Overcoming Setbacks: Choosing a Career Path that Works for You!
Success favors the bold! If you want proof, tune into this episode where host Kelley Stevens delves into the unique career trajectory of Justin Gillespie, a therapist, social media coach, and therapist consultant. Highlights include social media’s influence on Justin’s success, strategies for making long-term plans a reality, and his role in helping other therapists level up their businesses. If you need some inspiration to propel your therapy practice to new heights, be sure to tune in!
Roadblocks got you down? Get ready for some inspiration! In this episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, I bring you a true trailblazer who has defied setbacks and carved out an extraordinary career path for himself. Join me as I dive into the inspiring story of Justin Gillespie, a successful therapist, social media coach, and private practice therapist consultant.
In 2022, Justin faced the disappointment of getting fired while attempting to establish himself as a content creator and private practice therapist. But instead of letting it crush his spirit, he decided to take a leap of faith and create his own brand. And guess what? It paid off big time! Within just one year, Justin’s humorous and refreshingly honest TikTok videos racked up an astonishing 20 million views and generated over 200 therapy inquiries!
Tune in to hear all the juicy details about Justin’s journey, including how he has leveraged social media to reshape his career and attract real-world clients. We discuss the importance of starting small to grow your business steadily over time and spill secrets for transforming long-term plans into reality. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience and the impact of embracing your unique potential.
I had gotten fired in 2022 while trying to build myself further as a content creator and private therapist and was not ready to go into business for myself full time. I decided to swim and hope I did not sink which brought me 20 million TikTok views over the last year and over 200 therapy inquiries.
Website: www.thrivingenhancedservices.com/socialmediacoaching
Instagram: @justingillespielmsw
Email: justingillespiemsw@gmail.com
How One Therapist Used Authenticity and Strategy to Grow a Private Practice
Starting a private therapy practice can feel overwhelming, especially after facing rejection or career setbacks. But for Justin Gillespie, being fired turned out to be the moment that sparked a major career breakthrough. His story is a real-life example of how therapists can build a private therapy practice using creativity, strategy, and confidence.
If you are planning to start your private practice or shift from agency work to something more sustainable and values-driven, Justin’s journey offers encouragement. Whether you are launching a solo therapy practice, exploring a group therapy practice model, or growing a cash-pay therapy practice, his experience highlights what is possible with intention and commitment.
How Getting Fired Led to Building a Private Practice
Justin was working at a faith-based organization when he was unexpectedly let go. Though the reason was unclear, he suspected his growing online presence may have caused discomfort for the agency. Instead of allowing this moment to hold him back, he took it as a signal to focus on growing his private practice.
Shortly after, he joined a group therapy practice that offered flexibility and structure without limiting his goals. They did not require a non-compete agreement and handled key administrative tasks like credentialing, insurance billing, and office space. This allowed Justin to focus on growing his caseload while continuing to build his personal brand.
Marketing for Therapists Starts with Authenticity
One major reason Justin’s practice grew quickly is that he created relatable and engaging content. He used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to speak openly about ADHD and mental health. His videos reflected his personality and connected with people in a real way.
This kind of marketing for therapist visibility goes beyond graphics or quotes. He positioned himself as a therapist who understands his clients because he shares similar experiences. For therapists wondering how to start a private therapy practice, this is a powerful reminder that your voice matters.
If you want to grow your therapy practice, content that reflects who you are is key. Justin’s example shows that success in teen therapy, ADHD therapy, or any niche begins with being approachable and honest. People want to work with someone who feels human, not someone hiding behind jargon.
Growing a Cash-Pay Therapy Practice with Purpose
As Justin’s visibility increased, so did his client inquiries. At one point, a viral video led to over 50 potential clients reaching out in a single weekend. He converted about half of those inquiries into active clients. That growth came not just from content but also from having the right systems in place.
He reinvested early income from live workshops and exam prep classes back into his business. This supported expenses like therapy office setup, marketing tools, and insurance credentialing. For therapists building private practice infrastructure, this approach helps keep long-term goals in focus.
Justin also kept accessibility in mind. By offering affordable exam workshops and exploring sliding scale therapy fees, he created multiple entry points for people to work with him. A successful therapy practice does not have to exclude people. With the right planning, it can serve both the therapist and the community.
Online Marketing for Therapists Is Easier with Focus
Therapists often feel overwhelmed by the idea of marketing. Justin’s strategy was to focus on one platform at a time. He chose TikTok because it matched his personality and helped him reach the ADHD community. He experimented with videos that felt real and funny while still being clinically informed.
He did not rely on luck. Instead, he tested different styles and tracked what resonated. This is one of the most therapist-approved marketing strategies for people trying to grow their own visibility. Online marketing for therapists does not require perfection. It just requires consistency and heart.
If you are stuck thinking of marketing ideas for therapists, consider what you wish you had seen when you were struggling. Make that. Share your tools, offer tips, and speak to the people you want to help. The more genuine you are, the more people will connect.
Balancing Vision and Systems in Private Practice
Justin made a bold decision to treat his private practice like a long-term investment. He decided not to pay himself for the first three years and instead focused on reinvesting in private practice tools for therapists. These included electronic health record systems, content equipment, and coaching support.
He also created a roadmap for expansion. While he started with a solo therapy practice, his goal is to open offices across several states. He envisions a full-service model that includes therapists, doctors, and digital support for ADHD clients. This combination of dream-building and practical planning is what makes a therapy practice sustainable.
Whether you are planning a group therapy practice or staying small, setting clear goals helps avoid burnout. Justin’s decision to start with a strong foundation allowed him to shift from working for others to building something that reflects his values.
Encouragement for Therapists Starting Out
The journey to private practice is not always smooth. But setbacks are not the end. They are often the start of something better. Justin’s story reminds us that success in private practice comes from taking action, staying flexible, and believing in your own path.
If you are starting a private therapy practice and unsure where to begin, consider joining a group practice that allows independence. Look for ones that avoid non-compete agreements and give you room to grow. Use marketing tools that feel right for you. Invest in your business with the same care you offer your clients.
The right tools for therapists, combined with a clear vision and consistent marketing, can lead to lasting success. Whether you focus on private pay therapy, offer sliding scale therapy fees, or go fully online, there is a model that fits you.
Final Thoughts
Your roadmap to private practice will be unique. You may start in a group, go solo later, or grow into a team. There is no single right way. But what matters most is showing up, using your strengths, and learning from every setback.
Therapists deserve careers that reflect their purpose. And with the right mindset, strategy, and support, your therapy practice can thrive.