What is a turning point, exactly? And how do you know when you've reached one in your career as a therapist? Whether it's a devastating illness, or a few simple words spoken by a wise mentor, there's no denying that even small moments can radically shift the way we focus our work. Here, four therapists share stories of personal and career transformations, and the moment that began it all.

What keeps clients coming back? Lynn Grodzki—psychotherapist, business coach, and author—encourages therapists to be proactive in helping clients understand what to expect from the therapy process. This might seem simple, but it requires clear communication at two critical junctures.

By Lauren Dockett - Even if you’re not one of the millions who’ve cracked his books, read his articles, or listened to his talks, you’re still probably aware of Malcolm Gladwell as someone who’s carved out a distinctive cultural niche. Therapists say fellow clinicians interested in reaching a wide readership can take a page from Gladwell’s practice for understanding the marketplace for ideas.

By Chris Lyford - The last 15 years has witnessed the meteoric rise of podcasts as a new means of educating, entertaining, and marketing. But while the podcast may be over a decade old, it shows no sign of slowing down, and experts say there’s a piece of the pie for everyone.

By Jeffrey Kottler - Ultimately, there have been some huge seismic waves that have shaken our profession to its core, many of which present new challenges and a changing landscape that bears little resemblance to what may have once been expected.

By Robert Taibbi - However we may resist the idea, we’re in the therapy business, and the reality is that our initial contact with clients represents the same challenge faced by salespeople seeking to turn shoppers into satisfied customers. Our job isn’t to make people buy things they don’t need, but to assess people’s needs and show them the match with what they have to offer.

By Barry Duncan - It’s no secret that this is a tough time to be a therapist. In public agencies, we’re underpaid, overworked, and held to unattainable "productivity standards." So why would anybody choose to enter such a field? Recent findings reveal that therapists stay in the profession not because of material rewards, but because they value connecting deeply with clients and helping them to improve.

By Lynne Stevens - Most therapists were never coached about how to reconcile the closeness of the therapeutic encounter with the fact that therapy is also a business. It has taken me years to understand that therapy is not separate from the exchange of money. I am in this profession because I care and have skills and knowledge that can help, and I also need to make a living.

By Mitchell Greene - There are plenty of similarities between my clinical and sport psychology work. Like any group, however, athletes have their own lingo, culture, rituals, and lifestyle. Understanding the ins and outs of them can give you a leg up on establishing rapport, trust, and mutual understanding.

By Dick Anderson - Defining your niche is an essential exercise for everyone, novice or experienced, who intends to market a product or service. Ironically, most of us haven't been encouraged to think through what makes us unique in our profession. Here are three suggestions to keep in mind when considering what's special about you and your services.