RACHEL BRENNAN: KEEPING CONNECTION IN AN ONLINE GROUP PRACTICE | EP 169
Do you run a Canadian group private practice? Are you mostly (or all) online? It can be tricky to maintain the community feeling of an online group practice, especially with a few therapists and employees, and especially if community is one of your business values.
However, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible! My guest today, Rachel, and I discuss how to incorporate different systems in private practice to maintain a sense of community and connection, as well as how to be authentic in your marketing and in the work your practice puts out into the community.
Join us for today’s conversation!
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MEET RACHEL
Rachel Brennan is an Ontario-based Registered Psychotherapist and the founder of Eras Therapy & Wellness, a Canadian virtual group private practice. She has a clinical focus on childhood and relational trauma, as well as anxiety, self-esteem, and body image issues. Based in Toronto, Rachel is passionate about offering high-quality, authentic, and human-centered therapy that prioritizes genuine connection and emotional safety. Outside the therapy room, she can often be found adventuring with her two rescue dogs or planning her next trip across the globe.
Learn more about Rachel on her practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles.
In This Episode
- Why Rachel became a therapist
- Starting her private practice
- Turning the practice into a group
- Maintaining the connection in an online group practice
- Advice to listeners
Why Rachel became a therapist
‘I had a little bit of a roundabout way of getting here … I was in medical school before I decided to switch to doing therapy.’ – Rachel Brennan
Rachel first completed two years of medical school, because it was her first plan. However, due to developing a brain injury and chronic illnesses, she decided to pivot her life.
‘I chose to pivot. I am very fortunate [to now be] on the other side of [those medical issues] … I can be in this field, this career, have work-life balance, and a private practice that supports me to do that.’ – Rachel Brennan
Starting her private practice
Rachel was dedicated to opening up her Canadian private practice even while she was still completing her Master’s degree.
‘I was very much into the private practice life. I knew it was what I wanted, and I knew that I loved the autonomy and freedom that can come with it … I had my mind set on this dream and did everything I could to make it a reality!’ – Rachel Brennan
After graduating, Rachel jumped into private practice and has not looked back since! Her private practice is currently totally virtual, and even though it works very well for her and her team now, she may open up a physical office space in the future.
Turning the practice into a group
‘I kind of fell into having a group a little bit. Once I became full within my own caseload, and the referrals kept coming, I made the choice [not] to start the waitlist and … referred clients out, which I still do, but I also decided to expand and put some feelers out to see if someone would want to join me!’ – Rachel Brennan
Rachel hired her first associate, who still works within her practice, and registered her practice as a practicum site so that she can take in students as well.
She collaborates with supervisors who work with her and the students. Rachel is taking it slow and checking in with herself and her team to make sure the practice is growing sustainably.
‘I don’t want it to be too big. I really value having a community of therapists and keeping it small and supportive.’ – Rachel Brennan
Maintaining the connection in an online group practice
There are a few things that Rachel and her team do to make sure that the sense of community within the group practice is nourished and maintained, especially since they all work online. There are:
- Monthly team meetings
- Continuous peer consultation groups
- Group chats for daily and weekly connections
- Two in-person events every year for the staff
‘We have a Christmas party or a Holiday party, and then a summer gathering as well, and that’s very wonderful! We’re lucky we’re able to do that … We’re all within a two- to three-hour radius of each other … It’s an extra, special connection we’re able to have.’ – Rachel Brennan
Rachel’s group practice also uses Jane App for their bookings, and it’s a lifesaver.
‘I feel like I could not do this without Jane, honestly! It makes everything so easy … They’re always making improvements too, I’ve had no issues with video call quality or anything like that.’ – Rachel Brennan
Advice to listeners
Do what feels authentic and organic for you when it comes to marketing to put your best foot forward. Also, immerse yourself in what you want! For example, surround yourself with people who have private practices when you want to build one yourself.
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 168: Dakota Grass: Life as a New Canadian Private Practice Owner | EP 168
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Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
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Learn more about Rachel on her practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles
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About Jules Smith
Jules Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. They are also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, they provide invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice.
Jules also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
