The end of the year is fast approaching. As we approach the new year, it is the best time to reflect on our professional growth and prepare for the future of your private practice. In this new episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, I share the end-of-year best practices for therapists to ensure your business is as healthy and prosperous as the service you provide. This episode promotes a reflective and proactive mindset as therapists prepare for the new year.

Key Areas Covered:

• Client Progress Review

• Updating Client Documentation

• Insurance and Billing Management

• Collecting Client Feedback

• Tax Preparation and Savings

• Continuing Education

• Business Strategy Review

• Professional Insurance Updates

• Refreshing Your Office Environment

• Networking and Peer Support

• Mental Health and Self-Care

Free Client Evaluation Form: https://www.subscribepage.com/client_eval

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

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*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

"Any note is better than no note." In today's episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey joins me to talk about her expertise; clinical documentation in therapy work. She discusses the challenges therapists face when it comes to writing treatment plans and progress notes. She delves into issues such as getting behind on progress notes, lack of confidence in note-writing and not understanding the implications of certain documentation choices. She provides practical tips for therapists to improve their documentation, including the key components of a progress note and the need for customization based on individual needs and legal considerations. She also touches on the use of AI in private practice.

The goal of this episode is to normalize the challenges therapists face with clinical documentation, review the basics that need to be in every progress note, provide guidance on common mistakes, encourage therapists to approach documentation with confidence and practical strategies, and explore the use of AI in private practice

"If you're going to have a private practice and do this stuff on your own, you have to be willing to take a little bit of that extra step. A little extra time to review those things and make sure that it is personalized to you and same with note templates. I see so many people who are like, you'll hear people say, you know, I thought I was supposed to put this in a note, and I thought I was supposed to put this in a note, and someone told me this or when I worked at this agency or this group practice, we had to write our notes this way. 99% of those are arbitrary guidelines. There are very few guidelines around what goes into note and so it does require a little critical thinking about one - what should go in and out for you based on your clients in your profession, but also two - what's helpful, what's useful."- Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey

The key highlights:

• The importance of understanding the "why" behind documentation recommendations and thinking outside the box while maintaining ethical standards.

• The impact of the pandemic on increasing the number of therapists seeking support for documentation issues.

• Addressing the common struggle of therapists feeling unprepared due to a lack of training in documentation during graduate school.

• The stigma and stress surrounding documentation issues, creating a cycle of shame in the profession. Therapists often feel hesitant to seek help or admit their struggles with documentation due to fear of judgment.

• The common mistakes therapists make, including being behind on paperwork and lacking confidence in their notes.

• The lack of specific guidelines for documenting and decision-making in the gray areas of therapy work.

• Specific tips for more efficient and effective progress note writing.

• The insights on AI adoption in private practice.

About the guest:

Dr. Maelisa McCaffrey is a licensed psychologist, nail design enthusiast, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. Through her business QA Prep, she empowers therapists with trainings and consultation on clinical documentation. Maelisa focuses on the "why" behind the usual recommendations and encourages clinicians to think outside the box, while also keeping their ethics intact. As someone with ADHD who's had to figure out what works through trial and error, Maelisa aims to make sure her trainings are practical, while also allowing for plenty of laughter and fun.

Connect with Dr. McCaffrey:

QA Prep website: https://www.qaprep.com (Sign up for the FREE Private Practice Paperwork Crash Course)

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCytXRIFI17MtbmTh5QTJhsg

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Grief is a universal experience and therapists are not immune to it. In today's episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, I talk about the ways to manage grief during the holidays, both for us as therapists dealing with personal loss and in our work with clients who are navigating their own grief. I share 10 tips on how to manage our personal grief during the holiday season and 10 tips on how to help our clients who are experiencing the same thing.This episode underscores the importance of acknowledging the universal nature of grief, setting healthy boundaries, seeking support, and fostering a sense of hope and healing for both therapists and clients in the face of loss.

"Sharing your grief journey with trusted individuals can provide perspective, comfort and validation. Lean on family, friends or professional support groups; sharing your experiences with others can provide comfort and understanding. For example, participate in a peer support group where therapists share their experiences of loss and coping strategies. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness, and we know this as therapists. It's a common and necessary part of the grieving process, and also crucial to the work we do"

Let's dig deeper into:

• Therapists may face a dual role during the holiday season — managing their personal grief while providing support to clients navigating their own grief.

• Private practice therapists face challenges in decision-making, such as canceling sessions or managing caseloads, especially when dealing with personal grief.

• Rule of Thumb: if questioning whether to cancel sessions due to personal reasons, it's an indication to do so, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring one's grief.

• Tips for therapists' grief management

• Tips for therapists supporting clients.

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

From the Archive Episode:

Today, we'll discuss how to practice therapy while staying true to who we are as individuals. We learned a lot in graduate school that, in theory, is significant and serves as excellent advice for making moral and ethical judgments. While we are instructed to enter the therapeutic relationship as a therapist as a blank slate, there are actually a ton of areas in our work that make this difficult. I believe what we are taught in school is a solid foundation on which to build, yet in reality, we all have our own values and ideals, which manifest in the therapy session; how you handle those things is just as crucial.

Learn More About:

• We need to normalize that imposter syndrome and burnout in our field are a real thing, and both are incredibly impactful on us as human beings doing this work.

• You can ethically refer someone out as long as you give them advance notice and provide at least three referrals (according to most best practice guidelines).

• There are many benefits to working with specific client populations. Work for yourself or with a group practice that supports working with clients who are a good fit for your skillset and experience. Think about the clients that you do your best work with and those that drain you and with whom you never feel like you have a good session when figuring this out.

• Therapists can choose between private pay, accepting insurance and hybrid payment models. Don't buy into guilt or unrealistic expectations which are created by a broken insurance system when determining the practice model that allows you to pay yourself, pay off student debt and save for retirement. It is up to the individual to decide how to structure their private practice.

"These are things that we really don't discuss when we're talking to other therapists. There's a lot of shame about these areas. And we were afraid to bring them up because there are so many areas where, like I said earlier, you are going to face shame and judgment. And that's another reason why I really want to encourage you all to be in a clinical consultation group that is supportive, and that you trust with therapists that you can be vulnerable with, that you can talk to about the issues that you're facing, and who can help normalize some of the things you're experiencing."

Connect with Jeanene:

Listen to more episodes of the podcast: https:// www.ColleagueDownTheHall.com

Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/jeanenewolfelcsw/

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeanenewolfelcsw/

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani joined me today in the latest episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast. She talks about Medicare and its complexities and how it can help your businesses reach seven figures. She delves into the difference between regular Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans noting that people choose Medicare Advantage Plans for lower premiums and bundled benefits. She also discusses the importance of understanding the complexities of health insurance, its changes and nuances to make informed decisions. Additionally, the discussion touches on the potential for audits and the speaker's encouragement to approach such challenges with preparation and a positive perspective. The context aims to provide valuable information and guidance to therapists interested in navigating the complexities of working with Medicare.

"The audits are not just, by the way, they don't just come in and look at everything. And they're like, this is horrible we're taking back all of our money. They look at it, and if there's problems, they tell you what the problems are, and they say, we're going to come back in 90 days and we want this fixed. And if it's not fixed, then they have like a second level where they do training with you. So it's not like they just come in and just immediately recoup a bunch of money. They may actually want to help you."- Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

Key highlights from this episode:

• The potential for therapists to build successful practices by accepting Medicare clients.

• Gabby discusses her experience in navigating the credentialing process for Medicare. She emphasizes that while it may seem overwhelming, breaking it down into manageable steps and staying organized can make the process smoother.

• Benefits of accepting medicare, challenging the negative perceptions and fears associated with Medicare, pointing out that it often has fewer problems compared to some commercial insurances.

• The discussion acknowledges the fear of audits but suggests that audits are not as dire as they may seem.

• Gabby advises therapists not to limit themselves by marketing specifically to Medicare clients. Instead, therapists can focus on their niche and market accordingly. This approach allows for flexibility in working with clients who may transition to Medicare later in life.

• The increasing demand for mental health services, especially among the aging population. Accepting Medicare clients is seen as a strategic move to address this need while building a sustainable practice.

• Information on the application process for therapists, especially those in the LPC and LMFT fields, looking to accept Medicare clients.

About the Guest:

Gabrielle Juliano-Villani is a licensed clinical social worker, consultant, coach, entrepreneur and educator based in Sarasota, FL. She has been in the mental health field for over a decade specializing in stress, chronic health conditions, and trauma. After realizing her own burnout in 2021, she sold her thriving group practice and made it her mission to educate others on the impact stress has on our everyday lives. Gabrielle pulls from her experience as an EMDR and Polyvagal Informed therapist to utilize mind/body approaches to help others implement everyday strategies to manage stress and live their best lives. Gabrielle is an executive coach for the SBA THRIVE program, international speaker, retreat leader, and has been featured in Authority Magazine, The Daily Om, Bustle, and the Everyday Woman TV Network. When she's not working, Gabrielle is teaching Zumba, surfing, or reading a psychological thriller at the beach.

Check out her Black Friday sale and use coupon code ABUNDANT to get 15% off all courses! ***https://gabriellejulianovillani.podia.com/a/93ptn

Connect with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani:

Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com

Medicareconsultingfortherapists.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/218951549940951

Instagram: instagram.com/gjvconsulting

Tiktok: tiktok.com/@gabriellejulianovillani

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriellejulianovillani/

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In the latest episode of the "Colleague Down the Hall" podcast, we delve into the intricacies of addiction within the family system. My guest, Kevin Petersen, brings a unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise to the discussion. Having personally battled addiction, Kevin now dedicates his career to aiding families as they confront the multifaceted challenges posed by addiction.

Our conversation focuses on the critical need to transform the family system as part of the therapeutic process. We explore the significance of establishing boundaries, actively involving clients in conversations about addiction, and adopting new perspectives to more effectively comprehend and assist both individuals and families.

Kevin highlights the persistent nature of addiction. He stresses that addressing addiction is paramount before effectively tackling co-occurring mental health issues.

The episode also emphasizes the necessity of uncovering and addressing the root causes that lie beneath addiction in individuals and families. It is a move away from merely symptomatic treatments or quick solutions, advocating for a deeper understanding and more comprehensive approach to addiction therapy.

This episode is a rich resource for mental health professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of addiction within family systems and enhance their therapeutic strategies in this challenging yet vital area of mental health care.

"The truth of the matter is, there isn't a therapist on the planet that can get somebody sober. That's not how it works, that's not our job. Our job is to deal with the emotions and the feelings and the stuff that comes when they're sober. And, and so, let's use the tools that are at our feet and be able to say, Hey, I think you know, let's just try for the next month, let's try no drinking, no drugs and we'll be on the honor system, and we'll see how it goes. And then we can walk through it and start seeing how that works."- Kevin Peterson

Key takeaways:

• The Importance of Addiction Education: Kevin emphasizes the lack of training many therapists receive in dealing with addiction and families. This episode highlights the need for therapists to educate themselves on addiction and its impact on families.

• Treating Substance Abuse as a Initial Priority: Peterson suggests that therapists prioritize helping clients achieve sobriety before addressing mental health issues. He believes that effective treatment for mental health can only occur if clients are not actively struggling with substance abuse.

• Changing the Family System: Rather than relying on tough love or complete cutoff, therapists can focus on changing the family system as a more effective approach. This involves helping families make behavioral changes and creating a supportive environment for recovery.

• Overcoming Fear of Referrals: Many therapists are hesitant to refer out clients with substance abuse issues due to fear of being accused of abandonment. Kevin acknowledges this fear but emphasizes the need for therapists to prioritize their clients' well-being and access appropriate specialized treatment.

• The Role of Therapist Transparency: Kevin discusses therapists being open and transparent about their own experiences and biases. By doing so, therapists can establish a sense of empathy and connection with their clients and create a safe space for discussing sensitive topics related to addiction.

About the guest:

Kevin Petersen, MA, LMFT, is the founder of The Chronic Hope Institute, which provides healing for families in crisis due to addiction and codependency, and family addiction coaching training for clinicians. In 2011, Kevin graduated with a master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Regis University, and he spent three and a half years working at Arapahoe Douglas Mental Health Network as an in-home therapist, case manager, crisis evaluator and outpatient therapist for Child and Family Services. Kevin has also worked part-time for The Bridge House, ADMHN's Acute Treatment Unit, as a Mental Health Technician and Counselor. In 2014, Kevin opened his private practice, Petersen Family Counseling, which specializes in working with families and individuals struggling with addictions, codependency, and parenting. Kevin has published two books: Chronic Hope: Parenting the Addicted Child and Chronic Hope: Families & Addiction, which share an integrated, holistic approach to healing families in crisis due to addiction and codependency. Kevin established The Chronic Hope Institute in 2020 with a mission to help families in crisis through family addiction coaching and empower mental health professionals with this training to help families. Dedicated to strengthening the family system, Kevin turns helplessness into hope. If you are struggling with an addict and need a plan, contact The Chronic Hope Institute at www.ChronicHope.us. Kevin began his journey of recovery in May 1991 and has been sober ever since. He lives in Florida with his wife, Amy, and three Boston Terriers Bert, Blanche and Stella

Connect with Kevin Peterson:

Instagram: @kevinwpetersen

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chronichopeinstitute

TikTok: @thefamilyaddictioncoach

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@ChronicHopeInstitute?si=M9kYbtxrmaa5FKOC

https://www.chronichope.us

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, Kelly Lynch joined me to talk about working with first responders who are an incredibly unique and often misunderstood population. Kelly shares her experiences to help us understand and address the unique mental health challenges they face. She highlights the need for mental health professionals to have specialized knowledge and training to effectively support individuals in this community. This episode emphasizes the importance of creating a safe, destigmatized environment where first responders can seek help without fear of career repercussions. It also underscores the significance of empathy, trust, and advocacy in providing appropriate mental health care for first responders, acknowledging their specific experiences and struggles while working in high-stress and often traumatic situations.

"There's the stigma around needing support for first responders is, am I now weak? And am I incapable? Am I broken? Can I not handle it anymore? And so they stuff their trauma and their experiences way down into this deep, dark place. And they are phenomenal at compartmentalizing. Out of all of the people that I've worked with in my career, first responders are hands down the best at compartmentalizing that I've ever seen because they just box their feelings up and they put them away. So, with this mentality of but I'm supposed to be the one that can fix it, and I can't fix me anymore. So now what does that mean about who I am, right? There's a fracturing to their identity in the process of that happening, because they over-identify often with their role of being a first responder."- Kelly Lynch

Key highlights:

• Understanding the unique challenges of first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMS, and dispatchers,related to their roles including moral injury and the pressure to always be the helper.

• First responders often compartmentalize their emotions and traumatic experiences, leading to a build-up of stress and trauma that can impact their overall well-being.

• First responders live in a state of hypervigilance during their shifts, which can lead to emotional highs and lows, impacting their personal lives and relationships.

• There is stigma and reluctance around seeking mental health support within the first responder community.

• Policy changes and advocacy are needed to create an environment where seeking mental health support is not stigmatized and doesn't threaten one's career.

• Therapists interested in working with first responders should seek specialized training, gain an understanding of the unique challenges faced by these professionals, and familiarize themselves with the specific language and experiences of the first responder community.

About the guest:

Kelly Lynch is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, EMT, Personal Trainer, and Nutrition Coach. She has been an EMT since 2003, and worked in commercial EMS as an EMT and FTO for 10 years prior to becoming a therapist. Kelly has been a therapist for over 14 years, and specializes in Acute Stress and Post Traumatic Stress Injuries in EMS professionals. She opened Turning Point Wellness in 2014, with the goal of normalizing mental wellness in public safety, to change the stigma of asking for help, and increase access and availability of appropriate support services to all professional and volunteer first responders.

Connect with Kelly Lynch:

www.turningpointwellnessllc.com

www.TheGRIITProject.com

Connect with Jeanene:

*Get your free Four Keys to Private Practice Peace of Mind workbook: https://collaboasis.com/4keysworkbook

*Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/intensive/

*Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

*Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

*Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

In this new episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast, I talk about 2 types of self-disclosure in clinical work along with the pros and cons of each. I discuss the complexities of self-disclosure in clinical work and the careful, nuanced approach therapists must take when deciding to disclose personal information to clients. I delve into the distinctions between voluntary and involuntary self-disclosure to help you prepare for each type. I look at the importance of considering the therapeutic value and potential impact on the client-therapist relationship in any self-disclosure decision. Additionally, I discuss the need for continuous assessment, ethical considerations, and support from peers or consultation groups to navigate the challenges associated with self-disclosure effectively. Ultimately, the focus is on maintaining a client-centered approach, prioritizing the well-being of the client above all else in the therapeutic process.

"It's crucial to recognize that self disclosure can change the dynamics of the therapist-client relationship, the sharing of personal information could either strengthen the therapeutic alliance or introduce a power imbalance. So you want to be aware of that. There are situational variables to be considered as well. These can be client-specific, the decision to disclose may vary depending on the individual client's needs, the specific therapeutic situation, and even the stage of therapy."

Key Take-aways:

• The complex nature of self-disclosure in therapy and the nuanced decision-making process it requires.

• The difference between voluntary self-disclosure and involuntary self-disclosure and the considerations for both.

• The ethical and legal considerations of self-disclosure.

• It's important to use a client-centered approach: Self-disclosure should always be evaluated based on whether it benefits the client.

Connect with Jeanene:

Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Andrea Shipley is joining me today in this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall podcast. She talks about lifestyle design for therapists as a tool for self care and sustainability and how recent cultural changes are providing some new possibilities and opportunities. We explore the concept of designing one's life around authenticity, breaking free from societal norms and expectations, and finding ways to balance personal desires with professional responsibilities. The discussion emphasizes the importance of embracing change, experimenting with different approaches, and enjoying the journey toward one's goals. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of therapists in advocating for their own well-being and how lifestyle design can help therapists create a life that aligns with their values and aspirations.

"I think of designing your life as taking responsibility for what you see in your life and what you experience and how you experience it. So, you know, I actually just listened to a talk this morning by Oprah Winfrey who just wrote a book about how to build the life you want. So I think it's just a super relevant thing right now. And so it seems to me that a lot of burnout and dissatisfaction and unfulfillment often comes from people feeling like they have to just sort of bend themselves over backwards to fit into their job role, to fit into like, pre-prescribed family roles and cultural roles. And I think it takes a lot of us further away from our authenticity than is good for us." - Andrea Shipley

What you'll learn:

• The benefits of private practice, including flexibility and freedom in scheduling and workload and the importance of tuning into one's bandwidth and energy levels to design a practice that works best for them.

• Designing a life involves breaking free from societal norms and expectations, enabling therapists to explore unique paths that align with their true selves.

• Aligning values and policies in therapy practice.

• Lifestyle design, self-care, and sustainability in therapy.

• The importance of periodic assessments to ensure lifestyle design is working effectively and making adjustments where needed.

• The importance of being open to change and experimenting with different lifestyles.

• The value of personal experience in understanding and helping others, as well as the value of expanding one's perspective through interactions with people from different backgrounds and locations.

About the Guest

Andrea Shipley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Virginia and a Lifestyle Design Coach, helping people become healthier, more present, and more satisfied with their day-to-day lives. She's designed her lifestyle and businesses around her love of travel and exploration. She's been traveling full-time in a converted school bus since 2019.

alive.kartra.com/page/reg - a free webinar about lifestyle design

https://www.aliveexplorations.com/

https://www.facebook.com/aliveexplorations https://www.instagram.com/aliveexplorations/

https://www.youtube.com/@aliveexplorations https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-shipley-lpc-951600133/

Connect with Jeanene:

Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Join the waitlist for TheraBundle: https://therabundle.com/jeanene

In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Lisa Lovelace joins me to talk about how to know when you are ready to expand into a group practice. Lisa shares how she was able to expand from an online therapy practice to creating an online group practice. We will delve into the challenges and opportunities in expanding into an online group practice, legal considerations such as 1099 vs. W2 employment classifications, building a sense of community and cohesion among therapists in an online setting, and strategies for fostering connectedness among team members. Remember, creating a positive and cohesive team culture takes time and consistent effort. By investing in your team's well-being and professional growth, you can foster a strong sense of community and collaboration within your online group practice.

"You know, I think that when you're more visible, you're elevated in the social media and therapy land, right, people probably know your name. And it's important for people to understand that we are all very similar. Nobody really knows 100% of what they're doing, or how to do it, but we learn from others. And we learned from trying ourselves and practice and that's kind of what helps propel you along. And then you kind of become expert in something as you learn and grow and do."- Lisa Lovelace

The key highlights from this episode:

• The origin of Synergy eTherapy which started as a solo practice, but expanded it into an online group practice after colleagues expressed interest in joining her venture. The idea was to create a supportive community and collaborate online.

• The evolution of online therapy, the significant shift in the mental health field towards online therapy which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Exploration of therapists' diverse motivations for expansion into a group practice.

• The importance of understanding legal considerations when structuring an online group practices, such as determining the employment status of therapists (1099 vs. W-2). It's crucial to consult legal experts to navigate these complexities.

• The entrepreneurial mindset of many therapists, who are creative and adaptable, willing to try new approaches and learn from each other. Being open to evolving business models and embracing change is key to success and growth in this field.

• The importance of active participation, authenticity, and creating opportunities for therapists to interact, share experiences, and support each other. In-person events, even occasional ones, can strengthen the sense of community among therapists.

• The idea of embracing change, staying adaptable, and not fearing the unknown. Therapists are encouraged to take calculated risks, support each other, and find innovative ways to evolve their practices to meet the changing demands of the mental health landscape.

About the Guest:

Dr. Lisa Lovelace is the founder of Synergy eTherapy, which is one of the first fully online mental health group practices in the US! She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and is registered as a tele-health provider in Florida. Dr. Lisa is also a part of PSYPACT, which allows psychologists to see clients who are physically located in any state that has joined PsyPact! Dr. Lisa has over 20 years of post graduate level clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, substance abuse and other emotional or behavioral disorders.

Connect with Lisa Lovelace:

@synergyetherapy

@how to build an online therapy group practice

www.synergyetherapy.com

Course Information:

https://synergyetherapy.vipmembervault.com/

Book Information: https://www.amazon.com/Bubble-Breathing-Adventures-Find-Superpower/dp/B0C48KZRPJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3EKRI9HNJ8QGM&keywords=lisa+lovelace&qid=1694546681&sprefix=lisa+lovelac%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1

Connect with Jeanene:

Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment

Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/

Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt

Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/

Join the waitlist for TheraBundle: https://therabundle.com/jeanene