Breaking the Unspoken Rules of Private Practice for Moms
This episode of The Therapist Mom Podcast is packed with honest insights and personal strategies for building a private therapy practice that truly fits your life as a mom. If you’ve been feeling boxed in by the “right way” to run a practice or you wonder how to create a sustainable business without sacrificing family time (or yourself), you’re in the right place. As a therapist, coach, and mom navigating both private practice and motherhood, I know how overwhelming and isolating it can feel to do things differently—but also how powerful it is to finally give yourself permission to break those rules that don’t serve you. Grab a cup of coffee (or cold tea, let’s be real!), and let’s talk through the unspoken norms keeping therapists stuck—and exactly how you can let them go.
Whether you’re brand new to private practice or wrestling with burnout after years in the field, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tools and the encouragement you need to create more freedom and sustainability in your work and your life. I’ll also share a bit of my own story about shifting priorities after becoming a mom and what finally letting go of these rules made possible for me, my practice, and my family.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
1. Reclaiming Your Schedule:
Discover how to redesign your hours around your life instead of always bending to client needs.
2. Online Therapy Legitimacy:
Learn why you don’t need a fancy office or in-person sessions to have a successful, thriving practice.
3. Setting Your Own Fees Without Guilt:
Find out how to charge rates that support your family and future without feeling like you’re “bad” or unethical.
Episode Timestamps
00:00: Introduction & challenging hustle culture in private practice
02:30: The myth that “good therapists” must work evenings/weekends and why it leads to burnout
07:12: Dismantling the pressure to see clients in-person and embracing online/virtual practice
11:51: Confronting the belief that charging high fees is unethical for therapists/moms
15:59: The freedom to say “no” to referrals that aren’t a fit, and why it’s essential for your sustainability
18:15: Recap of the four unspoken rules and how breaking them creates a practice on your terms
20:07: How to get your Ideal Practice Blueprint and connect in the community
Top Takeaways on Breaking the Unspoken Rules for Therapist Moms
1. You Don’t Have to Center Your Practice Around Your Clients’ Schedules
Let’s break this down: For too long, therapists (especially moms) have shaped their lives around client demands—picking up extra evenings, weekends, and constantly flexing their personal needs. I used to do the same before my first child was born, but once I had a baby, I realized just how precious and limited my energy and time had become. Shifting to a schedule that fits school runs, family dinners, and downtime didn’t make my practice suffer; it made it sustainable. Most clients will find a way to make your boundaries work—or they aren’t your clients, and that’s okay.
2. You Can Have a Successful Fully Online Practice
Here’s how you can start implementing this TODAY:
Step 1: Evaluate your true preference for in-person vs. online work. What’s actually best for you?
Step 2: Communicate your availability and online format clearly to prospective clients—don’t apologize.
Step 3: Use my free Comprehensive Connecting Scripts to network with virtual-friendly referral sources (grab it via the link below).
Remember, online therapy is not only legitimate; it increases accessibility for your clients and opens up more time/flexibility for you as a mom and a business owner.
3. You Are Allowed to Charge Fees That Support You
We all make mistakes, but let’s save you the headache. Here’s what NOT to do when setting your rates:
Mistake 1: Letting shame or judgment from colleagues dictate your financial choices.
Mistake 2: Believing you’re unethical for wanting income that supports your family, retirement, or time off.
Mistake 3: Ignoring your personal/family needs when calculating your rates.
Your fees reflect the sustainability of your work—not your worth or “goodness” as a therapist.
Join us for Therapist Mom Networking Meetup — a casual space to connect with other therapist moms, share what’s working in your practice, talk through challenges, and build real community. No pressure, no pitching — just support and connection. Register at https://www.raisedtoempower.com/networking
💻 This episode is sponsored by Jane, the all-in-one practice management software I use and love. Book your FREE Live Demo HERE and when you're ready to sign up use code ASHLEY1MO for a 1 month grace period
⭐️ Grab your FREE networking guide for therapists HERE
⭐️ Learn more about how I can help support you and your practice, and ways we can work together at www.raisedtoempower.com
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Ashley Comegys specializes in helping therapist moms build private practices that allow them the time freedom, flexibility and autonomy they need in their careers. Looking for support in either starting your practice, or looking to revamp your marketing and systems? Let’s chat— book your consultation here!
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Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for therapy, supervision, or legal advice.
