Is private practice really "broken," or is the therapy industry simply evolving faster than we expected?

In this episode, I sit down with Allison Puryear for a grounded, honest conversation about the major shifts happening in the therapy industry as we head deeper into 2026. We unpack what is actually behind the slowdown so many therapists are feeling, why what worked from 2020 to 2023 no longer works the same way, and how big therapy tech, virtual care, insurance dynamics, and AI are reshaping access to care. Allison brings decades of perspective to help us zoom out, calm the panic, and understand what is truly changing and what is not.

We also talk about where therapists still have a massive advantage and how to build a practice that is sustainable, human-centered, and resilient in this new landscape. From relationship-based referrals and ethical networking to niche clarity, speaking opportunities, and adapting your marketing without burning out, this episode is about reclaiming agency and momentum when the noise feels overwhelming.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:12 - Why the "easy growth" years of private practice are over

• 7:45 - The real impact of big therapy tech that few are talking about

• 10:30 - How insurance, politics, and trust are quietly shifting client behavior

• 14:05 - What therapists can do that large platforms cannot

• 17:50 - Why networking still works and how to do it authentically

• 20:40 - What AI will realistically change in therapy

• 23:15 - Creative ways to stand out without adding more hours

Wanting to add additional revenue streams in this year? The Scale Up Mastermind is now open for registration for our February 13th cohort kick off! It is application only for high-level therapists looking to scale beyond 1-1. Take 4 minutes and apply here today: https://form.typeform.com/to/f3eIK2r9#source=xxxxx

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Connect with Allison: www.abundancepracticebuilding.com

Follow Allison on IG: https://www.instagram.com/abundance_practice_building/

Abundance Practice Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWFACumyV8XlBgvUfcbyt9Q

What if the reason you haven't hit multi-six figures yet has nothing to do with your strategy and everything to do with your identity?

In this episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest (and most overlooked) reasons entrepreneurial therapists stay stuck: the identity ceiling they're unconsciously living under. I'm sharing why you don't need permission to evolve, why mindset (not marketing) is often the real bottleneck to growth, and how the identity you're operating from determines what feels "safe" or "possible" in your business. We'll talk about what it really takes to scale in 2026, especially when you're in the messy middle, things aren't shiny anymore, and quitting feels tempting.

I also open up about my own identity shifts from solo therapist to multi–six–figure entrepreneur and the uncomfortable growth that came with it. We explore failure (and why you must be willing to fail fast), the hidden fears that keep therapists playing small, and how surrounding yourself with the right rooms and people can fundamentally change what you believe you're capable of. If you're done repeating the same year over and over and ready to step into a bigger version of yourself, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:48 - The unconscious rules you're following that may be holding you back

• 7:30 - What it really means to "change your identity overnight"

• 10:05 - The uncomfortable question every scaling therapist must answer

• 12:40 - Why failing fast is a non-negotiable skill in 2026

• 15:18 - The tradeoffs no one talks about when you decide to scale

• 18:55 - How your body can reveal the goals you're secretly afraid to hit

As you head into this new year, I want you to ask yourself: Who do I need to become to create the results I want? If this episode resonated, take the next step and join me for my free live training in January, where I'll be breaking down three concrete strategies to scale in 2026. Sign up, grab the workbook, and come hang out with me live!

Resources Mentioned:

Join my New Year Masterclass on 3 Strategies to Scaling in 2026 for Entrepreneurial Therapists: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/webinar

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Is SEO still worth your time as a therapist in a world dominated by AI and constant algorithm changes? In this replay of one of our most downloaded episodes of the year, I sit down with SEO expert Chris Morin from Moonraker to break down what actually moves the needle when it comes to getting your private practice website to rank on Google. We talk honestly about whether Google is still relevant, how AI fits into modern SEO (without turning your website into generic fluff), and why content creation is still one of the most powerful and accessible marketing strategies for therapists today.

