Fearless Practice

Paula Gonzalez: From Purpose to Practice and Scaling With Intention | Ep 197

Building a meaningful practice often starts with a personal story, and grows through courage, creativity, and a commitment to helping others. In this episode, I talk with Paula Gonzalez. We discuss her journey into mental health, which was shaped by both her background and lived experience, and how it led her from community work to launching and scaling her own private practice. From navigating the early days of going solo during COVID to building a supportive group practice, Paula offers an honest look at growth, purpose, and the systems that make it all sustainable. Join us for a great conversation! MEET PAULA Paula Gonzalez is a Toronto-based Registered Psychotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, and the founder of Infinite Horizons Psychotherapy, located in North York. After 15 years working in community mental health and private practice, Paula made the decision to follow her passion and expand her solo practice into a group practice. Now, she works with a team of therapists who align with her mission to transform the way people experience therapy. Learn more about Paula on her practice website [https://www.infinitehorizonspsychotherapy.com/], Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/infinite-horizons-psychotherapy-north-york-on/1490967], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/infinitehorizonspsychotherapy], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/infinitehorizonspsychotherapy/] profiles. In this episode: * Why Paula started working in mental health * Starting a private practice * Scaling from solo to group private practice * Using Jane App in private practice * Paula's advice to listeners Why Paula started working in mental health Over the last 15 years, Paula has dedicated her career to the mental health field. 'Even back in high school years, you know, when we had to volunteer, it's always been in mental health. Even in university and placements, and my Master's, and now being a therapist, so it's been a long time in this field!' - Paula Gonzalez When explaining how Paula came into the world of therapy, and what encouraged her to pursue becoming a therapist and working in mental health, Paula recalls her family lineage and that she came from a long line of women who worked in various helping professions. 'My mom being a social worker, my grandmother was a teacher, you know, my aunt is a doctor, so it's always been a part of my life to be in the helping profession. For me, having gone through my own experiences, like immigrating to Canada at a young age … That experience was very difficult for me … That made it clear … that I really wanted to become the kind of person I wish I had had at that time to get me through that.' - Paula Gonzalez Starting a private practice Paula completed her Master's degree in 2016, and then she started working in community mental health, where she stayed for four years. While Paula loved the community aspect of working with people in her city, it was difficult to find a full-time job at the time, especially since virtual sessions were not yet popular or common. But when COVID hit in 2020, Paula started thinking about opening up her own solo virtual private practice. 'I did start in community mental health, and then I worked at a group practice. As a new grad, very new territory for me. Eventually, I decided, "I miss community mental health!" So I decided to go back. But then COVID hit. What led me to open up my own … during COVID … I felt so called to doing my part in working with folks directly.' - Paula Gonzalez And so, Paula launched her online private practice! She would see clients in the evenings or even on weekends while she continued working in community mental health. Scaling from solo to group private practice 'Every day I wake up, and I'm like, "How, I can't believe I get to do this!" I'm still figuring it out as I go, but I love it.' - Paula Gonzalez Creating the office spaces, editing the website, and social media content: all of these aspects are ways in which Paula gets to practice and unleash her creative freedom, and they are some of the things she loves the most about running a group practice. More than that, Paula wanted to share the work and expand the impact by creating a team, which is what motivated her to take her practice from solo to group. 'I knew that I wanted to create a team … I loved my role as a clinical supervisor, but there's something about having a team of new grads, I love working with them, whether it is in a supervisory capacity or as colleagues, and knowing that we're all trying to figure this out … I find it so important to have a team as a part of our support system, and that aligns with what I'm hoping to put out there in the world.' - Paula Gonzalez Using Jane App in private practice From her solo practice to her current group practice, Paula has consistently used Jane App for her business admin. '[Jane App] is so user-friendly. It's got everything that I need, I can pull the reports that I need to track metrics and see what's working, what's not … I've also gotten very good feedback from clients that use it too … Very user-friendly for both therapists and clients.' - Paula Gonzalez Jane App was designed to serve therapists and clients equally, while in different ways, and allows them both to navigate an easy interface that lets them communicate with each other smoothly. If you are ready to give Jane App a try, click here and use the code FEARLESS2MO for a two-month free trial [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane]! Paula's advice to listeners Focus your marketing on your client niche, and don't spread yourself too thin! The work you do is important, so take care of yourself to take better care of your clients. Connect with me: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/fearlesspractice.ca] Website [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/] Resources mentioned and useful links: Amber Sperling: Three Years of Private Practice Growth | EP 196 [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/amber-sperling-three-years-of-private-practice-growth-ep-196/] Learn more about the tools and deals [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/deals] that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Jane App [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane] (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here [https://hushmail.referralrock.com/l/JULESSMITH31/] and get one month for free! Learn more about Paula on her practice website [https://www.infinitehorizonspsychotherapy.com/], Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/infinite-horizons-psychotherapy-north-york-on/1490967], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/infinitehorizonspsychotherapy], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/infinitehorizonspsychotherapy/] profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fearless-practice/id1598058243], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZOfzgVQEG7pUg1s5PN3aV?si=897b53c432f84a1c], Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191b5f96-da18-4f2e-8be8-6c1f62471f4a], and TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/p1587095/]

Amber Sperling: Three Years of Private Practice Growth | Ep 196

Growth rarely happens by accident because it's built through intention, care, and a willingness to evolve. In this episode of my mini-series "Where Are They Now?", Amber Sperling reflects on the journey of expanding her practice from a single basement setup to a thriving, multi-location space rooted in accessibility and community care. Amber and I first spoke on the podcast in 2023! To get the full experience of the there-and-now conversation, you can click here to listen to the episode when Amber first came on the Fearless Practice Podcast [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/amber-sperling-the-journey-from-a-new-practice-to-success-and-beyond-ep-83/]. In our conversation in this episode, she shares how prioritizing clients over waitlists, investing in genuine relationships, and leaning into what works have shaped her success, along with the practical lessons and marketing strategies that continue to guide her forward. Welcome to the conversation! MEET AMBER Amber Sperling is a Registered Social Worker, psychotherapist, and founder of Amber Sperling Social Work & Psychotherapy Services, a growing group practice specializing in perinatal mental health and trauma. She is EMDRIA-certified and one of the first clinicians in Canada to hold certification in perinatal mental health, known for helping clients experience meaningful change from the very first session. Amber is expanding her work through MARSHA Care—a broader model that integrates therapy, education, and community to support women's health across life transitions. She is passionate about building a practice that blends clinical excellence with connection and sustainable growth, so more mothers can access the support they need. Learn more about Amber on her private practice website [https://www.ambersperling.ca/], LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/amber-sperling-msw-rsw-pmh-c-emdr-certified-mmhpc-13039247], and Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/amber-sperling-social-work-psychotherapy-service-barrie-on/962817] profiles. In this episode: * How Amber's practice has grown from 2023 to 2026 * What has changed * How Amber's practice goes the extra mile in client care * Amber's top 3 marketing tips * Amber's lessons learned advice to listeners How Amber's practice has grown from 2023 to 2026 Over the last couple of years, Amber's practice has grown. During her first interview with the Fearless Practice Podcast, she was operating from her basement in her old house. However, now the practice has its own dedicated space! What has changed Amber credits her team and practice's drive to meet the needs of their community as the spark that pushed them to continue growing and building up the business. As Amber explains, for her team, having some flexibility and availability is important so that every client that comes into the practice can get seen to in a matter of days. It bothered Amber to keep clients on a waiting list, and that drive is what contributed to her growing her practice to meet more of the community's needs. How Amber's practice goes the extra mile in client care Amber deeply cares about her client niche because she also knows what it feels like to be sitting in the opposite chair. As such, she and her team have made it a priority to care not just for the client's mental well-being, but also for the little things, through things like: * Keeping snacks on hand for the moms and toddlers * Making the building accessible for every type of ability or need * Offering free parking for clients * Offering both in-person and virtual options for sessions Amber's top 3 marketing tips For Amber, networking has been the top marketing strategy, consistently growing her practice the most. Even when she felt nervous or unsure, connecting with other mental health practitioners and practice owners has consistently created more and more referral sources, which have sustained her business and helped it expand. Secondly, Amber recommends utilizing social media. While it isn't for everyone, if it does work for you and allows you to market your practice creatively, use it. Make videos, use your voice, share professional photos or information; anything that can help build consistent traction and help place your practice in front of more people. Be authentic, because that resonates the most with your ideal clients. And lastly, lean into what you enjoy doing, and do more of it. This could be networking, social media, or even public speaking, hosting community events, or anything that allows more people to interact positively with you, your staff, and your practice. Don't overthink it, and just do it! Amber's lessons learned and advice to listeners Over these three years, Amber credits the power of goal-setting and pursuing. Keep yourself focused on these goals, because there will be so many shiny objects in your periphery, so be specific about where you are going and what needs to be done to bring these dreams to fruition one at a time. And, keep doing the things that work! Sure, try a bunch of new techniques, but once you start receiving feedback on what works and what doesn't, pick what does and scale it. Connect with me: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/fearlesspractice.ca] Website [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/] Resources mentioned and useful links: How I Developed a Marketing Strategy for My Private Practice - Networking | EP 195 [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/ep-195-how-i-developed-a-marketing-strategy-for-my-private-practice-networking/] Learn more about the tools and deals [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/deals] that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Jane App [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane] (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here [https://hushmail.referralrock.com/l/JULESSMITH31/] and get one month for free! Learn more about Amber on her private practice website [https://www.ambersperling.ca/], LinkedIn [https://ca.linkedin.com/in/amber-sperling-msw-rsw-pmh-c-emdr-certified-mmhpc-13039247], and Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/amber-sperling-social-work-psychotherapy-service-barrie-on/962817] profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fearless-practice/id1598058243], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZOfzgVQEG7pUg1s5PN3aV?si=897b53c432f84a1c], Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191b5f96-da18-4f2e-8be8-6c1f62471f4a], and TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/p1587095/]

How I Developed a Marketing Strategy for My Private Practice — Networking | EP 195

We're revisiting episode 7: How I Developed a Marketing Strategy for My Private Practice — Networking. In this encore episode, I share the networking strategies I used when I started my practice in Halifax almost 10 years ago, including my first outreach system, why a personal touch like a thank-you card matters, and the biggest lesson I learned. You can find the show notes to the original episode here [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/how-i-developed-a-marketing-strategy-for-my-private-practice-networking-ep-07/]. Connect with me: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/fearlesspractice.ca/] Website [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/] Resources Mentioned and Useful Links: Quiet Hustle: Offline Marketing for Introverts in Private Practice | EP 194 [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/quiet-hustle-offline-marketing-for-introverts-in-private-practice-ep-194/] Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Learn more about the tools and deals [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/deals] that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Jane App [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane] (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Learn more about Jules's Canadian private practice [https://insightmentalhealth.ca/] Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/website]! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fearless-practice/id1598058243], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZOfzgVQEG7pUg1s5PN3aV?si=897b53c432f84a1c], Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191b5f96-da18-4f2e-8be8-6c1f62471f4a], and TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/p1587095/]

Quiet Hustle: Offline Marketing for Introverts in Private Practice | Ep 194

If you have been listening to recent episodes of the Fearless Practice Podcast, you know that there are many ways to market your private practice, and that in a saturated market, you really need to make the effort to stand out! However, this can be really tough for the more introverted therapists, especially if you prefer doing offline marketing. In this podcast episode, I sketch out a few ideas with steps that you can try. Remember to take it slow and choose one system to implement and maintain, one step at a time! In this episode: * Offline marketing benefits * Why offline marketing works today * 'Quiet' versions of offline marketing Offline marketing benefits Let's first clear up the distinction: online marketing includes paid ads, Instagram posts, reels, and videos, whereas offline marketing includes networking, warm introductions, and in-person connections with your local community. The former helps with branching out and generally putting your Canadian private practice's name out there, whereas the latter really helps your community to get to know you. 'Physical channels of marketing work because they create fewer, better impressions and higher-trusted pathways. There's less competition with physical channels versus crowded digital feeds. In physical spaces, like community bulletin boards, local meet-ups, small events … there are fewer businesses consistently showing up in person, so it's a great opportunity to stand out from the crowd in this saturated market.' - Jules Smith Why offline marketing works today Physical channels work because they create fewer, higher-trust impressions. Some more reasons to consider offline marketing include: * Having less competition in physical channels vs. crowded digital feeds, which is a very saturated market. People can see your adverts in real time, giving them a chance to read them and take in the information, whereas most people's attention is fragmented on social media. * Tangibility effect: People remember what they touched, saw in a place, or experienced lived. It also helps to build trust through referrals and by showcasing your community presence. '[Offline marketing] builds trust. People can trust proximity: the same towns, small groups, same values, and in-person contact reduces the perceived risks because you're real and reachable, not just a photo or a video online. With offline marketing, you are participating - not just posting!' - Jules Smith However, for introverted therapists, offline marketing can seem daunting! But this is not a disadvantage. 'Offline marketing rewards consistency and trust, which are two things that introverts can build extremely well.' - Jules Smith 'Quiet' versions of offline marketing Here are a few ideas that you can brainstorm when it comes to offline marketing that is relaxing and non-invasive: * Coffee hangs over big mixers. With a coffee hang, you don't have to ask every practitioner that you know to have a coffee with you. Your goal could be to meet up once or twice a month, which allows you to really develop a working relationship with them. 'The goal is to enjoy the coffee hangs, so don't put pressure on yourself!' - Jules Smith * Building partnership referrals over cold intros. Stay consistent, and remember that trust compounds slowly. * Putting up posters/pamphlets as "silent salespeople" to ensure that you leave your practice's mark within your community without unnecessary social stress. 'Once you figure out your offline marketing strategy, these are systems that you can set up once and maintain, making sure that you're doing one to two coffee hangs a month with fellow practitioners, joining groups that you find fun, and finding sponsorships in your community. All you have to do is maintain! Which can fit with introverted therapists who prefer consistency and clear structure.' - Jules Smith Connect with me: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/fearlesspractice.ca] Website [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/] Resources mentioned and useful links: Taylor Nelson: Growing a Group Private Practice Through Passion | EP 193 [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/taylor-nelson-growing-a-group-private-practice-through-passion-ep-193/] Learn more about the tools and deals [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/deals] that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Jane App [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane] (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here [https://hushmail.referralrock.com/l/JULESSMITH31/] and get one month for free! Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fearless-practice/id1598058243], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZOfzgVQEG7pUg1s5PN3aV?si=897b53c432f84a1c], Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191b5f96-da18-4f2e-8be8-6c1f62471f4a], and TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/p1587095/]

