Money conversations in the therapy world often focus on getting out of scarcity — leaving agency work, raising fees, or building a sustainable private practice. But what happens after that? What happens when your financial circumstances change, but your money beliefs haven’t caught up yet?

In this episode, I’m joined by Allison Puryear, founder of Abundance Practice Building, who has supported more than 10,000 therapists in creating practices that work for their lives. Together, we talk about money not as a measure of worth, but as a tool for creating a life that reflects your values. We explore how our relationships with money evolve over time — from the early days of practice building to navigating financial security, lifestyle creep, sliding scale therapy, and retirement savings.

Ready to feel more calm and confident about your money?

Do you feel confused, ashamed, or uncertain about your finances?

Are you craving support to help shift your money mindset and transform your relationship with money?

Are you ready to develop the skills and confidence you need to finally take control of your business finances and build a practice that actually takes care of you?

If so, I’d love for you to join me for one of my free online workshops, designed specifically for private practice owners who feel stuck—whether it’s mindset blocks, avoidance, or the technical side of managing money.

In just one hour together, you’ll learn practical tools, strategies, and next steps to move forward in your business (and your life) with clarity, intention, and ease.

Click here to explore upcoming workshops and save your spot or register to get the replay.

You can also join our new private WhatsApp community to connect with other therapists, health practitioners and listeners of Money Skills for Therapists: The Podcast — to chat about episodes, ask questions, share insights, and get support.

Just reach out to us at hello@moneynutsandbolts.com, and we’ll send you an invite!

Financial Questions Don’t End When You Earn More

Many therapists enter private practice with money beliefs shaped by agency work, graduate school, family stories, or cultural messages about helping professions. Those beliefs don’t automatically disappear as income grows — earning more often brings new questions about boundaries, fee setting, accessibility, and what “enough” actually means.

As therapists, we can sometimes over-function around money, especially when it comes to sliding scale therapy or assumptions about what clients can afford. Accessibility matters, and so does building a practice that can sustainably support you, your clients, and your future.

That same mindset can show up in how we think about our own financial needs and long-term planning. Retirement savings are another area where many therapists have been underserved. Whether you’re self-employed, running a group practice, or just getting started, beginning small and automating savings can create meaningful financial security over time.

Every Stage of Practice Brings New Money Questions

Our relationship with money continues to evolve through every stage of practice and life.

(00:03:31) Discussing longevity in therapist education

(00:06:50) Feeling stuck in maximum capacity

(00:12:28) Changing perspectives in education

(00:15:42) Recognizing economic class differences

(00:18:13) Managing lifestyle inflation

(00:20:26) Offering sliding scale therapy

(00:24:02) Retirement savings for practitioners

(00:26:26)