Why I’m So Glad I Didn’t Send That Text
As a group practice owner, I’m a huge proponent of two things:
Know Your Why – Understanding why you are building a group practice helps keep you focused and aligned with your goals.
You Have an Ideal Therapist, and They Are Worth Waiting For – Not every therapist is the right fit for your practice, and that’s okay.
Recently, I had an experience that reinforced these principles for me, and I wanted to share it with you.
Staying True to My Why
When I shifted my business model to include the option for therapists to rent from me, I wrestled with self-doubt. I kept coming back to my core motivations:
I want to run a profitable business.
I want to build a strong, cohesive team of therapists.
I want to offer high-quality, valuable services to both therapists and clients.
Despite my initial hesitation, I knew that staying true to these principles would guide me in making the right decisions.
Identifying My Ideal Therapist
Just as therapists have an ideal client, group practice owners should have an ideal therapist. For me, that means someone who:
Is motivated to succeed in private practice.
Values a team atmosphere.
Understands the time and financial investment required to thrive in business.
Prioritizes quality and is trauma-informed.
Keeping this vision in mind has been crucial in making hiring and business decisions.
The Moment of Self-Doubt
The first week I announced my new model, I had two very different interactions:
A good friend considered joining but ultimately declined due to cost. That familiar wave of self-doubt and impostor syndrome hit me hard. Was I asking for too much? Should I lower my rates? But then I reminded myself—if they don’t see the value in what I offer, they aren’t the right fit for my practice.
Another therapist resonated deeply with my values and seemed genuinely excited about the opportunity. However, they needed to discuss it with their partner before making a decision. Again, my mind raced—what if I lose them? I quickly drafted a text offering a lower rate and additional perks to entice them.
But then, I paused. I didn’t send the text. Instead, I decided to wait.
Trusting the Process
An hour later, I received an email—they were thrilled to join my practice, no negotiation needed!
This was a powerful reminder that we don’t need to compromise our values out of fear. It’s easy to second-guess our pricing, our structure, and our worth. But when we do, we risk creating resentment and undervaluing ourselves and our business.
Lessons for Every Group Practice Owner
Trust yourself – You know what your practice needs.
Check in with your why – Your business model exists for a reason.
Stand by your values – The right people will see the worth in what you offer.
Be patient – Your ideal therapist is worth waiting for.
If you’re feeling unsure about a decision, or if you have a draft text sitting there waiting to be sent—don’t send it. Take a breath. Stay the course. You and your practice are worth it.
