SOBRE ESTE EPISÓDIO
How do you get the word out about your private practice in your local community organically, and in a way that shows you really care about your clients? Do you really need a Psychology Today profile? How can you build a space for creativity to flourish?
These are some of the questions that my guest today, Taylor, has asked herself throughout her journey so far in Canadian private practice. Upon discovering that the only thing she loved about journalism was people's stories, she pivoted to therapy and has never looked back.
In our conversation today, we discuss opening a private practice, creative marketing strategies, and ways in which to keep working with intention. Come and join!
MEET TAYLOR
Taylor Nelson is a Certified Play Therapist and Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work (MSW) who specializes in child and youth mental health. She is the owner of Family Tree Therapy in Belleville, Ontario, where her group practice focuses on expressive, play-based approaches for children, teens, and families. Taylor enjoys helping young people feel safe, seen, and supported as they build resilience and strengthen relationships.
Learn more about Taylor on her personal website, private practice website, Psychology Today, and Facebook profiles.
In this episode:
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How Taylor became a Registered Social Worker
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Why Taylor opened her own private practice
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Marketing the private practice
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Taylor's advice to listeners
How Taylor became a Registered Social Worker
Taylor studied journalism, but quickly realized that it wasn't for her. She discovered that the only part of journalism she really enjoyed was learning about people's stories, which led her into the therapy world, where that plays a large part.
While Taylor loved working in a clinical setting initially, it began to take a toll. Therefore, she pivoted and started working solo to continue serving her community on more of her own terms.
Why Taylor opened her own private practice
In 2023, Taylor opened up her private practice while she was still working in an agency to help make the transition a little easier financially.
She started her private practice by renting space to see her first clients one day a week, and she instantly knew that it was the best fit for her - to see clients as a practitioner.
Initially, Taylor kept her private practice as a solo practitioner. After a few years, she began hiring her first staff. Now, building a space where practitioners feel creative, filled up, and filled with possibility is one of Taylor's practice mottos, and the type of system she's designing for her clinicians and clients.
Marketing the private practice
While Taylor has maintained her network from when she was a solo practitioner into becoming a group practice owner, there are a few networking techniques that she uses to make sure her clinicians have clients coming in often:
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Dropping off print materials at various locations, such as pediatrician offices, schools, and local community centers
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Following up regularly with networking points of contact
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Making sure that they have their most up-to-date contact information
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Being clear with expectations for referrals
As the practice grows, Taylor is intentional about staying in touch with the practice's heart-centered approach to their work, and to make the practice a place where the practitioners can also rest, nest, and be creative.
Taylor also invests a lot in building community networks, so most of the practice's marketing comes from this community connection, which brings along warm referrals and word-of-mouth recommendations.
In a more fun marketing technique, Taylor's private practice has sponsored a local children's sports team, so the kids' jerseys will have the practice name!
Taylor's advice to listeners
There's longevity in this work. So many people are starting from the beginning, or are further down the road, but all of this work is needed, necessary, and you are part of it!
Connect with me:
Resources mentioned and useful links:
Sonya JF Barnett: Becoming a Private Practice Sex Therapist as a Second Career | EP 192
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Learn more about Taylor on her personal website, private practice website, Psychology Today, and Facebook profiles
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