EP 184: Therapists Thriving w/ Private Pay ft Courtney Fyvolent

Are therapists still thriving in private practice in this economy? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Fyvolent, a trauma-informed EMDR and EFT specialist who successfully relocated her practice from Florida to South Carolina and built a full, private-pay caseload in the process. We talk about how she did it without relying on social media ads, what mindset shifts helped her stay the course during slow seasons, and why her clinical focus became her greatest marketing tool.

From ranking on Google through DIY SEO to forming authentic referral relationships over coffee, Courtney shares the steps that actually worked and what didn’t. If you’re a therapist wondering how to grow (or rebuild) your caseload without burning out, or if you’re craving more depth and connection in the way you work, this episode will give you both strategy and inspiration. You’ll walk away feeling empowered that yes, you can build the practice you want, even in a saturated market.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• 5:15 – The exact steps Courtney took before moving states that made all the difference

• 7:12 – The surprising key to referrals that doesn’t involve networking events or cold DMs

• 8:27 – Why intensives aren’t her biggest income driver—and what actually is

• 10:08 – What to focus on when the phone stops ringing

• 11:42 – The retention method therapists rarely talk about but desperately need

• 13:21 – The small action that gets clients calling back months (or even years) later

• 17:52 – Why your consultation call may be the real make-or-break for your business

I hope you let Courtney’s story and grounded strategy give you the clarity, confidence, and spark you need to grow your own thriving business. If you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow therapist who needs the reminder that success is still possible—even now.

Resources Mentioned:

Needing help to get more private pay clients right now? I have a free 1 hour masterclass where I teach the same systems that Courtney used to fill her own practice. Watch it here: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/free-webinar

Connect with Courtney: healingvalleyscounseling.com

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle