How Networking Can Make Practice Ownership Easier
Jul 21, 2025
Why Practice Owners Often Feel Isolated
Some days, building a group practice feels like pushing a train uphill. You get it moving, finally pick up speed, then one interruption derails everything. I’ve joked, “When I lose focus, I’m not just off track. I’m a train wreck.” But here’s what I’ve learned—it’s not always about better systems or time management. Sometimes, the real difference is having people around you who help keep the train moving.
How One Zoom Chat Turned Into a Support Network
In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, I talked with Stephanie Korpal and Christy Pennison, founders of The Practice CoLab. What started as a simple side-chat in a Zoom accountability group turned into a powerful support system that’s now helping other group practice owners avoid burnout and isolation.
“We were still internet strangers,” Christy said, recalling how Stephanie messaged her out of the blue to meet in Nashville for a working weekend. They didn’t even have each other’s phone numbers at the time. But what happened next was a game-changer: they worked side-by-side, with clear intentions and mutual support, and got more done in one weekend than they had in months.
The Hidden Cost of Leading Alone
As therapists and helpers, we often think we have to do everything ourselves. When you’re the leader, especially in a group practice, you may feel like the odd one out in your own team. You built a community, but now you’re no longer part of it in the same way. You’re the decision-maker. And that can feel really lonely.
Stephanie nailed it when she said, “You have a beautiful team, but you’re still the other.” That’s why intentional networking matters—not just to grow your referral list, but to find emotional and strategic support as a leader.
Why Therapist Masterminds Matter
If you’re like most of the people I coach, you already know how to serve clients. You’ve figured out systems. But what’s often missing is community. Not just casual chats, but deep, reciprocal connections with other people in the same season of business. People who “get it.”
“Sometimes I just want to make it to group,” Christy shared, and I felt that in my bones. It reminded me of a friend who says the same thing about parenting—if she can just make it to Wednesday when someone shows up to help, everything will be okay.
That’s what real support feels like. Not flashy. Not complex. Just someone else sitting across from you saying, “Didn’t you say you were going to do that?” and helping you stay focused.
How to Find or Build Support as a Practice Owner
The Practice CoLab now offers that kind of structured support through mastermind groups, in-person retreats, and even virtual pop-ups. They’ve created a space where practice owners can work on their business, not just in it—and where they don’t have to figure it all out alone.
If you don’t have something like that yet, you don’t have to wait for someone to invite you. You can start with one person. Reach out to someone in a training you attended. Set up a 20-minute Zoom. Start small. One step at a time.
Why Support for Therapist Business Owners Isn’t Optional
Because support for therapist business owners isn’t a luxury. It’s survival. You can try to white-knuckle your way through decisions like “Which retirement plan should I use?” or “How do I handle time-off for my staff?” but you’ll get clearer, better answers when you have a trusted group reflecting with you.
It’s not about making perfect choices. It’s about making supported ones.
Final Thought: Don’t Build Alone
So if you’ve been trying to push the train uphill by yourself, maybe it’s time to look around for someone to sit beside you. Or better yet, start building the table yourself.
Your mission matters. Don’t carry it alone.
Resources
STP 124: How to Use Networking to Build Real Support as a Practice Owner
The Practice Collab Website
https://www.thepracticecollab.com
- Offers include:
- In-person working weekends
- Weekly mastermind groups
- The Collab Lab (in-person implementation-focused conference in St. Louis, Sept. 17–19)
- Free “Bestie Pop-Ups” on first Fridays
Pomodoro Method (mentioned as the "Tomato Method"): https://pomofocus.io/
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