Getting Sh*t Done: The Rewards of Resourcefulness
What if trying something new didn’t have to be so intimidating? Would you start today? In this episode, Kelley talks with Kaitlyn Kenealy and Elizabeth Nelson about the power of diving in – to writing that book, to starting that business, to building that following – regardless of how unprepared or unqualified you think you are. The incredibly relatable content this episode presents is sure to leave listeners with a renewed confidence that says: “I might not know right now, but I will figure it out.”
In my most recent episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, I sit down with the hosts of Tea Time With the Psychos Podcast, the most fun supervisor/supervisee duo, Kaitlyn Kenealy, MA LPC and Elizabeth Nelson, LPC-IT. This week, we’re talking about how to create a blueprint for your career as a therapist. We shine light on what it takes for therapists to develop a strong, mutually beneficial supervisor/supervisee relationship, then we dive into the challenges of writing your first book and how launching a podcast unexpectedly benefited their private therapy practice.
These two are insanely fun and insightful, dropping nothing but gems of wisdom throughout the entire episode. If you want to become a publicity pro like Kaitlyn and Liz and watch your private practice grow, tune in and learn how!
Winner of numerous awards, including Top Psychotherapist 2023, Kaitlyn Kenealy is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds degrees in History and Women’s Studies, Gender and Women’s Studies, and Counseling (Community and Mental Health). As a psychotherapist, she specializes in trauma and PTSD, domestic violence, sexual abuse, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem. Her podcast, Tea Time with the Psychos, aims to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Kaitlyn has also written her first book titled, “Healing is Messy AF” which won the Canadian Book Club Award. You can follow Kaitlyn on Instagram at @kaitlynkenealy or email her at kenealycounseling@gmail.com. Check out Kaitlyn’s book here: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Messy-AF-Investing-Addressing/dp/B09WQ4SJ34
Elizabeth Nelson is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training and received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from Lakeland University. She recently served as the Executive Director of NAMI- Fond du lac and now is a full-time clinician at Kenealy Counseling. Elizabeth is also the co-host of the podcast Tea Time with the Psychos and provides mental health presentations and resources throughout the community. You can email Elizabeth at elizabethnelson.fdl@gmail.com.
You can follow Kaitlyn and Elizabeth’s podcast on Instagram at @teatimewiththepsychos.
Getting Sh*t Done in Private Practice: Building, Growing & Marketing with Confidence
Launching and growing a private therapy practice takes grit, strategy, and a whole lot of creativity. In a recent episode of the Private Practice Pro podcast, licensed professional counselor Caitlin Connelly and her colleague Elizabeth Nelson offered a raw, honest, and inspiring look at how they've navigated their journey. From opening a practice during a pandemic to launching a podcast and publishing a book, these therapists are redefining what it means to grow your private practice and have fun doing it.
From Pandemic to Progress: Starting a Private Practice
Caitlin didn’t plan to start her solo therapy practice during a pandemic, but in hindsight, it was the best decision she ever made. Launching a private practice during uncertain times can be overwhelming, yet it also presents an opportunity to create a flexible, value-aligned business. For Caitlin, that meant opening Connelly Counseling in Wisconsin, offering therapy on her terms.
Starting a private practice often feels daunting. You might find yourself Googling “how to start a private therapy practice” late at night, wondering where to begin. Caitlin and Liz’s advice? Start where you are. “It wasn’t how I planned it to go,” Caitlin admits. “But it worked.” Whether you’re still in the exploration phase like Liz or fully stepping into your role as a private practice therapist, embracing uncertainty is key.
The Power of Supervision and Collaboration
One of the episode’s highlights is the dynamic between Caitlin and Liz, a supervisor-supervisee relationship grounded in mutual respect, mentorship, and growth. Liz joined Caitlin’s practice early in her career, and their work together is a reminder that building a private practice doesn’t have to be a solo mission.
In states like Wisconsin, early-career clinicians often work under supervision while earning licensure. Caitlin emphasized the importance of offering room to explore: “In private practice, you get to figure out your niche... Agencies don’t offer that kind of flexibility.”
