Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive

Hosted by Dr. Kate Walker Ph.D., LPC/LMFT Supervisor

Business Entrepreneurship

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190

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to Badass Therapists Building Practices That Thrive , the ultimate resource for mental health professionals ready to step into their power, grow their practices, and create a career they love. I'm Dr. Kate Walker, a Texas LPC/LMFT Supervisor, author, and business strategist who's here to show you the path to success. Formerly Texas Counselors Creating Badass Businesses , we’ve rebranded because, well, we’re way too big for Texas now! This community of badass therapists is growing nationwide, and we’re here to help you create a career and practice you love, no matter where you are. Every week, you'll get practical advice, proven strategies, and motivation to help you build a thriving practice—one that gives you the freedom to live your life on your terms. From mastering marketing to designing scalable systems and becoming a clinical supervisor, this podcast is your roadmap to leveling up without burnout. Hit subscribe and get ready to unlock your badass potential. Your thriving practice starts now!

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June 12, 2026Episode 19028 min

190 How to Evaluate a Supervisee (Without Winging It)

Most supervisors are comfortable giving feedback. Far fewer have a system for evaluating supervisees.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to unpack the difference between feedback and formal evaluation, and why that distinction matters more than most supervisors realize.We discuss what happens when concerns are discussed but never documented, why evaluation protects both supervisors and supervisees, and how to build an evaluation process that supports growth without turning supervision into a performance review.We also explore one of the biggest misconceptions in supervision. Many supervisors assume evaluations create tension. In reality, clear expectations and documented feedback often strengthen the supervisory relationship because everyone knows where they stand.Whether you're supervising associates, graduate students, or social workers, this episode will help you create a process that is ethical, practical, and sustainable.In this episode, you'll learn:Why feedback and formal evaluation are not the same thing How documentation protects supervisors, supervisees, and clients What to include in a practical supervisee evaluation process How evaluations create growth plans instead of surprisesIf you've been avoiding evaluations because they feel uncomfortable, this conversation will help you rethink their purpose. Evaluation is not about punishment. It is about creating clarity, accountability, and measurable growth.Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about evaluation, documentation, supervision contracts, or difficult conversations with supervisees, those are exactly the conversations we continue inside the Step It Up Membership. You'll find practical tools, ethical guidance, and a community of supervisors working to build supervision practices that are structured, compliant, and designed for growth.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

June 5, 2026Episode 18953 min

189 Joyce Miles Jacquote Presents a Primer for Working With Bisexual and Pansexual Clients

If you work with clients, chances are you are already working with someone who is bisexual or pansexual, whether they have disclosed it to you or not. In this episode, Joyce Miles Jacquote joins me to unpack what bisexual and pansexual clients are actually navigating behind the scenes and what therapists need to understand to provide affirming, ethical care.We talk about minority stress, identity concealment, community belonging, and why bisexual and pansexual individuals often experience marginalization both outside and inside queer spaces. Joyce also walks through the mental health impacts clinicians are most likely to encounter, including depression, anxiety, internalized stigma, and relationship stress.One part of this conversation that really stood out to me was the discussion around invisibility. Clients in straight-presenting or same-gender relationships are often told, directly or indirectly, that their bisexuality no longer “counts.” That erasure has real emotional consequences and therapists need to know how to recognize it.We also spend time discussing faith, identity conflict, and what authentic living can look like for clients navigating conservative religious systems. This conversation is practical, compassionate, and deeply relevant for therapists working in any setting.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why bisexual and pansexual clients often delay disclosure in therapy How minority stress affects mental health outcomes What identity concealment can look like clinically Why community belonging matters for bisexual and pansexual clients How therapists can create more affirming clinical environments Connect with Joyce at Overcoming Miles Counseling.Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about documentation, supervision, or ethical LGBTQ+ affirming care, those are exactly the conversations we continue inside the Step It Up Membership.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

