Starting a group counseling practice is exciting but it also comes with steep learning curves that can feel overwhelming at first. My research with female group practice owners revealed that success rarely happens by accident. Instead, owners build it intentionally, learning as they go and preparing in ways that go far beyond just hanging a business license on the wall.
This blog shares the real-world lessons and preparation strategies owners in my study wished they had known before they launched their practices.
Lesson 1: Preparation Is More Than Paperwork
Most counselors moving into group practice think about obvious steps like forming an LLC, getting liability insurance, or setting up payroll. Those steps matter, but owners repeatedly told me that emotional and mental preparation was just as important.
This included:
- Clarifying their vision for the practice beyond “seeing more clients”
- Facing fears about money, risk, and failure
- Accepting the identity shift from counselor to business leader
One owner shared, “I had to realize I wasn’t just building a practice. I was building a workplace for other people. That meant I had to grow as a leader.”
Lesson 2: Business Skills Can Be Learned (But Rarely Are in Graduate School)
My research highlighted a significant gap: most counseling programs don’t teach business basics. Owners often had to learn financial planning, marketing, and human resources on their own.
Successful owners bridged this gap by:
- Taking online courses on small business finance or leadership
- Joining practice owner peer groups or mastermind programs
- Hiring consultants or accountants early to avoid expensive mistakes
As one owner put it, “I spent my first year doing everything myself—billing, payroll, HR. It nearly burned me out. Bringing in experts let me focus on growing the practice.”
Lesson 3: Mentorship and Networks Are Game-Changers
Owners who thrived often had mentors who had walked the path before them. Some connected with local business owners outside of counseling; others joined state counseling associations or Facebook groups for practice owners.
Benefits of mentorship included:
- Honest feedback on pricing, hiring, and growth decisions
- Recommendations for reliable vendors (billing companies, EHR systems)
- Emotional support during setbacks or staff turnover
Lesson 4: Start Small and Grow Strategically
Many owners felt pressure to “go big” right away: multiple offices, several clinicians, full-time administrative staff. Those who scaled slowly often found the process less stressful and more sustainable.
Practical starting points included:
- Hiring one clinician and one part-time admin staff member
- Focusing on one specialty or location before expanding
- Building a strong culture with the first few hires rather than rushing to fill slots
Lesson 5: Expect Personal Growth Along the Way
Every owner in my research described significant personal growth through practice ownership. They learned to:
- Set clearer boundaries around time and energy
- Develop confidence in leadership decisions
- Embrace mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures
One participant reflected, “I had to grow as fast as my business grew—or it would outpace me.”
Takeaway: Build Your Foundation Before You Expand
Launching a group practice takes planning, support, and willingness to learn. Start by clarifying your vision, seeking mentorship, and getting at least a basic understanding of finances and HR.
In the next blogs in this series, we’ll explore gender’s influence on practice ownership, navigating business challenges, and creating work-life balance as a counseling entrepreneur.
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Ready to take your counseling practice to the next level? Brave Play offers consulting, CE trainings, and supervision tailored for group practice owners. Click here to learn more!
References
Garrett, A. (2022). The Lived Experiences of Group Practice Ownership by Female Licensed Professional Counselors (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies, 12983.