, we’ll talk about how to prepare your business to sell - information you need. But what surprised me about this conversation was that it's not really about selling your practice at all. It's about building a business that isn't completely dependent on you, one that can survive and thrive even after you’re gone.There are many reasons you may want to step away from your practice some day. Retirement is the obvious one, but there are many others. So whether you're thinking about an exit in five years or twenty-five, the lessons in this episode can help you create a healthier practice, a stronger team, a better client experience, and more options for your future.And isn't that a good thing? :) In this episode, you'll hear...The four pillars of a healthy practice that's ready to sell.Why most owners wait far too long to think about their exit strategy (and what to do instead.)How Ruth cut her clinical hours in half while ultimately doubling her revenue. (Wait a minute. Whaaaa?!)Why systems, culture, and team ownership matter WAY more than most owners realize.And really, we’ll talk about how creating a practice worth selling means creating a healthier business right now… so that you can build a practice that serves your clients well today without trapping you in it forever.Ruth also created a free resource that walks through the framework we discussed in today's episode. Visit www.PrepItNow.com to grab a checklist to help you begin thinking strategically about your own future.I wish I'd known all of this when I started my practice. Don't wait. ~WendyP.S. There are MANY reasons why you will one day want to walk away from your practice... so this conversation is worth hearing. What you're building today will bring value and choices to your life tomorrow._______________TODAY’S GUEST: Dr. Ruth Mannschreck Mannschreck is a dentist, practice management strategist, and founder of Shoreline Strategies. After spending more than 30 years in private practice, she learned firsthand how systems, culture, and leadership can dramatically improve both quality of life and business performance. Following the sale of her own practices (twice!), she became passionate about helping other owners avoid the mistakes she made and prepare their businesses for successful transitions. Today she helps private practice owners reduce their workload, strengthen their teams, and build practices that can thrive long after they're ready to step away.Her website: www.ShorelineStrategies.com A Free Resource: www.prepitnow.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ruthmannschreck_______________WANT to BE a GUEST on the podcast?We are currently scheduling interviews for the 2nd half of the year. If you have a clear message, an engaging style, and a heart for healers, let's meet! Submit your application right here.Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

June 2, 2026Episode 1961 hr 16 min

The Real Reason Social Media Marketing Feels So Hard | IP 196

What if your marketing problem has almost nothing to do with algorithms, social media, or even consistency - at all?In this surprisingly deep and insightful conversation, I asked content strategist and Content Queen founder Mariah MacInnes to unpack why so many practice owners struggle with marketing — especially healing arts professionals who care so much about helping people, but get super squirmy when it comes to being seen themselves! 🫣 We talked about the difference between a true marketing strategy and simply posting content, how to choose platforms that fit your personality and audience, why storytelling matters more than polished perfection, and how authenticity, mindset, and even energy impact the way people respond to your work.If you feel like you should be online but you HATE the idea, I think you’ll like this. It’s funny, affirming - and practical.In this episode you’ll learn:Why a posting schedule is NOT a marketing strategy. (New idea!)How to choose marketing platforms that actually fit your personality and business goals. Why therapists and healers often struggle with visibility and self-promotion. (Built in for so many of us…)Why storytelling creates more meaningful connection than “perfect” marketingWhy no strategy is going to work unless you actually believe in the message you’re sharingHere’s what I loved most about this conversation. Mariah teaches that social media is less about “selling” and more about creating an authentic exchange of energy with the people you’re here to help.And when you nail that, you’ll be able to create marketing that feels sustainable, aligned – human (!) – without burning yourself out trying to perform online.If this one clicks for you, go through it again with a notebook close by – because Mariah dropped a ton of wisdom here. Then - what if you chose one small step to try? Start the email list. Make your first video. Ttell the story. Post the imperfect thing… Or just start paying attention to what your clients are already showing you every day.Are you seeing how visibility, mindset, money, and sustainable growth are all more connected than you thought? Good.Because you’re exactly the kind of person I created this podcast for. :)~WendyP.S. I think “Your social media is your shop window… ”is going to stick in MY head forever now! _______________TODAY’S GUEST: Mariah MacInnes Mariah MacInnes is a content strategist, entrepreneur, and the founder of Content Queen, a marketing agency and education platform focused on helping business owners create better content online. With a background in journalism, PR, and more than nine years in marketing, she’s worked across social media, podcasting, blogging, and digital storytelling. Since launching Content Queen in 2019, Mariah has built her business while traveling the world as a digital nomad—sharing both the strategy behind great content and the adventure of building a life with more freedom and flexibility.Her Instagram: @contentqueenmariahHer Website: www.contentqueenmariah.com_______________MENTIONED: For my interview on her podcast, Content Queen Mariah: click here. Platforms: Insight Timer, Instagram, Facebook and Linked InAI Tool: ChatGPTMarketing Experts Seth Godin and Gary Vee_______________LET’S CONNECT: Quick Start Consult: If you’re ready to get out of your own way, this 1:1 coaching work session could make all the difference. Learn more here. Want to be a Guest on Ideal PracticeTM? Submit your application here. Follow me on Facebook or Linked In. Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

