Marlee Rubel: Building an Online Private Practice in Toronto | Ep 111

Fearless Practice

A lot of counsellors may start private practices because they want flexibility and autonomy in their professional lives, as well as for the fact that they have noticed a direct need that they feel passionate about serving.

Marlee, today’s guest, decided to go into private practice for those reasons.

In this podcast episode, Marlee and I discuss private practice, supporting mental health practitioners, and why building up a strong network - and resting! - are important.

MEET MARLEE

Marlee Rubel (she/her) is a Registered Psychotherapist offering clinical consultation, supervision, trainings, and program development to individuals, hospitals and various agencies within Toronto. Operating from a social justice oriented and trauma-informed lens, she specializes in complex trauma, queer experience, and relationship therapy in her clinical practice. She is the Clinical Director of Soft Landings Psychotherapy.

Learn more about Marlee on her website, LinkedIn profile, and practice website

In this episode:

• How Marlee started her private practice

• Supporting the not-for-profit sector with consulting

• Owning a virtual practice

• Marlee’s tips for listeners

How Marlee started her private practice

After completing her counselling degree, Marlee started working in a hospital as well as working part-time in a group private practice.

Marlee only worked in the hospital for a year before changing to work in an addiction treatment program with a great team, but it was tough and challenging work to do.

When Marlee was working in the addiction program and before in the hospital, she found that most people she worked with were burned out, and she knew that for her career that she wanted to do something different so she could provide care while also caring for herself.

Supporting the not-for-profit sector with consulting

One of the aspects of Marlee’s work is that she supports and helps counsellors working in the not-for-profit sector to not get burned out.

Counsellors and therapists know how strained the mental health system is, and so many workers get burned out so easily since the need is so great but the system isn’t designed to support mental health practitioners when the strain inevitably gets too much.

Owning a virtual practice

Marlee hasn’t had many clients be upset or leave the practice due to it being a virtual business. In many ways, the virtual therapy offers additional support, such as:

• Accessing therapy when they are ill at home

• Attending a session if a child is at home sick

• Not having to pay for gas or travel expenses

• If a client is dealing with anxiety about leaving their home

After some time, Marlee decided to develop her Canadian private practice into a group practice by listing her business on job platforms and hiring new clinicians.

Since Marlee had some experience working previously in group private practices, she knew both what she wanted (a sense of community and professional respect and support amongst staff), and what she didn’t want (for burnt out to be rampant or the expected norm).

Marlee’s tips for listeners

Don’t operate from a scarcity mindset. The need for mental health is increasing, and there will always be people that require and seek help. So, know that your skills and your work will always be needed, you just need to show up, be authentic, and build the foundation of your business on your mission and values.

Additionally, network! Build up your network as soon as you can.

Connect with me:

Instagram

Website

Resources mentioned and useful links:

Ep 110: What to Consider when Setting Your Private Practice Rates | EP 110

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 FEARLESS for one month free)

Learn more about Marlee on her website, LinkedIn profile, and practice website

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