In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Dr. Robinson shares her profound journey of resilience, purpose, and professional growth. From navigating personal grief and loss to becoming a trailblazer in grief education and business expansion, she offers invaluable insights for clinicians looking to make a greater impact.

Dr. Robinson discusses the importance of stabilizing your practice before diversifying, ensuring financial stability while preparing for growth. She shares her experience transitioning from private practice to corporate and organizational work, offering practical advice on marketing strategies, branding, and building partnerships with schools, universities, and hospitals.

You'll also learn how to expand your impact through writing, public speaking, and creating resources that outlive your practice. Dr. Robinson’s inspiring story of transforming loss into legacy reminds us of the power of purpose-driven work and the possibilities that arise when clinicians step beyond their comfort zones. Don’t miss this episode packed with actionable tips and heartfelt wisdom to help you grow your practice and broaden your reach.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The Practice of Therapy Collaborative
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Dr. Robinson’s Facebook
• Dr Robinson’s Instagram
• The Purposeful & Profitable Therapist™ Summit
• Dr Robinson’s Website

Meet Dr. Ajita Robinson

Dr. Ajita Robinson is known as The Experts’ Therapist. She is a Grief & Trauma therapist, Bestselling Author of The Gift of Grief: A Practical Guide on Navigating Grief and Loss and The Purposeful & Profitable Therapist’s Guide to Diversifying Income, International Speaker, and Income Strategist. She has been seen in places such as the Wall Street Journal, HuffPost, Washington Post, Business Insider, Bustle, and Therapy for Black Girls. 

Dr. Robinson is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Trauma and Grief Expert, and first-generation trauma and poverty disruptor. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Friends in Transition Counseling Services, a trauma-centered mental health practice located in Bethesda, MD. She is also the CEO of Legacy Wellness Group, a conglomerate of enterprises dedicated to promoting generational wealth, education, and healing. 

Dr. Robinson embodies excellence in mental health and education. She is a servant leader, an involved member of the community, and a born-giver. She believes that we all have gifts that are unique to us, and we thrive when we lean fully into those gifts; we find purpose and fulfillment. At her core, she believes that all people have the capacity to overcome adversity. She is living proof that you can start at ground ZERO and chart a path of excellence that is uniquely yours. 

If you're ready to embrace growth, learn from real-world trial and error, and discover how to align your practice with your core values, this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast is a must-listen. Dr. Carlos Garcia takes us behind the scenes of his inspiring journey from navigating the unknown as a new practice owner to building a thriving, value-driven business. With insights on everything from mastering financial metrics to fostering a human-centered approach, Dr. Garcia’s story is packed with actionable takeaways and a refreshing dose of authenticity. Tune in to learn how to turn challenges into opportunities and create a practice that truly reflects your vision!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• The Practice of Therapy Collaborative
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Tampa Counseling and Wellness
• Tampa Counseling and Wellness on Instagram
• Tampa Counseling and Wellness on Facebook
• Dr. Garcia on LinkedIn
• Follow Dr. Garcia on Instagram

Meet Dr. Carlos Garcia

Dr. Carlos Garcia is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Coach, Author and Speaker who is dedicated to helping individuals unleash their full potential through high performance counseling, coaching and consulting. He is also the Founder of Tampa Counseling and Wellness, a private practice in Tampa, FL that provides therapy and wellness services to individuals looking to positively transform their lives. He is also the Founder of The Mastery Group, a company that provides individuals and organizations with the tools to take their leadership and performance to the next level. In addition to leading these two companies, Dr. Garcia also functions as a Human Performance Specialist for O2X, a company that provides comprehensive, science-backed programs to hundreds of police and fire departments nationwide, including federal agencies and the military.

Dr. Garcia received his bachelors and doctoral degree at Nova Southeastern University and completed his internship at Rutgers University. Dr. Garcia also served in the armed forces as a United States Marine and as a firefighter and paramedic prior to receiving his doctorate degree. Dr. Garcia draws on his years of experience in both military and professional organizations to teach individuals how to become more masterful leaders and performers. He has worked with multiple Fortune 500 companies and government agencies. Past clients include members of the CIA, Secret Service, and other top military groups, as well as organizations such as JP Morgan Chase, Cigna, Exelon, Progressive Auto Insurance, Athletic Brewing and Williams-Sonoma. His passion lies in helping others grow and create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. Dr. Garcia strives to help people utilize their natural talents to build a happier and more successful life. 

