Épisodes

  • 166 HIPAA, VAs, and the Truth About Delegation in Private Practice
    Dec 26 2025

    If the idea of delegating in your practice immediately brings up fear about HIPAA, confidentiality, or losing control, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, I’m breaking down exactly what you can delegate right now (and what you shouldn’t) so you can protect your license while still getting critical tasks off your plate.

    I walk through real-world examples of delegation, from marketing tasks and intake calls to inbox management and follow-ups, and I clear up a lot of the myths therapists carry around about HIPAA. I explain how HIPAA actually works in practice, why delegating the wrong things first can waste time and money, and how proper training—not avoidance—is what keeps your practice safe as you grow.

    If your practice feels like you’re “building the plane while flying it,” or you know an uptick in clients is coming and your systems aren’t ready yet, this episode will help you get grounded and move forward with confidence instead of fear.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • What I recommend delegating first in a therapy practice, like intake calls, follow-ups, basic marketing workflows, and inbox management, without violating HIPAA
    • How I think about training and onboarding VAs, including HIPAA education, clear boundaries, and realistic expectations
    • Why I stopped using long written SOPs and switched to short screen-recorded workflows, and how that reduced mistakes
    • How to tell the difference between tasks that actually move you toward revenue and ones that just keep you busy

    If you’re ready to stop doing everything yourself and start building systems that support your growth, this episode gives you a practical, HIPAA-aware place to start.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    12 min
  • 165 HIPAA, VAs, And What To Delegate Now
    Dec 19 2025

    If the idea of hiring help in your practice immediately brings up fear about HIPAA, confidentiality, or losing control, this episode will bring a lot of clarity. Dr. Kate Walker breaks down exactly what therapists can delegate right now, what you should never hand off blindly, and how to protect your license while still getting critical tasks off your plate.

    Kate walks through real-world examples of delegation—from marketing and intake calls to email management and SOP creation—while explaining how HIPAA actually works in practice (not the scary myths most of us carry around). You’ll hear why delegating the wrong things first can waste time and money, how to train VAs responsibly, and why systems—not hustle—are what allow practices to grow without chaos.

    If you’ve been trying to “build the plane while flying it,” or you know your systems need to be in place before your caseload spikes, this episode will help you delegate with confidence instead of fear.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • What therapists can safely delegate to a VA, including marketing tasks, intake calls, email workflows, and follow-ups—without violating HIPAA.
    • How to train and onboard virtual assistants using HIPAA education, clear boundaries, and simple SOPs that actually prevent mistakes.
    • Why screen-recorded SOPs, Trello boards, and structured workflows work better than long written instructions—and how to set them up efficiently.

    If you’re ready to stop doing everything yourself and start building systems that support your growth, this episode gives you a practical, HIPAA-safe place to start.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    21 min
  • 164 The VA Playbook: Five SOPs That Protect Your Time and Your Energy
    Dec 12 2025

    If your practice feels like it’s running on chaos, Post-its, and crossed fingers, this episode is going to be a breath of relief. I’m walking you through the first five SOPs I believe every therapist should have, because these are the systems that gave me my evenings back, lowered my stress, and stopped my practice from falling apart every time I hired someone new.

    I’m sharing the real mistakes I made when I first started working with VAs, like assuming they could read my mind, or handing over tasks without any structure, and how simple, foundational SOPs completely changed my workflow. From weekly check-ins and shared agendas to onboarding rhythms, accountability systems, and clear “when you’re stuck” instructions, I’ll show you exactly how I keep projects moving without micromanaging or constantly feeling behind.

    If you’ve ever hired a VA and felt disappointed, or if you’re just trying to organize your practice so it doesn’t drain the life out of you, these are the steps I wish someone had handed me years ago.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • The five SOPs that transformed my practice, including communication rhythms, shared spaces, clear action items, and a visual workflow your VA can follow.
    • How I delegate tasks without miscommunication, using Trello, AI notes, Loom walk-throughs, WhatsApp updates, and first-attempt feedback loops that set everyone up for success.
    • Why onboarding takes time—and what that actually looks like, including starter projects, daily accountability check-ins, and the “when you’re stuck” SOP that keeps work from stalling out.

