Wise Practice Podcast

Hosted by Whitney Owens

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190

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Hi, I'm Whitney Owens. I am a group practice owner and faith based practice consultant and I'm here to tell you that YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL. Want to grow your practice? Want to grow your faith? Want to enjoy your life outside of work? You have come to the right place. Each week on the Wise Practice Podcast I will give you the action steps to have a successful faith based practice while also having a good time. Let's get started.

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June 16, 202629 min

What I Would Do Differently If I Were Starting a Group Practice Today - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 190

What would you tell yourself if you could go back to the very beginning of your group practice? Y'all, that question will make you think. In this episode, Amy Dover is taking over the podcast again as part of her June series on group practice ownership. Amy is a licensed marriage and family therapist, owner of Dover Counseling Services in southeastern Alabama, and a Wise Practice consultant with over a decade of experience building and leading a group practice. Today, Amy is talking about what she would do differently if she were starting a group practice all over again. And her answer might surprise you. Before the systems, the compensation models, the hiring processes, or the spreadsheets, Amy says the first thing she would tell herself is this: find your people. Amy shares the honest lessons she has learned about money, scarcity mindset, hiring, leadership, people-pleasing, and stepping out of the therapist role and into the CEO role. She also talks about the spiritual side of practice ownership, including what it looks like to stop striving, trust God with the outcome, and build a practice that is sustainable instead of exhausting. If you are a Christian practice owner who feels like you are trying to figure it all out alone, this episode is going to feel like a deep breath. Watch on YouTube 4:39 What Amy Would Tell Herself Before Starting a Practice 9:09 Money Mistakes and Compensation Lessons 11:03 Scarcity Mindset and Financial Fear 12:12 Why Profit Can Honor God 13:55 Hiring Lessons for Group Practice Owners 16:21 People-Pleasing vs. Practice Needs 18:24 Stepping Into the CEO Role 20:36 Why Busyness Is Not Faithfulness 22:16 Learning to Stop Striving Show Sponsor SamBright This episode is sponsored by SamBright, the marketing growth partner for your practice. You didn't start a practice to spend your evenings figuring out why your ads aren't converting. You built it to help people. SamBright handles the growth side, so you don't have to think about it. Their team builds and manages your SEO, Google Ads, and local search presence. For larger practices, they even nurture clients with their email and SMS marketing. Most clients start seeing new client calls within 30 days of launch. If you want to get back to running your practice by offloading the marketing, book a call at sambright.com/schedule. That's https://www.sambright.com/schedule. Amy Dover's Resources Built to Last: The Solo to Group Mastermind Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

June 9, 202625 min

Is It Time To Hire Your First Therapist? What Nobody Tells You about the Leap From Solo to Group - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 189

Amy Dover is taking over the Wise Practice Podcast for this special June series, and today she's talking about one of the biggest milestones in private practice: hiring your first therapist. In this episode, Amy shares the story of hiring her first clinician, the mistakes she made early on, and what she wishes someone had told her before she stepped into the role of employer and leader. She talks honestly about the difference between simply adding another therapist and actually building the systems, expectations, contracts, culture, and leadership foundation your practice needs to grow well. If you're a solo practice owner wondering whether it's time to hire, this conversation will help you think through your referral pipeline, your readiness to lead, your values, your infrastructure, and the fear that can sometimes keep you stuck. Amy also shares about her upcoming mastermind, Built to Last: Growing from a Solo Practice to a Group, for Christian practice owners who are ready to make their first hire or grow beyond their first team member. Watch on YouTube 5:02 The story behind Amy's first hire 7:18 Why "get busy, hire" is not enough 8:21 The danger of hiring without systems or a roadmap 10:08 Hiring without a contract 12:37 Why your first therapist needs clear direction 13:28 How to know if you're not ready to hire 17:39 What readiness to hire actually looks like 19:39 When hiring becomes a faith question 22:37 Built to Last: Growing from Solo Practice to Group 24:08 Early bird discount and registration details Show Sponsor SamBright Today's sponsor is SamBright, and if you've ever paid for SEO or Google Ads and felt like you had nothing to show for it, stick with me for a second. Most marketing agencies sell you one channel. They measure success with impressions and click reports that don't tell you whether your phone actually rang. That's the problem, not you. SamBright runs SEO, Google Ads, and AI search together because that's how clients make decisions now. They even run email and SMS marketing for larger practices. One system covers multiple channels. And every Monday morning you get a plain-English update on how it's going. If your practice's caseloads should be fuller than they are, book a call at sambright.com/schedule. Amy Dover's Resources Built to Last: The Solo to Group Mastermind (Grab $50 Off if you register before June 12th) Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

