The Summer Slump (+ Your Cancellation Policy) [episode 95]

May 27

Listen to The Summer Slump (+ Your Cancellation Policy) [episode 95] on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choice

Does the “summer slump” in private practice stress you out?

If so, today’s episode is for YOU!

No, you don’t need to panic. Yes, cancellations can increase in the summer, and your inquiries might fluctuate a little.

But none of that means your practice is doomed (I promise)!

It’s totally possible to keep your caseload full and continue marketing yourself during the summer months. All of this matters now, more than ever!

In today's episode, I'm talking about the “summer slump” and your cancellation policy.

One of the biggest mistakes I see therapists making? Pulling back on visibility because they assume people “aren’t looking” for therapy in the summer.

The truth, though? People still need support during this time!

When other therapists slow down their marketing, it actually creates MORE opportunity for you to stand out!

Carrying a few extra clients during the summer months can help offset those inevitable cancellations. It can also help protect your revenue without burning yourself out.

Your cancellation policy should protect your income, your time, and your clients’ commitment to therapy. I have my own personal 24-hour cancellation policy, and I believe in giving clients one “grace pass.”

And yes, I know enforcing fees can feel a little scary. But you can totally do this in a way that feels neutral, professional, and supportive!

Most importantly? You do NOT have to fight the “summer slump” if you don’t want to.

Maybe this season is an opportunity for more spaciousness and more family time. Maybe you just want to go at a slower pace for a bit.

The beautiful thing is YOU get to decide what feels aligned for your business, and your life!

In this episode, The Summer Slump (+ Your Cancellation Policy), I cover:

Why the “summer slump” doesn’t have to hurt your practice
The importance of continuing to market yourself during slower seasons
How to offset cancellations
The importance of enforcing your fees + modeling boundaries
My personal 24-hour cancellation policy + grace pass approach
Another creative cancellation policy model therapists may want to try
How to clinically address frequent cancellations with clients
Balancing flexibility w/accountability during the summer months
Giving yourself permission to slow down if that’s what you truly want

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

Related Episodes:

Episode 53: Scripts for the Hard Conversations as a Therapist in Private Practice
Episode 64: How to Get More Therapy Intro Calls on Your Calendar
Episode 69: Building a Business You’re Actually Grateful For

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!