Money Skills For Therapists

Debt carries a huge emotional weight for many therapists. It’s easy to look at student loans, credit cards, or even a mortgage and interpret them as evidence that you’ve done something wrong or fallen behind financially.Explore the idea with me that debt is not a moral issue—it’s a financial tool. The more clearly you understand both the emotional meaning and the actual cost of debt, the easier it becomes to make grounded, strategic decisions about your finances instead of reacting from shame or panic.Download our Debt Payment Calculator, and use this free tool to zoom out on your debts, be curious about the cost of them, and explore the different ways you can manage and pay down your debts so that you can move forward in your business (and your life) with more lightness and ease.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances?If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention.Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Separating the Numbers from the Shame Different types of debt tend to trigger very different emotional reactions. Having a mortgage is often framed as being responsible or successful, while credit card debt can bring up feelings of guilt or embarrassment, and student loans often hold a complicated mix of gratitude, frustration, resentment, or pride.It's important to recognize that these feelings are emotional interpretations—not objective truths about your worth or capability. Debt itself is neutral. It’s simply a financial tool that allows you to access opportunities, resources, or necessities when cash isn’t immediately available.Breaking down a debt to understand its true financial impact – including interest, repayment timelines, and opportunity cost – can replace uncertainty and overwhelm with clarity, helping you make more informed choices.Creating More Space for Intentional Financial Choices When you begin to see debt as a financial reality that can be planned over time, rather than treating it like a constant emergency, it becomes less stressful.(00:05:30) Exploring feelings about different debts(00:08:02) Evaluating the cost of debt(00:13:51) Using the debt calculator tool(00:15:56) Using money and debt wiselySeeing Debt in a Way That Supports Your Life There isn’t a “correct” way to approach debt repayment. Some seasons call for aggressive payoff strategies, while others require more flexibility, stability, or quality of life.What matters most is understanding your options clearly enough to make decisions that reflect your actual values instead of reacting from fear or perfectionism. Debt may come with tradeoffs, but it does not determine your character—and it doesn’t have to prevent you from building a financially healthy life.About Linzy Bonham:Linzy Bonham is a therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm, confident, and in control of their finances through her podcast, free workshops and comprehensive programs: Money Skills for Therapists and Money Skills for Group Practice Owners.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because managing finances was just too stressful.So Linzy set out to support helpers and healers with developing peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught money skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable — and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/aboutLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

There’s a point in private practice where the question shifts from “How do I fill my caseload?” to “How do I keep this sustainable?” In this conversation, I’m joined by Kayla Das—a social worker, business coach, and host of the Designer Practice podcast—to explore how clinical supervision and consultation can become a supportive, meaningful addition to your work. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. Using Supervision to Support Both Income and Energy Adding a supervision tier to your offers can create a different kind of steadiness in your practice—bringing in additional income while shifting the emotional intensity of your week. For many therapists, this work draws on existing skills in a way that feels more spacious and sustainable over time. Structuring supervision in group or dyadic formats can also increase income potential while creating a collaborative learning environment. Pricing tends to feel more grounded when it’s tied to your actual needs, while still honoring accessibility where it matters to you. When your services are clearly communicated and easy to find, it becomes much easier to connect with therapists who are actively looking for this kind of support. Noticing Where Expansion Already Wants to Happen There’s often a natural pull in practice toward work that feels both meaningful and sustainable—these moments tend to point toward what’s ready to grow. (00:04:46) Adding income through clinical supervision (00:07:29) Balancing therapy and supervision roles (00:12:13) Determining pricing for counseling services (00:16:05) Impact of specialized consultants (00:18:13) Promoting posts in therapist groups (00:20:39) Launching a Canadian therapist directory (00:25:07) Adding clinical consultation to therapy A More Sustainable Way to Use Your Therapy Practice Management Skills Consulting for other therapists creates space to use your expertise in a way that can feel more balanced alongside clinical work. Adding a role like this diversifies your income and the way your energy is applied, because of this new B2b (business to business) opportunity. When structured intentionally, this work can support both your financial goals and your long-term sustainability. It’s often less about adding something new, and more about allowing your practice to evolve in a way that supports you too. About Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful. So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/ About Kayla Das: Kayla Das is a social worker based in Edmonton, Alberta, and a business coach who supports therapists and clinical supervisors in building sustainable, diversified practices. Drawing from her own experience navigating the challenges of finding quality supervision, she now focuses on helping clinicians connect, grow their skills, and explore additional income streams beyond traditional therapy. Kayla is especially passionate about clinical supervision as a way to give back to the profession while creating more financial stability and flexibility. Connect with Kayla: Website: https://kayladas.com/ Email: [email protected] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Evaspare Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayla.das/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-das-bsw-msw-rsw-202b87202/ Designer Practice Podcast: https://kayladas.com/designer-practice-podcast/ Canadian Clinical Supervision Directory: https://canadianclinicalsupervision.ca/ American Clinical Supervisor Therapist Directory: https://americanclinicalsupervisor.com/

