How Focusing on a Niche Can Help Your Private Practice Grow
The Right Tack Podcast, Episode 11
In the latest episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas sit down with Sara Ranssi, Owner and Mental Health Therapist at Hope and Healing Family Counseling in Roseville, Minnesota. Sara, a Registered Play Therapist, brings nearly 20 years of experience working with children, families, and the deaf community. The conversation dives into one of the most important questions for private practice owners: how do you define your niche?
Sara shares her journey from studying rehabilitation counseling to specializing in children’s mental health, emphasizing the value of focusing on underserved populations.
Early in her career, she worked with deaf and hard-of-hearing children in community programs and realized the importance of developing specialized skills, including play therapy. She recalls how collaboration with her business partner opened the door to using play therapy techniques that allowed children to engage in meaningful, effective treatment—even when language barriers existed.
One key takeaway from Sara’s story is the power of a well-defined niche. While some therapists worry that focusing on a specific population might limit their client base, Sara explains that a niche allows for more meaningful work and sustainable practice growth. “It’s not about turning people away,” she says.
“It’s about finding a match; connecting clients with the therapist best equipped to serve them.”
Sara also shares practical strategies for scaling a practice while maintaining quality care. Her team uses a referral coordinator and a thoughtful intake process to ensure clients are paired with the right therapist. This approach not only supports client success but also helps prevent therapist burnout, ensuring that the work remains rewarding and sustainable.
Whether you’re a new therapist just starting out or an experienced practice owner looking to refine your focus, Sara’s insights demonstrate the value of honing in on your ideal client.
By building a practice around a niche, you can provide high-quality care, improve client outcomes, and create a thriving, meaningful practice that stands the test of time.
