Decrease Burnout and Turnover in your Group Practice

In this episode, host Carrie Haynes interviews Shannon Heers, a group practice owner, experienced therapist, clinical supervisor, and the founder of Firelight Supervision. Shannon is also the owner of Catalyst Counseling, a group practice located in Colorado. She is passionate about burnout prevention in the counseling field and has a wealth of experience in facilitating groups.

The Power of Groups:

Shannon shares her journey of discovering the transformative power of group therapy. She recalls a time when she facilitated a group of women who felt isolated and overwhelmed. The group provided a space for these women to connect, share their experiences, and find support. This group has been running for over three years, showcasing the lasting impact and need for such therapeutic spaces. "The power of the group was amazing... I've been facilitating that group for over three years now." - Shannon Heers

Catalyst Counseling - A Model Group Practice:

Shannon's group practice, Catalyst Counseling, is a testament to the effectiveness of group therapy. The practice has six therapists, many of whom are clinical supervisors. Shannon emphasizes a collaborative approach, mirroring the dynamics of group therapy in her leadership style. She believes in the power of groups not just as a therapeutic tool but also as a business model that can lead to sustainable growth and profitability.

"I think the way that I manage and lead my group practice is very similar to how I like to do group therapy. It's very collaborative." - Shannon Heers

Overcoming Barriers to Group Therapy:

One of the challenges in promoting group therapy is the preconceived notion some therapists have about its effectiveness. Shannon discusses the need for proper training and support to help therapists see the "magic" of group work. She emphasizes that once therapists experience the benefits of group therapy firsthand, they often become its strongest advocates.

"Group work is so very, such a very different way that people heal, you know, in coordination with other people, in connection with other people." - Shannon Heers

Tips/Action Steps for Decreasing Therapist Burnout:

• Invest in Clinical Support: One of the primary reasons for clinician turnover is burnout, which can be attributed to a lack of clinical support. Ensuring that therapists receive the necessary clinical support can prevent burnout and increase their longevity in the practice. "Burnout for sure is one of the top reasons. Um, not and if you look at burnout, one of the things that contributes to that is not getting the clinical support that people need." - Shannon Heers

• Diversify Work Schedule: Diversifying the work schedule and incorporating group therapy sessions can help therapists maintain their energy and passion for their work. It provides an alternative to individual sessions and can be more engaging for some therapists. "How professional development, how diversity in your work schedule, how connection with others through offering groups or collaborative projects, all support your work and also support your energy for this work that can sometimes be lonely and depleting." - Carrie Haynes

• Seek Consultation and Continuous Learning: Therapists love to discuss their cases and learn new areas of clinical interest. Providing them with opportunities for consultation and continuous learning can keep them engaged and passionate about their work. "Therapists love to talk about their cases. They love to, um, consult with other people and to continue to learn and to learn new areas of, um, Of clinical interest and to develop those areas of clinical interest." - Shannon Heers

• Identify and Address the Needs: Before implementing any new strategy or therapy modality, it's essential to identify the needs within the practice or community. If there's a genuine need for group therapy or any other service, then it's worth investing in it wholeheartedly. "I always like to look at what's the need first. Is there a need within your practice or within the community for groups? And if so, you know, go for it." - Shannon Heers

• Separate Roles as Practice Owner and Clinical Supervisor: To avoid conflicts of interest and ensure that the best decisions are made for both the practice and the individual therapists, it's beneficial to separate the roles of a practice owner and a clinical supervisor. "I really separated my role as a practice owner versus my role as a clinical supervisor, because that is one of the dual roles that practice group practice owners come into contact with a lot." - Shannon Heers

Harness the Power of Group Therapy 

In this enlightening episode, Shannon Heers shares her insights into the transformative power of group therapy, both as a therapeutic tool and a sustainable business model. Through proper training, support, and a collaborative approach, therapists can harness the potential of group therapy to benefit their clients and grow their practices.

Links and Resources

• Firelight Supervision

• Catalyss Counseling

• The Art of Groups - Group Program Information

• Group program training starting in November 2023  - Inquiry Form

Podcast Production and Show Notes by Course Creation Studio