There’s a kind of stuckness that can show up even when everything looks “ready” on paper—the numbers work, the plan is there, and yet the decision still feels hard to make. I see this a lot when therapists are considering the move from W2 work into full-time private practice. In my coaching conversation with Dr. Amber Vernon, a recent grad of the Money Skills for Therapists program, we explore what happens when the hesitation isn’t about money skills or financial planning—but something deeper. Even when the path looks clear, there can still be a sense of activation, doubt, or what she calls “squirreliness” that makes it hard to move forward. Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. When the Numbers Make Sense but the Decision Still Feels Hard Sometimes the stuckness isn’t about strategy—it’s about what the decision represents. You can have the income stability, the emergency fund, the private practice already working… and still feel a pull to stay where things feel more predictable. What I see here is how control, perfectionism, and financial anxiety can keep you circling even when you’re ready. When your nervous system is activated, it can start to question everything—your plan, your niche, even the sustainability of your therapy business. And at that point, more data doesn’t help. That “squirreliness” isn’t a sign that you’re doing something wrong—it’s more often a sign that you’re stepping into something unfamiliar. Moving Through Uncertainty When You’re Already “Ready” Even when the financial planning and logistics are in place, the decision can still feel unsettled—especially when control, identity, and uncertainty are all in the mix. (00:04:59) Deciding on career transition (00:07:28) Discussing work challenges and options (00:12:48) Avoiding future decisions now (00:15:39) Navigating personal decision impacts (00:25:54) Overcoming fear to take action (00:26:51) Assessing current intellectual interests (00:30:44) Choosing work that excites you (00:35:18) Exploring varied career paths (00:36:37) Deciding when to move on (00:40:21) Reflecting on chaotic energy (00:43:01) Embracing diverse skills and strategies Letting Your Path Be More Flexible Than You Expected One of the shifts in this conversation is moving away from the idea that there’s one “right” version of private practice. For some therapists, the goal isn’t a single, fixed path—it’s building a career that allows for variety, different income streams, and evolving interests. When you’re good at a lot of things, decision-making can feel harder, not easier. But that doesn’t mean you’re off track—it just means your path might be more flexible than you expected. Instead of waiting until everything feels certain, you can start by taking small steps, testing what feels energizing, and letting that guide your next move. You don’t have to figure out your entire career transition all at once—you just have to stay in motion long enough to learn what actually fits. About Amber Vernon: Dr. Amber Vernon is a police psychologist who has worked with various public safety agencies in Virginia for over 10 years. Her service encompasses academy-based training, subject matter expert instruction, employment-related evaluation, wellness visits, professional consultation, and critical incident response. Dr. Vernon is passionate about building (and maintaining) bridges between people, experiences, and disciplines. She is known for working collaboratively to identify questions, develop useful answers, and provide clear and action-oriented next steps. Connect with Amber: Website: www.vernonpsyd.com Get to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills For Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists. It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful. So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying. Follow Linzy Bonham: About Page: https://moneyskillsfortherapists.com/about/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

Raising your fees can bring up a surprising amount of tension, especially when you care deeply about your clients and the relationship you’ve built. It’s not just about numbers; it touches values, identity, and how you hold boundaries in your work.In this episode, I’ll walk you through a way to approach fee increases that’s grounded in your actual financial needs, while still staying connected to the kind of therapist you want to be.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money?Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances?If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention.Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.Letting Your Fees Reflect Your Values and NeedsRaising fees in private practice isn’t just a business decision—it’s a clinical one. When you base your fee on real numbers, like salary goals, taxes, and operating expenses, you create a foundation that supports your work.From there, the focus shifts to how you communicate the change: naming it clearly in session, allowing space for your client’s response, and trusting that whatever comes up can be worked with. Giving thoughtful notice and expecting a range of reactions helps keep the process grounded. Over time, making fee adjustments a regular part of your practice reduces emotional intensity and supports long-term sustainability.Setting Fees That Reflect Your RealityEven when the math is clear, naming a higher fee can still feel uncomfortable—especially if you’re used to choosing numbers based on what feels manageable rather than what’s needed.(00:03:24) Raising therapy fees effectively(00:09:35) Ending the therapeutic relationship(00:11:43) Discussing fee increase strategies(00:14:54) Referral program for money coursesMaking Space for Both Your Needs and TheirsBringing a fee increase into session creates an opportunity to practice direct, honest communication. Saying the new rate and pausing—without over-explaining or softening—allows your client to respond in their own way. Some clients will stay; some may need to adjust their schedule, and some may choose to end therapy. Supporting that process, without taking responsibility for the outcome, is part of maintaining a healthy therapeutic relationship.Over time, approaching fee changes as a normal, expected part of practice (rather than something to avoid) helps reduce the pressure. It allows your work to remain sustainable; while still honoring the care and intention you bring to your clients.Get to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/

