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Fearless Practice

Fearless Practice

Written by: Jules Smith
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 Where are you in your private practice journey? How's it going for you? I'm Jules Smith, and I'm so glad you're here. The Fearless Practice podcast is your go-to resource for building a thriving private practice in Canada. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, this podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. I share practical tips on everything from launching your practice and filling your schedule to expanding into a group practice. But you won't just hear from me—I also interview Canadian therapists from across the country who share their real-life experiences, challenges, and wins. These honest conversations offer valuable insight, inspiration, and support to help you confidently create a private practice that works for you. Let's learn, grow, and build fearless practices—together. Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Leadership Management & Leadership Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Regan Swerhun: Expanding Private Care to Northern Communities | Ep 185

    Regan Swerhun: Expanding Private Care to Northern Communities | Ep 185
    Jan 14 2026
    Have you ever felt a persistent pull toward work that feels more aligned with who you are, even when it means leaving something secure behind? Regan had the same feeling, and made the decision to lead a Canadian private practice with fellow colleagues that was built on their shared values. In this episode, Regan and I talk about her non-linear journey into therapy. We explore how she and her practice are finding creative ways to serve rural and Northern First Nations communities, and how she is thinking about safety and accessibility for virtual clients. We also dive into marketing with authenticity, building trust through your website and social media, and why community-building has been at the heart of her growth. Join in for the conversation! MEET REGAN At 26, Regan Swerhun left a stable community counselling job to follow her passion for trauma-focused work and build a private practice in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She now focuses on EMDR and trauma-informed therapy, offering both in-person and online sessions. Regan also provides counselling to youth in Northern First Nations communities and uses social media to make mental health conversations more real and accessible. Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles. In this episode: Why Regan pursued a career in therapy Leaping into private practice Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy Marketing the private practice Why Regan pursued a career in therapy 'Honestly, therapy was not my first choice. It was kind of a roundabout life journey to get to where I am now.' - Regan Swerhun Though Regan began a degree in business, she decided to switch and focus on social work. While completing her Master's degree in Social Work, Regan began working in a hospital in Toronto. There, she quickly discovered that she enjoyed doing patient intake and hearing people's stories and their unique life experiences. This signaled to her that something lay beyond. Once moving back to Thunder Bay, she focused on clinical work at a not-for-profit. 'I got a good position at one of our not-for-profit organizations in town. So, I was with that company for three years, so really, as of recently - this Fall - made the transition, but in the time that I was with the community programs, I learned a lot.' - Regan Swerhun The same itch that Regan had while working in the hospital came back again when she worked at the organization and she craved to run her own private practice. Leaping into private practice Regan was asked by a colleague who had already been in private practice for a long time if she would be interested in working with him. However, due to some differences in provincial laws and regulations, she cannot co-own it. So, they split it up as leaders. 'It has made it feel like I'm immensely leading this group practice, but I have the support [from him] … because there is so much start-up.' - Regan Swerhun Creative ways of offering safe spaces for therapy Regan and her team's long-term goal is to serve rural communities that don't have easy access to therapy and its services. While Regan drives twice a month up to a northern, more rural community to see clients, she also is planning to offer more virtual services. 'Our ongoing plan is to connect with other community buildings in the areas and create a partnership … where someone can open up the door for them, someone can help to have the laptop ready … and then leave that space.' - Regan Swerhun Marketing the private practice Regan and her team have worked a lot on the practice website. One of their main goals was to really make an effort to show what their office space looks like, and feels like, to interested clients. 'The whole basis of our marketing strategy right now is just to build community. We're new, we're here, this is what we're about, and this is all of the inside that we can let you see through before you step into our world!' - Regan Swerhun Regan combines website and social media efforts to showcase the Canadian private practice and notes that it has now grown enough to also attract clients through word-of-mouth. If you need extra support for your marketing efforts, you can try applying to this grant! Connect with me: Instagram Website Resources mentioned and useful links: Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | EP 184 Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free) Create your website with WordPress! Learn more about Regan on her private practice website, LinkedIn, and Psychology Today profiles Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
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    25 mins
  • Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | Ep 184

