starting a private practice
fears of opening a therapy practice
therapist imposter syndrome
building a therapy caseload
private practice marketing for therapists
You’re Not Alone: Facing Your Fears of Opening a Private Practice
Let’s take a moment and acknowledge something important: starting your own private practice is a big deal. It’s exciting, yes, but it can also feel incredibly vulnerable. You’ve spent years learning how to support others through their fears, but now you’re facing your own. And that’s okay. If you’ve ever sat in front of your laptop, staring at a blank business plan or a half-finished website, wondering if you’re cut out for this, we want you to know something: you are not alone. Every therapist who has ever opened a private practice has had those same thoughts. The fear is real, and it’s more common than you might think.
Let’s talk about some of the most common fears that come up when you’re starting your practice. Not just to name them, but to understand them, and to remind you that you’re capable of moving through them.
"What if I can't get enough new clients?"
This is probably the number one fear we hear from new therapists. You’ve invested so much time, money, energy, and heart into becoming a therapist. And now you’re stepping into the unknown, wondering if anyone will actually show up.
Here’s the truth: no one starts with a full caseload. Every thriving private practice you see today started with zero clients. Building a caseload takes time, consistency, and a willingness to be visible. That doesn’t mean you have to become a marketing expert overnight. It means showing up in ways that feel authentic to you, whether that’s networking with other professionals or simply letting your community know you’re available. It’s also okay to start small. One client becomes two. Two become five. Before you know it, you’re building something real.
“What if I mess up legally or ethically?”
This fear is heavy, and it’s one that many therapists carry quietly. You want to do things right. You want to protect your clients, your license, and your integrity. And that’s a good thing, it means you care deeply about your work.
The best way to manage this fear is to stay informed and connected. Know your state’s laws and regulations. Keep up with your professional ethics code. Seek out continuing education based on ethics for Washington counselors. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Reach out to colleagues, join a consultation group, or talk to a legal advisor when something feels unclear. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to reach out for support.
“I’m not ready.”
This one is personal. It’s that quiet voice that says, “You need more training,” or “You’re not experienced enough,” or “Who do you think you are to do this?”
That voice is called imposter syndrome, and it shows up for almost everyone especially when we’re doing something brave. The truth is, you are more ready than you think. If you’re waiting to feel 100% confident before you start, you’ll be waiting forever. Confidence doesn’t come first. It comes from taking action, even when you’re scared.
Think about the clients you’ve already helped. Think about the moments when someone told you, “That really helped me.” Those moments are proof that you’re ready. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.
You’re Not Alone, and You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Starting a private practice is one of the most courageous things you can do as a therapist. It’s also one of the most rewarding. Yes, it comes with fear and uncertainty, but it also comes with freedom, creativity, and the chance to build something that’s truly your own. You don’t have to do it all at once. And you definitely don’t have to do it alone. We are here to support you, to offer guidance, and to remind you that you’re not the only one feeling this way.
So take a deep breath. You’ve got this
