How I Got Into Private Practice [Show Notes]

Transcript

Note: This video was transcribed and edited using AI, so some minor errors may appear.

Hi, I’m Alexandria Theodor, the face behind Stressless Enterprises, which you may know better through my blog, stresslesstherapist.com. I’m a small business owner focused on helping mental health therapists and professionals achieve work-life balance through entrepreneurship.

If you’ve found this video, chances are you’re either new to my world or you’ve been hanging around and want to get to know me a little better. So, let’s have a conversation! Full disclosure: I’m still getting used to YouTube, so this might feel a bit awkward. I’ve got my trusty “security seltzer” here, and I’m imagining this as a chat between friends—a professional friendship, if you will.

I started my private practice a few years ago, and through my coaching business, I now help other therapists do the same: escape burnout and build careers they truly love. I stumbled into private practice out of necessity, and I want to share my story with you—not because I’m extraordinary, but because if I can do it, so can you.

I’m just an ordinary social worker with solid training, like many of you. I don’t have an alphabet soup of credentials or a degree from Harvard. What I do have is passion, determination, and a deep care for my clients. To provide the best care possible, I needed to create an environment where I could thrive—an environment of abundance and balance that I could then share with my clients.

So, let me tell you a bit about myself. I’ve been a social worker for over 10 years, working across various settings: inpatient, outpatient, medical social work (my personal favorite), and everything in between. I’ve always been drawn to people’s stories and the resilience they show during life’s toughest moments.

But, like many therapists, I experienced burnout. I was working in a medical agency I loved, pursuing my LCSW, and planning to stay long-term. However, as time passed, management shifted, the environment changed, and promises of raises never materialized. I found myself overburdened, undervalued, and constantly questioning if this was the career I wanted.

Still, I was scared to leave. The stability, the health insurance, the routine—it all felt safe. But in March 2020, COVID-19 hit, and everything changed. My husband had just left his job due to a toxic environment, and suddenly, the world shut down. Financially, we were vulnerable. My hospital salary couldn’t support our household, and I had to make a change.

Out of necessity, I started a private practice on the side to supplement our income. It wasn’t easy. I leaned heavily on our savings, but it was a wake-up call. If something unexpected happened, I needed to ensure we were financially stable—especially since we were thinking about growing our family.

Building my practice taught me a lot about marketing, mostly through trial and error. I discovered a passion for the business side of things, which initially terrified me. Clients were no longer handed to me; I had to find them. But I loved networking, writing copy for my website, and creating a brand that reflected me.

In grad school, we’re taught to be blank slates. But private practice allowed me to show my personality and communicate my unique approach to therapy. This authenticity attracted the right clients—people I genuinely wanted to work with.

By March 2021, I left my agency job to go full-time in private practice. It was scary, but also liberating. Within two weeks, I had a full caseload, mostly insurance clients at first, to provide stability. I tailored my schedule to prevent burnout, adjusting my caseload as needed.

Shortly after making the leap, I found out I was pregnant. It was overwhelming but also reaffirmed that I’d made the right decision. Private practice gave me the flexibility to manage morning sickness, attend doctor’s appointments, and prepare for motherhood without sacrificing my income or well-being.

I took a six-month maternity leave—a luxury I couldn’t have imagined in agency work—and returned to my practice on my terms. Today, I maintain a small caseload of private-pay clients and focus on my coaching business, helping other therapists achieve balance and financial freedom.

Private practice has been life-changing for me. It’s allowed me to prioritize my family, spend quality time with my daughter, and create a career that energizes rather than drains me. I now help other therapists build sustainable practices that support their goals—whether that’s traveling, spending time with loved ones, or simply having the energy to enjoy life.

If you’ve made it to the end of this video, thank you for listening to my story. I hope it inspires you to take the leap into private practice or entrepreneurship. It’s okay to start small, make mistakes, and figure things out as you go. Advocate for yourself, invest in your growth, and don’t be afraid to leave what no longer serves you.

The only regret I have is not starting sooner.

Additional Show Links

As a marketing coach and mentor for mental health professionals, I specialize in helping therapists grow their practices through authentic and ethical marketing strategies. By focusing on blogging, SEO, and email marketing, I guide therapists to attract clients who genuinely resonate with their expertise, fostering meaningful connections and long-term success. My mission is to support you in building a practice that not only thrives but also remains sustainable and fulfilling—without the stress and burnout that often come with the journey.

Below is a sample of what I have to offer, if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to me via email at hello@stresslesstherapist.com.

Free Stuff:

Product/Service Reviews

• Complete Review of Headway
  Discover the ins and outs of using Headway for private practice. From benefits to drawbacks, this review gives you everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right client management platform for your practice. Read now.
• Complete Review of Alma
  Curious about Alma? Get the full scoop on this platform for private practitioners, including key features, pricing, and how it stacks up against competitors. Check out the review.
• Complete Review of Simple Practice
  Is Simple Practice worth it for your private practice? Dive into this detailed review covering its features, functionality, and how it can support your business. Learn more.

Popular Blog Posts

• Popular Mental Health Book Recommendations
  Looking for insightful reads? Explore my top mental health book picks for this year, perfect for therapists and clients alike. Discover the list.
• Best Therapeutic Children’s Books
  Enhance your practice or parenting toolbox with this curated list of children’s picture books that tackle mental health topics in accessible, thoughtful ways. Browse the collection.
• Products I Swear By as a Private Practice Owner
  Running a private practice is easier with the right tools. Check out my tried-and-true products that keep my business thriving. See the essentials.

Instant Download Course

• Mastering Clinical Documentation With Speed and Efficiency
  Streamline your notes and reclaim your time! This instant-download course includes templates and strategies to help you document effectively while staying compliant. Start today.

Coaching Opportunities

Private Coaching for Private Practice Marketing
Ready to fill your private practice with confidence? Work with me to create a personalized marketing plan for building a sustainable, values-centered business. Learn more.

Private Coaching for Income Diversity as a Therapist
Expand your income streams with guidance tailored to therapists. Learn how ethically and authentically to add courses, books, or other passive income strategies to your practice. Find out more.

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