Money Skills For Therapists

Hosted by Linzy Bonham

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Jun 2026

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Money can be stressful and confusing for therapists and health practitioners in private practice - dealing with all of our feelings and stories about it, understanding how to actually manage our business finances, and making money work for us in our lives can feel so daunting that many therapists just avoid dealing with money altogether. Join Linzy Bonham, therapist and creator of Money Skills for Therapists, as she demystifies all things private practice finances through short and sweet solo episodes, conversations with therapists who have transformed their relationships with money, and live coaching calls with Money Skills for Therapists students.

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June 16, 202645 min

213: Adapting Your Business and Team for a Changing Market

If private practice has felt harder lately, you’re not imagining it. Caseloads can take longer to fill, marketing strategies that once worked may not be working the same way, and many therapists are carrying more anxiety about money than they were a few years ago. This week, I’m joined by Diane Webber, a coach in both Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners, to talk about how we’ve been responding to these shifts inside our own work. We share some of the changes we’ve made in our business, from changing our outward-facing name and restructuring programs to creating more community and bringing fresh energy onto the team. More than anything, this conversation is about what it looks like to stay present, curious, and responsive when the things you’ve relied on no longer work the way they used to.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to develop the skills and confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances and build a practice that actually takes care of you? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll learn practical tools, strategies, and next steps to move forward in your business (and your life) with clarity, intention, and ease. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Responding to Shifts Without Blaming Yourself When something stops working in your practice, you might assume you’ve done something wrong. But often, that’s not the case— it’s that the market has changed, your clients’ needs have shifted, or the offer, structure, or support system that once worked is ready to evolve. Diane and I talk about how helpful it can be to move from self-blame into curiosity. Instead of asking, “Why isn’t this working anymore?” we can ask, “What is this showing me?” Adapting your practice doesn’t mean you need to have all the answers right away. Small, thoughtful changes — like experimenting with new forms of support, rethinking your marketing, adjusting a program structure, or bringing in team members who help you see things differently can create a lot of clarity over time. Small Experiments Beat Waiting for Certainty Meaningful change in your practice can come from a series of small decisions day by day rather than one major breakthrough. (00:03:13) Changes in therapy practices (00:08:37) Finding authentic practice direction (00:12:17) Bringing in new team energy (00:15:23) Teaching financial literacy for therapists (00:18:33) Handling unexpected events gracefully (00:30:04) WhatsApp community for practice owners (00:32:39) Returning to a cohorted program model (00:36:34) High-touch support in a four-month program (00:39:15) Planning programs and client schedules (00:42:32) The importance of taking sabbaticals You Don’t Have to Figure Out Your Next Chapter Alone So many of the changes we’ve made this year have come from wanting more connection, support, and clarity. As a business owner, it’s easy to believe you need to figure everything out on your own. But growth is often more sustainable when you allow yourself to receive support. That support can come through coaching, community, trusted colleagues, or a stronger team. It can also come from taking a step back, getting honest about what is and isn’t working, and being open to making the shifts that become apparent once you have a little more perspective. If you’d like to connect with other therapists, health practitioners, and listeners of Money Skills for Therapists to talk about episodes, ask questions, share insights, and get support, you can join our private WhatsApp community. Email hello@moneynutsandbolts.com and we’ll send you an invite! About Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful. So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/ About Diane Webber: Diane is a licensed professional counselor and certified financial social work counselor with a fully online private practice in Northeastern Pennsylvania where she serves clients experiencing financial anxiety, general anxiety, strained relationships, and grief & loss. Diane is also a proud member of the Money Skills for Therapists coaching team, enthusiastically celebrating successes as members of the program redefine their money mindsets and sharpen their money skills.