    If you’re ready to stop running your practice on stress and start running it on systems, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    22 min
  • 163 From Class To Couch: A Clear Path To Texas LPC Licensure
    Dec 5 2025

    If you’re trying to become an LPC Associate in Texas, this episode is going to save you stress, money, and a whole lot of confusion. I invited Dr. Tara Fox to walk us through the entire Texas LPC licensure process, because no one breaks it down more clearly than she does. Together, we unpack what future counselors actually need to know—how to pick the right LPC supervisor, how to avoid supervision nightmares, and how to navigate the NCE or NCMHCE without getting blindsided by outdated or incorrect information.

    I share the questions I wish every associate would ask during the supervisor interview, and Tara explains how to evaluate supervision styles, spot red flags early, and choose someone who aligns with your clinical needs and long-term goals. We also talk about why accurate documentation, up-to-date knowledge of Texas counseling board rules, and maintaining your own liability insurance are non-negotiable for protecting your future license.

    If you’re a Texas grad student, new associate, or anyone preparing for LPC licensure, this is the step-by-step guidance I wish I’d had when I started.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How to prepare for the Texas LPC Associate application, including which exam to choose, how to study, and how to document your clinical hours the right way.
    • What the NCC certification actually means, why it’s not a license, and how misusing it can trigger a board complaint.
    • How to interview and select the right LPC supervisor in Texas, including must-ask questions, contract essentials, fee expectations, and the supervision structures that signal competence.
    • Why you should avoid doing “coaching” while waiting for your associate license—and how to protect your career with liability insurance, boundaries, and an accurate understanding of state rules.

    If you want a smoother, more confident transition from grad school to LPC Associate, you’re in the right place.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    50 min
  • 162 The Biggest Mistakes Supervisors Make And How To Prevent Them
    Nov 28 2025

    What actually goes wrong in supervision, and how do you prevent it before it snowballs?

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Stevens and I dive into the most common supervisor mistakes we see across counselor and social work settings. From over-hiring your very first month to being impossible to reach when supervisees truly need you, we unpack the decisions that create risk, rupture trust, and leave new supervisors feeling overwhelmed or blindsided.

    We also name the often-ignored realities of supervision: the hours that happen outside your scheduled hour, the necessity of real relationships with work-site managers, and why evaluation and remediation are non-negotiable parts of ethical practice—not personal criticism. Because supervision isn’t just a teaching role; it’s a leadership role. The sooner supervisors embrace structure, clarity, and the authority the job requires, the sooner the work becomes calm, aligned, and deeply rewarding.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why “one hour a week” is a myth, and how real supervision requires availability, boundaries, and protected space in your schedule.
    • How evaluation and remediation actually protect supervisees, clients, and you—and why relying on self-report is an ethical trap.
    • Why external supervisors must build relationships with work-site managers, and the consequences when you don’t.
    • Why every supervisor needs a contract and a working understanding of state law, even when rules don’t explicitly require it.

    Ready to feel equipped, confident, and grounded as you step into supervision? Subscribe for more conversation about supervision, leadership, and building practices that thrive.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    26 min
  • 161 Supervising: What We Wish We Had Known
    Nov 21 2025

    What happens when supervision feels intimidating, chaotic, or “too big” to take on?

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Stevens and I pull back the curtain on the early days of supervising: what we didn’t know, what caught us off guard, and why becoming a supervisor is more doable (and more meaningful) than it first appears. From unexpected gaps in supervisee education to the business acumen no one warns you about, we break down the essentials every new supervisor needs to hear.

    The myth is that supervision unfolds like a tidy classroom with learners who grow at the same pace. The truth? Your supervisees will span ages, backgrounds, life paths, and competencies. This wide range is part of the joy. When supervisors let go of rigid expectations and ground themselves in experience, structure, and curiosity, supervision becomes a collaborative, energizing process rather than something to fear.

    Supervision is also leadership. That means stepping into your authority, addressing tough supervisee dynamics directly, and recognizing that you’re not training employees, you’re growing future colleagues and referral partners. The sooner new supervisors embrace clarity, boundaries, and business savvy, the sooner they protect themselves and serve their supervisees well.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • Why supervisees arrive with wildly different levels of training, and how to meet them where they are.
    • The business mindset every supervisor needs: from money boundaries to the real-world questions supervisees will inevitably ask.
    • How to avoid rookie supervisor mistakes like pigeonholing your niche or over-assuming competence.
    • Why community matters and how joining supervisor networks combats isolation and burnout.

