The title of this article is one that is sure to provoke a strong reaction, and that’s my intention- to lovingly challenge you to look at what’s happening in your business and notice how it’s reflecting your mindset.

There is a quote in business that states, “how you do one thing is how you do everything”. Meaning that what’s happening in your business is a reflection of your beliefs, and if you look around at your life, finances, business, relationships, all of these will reflect back the beliefs you have about yourself, your business, and what you believe is possible.

So let’s go exploring and spend some time shining the light on common beliefs that healers and helpers may hold. If one or more of these resonates with you, just allow yourself to acknowledge and release the pattern that have held you back.

1. I don’t know enough

This is such a prevalent belief with healers and helpers. Yes, continuing to learn more and dive in deeper with learning the latest information to help your clients is essential to your professional growth, and it may be holding you back.

If this is your mindset you believe you need to know more or have more certifications or credentials to be of service. At the root of it is the belief that you are not enough, and your truth is you are more than enough. You have tremendous gifts and by hiding out and learning more you do a disservice to all of those people who are looking for help. Lovingly release the beliefs that you hold, such as when you learn more then you’ll help more people, network more, open your therapy business, market your business, etc.

You can replace this belief with a new mantra such as, “I acknowledge that I know more than most people about my modality and I can use my knowledge to be of service to others”.

2. I don’t deserve it

With the, “I don’t deserve it” mindset everyone else’s needs come first. Or you may find  you over deliver or overcompensate because you feel like it’s not enough. If that’s you, then you may have marginalized your needs, not only in your personal life, but in your business as well. This may show up as you are scheduling to accommodate your clients, rather than what would honor you or going over time with clients, or not creating time for yourself to work on your business building because you feel guilty taking time away from your family.

You can replace this belief with a new mantra such as, “I honor myself and my business by setting healthy boundaries respecting my time and my unique gifts”.

3. When I earn more then I’ll ______ (fill in the blank)

This is the mindset that keeps you stalled in repetitious patterns of doing the same thing and expecting different results. If this is your mindset, then your likely to be longing for change and you know it’s possible, yet you aren’t willing to commit to making the changes. Often fear is at the root of this and by delaying the opportunity to make changes until some future day keeps you in a place of feeling safe; although it may be uncomfortable to stay in the same place, it’s so much more uncomfortable to stretch beyond the current situation.

We see this with our clients who have weight and self-esteem issues; they desire the change and feel like they have to put aspects of their lives on hold until they reach their goal weight.

You can replace this belief with a new mantra such as, “I honor myself and my business by investing in me and my vision”.

4. My clients won’t pay for what I offer

Many extraordinarily gifted therapists have this belief. If this is you then you may believe that the economy will not support your practice, that people want to use their insurance and will not pay out of pocket, or that your community does not have the income to support your service.

Your mindset has created beliefs that you reinforce by looking around you for evidence to validate it. Yes, the economy has been shaken; yes, there are many people who prefer to use insurance; and yes, you may live in a community that is not financially viable for a fee-for-service practice- AND YES, you can create a 6- figure business that supports you by broadening you vision of what’s possible.

I’ll give you a hint…you can take your services beyond your community and you will find people who are willing to invest $1000’s in your services. Again, lovingly releasing these beliefs will allow an opportunity for new beliefs.

You can replace this belief with a new mantra such as, “I recognize and value my unique gifts and know there are others I can help, who will gladly pay me for my services”.

Here’s the imporant part of this process – to let go of old limiting beliefs, not only do you need to think differently, you need to act differently. If you desire to move into creating a successful thriving therapy business, you need to show up in a different way and act from the place of being a successful business owner.

So, choose three ways you will act differently to release your limiting beliefs- such as joining a networking group, ending your sessions on time, or investing in your business.

If you are in need on more specific ways you can create a business that honors you, as well as your clients you’ll want to join me for the upcoming Create A Business I Love 6-month Platinum Program where I’ll share with you the exact steps you can take to create thriving 6 figure therapy business!

Click here to learn more- www.businesssuccessfortherapists.com/platinum

I truly delight in summertime, all the play and frivolity of a slower pace that often comes with this time of year. However, I remember when I first began my art therapy business with children, it would be a wildly crazy spring, filled with back to back clients, then summer would hit, and my practice stalled.

At first I tried to reframe the experience as an opportunity to have time off and relax, since the school year was so faced paced. However, this reframe wasn’t going to help me pay my bills, and around mid August I’d become fearful.

I tracked the cycles of the number of clients I saw, and what months peaked, and what months were slow. In my second year in business I noticed the trends and I was able to put aside some extra savings for the slower summer months, with the hopes that during the fall things would pick back up.

I watched this cycle play out for several years and became so uncomfortable with the “feast and famine” cycles in my business. I began exploring other options to help me no longer ride the rollercoaster of fluctuating client appointments.

I knew in my heart there must be a better way, and that’s when I learned the most amazing and magical thing! I learned that clients were willing to invest (a substantial amount of time and money) and commit to a several month program. Here’s how I did it.

So if you are ready to move from a practice that has ebbs and flows to one that is consistent and supports you, then you’ll want to rethink how you currently offer your sessions.

If you see clients on a weekly basis, what happens to their therapeutic goals during holidays, summertime, or busy weeks, when they may cancel at the last minute? If your client is not fully committed you may suddenly hear that they need to take time off (especially during a difficult time during treatment).

However, you can develop programs to support your clients and help them to commit to sustainable changes, AND you can create ways to support your business (and yourself) all in alignment of being in service.

The gifts of creating programs for your clients are truly magical. You provide a greater level of support and commitment, and together you set clear goals you are working towards, and with that alchemy you’ll be amazed at how your clients will transform.

I remember the first time I offered a program, it was actually with a family that I adored working with, and they had been achieving some remarkable results in helping their children manage their meltdowns. However, I knew there was a missing piece. So I created a 3-month comprehensive program.  I actually saw the family less but provided more structure and tools, and as a result this family changed their whole system and both the parents and the children dramatically made changes in a VERY short period of time. Why? Because they had committed at a level financially, physically, and emotionally, more than they had done so in the past!

Here are the steps you can take to introduce a program into your practice as well:

1. Identify the core problems your clients are encountering
2. Be clear on the benefits they will get in working with you
3. Create a unique “signature system” that you can take your clients through during the program to help them move towards their desired outcomes
4. Set the program timeframe (3 months, 6 months)
5. Let all your current clients know this is a new program you are sharing and be clear on how it differs from current therapy (more support/specific strategies) and why it would benefit them

When you create programs you focus on the outcomes you and your clients are working towards, AND you will create consistency in your practice. Not only will you empower your clients and offer new opportunities to support them, you’ll create a business that supports you year round!

If you are in need of more specific ways you can create a business that honors you, as well as your clients you’ll want to join me for the upcoming Create A Business I Love Blueprint Secrets where I’ll share with you the steps you can take to create a thriving therapy business that supports you, as well as your clients!

Click here to learn more

Maybe you are looking for more tools to introduce into your practice to support your client’s growth?

Perhaps your curious about other modalities such as music, art, dance, and expressive arts and want to integrate these into your work, but you just haven’t had the time to learn more?

However, the daunting cost of attending a conference, taking time off from your work, and leaving your family just doesn’t fit into your schedule, or your budget this year.

Imagine attending a conference where you could have access to leading edge creative arts therapists practicing across the globe, without having to leave the comfort of your own home!

Welcome to the 1st annual International Creative Arts Therapies Teleconference
August 23-August 27th

www.icatconference.com

Want some support in growing your therapy practice? Join me for a complimentary 1 hour webinar part of the American Art Therapy Association Institute for Continuing Education-Tuesday, August 17, 2010 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM EDT

This workshop explores contemporary issues and current trends in developing a thriving business as an art therapist. The workshop will address how to create a successful business via the understanding of a target market and niche marketing. The Webinar also includes how to use our inherent creative problem solving skills as art therapists to identify obstacles and resources, and create professional success. When we have an understanding of our ideal client and their specific needs we can assess if our identified niche will be a match for that client’s needs. Now more than ever–there are tremendous opportunities to create programs and services directed at helping transform the lives of others while earning a healthy salary!

Register here: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/774918304
Continuing Education Credits – This live Webinar session will be converted to a CEC-Eligible online course by August 31, 2010 and be available on the American Art Therapy Association’s Institute for Continuing Education in Art Therapy (ICE/AT). The live session does not meet the CEC eligibility guidelines, but you can attend the live session for free, then if you want to attain the CEC, simply login to ICE/AT to acquire the CEC ($18 for Association Members, $25 for Non-Members).

When you are “stuck” in growing your business (and growing yourself) you are stuck in stories and beliefs that often keep you in a place of frustration, fear, overwhelm, and worry.

Drawing upon The Work you can begin to honestly explore feeling stuck, frustrated, scared, worried, overwhelmed, etc in your business and about your income. I invite you to explore this process yourself, for your personal growth, as well as your business.