May 29, 2026Episode 18819 min

188 The Hybrid Practice Reality Check

A hybrid practice can feel flexible and efficient, until the lack of structure starts creating problems.When therapists move between telehealth and in-person sessions without a clear system, small decisions quickly turn into ethical, logistical, and clinical challenges. Questions about HIPAA, crisis management, informed consent, and scheduling all become harder when there is no defined default.In this episode, I walk through what therapists need to consider before offering a hybrid counseling model. We look at how to decide between virtual and in-person care, where clinicians often underestimate risk, and why your policies matter more than your preferences.This episode is less about technology and more about decision-making.In this episode, we cover:• How to create a clear default for telehealth versus in-person sessions• Why informed consent and crisis planning matter in hybrid practice• What therapists misunderstand about HIPAA, AI, and physical privacy• How cognitive load and scheduling affect sustainability in practiceIf your hybrid model currently depends on convenience or case-by-case decisions, this episode will help you build a structure that is easier to manage and easier to defend ethically.Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training. Want deeper support? Inside the Step It Up Membership, we work through policies, documentation systems, supervision structure, and private practice operations in a way that supports both clinical integrity and long-term sustainability.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

May 22, 2026Episode 18749 min

187 Alan Pruitt CPA Helps Therapists Keep More of What They Earn

Taxes are not just an April problem. They are shaped by the systems and decisions you build throughout the year.In this episode, I sit down with CPA Alan Pruitt from The Therapist CPA to talk about what therapists often miss when it comes to taxes, bookkeeping, and profitability in private practice. Alan works exclusively with therapists, and he breaks down the financial concepts clinicians actually need in plain language.We explore why so many therapists feel stressed even when they are fully booked, how messy bookkeeping leads to missed deductions, and why understanding your numbers is critical for long-term sustainability.This conversation is not about becoming a tax expert. It is about building enough clarity and structure to support the kind of practice you actually want to maintain.In this episode, we cover:• The three financial numbers every therapist should track• Why therapists often overpay in taxes without realizing it• How S Corps and retirement planning can reduce tax burden• The connection between financial sustainability and burnout preventionIf you are building a private practice, tax planning is not separate from clinical sustainability. Clear systems reduce stress, improve decision-making, and help you keep more of what you earn.Want to work with Alan directly? Check out The Therapist CPA.Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training. Want deeper support? Inside the Step It Up Membership, we work through supervision structure, documentation systems, ethical business practices, and sustainable private practice growth designed specifically for therapists and supervisors.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

May 15, 2026Episode 18628 min

186 Side Hustles For Therapists: Which Ones Actually Work and Which Are Just More Burnout

If you have ever thought about adding a side hustle to your therapy practice, this episode is for you.Not every extra income stream creates freedom. Some create stability and long-term growth. Others quietly drain your time, energy, and confidence. The difference usually has less to do with the opportunity itself and more to do with whether the business model actually fits you.In this episode, I walk through five of the most common side hustles therapists ask me about, including supervision, group practice, courses and trainings, certifications, and coaching. We look at the real pros and cons of each, along with the ethical and operational realities that often get overlooked.This discussion is not about chasing more money. It is about building something sustainable that supports the kind of professional life you actually want.In this episode, we cover:• Why supervision can create recurring, stable income when structured well• The hidden leadership and bookkeeping demands behind group practice ownership• What therapists misunderstand about creating courses and trainings• Why coaching requires separate systems, marketing, and ethical boundariesIf you are considering adding another income stream, do not start with potential profit. Start with fit. The best side hustle is the one that aligns with your strengths, your tolerance for leadership, and the way you actually want to spend your time.When your business model fits your personality and values, growth feels sustainable instead of exhausting.Want to learn more? Check out this month's free resource from Kate Walker Training.Want deeper support? Inside the Step It Up Membership, we discuss supervision structure, marketing systems, documentation, and ethical business growth designed specifically for therapists and supervisors building sustainable practices.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

