Hello everyone -

It’s the week of Christmas, the world is slowing down, and, like many of you, I’ve been settling down into my own year-end pause. (You ARE doing that, right? Or will be soon?)

In honor of that pause, I wanted to do something a little different on the podcast. So I’m reflecting in this episode not on what I did this year, but what I learned — especially from the courageous, thoughtful clients I’ve had the deep honor of serving this year.

Their stories shape me in ways big and small, and I’d like to share a few of those with you.

In this episode, you’ll hear…

1. How courage, self-respect, and claiming space showed up everywhere this year.
2. The challenge so many high-achievers face by showing up for everyone but themselves (and how things change when they shift that dynamic).
3. Three powerful client stories that sparked my own growth, and how I am inspired by each.
4. Why alignment matters more than approval or output. (👈This!)

I’ll also share a year-end journal prompt to help you capture your own lessons, so that you can step into 2026 grounded, clear, and aligned with what matters most - to you.

I hope you enjoy!

~ Wendy

P.S. Don’t skip the journal prompt. It’s simple, and surprisingly clarifying…

💟

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MENTIONED

Free Resources Page — https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/free-resources

IP360 Scorecard — https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/360

Mind Over Money™: Use Promo Code Ideal50 to get $50 off! Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind.

Evolve™ (Coming February 2026!)

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

Managing a private practice, like any business, means managing growth. And growth always happens in phases. That means, we all start as beginners somehow - right?

I know.

But the start up phase of a private practice can be completely overwhelming. No one taught us how to do this in grad school, and we have a LOT of questions.

• What do I charge?
• Should I offer a sliding scale?
• How will I get paid?
• Who should I work with?
• Where will I see them?
• Do I have to offer evening appointments?
• How do I get referrals?
• What do I say when someone asks me what I do?

Whew boy. So. Many. Questions.

(And that’s just for starters!)

Well don’t worry my friend, because I’ve got you covered.

In today’s episode, I’m going to break it all down, so you’ll know what you HAVE to know up front, and what can wait.

In this episode, I’ll share:

1. Three key decisions you’ll have to make up front, and how getting those in place will make everything else so much easier.
2. Four new skills it will help to learn in your new role as a business owner.
3. A handful of specific action steps to take as you figure out the foundation of your practice.

Feeling a little overwhelmed? Let’s fix that.

Let’s get you started, so you can open your doors to new income, and new ways to help others.

~Wendy

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THIS WEEK’S JOURNAL PROMPT:Based on what you’ve learned from today’s episode, what one thing could you do today to move your private practice, your business, forward?

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MENTIONED:

• Episode 67. What Should You Charge When Clients Cancel at the Last Minute? [https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/67]
• Episode 82. Overcome Money Shame for More Success, with Profit Coach Sam Varner [https://www.wendypittsreeves.com/blog/82]

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NEED a Money Mindset RESET?

You’ll love this. Get it for $50 off with the promo code Ideal50 at checkout!

Mind Over Money [http://wendypittsreeves.com/mind]

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com

In this episode, I’m taking time to look back at what I wish I’d known when I started my private practice as a young therapist in the early 90s. (SO many things, y’all.😑)

Back then, I was juggling a toddler, a full-time job as a department head, managing 2 adoptions, and starting a brand-new business. And back then, we didn’t have the kind of resources that are available today, so I was figuring it all out alone.

In this personal reflection, I’ll share the lessons, missteps, and wisdom I sooo wish someone had handed me — especially around boundaries, money, even the structure of my business - and especially, the need to believe in myself more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why so many new practice owners overextend themselves (and what to do instead.)
• The emotional toll of hiding money stress and business mistakes…🫢
• What healthy boundaries actually look like.
• How to design the kind of ideal week that helps prevent overwhelm. (I still need this, lol.)
• The mindset shift that makes getting paid feel respectful, not uncomfortable! (We all need this…)

We’ll also talk about how your growth as a business owner keeps unfolding at every stage — and why that’s a beautiful thing. 🥰

Because here’s the thing…

You really can build a practice that sustains you, instead of one that quietly drains you - if you only knew a few things that I myself didn’t learn for a very long time.

~Wendy

P.S. If money is part of your growth edge right now, my mini-course Mind Over Money will help you shift your mindset in the sweetest way possible — and in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. See the link below - and use promo code IDEAL50 to get it over half off, for just $47.

This is the course I wish I’d had in my early 30s. It’s light, even fun - but powerful — and it will meet you right where you are.

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MENTIONED

• Mind Over Money™ >> One of my most popular courses, open just in time to help insulate you from holiday stress. Develop a whole new abundance mindset with inspiration AND strategy in just 5 minutes a day for 31 days. You’ll thank me later. 🙂

Use Promo Code: IDEAL50 to get $50 off. Sweet!

Learn more at www.WendyPittsReeves.com/mind

• Evolve™ (Coming February 2026! >> A self-paced version of my signature coaching program to help you build a practice that fits your life. More details coming soon...

Support the show

Wendy Pitts Reeves, LCSW
Host, Ideal Practice
Private Practice Coach and Mentor

www.WendyPittsReeves.com
Wendy@WendyPittsReeves.com