In this episode of the Empowered to Lead podcast, host Lisa Catallo sits down with Kathryn Atkinson, a dynamic group practice owner from Vancouver Island. Kathryn shares her journey of building a thriving practice, emphasizing the importance of collecting the right people over expanding locations. She discusses her unique business model, leadership style, and the value of collaboration over competition. Kathryn also offers insights into overcoming common challenges faced by group practice owners, such as taking calculated risks and maintaining a clear vision. Tune in to learn how Kathryn balances growth with purpose and supports her team in delivering exceptional client care.

What You’ll Hear:

1. Kathryn’s journey from supervising an intern to establishing a multi-location group practice.
2. How her leadership focuses on collecting and supporting great people rather than just expanding locations.
3. A unique business model where practitioners are tenants paying for services rather than traditional contractor splits.
4. Common mistakes and misconceptions small business owners make around risk and investment.
5. The importance of having a leadership team and support network for decision-making and accountability.
6. Tips for overcoming imposter syndrome and staying grounded in your purpose as a CEO.
7. How maintaining a focus on values and community impact helps guide decisions and leadership choices.

Featured Guest: Kathryn Atkinson

Kathryn Atkinson has been providing clinical counselling since 2010, supporting individuals, families, and groups with a range of mental health concerns, including BFRBs, OCD, autism, and trauma. As the founder and leader of Island Clinical Counselling, she is passionate about building a supportive team of practitioners and creating accessible, high-quality care for her community. Kathryn is also an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and offers workshops, group therapy, and professional consultation.

Follow Kathryn:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/islandclinicalcounselling/

Website: www.islandclinicalcounselling.ca

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is going—and what it’s actually worth.

👉 Download it here

And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside Group Practice Connection—the membership designed to help Canadian group practice owners lead with clarity and confidence.

✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here

Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts

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