June 9, 202619 min

212: Saving for Your Future Self: Retirement, Leave, and Big Goals in Private Practice

As a therapist in private practice, there can be a moment when you realize that you are the one responsible for caring for your future financial needs. No employer is automatically setting aside money for your retirement, your maternity leave, your next chapter, or the bigger life goals you’re holding. In this solo episode, I walk through how to think about future-focused financial planning in a way that feels practical, compassionate, and doable. Whether you’re saving for retirement, preparing for parental leave, building a cushion for a future goal, or simply wanting to feel more secure, this conversation is about creating simple systems inside your business that support both the life you’re living now and the life you’re building over time. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to develop the skills and confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances and build a practice that actually takes care of you? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll learn practical tools, strategies, and next steps to move forward in your business (and your life) with clarity, intention, and ease. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. Creating Financial Support for the Version of You Still to Come One of the most difficult parts of private practice finances is that most of us were never taught how to think this way. Many therapists carry financial anxiety, money avoidance, or complicated money stories into business ownership and then feel pressure to somehow know exactly what to do. A helpful place to begin is by asking yourself, “What will my future self need from me?” From there, you can start building small, steady habits that help you care for both your present-day needs and your longer-term financial goals. Separate business bank accounts can be a simple and supportive tool for creating more clarity. And using an adapted Profit First system — including a dedicated account for big goals — can make saving for retirement, future leave, or other long-term plans feel more tangible and less overwhelming. You don’t have to do it perfectly or all at once. Start small, keep it sustainable, and let consistency carry some of the weight. Small Systems Can Build Financial Confidence The practical side of financial planning becomes much easier when there’s a clear structure supporting it. (00:04:35) Planning for future financial security (00:07:01) Balancing present and future needs (00:09:59) Setting up separate business bank accounts (00:13:52) Navigating business vs personal finances (00:16:44) Building support through community Small Systems Can Build Financial Confidence The practical side of financial planning becomes much easier when there’s a clear structure supporting it. (00:04:35) Planning for future financial security (00:07:01) Balancing present and future needs (00:09:59) Setting up separate business bank accounts (00:13:52) Navigating business vs personal finances (00:16:44) Building support through community About Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful. So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

June 2, 202640 min

211: Key Numbers Every Therapist Needs to Track for Client Retention and Business Growth

Many of us become therapists because we care deeply about people, not because we want to spend our days looking at business data. So, it makes sense if tracking metrics feels a little cold, overly analytical, or disconnected from the human side of the work you're doing.But the truth is, good data can actually support you in caring for both your clients and your clinicians more effectively.In this episode, I’m joined by Tory Krone, group practice owner and creator of PracticeVital, to talk about how the right numbers can help us understand what’s really happening inside a therapy practice. Together, we explore how tracking things like churn, retention, rebooking, and clinician productivity can move you out of guesswork and into clearer, steadier decision-making.Click here to learn more about PracticeVital — and get $30 off your first month when you sign up using the referral code MoneyN&B Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances?Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?Are you ready to develop the skills and confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances and build a practice that actually takes care of you?If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.In just one hour together, you’ll learn practical tools, strategies, and next steps to move forward in your business (and your life) with clarity, intention, and ease.Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Using Data to See Patterns You Can’t Feel AloneTherapists are often highly intuitive. That intuition is a beautiful strength in clinical work, but it can only take you so far when you’re trying to get clear on client flow, practice performance, or the financial health of your business.By tracking the right numbers, you can begin to notice patterns that might otherwise stay hidden. Churn rates, retention, rebooking patterns, and referral quality offer important information about client fit, onboarding, expectations, and the overall client experience. Data doesn’t replace clinical judgment — it supports it.Sometimes small shifts in your practice, such as improving follow-up systems, setting clearer expectations during intake, or matching clients based on fit rather than simply availability, can make a meaningful difference. These practical adjustments can help clients stay engaged long enough to truly benefit from the care they came for.Creating More Stability Through Better Systems Many of the metrics Tory and I discuss are early signals that offer insight as to where a practice may need additional support, more clarity, or a better system before things become truly stressful.(00:04:02) Discovery of PracticeVital software(00:09:38) Tracking clinician productivity(00:10:25) Overly optimistic revenue projections(00:14:40) Introducing financial leadership tools(00:18:50) Analyzing referral quality(00:19:48) Attracting the right audience(00:25:15) Challenges of attracting therapy clients(00:32:24) Creating a safe space for clients(00:36:36) Importance of visually appealing dataStrong Practice Leadership Often Looks Surprisingly PracticalOne thing I really appreciate about this conversation is the reminder that good leadership is not only about vision, warmth, or emotional attunement. It’s also about creating reliable systems that help clients stay connected to care and help clinicians do their best work.That might mean normalizing recurring appointments, improving onboarding workflows, watching rebooking patterns, or noticing when a therapist on your team may need more support. Numbers will never tell the whole story of a practice, but they can help you ask better questions. And when you can ask better questions, you can respond to your business with more clarity, compassion, and confidence.About Linzy Bonham:Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful.So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/About Tory Krone:Tory Krone is a licensed clinical therapist, group practice owner, and co-founder of PracticeVital. She has spent over a decade owning and operating Proactive Therapy, a multi-clinician group practice in Chicago, where she experienced firsthand the operational and financial complexities of running a sustainable therapy business.A graduate of Duke University and the University of Chicago, Tory brings both clinical depth and analytical rigor to her work with practice leaders. In 2023, after repeatedly encountering how difficult it was for practice owners to access clear, actionable data, she set out to solve the problem for herself—and for the field.What began as an internal dashboard for her own practice evolved into PracticeVital, the first automated analytics platform built specifically for therapy practices. Today, Tory helps over 500+ group practice owners move beyond guesswork, using data to make confident decisions that support growth, sustainability, and values-aligned leadership.Connect with Tory:If you’re a group practice owner who feels busy but still unsure about how healthy your practice actually is, check out PracticeVital. It’s a platform that gives practice leaders automated visibility into how their practice is performing—from overall practice health to clinician performance, client retention, and revenue trends across sessions and locations. You can learn more at www.practicevital.comEmail: tory@practicevital.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17AeqeLPeV/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/practicevital/