In this conversation, Chris shares a refreshingly practical approach to SEO that feels doable even if you're juggling a full caseload. We dive into how people are really searching for therapy, the biggest mistakes therapists make with service pages, and how to structure your site so Google actually understands what you do, who you help, and where you're located. If SEO has ever felt overwhelming, confusing, or like a total black hole of effort, this episode will help you see a clear path forward and remind you that you don't need to do everything to see results.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 3:58 - Why Google rankings are far from "dead" (even with ChatGPT in the mix)

• 7:14 - The single SEO strategy that delivers the biggest ROI for therapists

• 9:32 - How clients actually search for therapy (and why "individual therapy" might be hurting you)

• 12:48 - The surprising power of modality-based pages like EMDR, CBT, and IFS

• 15:41 - How to use AI strategically without publishing generic, low-value content

• 21:44 - The hidden SEO mistake almost everyone makes inside their blog posts

• 24:03 - What backlinks really do and how many you actually need

• 29:10 - The trust signal Google cares about most (and how to build it ethically)

If you're ready to stop guessing and start building a marketing strategy that actually supports your practice growth, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, take notes, and then choose one thing you can implement this month. And if this conversation clicks for you, join us in the Practice Accelerator and get started for $100 off using our special promo code for podcast listeners, ALLIN!

Resources Mentioned:

Needing more private pay clients in the New Year and wanting to dive in deeper on SEO? Join the Practice Accelerator here to get started with our podcast listeners getting $100 off using the code ALLIN! https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator-sales-page

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Is the marketing you're doing right now actually creating long-term freedom or just another version of burnout in disguise?

In this replay of one of the most downloaded episodes of the year, I'm breaking down the best marketing strategies I truly believe in if you value flexibility, rest, and sustainability as much as growth. I walk you through what freedom-based marketing really means, why hustle-heavy strategies eventually backfire, and how to start thinking about your marketing decisions through the lens of your future life.

I cover what works best for both practice builders and creators, from SEO and Google visibility to email lists, funnels, and the role social media should (and shouldn't) play. I share real examples from my own business, explain why some strategies quietly keep working for years, and ask you to take an honest look at whether your current marketing is aligned with the life you're trying to build for your health, your family, and your long-term well-being.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 2:10 - The question I ask myself before committing to any marketing strategy

• 6:45 - Why some marketing creates freedom later (and some never will)

• 9:30 - The underrated strategy that keeps working even when you're offline

• 12:50 - What I believe is the most powerful asset creators can build in 2025

• 16:40 - Why social media feels exhausting and how I set boundaries with it

• 20:05 - The real role of funnels in creating long-term sustainability

• 24:30 - The shift that helped me work less without serving less

I want you to sit with the question I pose at the end: Is the marketing you're doing today supporting the life you want in the years ahead? If you're craving more rest, more alignment, and smarter growth (not just more noise) this conversation is for you. And if you are interested in getting more private pay clients in the New Year join us in the Practice Accelerator to get started today.

Resources Mentioned:
If you are interested in getting more private pay clients in the New Year join us in the Practice Accelerator to get started today: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator-sales-page

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

What would actually happen to your business—and your family—if you suddenly couldn't work?

This question has been sitting heavy on my heart, especially as a single parent, a homeowner, and a business owner who has experienced unexpected seasons of not being able to work in the past. In today's episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of the systems, savings, and safety nets I'm putting in place so my business can not only survive but thrive through a crisis. Then, I sit down with legacy consultant Colleen Watson to dive deeper into the legal, financial, and emotional layers of planning for emergencies, succession, and the long-term future of your practice.

This conversation is equal parts grounding and empowering. We explore what it really looks like to protect your clients, income, and family if something catastrophic happens—and how simple, doable steps can drastically reduce your anxiety. Whether you're a solo therapist, a group practice owner, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you finally tackle the stuff you've probably avoided but desperately need.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 2:11 - The moment I realized my business wasn't prepared for a major crisis

• 5:33 - The #1 thing that lets me sleep better at night (hint: it's not insurance)

• 12:31 - Colleen's "dip your toe in" starting point that reduces overwhelm instantly

• 18:17 - The Plan B people every therapist needs—and how to choose them wisely

• 23:32 - The truth about succession plans and why you need one earlier than you think

• 26:47 - The often-forgotten insurances that protect your practice, home, and income

• 29:48 - What happens to your business assets if you die—and how to safeguard your family

• 31:55 - The yearly task that prevents chaos, conflict, and heartbreak for your loved ones

Resources Mentioned:

Grab Colleen's Starter Kit: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/Qz7o8FR/legacykit

Get the NOK Box Checklist: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/FytX8TJ/NOKBox

Connect with Colleen: www.centuryplantbusinessservices.com

cwatson@centuryplantbusinessservices.com

calendly.com/centuryplant

What if planning your year could feel motivating, expansive, and actually fun? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I'm preparing for 2026—mindset, strategy, rhythm, and the behind-the-scenes reality of being a mom, therapist, and entrepreneur all at once. I share the rituals, tools, and questions I use every year to plan intentionally, avoid burnout, and build a business and life that actually feel good. From reviewing revenue to mapping out launches to honoring your real-life capacity, this is the episode that will flip planning on its head and make you excited for what's ahead.