    Dana Etherington: SEO Tips for a Thriving Canadian Private Practice | Ep 184
    Jan 7 2026
    Have you ever found yourself loving the work of therapy, but feeling frustrated by systems that make it difficult for your clients to receive the help they need? Dana reached that crossroads and made a brave, intentional leap toward a practice that supports both her clinical values and her personal well-being. In this podcast episode, Dana and I talk about her path into psychotherapy, and what it looked like to slowly and thoughtfully transition from hospital work into full-time private practice. We also dive into learning SEO as a solo practitioner, using AI without losing your human voice, and why giving your practice time to grow organically can be a powerful choice. There's so much practical wisdom in this conversation, and I'm excited for you to listen in! MEET DANA Dana is an occupational therapist who practices psychotherapy and the owner of Cedar Tree Therapy, a private practice in Whitby, Ontario. With close to a decade of mental health experience, Dana sees individuals with anxiety, eating disorders, and OCD. Learn more about Dana on her private practice website and Psychology Today profile. In this episode: Dana's academic background and current practice Going from clinical work to private practice How Dana's private practice has evolved The therapist book club Researching marketing and SEO best practices Dana's advice for listeners Dana's academic background and current practice While Dana's private practice is situated in Whitby, Ontario, she completed her Master's degree in occupational therapy at McGill University in Montreal. 'I came back to Ontario after finishing my Master's, and in Ontario specifically … occupational therapists are one of the six regulated healthcare professionals that can practice controlled active psychotherapy. So, my practice is entirely psychotherapy, and my license type is that I just happen to be an occupational therapist.' - Dana Etherington Due to Ontario's regulatory laws, Dana can practice psychotherapy with an occupational therapy background. Remember to always check your province's regulations when planning your future Canadian private practice! The bridge between Dana's occupational therapy background and her current psychotherapy-focused practice is built on her appreciation for her clients. 'I loved spending the day getting to know people, and it felt like such an honor to hear people's stories. From then on, I knew that was how I wanted my career to go, and it feels so special to be trusted by clients to hear some really complicated and vulnerable parts of their lives.' - Dana Etherington Going from clinical work to private practice After graduating, Dana didn't immediately go into private practice. She first spent time working at a psychiatric hospital beforehand. 'I was working my nine-to-five at the psychiatric hospital, and then I started my private practice part-time. I'd see maybe four clients a week after I was done with my hours at the hospital.' - Dana Etherington Dana felt frustrated by the systemic barriers that made it difficult for people who needed support and help to find it, and that passion encouraged her to begin offering therapy in her own Ontario private practice. When Dana became a mother, she knew that she had to choose between working in the hospital and committing to her private practice. 'I knew I couldn't go on working both these jobs any longer. I was at this point where I had to make a choice: I either had to leave private practice behind or I had to jump in with both feet. So, I chose to jump in … And I have been full-time ever since 2023!' - Dana Etherington How Dana's private practice has evolved 'I think it's the best decision I've ever made. It allows me to be the therapist I want to be, and also the mother that I want to be, too. It offers me that flexibility, it allows me to have time and space to also take care of myself. I couldn't think of a better career choice for me.' - Dana Etherington Right now, Dana has an in-person office in downtown Brooklyn as well as sees clients online. In terms of staff, Dana currently has a contractor. She is open to expanding one day, but not right now. At this moment in time, she enjoys the time, space, and energy, and is giving the practice the chance to grow organically. The therapist book club As a way to create more community, Dana and some of her fellow therapy colleagues have decided to launch a local therapist's book club in one of the members' offices. They meet in person over an evening once a month, where they can discuss therapy, private practice-related work, and books that they are collectively reading about their work and specialties. Researching marketing and SEO best practices Since Dana is running her Canadian private practice, she threw herself into researching everything there is to know about SEO. Some of the tips she has for listeners are: Get clear on your niche Don't be afraid to commit to your niche ...
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    22 mins
  • Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 183

    Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice | Ep 183
    Nov 26 2025

    We're revisiting episode 143: Jillian Bagan: Growing a Queer-Informed Practice. Their powerful reflections on growing a queer-informed practice continue to resonate, and we're excited to share this encore episode with both new and longtime listeners.

    You can find the show notes to the original episode here.

    Connect with me:

    Instagram

    Website

    Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:

    Jennifer Bonilla: Building a Culturally Responsive Private Practice | EP 182

    Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

    Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice

    Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

    Jane App (use code FEARLESS2MO for two months free)

    Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!

    Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
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    37 mins
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