BT10 Dialogue 05 - Practice Development - Ellyn Bader, PhD; Casey Truffo, MS, MFT

Outline

Introduction and Backgrounds

• Session opens with an invitation to engage in open dialogue.
• Backgrounds shared by two experienced professionals in couples therapy and therapist leadership.
• Reflections on launching a couples-focused practice and overcoming early doubts about its viability.
• Emphasis on therapist empowerment, business development, and improving the profession’s reputation.

Audience Questions and Career Transitions

• Attendees raise questions about transitioning into private practice from various fields including neuropsychology, education, federal jobs, and group practices.
• Topics also include combining therapy licenses with research interests and balancing supervision with business goals.
• Questions reflect a wide range of interests from sports psychology to employee assistance programs and health-focused counseling.

Challenges and Strategies in Private Practice

• Discussion of balancing financial sustainability with service in lower-income or rural areas.
• Guidance on naming practices, projecting professionalism, and positioning a new practice for visibility.
• Advice on how to transition from group to solo practice and manage associated risks and opportunities.

Marketing and Professional Visibility

• Emphasis on three types of marketing: community-based, internet-driven, and inspirational.
• Importance of follow-up, networking, and writing personalized outreach to build referral relationships.
• Therapists are encouraged to maintain a polished, trustworthy image and to present themselves as high-value professionals.

Specialization and Business Models

• Encouragement to niche down into areas like couples therapy, sports psychology, law enforcement, and obesity-focused counseling.
• Real-life examples demonstrate the flexibility of these specializations across settings.
• Strategies shared for operating as a solo practitioner, hiring contractors, or building a group practice.
• Emphasis on multiple income streams and using skills beyond clinical hours for added revenue.

Overcoming Fear and Upholding Ethics

• Therapists are encouraged to face marketing fears and step into visibility.
• Ethical marketing requires clarity, integrity, and avoiding overpromising.
• Confidence in fee setting and valuing services is key to long-term success.
• Advice on ethical practices when working with lawyers, expert witness cases, and setting informed consent and fees.

Visioning and Ideal Client Alignment

• Therapists are urged to visualize their ideal client and build a business model that reflects their strengths and goals.
• Creating a values-aligned business plan supports both sustainability and fulfillment.
• Highlight on developing a clear niche to benefit from the “halo effect” in professional reputation.

Final Thoughts and Encouragement

• Importance of mentorship, peer support, and lifelong learning is underscored.
• Success stories highlight unexpected opportunities and growth through specialization.
• Closing advice: Set bold goals, seek guidance, build community connections, and don’t let fear limit potential.