Leaving a traditional therapy model can feel risky, but for Dr. Amanda Buduris, it was the shift that transformed her business.

Amanda, a licensed psychologist and Brainspotting & EMDR therapist, joins host Michael Fulwiler to share how she went from a burned-out college counseling center employee to a thriving private practice owner charging $350 to $500 per hour.

Amanda walks through her journey into private practice, her decision to stop offering standard 50-minute sessions, and how introducing therapy intensives helped her regain control over her time and energy. She also shares how therapists can navigate the discomfort of premium pricing and shift their mindset around what their work is worth.

Whether you're early in your private practice journey or rethinking your business model, Amanda’s story offers a fresh and practical perspective on what’s possible when therapists put sustainability first.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Why therapy intensives can be more effective for clients
• How to set rates that reflect your value
• Moving past guilt around charging premium fees

Connect with the guest:

• Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amandakbcoaching/
• Amanda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandabuduris/
• Visit Amanda's website: https://amandakbcoaching.com/

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter
• Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School

(00:25) Meet Dr. Amanda Buduris

(01:45) How Safe and Sound Protocol supports healing

(02:42) Amanda’s first-gen experience in grad school

(05:21) First therapy sessions with college students

(08:14) Burnout pushed her toward private practice

(10:50) Challenges during the pandemic

(12:12) Resources that helped her launch her practice

(14:20) Getting her first client through Reddit

(15:10) Choosing trauma and couples as her niche

(18:32) Raising rates and letting go of fear

(21:22) Why she stopped accepting insurance and EAPs

(23:30) Outsourcing bookkeeping before seeing her first client

(28:32) Coaching therapists on business and mindset

(34:34) Is charging premium therapy rates ethical?

(41:57) What intensives are and why they work

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.