Pamphlet titled 'Say It Like a Pro: Scripts for Therapists in Private Practice' with a photo of a smiling woman pointing upwards, and a smaller page with text about explaining cash pay to clients.
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TACKLE THE TOUGH CONVERSATIONS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE

Say It Like a Pro

In private practice, we juggle many roles, and having the right words can make all the difference. Over the past decade, I’ve refined these scripts to give you a flexible framework for tricky conversations, so you feel confident and prepared.

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IMAGINE IF YOU COULD…

Maintain professionalism while staying true to your authentic voice

Respond confidently to any question or situation that arises in sessions

Easily set clear boundaries—so clients know what to expect, without the awkwardness.

Imagine having a set of adaptable phrases at your fingertips, ready to guide you through those tricky conversations—whether it's about fees, boundaries, or navigating client resistance. Imagine feeling confident and prepared, no matter the situation.

INTRODUCING

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Say It Like a Pro

A pamphlet titled 'Say It Like a Pro: Scripts for Therapists in Private Practice' features a woman sitting on an orange couch, smiling and pointing upwards, with a second woman standing next to her. Inside, the pamphlet contains chapters and text on therapeutic practice, with images of women and highlighted sections.

Say It Like a Pro provides ready-to-use scripts for everything from discussing fees and boundaries to handling client concerns and cancellations. With adaptable, professional phrases at your fingertips, you’ll navigate challenging moments with confidence and clarity—without the stress or awkwardness. It’s the perfect tool to help you communicate effectively, maintain boundaries, and grow your practice.

Featured In:

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MEET YOUR COACH

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Hi, I’m Kelley Stevens, LMFT. These scripts are the result of over a decade in private practice. I created them for therapists like you who want to feel prepared, empowered, and ready for anything that comes up with clients.

I hope these scripts become a source of support in your practice, just as they have been for me.

What’s Inside the Scripts Packet?

CHAPTER 1

Clarifying Your Policies

  • What to say when explaining cash pay to clients

  • What to say when a client asks what a Superbill is

  • What to say when explaining why you don’t accept insurance

  • What to say when explaining to a client the importance of completing their intake paperwork before the first appointment

  • What to say when you have no more sliding scale spots but a client is requesting one

  • What to say when explaining a no-secrets policy

CHAPTER 2

Responding to Clients

  • Scripts for handling client inquiries, converting leads, and scheduling the first session

  • What to say when a client isn't a good fit after the first session

  • How to address payment issues and outstanding balances when booking future sessions

  • Managing cancellations, late arrivals, and no-shows

  • Phrases for navigating personal boundaries

  • Guidance for addressing requests like free consultations, recording sessions, or pausing therapy

CHAPTER 3

Taking Care of Your Business

  • Scripts for converting email inquiries into clients and following up with non-responsive leads

  • What to say when referring clients to an associate or communicating about practice changes

  • How to address your social media policy and set payment expectations, including declined credit cards or alternative payment methods

  • How to communicate with parents about teen therapy and set clear boundaries about session expectations

  • What to say when announcing vacation plans, maternity leave, or notifying clients of office moves

CHAPTER 4

Interacting with Community and Referral Sources

  • Scripts for cold-calling school counselors, therapists, and doctors to schedule networking meetings

  • What to say when referring a client to another therapist or following up on a referral

  • How to send a thank-you card for a referral and express appreciation

  • Phrases for sharing clinical updates with doctors or other therapists

  • What to say when receiving a referral from a doctor or professional contact

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Explore My

The Private Practice Roadmap

Take my step-by-step course to open your cash-pay private practice this year. Get every tool you need to open your doors and start seeing clients.

Hint: It’s not as hard as you think!

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Marketing for
Therapists

Fill your practice with cash-pay clients who are the perfect fit for you. Learn the strategies over 2,000 therapists have used to create a full caseload while marketing in a way that feels genuine and true to who you are.

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WANT MORE?

Join The Private Practice Club 

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The Private Practice Club

Get the most out of your private practice with the The Private Practice Club.

A monthly membership designed to help you grow your private practice with clarity, confidence, and support. Inside, you’ll get instant access to Kelley Stevens’ two best-selling courses—The Roadmap Course and Marketing for Therapistsplus live monthly coaching calls, bonus trainings, and a private community of like-minded therapists.

This is your one-stop hub for strategy, mentorship, and sustainable momentum.

ANSWERS TO YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS

FAQs

  • No, these scripts are designed to be flexible. Think of them as a supportive framework you can adapt to fit your unique therapeutic style and the specific needs of your clients.

  • These scripts are ideal for therapists in private practice who want guidance on handling tricky conversations with confidence—whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your client communication.

  • Each script provides clear, adaptable language for common situations, so you can set boundaries, manage expectations, and communicate with clients in a way that feels comfortable and professional.

  • Yes, these scripts are suitable for both online and in-person therapy settings, giving you adaptable phrases no matter how you connect with clients.

  • Not at all! Use only the scripts that resonate with you and address the situations relevant to your practice. They’re designed to be a resource you can return to as needed.

  • Absolutely! These scripts are meant to be a starting point. Feel free to tweak the language to better reflect your voice and the dynamics of your practice.

  • Due to the digital nature of this product, all sales are final and non-refundable. However, I’m confident these scripts will provide valuable support for many client situations. If you have any questions before purchasing, feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!

  • Every state and licensure board has unique regulations, so it’s essential to ensure any language you use aligns with your specific licensure requirements. These scripts provide a general framework, but always double-check with your state’s guidelines and make any adjustments needed to stay compliant.