Have you been avoiding raising your fee, because you're scared to have those hard conversations with your clients? If so, this is the episode for you...One thing I see all the time with therapists in private practice—especially around money, caseload size, and accessibility—is the pull between taking care of your clients and taking care of yourself.In this coaching conversation, I sit down with Jessica Katz, a graduate of the Money Skills for Therapists program, to look at what happens when your fee structure, schedule, and financial needs aren't aligned — and then how to start shifting toward building a practice that supports both your clients and your own wellbeing.Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money? Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances? Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money? Are you ready to gain practical tools and the confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances? If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money. In just one hour together, you’ll gain clarity, practical strategies, and next steps to move forward with intention. Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay. Finding Balance Between Client Care and SustainabilityAs helpers and healers, it's natural for us to think that we're "good therapists" by helping everyone at a price they can afford. But you can actually show up stronger and with more mental space for those you serve by prioritizing yourself and protecting your time.Wide sliding scales, inconsistent fees, and overextended schedules can slowly turn into money anxiety, burnout, and a sense that you're always behind.What we explore here is how these patterns form—and how they're often rooted in emotional labor, people-pleasing, and a desire to preserve relationships at any cost.When your time, energy, and finances aren't protected, it becomes harder to stay present in your clinical work and more difficult to maintain long-term client retention.The shift isn't about doing less for your clients—it's about creating a structure where your financial needs, energetic needs, and values alignment can coexist.Emotional Awareness and Practical ShiftsWhen you start to look at your schedule, your fee structure, and your boundaries together, it becomes easier to see what's actually sustainable. Charging a higher fee creates a positive ripple effect because both you and your client recognize the value and cost of this session, leading you both to make the very best of your time together.(00:03:16) Talking about fee raises(00:09:16) Setting up an ideal workweek(00:10:49) Managing energy across work sessions(00:14:03) Setting a balanced work schedule(00:21:05) Navigating infertility and pregnancy loss(00:24:33) Value of paying for expertise(00:29:53) Prioritizing self-care for clients(00:33:39) Navigating guilt and true values(00:39:06) Improving finances for therapistsLetting Your Practice Support the Work You Want to DoThis conversation comes back to quality over quantity. When your caseload is too high or your rates don't reflect your work, it becomes harder to stay present and make grounded decisions. As you begin raising your rates, setting clearer boundaries, and adjusting your schedule, discomfort is normal; but those changes often lead to stronger relationships and better therapy outcomes for both you and your clients.A sustainable practice isn't built on stretching yourself thinner—it's built on clarity, boundaries, and allowing your work to support you too.About Jessica Katz: Jessica Katz is a reproductive mental health therapist specializing in infertility and family building through reproductive treatments. Through her private practice, Empress Counseling, she supports individuals and couples navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, perinatal mood disorders, and third-party reproduction, helping clients make grounded, values-aligned decisions.With a strong analytical background and training in Money Skills for Therapists, Jessica brings both financial clarity and self-awareness to her work, focusing on sustainable, aligned private practice.Follow Jessica Katz:Therapy practice: https://www.empresscounseling.com/Social media: https://www.instagram.com/empresscounselingGet to Know Linzy Bonham: Linzy Bonham is a private practice therapist turned money coach who helps private practice owners and health professionals feel calm and in control of their finances through her coaching at Money Skills for Therapists and her podcast Money Skills for Therapists.It all started when she saw her extremely skilled colleagues struggle with the money side of business. Some had even left private practice, or were avoiding starting one, because the financial side was too stressful.So Linzy decided to help therapists and health professionals develop peace of mind about their money. Since so many were never taught these skills, she focuses on the “how” of making the business side of private practice doable, and even super satisfying.Follow Linzy Bonham:About Page: https://moneynutsandbolts.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/linzybonham/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moneyskillsfortherapists/