The Practice of Therapy Podcast

Hosted by Gordon Brewer, MEd, LMFT: Therapist | Consultant | Writer | Speaker

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442

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Jun 2026

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About the show

This podcast is here for therapists, counselors, social workers, psychotherapists, and mental health clinicians in their practice journeys. I'm Gordon Brewer and the person behind The Practice of Therapy Blog and Website that provides tools, resources and advice for people starting, growing or expanding their private practices. The podcast will help you learn from other experts in the field to move your private practice forward to success. The Practice of Therapy Podcast is part of the PsychCraft Network of Podcasts; PsychCraft, LLC

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60 recent

June 15, 202645 min

What I'd Do Differently If I Started Private Practice Today | TPOT 436

When I started my private practice nearly 20 years ago, there were not nearly as many resources available for therapists as there are today. I learned a lot by trial and error, and looking back, there are definitely some things I would do differently. In this episode, I'm sharing what I wish I had known when I first started private practice. One of the biggest lessons I learned is that I made things more complicated than they needed to be. From keeping paper records to waiting too long to outsource, I can see now how simpler systems would have made a big difference early on. I talk about the importance of having a good practice management platform, building your website and SEO, networking in your community, and using tools like AI to help with marketing and systems. I also share why I think it's important not to quit your day job too quickly, how to build financial reserves, and what to think about when deciding between insurance, private pay, or a hybrid model. I also get into the difference between the clinical side and business side of your practice, why those systems need to stay separate, and how learning Profit First can help make your practice more sustainable and profitable. Whether you are just starting private practice or you've been in it for a while, I hope this episode helps you think about how to simplify, plan ahead, and build a practice that supports both your clients and your life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Therapy Intake Pro Profit First for Therapists Workbook Making Profit First Work For You

June 8, 202633 min

From Imposter Syndrome to Confident Private Practice Owner | Bianca Hughes | TPOT 435

Are you charging enough in private practice, or does guilt keep getting in the way? In this episode, Gordon is joined by Bianca Hughes, LPC, therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. Bianca shares how she moved from hospital work into private practice and the mindset shifts that helped her build a career that feels aligned, sustainable, and authentic. Gordon and Bianca talk about money mindset, imposter syndrome, marketing, confidence, and why therapists need to see themselves as both clinicians and business owners. Bianca also shares why it's important to respect the value of your license, ask for help, find community, and do your own personal work along the way. If you've ever struggled with charging your worth, owning your value, or building a private practice without burning out, this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Bianca Hughes Bianca Hughes, LPC is a therapist, speaker, mentor, and founder of Authentically BU and the Soulful Clinician Collective. As a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with more than 10 years of experience, Bianca is passionate about helping ambitious mental health clinicians build careers that feel aligned, authentic, and sustainable. Known as a "Soul Aligner," Bianca guides newer clinicians through the challenges of licensure, job searches, salary negotiation, confidence, and career clarity. Through heart-centered community and mentorship, she helps therapists move beyond uncertainty and create a path that honors both their professional goals and their true selves. Bianca has built a thriving private practice rooted in her values, proving that clinicians do not have to chase hustle culture to be successful. Her work has earned recognition, including Richmont Graduate University's 2024 Alumni of the Year award, and she has spoken for conferences and organizations, including Amazon. She has also hosted two podcasts and appeared on more than 37 podcasts as a trusted voice in the mental health field. Therapy Website Instagram LinkedIn Threads Soulful Clinician Collective Website Threads Instagram YouTube Free Quiz

May 25, 202644 min

How to Make Therapy More Culturally Responsive | Dr. Phebe Brako | TPOT 434

In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Phebe Brako for a really thoughtful conversation about what it means to make therapy more culturally responsive. So many of the clinical theories we learn were developed through a Western lens, and while those theories can be helpful, they don't always fit every client, every family system, or every cultural background. Dr. Phebe talks about why therapists need to examine their own worldview, stay curious about their clients' lived experiences, and be willing to adapt the models they use in the therapy room. We talk about culture, family systems, CBT, attachment, mindfulness, and why good therapy is not one-size-fits-all. This is such an important reminder that culturally responsive care is not a box to check. It is an ongoing commitment to learning, listening, and doing the work. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Dr. Phebe Brako Phebe Brako, LMFT, LMHC, NCC, is a licensed therapist, educator, speaker, and host of Between Two Worlds with Dr. Phebe. She is the Founder and CEO of 253 Therapy and Consult, a group therapy practice based in University Place, Washington. Phebe's work focuses on culturally responsive therapy and the ways traditional clinical theories can be adapted to better serve Black, Brown, Indigenous, and other communities of color. She is also passionate about supporting the next generation of therapists through supervision, training, and consultation. Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn 253 Therapy Summer Training Institute