May 8, 2026Episode 18532 min

185 How To Know If You Are Actually Ready To Supervise

Clinical supervisor readiness is often framed as a confidence issue, but that is not what we see in practice. Most clinicians who consider supervision already have the experience. What they lack is a clear, repeatable structure for how supervision actually works. In this episode, Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin and I explore the gap between being ready and being prepared, and why waiting for certainty often keeps clinicians stuck longer than necessary.We also break down the difference between counseling and supervision. Supervision is not simply an extension of clinical work. It is an evaluative role that requires documentation, accountability, and ethical clarity. Without systems in place, supervisors can quickly feel overwhelmed or inconsistent. This conversation highlights how structure, not personality, is what creates effective and sustainable supervision.A major focus in this episode is the role of systems. From contracts to evaluation to remediation, these are not optional components. They are what protect your license, support your supervisee, and create a process for real growth. We also address the importance of humility in supervision, knowing your limits, and connecting supervisees to the right resources instead of trying to be everything for everyone.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why readiness to supervise is different from feeling confident What systems you need before taking your first supervisee How evaluation and remediation actually support growth Why supervision requires structure, not just experience If you have been questioning whether you are ready, shift the question. It is not about readiness alone. It is about whether you have the systems to support it.Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training.If this episode got you thinking about whether you are truly ready to supervise, or made you realize that what you are missing is structure, not confidence, you don't have to do it alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we walk through how to create supervision processes that are clear, ethical, and repeatable so you can step into this role with confidence and consistency.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

May 1, 2026Episode 18437 min

184 The 2025 Practice Grant: Interview with Svetlana Kutikova and Isaiah Rodriguez

Private practice is not just about seeing clients. Without consistent referrals and a clear niche, it becomes unpredictable and difficult to sustain.In this episode, I introduce two clinicians from our 2025 Practice Grant, Svetlana Kutikova and Isaiah Rodriguez. Svetlana is building her caseload in a group practice. Isaiah is expanding into supervision as a way to grow his business. Both are navigating what it actually looks like to build something real after licensure.We talk about the early-stage challenges that do not get normalized enough. Inconsistent schedules. Low caseloads. The pressure to “get more clients” without a clear plan. Svetlana shares what it feels like to have ten clients one week and far fewer the next. These are not signs that something is wrong. They are part of the process.You will hear how clinicians move from uncertainty to clarity by identifying who they serve, how they serve them, and how to communicate that effectively. We also discuss what makes a therapist referable, why ease of access matters for clients, and how small systems create long-term stability.Isaiah brings a different perspective. He is looking beyond sessions and stepping into supervision. We talk about what it means to think like a business owner, not just a provider, and how supervision becomes a structured path for growth when it is built intentionally.This conversation is about building. When private practice is treated passively, it creates inconsistency. When it is built intentionally, it becomes sustainable.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why inconsistent caseloads are normal in early private practice How to clarify your niche so referrals actually come in What makes it easier for clients to contact and book with you Why referral relationships matter more than passive marketing How supervision can become a structured path for growth, as Isaiah demonstrates If you have been thinking, “I just need more clients,” pause here. This is not just a referral problem. It is a structure problem. Sustainable private practice comes from clear messaging, consistent systems, and intentional growth.Connect with Svetlana:Positive Path PsychologyPsychology TodayConnect with Isaiah:F.E.A.R. CounselingPsychology TodayWant to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training.If this episode raised questions about building your caseload, creating referral pathways, or growing into supervision, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we build practices that are ethical, structured, and designed to last.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

April 24, 2026Episode 1831 hr 1 min

183 Supervision: How Therapists Can Turn Expertise Into Income (Ethically)

Supervision is not just an extra income stream. Without structure, it becomes an ethical and professional risk.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to walk through what it actually looks like to build supervision as an ethical form of income. We unpack the fears clinicians have about liability, confidence, and business setup, and we clarify what supervision requires beyond strong clinical skills.We talk about the difference between seeing supervision as a “side hustle” and understanding it as a structured professional role. You will hear how supervisors move from uncertainty and hesitation to building systems that support both their supervisees and their own license.We also spend time on something that comes up in every training. Ethics and accountability. There is a lot of confusion about liability, business models, and what supervisors are actually responsible for. We walk through how to stay compliant, how to set boundaries, and how to avoid the common mistakes that get supervisors in trouble.This conversation is about structure. When supervision is treated casually, it creates risk. When it is built intentionally, it becomes a meaningful, sustainable extension of your practice.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why supervision is not a quick or easy side income What systems you need before taking your first supervisee How liability actually works and how to manage it Why starting small leads to stronger, more ethical supervisionIf you have been thinking about becoming a supervisor but feel unsure where to start, pause here. This is not a confidence problem. It is a structure problem. Ethical supervision comes from clear systems, defined roles, and consistent processes.Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training.Do you wish you could have gotten a CE for this? Join the Step It Up Membership, because they get these episodes as a 1-hour CE.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

