Private Practice Elevation with Daniel Fava

In this conversation with Steve Bisson, you’ll learn all about mentorship - both giving and receiving - within private practice.  Steve discusses both his personal experience and the broader implications of mentorship in the professional development of therapists and mental health workers.  The episode delves into the core facets of finding and offering guidance in an often complex and challenging career path. Throughout the episode, we unpack the nuanced differences between mentorship and other forms of professional development tools such as business coaching, as well as the organic nature of establishing pivotal mentoring relationships.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity and trust in these relationships, illustrating how mentorship can significantly influence personal growth and career progression.  The episode is filled with anecdotes and strategic advice, inviting both new practitioners and experienced professionals to consider the impact of mentorship on their journey through the mental health field. Key Takeaways: Mentorship can be a pivotal factor in the personal and professional development of mental health professionals, often provided informally and based on mutual respect. The difference between business coaching and mentorship lies in the financial component and the structure; mentorship is often more organic and less goal-oriented. Seeking out mentors or becoming a mentor is an exercise in generosity, leveraging one's experience and knowledge to empower others. It's crucial to establish mentoring relationships that feel authentic and comfortable for true growth and learning. Mentorship extends beyond monetary value and is deeply rooted in the spirit of giving and leaving a legacy.

In this special episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Liz Fava, wife of host Daniel Fava, flips the tables around and interviews Daniel. If you’ve listened to this podcast for some time, you’ve likely gotten a small glimpse into Daniel’s life and Private Practice Elevation.  But have you ever wondered how this all got started? What was Daniel doing prior to helping therapists level up their private practices? What did it look like in 2016 when Daniel took a leap of faith and started his business?  What does the PPE team look like now and what services do they offer and why? What does the future look like for PPE? And, of course, what are some of Daniel’s favorites? Such as food, drink, books, etc. In a candid conversation with his wife Liz Fava on his podcast, Daniel Fava, the founder of Private Practice Elevation, opens up about the origins of his online marketing agency, the services it offers, and his journey through entrepreneurship and life.  Daniel also reveals his favorite aspects of his role and personal interests.  Tune in to gain insights into the world of private practice elevation and learn more about Daniel's expertise in helping therapists succeed online. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Daniel’s background from college to early work in marketing agencies and how he fell in love with website design What Daniel was doing before launching his business and his role in marketing for a non-profit organization The challenges of leaving a full-time job to transition to building a business How Private Practice Elevation transitioned from a focus on courses to full-service website design, development, and SEO catered to therapists Insights on building a team and how hiring has helped Daniel improve services to serve clients better All the current roles that Daniel’s team plays at Private Practice Elevation How Private Practice Elevation’s services have evolved over the years and why Daniel decided to focus solely on website design and development and SEO An overview of Private Practice Elevation’s current services and what each of them provides for therapists and private practices Lots of candid responses about the challenges of growing a business Plus Daniel’s personal favorites in food, drinks, movies, books etc.  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava dives deep into the significance of establishing core values for your private practice.    Crafting core values goes beyond traditional marketing—these guiding principles shape the culture, decision-making, and strategic direction of your therapy practice.   After sharing about what core values are, Daniel transitions into a solo discussion on the essence of core values and their profound impact on business operations.    He delves into the purpose of having core values, including aligning your team's actions, enhancing company culture, and influencing how you serve clients.    Through three main tips, Daniel illuminates the process of creating actionable and meaningful core values.    In the candid sharing of Private Practice Elevation's own set of core values, you’ll gain insights not only into building your own values but also into the ethos that guides Daniel's successful team at PPE.   Tune in to the full episode for a dive into the world of private practice core values with Daniel Fava, and stay connected with Private Practice Elevation for more invaluable lessons to take your practice to new heights. Key Takeaways: Core values are the fundamental beliefs that guide your private practice's culture, decision-making, and actions. The process of creating core values should involve reflecting on your practice's mission, involving your team, and striving for simplicity and actionability. Private Practice Elevation's core values include striving for excellence, leading with authenticity, being creative, displaying kindness, and ensuring accountability. Core values are crucial not only for internal governance but also for building trust with clients and setting a standard in the industry. Regular review and adherence to core values are essential for business growth and team leadership.  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava interviews Brent Stutzman on how to position yourself as the number one trusted therapy practice in your area.    With around seven years of experience, Brent ventured into the marketing realm when his wife, a therapist, decided to start her own private practice.    His journey began with branding and marketing, which he mastered through self-learning due to budget constraints. He successfully launched 'Kid Matters Counseling' with his wife, achieving a waiting list status before its onset.    Eventually, Brent expanded his expertise to help other therapists establish and grow their practices, learning the critical importance of positioning as a trusted authority in the market. He also has launched TheraSaas, a powerful CRM for private practices.   His work is significantly impacted by the StoryBrand framework, which he has adeptly applied to launch over twelve practices across the country. As a certified Storybrand Guide, Brent emphasizes the power of storytelling and how therapists can become trusted guides for their clients.    Brent states that this transition - moving from YOU being the center of your marketing to having your clients be the hero - has the potential to help take your marketing to a new level of success.   In this episode, Brent provides five steps to establish yourself as a guide, including demonstrating empathy, providing a sense of safety, demonstrating authority, illuminating the problem, providing a plan, and calling the hero to action.    Tune in to learn how to position yourself as the go-to practice in your community. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The brain's role in survival and calorie conservation - and what this means for your marketing The Importance of clear and simple communication to engage potential clients The importance of storytelling in building trust and positioning oneself as a guide for your ideal clients The shift from telling your own story to inviting clients into a story where they are the hero The need for clear and simple communication to capture and maintain attention Brent’s five steps to establish trust and position oneself as a guide Examples of guides in literature and movies, such as Dumbledore in Harry Potter and Gandalf in Lord of the Rings. Brent Stutzman highlights the importance of guides demonstrating empathy and providing a sense of safety How to be the guide while still demonstrating authority and expertise Brent Stutzman shares how to position yourself as a guide. Website and copywriting tips to position yourself as a guide and call your clients to action The ultimate transformation in your marketing: when heroes become guides This Episode Is Brought To You By   Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.   Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. Links mentioned in this episode: Brandyourpractice.com TheraSaas Website  Free Course: How to Turn Calls Into Clients Ultimate Guide to Growing a Private Pay Practice Building A Story Brand by Donald Miller (affiliate link) Kid Matters Couseling

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava sits down with Shannon Heers to discuss the topic of cultivating clinical confidence in private practice.    This conversation offers an in-depth look into the struggles that therapists often face, including impostor syndrome and the feeling of isolation when stepping out into the entrepreneurial world of private practice.    Together, they unpack strategies for growing confidence as a clinician, providing high-quality service to clients, and finding the necessary support systems.   Shannon Heers shares insights from her extensive experience in the realm of clinical supervision, highlighting the common issue of impostor syndrome among private practice therapists and the importance of developing a solid theoretical framework to guide interventions.    She emphasizes the value of connecting with others to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed or isolated within the practice.    With practical tips and relatable anecdotes, this episode aims to empower private practice therapists to build their confidence and extend their support networks.   The discussion delves into Shannon Heers' unique approach with Firelight Supervision, and how the resources provided there, such as group and individual consultation, can play a pivotal role in a clinician's professional development and personal growth.    This episode not only explores the challenges therapists face but also offers actionable solutions to help them thrive in their practices and as business owners. Key Takeaways: Developing clinical confidence is a continuous journey, and seeking support through supervision and consultation can significantly help. Impostor syndrome is a widespread issue among therapists, particularly when beginning private practice or encountering new challenges. Having a strong theoretical orientation or framework can provide direction and improve confidence when working with clients. Connection and community are crucial; therapists should find their "clinical support" to share struggles and triumphs with, ensuring they don't feel alone in their journey. Firelight Supervision offers a myriad of resources, including a free clinical confidence ebook and various consultation services. This Episode Is Brought To You By   Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.   Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

