The Practice Pod
It's time to get your business ducks in a row...
For therapists building impact-driven businesses,
that support your ideal day-to-day...
and your long term vision.
Hi fellow therapist
Did anyone tell you that starting a private practice means you are a business owner?
Brand new information to me!
It's taken me years to:
- pay myself a monthly salary
- save up for time off AND make provision for emergencies
- unmerge my personal and professional identity
And it's taken even longer for me to figure out how to organise the backend of my business, develop my referral network and nail my niche so I could earn a decent living from the work I felt called to do.
It doesn't need to take you as long as it took me. You can use the resources I've collected and created to get set up and tidied up straight away.
We come to this work because we are called to it.
But how are we meant to make a decent living?
Things are going ok for you. You've got enquiries from Counselling Directory and Psychology Today.
You've bought templates, you're helping your clients, you're getting paid for your work.
But also....
You love being a therapist but didn't get any business, tech or admin training when you qualified.
You're panicked about all the tech - the scheduling, the banking, the website... THE WEBSITE!
You have to dip into personal savings or rely on your partner's income to go on holiday.
You live week to week, which means when you're sick or on holiday, you don't pay yourself.
You're worried if you're too specific about niche then you won't get enquiries.
You've thought about creating a training or being in a bundle, but don't know where to start.
You compare your fee to local colleagues, or your supervisor, or mates you studied with.
Well, there are plenty of places to learn about private practice that will help you with these challenges.
This one is an experience-led, trauma-sensitive,
neurodivergence and identity affirming space.
I created a framework with alllll the information I have collectd about private practice
I had no idea how to even register for tax when I got my first word-of-mouth referral in 2009. I scrambled to find a room to rent, liability insurance and sort out my intake procedure and paperwork! Do I need a written contract? What should I charge?! Should I buy herbal tea for the waiting room?
Every decision was a guess at best, informed by years of having been in therapy myself. What are all the things I thought my therapists should have done, I asked myself.
Well, I would have appreciated a clear cancellation policy. I would have liked reminders and invoices. I would have liked some reasonable notice of fee raises. A bit of paper that I could look back at with practice policies.
I learned how to run a small business and I want to share everything I have learned with you.
Over the years, I have streamlined those experiences [read: mistakes!] into operating procedures and workflows, paperwork templates, spreadsheets and decision trees.
The Practice Framework™ is a 125 page fillable workbook and Trello Kanban Board Collection along with a collection of tutorials and tech guidance. Which you get immediate access to when you join Pod.
What's included in The Practice Pod?
We meet for one 60 minute workshop per month in which I present on a theme, you explore the topic in breakout groups and I provide helpful resources such as templates and worksheets to follow up.
We meet for one 60 minute Q&A call, where I answer pre-submitted questions on any topic related to private practice and multiple income streams, create a searchable database and share replays.
YES. The hidden gem and unique aspect of The Practice Pod is monthly one-to-one coaching via voice message for a day of Office Hours when you can ask me personalised questions and check in individually.
You will also have access to:
This is our schedule:
Event | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
Live Workshop | 2nd Thursday | 7pm-8pm UK |
Coaching Day on Voxer | 3rd Thursday | 9am-7pm UK |
Q&A Call | 4th Thursday | 11am-12pm UK |
*** For US Therapists: The workshop is at 2pm Eastern, the Q&A call is 6am Eastern (so plan for pre-submitting questions and watching the replay) and Voxer Office Hours are at 4am-2pm Eastern, so there will be time to chat on those days in the morning/early afternoon.
Access to Courses too
When you join Pod, you get immediate access to The Practice Framework™, replays of previous workshops and all the following courses currently for sale for £418 in total.
Tamara Howell • Pod Leader
I am a therapist in private practice, course creator, paperwork geek, workshop leader, membership coach, bundle host and mastermind facilitator.
The Practice Pod is a total dream. Filled with incredibly thoughtful and empathic members, we build, learn and expand frameworks together.
And if you are a neurodivergent therapist looking for help getting your business ducks in row, I'm 100% your duck herder.
Lovely words from Original Pod members
In 2020, one of my lovely "Learn to Love Online Therapy" graduates, Morag, asked if she could do some coaching with me in a small group. The first pod became the second, which became the third and now The Practice Pod has evolved into a group coaching container for therapists crafting private practice and beyond.
“
Lim Li Hsien • POD 2021 & 2022
Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara allows me to understand better how I can move forward with my practice and make it my own. She takes the unique experiences of each participant in the group and uses them to synthesize meaning and purpose. The creative exercises are fun, and also relevant to giving us more insight into how we see ourselves in our private practice.
“
Morag Barker • POD 2021
Integrative Counsellor
Tamara is a hugely generous and creative enabler and coach. I valued the way she engaged us as a group, building a safe and supportive environment. I learnt so much from my time with her and am incredibly grateful for the opportunity it gave me to personally reflect and develop.
Most of all, Tamara's way of being has made me feel that anything is possible.
“
Ruth Mark-Roland • POD 2021
Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara is like a burst of sunshine, she is full of energy, enthusiasm and most of all a wealth of wisdom and confidence. Tamara is the advocate that everyone needs in their corner, her support and belief in me has given me immense confidence to run a group.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Tamara.
What 2022 Podinis are saying
“
Kathryn Wright
Integrative Psychotherapist
Tamara offers an incredibly supportive environment in which to develop and grow. My time in The Practice Pod has helped me to be more confident in my current business, and to visualise my future business.
Most of all, Tamara's way of being has made me feel that anything is possible.
“
Emma Harris
Therapist
Tamara's coaching has transformed my practice. I've reorganised my schedule and really felt the benefit; gained more confidence in my niche; increased my fee - and my confidence that I'm worth that fee; taken control of my finances; implemented new systems which make my life so much easier; and gained an international network.
“
Renata Adrade
Transactional Analysis Psychotherapist
Tamara is incredibly supportive, knowledgeable and generous with her experience. She always brings more than you imagined, and creates a fun, warm, encouraging and productive space.
Working with her has been essential to growing a sustainable international practice.
Monthly Workshops led by Tamara
Every month, you can look forward to a streamlined, pre-planned interactive workshop led by me.
Expect presentations, breakout discussions and resources. This will give you a chance to reflect on your practice policies and business strategies whilst connecting with your fellow podmates in small group discussions.
*Topics evolve and develop*
practice FRAMEWORK
?? TOPIC: Explanation of categories and planning suggestions
⭐Breakout Groups: Intention setting and implementation plan
✅ RESOURCE: Trello Board with checklists, resources and explanations
YOUR BIZ HUB
?? TOPIC: Organisation and administration centralisation
⭐Breakout Groups: Responding to your individual planning style
✅ RESOURCE: Google Doc business hub template
financial fixes
?? TOPIC: Discussion of money mindset vs fact-based calculations
⭐Breakout Groups: Fee setting exercises and fee raising role plays
✅ RESOURCE: Tracking and review spreadsheets
calamity to clarity
?? TOPIC: Presentation on preparation options for unexpected situations
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Planning for imaginary scenarios
✅ RESOURCE: Template for clinical will AND client correspondence
surviving client suicide
?? TOPIC: Statistics and aftermath of client suicide for therapists
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Update safety policies and risk assessment
✅ RESOURCE: Community discussion and safety worksheet
outsource options
?? TOPIC: What can we outsource to systems or admin professionals?
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Hopes vs potential pitfalls that can arise
✅ RESOURCE: Job description and application form
group facilitation
?? TOPIC: Group hosting and engagement skills [online focus]
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Experiential practice with podmates
✅ RESOURCE: Summary reference sheet and invitation to host
start your email list
?? TOPIC: Creating and selling an opt-in or lead magnet to capture emails
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Brainstorming and focus group
✅ RESOURCE: Canva template to get you started on creating an opt-in
DIFFICULT DECISIONS
?? TOPIC: Balancing professionalism, ethics and care in our decision-making
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Cancellation Policy ethics and implementation
✅ RESOURCE: Decision tree template and tutorial
AFFIRMING PRACTICE
?? TOPIC: How to walk the walk and implement our values statements
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Writing a values statement and accessibility plan
✅ RESOURCE: Values and Accessibility workbook
ReFRESHING REFERRALS
?? TOPIC: An affirming approach to building your network
⭐ BREAKOUT GROUP: Experiential networking exercises
✅ RESOURCE: Templates for introductions and continuity of care
Join now for £200/month
6 month programme
I recommend you read my Core Values page to check that we are aligned on the big stuff, like what we mean by affirming, inclusive and sensitive practice.
PAY-IN-FULL DISCOUNT & BONUS POLICY
We do not offer pay-in-full discounts or bonuses. We have come to realise that rewarding in-full payment is one of the ways that businesses disadvantage buyers who prioritise regular cashflow or are not in a position to pay the full amount at one time. Therefore we absorb any additional transaction costs and risk associated with payment plans.
What 2022 Podinis are saying
“
Simone Smith
Integrative Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara has been a revolution in my private practise and I have gained the confidence and expertise to run a thriving business.
“
Chris Oxborrow
Integrative Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara is thought provoking and never ceases to take me somewhere I didn't know I could go. I've got so much more out of Pod than I expected - a greater clarity of myself, my ever evolving niche and my potential.
“
Laura Pritchard
CBT Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara has enabled me to feel connected to a wider, web of therapists. Previously I felt rather ‘untethered’ but now I feel part of a professional network. Also whilst I have a wealth of experience from a previous career, I’m a private-practice newbie. At first I thought perhaps I should have joined a POD later but I’ve been able to learn and begin to put in place better and smarter processes from the outset of setting up my business.
“
Úna Sweeney
Integrative Therapist
Working with Tamara is one of the best decisions I've made in getting my private practice off to a professional start. What changed for me during my time in The Practice Pod was that I gained support and confidence in how to put a framework around practice that worked for me. Having the pooled knowledge of other more experienced therapist along with Kim's technical expertise was an invaluable combination to my practice growth so far.
“
Jo Lofthouse
Integrative Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara has had really tangible results. It has given me the confidence to up my fees and change my policies to make my business work better for me. I highly recommend a 1:1 session whether you’re looking to turbo charge your practice or just iron out some wrinkles. Tamara is approachable, kind and just the right level of challenging.
“
Maritxu Arlegui
Integrative Psychotherapist
Working with Tamara is so affirming. What changed for me during my time in The Practice Pod was my confidence in running my business and make it sustainable according to my individual needs. I have gained a lot of valuable and practical resources from how to calculate fees to polishing up my website, yet the most valuable aspect of the Pod for me is the connections I've made with other therapists. Some of which have become very close and a key component in my personal support network. Thank you for creating and facilitating this space, Tamara!
“
Alice Tew
Integrative Psychotherapist
What I love the most about The Practice Pod is sharing and learning with Tamara and other therapists who value themselves and their businesses, and inspiring and encouraging each other to grow.
“
Viki Dimopoulos
Integrative Counsellor
Working with Tamara is inspiring. She is a fountain of invaluable knowledge and experience when it comes to private practice. The Practice Pod helped me make changes to my practice so that it feels more aligned with my personal and professional needs and values.
“
Elaine Tarsh
Relationship and Psychosexual Therapist
Working with Tamara is always affirming and supportive. She runs fabulous, supportive spaces for therapists to connect.
“
Maura Brivio
Therapist & Coach
The Practice Pod is an inspiring program where you meet like minded and like hearted people; it is a space where you learn a lot about your practice and yourself as a business person and where you are encouraged to develop a practice built on your own values, beliefs and worth.
“
Jan Siddle
Integrative Psychotherapist & Supervisor
Working with Tamara has really helped me to grow in confidence in my ability to work online, both technically and professionally. She is warm, supportive and extremely generous and patient in helping everyone who is taking part to get their needs met - however random our request or however many times we ask the same question! She has grown and nurtured a wonderful therapeutic community which we all have access to, which is invaluable as a self employed practitioner.
“
Carly Radford
Psychotherapist
What changed for me during my time in The Practice Pod was an increase in meaningful connections with colleagues, and the creation of new friendships. I feel more supported and connected both personally and professionally. I feel more confident as a business owner and feel inspired and hopeful for what's to come in terms of continuing to grow and develop.
*POD BONUS*
Kimberley Simmons • Pod Tech Coach
The super special *Bonus* feature of The Practice Pod is guest tech coaching with Kim Simmons of Virtually Irreplaceable.
If you don't know Kim, she's been my VA, project manager, community support, pod tech coach and this year, she became my team manager.
Kim is constantly thinking up ways to level up our professionalism, organisation and administration skills and I'm sure you'll love this tech coaching opportunity too!
Faq
The Practice Pod is a blend of collective learning, community and 1:1 personalised coaching.
The basis of the offer is:
1 x facilitated workshop per month
1 x 60 minute Q&A call per month
1 x Voxer Office Hours per month
Voxer is a free walkie-talkie app and also works in the browser/on desktop.
Voxer Office hours is a chance for you to ask me questions, one to one, directly to my phone. It's asynchronous so you can continue your day without sitting in a Zoom call and each answer is personalised to your situation because I'm answering you specifically!
You are welcome to ask questions about your practice and business plans and I will answer as best I can based on my experience. You might have questions you don't want to form part of the recording library, or something very specific to your practice or situation that you'd like support with.
It isn't a full coaching session or day, but gives me a chance to answer 1 or 2 questions that are personal to you and your business without you booking a full Zoom session with me. I'll be chatting to everyone, so we'll get a chance to go back and forth a few times during the day.
If I don't have an answer, I'll suggest where to look or who might be able to help.
And if you don't have a question, you can use the time to catch me up on how you are doing :)
The super special hidden feature of The Practice Pod is guest tech coaching with Kim Simmons of Virtually Irreplaceable.
If you don't know Kim, she's been my VA, project manager, community support, pod tech coach and team manager now. Kim is constantly thinking up ways to level up our professionalism, organisation and administration skill and I'm sure you'll love this asynchronous tech coaching opportunity too!
This is pretty informal and not exactly a promise of pod, it depends on Kim's availability.
This is not facilitated small group coaching. The group size is uncapped.
We have evolved from small limited groups to an updated awesome structure that includes space for 1:1 coaching, Q&A plus in depth workshops. This means that poddies take responsibility for organising their own social calls, CPD and co-working within the framework of the pod.
We currently have around 12 poddies in this group and we have room for more!
Poddies are:
- Therapists to connect with in breakouts
- Therapists to refer to and receive referrals from
- Therapists to practise delivering CPD to
- Co-workers if you like body doubling
- Experienced therapists who can ask questions to
All workshop replays and Q& A call replays are available to all podmates, current and future.
I use the term "coaching container" instead of membership because it's designed to provide personalised support in a group environment for a contained *12 months.
A membership typically contains a roadmap, frequent calls and ongoing payments. Although this is not faciliated small group coaching, I have incorporated small group interaction in breakout discussions, deeper learning through workshop presentation, 1:1 coaching through Voxer Office Hours and straight Q&A so we can create a database to get you answers to your questions efficiently.
*You can totally continue working with me after!
It's ok if you don't know your niche.
It's ok if your admin is a mess.
It's ok if you don't have any clients yet (or too many!).
It's ok if you need to review your practice policies.
It's ok if you are new or have been in practice a while, we all have experience to share and skills to learn.
You keep access to anything I give you that isn't specific to Pod. For example, if you have access to a course on my website, you keep that. Anything specific to Pod like replays, tutorials, templates and Kim's tech tutorials are only accessible while a current Pod member.
Minimum sign up is 6 months. Once you've been in Pod for 6 months, you will retain access to all courses outside Pod and you will be invited to continue with a 35% alumni discount.
⭐In full payment £1,200
⭐Monthly payment £200/month
➤I am happy to accept USD and EUR for in full payments - please contact me.
➤We do not offer pay-in-full discounts or bonuses.
We have come to realise that rewarding in-full payment is one of the ways that businesses disadvantage buyers who prioritise regular cashflow or are not in a position to pay the full amount at one time. Therefore we absorb any additional transaction costs and risk associated with payment plans.
Pod members can add on 30 minute 1:1 Voxer sessions for 30% discount on my usual fee. This is excluisve to Pod members. At present, I do not have capacity to offer 1:1 coaching outside of Pod.
My usual terms and conditions apply. I don't provide refunds for downloads or services because of the nature of the content and time taken. I encourage you to ask me questions and check out my Core Values page to see if we'll be a good fit.
I realise that throughout a 6 month period, we are all likely to experience low activity phases, go on holiday, take time off for bereavement and that the current economic climate is unpredictable. It is important that you have enough financial wiggle room that if you miss a few calls, or take a month off work that you will not be dramatically impacted to the point of needing a refund.
I would suggest that the monthly fee be under 10-20% of your monthly revenue averaged over the last 6 months.
If you are still building a client base and financially in a position to invest, I suggest the monthly fee is less than the cost of 3 sessions of therapy in your practice.
I imagine so, although I haven't planned anything specific yet! They'll be surprises in the form of spreadsheets, tutorials and maybe even a guest.
Workshop: 2nd Thursday of month 7-8pm UK time
Q&A Call: 4th Thursday of month 11am-12pm UK time
Voxer Office Hours: One day per month 9am-7pm UK time
*Subject to change due to illness or childcare needs
This project is in its infancy and not yet in a financial position to fund a scholarship programme. However, you can access plenty of my resources for free including downloads, courses, checklists and my Facebook Community filled useful videos and posts.
Totally. I won't charge you for anything I create and sell for under £50. That could be a workshop, webinar, or minicourse throughout the year and anything above that I'll work out a Pod discount for.
I don't give discounts on paperwork templates or collaborative projects like co-hosted training or bundles.