May 18, 202638 min

Why Private Practice Looks So Different Now | Lex E Santí | TPOT 433

Private practice has changed a LOT over the last few years… and therapists are still trying to figure out what comes next. In this episode, Gordon talks with Lex E. Santi about the evolution of therapy after telehealth, online platforms, insurance shifts, and changing client expectations. They dive into why more clinicians are entering private practice, why clients still crave in-person connection, and how companies like BetterHelp, Alma, and Headway are reshaping the profession. They also explore the pressure therapists feel to market themselves, build niches, and create an online presence in a rapidly changing industry. Toward the end of the conversation, Lex shares how writing, narrative therapy, mindfulness, and storytelling intersect in his clinical work and creative life. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Lex E Santí Lex Enrico Santí is a therapist, clinical supervisor, and the founder of A Key Therapy PLLC, where he works at the intersection of evidence-based practice and the deeper human questions that bring people into therapy in the first place. Trained as a licensed clinical social worker and currently completing his doctorate at the University of Kentucky, Lex brings a grounded, integrative approach to his work — drawing on modalities like CBT, ACT, and mindfulness alongside his own framework for healing he calls the AMI model. The son of Cuban immigrants and a former Peace Corps volunteer in Romania, Lex carries a lifelong fluency in crossing cultures — literally and emotionally. He speaks three languages and brings that same attunement to difference, displacement, and belonging into his clinical work. In the therapy room, he holds space for individuals navigating anxiety, identity, and the transitions that quietly reshape a life. He also supervises emerging clinicians, teaches workshops on meditation and understanding anxiety, and is building A Key Therapy into a group practice rooted in presence, curiosity, and care. He believes that good therapy — like good writing — is about learning to tell a truer story about yourself. Beyond the therapy room, Lex is a published author with an MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University — the author of four books of poetry and a collection of short stories and essays. A meditator and someone who thinks seriously about the spiritual dimensions of mental health, he lives in the Finger Lakes region of New York with his family. He is a proud husband, father, and has another child on the way. Website Facebook LinkedIn The Song of the Midnight Rider

May 11, 202642 min

What to Say to Someone Grieving (Most People Get This Wrong) | Shelby Forsythia | TPOT 432

Grief is something every one of us will face at some point, and yet most of us have no idea what to say when someone is hurting. In this episode, I'm joined by Shelby Forsythia, a grief coach, author, and host of the Grief Grower podcast. Shelby shares her own story of profound loss and how it shaped the work she does today, helping people navigate grief in a way that actually honors what they are going through. We talk about why so many common phrases miss the mark, what grieving people are really experiencing beneath the surface, and how grief doesn't just affect your emotions, it changes your identity. Shelby also breaks down the three simple phrases that can completely shift how you support someone in pain. If you've ever felt unsure of what to say, or worried about saying the wrong thing, this conversation will give you a clearer path forward. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Shelby Forsythia Shelby Forsythia (she/her) is a grief coach, author, and podcast host. In 2020, she founded Life After Loss Academy, an online course and community that has helped dozens of grievers grow and find their way after death, divorce, diagnosis, and other major life transitions. Following her mother's death in 2013, Shelby began calling herself a "student of grief" and now devotes her days to reading, writing, and speaking about loss. Through a combination of mindfulness tools and intuitive, open-ended questions, she guides her clients to welcome grief as a teacher and create meaningful lives that honor and include the heartbreaks they've faced. Her work has been featured in Huffington Post, Bustle, and The Oprah Magazine. Website Grief Grower Podcast Shelby on Instagram

May 4, 202632 min

What It Really Takes to Run a Profitable Private Practice | Brandy Mabra | TPOT 431

Thinking about starting a private practice in 2026? There's a lot to consider… and it's not as simple as it used to be. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, I'm joined by Brandy Mabra, who brings nearly two decades of experience across private practice, corporate healthcare, and entrepreneurship. We dig into what's really happening in the industry right now—from AI and changing business models to profitability and long-term sustainability. If you're wondering whether now is the right time to start (or grow) a practice, this conversation will help you think more strategically about your next move. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Brandy Mabra Brandy Mabra is the CEO of Savvy Clover Coaching & Consulting and a CEO coach for private practice owners in healthcare. Brandy has over two decades of business management and leadership experience. She has worked in diverse business climates and has turned hot mess practices into well-oiled, profitable machines. She has spent her career building, scaling, and leading 9-figure practices and now uses her skill set to help women private practice owners grow their businesses with sustainability and profit in mind. Brandy earned her bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University and a Master's in Health Administration from A.T. Still University. She is a Certified Professional Coach and Master Energy Leadership Practitioner, receiving her credentials from the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). She has been part of the Entrepreneur Leadership Network and has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, Entrepreneur, PopSugar, Create & Cultivate, and several well-known podcasts. Brandy is also the host of the top-ranked CEO podcast, CEO Conversations: The Private Practice Podcast. She is the founder of Private Practice CEO™, which empowers her clients to fully step into their role as CEO—building practices with streamlined operations and engaged teams that can run without them. Brandy loves to travel and spend time with her family. She believes you can't build a business on fumes—and that CEO breaks are required. Website Instagram The Private Practice Podcast How To Create a CEO Mindset in Private Practice

