In Episode 2 of My Aligned Practice, host Dr. Stephanie Dinsmore (psychotherapist, social worker, and group practice owner) guides therapists through the process of imagining, defining, and aligning with their dream practice. Building on the journal work from Episode 1, Stephanie explores how the shift toward private practice often begins as an internal nudge: a sense of misalignment, fatigue, or longing for something more meaningful and spacious. Stephanie shares her own story of transitioning from community care into solo private practice, describing the exhaustion, imposter syndrome, and uncertainty she navigated along the way. She explains the crucial distinction between our identities as a person, a clinician, and a business owner—and why soulful-led business growth can only happen when all three identities are aligned. Listeners will hear real stories of Stephanie’s early days in private practice, the nervous-system shock of leaving behind rigid work schedules, and the unexpected joy and energy that came from reclaiming autonomy. She also explores the top three barriers that most clinicians face when considering a shift into private practice: the belief that they must maintain a 9–5 job, fear around financial or career risk, and a lack of confidence or ongoing imposter syndrome. This episode closes with two powerful journal prompts designed to help you understand your “why” and clarify who you are across the personal, clinical, and leadership domains—setting the foundation for an aligned, sustainable practice.

Apply for the Aligned Practice Blueprint

Request a consultation call for Stephanie’s new business mentorship program, the Aligned Practice Blueprint—a small, high-support container designed to help clinicians move from solo to group practice with clarity and confidence. We’re only taking six practitioners!

More info: https://therapistsofftheclock.ca/the-aligned-practice-blueprint/

Aligned Action Item — Journal Prompts

Use these prompts to deepen your understanding of your motivation, your identity, and the core values that will guide your shift into solo or group practice. Take your time and return to these questions often.

1. Why am I doing this?

Consider:

What is calling you toward a shift?

What are you yearning for more of in your life or clinical work?

What current realities feel misaligned or unsustainable?

2. Who am I across the three roles of my aligned practice?

Consider:

Who am I as a person?

What are your core values, rhythms, needs, and desires?

Who am I as a clinician?

What is your therapeutic style? What populations or modalities feel most energizing?

Who am I as a business owner or leader?

What kind of practice do you want to build? What leadership qualities are emerging in you?

What does aligned stewardship feel like?

These prompts are your invitation to clarify your vision, strengthen your confidence, and begin shifting from practitioner to aligned business owner—slowly, intentionally, and with support.

Want to share? Tell us what came up for you. Find the “Episode Two” video on Instagram and leave a comment so Stephanie can chat with you about your reflections:

https://www.instagram.com/myalignedpractice

About Dr. Stephanie Dinsmore

Stephanie Dinsmore, MSW, RSW, is a psychotherapist, social worker, group practice owner, and soulful-led business mentor for therapists. She is the founder of Mindful Path Counselling, a thriving Ontario-based practice with over 25 clinicians. Stephanie blends clinical expertise with somatic awareness, intuitive healing, and values-based leadership to help therapists align who they are as people, clinicians, and business owners. Her coaching framework supports therapists in identifying mindset blocks, reconnecting with their intuition, and building practices that feel spacious, sustainable, and deeply aligned.

Read more about Stephanie here: https://therapistsofftheclock.ca/our-team/stephanie-dinsmore/

Connect with Stephanie

1. Instagram — @myalignedpractice: https://www.instagram.com/myalignedpractice
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-stephanie-dinsmore-6b202014a/

Connect with Therapists Off the Clock

1. Instagram — @therapistsofftheclock: https://www.instagram.com/therapistsofftheclock
2. Website: https://therapistsofftheclock.ca/

Learn More about Mindful Path Counselling

1. Website: https://www.mindfulpathcounselling.ca
2. Instagram — @mindfulpathcounselling: https://www.instagram.com/mindfulpathcounselling/