Many therapists often ask these questions when they’re building a private practice:
- Am I behind?
- Should I be further on by now?
- Why does it feel like everyone else is moving faster than me?
These worries can be common for neurodivergent therapists, and for anyone trying to grow a sustainable private practice without burning out.
In a recent episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I spoke with Claire, a neurodivergent therapist who has built her private practice at her own pace, in a way that works with her nervous system rather than against it. She didn’t rush, she didn’t force herself into someone else’s model of success, and she’s now busy in practice.
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Summary
This blog explores how therapists can build a private practice at their own pace, without comparison or burnout. Drawing on a conversation with a neurodivergent therapist, it offers reassurance that slow, intentional growth can still lead to a sustainable and busy practice.
Why so many therapists feel behind when building private practice
Private practice often comes with self-imposed deadlines, such as:
- By now, you should be fully booked.
- By now, you should feel confident.
- By now, you should have it figured out.
These expectations rarely account for neurodivergence, nervous system capacity, health or caring responsibilities. But when your reality doesn’t match the imagined timeline, it’s easy to assume you’re doing something wrong.
Often, you’re not behind. The timeline was never realistic.
How to build a private practice at your own pace
Building a private practice at your own pace doesn’t mean avoiding growth or staying stuck.
It means:
- listening to your nervous system rather than overriding it
- making decisions based on capacity rather than comparison
- allowing confidence to develop alongside experience
Claire chose sustainability over speed. This meant being careful about when and how she took steps forward. She paid attention to what felt manageable, trusted her own pace, and resisted the pressure to rush visibility or expansion.
Over time Claire has built a practice that suits her capacity and the type of work she loves to do.
Why slow and steady growth can lead to a sustainable practice
You may feel under great pressure to succeed straight away and if you don’t, it means you’re doing it wrong. In fact, slow growth often helps you to feel more confident, choose the clients you work best with and enable you to set clear boundaries.
A full practice doesn’t have to be built quickly to be successful.
Neurodivergent therapists and building private practice differently
Neurodivergent therapists often experience additional layers when building private practice.
These can include:
- Visibility feels overwhelming or unsafe
- You need longer to integrate change
- You’re more affected by comparison or pressure than your neurotypical peers
Building a practice that fits you means taking these factors seriously and allowing them to inform your decisions. This helps build a more sustainable practice and deeper relationships in the therapy room.
You’re not behind. You’re building a practice that fits you
There is no single right way to build a private practice.
If your pace is slower than others, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It may mean you’re building something thoughtful, ethical and sustainable.
You’re allowed to do this in your own time. You’re allowed to pause and adjust. And you’re allowed to succeed without rushing.
Frequently asked questions about building private practice at your own pace
Am I behind if my private practice isn’t full yet?
No. Many private practices take time to build, particularly when therapists are working ethically and around other commitments. Progress isn’t always immediate or visible.
Is it OK to build a private practice slowly?
Yes. Slow growth can be a sign that you’re listening to your capacity and protecting your wellbeing, which supports long term sustainability.
How can neurodivergent therapists avoid burnout in private practice?
By pacing growth, working with the nervous system, choosing manageable marketing steps, and seeking support that doesn’t rely on pressure or urgency.
What should I do if I feel pressured to grow faster?
It can help to pause and reflect on where these expectations are coming from. Supervision can help you explore your capacity and find the freedom to choose a sustainable practice rather than burning out.
Next step: support without pressure
One of the things Claire spoke about in our conversation was how important it was to have support that didn’t rush her or expect her to do things in a particular way.
As a neurodivergent therapist, she needed space to move at her own pace, to take things in, and to build confidence gradually. Being part of Therapy Growth Group gave her structure and encouragement, without pressure to keep up or push herself beyond what felt manageable.
What helped wasn’t being told what she should be doing, but having ideas, reassurance, and knowing that she wasn’t doing this alone. Over time, this helped her move forward in a way that felt safe and sustainable for her.
If you’re looking for support that respects your capacity and allows you to grow your private practice in your own way, Therapy Growth Group is there to walk alongside you.
Inside the group, we focus on:
- steady, manageable action rather than urgency
- building confidence alongside visibility
- ethical, sustainable marketing
- a community of therapists who understand the reality of private practice
You can find out more about Therapy Growth Group here.
Remember, you’re not behind. You’re building something lasting that fits you.