This is my final solo episode of 2025, and I wanted it to be a powerful one. If planning usually stresses you out, let this episode be the mindset reset, the strategy spark, and the permission slip you've been needing.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 3:29 - The planning mistakes I made early on (and what finally changed everything)

• 7:11 - How motherhood, capacity, and seasons actually shape your business success

• 10:57 - The must-run financial reports that tell you exactly how to plan 2026

• 13:37 - My launch-timing breakdown for both B2B and B2C therapists

• 16:25 - The three mantras guiding my entire 2026 strategy

• 22:48 - The "12-Week Year" mindset shift that can radically collapse your timelines

• 25:02 - How sprints (not marathons) keep you focused, energized, and out of burnout

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Entrepreneurial Therapist. If this conversation helped you feel more grounded, inspired, or clear about your 2026 vision, it would mean the world if you subscribed and left a quick review. And a huge thank-you to our sponsors, Alma and Simple Practice, for supporting therapists in building sustainable, aligned, thriving practices.

If you want to go deeper, check out the full 2026 Planning Workshop—your year is waiting.

Resources Mentioned:

End of Year Planning workshop: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Calendar I Bought to Plan the End of the Year: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2P39G1W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

What do you do when life feels impossible… but your business still needs you?

In this episode, I'm getting honest about something most people never talk about publicly: how to scale your practice when life absolutely sucks. I'm sharing the real mindset shifts, identity work, and business decisions that have helped me keep going—even in seasons where motivation disappears, personal life feels chaotic, and showing up online feels inauthentic. If you've ever felt like you're putting on a mask just to keep your practice running, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

Together, we'll explore how to use the hardest seasons as catalysts for building a more sustainable business, why intense rest is sometimes the most productive strategy, and the surprising reason you may actually be more likely to hit your goals right now—not less. This heart-to-heart is meant to help you feel seen, supported, and grounded in the truth that your dreams are still possible, even when life is messy.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:55 - Why your hardest seasons can teach you how to structure a stronger business

• 6:47 - A surprising mindset shift that makes hitting your goals more likely

• 8:34 - How to reframe breakdowns, burnout, and life crises into fuel for growth

• 10:56 - Using your story to help others (when the time is right)

• 12:40 - The power of intense rest and why it feels so uncomfortable

• 14:54 - The "delusional" mindset entrepreneurs need to scale through anything

• 16:30 - Why community matters most when you're at your lowest

End of Year Planning Workshop is next week! For one powerful hour, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan my entire year as a multi-business owner and busy mama — and I'll guide you step-by-step through building your own plan, too. Don't miss this chance to start the new year with absolute clarity and direction.

Join here: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Resources Mentioned:

End of Year Planning Workshop: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Have you ever wondered how much easier content creation could feel if AI actually sounded like you? In this episode, I'm sitting down with social media strategist and AI expert Talisa Pina to break down the exact process for using AI to save time, spark ideas, and create content that still feels deeply human. We explore why so many creators feel overwhelmed by AI, how to overcome the fear of "doing it wrong," and the step-by-step method for training any AI tool to understand your voice, your niche, and your goals.

I also dig into the real questions that content creators and therapists have been asking: Where do I even start? How do I train AI using my reels? How do I prevent it from sounding robotic? And how do I use AI as a thought partner instead of a copy-paste shortcut? Whether you're burned out from endless content creation or curious about how AI could uplevel your strategy without sacrificing authenticity, this conversation is loaded with clarity, relief, and practical steps you can implement today.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 7:10 - How to turn your old Reels into a powerful AI training tool

• 8:47 - The truth about why your AI captions sound robotic

• 10:27 - How long it really takes to train AI (and what makes it quicker)

• 13:40 - ChatGPT vs. Claude: which platform wins for social content

• 16:56 - A single prompt that turns AI into your strategic thought partner

• 19:24 - The mistake most creators make when planning content with AI

• 22:01 - The biggest difference between creators who use AI… and those who don't

If this episode sparked ideas, gave you clarity, or made AI feel a little less intimidating, I'd love for you to hit subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this episode with another therapist or content creator who could use these tools right now.

Resources Mentioned:

Fill Your Caseload With Private Pay Clients & Build Your 6-Figure Private Practice: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator-sales-page

Connect with TalIsa: Socially-ez.com instagram.com/socially.ez