May 26, 202637 min

210: Practical Math for Therapists: Is Your Marketing Working?

There’s a particular kind of stress that comes with spending a large amount of money on your practice while not fully knowing if it’s paying off yet. In today’s coaching session, I’m joined by Dana Corr—a graduate of the Money Skills for Group Practice Owners program—to explore what it means to be in an investment period inside a private practice. Together, we unpack the tension between trusting the growth process and needing concrete data, especially when it comes to marketing expenses like Google Ads and agency support. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Moving From “Financial Vibes” to Actual ROI Data A major theme in our conversation is the difference between feeling like something is working and actually being able to measure its impact. More inquiries alone don’t necessarily tell you whether your marketing spend is producing sustainable growth. What creates clarity is understanding the full path from inquiry to retained client: where leads are coming from, how many are converting, how long they stay, and what revenue they ultimately generate. Dana and I talk about how easy it is for money to quietly leak out through weak follow-up systems, unclear attribution, or poor-fit leads. Tracking these numbers doesn’t just support better decision-making—it also reduces anxiety. The more visible your data becomes, the less you have to rely on guesswork or gut feelings when evaluating investments in your practice. Building the Kind of Clarity That Supports Growth Investment periods often require a different level of leadership because they involve spending money now in hopes of creating future stability and expansion. (00:05:11) Discussing bank building purchase (00:08:26) Working with an ad agency (00:10:26) Understanding ROI in advertising (00:15:01) Clarifying marketing attribution strategies (00:16:37) Tracking client conversions and retention (00:21:02) Getting clients to answer calls (00:26:32) Analyzing ad performance with data (00:30:43) Evaluating advertising return rates (00:34:34) Analyzing ad spend effectiveness Financial Leadership Often Starts with Better Questions One of the shifts in this conversation is moving away from passively hoping a marketing strategy works and toward actively understanding the numbers behind it. That might mean asking harder questions, requesting clearer reporting from vendors, or building systems that help you track conversion and retention more accurately over time. The goal isn’t perfect certainty. It’s developing enough financial clarity to make decisions from a grounded place instead of from panic or ambiguity. About Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful. So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/ About Dana Corr and Valley Art Therapy: Dana Corr is a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Registered Canadian Art Therapist, and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and the owner/director of Valley Art Therapy, a group practice based in rural Manitoba. She has grown the practice from a solo caseload into a multi-location team, navigating the realities of building and leading a business in a small community. Valley Art Therapy is a trauma-focused practice grounded in healing beyond words alone, integrating approaches like art and play-based therapy, somatic work, and EMDR. The practice is committed to increasing access to care in rural communities through multiple locations and strong community partnerships, while also creating a model of care that supports clinicians in doing meaningful, sustainable work. Connect with Dana & Valley Art Therapy: Website: valleyarttherapy.com Instagram: @valleyarttherapy Facebook: @valleyarttherapy

May 19, 202619 min

209: Rethinking Debt: Turning Financial Burdens Into Neutral Tools for Private Practice Success

Debt carries a huge emotional weight for many therapists. It’s easy to look at student loans, credit cards, or even a mortgage and interpret them as evidence that you’ve done something wrong or fallen behind financially.Explore the idea with me that debt is not a moral issue—it’s a financial tool. The more clearly you understand both the emotional meaning and the actual cost of debt, the easier it becomes to make grounded, strategic decisions about your finances instead of reacting from shame or panic.Download our Debt Payment Calculator, and use this free tool to zoom out on your debts, be curious about the cost of them, and explore the different ways you can manage and pay down your debts so that you can move forward in your business (and your life) with more lightness and ease.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances?If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention.Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Separating the Numbers from the Shame Different types of debt tend to trigger very different emotional reactions. Having a mortgage is often framed as being responsible or successful, while credit card debt can bring up feelings of guilt or embarrassment, and student loans often hold a complicated mix of gratitude, frustration, resentment, or pride.It's important to recognize that these feelings are emotional interpretations—not objective truths about your worth or capability. Debt itself is neutral. It’s simply a financial tool that allows you to access opportunities, resources, or necessities when cash isn’t immediately available.Breaking down a debt to understand its true financial impact – including interest, repayment timelines, and opportunity cost – can replace uncertainty and overwhelm with clarity, helping you make more informed choices.Creating More Space for Intentional Financial Choices When you begin to see debt as a financial reality that can be planned over time, rather than treating it like a constant emergency, it becomes less stressful.(00:05:30) Exploring feelings about different debts(00:08:02) Evaluating the cost of debt(00:13:51) Using the debt calculator tool(00:15:56) Using money and debt wiselySeeing Debt in a Way That Supports Your Life There isn’t a “correct” way to approach debt repayment. Some seasons call for aggressive payoff strategies, while others require more flexibility, stability, or quality of life.What matters most is understanding your options clearly enough to make decisions that reflect your actual values instead of reacting from fear or perfectionism. Debt may come with tradeoffs, but it does not determine your character—and it doesn’t have to prevent you from building a financially healthy life.About Linzy Bonham:Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful.So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

May 12, 202628 min

208: How Clinical Supervision Can Boost Your Practice’s Financial Stability

There’s a point in private practice where the question shifts from “How do I fill my caseload?” to “How do I keep this sustainable?” In this conversation, I’m joined by Kayla Das—a social worker, business coach, and host of the Designer Practice podcast—to explore how clinical supervision and consultation can become a supportive, meaningful addition to your work. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. Using Supervision to Support Both Income and Energy Adding a supervision tier to your offers can create a different kind of steadiness in your practice—bringing in additional income while shifting the emotional intensity of your week. For many therapists, this work draws on existing skills in a way that feels more spacious and sustainable over time. Structuring supervision in group or dyadic formats can also increase income potential while creating a collaborative learning environment. Pricing tends to feel more grounded when it’s tied to your actual needs, while still honoring accessibility where it matters to you. When your services are clearly communicated and easy to find, it becomes much easier to connect with therapists who are actively looking for this kind of support. Noticing Where Expansion Already Wants to Happen There’s often a natural pull in practice toward work that feels both meaningful and sustainable—these moments tend to point toward what’s ready to grow. (00:04:46) Adding income through clinical supervision (00:07:29) Balancing therapy and supervision roles (00:12:13) Determining pricing for counseling services (00:16:05) Impact of specialized consultants (00:18:13) Promoting posts in therapist groups (00:20:39) Launching a Canadian therapist directory (00:25:07) Adding clinical consultation to therapy A More Sustainable Way to Use Your Therapy Practice Management Skills Consulting for other therapists creates space to use your expertise in a way that can feel more balanced alongside clinical work. Adding a role like this diversifies your income and the way your energy is applied, because of this new B2b (business to business) opportunity. When structured intentionally, this work can support both your financial goals and your long-term sustainability. It’s often less about adding something new, and more about allowing your practice to evolve in a way that supports you too. About Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful. So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/ About Kayla Das: Kayla Das is a social worker based in Edmonton, Alberta, and a business coach who supports therapists and clinical supervisors in building sustainable, diversified practices. Drawing from her own experience navigating the challenges of finding quality supervision, she now focuses on helping clinicians connect, grow their skills, and explore additional income streams beyond traditional therapy. Kayla is especially passionate about clinical supervision as a way to give back to the profession while creating more financial stability and flexibility. Connect with Kayla: Website: https://kayladas.com/ Email: info@kayladas.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evaspare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.das/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-das-bsw-msw-rsw-202b87202/ Designer Practice Podcast: https://kayladas.com/designer-practice-podcast/ Canadian Clinical Supervision Directory: https://canadianclinicalsupervision.ca/ American Clinical Supervisor Therapist Directory: https://americanclinicalsupervisor.com/

May 5, 202646 min

207: Letting Go of Control: Creating a Calmer Path to a Fulfilling Private Practice

There’s a kind of stuckness that can show up even when everything looks “ready” on paper—the numbers work, the plan is there, and yet the decision still feels hard to make. I see this a lot when therapists are considering the move from W2 work into full-time private practice. In my coaching conversation with Dr. Amber Vernon, a recent grad of the Money Skills for Therapists program, we explore what happens when the hesitation isn’t about money skills or financial planning—but something deeper. Even when the path looks clear, there can still be a sense of activation, doubt, or what she calls “squirreliness” that makes it hard to move forward. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. When the Numbers Make Sense but the Decision Still Feels Hard Sometimes the stuckness isn’t about strategy—it’s about what the decision represents. You can have the income stability, the emergency fund, the private practice already working… and still feel a pull to stay where things feel more predictable. What I see here is how control, perfectionism, and financial anxiety can keep you circling even when you’re ready. When your nervous system is activated, it can start to question everything—your plan, your niche, even the sustainability of your therapy business. And at that point, more data doesn’t help. That “squirreliness” isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong—it’s more often a sign that you’re stepping into something unfamiliar. Moving Through Uncertainty When You’re Already “Ready” Even when the financial planning and logistics are in place, the decision can still feel unsettled—especially when control, identity, and uncertainty are all in the mix. (00:04:59) Deciding on career transition (00:07:28) Discussing work challenges and options (00:12:48) Avoiding future decisions now (00:15:39) Navigating personal decision impacts (00:25:54) Overcoming fear to take action (00:26:51) Assessing current intellectual interests (00:30:44) Choosing work that excites you (00:35:18) Exploring varied career paths (00:36:37) Deciding when to move on (00:40:21) Reflecting on chaotic energy (00:43:01) Embracing diverse skills and strategies Letting Your Path Be More Flexible Than You Expected One of the shifts in this conversation is moving away from the idea that there’s one “right” version of private practice. For some therapists, the goal isn’t a single, fixed path—it’s building a career that allows for variety, different income streams, and evolving interests. When you’re good at a lot of things, decision-making can feel harder, not easier. But that doesn’t mean you’re off track—it just means your path might be more flexible than you expected. Instead of waiting until everything feels certain, you can start by taking small steps, testing what feels energizing, and letting that guide your next move. You don’t have to figure out your entire career transition all at once—you just have to stay in motion long enough to learn what actually fits. About Amber Vernon: Dr. Amber Vernon is a police psychologist who has worked with various public safety agencies in Virginia for over 10 years. Her service encompasses academy-based training, subject matter expert instruction, employment-related evaluation, wellness visits, professional consultation, and critical incident response. Dr. Vernon is passionate about building (and maintaining) bridges between people, experiences, and disciplines. She is known for working collaboratively to identify questions, develop useful answers, and provide clear and action-oriented next steps. Connect with Amber: Website: www.vernonpsyd.com Get to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills For Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful. So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

