Michelle Ham: Joining a Collective to Build a Successful Practice | Ep 123

Fearless Practice

Many therapists may feel daunted by the idea of returning to school to get their masters or a PhD, especially after they have settled into their adult lives. However, it truly is never too late!

If you have a desire to take your Canadian private practice to the next level, or you feel frustrated working on someone else’s schedule, and you desire more professional autonomy, taking a step forward with additional training may be very helpful to you.

In this podcast episode, I chat with Michelle who did just that.

MEET MICHELLE

Michelle Ham, C.C.C., is a compassionate and dedicated psychotherapist based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. With a Bachelor's Degree in Family Social Sciences and a Master's in Counselling Psychology, Michelle brings over a decade of experience in social work to her practice. She is committed to creating a safe and inclusive space. Michelle's therapeutic approach is rooted in a holistic, integrative, and person-centered framework, allowing her clients to collaboratively navigate their pathway to change. Through evidence-based modalities such as Internal Family Systems, somatic-based work, narrative therapy, EMDR, and mindfulness, Michelle provides personalized therapy sessions that empower her clients to find healing, understanding, and growth.

Learn more about Michelle on her website, Instagram account, and Psychology Today profile

In this episode:

• Michelle’s journey into psychotherapy

• Michelle’s steps into private practice

• The lessons learned thus far

• Marketing a private practice

• Michelle’s advice for new therapists or practice owners

Michelle’s journey into psychotherapy

Michelle graduated with an undergraduate degree in family social sciences in 2008. She then started working in the social work world, holding various different positions.

Following this desire to have more autonomy over her time, Michelle returned to school in 2021. She took her masters in counselling psychology online so that she could manage her course work, while continuing with her job, and being a mom.

Michelle’s steps into private practice

Once Michelle graduated, she opened up a sole-proprietorship for her own private practice, and she rents office space in a local collective. The office space is shared with other therapists, and Michelle is able to reap the benefits of an extensive referral network through her collective’s director, as well as enjoying the professional company of others while scheduling and working her own hours.

The lessons learned thus far

Even though there has been so much change and trial and error moments, as Michelle explains, she also says that she enjoys having the chance to set her own hours, set her own schedule, and to see the clients that she wants to.

Marketing a private practice

Even though Michelle’s only been in private practice for a few years, her caseload is already filling up. She credits this partially to the well-connectedness of the collective, which networks with the local community.

Additionally, when Michelle was still a student, she was intentional about working on her social media platform to slowly and organically begin growing an online presence.

Michelle’s advice for new therapists or practice owners

Michelle encourages listeners to explore what is most suitable for them in terms of whether they want to do a sole-proprietorship or to take another approach. You can tailor the way your business works to your preferences - that’s important to do!

Whether you want to open an in-person Canadian private practice or offer therapy services online, make sure that it is what you want to do, feel qualified in doing, and that you have a strong support network around you.

Connect with me:

Instagram

Website

Resources mentioned and useful links:

Ep 122: Embracing the Dynamic Nature of Niching | EP 122

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 FEARLESS for one month free)

Learn more about Michelle on her website, Instagram account, and Psychology Today profile

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