Doubling Her Income while Spending More Time with Her Kids with Play Therapist Abby Thomason [episode 42]

header graphic for Doubling Her Income while Spending More Time with Her Kids with Play Therapist Abby Thomason [episode 42]

Listen to Doubling Her Income while Spending More Time with Her Kids with Play Therapist Abby Thomason on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Youtube | Your player of choice


I’m excited to welcome Abby Thomason to the podcast today!

Abby is an early childhood play therapist and owner of her private practice, Early Emotions. She works with parents virtually and travels to schools and homes to provide play therapy to kids in the early years. She’s passionate about creating treatment that incorporates the entire family system, because we can't have strong child mental health without parent mental health.

Abby and I first connected when she joined Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA) in April 2024, and she’s also in Reels Membership. 

While she’s had ups and downs along the way, her journey to private practice is such an inspiring one! 

She stepped away from her career to be a stay-at-home mom, and fully focus on her family. 

But…she felt a pull to start her Instagram page during maternity leave, and share knowledge that would support her community. 

That page unexpectedly blossomed into a thriving business! Through lots of mindset work, strategy, and heart, Abby has built a private practice on HER own terms.

In today’s episode, Abby and I chat about what it was like doubling her income, while spending more time with her kids.

Yep, that’s right - she’s DOUBLED her income while spending more time at home with her two young daughters. Pretty incredible, right?!

Abby has been super intentional with her business and what matters to her. 

Not only does she offer affordable parent add-on sessions, she’s kept her boundaries strong, too. 

Abby enjoys showing up on Instagram and pouring out value there. She’s seen firsthand how it can be a powerful tool for connection AND lead to a full caseload!

Her growth has been gradual, but steady. She’s created a schedule that works for her and her family in this season of life, which is so freaking cool!

TBH - our society just isn’t set up for parents to thrive in their careers AND family life.

But…that doesn’t mean it’s not possible for you! 

You totally CAN create a full & profitable career in private practice, without sacrificing your family life. 

Abby’s story will leave you feeling empowered and ready to design a business that works for YOU. I know you’re going to love it!!

In this episode, Doubling Her Income while Spending More Time with Her Kids with Play Therapist Abby Thomason, we cover:

  • How Abby helps parents take more of an active role in their kids’ play therapy

  • Abby’s journey from social worker & play therapist to business owner

  • Why Abby’s private practice growth was intentionally a “slower” process

  • Shifting your focus from chasing likes & views to getting actual clients

  • What inspired Abby to join PPA in April 2024

  • Why Abby chose to offer mobile play therapy

  • Boundaries Abby has put in place with her work schedule

  • How Abby’s rates have shifted over time

  • How Abby’s current work schedule still honors her role as mom

  • Creating a full & thriving career without sacrificing your family life


Resources & Links:

⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA) 
⭐️ Reels Membership 
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist 
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide


Connect with Abby:



More about the Business of Therapy podcast:

Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”

Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist. 

Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more! 

Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice. 

These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.

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


Stay connected! 

Follow Business of Therapy on Instagram and Facebook

LEAVE A REVIEW + and SHARE this episode with someone who wants to effectively use Instagram to market themselves and scale their private practice.

Subscribe to The Business of Therapy Podcast

 
 
Previous
Previous

How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/Session [episode 43]

Next
Next

Should Therapists Share Political Content on Instagram (and How!) [episode 41]