Ask A Therapist: How Private Practice Impacts Work Life Balance

Making the decision to transition from working at a hospital outpatient facility to starting my own private practice was both exciting and daunting. The lack of role models to guide me through this significant career shift left me feeling uncertain and isolated during the decision-making process.

It was because of this experience I wanted to create a small corner of the internet for others to have access to real experiences and insights from those who have already taken the leap into private practice.

Private practice owners all over the country have graciously donated their time and perspective to share their their unaltered experiences and advice that I have consolidated into this blog post series

My hope is that their experiences can serve as valuable guidance, offering firsthand accounts that can offer clarity, inspiration, and practical tips to help individuals navigate the journey from hospital-based work to establishing their own private practice.

By sharing these honest and voluntary responses (obtained via an online survey), the goal is to bridge the gap for those seeking guidance, while also creating a network of shared experiences that can illuminate the way forward for others considering the leap into private practice.

What did the professionals have to say about work life balance?

Question Asked: In what ways has owning a private practice allowed you to have more control over your schedule and work life balance compared to working for an agency?

Owning my own practice allows me to put my boys on the school bus, get them off the school bus and attend events at school (and actually enjoy myself and be present rather than watching the clock to race back to the office). I also only see clients Monday-Thursday and keep Fridays as an admin day or use that day to make an appointment for myself if need be.

When I worked for an agency, I’d be filled with all kinds of feelings related to NOT being able to be there for my family for every day routine things. I’d feel guilt for having to be at work so early and leaving my husband to get the kids ready. I’d be anxious about how many times I had to leave because one of them is sick and needs to be dismissed from school.

There would be times I’d be stuck working late, on the phone with CPS and texting with my other hand to see if someone else could get them off the bus. On one occasion, no one could and I remember pulling in my driveway, breathing heavy, on the verge of an anxiety attack and needing to pull it together as the bus came down the street!

I still experience these feelings but not as often and not as intense. There is not a lot moms can control so being able to control my own schedule is been a life changer for me!

Megan Tavares (Started Practice 2023; States Licensed: MA)

I have been able to have the clients/patients that I feel are the best fit for me versus feeling forced/pressure to see clients that are not the best fit or I do not have the experience to work with as effectively. I have more autonomy for scheduling and finding space for myself outside of my personal practice versus in group practice, there were mandated attendances for events, meetings, etc.

Greta Bellinger (Started Practice in 2023; States Licensed: FL, TX)

I have more freedom to be creative, to see clients on my terms, and to engage with clients who are a fit with me and my specialty.

Jennifer Rowe (Started Practice in 2020; States Licensed: NY)

In private practice, I choose which hours and days I work every week and so create a sustainable calendar. I build down time into my days so I’m not rushing through 5 sessions at a time. I can consider which clients may be more challenging or easier to work with at different points in the day and based on who else I see that day.

I decide when to take time off, rather than only having time off at the holidays. When I need to make personal appointments, I have enough space in my schedule to be flexible. My clients also benefit from my flexible schedule: when they might need to reschedule or ask for an extra appointment, I can usually accommodate that. Simply put, being in private practice is the only way I have been able to have the work-life balance I need.

Augustin Kendall (Started Practice in 2019; States Licensed: MN)

Def more control over schedule and being able to make the money I want to make. As an owner, it can be tough to know when to take a break, but it is important to do so

Kabian Brown (Started Practice in 2018; States Licensed: GA, NY, FL)

I love working early mornings or late nights and this has allowed me to do more self-care and be more present for my clients and my family.

Claudia Christina Soddano (Started Practice in 2022; States Licensed: NY)

I have significant freedom to set my own schedule for when I will make appointments and how many people and in what combinations. I also can make decisions about when I want to take a vacation or schedule few days away for training or for other reasons. In recent years, I have been able to take an entire month away from work, which has been hugely rejuvenating.

Karen Carnabucci, LCSW, TEP (Started Practice in 1995; States Licensed: PA & WI)

I have loved being a business owner. While it requires a considerable amount of time and energy, the outcome results in a more balanced life-style, scheduling flexibility, and time spent harnessing other skills related to entrepreneurial-ship.

Dr. Cynthia Shaw (Started Practice in 2022; State Licensed: NY and all PsyPact states)

A great aspect of owning your own practice has been creating your schedule. When I was working at agencies, I felt like I had to be available all the time, and felt pressured to work evenings as they usually are the busiest. Sometimes due to money and income, I had to work long days, and I ended up dreading my late evening sessions. However, in my own practice I have the flexibility to determine what schedule works for me.

My fear was I had to make myself available for when it worked best for the clients, but that is not true. Clients will come! If they want to work with you, they will find a way to make it work, and if they cannot then that is okay, other consultations will come. Having that additional time back in my day allows me to decompress, work on the business administration tasks that comes with owning your own practice, and to do things that refill my cup. I have my weeknights to see family and friends, to take classes, to go to shows and events. I also now have time to go to trainings, talks, and conferences, which allow me to be better at my craft and to be a better therapist.

Elizabeth Hamm (Started Practice in 2023; States Licensed: NY)

The biggest change that has allowed me to have better work life balance is not having to see as many clients. I can see less clients while making the same or more money than when working for an agency. I also get to decide what clients I see (staying within my niche) and when I see them.

Jordan Brown (Started Practice in 2020; States Licensed: WI)

Owning my own practice has allows me to make my own schedule that worked best for me and my family. It allows me flexibility to go to appointments, do trainings, and attend family events. I only work M-Th 8am-3pm which allows me to have a good work life balance. I get extra home time to spend with my toddler and husband and REALLY enjoy not working Friday’s. I will likely never work a 5 day work week or 40 hour week ever again.

Anna Brewer (Started Practice in 2022; States Licensed: OH, NM, & WV)

Conclusion

Private practice therapy can have a profound impact on achieving work life balance for therapists. By setting their own schedules and client load, therapists in private practice have more flexibility to prioritize self-care and personal commitments. This autonomy allows them to control their workload and create boundaries that support a healthier work life balance.

Additionally, working independently in private practice offers therapists the opportunity to align their professional responsibilities with their personal values. This alignment can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced burnout, and overall improved well-being. Furthermore, the ability to tailor their services to meet both clients’ needs and personal preferences can result in more fulfilling therapeutic relationships and ultimately enhance the therapist’s work-life harmony.