The digital age has opened up a plethora of opportunities for private practice owners to expand their reach and refine their marketing strategies.    Yet, with an overwhelming array of tools and resources available, deciphering which ones truly bolster one’s online presence can be a daunting task.    So, in this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, we shed light on the most effective platforms and strategies for private practice marketing—straight from an agency that uses them.   We’ll dive deep into the treasure trove of tools and platforms that can significantly ease the journey of building a private practice website and mastering online marketing.    These insights are not just mere tips but are used by the Private Practice Elevation team to optimize and streamline processes both internally and for clients.    From website-building basics to advanced SEO tactics, we’ll outline the comprehensive lineup of resources that power successful online presences for private practices.    Whether it's WordPress with its unlimited customization possibilities, the user-friendly and visually engaging Divi theme, or the security-strong hosting services of Flywheel, we’re going to unpack our own digital toolkit that makes practice marketing effective and efficient.    As an added layer, we’ll touch on analytics with Google Analytics, email marketing with ConvertKit, and the webinar-hosting capabilities of Easy Webinar.   Listen up and discover new tools and resources to help you on your private practice website-building journey.   This Episode Is Brought To You By   Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.   Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava had a conversation with Jane Carter, a therapist and business coach for solopreneurs.    The episode focused on the importance of bringing fun and self-compassion into the process of building a business.    While building a business can be hard and challenging, finding ways to make it fun is essential to avoid burnout and maintain motivation.    Throughout the conversation, Jane and Daniel discussed the significance of self-awareness, reframing negative thoughts, and seeking support from others in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.    The themes discussed in this conversation provide valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while maintaining their well-being and sense of self.  Key Takeaways:   Building a business should be fun, as it helps solopreneurs avoid burnout and stay motivated. Storytelling is an effective marketing strategy that can make business more engaging and enjoyable. Solopreneurs should practice self-compassion and separate their own responsibility from unnecessary blame or shame. Having a support system of friends, coaches, or therapists can provide empathy, reflection, and encouragement to solopreneurs. Solopreneurs can reframe their stories and approach problems as leaders, taking ownership and finding solutions.  

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava sits down with Joshua Brummel, co-founder of Therapy Flow, to delve into the intricacies of using paid ads to elevate private practices.   The conversation kicks off with a glimpse into Joshua's background and how Therapy Flow evolved from a marketing agency into a specialized service for therapists. The company now offers a "done for you" practice development program that focuses on implementing digital strategies like Google Ads and Facebook ads, along with a HIPAA-compliant CRM system.   Their discussion covers crucial elements for success in paid advertising, emphasizing the importance of a website that converts traffic effectively.    They highlight the need for clear tracking mechanisms to gauge the return on investment (ROI) from ads. Joshua stresses the significance of having a solid sales process in place before diving into paid advertising to ensure that potential client inquiries translate into actual conversions.   The conversation extends to the expectations from the initial phase of running paid ad campaigns. They spotlight the learning period of 3-7 days where data acquisition occurs, advising patience and observation before making adjustments. They also explore the calculation of ROI from ads, emphasizing the importance of understanding the lifetime value of a client to accurately gauge the success of ad campaigns.   Joshua emphasizes that while paid ads require meticulous attention to detail, they can serve as a powerful growth accelerator for practices, offering a rapid influx of inquiries and clients when managed effectively. He presents paid ads as a "dial experience," a tool that allows practices to control and intensify their referral volumes swiftly, complementing long-term strategies like SEO.   In conclusion, the episode emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between long-term strategies like SEO and short-term boosts from paid ads, advocating for a strategic balance between the two for sustained practice growth.   In This Episode, You’ll Learn: The big picture of paid ads and user intent. Evolution and competition in paid ad platforms. Joshua Brummel's experience with managing ad spend. Recommended starting budget for Google Ads for therapy practices. Using Facebook and Instagram ads for lower budgets. Importance of having a website that converts before investing. Importance of website conversion for successful Google ads Evaluating the effectiveness of ads and sales process New, more, better framework for website and ads Learning period of 3-7 days for ads Tracking conversions and intake process for success Google ads work best for practices with existing clients Calculating return on investment for ads Determining lifetime value of therapy clients to determine ad budget Ads as a profitable source for consistent client acquisition How paid ads can provide a quick return on investment for therapy practices Technical details of running ads can be complex and time-consuming How using both paid ads and SEO can provide stability and growth

