In this episode of the Future Template Parent Podcast, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it actually looks like to rebuild an EMDR intensive practice from scratch in a new state.
Not hypothetically.
Not someday.
Right now.
After closing my Pennsylvania office, moving my family to Vermont, and intentionally slowing down over the summer, I’m now focused on creating a practice that is fully aligned with my life, my values, and my nervous system.
And that means getting back to marketing fundamentals.
The Practice I’m Intentionally Building for 2025
Before talking strategy, it matters to be clear on the destination.
By January 2025, my ideal clinical schedule looks like this:
- Two hourly clients, meeting twice per month at $225/hour
- Two 15-hour EMDR intensives per month at $6,000
- Four DID clients meeting twice per month for two-hour sessions at $550
That’s approximately:
- 42 clinical hours per month
- ~$17,000/month from clinical work alone
- Just over 10 hours per week of direct client care
This structure gives me:
- Financial sustainability
- Clinical depth
- Time for my children and their needs
- Space for my own self-care
But this kind of practice does not build itself.
Marketing Is Simple — But It’s Not Easy
Let’s be honest.
Marketing isn’t complicated in theory.
But it is emotionally challenging.
It requires:
- Visibility
- Consistency
- Tolerating rejection
- Speaking clearly about what you offer and why it matters
And yet, on the other side of that discomfort is:
- Autonomy
- Alignment
- Financial stability
- Deeply meaningful professional relationships
So here’s what I’m focusing on.
The Two Pillars of My Marketing Strategy
1. Digital Marketing
This fall, I’m investing significant time in my online presence.
Website + Branding Refresh
I’m doing a full branding photo shoot with a Vermont-based photographer to visually anchor my practice in place.
The goal:
- Reflect the outdoor, restorative, nature-based experience I offer
- Appeal to both local clients and out-of-state intensive clients
- Signal “this is different” immediately
Vermont is part of the offering now — not just the backdrop.
Strategic, Content-Rich Blog Posts
I’m committing to publishing several high-quality, evergreen blog posts, including:
- Why EMDR intensives are transformational
- How my intensive model is different
- How nature and movement support trauma processing
- Why traveling for therapy can be deeply healing
This isn’t about churning content.
It’s about writing pieces that do the work for me when I’m not in the room.
SEO With Intention
Because my practice relocated, my website needs to clearly communicate:
- My new geographic location
- Who I serve
- Why Vermont is an asset, not a barrier
That includes:
- Location-based SEO
- Updated copy throughout the site
- A redesigned intensives page that actually converts
Instagram (Reactivated, Not Perfected)
I’m re-engaging with Instagram — not to perform, but to:
- Be visible
- Share my perspective
- Attract the right people
I’m shifting focus from Pennsylvania to:
- Vermont
- Boston
- New York
- Montreal
And I’m keeping it realistic and sustainable.
Local Media & Visibility
Because Vermont is small, local exposure goes far.
I’m reaching out to:
- Local podcasts
- Print and digital media
- Tourism boards
- Community organizations
EMDR intensives in a nature-based retreat setting is a compelling story — and I’m willing to tell it.
2. In-Person Networking (The Underrated Power Move)
Digital marketing matters — but in-person connection is where trust compounds.
Mental Health Providers
I’m reaching out to:
- Psychiatrists
- Therapists
- Other intensive providers
Through:
- Emails
- Zoom coffees
- Yes — even phone calls
Not everyone will respond.
That’s normal.
One unanswered email is not a rejection.
Allied Professionals
Because my niche overlaps with parenting and neurodivergence, I’m connecting with:
- Occupational therapists
- Pediatric providers
- School counselors
- Nutritionists
These professionals already see stressed parents every day — and they’re grateful to know someone they trust.
Wellness & Hospitality Providers
My intensives often include or coordinate with:
- Massage
- Reiki
- Saunas
- Acupuncture
- Sound healing
- Restaurants and lodging
Building relationships with local business owners:
- Enhances the client experience
- Strengthens community ties
- Creates mutual referrals
Community Presence (Yes, Really)
I’m also visible simply by being a human in my town:
- PTA involvement
- Soccer sidelines
- Coffee shop conversations
- School events
When people ask what I do, I tell them — with enthusiasm, not pressure.
That matters.
How I’m Preventing Burnout While Marketing
I’m not trying to do everything at once.
Each week, I choose:
- Three concrete marketing actions
- From different categories
- That fit into a few focused hours
Consistency over intensity wins every time.
Why I’m Sharing This
So many therapists believe:
- “No one will pay for this”
- “I don’t live in the right place”
- “It’s already too saturated”
I want to show you — in real time — that this is possible.
I’ll keep sharing what works, what doesn’t, and what I learn along the way.
Call to Action
If you want support building or refining your EMDR intensive practice:
- I’m accepting a few one-to-one coaching clients this fall
- My group program will run again in early 2025
- Individual coaching rates increase January 1
👉 Learn more at:
https://www.futuretemplateparent.com
Or connect with me on Instagram: @futuretemplateparent
This kind of practice doesn’t happen by accident — but it can be built with intention, courage, and support.