May 26, 2026Episode 19518 min

How to Choose the Best Business Coach for Your Private Practice | IP 195

Thinking about hiring a coach to help you grow your private practice? Before you invest time, money, energy, and trust into someone else’s guidance, it’s important to know what you’re actually looking for. In this episode, I’ll share 5 key questions to help you evaluate potential coaches wisely — from experience and accountability to intuition, alignment, and integrity. Because finding the right support can absolutely change your business... but choosing poorly can cost you, too. So in this episode, you’ll hear... Why the coaching industry can feel so overwhelming (and what to watch for). The importance of choosing someone who actually walks their talk. How testimonials, referrals, and client stories can help you evaluate a coach. Why emotional resonance and personal connection matters more than you think. The difference between a coach who cheers you on... and one who calls you forward. As you’ll hear, I’ve been working with coaches off and on for 20 years, and I’ve learned something from every single one of them - including how to choose the right coach to begin with! I’m going to help you figure that out too, so that you can choose the kind of support that fits what you need with confidence. If you’re standing at the threshold, wondering how to take the next step - you’ll love this. Give it a listen. ~Wendy P.S. Working with excellent coaches has literally changed my life - AND my business. What if it's possible that that could happen for you? :) _______________ RESOURCES Interested in a Quick Start Consult? If you’re ready to step into your growth edge, this 1:1 coaching work session could make all the difference. Learn more here. Looking for free resources for your Private Practice planning? Click here. Interested being a Guest on the show? Submit your application here. Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

May 19, 2026Episode 19422 min

Why Hiring a Business Coach May Not Be the Best Move for You (Yet!) | IP 194

Hiring a coach can absolutely change your business. Lord knows it has mine! It can also challenge your identity, your habits, your leadership, your willingness to change, and the stories you’ve been telling yourself about what’s possible.Yeah. ALL of that.So in this episode, I want to slow that conversation down a bit.Because before you start searching for the right coach, the more important question to ask yourself is: are you actually ready for coaching - at all?In this conversation, I’ll walk you through 5 great questions every private practice owner should ask themselves before making that leap — whether your business feels stuck, overwhelming, wildly successful, or somewhere in between!In this episode, you’ll learn…Why coaching is about way more than strategy or accountability.The uncomfortable truth about growth, leadership, and change. (You know this part!)What it really means to be “coachable”... (Are you?)Why timing matters when investing in this level of supportThe difference between looking for rescue… and learning to lead. 😎We’ll also talk about how to evaluate the fear you may be feeling, so that you can make a thoughtful, grounded decision about whether coaching is actually the right next step for you right now.Take some time with these questions. Journal about them. Talk with someone you trust. Be honest with yourself about where you are and what you really want next.And if coaching does feel like the right next step? I got you covered. :) In the next episode, I’ll help you figure out how to evaluate whether a coach may be the right one for you.Good stuff, this. :) ~WendyP.S. If you’d like a low-pressure way to experience what coaching (with me, at least!) is actually like, learn more about the Quick Start Consult below…_______________MENTIONED Quick Start Consult: If you’re ready to get out of your own way, this 1:1 coaching work session could make all the difference. Learn more here. Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

May 12, 2026Episode 1931 hr 3 min

Building a Creative, Alive, Embodied Private Practice with Chelsea Horton | IP 193

As healers, we understand clinical work. We know how to help what hurts in our clients. But very few of us are taught how to build a business at all - much less one that genuinely fits who we are.Today, I’m joined by somatic coach & educator Chelsea Horton for a rich conversation about creativity, embodiment, and building a private practice around an unconventional modality — dance and movement therapy — without losing what makes it unique in the first place.Chelsea is the founder of Healing Embodied, where she trains therapists, coaches, and wellness professionals to integrate somatic work, nervous system healing, creativity, and emotional processing into the way they serve clients. But this conversation goes far beyond somatic work.What struck me most about her story is this: while her work is deeply intuitive and body-centered, she is also incredibly thoughtful and strategic in the way she has built her business. (Though I’m not sure she even realized that until this convo.)She didn’t just “follow her passion.” Nope.She paid attention to outcomes, listened closely to client feedback, developed a unique methodology, refined her messaging, created a progression of offers, and intentionally positioned herself as what she calls a “category of one.”Oh my beating heart. 😍So in this episode you’ll hear:The powerful - and success enhancing - difference between building a business from “what should work” and building a business in alignment with who you are.How Chelsea built a thriving practice around a creative, unconventional modality.Why creativity works best inside structure — not chaos.The often overlooked relationship between embodiment, intuition, and strategic thinking.Why your own healing work directly impacts the quality of your client work. (Don’t miss this part!)All that and so much more. As I shared in the intro, this may well be one of my favorite conversations that I’ve had in a long time. I don’t even think Chelsea realized how much she’s done, until I reflected back to her what I was hearing. So. Good. This episode is thoughtful, practical, inspiring… Learn from this.~WendyP.S. If you want to take action on inspiration you gain from this episode, but aren’t sure where to start, a Quick Start Consult might help._______________TODAY’S GUEST: CHELSEA HORTON Chelsea is a somatic coach, educator, and founder of Healing Embodied, who combines body-based practices, nervous system healing, and trauma-informed care to help people move beyond traditional talk therapy and fully process emotions in the body. Website: https://healingembodied.com Instagram: @healing.embodied Her certification program: https://healingembodied.com/geSupport the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

May 5, 2026Episode 19231 min

The 7 Keys to a Sustainable Private Practice (Most People Skip #1) | IP 192

There may be more than one reason your practice feels harder than it should.And no — it’s probably not because you need better marketing, a new niche, or another certification.In this conversation (from my appearance as a guest on The Practice of Therapy with Gordon Brewer), we stepped back and looked at the whole picture — what it actually takes to build a practice that works.Not just one piece of it. All of it.Because the truth is, there’s no single fix.There are seven key areas that every successful practice has to navigate — and most clinicians are either skipping critical steps or trying to fix things out of order.This is a faster-paced conversation than what you usually hear from me — but it’s packed with the big ideas that shape everything else.If your practice feels scattered, stalled, or just heavier than it should…this is a powerful place to reset.WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODEWhy your purpose has to come first (and what happens when it doesn’t).How to identify the people you actually want to serve (not just who shows up).What it means to create an offer that truly works — beyond the therapy hour.How to promote your practice without feeling salesy or scattered.And the one pillar that truly drives all the rest (and can sabotage everything if ignored)This episode gives you a clean, big-picture framework to assess what’s actually working in your practice — and what’s not — so you can stop guessing and start making intentional changes that create real momentum.And the cool part? When you’re operating at a healthy place in all or most of these, your practice becomes something you genuinely enjoy showing up to — for the long haul.Precisely what I want for you. 💟~WendyP.S. Which one of these key areas are you feeling the best about? Shoot me an email (wendy@wendypittsreeves.com) and share. I’d love to know! _______________MENTIONED Episode 160: How do you serve clients when you’re barely surviving yourself? _______________MIND Over MONEY™This is a gem. One of my most popular courses, designed to bring you a breath of fresh financial air each day. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. :)For this episode, use the Promo Code “Gordon” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind._______________FREE RESOURCESTake a big picture snapshot of what's working in your practice with the IP360 Scorecard: https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/360Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

April 30, 2026Episode 19140 min

How to Find Your Voice when Marketing Your Practice: What It Really Takes | IP 191