That space to grow is invaluable, especially when you’re refining your focus, choosing between teen therapy, group therapy practice, or working with families. Whether you’re hiring an associate or launching your group therapy practice, building strong internal relationships is just as crucial as connecting with clients.
Therapy Is a Business: Embrace the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Therapists are often trained clinically but not taught how to run a business. Caitlin and Liz’s story reveals how therapists can step confidently into the role of business owner, using tools and community to bridge the gap. They didn’t wait to perfect their systems; they just started.
From deciding on sliding scale therapy fees to managing administrative tasks like shredding paperwork (yes, really!), every small decision shapes the foundation of your therapy practice. It’s not just about seeing clients; it’s also about operations, growth, and creating a practice that fits your life.
One standout piece of advice? Tap into your natural strengths. Caitlin excels at vision and research, while Liz handles tech and structure. Together, they make a team. If you’re a solo practitioner, that might mean hiring a virtual assistant or outsourcing marketing.
Building Community Through Podcasting
Let’s be honest, marketing for therapists can feel awkward. Traditional strategies don’t always align with our values. But Caitlin and Liz found a powerful solution: podcasting. Their show, Tea Time with the Psychos, began as a way to process their experiences, share insights, and connect with their community.
“I didn’t even listen to podcasts,” Caitlin laughs. “But people started reaching out because they liked my style, and they were already bought in.” That’s the magic of online marketing for therapists. Whether it’s a podcast, Instagram, or blogging, sharing your authentic voice helps you attract clients who align with your approach.
Podcasting has helped Caitlin’s cash-pay therapy practice grow organically. Listeners already understand her tone, values, and personality, which builds trust before a first session ever begins. She even gives clients podcast episodes as homework, a creative way to extend the therapeutic relationship beyond the office.
Publishing as a Private Practice Tool
As if running a practice and podcast weren’t enough, Caitlin also published a book: Healing is Messy. It’s part memoir, part workbook, and a powerful tool for her clients. “It was always in me,” she says. “I started and stopped 15 times.”
Many therapists dream of writing a book but feel overwhelmed by the publishing process. Caitlin’s approach? Start with your tree trunk, a visual metaphor where each chapter is a branch of the larger theme. She researched self-publishing agencies, ultimately choosing a Canadian company to broaden her reach. “I wanted to get my message beyond Wisconsin,” she explains.
Her book has also become a therapeutic resource. It offers clients a roadmap for healing and reinforces the work they’re doing in sessions. Whether you’re writing your first blog post or thinking about a full-length book, content creation can be an incredibly effective marketing guide for therapists.
Lessons in Leadership and Letting Go
Being a therapist is one thing; being a leader is another. Caitlin is clear: “I love leading, but I don’t want my team to feel like I’m the boss.” That ethos creates a collaborative, empowering environment. Liz, in turn, values her role in offering practical support.
Whether it’s shredding paperwork, handling emails, or creating a vision board, Caitlin and Liz show that private practice tools for therapists aren’t just about software or scheduling; they’re also about relationships, roles, and resilience.
Navigating differences has made their practice stronger. “It hasn’t been easy,” Caitlin admits. “But we always come back to the table.” Their story is a testament to the power of communication, humility, and trusting the process.
A Therapist-Approved Marketing Strategy: Just Start
The biggest takeaway from their story? Just start. Whether you’re working on marketing your private therapy practice, trying to offer out-of-network therapy, or exploring private pay therapy, waiting for perfection will only slow you down.
Their first podcast episode had “horrific” audio. Their first logo was bought on Etsy. Their first office wasn’t fancy. And none of it mattered. They showed up, did the work, and figured it out along the way.
This same approach applies to everything from writing SOAP notes to creating therapist-approved marketing strategies. Your progress doesn’t have to be polished; it just has to be consistent.
Final Thoughts: Build a Practice That Works for You
Whether you’re new to the field or decades into your career, the path to building a private practice that fits your life is a journey worth taking. Caitlin and Liz show us that you can lead with heart, mess up along the way, and still make magic happen.
If you’re wondering where to begin, start by clarifying your values, using tools that support your workflow, and finding ways to connect authentically with your audience. Whether it’s holiday planning in private practice, setting therapy fees, or choosing your private practice roadmap, trust yourself to take the first step.
And remember: progress doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours.