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PLAN YOUR LEAVE WITH CONFIDENCE—FROM ONE THERAPIST MOM TO ANOTHER

The Maternity Leave Guide for Therapists

I know what you're feeling right now—excitement, anticipation, maybe a little bit (or a lot) of stress.
Preparing for maternity leave when you are the business can feel like a huge puzzle with too many missing pieces.

I’ve been there. Twice.

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As a mom and a private practice therapist, I know what it’s like to wonder:

❓ How will my clients manage while I’m away?
 ❓ What happens to my income?
 ❓ How do I transition back without feeling completely overwhelmed?

There weren’t many resources out there when I was planning my leave, so I had to figure it out on my own. Now, I’m sharing everything I learned—so you don’t have to.

With the right plan in place, you can take the time off you deserve without guilt and without stress. This guide will help you make it happen.

IMAGINE IF YOU COULD…

✓

Take maternity leave without constantly stressing about your clients

✓

Feel confident knowing your practice will still be there when you return

✓

Have a step-by-step plan to transition back smoothly

That’s why I created The Maternity Leave Guide for Therapists. Whether this is your first maternity leave or you’re refining your approach for another, this guide gives you the structure, scripts, and planning tools to make it as smooth as possible—for both you and your clients.

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INTRODUCING

The Maternity Leave Guide for Therapists

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A booklet cover with the title "Navigating Maternity Leave in Private Practice" by Kelley Stevens, LMFT, featuring an image of a woman at the beach wearing sunglasses and a cap. Several pages of the booklet are partially visible with tips and steps for managing maternity leave and working with therapists.
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  • Promotion for episode 26 of a mental health podcast featuring Kelley Stevens, MA, LMFT, with her portrait, smiling, sitting in a gray sweater, next to a yellow lamp in a cozy room.
  • Podcast cover art titled 'Money Skills for Therapists - The Podcast' featuring host Linzy Bonham and guest Kelley Stevens, with headshots of each. The description indicates the episode is about 'Money Scripts for Private Practice with Kelley Stevens'.
  • Book cover titled 'The Flourishing Therapist' featuring a photo of Claire Blakey smiling outdoors in front of a brick wall, with her credentials listed below.
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MEET YOUR COACH

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👋 Hey there, I’m Kelley Stevens, LMFT.

I’ve spent years helping therapists build strong, sustainable private practices, but nothing tested my planning skills quite like preparing for maternity leave. I remember sitting at my desk, trying to map out how I could step away without feeling like I was abandoning my clients or putting my business at risk.

I wanted time with my baby without that nagging stress in the back of my mind.

This guide is the exact resource I wish I had back then. It’s designed to give you clarity, structure, and confidence—so you can take a real break while knowing your practice (and your clients) are in good hands.

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What’s Inside

A step-by-step guide on how to prepare for maternity leave, including selecting a therapist, informing clients, managing responses, budgeting, disability insurance, and planning leave dates, with a website link at the bottom.

The Maternity Leave Guide is a step-by-step resource to help you prepare for time away from your private practice. Inside, you’ll find essential scripts, checklists, and planning tools to ensure a smooth transition before, during, and after your leave.

YOU’LL LEARN HOW TO:

✅ Select an on-call therapist to provide client support.
✅ Communicate your leave to clients with confidence.
✅ Manage client transitions and maintain continuity of care.
✅ Budget effectively for time off.
✅ Understand disability insurance and financial planning.
✅ Return to your practice feeling organized and ready.

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How Do I Know If the Maternity Leave Guide Is Right for Me?

NOT FOR YOU IF…

✓ You don’t plan to take time off and want to keep working through maternity.

✓ You don’t have a private practice.

✓ You’re not interested in structured maternity leave planning.

TOTALLY FOR YOU IF…

✓ You want to take maternity leave without stressing about your clients or income.

✓ You need a clear, step-by-step plan to prepare for your leave.

✓ You want to return to your practice with ease and confidence.

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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.

I'm READY
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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 Therapists—plus 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.

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ANSWERS TO YOUR BURNING QUESTIONS

FAQs

  • This guide gives you a structured plan for stepping away from your practice with confidence. From finding an on-call therapist to managing finances, setting boundaries, and informing clients, it covers everything you need to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Ideally, you should start preparing at least 3-6 months in advance. This gives you enough time to find an on-call therapist, communicate with clients, and put financial plans in place. However, even if you’re further along in your pregnancy, this guide can help you get organized quickly.

  • No problem! The guide walks you through exactly how to find and vet an on-call therapist, even if you don’t have one in mind yet. It also includes scripts and best practices for introducing them to your clients.

  • This guide includes scripts and strategies to help make the transition back as smooth as possible—for both you and your clients. You’ll learn how to set expectations, maintain client trust, and re-establish your practice with ease.

  • Yes! One of the key sections covers budgeting, disability insurance, and other financial considerations to ensure you can take time off without feeling stressed about money.

  • Due to the digital nature of this guide, all sales are final. However, I’m confident that the tools and strategies inside will help you plan a maternity leave that feels sustainable and stress-free. If you have questions while working through the guide, I’m happy to support you!

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