The Reality of Balancing a Full-Time Job & Starting a Private Practice with Michelle Stiles [episode 76]
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I’m excited to welcome Michelle Stiles to the podcast!
Michelle Stiles, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor based in Syracuse, New York, offering virtual sessions across the state. She specializes in treating panic disorder, OCD, and anxiety, using evidence-based approaches like CBT and exposure therapy.
Michelle opened her private practice part-time in the middle of the pandemic and has since grown it into a thriving, full caseload practice.
Michelle is also a PPA alumna, and her story mirrors mine in SO many ways!
In today’s episode, we’re chatting about the reality of balancing a full-time job & starting a private practice.
While Michelle had a “safe” and stable job in community mental health, she was beyond burnt out. As she began taking on clients part-time, she truly looked forward to this work.
Not only that, but she realized this could totally become something sustainable and successful!
Michelle had plenty of fears that came with leaving her 9-to-5. Navigating finances and health insurance + making the bold decision to move fully into private pay were all terrifying.
Honestly though? ALL of these steps allowed her to raise her rates to $200 per session!
We also talk about the importance of niching down and learning how to market yourself with confidence. Michelle wasn’t used to showing up on Instagram (yep, it was pretty uncomfortable at first).
As a result? She's connected with ideal clients AND built genuine relationships with other therapists!
Today, Michelle is making more than she ever did in community mental health. She’s working fewer hours and creating a life with flexibility, freedom, and alignment!
This episode is a beautiful reminder that slow growth, brave decisions, and the right support can completely change your business (and your life)!
In this episode, The Reality of Balancing a Full-Time Job & Starting a Private Practice with Michelle Stiles, we cover:
What it really looks like to balance a full-time job while slowly building a private practice
Michelle’s breaking point with burnout in community mental health
The “sink or swim” moment that led her to fully commit to private practice
Navigating the fear of quitting a “stable” job
Why Michelle chose to stop taking insurance and move fully to private pay
How niching down helped her market with more clarity & confidence
Using Instagram for both client acquisition and therapist referrals
How charging her worth led to working fewer hours + making more money
What Michelle’s life looks like now
Advice for therapists just getting started
Resources & Links:
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide
Connect with Michelle:
Follow on Instagram @panicandanxiety
Check out her website
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!