April 28, 202618 min

206: A Practical Approach for Raising Fees (While Honoring the Client Relationship)

Raising your fees can bring up a surprising amount of tension, especially when you care deeply about your clients and the relationship you’ve built. It’s not just about numbers; it touches values, identity, and how you hold boundaries in your work.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a way to approach fee increases that’s grounded in your actual financial needs, while still staying connected to the kind of therapist you want to be.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money?Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances?If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention.Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Letting Your Fees Reflect Your Values and NeedsRaising fees in private practice isn’t just a business decision—it’s a clinical one. When you base your fee on real numbers, like salary goals, taxes, and operating expenses, you create a foundation that supports your work.From there, the focus shifts to how you communicate the change: naming it clearly in session, allowing space for your client’s response, and trusting that whatever comes up can be worked with. Giving thoughtful notice and expecting a range of reactions helps keep the process grounded. Over time, making fee adjustments a regular part of your practice reduces emotional intensity and supports long-term sustainability.Setting Fees That Reflect Your RealityEven when the math is clear, naming a higher fee can still feel uncomfortable—especially if you’re used to choosing numbers based on what feels manageable rather than what’s needed.(00:03:24) Raising therapy fees effectively(00:09:35) Ending the therapeutic relationship(00:11:43) Discussing fee increase strategies(00:14:54) Referral program for money coursesMaking Space for Both Your Needs and TheirsBringing a fee increase into session creates an opportunity to practice direct, honest communication. Saying the new rate and pausing—without over-explaining or softening—allows your client to respond in their own way. Some clients will stay; some may need to adjust their schedule, and some may choose to end therapy. Supporting that process, without taking responsibility for the outcome, is part of maintaining a healthy therapeutic relationship.Over time, approaching fee changes as a normal, expected part of practice (rather than something to avoid) helps reduce the pressure. It allows your work to remain sustainable; while still honoring the care and intention you bring to your clients.Get to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

April 21, 202641 min

205: Client Care and Your Wellbeing: Raising Your Rates for Good

Have you been avoiding raising your fee, because you're scared to have those hard conversations with your clients? If so, this is the episode for you...One thing I see all the time with therapists in private practice—especially around money, caseload size, and accessibility—is the pull between taking care of your clients and taking care of yourself.In this coaching conversation, I sit down with Jessica Katz, a graduate of the Money Skills for Therapists program, to look at what happens when your fee structure, schedule, and financial needs aren't aligned — and then how to start shifting toward building a practice that supports both your clients and your own wellbeing.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. Finding Balance Between Client Care and SustainabilityAs helpers and healers, it's natural for us to think that we're "good therapists" by helping everyone at a price they can afford. But you can actually show up stronger and with more mental space for those you serve by prioritizing yourself and protecting your time.Wide sliding scales, inconsistent fees, and overextended schedules can slowly turn into money anxiety, burnout, and a sense that you're always behind.What we explore here is how these patterns form—and how they're often rooted in emotional labor, people-pleasing, and a desire to preserve relationships at any cost.When your time, energy, and finances aren't protected, it becomes harder to stay present in your clinical work and more difficult to maintain long-term client retention.The shift isn't about doing less for your clients—it's about creating a structure where your financial needs, energetic needs, and values alignment can coexist.Emotional Awareness and Practical ShiftsWhen you start to look at your schedule, your fee structure, and your boundaries together, it becomes easier to see what's actually sustainable. Charging a higher fee creates a positive ripple effect because both you and your client recognize the value and cost of this session, leading you both to make the very best of your time together.(00:03:16) Talking about fee raises(00:09:16) Setting up an ideal workweek(00:10:49) Managing energy across work sessions(00:14:03) Setting a balanced work schedule(00:21:05) Navigating infertility and pregnancy loss(00:24:33) Value of paying for expertise(00:29:53) Prioritizing self-care for clients(00:33:39) Navigating guilt and true values(00:39:06) Improving finances for therapistsLetting Your Practice Support the Work You Want to DoThis conversation comes back to quality over quantity. When your caseload is too high or your rates don't reflect your work, it becomes harder to stay present and make grounded decisions. As you begin raising your rates, setting clearer boundaries, and adjusting your schedule, discomfort is normal; but those changes often lead to stronger relationships and better therapy outcomes for both you and your clients.A sustainable practice isn't built on stretching yourself thinner—it's built on clarity, boundaries, and allowing your work to support you too.About Jessica Katz: Jessica Katz is a reproductive mental health therapist specializing in infertility and family building through reproductive treatments. Through her private practice, Empress Counseling, she supports individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, perinatal mood disorders, and third-party reproduction, helping clients make grounded, values-aligned decisions.With a strong analytical background and training in Money Skills for Therapists, Jessica brings both financial clarity and self-awareness to her work, focusing on sustainable, aligned private practice.Follow Jessica Katz:Therapy practice: https://www.empresscounseling.com/Social media: https://www.instagram.com/empresscounselingGet to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