I’ve taken the Judge- Your- Neighbor Worksheet created by Byron Katie (retrieved www.thework.com) and asked the questions in relationship to business and money.

Answer the questions honestly, allow yourself to feel and express your responses, without censorship or judgment.

1. How does your business (or money) anger, confuse, sadden, or disappoint you, and why? What is it about your business (or money) that you don’t like?

2. How do you want your business (or money) to change? What do you want from your business (or money)?

3. What is it that you business (or money) should or shouldn’t do? What advice could you offer your business (or money)?

4. What does your business (or money) need to do in order for you to be happy?

5. What do you think of your business (or money)?

6. What is it that you don’t want to experience from your business (or money) again?

Take the time and go through these questions and write out your responses. Do this initially asking questions about your business, then on a separate piece of paper respond to the questions about money. After you write out your uncensored responses there are four key questions you will need to ask.

What does it mean for you to stand in your power?

Stop and truly think about that. Are there certain things you are a stand for no matter what? Is there something that you are so deeply committed to that you have unwavering faith regardless of the circumstances?

Does it mean that you lovingly speak your truth, even if it’s not what others want to hear? Is it respecting yourself and your needs enough that you set boundaries with those you care about? Does it mean you’ll speak up and act when things are out of alignment with your integrity? Does it mean no matter what the outside circumstances are suggesting, internally you know this to be your truth?

Standing in my power for me means upholding the beliefs of what’s possible for myself and others, knowing we all embody resources to reach our divine potential. I also know when I’m out of alignment I am in other people’s business, these are times when I default into believing I can change something or someone, or I become responsive and reactive to other people or circumstances. It’s typically these red flags that warn me I’m not standing in my own power.

So how does standing in your own power impact your clients, as well as your therapy business? Want to help your clients and your business flourish by standing in your power.

When you hold your clients as powerful, you hold the potential of what’s possible for them. You create a safe space that allows for reflection, growth, and transformation. So how can you hold yourself as powerful, respect your boundaries, and model this to your clients. Here are some strategies to help you stand in your power.

1. Allow yourself and your clients be in the gap of the unknown-

It’s often when we are in a place of transition and uncertainty that there is a possibility for tremendous growth and transformation. By being in the discomfort of the unknown without a quick desire to react, fix, stuff, eat, or self-medicate/numb, you’ll create a space to explore new possibilities.

This also occurs in business, in the space where you are longing to create something new, and fearful of the unknown. In this transitional space allow yourself the opportunity to explore the possibilities in your business, even the ones that feel out of reach and daunting to you. It’s often these visions of your business that feel improbable, is where the greatest opportunity for growth exists.

When you stand in your power in the gap, in your own personal life, as a witness to your client’s struggles, as well as your own business goals, you allow evolution of what’s next along the journey, and often this shows up in ways beyond your imagination.

2. Be clear with your boundaries-

I believe that much of the struggle we encounter in our lives comes from our relationships. Typically, we desire someone to act or be a certain way, and when they do not, we struggle with how we perceive this to impact our lives. You can empower yourself, your clients, and your business with clear boundaries. This may mean setting respectful boundaries with those you love, providing clients with clear boundaries in regards to dual relationships or hours you see clients, or utilizing boundaries in your business by reinforcing no-show policies with clients.

When you stand in your power by asserting clear boundaries you model self-respect and positive communication. When you set boundaries in your business, you not only model this to your clients, you also respect and honor your business (which in essence is your time and commitment to helping others).  In addition, you’ll feel less stress because when a problem arises you’ll be able to address in an empowered way.

3. Community-

There have been numerous studies from Durkheim to Bowlby on the influence of social relationships on development, health, and wellbeing. When you connect with others you are impacted on the macro-social to psychobiological levels. Yet, often working in private practice there is a sense of isolation and perhaps a physical disconnect from other colleagues.

So how can you empower yourself by developing peer connection and support?  Look for where you can connect with other therapists and colleagues to receive peer supervision, network, or just blow off some steam. When you have social supports your work with your clients will feel more fulfilling. In turn, as you grow you therapy business you’ll have the feedback and insight from others, saving you time, money and headaches.

4. Grow, Learn, Explore, Play-

When you learn new information or experience something new often the by-product is a renewed sense of energy, excitement, and rejuvenation. We use parts of our bodies and brain in a different and novel way, stimulating new responses and allowing for new perceptions. It’s in the place of exploration, learning, and play, that we expand ourselves, often allowing for new insights and awareness.

