Therapist HQ copertina

Therapist HQ

Therapist HQ

Di: Alicia Murray
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A proposito di questo titolo

 Your weekly private practice pep talk hosted by Alicia Murray, LMHC, owner of a virtual group therapy practice and a consulting firm for therapists starting or growing their private practice. During your weekly private practice pep talk, we'll normalize struggles as a therapist and business owner, have some laughs along the way, and continue to create and grow our private practice in a way that is sustainable and profitable.Alicia Murray Economia Gestione e leadership Leadership
Episodi
  • What I wish I knew before my branding photos

    What I wish I knew before my branding photos
    Apr 23 2026
    Feeling stuck or unsure about investing in branding photos? You’re not alone. This episode unpacks my raw journey—from beginner struggles with iPhone shots to stepping into professional branding portraits—and the lessons I wish I’d known from day one.If you're contemplating your own photoshoot, listen close—because this could be the game-changer you need to elevate your brand and connect authentically with your audience. In this episode:The importance of branding photos for your online presence and brand recognitionMy personal journey: from iPhone snaps on my porch to professional photoshootsHow to plan your branding photo session step-by-step—location, wardrobe, props, and shot listWhy personality and authenticity shine through in your photos and attract clientsPractical tips for sourcing a photographer—finding someone aligned with your style and vibeThe critical role of lighting, editing styles, and location in achieving cohesive imagesCreative prop ideas tailored for virtual therapists and private practice ownersWhen to refresh your branding photos and how to assess if it’s time to updateBudget-friendly options: DIY tips and how to make the most of limited resourcesThe power of Pinterest boards for communicating your vision to your photographerResources & Links:Pinterest — Create your inspiration board for your shootMentaya — Benefits checker for private practicePrivate Practice Launch Kit — Get started with your practice branding and setupHQ Marketing Community — Ongoing support and marketing tools for private practicesConnect with Alicia:InstagramFacebookTimestamps:00:00 - Why branding photos are a vital investment for your private practice00:45 - My personal journey from iPhone images to professional branding shoots01:15 - Normalizing that you don’t need to start with perfect photos02:07 - The value of professional photos and when to invest in a photographer03:04 - How to make the most of your initial DIY branding photos03:32 - Lessons learned from my professional session and what I wish I knew earlier04:49 - Why having a folder of photos elevates your marketing game05:40 - The importance of photos that spark emotion and connection07:01 - Choosing a photographer: match your environment and vibe07:28 - Tips for finding someone with a personality and style that makes you comfortable08:22 - Consider their editing style and how it aligns with your brand09:14 - Location logistics: studio, office, or outdoor options10:14 - Wardrobe planning: outfits, colors, and brand alignment12:41 - Creating a Pinterest shot list for your photographer14:02 - Preparing for your shoot: hair, makeup, and props14:57 - The critical role of props—going beyond generic items15:24 - Unique props ideas for virtual therapists—office decorations, favorite mugs, books, and more16:18 - The importance of bringing accessories that resonate with your practice and personality17:15 - Budget-friendly tips: take your own photos or work with someone you love18:07 - Communicating your needs to your photographer—be specific and clear19:04 - How many photos are enough? Setting your minimum goals and use cases19:32 - When to refresh your branding photos—every 1-2 years or after big changes20:38 - Recognizing shifts in your look or practice that warrant new images21:05 - Additional offerings to support your practice growth and branding22:11 - Red flags in therapist profiles: Snapchat filters and unprofessional photos23:25 - The power of authentic personality showcased in professional photos24:12 - Modality overreach and transparency about fees—what clients truly value25:13 - Wrap-up: Resources for launching or growing your private practice26:04 - Stay connected and take your branding to the next levelRemember, your photos are your handshake—make them authentic, intentional, and a perfect reflection of YOU. Now go confidently plan your branding journey!
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    27 min
  • How I knew it was time to leave agency work

    How I knew it was time to leave agency work
    Apr 15 2026

    This episode is a bold, heartfelt reflection on knowing when to step out of the fear and into your own power—especially as a therapist torn between agency life and building your dream private practice. Alicia shares her raw story, struggles, fears, and ultimate leap of faith that might just inspire your next move.


    In today's episode:

    • The red flags and early signs you might be in the wrong agency job

    • How burnout and feeling unsafe in your environment signal it’s time to pivot

    • Alicia’s personal story from dream job at the VA to quitting while pregnant

    • How to recognize when your agency work drains your energy and vision

    • Practical steps for planning your exit without burning bridges

    • The importance of trusting your intuition and research when making big moves

    • Building your practice on the side as a safety net and motivation

    • Why keeping your “why” front and center fuels your courage

    • Resources to help you prepare and launch your private practice

    • A powerful Reddit thread on encouraging therapists to move forward


      Timestamps:

    00:16 - Welcome and today's honest talk about leaving agency work

    01:13 - My surgery and motherhood chaos—back to the topic

    02:11 - Who this episode is for: therapists feeling stuck in agency roles

    03:08 - My journey: from grad school to VA—what it really looked like

    04:01 - The red flags early in my VA job—red flags you might miss

    05:15 - Discovering I was unprepared and safety issues in the community role

    06:42 - Shadowing and realizing I was underqualified for community work

    08:31 - The political environment and how it eats up your soul

    09:45 - The burnout spiral—calling my best friend to admit I hate my job

    10:33 - Building my private practice alongside my agency role

    11:04 - The secret side hustle—quietly creating my future

    12:24 - How agency strife fueled my motivation to leave

    13:37 - The chaos of bureaucracy and how it stifles good clinicians

    14:04 - The reality: resilience and surviving tough agency environments

    15:00 - The toll of drained therapists and unused client benefits

    16:06 - Practical tools: Mentaya helps therapists reclaim their market value

    17:15 - The decision-moment: when I knew I had to leave

    18:23 - The pregnancy revelation—how life changed my plans

    19:23 - The frustration of working unsafe conditions while pregnant

    20:12 - Dropping the “I can’t do this anymore” bomb

    21:29 - Financial planning and making the leap manageable

    22:37 - Why I took a part-time job to ease the transition

    23:14 - Building my practice quickly—what it took

    24:39 - The fears: pensions, stability, and risk—yet I went for it

    25:08 - Burning bridges vs. keeping doors open and how I handled it

    26:24 - The courage and trust needed to leap into private practice

    27:45 - Starting early: plan, prepare, and don’t wait too long

    28:37 - Resources for launching and growing your private practice

    29:30 - Therapist in the Threads: an empowering Reddit story about moving on

    30:52 - Final encouragement: move your practice forward, no matter what

    31:51 - Thanks for listening—your next step starts now


    • Private Practice Launch Kit - everything you need to start your practice

      • The HQ Community - the support you need to grow your practice
      • Mentaya Benefits Checker - use code THERAPISTHQ at checkout



    • Connect with Alicia:

      • Instagram

      • Email

      If you're feeling that pull—trust it. Your future is waiting. Take the steps, plan wisely, believe in your power. You're not alone. Let's do this.
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    32 min
  • My Journey Through Burnout

    My Journey Through Burnout
    Apr 8 2026

    In today's episode, we're exploring the critical issue of burnout among therapists, highlighting my own personal experiences, structural challenges, and practical strategies to build sustainable practices.


    In this episode:

    • Therapist burnout and mental fatigue
    • Structural issues in private practice
    • Strategies for sustainable practice
    • Income diversification and financial stability
    • Self-care and boundary setting


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Burnout in Therapy

    02:50 A Personal Journey Through Burnout

    09:36 Structural Issues in Private Practice

    11:43 Building a Sustainable Practice

    17:43 Community Insights on Burnout


    Resources

    • ⁠⁠Mentaya⁠⁠ — Automate insurance billing and reimbursements

    • ⁠⁠Private Practice Launch Kit⁠⁠ — Build a financially sustainable practice

    • ⁠⁠Therapist HQ Community⁠⁠ — Supportive space for private practice growth



      Connect with Alicia:

    • ⁠⁠Instagram
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    19 min
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