From Practice to Prowess: How One Therapist Blends Therapy, Coaching, and Social Justice

Jul 30, 2024

In this episode of the Private Practice Pro podcast, host Kelley Stevens chats with Jessie Proia, a licensed marriage and family therapist, about the ins and outs of running a successful private practice. Jessie shares his journey, including the initial hurdles of financial planning and tax management. They also touch on Jessie's writing on LGBTQ+ mental health and his commitment to social justice. The duo discusses the importance of accessibility in therapy, exploring sliding scale fees and pro bono work. Jessie's passion for his work and community shines through, offering valuable advice for fellow therapists. Kelley answers a listener's question about combining therapy and coaching services, highlighting the need to maintain clear boundaries for legal and ethical practice.

Guest Bio:

Jesse Proia is an LGBTQ+ Specialized Therapist and Writer. Queer mental health, LGBTQ+ community wellness, and social justice is his passion. He has dedicated his life to serving LGBTQ+ communities through his therapy practice, writing/research, Instagram account Holistic.Homosexual and community outreach projects. The core motivation for his work is to disseminate empowering information to Queer populations in efforts toward liberation.

@Holistic.Homosexual

[e-mail]

213-538-8714

jesseproia.com

 

In this Episode:

• Necessity of practical experience
• Business skills in practice
• Overcoming startup fears
• Jessie's LGBTQ+ advocacy writing
• Balancing practice and writing
• Sliding scale fee accessibility
• Managing diverse client fees
• Tackling mental health disparities
• Empowering community-focused therapists

 

Highlights:

(00:00) - Guest Introduction

(01:11) - Jessie's Background and Specialization

(04:14) - Living in Los Angeles and Education

(10:49) - Feelings Fort: A Shed in Vermont

(14:33) - Practice Locations and Licensing

(18:51) - Transition to Full-Time Private Practice

(22:01) - Taxes and Accounting

(23:45) - Writing for Publications

(26:00) - Creating Accessibility in Private Practice

(29:59) - Unique Therapy Schedule

(35:45) - Ask Kelly Anything

References:

The Wellness Arts Collective → https://www.thewellnessartscollective.com/

Zeelool → https://www.zeelool.com/

Pacifica Graduate Institute → https://www.pacifica.edu/

Outfront Magazine → https://www.outfrontmagazine.com/?s=Jesse+proia

Mentaya → https://www.mentaya.com/?referrerid=kelley

Private Practice Roadmap Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/privatepracticeroadmap/

Marketing for Therapists Course → https://members.theprivatepracticepro.com/marketing-course/

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → [phone]

This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com