    Ready to grow your confidence as a supervisor and develop the next generation of clinicians? Subscribe for more step-by-step conversations on supervision, leadership, and building practices that thrive.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    20 min
  • 160 Supervision Systems to Stay Organized, Protected, and Inspired
    Nov 14 2025

    What happens when supervision feels overwhelming before it even starts?

    In this episode, Dr. Ashley Stevens and I name the invisible administrative weight (hours, paperwork, compliance) and show how structure, not heroics, turns supervision from exhausting to sustainable. With clear systems, even tentative supervisors lead with confidence.

    The first trap is assuming that organizing must be complex. Clarity is the ultimate goal, not fancy software and color-coded spreadsheets. A simple planner, onboarding checklist, and shared drive can prevent costly mistakes and protect both you and your supervisees. Add in a few digital aids, like a law app that keeps you compliant across states, and supervision becomes less about scrambling and more about teaching.

    Supervision is also protection. Requiring personal malpractice insurance, documenting HIPAA training, and keeping dual copies of every note aren’t busywork. They’re care structures that safeguard both sides. When supervisors model these systems, supervisees learn that professionalism is part of ethics, not bureaucracy.

    A smooth supervision process doesn’t just save time; it creates psychological safety and trust. The right systems signal to supervisees that their work and their growth actually matter.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How to use a few key tools (like the Telemental Health Laws app) to stay legally confident.
    • Why onboarding checklists and planners turn chaos into clarity.
    • How to protect yourself and your supervisees with individual malpractice coverage.
    • The simple documentation habits that keep supervision organized and secure.

    Ready to turn supervision chaos into calm? Subscribe for more step-by-step playbooks on supervision, ethics, and building organized, sustainable systems that help supervisors lead confidently and clinicians thrive.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    23 min
  • 159 Help Your Supervisees When Their Clients Disappear
    Nov 7 2025

    What happens when clients don’t come back after the first or second session?

    For supervisors, this pattern is more than a numbers problem. It’s a mirror. High early drop-off often reflects gaps in a supervisee’s session structure, boundaries, or clinical stance that can (and should) be coached, not shamed. When supervision reframes “ghosting” as actionable data, associates gain clarity, confidence, and practical tools to keep clients engaged.

    The first trap is interrogation disguised as concern. Firing off questions (“What did you do? Why didn’t they rebook?”) breeds defensiveness and shuts down learning. A better path starts person-centered: slow the pace, reflect on what you’re noticing, and observe the process through short role-plays. That’s where parallel process and isomorphism surface, manifesting in over-seriousness that constricts warmth, humor that avoids depth, or family-of-origin patterns that make hard moments feel unsafe. Name the pattern, then coach the skill.

    Sometimes the fix isn’t deep. Rather, it’s logistical. Clock placement, session endings, and professional presence matter more than new clinicians realize. Starting late, eating during sessions, or letting intakes feel like interrogations can push conscientious clients to quietly disengage. Supervisors can normalize structure as care: clear openings, visible time cues, and intentional closures that protect the client’s hour.

    Evaluation turns insight into growth. Anchoring remediation in concrete assessments (e.g., SPAI for Level 1 skills, CCSR for Level 2) keeps plans specific and fair. Define target behaviors, practice them on camera or in role-play, and document small wins at each supervision. When supervisors coach like future colleagues (not bosses), associates learn to convert first sessions into second, third, and a full course of meaningful work.

    In this episode, you’ll learn:

    • How to replace rapid-fire questioning with person-centered supervision that reduces defensiveness.
    • Where parallel process and isomorphism show up in early sessions—and how to coach around them.
    • Simple environment and structure fixes (clock, openings/closures, intake framing) that improve retention.
    • How to use SPAI/CCSR-anchored remediation so growth plans are objective, specific, and doable.

    Ready to turn ghosting into growth? Subscribe for more practical playbooks on supervision, ethics, and building robust clinical systems that help clients stay and clinicians thrive.

    If you’re ready to lead with confidence, join the 2026 Supervisor Course waitlist for early access to bonus tools, templates, and fast-track grading. Strengthen your systems today with the free Supervision Onboarding Checklist, and get ongoing CEUs and live coaching inside the Step It Up Membership. You’re not just building a practice, you’re building a legacy.

    Get your step by step guide to private practice. Because you are too important to lose to not knowing the rules, going broke, burning out, and giving up. #counselorsdontquit.

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    21 min