April 14, 202632 min

204: Breaking the Martyr Cycle: Therapists, Money Shame, and Self-Care

If you’ve ever felt a quiet tension between wanting your practice to support you and feeling like you shouldn’t need that… you’re not alone. This is something I see all the time with therapists—where caring deeply about clients starts to blur into overlooking your own needs. In my conversation with Tiffany McLain, we’re looking at how that pattern shows up around money, and why it can feel so uncomfortable to want more, charge more, or build a practice that actually sustains you.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. When Taking Care of Yourself Feels UncomfortableA lot of therapists have been shaped by roles where being helpful, accommodating, and selfless was the expectation. Over time, that can turn into a quiet habit of minimizing your own needs—especially when it comes to your finances. So when it comes time to look at your numbers, set fees, or think about what you actually need to earn, it can feel off. Not because you’re doing something wrong, but because it goes against a pattern you’ve been living in for a long time.That’s where a lot of the tension comes from. Part of you knows your practice needs to work financially, and another part of you feels uncomfortable prioritizing that.Connection and Support Change the PatternWhat begins to change things is having space to talk about this openly. When you’re in conversation with other therapists who are navigating the same thing, it becomes easier to question old assumptions and try something different.(00:05:28) Expectations of selflessness in psychology(00:10:55) Unpacking childhood money shame(00:13:58) Importance of a supportive community(00:22:56) Setting boundaries and raising fees(00:26:45) Valuing your work and worth(00:29:35) Overcoming shame around money(00:30:54) Money workshops for therapistsLetting Your Practice Support You TooYour work is about supporting others—but your practice needs to support you, too. When your finances are unclear or stretched, it shows up in your energy, your boundaries, and how sustainable your work feels. As you get clearer on what you need and allow yourself to adjust your fees, things start to feel more steady. A sustainable practice isn’t built on overextending—it’s built on balance, support, and letting your work give back to you.Get to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/About Tiffany McLain: Tiffany McLain, LMFT, is a clinical fee strategist who helps therapists in private practice increase their income while improving the quality of their work. Through her program, The Lean In. MAKE BANK. Academy, she guides clinicians in shifting the mindset patterns that keep them under-earning, so they can confidently charge premium, cash-pay fees and build more sustainable practices. Known for her direct, empowering approach, Tiffany focuses on helping therapists work less, earn more, and show up more fully for their clients.Connect with Tiffany and Lean In. MAKE BANK.:Website: https://leaninmakebank.comFun with Fees Calculator: https://leaninmakebank.com/fee-calculator/Email: hey@leaninmakebank.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaninmakebank/Website: https://leaninmakebank.com