April 27, 202630 min

Why A Lot of Therapists Struggle in Private Practice | Katie Piura | TPOT 430

Thinking about starting a private practice… but feeling unsure where to begin? In this episode, Katie Piura shares the mindset shifts every therapist needs to make before launching (or growing) a successful practice. From burnout in agency work to building something aligned and sustainable, Katie breaks down the real challenges therapists face and why being a great clinician isn't always enough. We also get into the business side of private practice that grad school never taught you, including money mindset, marketing, and why asking for help might be the most important step you take. If you've been thinking about private practice but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure... this conversation is for you. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Katie Piura She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in behavioral health, specializing in culturally competent mental health care, trauma-informed care, emotional wellness, and child, adolescent, and young adult populations. As a bilingual clinician and trainer, she has led workshops, courses, and media education segments across a range of settings—from Latin media outlets to universities. Her work centers on serving diverse communities, with a focus on first- and second-generation immigrants, Latinx populations, and youth. She provides accessible, evidence-based education in both English and Spanish. The Private Practice Start Program Registration Instagram Website

April 20, 202636 min

How This Simple Method Transforms Private Practice Sessions | Tanya Dantus | TPOT 429

What if the thing keeping your clients stuck isn't what they're talking about… but what they're avoiding feeling? In this episode, I'm joined by Tanya Dantus, and we dive into a really practical way of helping clients move through what's actually underneath the surface. Tanya shares her RIFRA Method, which stands for Root, Impact, Feel, Reflect, and Act, and how this process helps clients stop intellectualizing and start creating real change. We talk about why so many people struggle to access their emotions, how that shows up in therapy, and what it looks like to guide someone through it in a way that feels safe and doable. There's also a great conversation around boundaries, validation, and how early patterns continue to show up in work and relationships. If you've ever felt like your clients understand their issues but still feel stuck, this one will give you a different lens and some practical tools you can start using right away. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Tanya Dantus, LMFT, SEP Tanya Dantus is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner who specializes in working with high-functioning women navigating relationship patterns, people-pleasing, and emotional disconnection. Her work integrates relational therapy, depth psychology, and somatic approaches to help clients move beyond insight into lasting, embodied change. She is the creator of the RIFRA Method, a framework that helps clients understand the roots of their patterns, process emotional experience, and take aligned action. She is also the author of The Power of No, which brings this work to a wider audience of women ready to reclaim their voice, safety, and self-trust. Website Instagram LinkedIn

April 13, 202628 min

Are Superbills Worth It in Private Practice? | Mark Florian | TPOT 428

Thinking about taking insurance in your private practice or trying to figure out a better way to handle out-of-network clients? This is one of those decisions that almost every therapist wrestles with at some point. On one hand, insurance can help fill your caseload and make therapy more accessible. On the other hand, the admin work, lower reimbursement rates, and constant back and forth can leave you feeling stretched thin and frustrated. In this episode, I'm joined by Mark Florian, founder of Deputy Care, and we get into what is really happening behind the scenes with insurance, superbills, and out of network billing. We talk about why so many therapists start on insurance panels and then eventually want to move away from them, and what makes that transition so difficult. We also unpack the hidden friction in the system, from denied claims to clients struggling to get reimbursed, and how all of that can impact both your income and your clients' ability to stay in therapy. If you've ever felt stuck between wanting to help more people and wanting to build a sustainable private practice, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Meet Mark Florian Mark Florian is the Founder of Deputy Care, a platform dedicated to helping private-pay clinicians increase patient retention by eliminating the "administrative dread" of insurance. With over 15 years of experience building the technological "plumbing" of healthcare, Mark has served as the CTO of Advekit and was an early engineering leader at Zocdoc. Today, he is on a mission to "kill the superbill," replacing outdated PDF receipts with automated "payment floating" technology that allows patients to access their out-of-network benefits instantly. Mark's unique perspective sits at the intersection of high-scale health tech and the deeply personal relationship between therapist and client. LinkedIn Deputy Care

April 6, 202634 min

Private Pay vs Insurance: What Therapists Get WRONG | Avivit Fisher | TPOT 427

Private pay versus insurance is one of the biggest decisions therapists face, and honestly, it's also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode, we're breaking down what therapists often get wrong when thinking about these two models. It's not just about money or convenience. It's about how you want to run your practice, who you want to serve, and where you're willing to spend your time and energy. If you've been going back and forth on whether to take insurance, go private pay, or try a hybrid approach, this conversation will help you think about it in a much clearer way. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Subscribe to YouTube Read the show notes here Watch on YouTube Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Follow us on Instagram Meet Avivit Fisher Avivit Fisher is a marketing strategist and the founder of REdD Strategy, a boutique consultancy that helps therapists and private practice owners attract private-pay clients through clear positioning, ethical marketing, and sustainable systems. With over a decade of experience in brand strategy and healthcare marketing, she works with clinicians nationwide to build practices that stand out, grow intentionally, and align with their values. The State of Private Pay Therapy Practices REdD Strategy on LinkedIn