[smart_track_player url=”http://traffic.libsyn.com/sellingthecouch/STC_Cathy_Berman_Edited.mp3″ title=”A Mid-Career Transition to Therapy” artist=”Melvin Varghese with Cathy Berman” ]
Overview
My guest is Cathy Berman, a private practitioner in Oakland, CA. She began her career as a nurse practitioner in the ob-gyn field. It was a natural transition for her to become a marriage and family therapist who specializes in pregnancy and postpartum issues. Join us for this real and open conversation about Cathy’s practice and her struggles along the journey.
What We’ll Learn
- A favorite quote that has guided Cathy: “Sometimes your only means of transportation is a leap of faith.”
- Similarities between trusting the process of therapy and starting a business: both require a leap of faith!
- “The bridge”
- Handling fears and getting support
- A pearl of wisdom? Keep a part-time job while starting your private practice
- Cathy’s former job at Planned Parenthood
- Finding a niche for private practice: following your true calling
- Visualizing the future
- The challenges in private practice:
- Balancing work and home
- Choosing online resources that are user-friendly
- Insurance issues
- Self-care and setting boundaries
- Hot Couch Round:
- A daily habit that contributes to Cathy’s success? Swimming or walking daily
- A favorite online resource? Postpartum Support International, Psychology Today, Office Ally, and the STC podcast
- A favorite business-related book? The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
- A tip to someone thinking of starting a private practice? Have a part-time job, consult with successful, positive therapists, get advice and referrals, and join your local therapist organization.
- What would you do if you were starting over with $500 and a laptop? “I would take other therapists out for lunch or coffee and pick their brains. Next, I would invest in great business cards that show my unique message.”
Resources Mentioned
Find out more about Cathy: Cathy Berman MFT
The Top 5 Regrets of the Dying by Bronnie Ware
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
More Resources On The STC Blog
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STC Resource Page: A growing list of tools, tips, and books to guide your private practice journey.
“Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business” Podcasting Workshop: As STC has grown, I also teach other helpers and healers how to use podcasting to grow their business and impact in the world. If you've been thinking about launching a podcast, please join us =).
Thank You for Listening
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