{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Sandra Karlin: From Tech to Therapist in Private Practice | Ep 201","description":"Our paths can change in ways that we may not easily foresee. While Sandra was someone who always knew that she liked and wanted to help people, she only became a therapist later on in life: her first career was in tech!  It was only after she completed her Master\u2019s degree - studying part-time while working in the Canadian tech hub - that she pivoted her career, starting both from scratch and in a new industry in counselling.  Over the last three years, Sandra has graduated, started, and grown her private practice from solo to group, and become a new mom. In this episode, we cover her journey, what she has learned, and what she wants to share with you, the listener. Join us!  MEET SANDRA Sandra Karlin is a Registered Psychotherapist and group practice owner of Beyond Happiness Counselling, supporting adults and couples in Kitchener\u2011Waterloo and virtually across Ontario. With a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology, she brings a warm, supportive, and sensitive approach to therapy, helping clients make sense of what they\u2019re going through while building practical skills for change. Sandra works with concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, self\u2011esteem and body image, grief and loss, career changes, major life transitions, trauma, and relationship challenges. Her integrative style includes mindfulness, person\u2011centred therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Walk & Talk therapy, and Gottman Method couples counselling (Clinical Foundations training). Learn more about Sandra on her private practice website, Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles.  In this episode:  When Sandra started her private practice Running a private practice as a new mother Changing careers from tech to therapy Marketing the private practice Offering walk-and-talk therapy Sandra\u2019s advice to listeners When Sandra started her private practice  Sandra completed her internship at a local clinic and then decided to stay on. While at the clinic, she slowly started building out her private caseload on the side.  At times, Sandra was working with an average of two private clients for a year, so it was truly slow and steady! Sandra completed her Master's at Yorkville University and landed a great placement where she still occasionally works part-time, while now running her private practice. She also joined another group practice, where she works one day every two weeks, while managing her ever-growing practice with contractors.  Running a private practice as a new mother Sandra started looking into hiring contract therapists when she was around four months pregnant.  She was concerned about her client\u2019s therapy journeys and didn\u2019t want their work to be interrupted while she took maternity leave. So, Sandra decided to hire contractors to take over some of her caseload.  Changing careers from tech to therapy She always knew that she wanted to help people and be of service, but that has taken shape over time: being a therapist is Sandra\u2019s second career.  At first, Sandra worked in tech. However, she decided to complete her Master\u2019s degree part-time over four years while working in tech, and once she graduated, she made the switch.  Marketing the private practice To market her private practice currently, Sandra has been using a mixed approach in terms of techniques, utilizing:  Psychology Today referrals  Word-of-mouth  Google Ads Social media presence  Videos on social media profiles Offering walk-and-talk therapy Sandra has found that offering walk-and-talk therapy in her private practice makes therapy more accessible. Some clients might feel nervous, shy, or too self-conscious to sit face-to-face with their therapist, and walking in nature means that you are side-by-side with them instead.  Additionally, you get to be out in nature, which may aid in helping people\u2019s mental health, bringing a sense of calmness, and allowing one\u2019s eyes to travel as they gather their thoughts without feeling self-conscious.  Walking also supports people\u2019s therapeutic journey by offering them a literal way to talk through their stuck patterns or thoughts, bridging new thoughts and patterns with physical motion.  Sandra\u2019s advice to listeners If private practice is something that\u2019s often on your mind, try it out!  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: My Biggest Takeaways from 200 Podcast Episodes! | EP 200 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 started with Hushmail here and get one month for free! Learn more about Sandra on her private practice website, Psychology Today, LinkedIn, and Instagram profiles  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn ","author_name":"Fearless Practice","author_url":"https:\/\/fearlesspractice.ca","html":"