In this episode, Patrick Casale and Ariel Shumaker-Hammond, a couple's therapist and professional photographer, talk about the messiness, curiosity, and joy that often come with pursuing the many paths to creating fulfilling careers, especially as an ADHDer.
Ariel’s journey as a therapist, specialist in couples intensives, and professional photographer is a reminder of how rewarding it can be to honor non-linear career paths and the power of authentic connection.
Here are 3 key takeaways:
- Authentic Relationships are the Heart of Both Therapy and Business: Ariel built her thriving practice and photography business through genuine relationships, grounded in curiosity and shared values—not just traditional marketing. Your network can be your best referral source when you show up authentically.
- Neurodiversity Fuels Innovation, Not Instability: What may feel like a "meandering" or chaotic path can be a strength, especially for ADHDers and other neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Following passion, honoring limited energy, and not shaming yourself for pivoting are vital for sustainable business growth.
- Business Models Can—and Should—Evolve: Whether it’s moving into couples intensives for deeper, more effective therapy or blending therapeutic skills with creative talents like photography, you have permission to change things up, ditch "norms," and find what makes you and your clients thrive.
If you’re building a private practice or exploring creative expansions, remember to lead with your authentic self, stay curious, and value the relationships that make your work meaningful.
More about Ariel:
Ariel is originally from North Carolina. After living for almost a decade out West, she missed the soft air, warm greens, and changing seasons, and convinced her husband to move back with her to the mountains. Her pronouns are she/her/hers.
Ariel loves working with a variety of folx, but specializes in couples work, including healing from affairs, or those contemplating separation. She also has extensive training and experience working with infertility challenges, reproductive trauma, perinatal mood and anxiety issues, and people going through major life transitions.
Ariel’s work is largely shaped through an anti-racist/anti-oppression lens, and this often factors into sessions. She is comfortable with and experienced in working with BIPOC (Black Indigenous, People of Color)/people of the global majority, LGBTQI folx, and folx of any gender expression. She continues to work on her own anti-racist and decolonizing journey. She also uses humor, when appropriate, and is never afraid to cry with a client.
Ariel is also a professional photographer, specializing in a documentary style for families, newborn/early childhood, retreats, and headshots/business. For photography & counseling, she offers equity-based spots.
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✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
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Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