June 2, 202629 min

The Loneliness of Leading a Practice Nobody Around You Understands - Podcast Takeover with Amy Dover | WP 188

Leading a practice can feel lonely in a way most people don't fully understand. In this special Amy Dover takeover episode, Amy kicks off a four-part series for the month of June by naming something a lot of practice owners feel but don't always say out loud: the loneliness of leadership. Whether you're a solo practice owner or leading a group, there are decisions you carry that your spouse, friends, team, or even other business owners may not be able to fully understand. You're holding clinical complexity, financial responsibility, ethical decisions, leadership pressure, and for Christian practice owners, faith and calling too. Y'all, that is a lot to carry. Amy shares honestly about a hard season in her own practice when Dover Counseling became a seven-figure practice, the culture began to shift, and she found herself sitting alone in her office trying to figure out what had gone wrong. She talks about the pain of leading through that season, the decision to move from 1099 to W2, and the relief that came when she finally found consulting and community with other practice owners who truly understood. This episode is for the practice owner who looks like she's holding it all together but feels alone behind the scenes. Watch on YouTube 4:07 Why practice owners need time with other practice owners 6:17 Amy Dover begins part one of the June takeover series 6:51 The loneliness of leading a practice 10:45 Amy's seven-figure practice milestone and culture shift 15:30 Moving from 1099 to W2 and the cost of change 16:55 The unique loneliness of Christian practice ownership 25:30 Built to Last: Growing From a Solo Practice to a Group Show Sponsor SamBright This episode is brought to you by SamBright, the growth solution for practices that want to get found. Here's what most practice owners don't realize: your patients aren't just Googling anymore. They're asking ChatGPT. They're clicking the first ad they see. They check your Google Maps listing in about ten seconds. If you're not showing up across those places, those calls go to someone else. Simple as that. SamBright runs SEO, Google Ads, and AI search optimization together as one system. For larger practices, they even run your email and SMS marketing. It's built for your practice and managed by their team, every week. Book a discovery call at sambright.com/schedule. Amy Dover's Resources Built to Last: The Solo to Group Mastermind (Grab $50 Off if you register before June 12th) Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

May 26, 202649 min

Reverse Interview: Whitney Owens on Building Multiple Income Streams with Laura Long | WP 187

I'm usually the one asking the questions around here… but in this episode, Laura Long flips the script and interviews me about something I know so many of y'all are thinking about right now: What does it actually look like to build income streams beyond the therapy room? We got real about the journey behind Wise Practice, the fears and risks that came with starting something new, and the tension so many therapists feel when they know they're called to more but aren't sure where to begin. This isn't one of those "just create passive income" conversations. We talk honestly about the emotional resistance, identity shifts, mistakes, faith, burnout, and risk-taking that come with building something outside your private practice. I also share the story of how Wise Practice was born, the seasons where I doubted myself, and what I wish I had known before stepping into entrepreneurship. If you've had an idea sitting on your heart for years, this episode might be the push you need to finally take the next step. 4:13 Laura Interviews Whitney on Building Multiple Income Streams 8:47 The Moment Whitney Knew She Had to Start Wise Practice 13:17 Leaving Everything Behind and Starting Over 17:57 The Reality of Building an Online Business 23:30 Why "Passive Income" Isn't Actually Passive 32:14 Advice for Therapists Who Want Another Income Stream 38:46 Entrepreneurship Requires Risk 43:19 Inside the Call to More Mastermind Show Sponsor Simplified SEO ($50 Off Strategy Sessions) If you're not quite ready for ongoing SEO services but know you need direction, a strategy session might be exactly what you're looking for. At Simplified SEO Consulting, our strategy sessions are designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear plan forward. We take a deep dive into your website, your goals, and your current visibility, then provide actionable recommendations you can implement right away. This is perfect for private practice owners who want expert guidance without a long-term commitment. Right now, we're offering $50 off our SEO strategy sessions for listeners of this podcast. If you've been feeling stuck or unsure what to prioritize next, this is a great first step. You can book your session at https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com. Laura's Resources Call to More Handout Mastermind Group Page Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