April 17, 2026Episode 18229 min

182 The Difference Between a Therapist and a Clinical Leader

Supervision is not just a continuation of clinical work. Without a shift in mindset, it becomes overwhelming and risky.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to talk about what it really means to step into clinical leadership in supervision. We unpack the identity shift that happens when clinicians move into supervisory roles, and why so many feel unprepared for the responsibility that comes with it.We talk about the weight supervisors feel. Liability, authority, and decision-making that impacts not just one client, but many. This is where clinicians often get stuck. They were trained to reduce power in the therapy room, but supervision requires them to use it appropriately.We also address one of the most common issues we see. Overcontrol. Supervisors who micromanage often believe they are being thorough, but in reality, they are limiting growth. We walk through how to recognize when supervision is creating dependence instead of independence, and what to do differently.Another major focus is rule literacy. Supervisors must understand their board rules, legislative changes, and professional standards. Relying on secondhand information creates risk. Ethical leadership requires going directly to the source and staying informed.This conversation is about responsibility. When supervision is treated casually, it creates confusion and liability. When it is approached as leadership, it becomes structured, ethical, and sustainable.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why supervision requires an identity shift, not just added skills How to recognize and reduce overcontrol in supervision What it means to build independent, not dependent, clinicians Why knowing your rules is a core leadership responsibility This is not about confidence, it is about structure and mindset. If you have been thinking about becoming a supervisor or questioning how you are currently supervising, this is your checkpoint.If this episode resonates, revisit The Supervision Side Hustle: How to Add Income Without Burning Out. It pairs the business side of supervision with the leadership mindset we discussed here.Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training. If this episode raised questions about supervision, business structure, or how to build income beyond sessions while staying compliant, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we design practices that are ethical, structured, and built to last.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

April 10, 2026Episode 18134 min

181 Why Great Leaders Don't Avoid Tough Conversations

Avoiding hard conversations in supervision does not preserve the relationship. It weakens it.In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ashley Stephens Durbin to talk about what really gets in the way of addressing issues with supervisees. We walk through the fear, the hesitation, and the common patterns supervisors fall into when something feels off but they are not sure how to say it.We talk about the difference between a hard conversation and a harmful one. Avoiding the conversation altogether creates risk. Waiting until frustration builds leads to reactions that feel like punishment instead of guidance. Ethical supervision requires something different. It requires structure.We also break down the systems that make these conversations easier. Orientation, evaluation, and remediation are not just paperwork. They are the framework that allows supervisors to give clear, consistent feedback without relying on emotion or guesswork.This conversation also addresses something many supervisors do not think about until it is too late. Documentation and consistency protect your license. When expectations are unclear or only enforced after problems escalate, supervisors can find themselves exposed to complaints or ethical concerns.In this episode, you’ll learn: Why avoiding tough conversations creates more risk, not less The difference between supportive supervision and permissiveness How to use structure to guide difficult conversations What to do if you have already delayed addressing a concern If you are feeling hesitant about addressing an issue with a supervisee, pause here. This is not about confidence. It is about clarity and structure. When you have a system in place, the conversation becomes part of the process instead of something you avoid.Want to learn more? Check out this month’s free resource from Kate Walker Training.If this episode brought up questions about supervision, documentation, or how to handle difficult situations ethically, you do not have to figure that out alone. These are the exact conversations we have inside the Step It Up Membership, where we build supervision practices that are structured, ethical, and sustainable.Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.