Are you a clinician looking for an organization that values independence, freedom, and flexibility? Look no further than the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy (CMP), a nonprofit counseling center for associate clinicians based in San Francisco. In today's podcast episode, I interview Scott Balderson, the director and founder of CMP, who shares more about the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, what motivated him to start the CMP, and whether it might be a right fit for you.

We discuss the unique level of freedom and flexibility given to clinicians over their practice decisions in the CMP, as well as the importance of creating a stable and supportive environment for associates. Join us as Scott explains what makes the CMP different from other agencies in the therapy field and how they prepare you for starting your own therapy practice. Plus, Scott shares great advice on how to make decisions about your practice!

More about Scott Balderson:

Scott Balderson LMFT, is the director and founder of Center for Mindful Psychotherapy, a non-profit counseling center for Associate clinicians. He has been practicing psychotherapy in the Castro District of San Francisco for over 30 years. In addition to traditional western psychological thought he honors different forms of self growth and knowledge including insight from the wisdom traditions of the East. In 2013, he founded the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy to provide a training community for Associate Marriage and Family Therapists in the process of obtaining hours towards licensure in the state of California. He still maintains a private practice as a psychotherapist serving individuals and couples in addition to serving as Director of the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy. 

Topics covered in this episode:

• Scott’s story of going from private practice to founding a nonprofit counseling center.
• Why Scott prioritizes giving clinicians freedom and control over decisions like cancellation policies and fees.
• How the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy's financial model differs from other group practices and how it benefits therapists.
• Values and principles that guide Scott in running the CMP.
• Is the Center for Mindful Psychotherapy the right fit for you? 
• How CMP supports you in transitioning smoothly into private practice after licensure without feeling lost.
• The Center for Mindful Psychotherapy encourages clinicians to take on additional roles within the organization, leveraging their skills and interests.
• How the technological advancements in therapy have shaped the profession and the way therapists attract and connect with clients?
• Advice on navigating the changing landscape of therapy and marketing strategies as a therapist in today's world.

Connect with Felicia:

• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Membership: Liberated Business
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Connect with Scott:

• Website: mindfulcenter.org

Related episodes:

Episode 14: Choosing a Therapy Niche That Aligns with Your Values & Passions w/ April Snow, LMFT

Episode 8: Setting Boundaries & Valuing Your Worth as a Therapist with Emily Adams

Quote:

“It felt really important to me to create an organization where there was a real sense of stability and that associates were gonna feel really held and taken care of, even though there's still a lot of independence. “- Scott