May 19, 202646 min

Is Now the Time to Build an Additional Stream of Income? | Podcast Takeover with Laura Long | WP 186

What if the next step in your practice isn't more clients… but something completely new? In this special Wise Practice podcast takeover, Laura Long joins the show to talk about multiple income streams for therapists, how to know when you're ready to expand, and why "passive income" usually isn't as passive as social media makes it sound. From supervision and teaching to consulting, intensives, and online business ideas, Laura shares practical ways clinicians can grow without burning themselves out. If you've been feeling pulled toward "something more," this episode is for you. Watch on YouTube 4:24 Why therapists start wondering "what's next?" 14:02 The truth about "passive income" for therapists 20:26 4 categories of alternative income streams 25:00 Clinical expansion ideas beyond group practice 34:16 Green lights and warning signs before starting something new 40:33 Practical next steps to explore your ideas 43:57 Laura shares the Called to More Mastermind Show Sponsor Simplified SEO 10% Off Local SEO (Duration of Contract) If you're a local private practice owner, your visibility in your specific community matters more than anything else. Local SEO is what helps your practice show up when someone searches for services like yours in your area, and it can make the difference between a full caseload and being overlooked. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we focus on helping helping professionals dominate their local search results through strategic optimization, content, and ongoing support. We understand how important it is to connect with clients in your community, and we build strategies that support long-term growth. For podcast listeners, we're offering 10% off our local SEO services for the entire duration of your contract. If you're ready to become more visible in your local area, you can learn more at https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com Laura's Resources Call to More Handout Mastermind Group Page Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

May 12, 202632 min

Billing Without Guilt: Creating a Cancellation Policy That Works with Beth Rontal, LICSW | WP 185

Y'all ever feel that little knot in your stomach when it's time to talk about money with a client? Like you know you're called to this work… but charging for it still feels uncomfortable? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Beth Rontal, a clinical social worker and documentation expert who has helped thousands of therapists turn their clinical work into clear, compliant notes that actually protect their practice and their income. But what we really get into is something so many of us wrestle with and don't always say out loud… the guilt around getting paid. We talk about why that guilt shows up, especially for those of us who see this work as a calling, and how to shift your mindset so you can serve your clients well without burning yourself out in the process. Beth also shares practical, real-world strategies around cancellation policies, no-shows, and getting paid in a way that's both firm and relational. Y'all, this is the kind of conversation that can change how you run your practice day to day. If you've ever struggled with setting boundaries, enforcing your policies, or just feeling confident asking for what your time is worth, this one's for you. 0:00 Sponsor: Simplified SEO 1:30 Episode intro: why cancellation policies matter 5:50 Meet Beth Rontal + her background 8:10 Therapist guilt around charging clients 9:30 "You're getting paid for your time" mindset shift 13:43 Building a clear cancellation policy (what actually works) 18:00 What counts as an emergency (and what doesn't) 26:27 Getting paid consistently (and why upfront matters) Show Sponsor Simplified SEO If you already have a website and some marketing in place but aren't seeing the results you expected, it might be time to take a closer look at your SEO strategy. At Simplified SEO Consulting, we offer personalized consulting packages designed to help private practice owners understand what's working, what's not, and exactly what to do next. Whether you need help with keyword strategy, content planning, or improving your search visibility, we guide you step by step so you can make confident, informed decisions. Right now, we're offering 10% off our SEO consulting packages for listeners of this podcast. This is a great option if you want expert insight without committing to a full-service plan. To learn more or get started, visit simplifiedseoconsulting.com. Meet Beth Rontal, LICSW Beth Rontal LICSW, did not set out to become The Documentation Wizard. She spent 20 years as a theater costume designer before answsering a higher calling to become a trauma therapist. For over two decades, she has helped thousands of therapists transform their clinical intuition into clear, compliant documentation that passes audits and protects both client confidentiality and therapist income. She developed these skills while supervising clinicians and helping to create a mental health clinic's first digital documentation system. As a nationally known documentation expert, Beth's trainings, forms, and consultations provide structure and clarity that translate clinical work into notes reflecting high-quality care. She continues to maintain her clinical practice in Boston, MA. Beth's Resources Website Facebook Instagram TikTok LinkedIn Get Paid Without the Guilt – 13 Practical Tips for Psychotherapists to Protect Their Income Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

May 5, 202637 min

Creating Passive Income in Private Practice with Jenny Melrose | WP 184

Y'all ever feel like you've got a really good idea… but no clue how to actually turn it into income? Maybe you've thought about creating a course, writing a book, or building some kind of passive income stream—but it just feels overwhelming. Or maybe you've tried, and it didn't go the way you hoped. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jenny Melrose to talk about what it really looks like to build something outside the therapy room that actually works. Not just more content. Not just more followers. But a strategy that leads to real growth. We're getting into where therapists get stuck when it comes to passive income, why your audience matters more than your idea, and how to create something people will actually buy without feeling salesy. If you've ever thought, "I know I could be doing more… I just don't know where to start," this one's for you. Watch on YouTube 05:00 Meet Jenny + her story 11:24 Where to start with passive income 16:00 Why email lists drive sales 24:00 Social media vs real growth 27:39 Simple strategy to sell your offer Show Sponsor Simplified SEO If you're a therapist or private practice owner trying to grow your business online, you've probably heard that SEO matters, but figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming. That's where they come in. Simplified SEO Consulting specializes in helping helping professionals increase their visibility on Google in a way that feels ethical, sustainable, and aligned with your values. They don't believe in shortcuts or one-size-fits-all strategies. Instead, they create customized SEO plans designed to help you attract the right clients consistently over time. To make it easier to get started, they're currently offering a waived onboarding fee for our foundational SEO programs, which is a $350 value. If you've been thinking about investing in your long-term growth, this is a great place to begin. You can learn more at https://simplifiedseoconsulting.com Meet Jenny Melrose Jenny Melrose is a business strategist and host of the Practice to Profit podcast, where she helps entrepreneurs turn inconsistent income into sustainable, CEO-level growth. She specializes in helping solopreneurs simplify their strategy, focus on the metrics that actually matter, and build businesses that support their life—not consume it. Jenny is known for breaking down complex ideas into clear, actionable steps that create momentum without burnout. Jenny's Resources Website Listen to Jenny's Podcast Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

April 28, 202635 min

The Marketing Secret Most Practice Owners Miss with Kris Jones | WP 183

Y'all… if your website feels confusing, overwhelming, or just not bringing in the right clients… this one might hit a little too close to home. Because the truth is, most practice owners don't have a marketing problem. They have a messaging problem. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Kris Jones to talk about something that can completely change how your practice grows without adding more to your plate. We're talking about story. Not fluff. Not branding buzzwords. A clear, simple way to communicate what you do so the right clients actually say, "This is exactly what I've been looking for." If you've ever wondered why people land on your website and don't reach out… or why your marketing feels like a full-time job… this conversation is going to give you a totally different way to think about it. And honestly, it might just simplify everything. Watch on YouTube 02:14 The Missing Piece: Your Story 06:04 Meet Kris Jones + What She Does 10:22 What StoryBrand Actually Is 15:34 You're Not the Hero — You're the Guide 22:01 Why You Need One Clear Problem 28:03 The 5-Second Website Test Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you're in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It's a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. Right now, you can grab $100 off your ticket with our Early Bird pricing through May 1. You don't have to figure this out alone. Meet Kris Jones In a world where most business owners are drowning in marketing tactics, Kris Jones discovered something shocking: a single, well-crafted story can replace all your marketing and double your sales. As the founder of Red Door Stories and a hand-selected mentee of StoryBrand's Donald Miller, Kris has perfected the art of turning expertise into irresistible messaging that sells. Kris Jones' Resources Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Grab the Free Video & Toolkit: The Five StoryBrand Soundbites That Bring You More Clients Book a Money-Making Messaging Call Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

April 21, 202633 min

Building a Sustainable Therapy Practice When Life is Heavy with Rebeca Gilbert | WP 182

If you've ever tried to lead your practice well while your real life feels heavy… this one's for you. Because let's be honest, y'all—no one teaches you how to run a business, care for clients, honor your faith, and carry your own hard season at the same time. In this conversation, I'm joined by Rebeca Gilbert, and we're talking about what it actually looks like to build a sustainable therapy practice when life doesn't let up. Not in theory—but in the middle of real pressure, grief, and uncertainty. We get into the tension so many of us feel… When does showing up for your clients become too much? How do you know when it's time to keep going—and when it's time to step back? And what does "success" even mean when your priorities shift? Rebeca shares her story of navigating private practice during an incredibly heavy season, and how it reshaped the way she thinks about boundaries, income, time, and calling. This episode is a reminder that sustainability isn't a fixed formula. It's something you reevaluate in every season. And sometimes, being faithful doesn't mean getting bigger. It means slowing down, adjusting your expectations, and building a practice that actually supports your life—not just your business. If you've been feeling stretched, tired, or questioning what's next… I think this conversation is going to meet you right where you are. Watch on YouTube 6:00 Meet Rebeca Gilbert 9:00 Life Changes: Her Husband's Cancer Diagnosis 14:40 When It Became Unsustainable 18:00 Deciding to Step Away from Practice 25:00 Rebuilding After a Hard Season 29:00 Redefining Success + Sustainability 31:30 Final Encouragement for Therapists Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you're in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It's a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. Right now, you can grab $100 off your ticket with our Early Bird pricing through May 1. You don't have to figure this out alone. Meet Rebeca Gilbert, LPC (GA), LMHC (FL), EMDR-C, ACS Rebeca Gilbert is a Licensed Professional Counselor and somatic trauma therapist serving women in Florida and Georgia, specializing in EMDR, Brainspotting, and body-based trauma care. She is a faith-centered private practice owner who helps clients and clinicians move out of survival mode by honoring nervous system regulation, ethical care, and sustainable rhythms of work and rest. Rebeca bridges neuroscience, somatic wisdom, and Christian faith to challenge hustle-driven models of success in therapy and business. Her work invites clinicians to build practices rooted in safety, stewardship, and trust rather than fear or burnout. Rebeca's Resources Website Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Links and Resources Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds

April 14, 202632 min

The Secret to Marketing Without Feeling Salesy with Bianca Hughes | WP 181

If marketing your practice feels uncomfortable, you're not alone. Y'all, most of us didn't get trained in this. We thought we'd be sitting with clients… not figuring out websites, messaging, and how to get found. In this episode, I'm talking with Bianca Hughes about how to market your practice in a way that actually feels natural and not salesy. We get into why therapists avoid marketing, how imposter syndrome shows up, and what really helps clients find you. Here's the big takeaway. Marketing isn't about performing. It's about being clear on who you help and being yourself. Because the right clients are already looking. They just need to be able to find you. 9:46 Why Therapists Avoid Marketing (And Feel So Awkward Doing It) 12:16 The Confidence Shift That Changes Everything 16:37 The Messaging Mistake Keeping Clients From Finding You 19:00 Why Your Website Isn't Converting (And What to Say Instead) 22:32 The "Secret" to Marketing That Actually Works 26:07 Should You Market Yourself as a Christian Therapist? 28:41 What If Clients Are Already Looking for YOU? Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026 If you're in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It's a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling. Right now, you can grab $100 off your ticket with our Early Bird pricing through May 1. You don't have to figure this out alone. Meet Bianca Hughes, LPC Bianca Hughes is a compassionate therapist whose heart-work breaks down barriers in mental health, guiding high achievers from the prison of perfectionism toward authentic self-discovery and profound inner peace. Through her powerful speaking, she touches lives by illuminating the path to freedom from perfectionism, creating transformative experiences that ripple through organizations and individuals alike. With genuine care, she leads the Soulful Clinician Collective, a mentorship community for new and early-career therapists navigating what's next in their careers, providing real guidance and actionable steps to build financially sustainable careers without the burnout, gatekeeping or the 'therapists can't make money' narrative. Bianca's Resources Website Instagram LinkedIn Threads Facebook Discover Your Therapist Superpower Quiz Soulful Clinician Collective | Free 7-day Trial Mind the Gap: 10 Lessons Every New Therapist Needs Links and Resources Get my book, The Practice of Becoming Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds