Private Practice Success Stories

Latest Episodes:

Building a Private Practice and a Publishing Company with Jennie Bjorem Mar 27, 2023

Show notes

Are you ready to begin your entrepreneurial journey?

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Jennie Bjorem to talk about her entrepreneurial journey. She shares her story about starting and growing her private practice, hiring and firing, starting programs and closing them, going from one location to two, and so much more. And she did this while starting her now wildly successful publishing company, Bjorem Speech Publications.

She never used to think of herself as an entrepreneur, but now she fully embraces that identity as a multi-business owner.

Jennie received her bachelor’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from Saint Louis University and graduated from Truman State University with her master’s degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders in May 1999. She is the owner of two clinics, Children’s Therapy Services in Overland Park, Kansas and Mission KansasJennie’s area of expertise is in early intervention birth through 5, parent education and childhood apraxia of speech.

Jennie is recognized for her advanced training and expertise in Childhood Apraxia of Speech by Apraxia Kids. Jennie travels the world speaking on the topic of CAS in her spare time. Jennie is the creator of the Bjorem Speech Sound Cues and the owner of Bjorem Speech Publications. She currently lives in the beautiful mountains of Colorado with her family.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

How she got started as a private practice owner
The payments she accepted when she got started
The importance of a growth mindset as a business owner
When she specialized in apraxia of speech and how it impacted her business
The process of expanding to multiple locations
How she started her publishing company
The importance of relationship building and communities
Leveraging other people’s expertise

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Jennie! I have been a fan of hers for years and learning about her journey is such a special treat. Remember, it’s okay to try new things and see what works! It’s also okay to stop doing the things that don’t work for you and focus on what does. If you don’t try new things, nothing will work!

If listening to this episode inspired you to start - or grow - your private practice the right way, please visit IndependentClinician.com to learn more about the Start and Grow Your Private Practice Programs.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn more about Bjorem Speech: https://bjoremspeech.teachable.com/

Subscribe to Jennie’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BjoremSpeech

Visit Jennie’s TpT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Bjorem-Speech

Follow Jennie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bjoremspeech/

Follow Jennie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bjoremspeech

Follow Jennie on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bjoremspeech

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

How to Break Free from Analysis Paralysis Mar 20, 2023

Show notes

Are you stuck in analysis paralysis when it comes to starting or growing your private practice?

Analysis paralysis is a very common thing for SLPs and OTs to experience, especially when it comes to doing things you haven’t done before, like private practice. There is a cost to staying stuck in indecision!

Whether it’s money or time, I want to help you navigate through it so that you can finally start the private practice you’ve been dreaming of.

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m sharing an excerpt from my new book The Path to Private Practice. I’m sharing one of the five secrets to successful private practitioners that I share in the book so that you can be successful in private practice too.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

Why perfectionism is a form of procrastination
What analysis paralysis is and why you can’t stay stuck
What successful private practitioners do when faced with roadblocks
What happens when you stay stuck when starting your private practice
Why action is the best way to help people as an SLP or OT

I hope you enjoy this excerpt from my book! Remember, if you’re stuck, you’re not helping others. Action is the best way to help people so don’t overthink it! You can reach your goals if you just take action.

It's here! The Path to Private Practice is available and ready to purchase. Please visit PrivatePracticeBook.com to learn more and order OR you can head directly to Amazon.com.

Thank you in advance for supporting me and this book!

Whether you want to start a private practice or grow your existing private practice, I can help you get the freedom, flexibility, fulfillment, and financial abundance that you deserve. Visit my website www.independentclinician.com to learn more.

Resources Mentioned:

Get your copy of The Path to Private Practice now

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

You're Not Too Young or Too Old: How to Start a Private Practice at Any Age Mar 13, 2023

Show notes

Worried that you’re too young or too new to the profession to start a private practice? Or are you worried that you’re too old and you missed the boat?

Today’s episode of Private Practice Success Stories is going to feature an excerpt from my new book, The Path to Private Practice. I will share the reality behind when you should start your private practice and what the current trend data shows.

This fear is something that I hear from SLPs and OTs all the time, so I knew I had to address this topic. The truth is, I know people of all ages and stages of life who have gone through with starting their private practice despite their hesitations. In fact, the age of people starting their private practices is skewing younger and younger.

People are taking control of their personal, professional, and financial lives no matter their ages and they are thriving.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

The best age to start a private practice
Common excuses people have for not starting their private practice
Case studies from private practice owners who started at different levels

As long as you have something to bring to the table, you can start a private practice! Who decides whether you're good enough to start a private practice? You do! You are qualified to be in private practice if you choose to be. If you’re considering private practice but don’t know if it’s right for you, then make sure to check out my book.

My book, The Path to Private Practice, is now available for pre-order! Head on over to PrivatePracticeBook.com to order your copy today.

Resources Mentioned:

Get your copy of the Path to Private Practice: https://privatepracticebook.com/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

Sneak Peek of Jena's Book, The Path to Private Practice Mar 06, 2023

Show notes

If you don’t already know, I have been teaching SLPs and OTs how to start and grow their own private practice since 2008. These 15 years of experience have taught me exactly what people need to know in order to start the private practice of their dreams. I knew I had to write a book so that I can share some of that with even more people.

So in today’s episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I’m sharing an excerpt from my new book, The Path to Private Practice. This is the book that I wish I had when I decided to start my own private practice.

I needed this book back when I was full of self-doubt, questions, and what-ifs. I was desperately wanting to learn more about how private practices worked, how others were doing it, and what my first step should be.

This book is a great read for people who are further along and may be experiencing some challenges, such as imposter syndrome or feeling guilty about charging for your services. In addition to practical tips, I also cover some mindset issues that you'll need to explore in order to be successful in private practice

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

Why I decided to write this book
Who this book is for
The introduction to this book
Why private practice is a great way to gain more control of your life
How this book will help you achieve your dreams of starting a private practice

I hope that hearing this introduction to The Path to Private Practice piqued your interest and that you're excited to read the rest of the book! It covers things like why SLPs and OTs are joining the private practice movement, the new way to start a private practice, the private practice success path, and the secrets of successful private practitioners.

To learn more and get your copy of my new book, The Path to Private Practice, please visit www.PrivatePracticeBook.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Check out The Path to Private Practice book

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

Creating a Private Practice That Supports Authenticity for Clinicians and Clients with Jordan Scholl Feb 27, 2023

Show notes

Are you feeling like you’re being held back in your current position?

Private practice may be the answer. In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Jordan Scholl to talk about how starting a private practice has allowed him to show up as his most authentic self and it helped his clients show up authentically as well.

Jordan Scholl (he/him) is a speech-language pathologist living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Jordan has spent his career as a speech therapist providing services to the adult population in rehabilitation hospitals, private practice, and research settings throughout Ontario. He is also a course lecturer and course designer for SLP programs in Quebec and Ontario and is a sought-after guest lecturer on topics of clinical anatomy/physiology, voice, and motor speech disorders.

Jordan opened his private practice so he could emphasize a holistic, functional, and individualized approach to working with his adult clients. He believes everyone has a right to communicate in a way that is authentic to who they are, and has originated the term “identity-affirming" to refer to a therapeutic perspective that adapts to the needs of each individual client. His primary areas of focus include voice and singing voice, gender-affirming care, and adult stuttering.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

Why Jordan decided to pursue private practice
How he embraces authenticity in his practice
The population he serves
How he works with his clients
The power of referrals
The difference that having a website makes
The rebrand Jordan has in mind for his private practice
The creativity that private practice allows you to embrace

I hope you enjoyed this interview with Jordan and that he inspired you to create an environment where you and your clients can thrive as well. He really embraces his creativity and runs a practice that allows him to serve his clients authentically and without limits, and it is thriving because of it.

If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Jordan’s website: https://torontoadultspeechclinic.com/

Follow Jordan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanschollslp/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

Balancing Motherhood and Running a Growing Private Practice with Amber Reese Feb 20, 2023

Show notes

Have you been thinking about starting a private practice and wondering how you can grow as a business owner and mom?

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Amber Reese, one of my Grow Your Private Practice students, to talk about how she did just that. She is not only a thriving private practice owner, but she is a mother as well and her practice gives her the freedom to be there for her family when they need her.

Amber Reese, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Texas licensed and an ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist with over 8 years of experience. She graduated with her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts from Louisiana Tech University.

Amber was born and raised in Louisiana but now considers herself a Texan after living in Texas for 8 years, thanks to her husband, Greg. Together they live in Spring, TX with their 5-year-old boy/girl twins. Amber is the owner of Bluebonnet Therapy Services, a private speech therapy practice in Tomball, TX, located in the North Houston area. She specializes in working with the birth-6 years population, speech sound disorders, and orofacial myofunctional disorders.

She is passionate about providing family-centered services that are fun, child-led, and play-based. Services are provided in her office, at daycares, preschools, and private schools in the community, and in homes. Amber also offers virtual parent coaching services and community training for parents, caregivers, and teachers.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

How Amber got started as an SLP
Why she decided to start a private practice
How networking helped grow her business
Why she decided to offer insurance
How relationships can impact your business
How the Grow program helped her with her business
Amber’s goals for this year

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Amber. She never thought about starting a private practice but decided to take a chance on herself and it’s worked out well for her. As a mom, being in control of your schedule is huge, and private practice allowed her to do that.

If you would like to know more about our Programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs - just like Amber - who want our help to start and grow their practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Amber’s website: https://www.bluebonnettxservices.com/

Follow Amber on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluebonnettherapyservices/

Follow Amber on Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/bluebonnettxservices

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

From Early Career Burnout to Private Practice Joy With Corinne Zmoos Feb 13, 2023

Show notes

Are you facing career burnout?

For many SLPs and OTs, this is all too common. In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Corinne Zmoos who experienced early career burnout. She was tired of the expectation that she should be an expert generalist at her job in early intervention and felt trapped.

She is very creative and started teaching music classes on the side and since the parents of the kids she worked with knew she was an SLP, they started asking for help. After joining the Start and Grow Your Private Practice programs, she now has a thriving private practice.

Corinne Zmoos, M.S. CCC-SLP is a musical speech language pathologist in Baltimore, MD. Her private practice, Crescendo Communication provides highly individualized, neurodiverse language and executive functioning therapy for toddlers and young children. She specializes in AAC, musical intervention, and Gestalt language processing.

As a neurodivergent individual herself, Corinne deeply understands how music lights up the brain for nontraditional learners and facilitates progress rooted in joy rather than compliance. This year, Corinne opened Messy Happy Music Lab to provide an inclusive space for the children of Baltimore to learn through music, process art, and sensory play

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

How she got started as an SLP
How she took on the identity of a business owner
Why word-of-mouth referrals are so powerful
The services she offers to her clients
Why she loves Gestalt language processing
How she sees genuine, authentic growth with her clients
How the Start and Grow programs helped her

I hope you enjoyed this conversation with Corinne. She is a breath of fresh air in the speech world and I love that she offers such creative and unique services to the clients that she serves. She went from being a burnt-out SLP to a successful private practice owner.

Whether you want to offer nontraditional services like Corinne, or if you still want to offer traditional services but outside of a traditional setting, private practice may be the solution to help you get what you need.

If you would like to know more about our programs and how we help support SLPs and OTs who want our help to start and grow their practices - just like we've helped Corrine, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit the Messy Happy Music Lab website: https://www.messyhappymusiclab.com/

Take the Music Theory and Gestalt Language Processing course: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/courses/Music-Theory-and-Gestalt-Language-Processing

Follow Corinne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/messyhappymusiclab/

Follow Crescendo Communication on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crescendo.communication/

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

From Stuck in a Non-Compete Clause to Steady Growth with Brittney Cotton Feb 06, 2023

Show notes

Are you looking for some serious inspiration about how starting a private practice can change your life? This episode is for you.

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Brittney Cotton, one of my Grow Your Private Practice students, to talk about her journey of bringing her dreams to life and running a successful private practice serving the clients she’s passionate about helping.

Brittney has been a practicing SLP for 13 years. She received her Bachelor's & Master's degrees from Alabama A&M University. Brittney has worked in public schools, home health, and outpatient private practice. She has always enjoyed the fun and flexibility of functional, client lead therapy in her client's natural environment.

Speak Wonders was founded to fill a need for in-home speech therapy services for Black and minority children in underserved communities. Their mission is to provide equitable therapeutic services to ALL people. They know firsthand how healthcare disparities affect people of color, and they aim to level the playing field as it relates to access and quality of services.

Brittney is driven by how life-changing therapy can be to children with disabilities, especially in the Black community. As a Black therapist, she takes pride in being the representation our field lacks. Educating, advocating for, and treating her community brings her joy and helps to fulfill our mission. Communication is essential, everyone deserves a voice, and we're here to help ALL people communicate effectively and Speak Wonders.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

How Brittney started seeing private clients
The non-compete clause Brittney dealt with
The process of applying to take Medicaid
How Brittney navigated payment issues
Making your first hire
The experience of working with school contracts
How she dealt with imposter syndrome
The importance of being resourceful as a business owner
The award she won because of her hard work
The benefits of getting licensed in multiple states
The possibilities available to you if you offer telehealth

If you want to be a business owner and have a private practice, you need to get comfortable with problem-solving your way through issues in order to get to the other side. Brittany is a perfect example of someone who is doing just that.

If you would like to know more about how we support SLPs and OTs in the Growth phase of the private practice journey just like we’ve supported Brittney, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Brittney’s website: https://speakwondersspeechtherapy.com/

Follow Brittney on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SpeakWondersSpeechTherapy

Follow Brittney on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF7ZPPcrrzQkB8Ts5BcfyDw

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

She Retired Early Then Grew Her Practice... and Her Income with Claudia Davisson Jan 30, 2023

Show notes

Have you always wanted to start a private practice but are worried it’s too late?

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Claudia Davisson who started her private practice after she retired! What started out as a way to supplement her retirement income has turned into a thriving private practice that earns her exponentially more money than she was making when she worked in the schools.

Her private practice is a mix of private pay clients, insurance, and multi-school contracts. She hires contractors to provide services. This is a true private practice success story of someone who went from a side hustle to a booming private practice owner.

Claudia started in the Start Your Private Practice program, and then she became a mentor for her students, where she is truly beloved. Claudia is also an alum of our Grow Your Private Practice program. It has been amazing to watch her progress, and I know you'll enjoy hearing her story and getting to know her in our paid programs.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

Why Claudia decided to start a private practice and go full time
How multiple contracts grew her business
The benefits of hiring virtual assistants and contractors
The power of changing habits when needed
Non-pushy marketing tips
Why you can’t give up
The potential and possibility for your private practice

I just love Claudia. She has such amazing energy and she wasn’t afraid to try something new. She’s a fantastic practitioner and an amazing mentor for the students in the Start Your Private Practice program. If you want to connect with her, make sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook and check out her website and TpT store.

To learn more about how we help SLPs and OTs grow their private practices, please visit www.IndependentClinician.com or watch our free training at https://www.startyourprivatepractice.com/webinar.

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Claudia’s website: https://www.allthingsspeechtherapy.com/

Follow Claudia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allthingsspeechtherapy/

Follow Claudia on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/allthingsspeechtherapy

Get the Private Practice Parent Guide: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Private-Practice-Parent-Guide-How-to-File-for-Out-Of-Network-Benefits-5931879

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/

From 1 Client on Friday to Full-Time Private Practice with Renee’ Rohan Jan 23, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of Private Practice Success Stories, I sat down with Renee’ Rohan to talk about how she started her private practice part-time and grew it to full-time. She shares how she learned to set herself apart and find success, even though there were other private practices in her area, because of the huge need in her community.

Renee’ was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama, and is proud to call Alabama her home. She received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University of Montgomery (AUM), and her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from the University of West Georgia in Carrollton, Georgia. Renee’ holds her Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC), which is a nationally recognized credential awarded by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA).

She has practiced as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) serving adults and children in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing facilities, inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics. Renee’ is certified in neuro-muscular electrical stimulation therapy for swallowing (NMES or E-Stim) through VitalStim and E-Swallow.

In Today's Episode, We Discuss:

Why Renee’ decided to start a private practice
The huge need for SLPs and OTs
How Renee’ got her first clients
How she marketed her private practice
The importance of relationships and connections
How Renee’ shifted her focus based on the market
The ebb and flow of business
How she transitioned to full-time
The work-life balance that Renee’ has with her private practice

If you’re struggling with your job even though you love what you do, Renee’ is a wonderful example of what’s possible. She’s happier now than she has ever been in her career and she gets to enjoy time with friends and family more now because she has the work-life balance that she deserves.

If you would like to learn more about Renee’, follow her on Facebook and check out her website.

To learn how we help SLPs and OTs start their private practices (just like Renee!) please watch this free webinar https://www.startyourprivatepractice.com/webinar

Resources Mentioned:

Visit Renee’s website: https://www.encouragingwordstx.com/

Follow Renee on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/encouragingwordstx/

Watch the free webinar https://www.startyourprivatepractice.com/webinar

Where We Can Connect:

Follow the Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/private-practice-success-stories/id1374716199

Follow Me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentclinician/

Follow Me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jena.castrocasbon/