I’m excited to welcome licensed mental health counselor Michelle Stiles to the podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about the reality of balancing a full-time job & starting a private practice. We also talk about the importance of niching down and learning how to market yourself with confidence.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that slow growth, brave decisions, and the right support can completely change your business (and your life)!

In this episode, we cover:

1. What it really looks like to balance a full-time job while slowly building a private practice
2. Michelle’s breaking point with burnout in community mental health
3. The “sink or swim” moment that led her to fully commit to private practice
4. Navigating the fear of quitting a “stable” job
5. Why Michelle chose to stop taking insurance and move fully to private pay
6. How niching down helped her market with more clarity & confidence
7. Using Instagram for both client acquisition and therapist referrals
8. How charging her worth led to working fewer hours + making more money
9. What Michelle’s life looks like now
10. Advice for therapists just getting started

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow on Instagram @panicandanxiety
2. Check out her website

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

1. This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
2. I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
3. Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
4. Reels Membership
5. Business Coaching Waitlist
6. Free training
7. Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram