Are you almost finished grad school and want to start Canadian private practice? What are the essentials that you need to have ready before you see clients?  It can be daunting to step into the counselling world after completing your studies, but getting yourself prepared while in grad school is the best step you can take to rocket yourself quickly and comfortably into Canadian private practice.  In this podcast episode, I do a live consultation with Barb, who is excited to begin her journey as a therapist, and we discuss the essentials to help her – and you – launch your Canadian private practice.  MEET BARB BAKER Barb is a parent, wife, and intern counsellor. She hopes to open a private practice right after graduation. Currently, the focus of her practice will be parenting and neurodiversity (specifically autism). Learn more about Barb on her Psychology Today profile.  In this episode:  It's easier to get your CECs through CCPA  Get your liability insurance  Start blogging  Repurpose your content  It's easier to get your CECs through CCPA  If you can, become a CCC – Canadian certified counsellor – as well as an RCT – registered counselling therapist (or Psychotherapists in Ontario) because it provides you with easier access to completing your education credits. Your college could provide some CECs but CCPA offers many more options for getting continuing education credits. If you are still in grad school, consider getting a student membership at the CCPA. Then, once you have completed grad school, it can be a smooth transition to become a CCC. Also, join the counselling college in your province (if it has one)so that insurance companies will cover your services and so that you adhere to the best code of ethics and standards of practice for counselling.   Get your liability insurance  Once you become a CCC, you can apply to get your liability insurance through the CCPA. Getting liability insurance through CCPA is affordable and easy to do. Check out my podcast with Tara Scullion from BMS insurance to learn more!  Start blogging  If your student budget allows it, launch your website through Brighter Vision and start blogging to lay the foundations of your SEO.   If you know your niche and your ideal clientele then start writing basic blog posts. Consider putting a banner on your website: "Opening Sessions 2023" and then in January, you can update the banner depending on when you receive your certification and/or licensing.  Write blog posts that include keywords about your ideal clients and the locations where they are so that when they search for counsellors within their area, you pop up.  Repurpose your content  Even if social media isn't your thing, you can easily repurpose content – like from your blog posts! – into Instagram reels, which are currently what the algorithm favours.  Instagram is not only a great tool to connect with your ideal audience but it can also connect you with other professionals in your field and area. It is a networking opportunity between you and your clients and you and your peers.  Focus on networking and building your online presence while you wait to get your full certification and/or licensure.  Connect with me: Instagram Website  Resources mentioned and useful links: Ep 34: Michelle Noftall Returns: The Benefits of Trying Something New in Your Canadian Private Practice  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 Learn more about Barb on her Psychology Today profile.  Learn more about liability insurance and licensing through the CCPA website.  Need a new website? Consider working with Brighter Vision!  Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free) Listen to my podcast episodes on networking, blogging, and building a social media presence.  Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn.

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