Introduction   In the world of SEO (Search Engine Optimization), text-based content often takes center stage.    Those who have done any work on their website’s SEO, you likely have spent a significant effort in crafting compelling articles, adding content to your pages, and optimizing keywords.    However, in the pursuit of improving website rankings, one vital element is often overlooked—images.    In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, we'll explore the importance of optimizing images for SEO and provide you with tips and tricks to ensure your visual content doesn't go unnoticed by search engines.   Why Image Optimization Matters for SEO Enhanced User Experience: High-quality, well-optimized images can significantly enhance the user experience on your website. Fast-loading pages with attractive visuals keep visitors engaged and reduce bounce rates, which are crucial ranking factors for search engines. Ranking in Google Images: Google Images is a popular search engine in its own right. Optimized images have a better chance of ranking here, driving additional organic traffic to your website. This is particularly advantageous if your site relies heavily on visual content, such as e-commerce stores or photography portfolios. Page Loading Speed: Image optimization plays a crucial role in improving page loading speed. Slow-loading pages can result in a poor user experience and negatively affect your SEO rankings. Compressed and properly sized images can help mitigate this issue. Mobile Optimization: With the increasing use of mobile devices for web browsing, image optimization becomes even more critical. Smaller file sizes ensure faster load times on mobile networks and better performance for mobile users.   Tips and Tricks for Optimizing Images for SEO   Choose the Right File Format: The most common image formats are JPEG, PNG, and GIF. JPEG is ideal for photographs and complex images, while PNG is better for images with transparency. Use GIFs for animations. Choosing the right format can significantly impact image quality and file size. Resize Images: Before uploading, resize your images to the exact dimensions needed for your website. This reduces unnecessary file size and ensures a faster loading time. Compression: Use image compression tools or plugins to reduce file sizes without sacrificing quality. There are many online tools and WordPress plugins available for this purpose. Descriptive Filenames: Give your image files descriptive filenames that include relevant keywords. For example, instead of "IMG001.jpg," use "red-convertible-car.jpg" if the image depicts a red convertible car. This helps search engines understand the image's content. Alt Text: Always include descriptive alt text for your images. Alt text not only improves accessibility for visually impaired users but also provides search engines with context about the image. Use relevant keywords naturally within the alt text. Image Titles: Consider adding titles to your images, but use them sparingly and make sure they are concise and descriptive. Monitor Performance: Regularly monitor your website's performance, including image load times. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and GTmetrix can help identify areas for improvement.   Conclusion   Optimizing images for SEO on your private practice website is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of digital marketing. By following these strategies, you can enhance your website's user experience, improve page load times, and increase your visibility in search engine results, including Google Images.    Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and regularly optimizing your images is essential to maintaining and improving your website's performance in the ever-competitive online landscape. Start prioritizing image optimization today and reap the benefits of improved search engine rankings and user engagement.  

 In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, we delve into the inspiring story of Soribel Martinez, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of SM Psychotherapy and Counseling Services.    Soribel shares her journey of overcoming adversity, including a life-threatening health condition, and how she used these experiences to build an unbreakable life and business.    Through her personal story and professional expertise, Soribel provides valuable insights and strategies for aligning purpose, mindset, marketing and hiring to create a resilient and successful business.   Soribel Martinez's story is one of resilience and determination. Born in the Dominican Republic, Soribel faced the challenges of immigration and the loss of her cultural identity at a young age. However, her journey took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with two brain aneurysms.    This life-altering event forced Soribel to confront her mortality and reevaluate her purpose in life.   Soribel's journey towards building an unbreakable life and business began with a shift in mindset. She realized that dwelling on negative thoughts and worst-case scenarios would only hinder her ability to live fully for her son. With the help of a psychologist, Soribel learned to shift her perception and embrace the opportunities that adversity presents.   And now, as a business coach, she helps others do the same. Listen to the episode as Soribel unpacks her framework for overcoming adversity and finding success, plus a ton of other marketing strategies and tips you can apply to your own private practice. In This Episode, We Discuss: Soribel’s incredible story of how she worked through a health diagnosis Using self-analysis and understanding of how you got there to create a path forward Keys to finding opportunities in adversity How to grow outside of your comfort zone Shifting mindset and perception after receiving bad news Building a waitlist and growing the private practice The importance of creating a business plan and marketing strategy Staying focused on goals and avoiding distractions Building a crisis-proof business with the right mindset Importance of marketing and having a marketing budget Hiring and onboarding process for growth and demand fulfillment Importance of building a business mindset and hiring strategies Key elements of the marketing plan: digital marketing, social media presence Utilizing Google Ads, Facebook ads, SEO, and email marketing