Exit Strategy: Planning for retirement from private practice

Thinking about a career change into therapy, but not sure where to start? In this episode of The Healthy Practice Podcast, we explore the realities of transitioning into a career in therapy, from navigating the financial challenges to making the most of your existing skills and experience. We also discuss the common challenges new therapists face, the importance of finding a supportive community and what it really takes to build a thriving private practice. Host Lisa O’Rorke is joined by John-Paul Davies, a psychotherapist, counsellor, coach and author of Finding a Balanced Connection. Drawing on his own experience of leaving an eight-year career as a project finance lawyer in London, John-Paul shares his insights and advice for those considering a career change into therapy.

In this episode, we are looking at our evolving relationship with smartphones and social media, discussing the psychological drivers behind device use, how tech dependency impacts our daily lives and relationships, and practical, mindful strategies to cultivate a healthier balance with technology. To break down this topic, our host Lisa is joined by psychotherapist Hilda Burke. Hilda  is an integrative psychotherapist, mental health commentator, and author of The Phone Addiction Workbook. She specializes in helping individuals and couples explore their relationship with technology and navigate the psychological impacts of device dependency.

In this episode, we’re looking to the future and exploring how to best plan for retirement when you run a private practice, and answer the most common financial questions self-employed people might have. To break down this topic, our host Lisa is joined by Pete Matthew. Pete is a financial planner, YouTuber, and host of Meaningful Money, one of the biggest personal finance podcasts in the UK. Find out more about Pete and the Meaningful Money Podcast here: https://meaningfulmoney.tv/mmpodcast/ For more information on WriteUpp: www.writeupp.com/

What does it really take to create a thriving private practice? In today’s episode, host Lisa O’Rorke and her guest Dr Rosie Gilderthorp discuss everything you need in your toolbox as you build and grow your therapy business; from essential policies to have in place, to setting your prices and finding your niche. Dr Rosie Gilderthorp is a Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Know Your Mind Consulting. She’s also a writer, podcast host, and the creator of the Psychology Business School, where she offers coaching, courses, and resources to help clinicians step away from burnout and build values-driven businesses. You can find out more about Rosie’s work on her website, and check out her podcast, The Business of Psychology. For more information on WriteUpp: www.writeupp.com/

Is there a place for AI in your therapy practice? In today’s episode, host Lisa O’Rorke and her guest Sarah D. Rees discuss the pros and cons of AI therapy, and where private practice owners can make use of AI tools to maximise their time. From cutting down administrative burnout with AI scribes, to navigating the ethical and psychological implications of AI companions, Lisa and Sarah explore what the AI boom means for the future of mental health care and how practitioners can stand out in an increasingly automated world. Sarah is a BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist, running her own private practice in Cheshire. She’s also a published author and podcast host, who offers coaching, courses and community on the platform, Therapists Corner. You can follow Sarah on Instagram and on her Substack, Therapists Corner. Explore WriteUpp’s AI Scribe tool here: https://www.writeupp.com/feature/ai-medical-scribe  For more information on WriteUpp: www.writeupp.com/

Welcome back to The Healthy Practice with your brand new host; Lisa O'Rorke. For our first episode of the season, we are sitting down with Dr. Marianne Trent, a clinical psychologist, author and host of the Psychology Actually podcast. We tackle a big question: where is the line between being approachable and oversharing with our clients? Dr Trent shares how she navigates self-disclosure and explains how to bring your authentic self into a session without letting things get leaky or uncontained. We also dive into handling therapy ruptures gracefully, spotting the early warning signs of clinical burnout and why it is completely okay to be friendly without being your clients friend. For more information on Dr. Marianne Trent head to: www.goodthinkingpsychology.co.uk/ For more information on WriteUpp: www.writeupp.com/ Check out the Tap to Pay service: www.writeupp.com/feature/writeupp-pay

In the final episode of our Wellbeing series, Ellie speaks to Dr. Nancy Bancroft about ways to protect yourself when working with trauma. Working with trauma is not without its risks. Many therapists and other professionals who deal with trauma are at risk of developing secondary trauma, and even vicarious trauma long-term. So how can we build methods of protection to keep us safe, whilst pursuing work we are proud of? Ellie and Nancy discuss how she works somatically with clients who have trauma, taking into account their body, physical health, and other elements that make up the whole person in the body. Nancy shares her approaches to trauma, rituals she relies on to help her through sessions, and how she has built a thriving support network for herself as she’s transitioned into independent practice. Dr Nancy Bancroft is a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years experience working therapeutically with psychological and emotional distress, within NHS, academic and private contexts. She currently runs her clinic The Body in the Mind and is a Specialist Member of The Psychology Co-Operative. You can find out more about Nancy and her work on Instagram and her website.

Do you find yourself saying ‘once I get past this hurdle, once I have this holiday, I’ll be happy’? Is happiness something to chase, or can we attain it in the everyday? In today’s episode, Ellie discusses approaches to happiness with Zoe Mallett. Zoe is a happiness consultant, psychologist and creator. From crafting emotive content for brands, to elevating business cultures for good, Zoe uses her playful character, science-backed insights and experience to create purpose-driven, highly-engaging content for global brands resulting in millions of views. Zoe shares her unique approach to cultivating happiness through mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and appreciating small moments of joy in her daily life. She also delves into the psychological aspects of happiness, the evolutionary roots of negativity bias, and practical strategies for managing screen time and stress. You can follow more of Zoe’s work on her website, Instagram and TikTok.

When was the last good night’s sleep you had? If we’re stressed or overworked, sleep is often the first thing that suffers. We all know sleep is integral to our wellbeing, so how can we improve it? Join Ellie as she speaks to sleep expert Dr Lindsay Browning about realistic approaches to improving your sleep habits and overall health. Dr Browning is a UK based chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, author and founder of Trouble Sleeping. Dr Browning shares insights on creating optimal sleep environments, strategies to reduce sleep anxiety, and breaks down common sleep myths - it’s not all about deep sleep! Key topics covered are: 03:06 Challenges in the Field of Sleep Therapy06:46 The Importance of Quality Sleep11:17 Understanding Sleep Stages15:32 Sleep and Aging17:34 Menopause and Sleep19:47 Creating Optimal Sleep Conditions26:09 Understanding the Impact of Irregular Sleep Patterns26:35 The Importance of a Consistent Sleep Routine31:39 Techniques to Combat Sleep Anxiety41:17 Workplace Strategies for Better Sleep45:33 Practical Tips for Self-Employed Practice Owners You can follow Dr Browning on social media @drbrowningsleep and on her website Trouble Sleeping.

Does talking therapy risk disembodying people? In this episode Ellie discusses the powerful connection between exercise and mental health with Kevin Braddock, Psychotherapist, Fitness Instructor, and Co-Founder of Soma Space. Soma Space is a not-for-profit organisation that combines strength training and exercise with mental health education. Kevin argues the value of creating a space that centres both movement and getting into the body, as well mental health education and psychotherapy. Essentially, treating people in the bodies they exist in. Ellie and Kevin also discuss the somatic and psychotherapeutic approaches used at Soma Space, Kevin’s personal journey from journalism to psychotherapy and fitness instruction, and give advice on how to embrace movement as a busy practice owner. You can find out more about Kevin and Soma Space on their website and Instagram.