A transparent group practice culture is central to today’s discussion with Jonathan Pishner, founder of Apex Counseling in Morgantown, West Virginia. Jonathan describes how losing his job prompted his move into entrepreneurship and why he has dedicated the past decade to creating a practice where clinicians can perform their best work without micromanagement. We examine the bravery and humility needed to run a business driven by values—especially when being open about money, policies, and mistakes feels uncomfortable.

You’ll hear how Jonathan develops clinicians by emphasizing foundational skills, repetition, and real-time feedback (inspired by martial arts training), and why creative freedom—down to simple choices like dress code—unlocks better therapy. He also explains the “neurological cost” of secrecy and how honesty, within reason, safeguards culture and trust.

 Takeaways:
• Train for mastery: encode basics before complexity for more decisive clinical judgment.
• Lead with transparency: admit mistakes, unlearn secrecy, and rebuild trust.
• Ditch micromanagement: create sensible guardrails and autonomy to spark creativity.
• Model curiosity: reduce shame about “not knowing” to deepen learning and client care.
 

Transform Your Group Practice

Actionable insights for practice owners and clinicians who want to lead, grow, or exit with purpose. This is the podcast shaping a stronger mental health system — one practice at a time.

• Subscribe and listen to more episodes: https://yourgrouppractice.com/
• Want to be a guest? Reach out: [email protected]

About the Host

Dan King is a lawyer turned private equity founder with a passion for fixing burnout in mental health. With a background in M&A, Shark Tank deals, and psychology, he now leads Fireside Strategic — investing in group practices that put people first.

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
• Website: firesidestrategic.com