Four years ago, I hit “publish” on the very first episode of this podcast — not entirely sure what would come of it. Since then? I’ve learned a lot.In this episode, I’m taking you behind the scenes — not just of podcasting, but of what it really takes to grow a private practice in today’s world.Because here’s the truth that no one talks about:Most clinicians aren’t struggling because they’re not good at what they do.They’re struggling because the way they’re trying to reach people… isn’t working.Before podcasting, I tried blogging (for seven freaking years), YouTube (for a full year), speaking, networking — all of it. Some of it worked. Some of it didn’t.But the bigger lesson?👉 You have to find the platform and style that fits you first.👉 You have to commit long enough to get good at it (no small thing…)👉 And you have to build systems that make that consistency possible.Because a thriving practice doesn’t come from random posts or occasional effort.It comes from strategic, sustained visibility over time.Inside this episode, I’ll walk you through:What it really takes to produce consistent content.Why most marketing efforts fall flat.How to find your voice (and a channel you’ll actually enjoy!).A behind-the-scenes look at producing a weekly podcast.And what to expect if you want your practice to grow.And if you’re not sure what’s working in your practice right now, I’ve got something for you. I’ll point you to a few of my favorite free resources — including tools to help you assess where you are and what needs attention next.If your marketing has been feeling scattered, inconsistent, or just a little frustrating… This one will help you reset and refocus.Give it a listen, and see what shifts for you! ________________________FREE RESOURCES:• Click here >>> for My Most Popular Tools ________________________MINDSET MAGIC:Mind Over Money™👉 If money stress is part of what’s been getting in the way, start here, with this little gem. One of my most popular courses, here to help with money stress. :) Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. :)Use the Promo Code “Ideal50” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

April 7, 2026Episode 1901 hr 13 min

When Your Practice Hits Capacity: Hiring Remote Help as a Growth Engine | IP 190

Eventually, most successful practices hit a certain kind of ceiling.Caseloads are full. Marketing falls off. Systems strain.And growth? It stalls… or starts to feel like it would break everything.So today, Chris McShanag shares a new way of thinking about remote support — not as a way to offload tasks, but as a way to expand capacity.So interesting - because he even challenged my thinking a bit! 🤔When we think about hiring, we focus on tasks like… BillingScheduling Phone callsFiling paperwork…You know - admin.What we don’t consider is: → using support to drive referrals (totally new idea!). → staying in consistent contact with your network. → building systems that allow your practice to grow without burning you out.Whoa. Whether or not you ever go that far - there’s something important here.Is a limited perspective limiting your success??? If so, that may be costing you more than you know - in time, energy, and missed opportunities.That’s where I want to go with this.(And hey - if this gets you thinking about what might be possible in your practice with the right support — take a look at the IP360 Scorecard. It’s an easy way to assess where your next best move might be.)WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODEThe difference between relief hiring and growth hiring.What it actually means to have “capacity” in your practice (and why that matters more than you think.)How overwhelmed systems cost you clients and limit your influence.The concept of $100/hour work vs. $10/hour work — and how to shift that balance.What to think about before you hire anyone (especially if you’re doing this on your own.)Because here’s the thing. If you’re the bottleneck — even in small ways — your growth will always be limited by your capacity. On the other hand, with the right hiring strategy, you could build something that can hold the level of work you say you want. That means more space, more stability, and more sustainable growth … without having to kill yourself in the process.Worth considering, don’t you think? Give this a listen.~WendyP.S. Don’t forget! Check out your free copy of the IP360 Scorecard. Could be super helpful!_______________TODAY’S GUEST: CHRIS McSHANAG Founder and CEO of Virtual Teammate, Chris has guided over 2,500 virtual professionals to thrive in organizations worldwide, supporting more than 600 clients. His mission is to transform the virtual assistant industry by creating seamless, supportive, and valuable experiences for both clients and assistants. Passionate about building real partnerships, he believes the future of healthcare and business is virtual, scalable, and limitless. His leadership sets new standards in virtual staffing and operational excellence.WEBSITE: www.virtualteammate.comSOCIALS: Linked In, InstagramSupport the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

March 31, 2026Episode 18923 min

What If You’re Not Stuck? What If You’re Standing at Your Growth Edge? \ IP 189

In the last couple of episodes, I spoke with two very different guests — Rachel Robertson and Emma Lagerlow – two very different women doing very different things on completely opposite sides of the world.And yet, as I thought about those conversations - I couldn’t help but notice something they had in common. In fact, I noticed a pattern that I think I’ve seen among many of the outstanding guests I’ve had here on the show.Both of these entrepreneurs are continuously evolving their work to match their life.Something we all know we need to do - and often don’t.Something that sounds so simple.So reasonable.Something that is so much harder than it looks. :)So in this episode, you’ll hear:The subtle pattern behind sustainable success in private practice.Why even high-capacity, driven professionals still get stuck. (#nojudgementzone)Why insight doesn’t always lead to action, and progress can feel so elusive…What it really takes to change something that’s “working well enough”. 🤨A simple way to identify where your practice may no longer fit your life.You’ll hear why so many smart, capable clinicians stay stuck — not because they don’t know what to do, but because what comes next requires more than just getting clear…And my hope is that by the end of this reflection, you’ll be able to recognize your own “growth edge,” and begin moving forward with more intention, courage, and support.If this episode resonates with you — if you can see the place where something in your practice just doesn’t fit anymore — this is exactly the kind of work I help people sort through in a Quick Start Consult.You really don’t have to figure this out alone.Learn more or schedule yours here. And let’s get you moving again.~WendyP.S. Insight is powerful. But insight + strategic, aligned support? That’s where magic happens, and real momentum begins…!_______________RESOURCESQuick Start Consult: If you’re ready to get out of your own way, this 1:1 coaching work session could make all the difference. Learn more here ➜ https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/consult.Mind Over Money™A lot of my clients start with this little gem. One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help with tax season stress! Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. (You’ll thank me later. 😎)Use the promo code: Ideal50 to get $50 off. (Sweet!)Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.Want to be a Guest on Ideal Practice™? Submit your application here: www.wendypittsreeves.com/guest-applicationSupport the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

March 24, 20261 hr 13 min

The Hidden Cost of Growth: When “Success” Can Quietly Burn You Out | IP 188

It’s easy to think that once your practice is “working”… everything else will fall into place.But what if success is actually where things fall apart - but in a quiet way you may miss?Today, wealth coach and author Emma Lagerlow talks with us about the 5 Pillars of True Wealth — and why so many practice owners lose themselves right when things start going well.In this episode, you’ll hear…Why even “doing well” in your practice can still leave you feeling tired & depleted.The 5 pillars of true wealth – and how they actually show up in real life...The most common place practice owners drift out of alignment. 🫣How burnout can sneak up on you — even when you love your work.Simple, practical ways to ground yourself and protect your energy - daily.We’ll also talk about why self-care isn’t a luxury — that it is in fact one of the responsibilities of leadership – so you can build a practice that actually supports your life instead of taking it over!If this episode stirred something for you — that moment of “yeah… something’s off” — don’t ignore it.That’s often the point when healthy change (and real growth) begins.And hey - if money, your capacity to serve, or the overall sustainability of your business are part of what’s feeling tight, I can help. Take a look at my mini-course, Mind Over Money™ below — it’s one of the simplest ways to start getting your footing back. (And you’ll love the journal I’ve added to it!)Breathe…. k?~WendyP.S. You don’t need a total life overhaul. Emma and I talked about her “15 Minute Fix”. How about trying that first? :) _______________TODAY’S GUEST: EMMA LAGERLOW Emma Lagerlow, a wealth and mindset coach, author, and host of the “It’s a Mindset” podcast, helps women bridge the gap between inner worth and outward success. Through her work, Emma guides individuals to deepen self-knowledge, strengthen self-trust, and build lives that feel purposeful, abundant, and aligned with their values. Drawing on her own journey through reinvention, family life, and entrepreneurial growth, she brings warmth, clarity, and practical insight to conversations about identity, resilience, and intentional living. Emma lives in Sydney, Australia with her family and speaks globally on mindset, wellbeing and meaningful success.Her book: Worthy and Wealthy Her website: https://www.emmalagerlow.com/Her podcast: It's a Mindset Social: https://www.instagram.com/emmalagerlow/ https://www.facebook.com/emmalagerlowcoach https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lagerlow-4a2849/_______________Mind Over Money™One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help with tax season stress! Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. And now, you’ll ALSO get a custom designed digital journal my students tell me they love! Try this. You’ll thank me later. :)Use the Promo Code “Ideal50” to get $50 off. (Sweet!)Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.Support the showWendy Pitts Reeves, LCSWHost, Ideal PracticePrivate Practice Coach and Mentorwww.WendyPittsReeves.comWendy@WendyPittsReeves.com