Discovery Health

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Evolution Of A Private Practice

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This year marks my 10th year in private practice and I've spent a lot of time reflecting on and blogging about what's contributed to the growth and longevity of my practice. As I started creating a timeline chronicling the evolution of my practice, it became clear that the growth of my private practice coincides with my online presence building efforts. I don't think it's an accident that when I began actively seeking media interviews, blogging, and building my social networks that my practice experienced tremendous growth.
I challenge you to outline the evolution of your practice. What patterns do you notice about your practice growth? What wisdom can you share with colleagues about what has worked for you?

 

(c) Can Stock Photo

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Why Conventional Media Still Matters

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I spill my practice building media tips in new issue of TILT Magazine

One of my favorite therapists to follow on Twitter is DeeAnna Nagel, co-founder of the Online Therapy Institute. She and co-founder Kate Anthony are well-known online therapy innovators and experts. A few months ago I was delighted when DeAnna invited to submit a feature article for their November Issue of TILT Magazine (Therapeutic Innovations In Light Of Technology) on the benefits of conventional media for practice building. Regular media interviews fave been a big factor in the continued growth of my practice Wasatch Family Therapy during an economic downturn. Here's a snippet from the article...

Several weeks ago, as I was walking out of my therapy office, my receptionist motioned for me not to leave. She was on a phone call and whispered to me, “It’s the Dr. Phil Show asking for you.” Thinking she was joking, I rolled my eyes and turned to walk toward the door. She replied, “I’m not kidding!” I told her I’d take the call. After a few days of phone and email exchanges with Dr. Phil staff, I ended up not being selected to appear as an expert on that particular episode, but the show booker said they would keep me in mind for future shows. Whether you’re a fan or Dr. Phil or not, it’s still amazing to me that a private therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah is on the radar of a national TV show.

Upon becoming a licensed therapist, my initial plans for starting and growing my practice did not include appearing on local or national television in the USA (Discovery Health, TLC, Fox News Channel), or being regularly quoted in national publications like The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Parenting, or Women’s Health as an “expert”. However, I made a few key decisions in that first month of practice that helped me get to the point where I felt that conventional media would make a significant difference in growing a thriving practice that is reputable, effective, and trustworthy.

For therapists or any business owners who want tips on how to landing conventional media interviews and maximize your media exposure to build your practice read the entire article"Why Conventional Media Still Matters: Insights For Growing Your Practice" on pg. 22.

Why Conventional Media Still Matters

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Lights. Camera. Therapy! National TV Debut Tonight

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I let a camera crew film two therapy sessions for the TV series "Secretly Pregnant" airing tonight at 10:00 PM ET/8:00 PM MT on Discovery Fit & Health. While I have a lot of TV experience I've never been this nervous about it. I think it's because I have NO idea how the therapy sessions will be edited and I don't know how much of the sessions will actually be included in the episode. Oh, and this is national TV, not local TV.

How did I get on national TV?

One word: Google. Several months ago I got a call from a NY based casting company who had found my practice information online, saw that I had TV experience, and that I specialized in working with women's emotional health and relationships. They asked if I’d be willing to do some pro bono therapy on camera with a Salt Lake City woman for a women’s health documentary show about women who are hiding their pregnancies. I agreed and the next day a producer, crew, and new client “Jen” came to Wasatch Family Therapy to film the first of 2 sessions for the show.

Sneak peak behind the scenes

Here's a peek behind the scenes with the crew "invading" my therapy office to set up lights and cameras before a session.

Mixed emotions

The therapist part of me is having a hard time thinking about the rich emotional experiences of two therapy session that will not be included in tonight's episode. The vain part of me hopes I look OK on camera. The entrepreneur in me is thrilled about the national exposure for my therapy clinic. The social worker/therapist in me loves that I had the opportunity to do pro bono work and help an amazing woman navigate an extremely difficult time in her life, and that her story will inspire other women who've suffered the loss of an infant to reach out for support.

Would you let a camera crew film one of your therapy session? Surprisingly, after a while I forgot that the crew was even there and I was really able to tune in to and connect with “Jen."

More about "Jen's" touching story

After delivering a stillborn baby nine months ago, Jen now finds herself pregnant again and scheduled to deliver on the anniversary of her baby's death. Feeling alone with no friends to support her during her loss, she fears going through loss again. (health.discovery.com)

Still therapy even with cameras

Luckily, from the moment I met "Jen," we clicked, and were able to develop a rapport and quickly get to the heart of her pain. Working with "Jen" was a professional highlight for me and reminded me why I love being a therapist. To be allowed in to the most tender parts of a client's heart and the most difficult times in client's life is an honor.

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