Taylor Nelson: Growing a Group Private Practice Through Passion | Ep 193

How do you get the word out about your private practice in your local community organically, and in a way that shows you really care about your clients? Do you really need a Psychology Today profile? How can you build a space for creativity to flourish? These are some of the questions that my guest today, Taylor, has asked herself throughout her journey so far in Canadian private practice. Upon discovering that the only thing she loved about journalism was people's stories, she pivoted to therapy and has never looked back. In our conversation today, we discuss opening a private practice, creative marketing strategies, and ways in which to keep working with intention. Come and join! MEET TAYLOR Taylor Nelson is a Certified Play Therapist and Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) who specializes in child and youth mental health. She is the owner of Family Tree Therapy in Belleville, Ontario, where her group practice focuses on expressive, play-based approaches for children, teens, and families. Taylor enjoys helping young people feel safe, seen, and supported as they build resilience and strengthen relationships. Learn more about Taylor on her personal website [https://tnelsontherapy.com/], private practice website [https://www.familytreetherapy.ca/], Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/family-tree-therapy-belleville-on/1262601], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Family-Tree-Therapy-61556133884103/] profiles. In this episode: * How Taylor became a Registered Social Worker * Why Taylor opened her own private practice * Marketing the private practice * Taylor's advice to listeners How Taylor became a Registered Social Worker Taylor studied journalism, but quickly realized that it wasn't for her. She discovered that the only part of journalism she really enjoyed was learning about people's stories, which led her into the therapy world, where that plays a large part. While Taylor loved working in a clinical setting initially, it began to take a toll. Therefore, she pivoted and started working solo to continue serving her community on more of her own terms. Why Taylor opened her own private practice In 2023, Taylor opened up her private practice while she was still working in an agency to help make the transition a little easier financially. She started her private practice by renting space to see her first clients one day a week, and she instantly knew that it was the best fit for her - to see clients as a practitioner. Initially, Taylor kept her private practice as a solo practitioner. After a few years, she began hiring her first staff. Now, building a space where practitioners feel creative, filled up, and filled with possibility is one of Taylor's practice mottos, and the type of system she's designing for her clinicians and clients. Marketing the private practice While Taylor has maintained her network from when she was a solo practitioner into becoming a group practice owner, there are a few networking techniques that she uses to make sure her clinicians have clients coming in often: * Dropping off print materials at various locations, such as pediatrician offices, schools, and local community centers * Following up regularly with networking points of contact * Making sure that they have their most up-to-date contact information * Being clear with expectations for referrals As the practice grows, Taylor is intentional about staying in touch with the practice's heart-centered approach to their work, and to make the practice a place where the practitioners can also rest, nest, and be creative. Taylor also invests a lot in building community networks, so most of the practice's marketing comes from this community connection, which brings along warm referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations. In a more fun marketing technique, Taylor's private practice has sponsored a local children's sports team, so the kids' jerseys will have the practice name! Taylor's advice to listeners There's longevity in this work. So many people are starting from the beginning, or are further down the road, but all of this work is needed, necessary, and you are part of it! Connect with me: Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/fearlesspractice.ca] Website [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/] Resources mentioned and useful links: Sonya JF Barnett: Becoming a Private Practice Sex Therapist as a Second Career | EP 192 [https://www.fearlesspractice.ca/podcasts/sonya-jf-barnett-becoming-a-private-practice-sex-therapist-as-a-second-career-ep-192/] Learn more about the tools and deals [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/deals] that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/start] Jane App [http://www.fearlesspractice.ca/Jane] (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Get started with Hushmail here [https://hushmail.referralrock.com/l/JULESSMITH31/] and get one month for free! Learn more about Taylor on her personal website [https://tnelsontherapy.com/], private practice website [https://www.familytreetherapy.ca/], Psychology Today [https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/family-tree-therapy-belleville-on/1262601], and Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/p/Family-Tree-Therapy-61556133884103/] profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/fearless-practice/id1598058243], Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/0ZOfzgVQEG7pUg1s5PN3aV?si=897b53c432f84a1c], Amazon [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/191b5f96-da18-4f2e-8be8-6c1f62471f4a], and TuneIn [https://tunein.com/podcasts/p1587095/]