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Jessica Patching-Bunch shared her insights on how small, intentional changes in daily habits can significantly improve mental health, stress management, and overall well-being. Through her expertise in breathwork, movement, and mind-body connection, Jessica outlined actionable steps we can take to regain balance in our lives. Jessica’s key message is clear: You have the power to create meaningful change in your life. Whether through breathwork, movement, or a shift in mindset, small, intentional actions can make a big difference. As Gordon and Jessica agree, transformation doesn’t require drastic changes—it happens in the little moments we embrace every day.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Read the full show notes here

Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Sign up for free at berries.icu, enjoy 20 sessions, and use promo code CRAFT50 for 50% off your first month!

The Practice of Therapy Collaborative

The PsychCraft Network

The Practice of Therapy Community

Mental Health Wear TN

Full Focus Planner

Jessica’s Website Jessica’s Instagram

Meet Jessica Patching-Bunch

JPB is an international speaker and stress resilience coach who specializes in stress, anxiety, and nervous system education. She founded Brain-Body Resilience after suffering stress related health issues most of her life. Taking her background in neuropsychology she set out to address a real gap in accessible, alternative mind-care and wellness education.   JPB is now on a mission to change the way we approach mental health by providing a practical path to understanding and managing stress. She helps her clients the agency for change, and drop the shame and guilt that keep you stuck in that stress cycle. 

Are you ready to take a deep dive into the complex, multifaceted nature of therapist burnout? 

In this episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette unpacks the hidden costs of caring, from compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma to the systemic issues that perpetuate burnout in the field. You’ll hear about the unique challenges therapists face, like navigating moral injury and the struggle to prioritize their own well-being amidst clinical and personal demands. Dr. Blanchette doesn’t just stop at prevention—she shares actionable insights for recovery, emphasizing the importance of financial sustainability, meaningful connection, and small, intentional steps toward a healthier, more balanced life. If you’ve ever wondered how to heal while helping others, this conversation is a must-listen!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Sign up for free at berries.icu, enjoy 20 sessions, and use promo code CRAFT50 for 50% off your first month!
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Dr. Jen Blanchette’s Website
• Dr. Jen Blanchette on LinkedIn
• Free Money Guide From Dr. Jen Blanchette
• The Therapist Burnout Podcast

Meet Dr. Jen Blanchette

Dr. Jen Blanchette is a licensed psychologist, former private practice owner, and therapist burnout consultant dedicated to supporting therapists and heart-centered professionals. She understands the unique challenges they face—balancing the demands of serving others while often confronting burnout repeatedly.

Having experienced these struggles firsthand, Dr. Blanchette recalls her own journey of navigating the desire to leave her role as a trauma therapist during the pandemic. Amid the chaos, she explored whether the traditional 1:1 therapy model aligned with her temperament and aspirations. What she needed most during that time was support, guidance, and the wisdom of someone who had walked a similar path.

Today, Dr. Blanchette offers that support to others. Whether it’s navigating burnout or finding the courage to transition away from therapy, she is committed to helping professionals redefine their work or explore new directions.

With a neuroscience-based approach, Dr. Blanchette helps create the space needed to uncover the answers clients are seeking. She invites anyone ready to take the next step to start with a free consultation, where they’ll identify the sources of burnout and determine a plan to help them rediscover their passion—or confidently transition to something new.

As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s natural to take stock of where you’ve been and where you want to go. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon Brewer invites us into a deeply personal and insightful reflection on the past year while guiding us to set meaningful intentions for 2025.

This isn’t your typical “New Year’s resolutions” conversation. Gordon’s experiences in 2024—a year shaped by profound personal loss and transformative growth—serve as a powerful foundation for exploring how reflection and purpose-driven planning can lead to real change. Whether you’re a therapist, practice owner, or simply someone looking to embrace the year ahead with clarity and intention, this episode offers actionable strategies and heartfelt wisdom.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Read the full show notes here

Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Sign up for free at berries.icu, enjoy 20 sessions, and use promo code CRAFT50 for 50% off your first month!

SMART Goals Worksheet

Start Consulting with Gordon

The Practice of Therapy Collaborative

The Practice of Therapy Community

Mental Health Wear TN

Full Focus Planner

What’s the secret to bridging the gap between big business goals and actually achieving them?

