The most common fears about starting private practice and how to overcome them
4 November 2025
Fear is normal when starting private practice, but staying stuck isn’t the answer. Here are the top 3 fears clinicians face, and what you can do about them.
Fear # 1: Not enough clients
This is the biggest fear we hear about. And it makes sense. Without clients, there’s no business.
Yes, building a caseload takes time, but it’s doable.
Start networking early. Connect with GPs, other mental health professionals, and other referrers before you launch.
Get clear on your niche. The more specific you are about who you help, the easier it is for the right clients to find you.
Establish an online presence. Clients and referrers can’t book you if they don’t know you exist. A website, social media, and online directories are key.
Address your fears directly. How would you support a client who was experiencing similar fears? This is where you can do the inner work, too. Focus on reframing your fears and taking meaningful, actionable steps towards overcoming them.
Trust us, your clients are out there; they just need to know you exist!
Fear # 2: Messing up the business side of things
If your formal training didn’t teach you about invoicing, admin, and marketing, you’re not alone. Almost every clinician we work with is frightened they’ll make a mess of their business admin and upset other people in the process.
And while running a business is different from working as an employee, admin is a skill you can learn, just like therapy was.
Set up simple systems from day one. A practice management system (like Halaxy or Zanda) is a lifesaver.
Automate admin as much as possible. Booking, invoicing, and client reminders shouldn’t take up your time.
Seek guidance from people who’ve done it before. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Mentorship and coaching can make all the difference.
You are fully capable of learning the business side, you just need the right systems and support.
Fear # 3: Burnout
You’re going into private practice for more freedom, not to feel more exhausted than ever. But without the right setup, it’s easy to fall into the trap of overworking.
Set boundaries from day one. Decide your work hours, caseload limits, and admin time, and stick to them.
Charge what you’re worth. Undercharging leads to resentment and financial stress.
Build your schedule around your energy, not just availability. If you’re exhausted after back-to-back clients, schedule buffer time on purpose.
Private practice should fit your life, not take over your life. At Virtual Vibrance, our motto is ‘Work for yourself, not by yourself’, because we understand how quickly burnout can become a reality when you become your own boss.
Fear is healthy. Staying stuck isn’t.
You’ll never feel 100% ready. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start. The key to success early in your private practice journey is having the right support systems:
Business and admin support so you’re set up for success (instead of learning the hard way)
Mindset coaching to work through imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fears that keep you stuck
Having people in your corner makes all the difference, whether it’s a business mentor, a mindset coach, or a community of other clinicians. We refer to these people as your dream team; they’re people you engage with to help your dream become a reality.
Ready to get started? Book a free Virtual Needs Assessment with Bec today and start building your dream team.