How can you empower yourself by learning something new to help you personally grow in new directions? Are there interests you’d like to explore that will invigorate yourself, and help you to show up to work with your clients with renewed energy? What’s something new you can introduce to your clients to help them express themselves in a new way. Can you introduce a new modality to deepen your client’s awareness?

Your learning and exploring not only impact your and your client’s development, it also impacts your business. When you learn something new you feel a renewed energy in your business and you show up in a different, more empowered way. Of course, this is cyclical and impacts your clients and your personal life too!

If you are looking for community connection and to grow, learn, explore, and play, I invite you to join me and 10 other expert speakers at the 1st Annual International Creative Art Therapies Teleconference during the week of August 23-27, 2010.

Imagine attending a conference where you could have access to leading edge creative arts therapists practicing across the globe, without having to leave the comfort of your own home!

Over five days, you will learn from luminaries in the field of art therapies and expressive arts, new techniques and tools to revitalize your practice and bring new knowledge and energy to your clinical work.

The daunting cost of attending a conference, travel costs, taking time off from work, and leaving family often just doesn’t fit into our schedules or budgets. Here’s a way to access affordable, innovative learning through the ease of a teleconference!

You can view more details and register here: http://icatconference.com/

I know that many therapists I talk with have such keen clinical skills. They have invested countless hours and dollars on continuing education, personal therapy, and professional development. Every investment in your personal and professional growth is reflected in your work with your clients. As you expand your awareness of your own issues, and the latest trends and research in the field, you show up to work with your clients in a more empowered way.

Here’s an interesting discovery, one that you may want to explore yourself- the use of marketing to connect and empower your clients.

Okay, so you may think that marketing materials, such as your website copy and your brochures, are just marketing information. Rather dull, yet necessary, to hand-out to those who may be interested in your services.

Honestly, I too thought that way in the past. I know may other therapists who really don’t give much thought to their marketing copy.

Perhaps it feels incongruent, or you’re not that excited about writing, or you believe you’re not a good writer, or it’s not what ‘makes your heart sing”, or you’re afraid the grammar police will give you a citation!

Well, I want to share with you something transformative I discovered, and my Platinum client have also noticed the same thing too, that writing powerful copy for your marketing materials actually impacts your potential clients.

Yes, really!

There is something about reading a brochure or a website that speaks to you. Have you ever had that happen? I have a few newsletters I subscribe to and when I get the newsletters in my email box I feel like they are speaking to my soul. They get me, they understand me, they are speaking to me.  There is this exhale, like I’m among others who understand, and that’s such a comforting feeling.

Now imagine conveying that to your potential clients. You get them, you deeply understand them, they are not alone- how truly comforting.

Your clients are seeking that, and actually aren’t we all seeking that? Aren’t we all desiring to be deeply understood? So your writing is much more than writing. It truly is a beacon of light for your clients, letting them know you are there for them,  that you understand, and you’re there to help.

I want to share with you a few strategies that will help your write authentically, so your clients feel like you are writing to them. It’s a humbling and inspiring experience to have your clients and potential clients say to you, “I feel like you were writing to me” or  “finally I’ve found someone who really gets me”.

So here are some practical strategies to deeply connect with your clients through your writing:

1. Know your client- what they feel and think

Spend some time thinking about who they are, what they value, what they think and feel about the problem they are encountering, and how it is impacting their lives. You can use visualization or art marking process to deepen your awareness of your client’s needs.

2. Write that you understand their pain

Take a moment before you begin writing to focus on your client’s problem and the pain it has brought them and how it’s impacted their relationships. Feel what it would feel like to encounter these problems and allow this to resonate with you. When you write allow yourself to convey in your writing that you understand their pain and how it has impacted them.

3. Write how things can be different

You’ve witnessed the healing process and you know what’s possible for your clients when they release their pain and patterns that no longer serve them.  You’ve seen what’s possible from other client’s healing and from your own experiences. When you write your marketing materials come from a place of possibilities and hope. Write how things can be different based upon the changes you have witnessed. Remember to be respectful of your client’s confidentiality and not to write about specific clients.

4. Be of service

Your clients want to know you get them and you can help them too. When you come from a place of service it’s about helping them with their problems. When your write your marketing copy don’t forget to let your potential clients know what’s the next step they can take to start the change process. Be crystal clear and make it easy. Having a system in place will make this simple for you, as well as your clients.

When your clients feel this understood they show up differently to therapy sessions. Often you’ll see your clients make dramatic changes because they feel understood and respected.  So every time you write an article or post on your blog, think of your client and how you can be of service to them.

Try these tips in your writing and note your comments on the blog!

So your money mindset impacts your practice by keeping you stuck in making relatively the same amount each year, continuing to undervalue your services, and giving much too much to your clients. Also, if you have limiting money beliefs you’ll continue to work with managed care, spending your precious time and energy in completing paperwork and waiting in hold on the phone, and when you are finally reimbursed you see a faction of the income you deserve.

My big question for you is how can you ask your clients to see the value in the transformation you offer when you are not willing to uphold the value of your own services?

So here are some questions to help you shift your mindset around money and uncover the value you bring to your clients, so you can finally change what you are worth, and get it

1. If I were the highest paid expert in ___________(describe your niche here) what would my fees be?

This question offers you a pause to reflect on what it would be like to be an expert in your area of specialization and what you would charge. Start to look at others who are positioned as the highest paid professionals in your niche and explore what they are making. I’m guessing they don’t accept managed care and they don’t undervalue their services.

2. How do you respect your money and yourself?

What does your checking account look like, is it balanced, do you pay your bills on time, if you have credit cards do you pay over the minimum amount each month, do you put money aside and pay yourself each month? If you are not doing these things, then you are not honoring yourself and your relationship with money; and tisk-tisk if you offer a sliding scale or pro-bono services if you aren’t managing your own money first. It’s actually a rather passive co-dependent behavior if you are taking care of your client’s money needs while ignoring your own. So take a deeper look at how you are respecting money. Then take one action to respect and value your money, and when you clean up you money drama and start to respect money more will come to you.

3. Set your bold money goal by asking yourself, as the leader of my therapy business making $ _________ (insert money you desire to create) how do I handle this situation?

You can use this mantra when you are making business decisions, which includes your marketing, the clients you choose to work with, your response to managed care, practice building programs you invest in and how you mange your time, etc.

When you start to value your time and see yourself as the leader of a successful therapy practice this not only impacts your money mindset, it also influences your clients as well. You show up in a very different way, holding your client accountable and acknowledging the power of their decisions and commitment to change. Try these exercises and note your comments on the blog!

I spoke to two different therapists within 24-hours who were talking about feeling burned out. That’s a terrible feeling, and I know all of us who have worked with clients for any length of time have felt that way. It’s essential to nourish ourselves and re-charge our batteries, and I hope you are creating space in your life to do so.

I’m honoring my heart’s desire to travel, connect, and chill-out this summer. First, with a trip to Washington, DC where I’m being flown out by SCORE to be a part of a video they are creating (how cool is that), and then off to NY for 6 weeks “playcation”. I’ll be spending lots of time on the lake, taking some time to read, do art, hike, nap, be with family and friends while working with select practice building clients and my platinum group.

Sounds delicious, right? You may even want to eradicate me from your email box, angrily thinking, “Well that just works for you Laura”. Here’s the most joyous part of this, you can recreate what your practice looks like, so it honors you, and what you desire.

How?

Let’s break it down, so you too can start to see the possibilities. In the process you’ll get to engage both sides of your brain, working first with your creativity and intuition then with your logical linear thinking.

First, get very clear on what you desire, exactly what it looks like and feels like for you to be living in alignment doing your heart’s work being of service to others, AND how you are being of service to yourself.

Secondly, you need a step-by-step plan. This is where the logical and linear mind shows up to support you with a clear and concise plan of action to take. This is what will help you move from point A to point B and reach the goal you desire.

When I did this in my own therapy business it became crystal clear on what I needed to focus on to help me move toward the goal I desired. It also helped me get clear on what I was doing that was a waste of time, energy and money.

Here’s my question for you – Do you have your ‘how’?

Do you have a step-by-step plan in place with the clear actions you need to take to create the practice you truly desire?

Your Creative Practice Building Homework:

1. Create your ideal vision of your therapy business, what you are desiring to create. This is where you can invite your intuitive, creative, knowing side to come forward and play. Pull out the art supplies and collage materials, or write with your non-dominant hand, or wave your magic wand and wish, whatever gets your creative juices flowing…then allow space for you to witness what arises without judgment and censorship.
2. Create an action plan. Start by identifying what you desire to create, your outcome; then break it down into small steps to get there. First identify your clients; then develop your system on how you work with clients; then how you will connect with them; then how you will create a system to continue to follow-up with clients who are not quite ready; then create a plan on how to leverage your time, so more people will have access to the gifts you have and you’ll be of service to many more clients. When you break it down into smaller steps you’ll have a map for your business and you’ll see results quickly!

Ready to be handed all the information necessary to move into action quickly and create your step-by-step action plan? Then you are going to want to jump on this final opportunity to join the Fill My Practice NOW Bootcamp. This offer ENDS TONIGHT (after midnight poof, it’s gone), and you are not going to want to miss this value packed program!!

Sign up here! www.businesssuccessfortherapists.com/bootcamp

Imagine a potential client with a specific problem that’s impacting them. (I know you can image this clearly). They’ve had the problem for a while and it is impacting their life. They are feeling overwhelmed, and frustrated. They’ve been reading some books and visiting websites to learn more about their problem, and although they understand it better, they still continue to struggle. They feel isolated, disconnected, and they are not seeing any change from their efforts.

Then they decide to work with you in therapy, and they begin to feel validated and understood. With you as a witness they begin to discover aspects of themselves they had not seen or explored before. You have created a safe space for them to grow and they start to shift their thoughts and behaviors. From this sacred space they begin to make changes in their self-perception and as they honor themselves and let go of patterns, stories and behaviors that no longer serve them, they deepen their love of self and their relationships with others.  You are a witness to their journey because you held the space for transformation, exploration, self-expression, pain, and growth.

NOW imagine you are in private practice and you have a problem with growing your business that is impacting you. You’ve had this problem for a while and it’s impacting your self-esteem and confidence, as well as your potential to help others and create a consistent income for yourself. You are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. You’ve visited some websites and read some books on building your practice, and although you understand the problem better, you are still continuing to struggle. You feel isolated, disconnected, and you are not seeing change from your efforts.

Then you decide to invest in learning how to build your practice. You feel validated and understood as you learn and implement new information, you were unaware of. You are part of a community of like-minded people who are also interested in growing their practice, and you feel supported in this safe place, to try something new. From having a place of support, accountability and feedback you start to try new ideas in building your practice and you begin to shift your thoughts around building your business and talking about your services. You begin to let go of stories and beliefs around struggling in your practice and you start to implement new ideas and you feel an increasing self-confidence and mastery as you celebrate your progress with your “tribe” of peers who truly understand the importance of the healing work that you do. You are part of a transformative journey together and as a result of their support and feedback you’re experiencing a new level of awareness, energy, and excitement and you’re seeing results in your practice you haven’t experienced before.

Yes, our work in our therapy business often parallels the process of our client’s work. It’s about taking risks outside of our comfort zone, about seeing things in a new light, about awareness of what we desire and what’s not working, and about another bearing witness to our journey, and helping us to see areas where we are stuck (or unaware of), and how we can grow.

So what you may not realize in your journey to grow your practice, is that without support and encouragement you may continue to struggle just like the client who visits the websites and reads books but hasn’t yet committed to therapy.

However, you can take big leaps forward in your practice when you commit to learning new information AND you receive support and feedback. Whether it’s a tribe of like-minded peers, a mentor, or coach, you will be able to create transformations much more quickly when you do it with others.

Here are 5 things you can do to accelerate your therapy practice, keep you focused, and hold you accountable to make changes in your therapy practice.

1. Create a “reading club” with other therapists. Read the same book and implement the practices. Hold weekly meetings for support and accountability.
2. Brainstorm with other therapists. This can be a mastermind program where each therapist has an allotted time to explore new ideas and receives feedback from their colleagues. Make sure you set this up consistently, so there is on-going accountability.
3. Contact SCORE or other business mentoring programs and receive counseling on business practices. Having a perspective from someone outside of the therapy field will help you grow your business in new ways.
4. Join a practice building group. These are like-minded peers who have invested in a program and are ready to take action. You’ll be pulled forward by the successes of others and you will be held accountable to follow through on new practices.
5. Commit to 1:1 coaching. Yes, this may be the largest investment, and it’s also the fastest way to grow your practice, allowing you to quickly learn new information and implement new strategies.

Your Creative Practice Building Homework: Pick one and take action. Yes, I’m known for encouraging my practice building clients to commit to “imperfect action”. Waiting to do things perfectly leads to inactivity, and I’m sorry to say, you’re likely to stay in the same place hoping things will be different. So choose one from the list above and start to take imperfect action!

Are you ready for more support NOW? Learn step-by-step how to authentically Fill Your Practice NOW and receive support and feedback from your peers, as well as myself.  Read on…http://www.businesssuccessfortherapists.com/bootcamp/