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy, TJ unpacks the often-missed “step two” in business planning, using the hilarious (and surprisingly insightful) “underpants gnomes” analogy from South Park. With practical advice on building detailed, actionable roadmaps for growth, TJ explains how breaking goals into manageable steps—like analyzing financial data, aligning marketing with intake targets, and systemizing operations—can transform a business. From learning to let go and delegate effectively to creating structured onboarding processes that set employees up for long-term success, this conversation is packed with strategies to help you step back, see the bigger picture, and steer your business toward success. Don’t miss this deep dive into mindset shifts, proactive planning, and the power of trust!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Ready to give it a try? Sign up for free at berries.icu, enjoy 20 sessions, and use promo code CRAFT50 for 50% off your first month!
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Crowsnest Mindset
• TJ on LinkedIn
• Crowsnest Mindset on LinkedIn

Meet TJ Slattery

TJ Slattery is the owner and founder of Crowsnest Consulting. A lifetime entrepreneur and strategic advisor, TJ harnesses his decades of experience to create clarity and stability for business owners immersed in the day-to-day on an entrepreneurial island.

With honest, relatable candor (and a stylish neckerchief), TJ helps small business owners across industries create and improve operational systems and develop proactive processes to forge a path forward—one that leads directly to their personal and professional goals.

By leveraging business acumen, experience, and relentless curiosity, TJ enables his clients to connect the dots between the business they have and the vision they want to achieve. He is passionate about empowering entrepreneurs to stop treading water and get up into the Crowsnest where they belong.

Medical necessity—a term that seems straightforward—often becomes a complex hurdle in the world of healthcare, especially in mental health. Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, sheds light on the disconnect between clinical care and legal frameworks, and shares how his nonprofit empowers patients and clinicians to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is Medical Necessity?

Contrary to what many assume, "medical necessity" is not a clinical term; it’s a legal one. As Feldman explains, most healthcare professionals are trained in safe, effective care aligned with ethical standards, not in decoding the legal intricacies of medical necessity. This disconnect often leads to insurance denials, leaving patients stranded without the care they need.

Feldman highlights a key concern: insurance companies often deny claims for higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient programs or residential treatment, by deeming them “not medically necessary.” This decision-making process frequently prioritizes cost-cutting over patient well-being.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Cover MY Mental Health
• LinkedIn

Meet Joe Feldman

Cover My Mental Health President and Founder Joe Feldman began advocating for access to mental health care after overcoming denials for his daughter’s residential care, including with a successful federal lawsuit.

Feldman developed Cover My Mental Health based on his own success overcoming insurance obstacles, with input from leading litigators, appeals experts, clinicians, insurance regulators, and former insurance industry insiders.

His advocacy work has included policy-driven discussions with legislators and regulators, a board role with The Kennedy Forum Illinois, presentations to parent groups, and publication of actionable guidance, such as a 2021 article in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice on medical necessity letters.

Feldman also serves on the board of Thresholds, a Chicago-based firm providing support to those living with mental illness, and Acadian Kitchens, a for-profit seasonings business in Louisiana.

Starting and running a private practice is a journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and the potential for both professional and personal fulfillment. Gordon Brewer, a seasoned mental health professional and founder of The Practice of Therapy, reflects on his journey into private practice, sharing insights that are both inspiring and practical for current and aspiring private practitioners.

The Journey to Autonomy

Gordon began his private practice journey in 2006 after gaining extensive experience working in nonprofit agencies. While he credits his nonprofit work for providing invaluable clinical training, he found himself drawn to private practice for its autonomy and financial potential. Transitioning to full-time private practice in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in his career, one that required him to embrace the challenges and opportunities of running his own business.

Mindset Matters: Developing a Business Perspective

A recurring theme in Gordon’s advice is the importance of adopting a business mindset. To thrive in private practice, clinicians must view their work not just as a therapeutic endeavor but as a business venture. This includes understanding:

• Return on Investment (ROI): Assessing where to invest time and money to maximize success.
• Profitability: Ensuring income exceeds expenses to sustain and grow the practice.
• Systems and Processes: Establishing efficient workflows to optimize operations.

“Clarity around your ‘why’ is essential,” Gordon emphasizes. For many, the “why” includes achieving autonomy, earning more, and escaping the bureaucracy of agency work.

Don't miss Gordon's invaluable advice on starting and scaling a private practice, overcoming challenges, and building a supportive network. Tune in now to take your practice to the next level! 🙌

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Read the full show notes here

Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Start Consulting with Gordon

The Practice of Therapy Collaborative

The PsychCraft Network

The Practice of Therapy Community

Mental Health Wear TN

Full Focus Planner

Productive Therapist: https://productivetherapist.com/

GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Keith Kurlander opens up about growing his therapy practice in Boulder, Colorado, navigating high competition and high demand. From door-knocking to diving into the digital world with paid advertising, Keith shares how embracing online marketing and specializing in sought-after areas helped him stand out in a crowded field. He also offers strategies for new and growing practitioners, from networking basics to expanding into group practices. Plus, Keith dives deep into the future of psychedelic therapy, exploring its transformative potential for treating trauma and treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD and depression, with promising results from MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the intersection of traditional therapy and cutting-edge treatments!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Keith’s Website
• Keith on LinkedIn
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute on Facebook
• Keith on Instagram

Meet Keith Kurlander

Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC, is the Co-Founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, the largest professional education company specializing in integrative mental health and psychedelic therapy, listed in Inc. 5000 as one of the 100 fastest-growing startups in the U.S., top 10 in healthcare, and top 3 in education.

He also co-hosts the Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health and co-founded the Integrative Psychiatry Centers, a clinic revolutionizing mental healthcare with cutting-edge psychedelic therapy and integrative psychiatry treatments.

With over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy and coaching individuals, couples, and families, Keith’s journey began after nearly committing suicide at age 19 following a psilocybin mushroom experience. His battle with severe mental illness persisted into adulthood until he overcame it through decades of trial and error.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Keith is passionate about teaching methods that can eradicate mental illness and empower people to reach their full potential.

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, host Gordon Brewer talks with Nicole McCance, who shares her insights on scaling a therapy practice through effective systems and strategic hiring. Nicole emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes before bringing new hires on board, helping therapists avoid the overwhelm of constant questions and task management. She reveals that many therapists dive into hiring without setting up essential workflows, which can quickly turn them into “chief question answerers” rather than effective leaders. 

Nicole discusses the power of documenting every step of your practice in a Google Doc, which not only streamlines daily operations but also fosters team independence and enables automation. Reflecting on her own journey, she explains how hiring a business coach early on was instrumental to her success, giving her the clarity and direction to create her own coaching program, where she now teaches therapists the systems and marketing strategies that fueled her rapid growth. From crafting SOP manuals with tools like Loom and ChatGPT to making your first hire a “mini-me” who mirrors your style, Nicole shares a practical and empowering guide for therapists ready to grow their practice with intention and efficiency.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Nicole’s Website
• Nicole’s Instagram
• Nicole’s Facebook Group
• Nicole’s Free Masterclass

Meet Nicole McCance

Nicole is a Psychologist (retired) turned Business Coach for therapists scaling to a group practice. She expanded her private practice to 55 therapists and multiple seven figures in 3 years (with toddler twins at home). Nicole sold her clinic in her 4th year and then retired as a Psychologist in her 5th year. She now teaches therapists how to help more people, make more money, and have more freedom following her proven method.

Crystal Adams-Scott shares the powerful story behind Hope Unite, a movement born from her and her son’s act of kindness. Driven by the message “You matter,” which she believes could have saved her husband’s life, Crystal discusses how simple cards adorned with a purple rose serve as reminders of worth and invitations to spread kindness. With volunteers distributing these cards across the U.S. and beyond, the initiative not only promotes kindness but also connects individuals in crisis to vital resources like the National Suicide Prevention hotline. 

Crystal emphasizes the importance of community involvement and outlines two key volunteer roles that support their mission. By fostering a holistic network of vetted therapists, healers, and community services, Hope Unite aims to address mental, physical, and spiritual health in a comprehensive way. Crystal encourages listeners to embrace daily acts of intentional kindness, highlighting their profound impact on mental well-being and the potential for collective action to create meaningful change. Don’t miss this episode that blends personal healing with a powerful call to action for kindness and community support.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Hope Unite
• The Hope Unite Story
• See the Impact of Hope Unite

Meet Crystal Adams-Scott:

Crystal Adams-Scott is the founder of Hope Unite International, their mission is dedicated to providing hope and support for individuals facing life's most challenging moments. After losing her husband to suicide, Crystal found herself grappling with unimaginable grief, but it was through this personal loss that she discovered her calling to help others navigate their own darkest times.

Driven by a deep commitment to break the silence around mental health and create a community of understanding, Crystal founded Hope Unite International with the vision of offering compassionate resources, emotional support, and a safe space for those struggling with mental health challenges, grief, and personal hardship. Hope Unite's Kids for Kindness initiative is dedicated to help our youth in the early developmental years to gain healthy social and emotional development tools alongside academic learning to help reduce teen depression and suicide rates.