Episode 191

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Published on:

24th May 2025

Episode 191: Why a Great Group Practice Beats Going Solo: Dialectics, Support, and Less Stress [featuring Sabrina Longley]

In this episode, Patrick Casale and Sabrina Longley, LCSW at Resilient Mind Counseling, talk about why authenticity, open communication, and a supportive work environment matter so much for therapists who’d rather work for someone else than run their own practice. They also share how embracing your identity and using dialectics can boost confidence and create a healthier, more collaborative workplace.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

  1. The Power of Authenticity: Sabrina beautifully highlights how living authentically at the intersection of her identities (Black, fat, neurodivergent, extroverted, and more) has been non-negotiable for her well-being and effectiveness as a therapist. When workplaces embrace this authenticity, it fuels real connection and reduces burnout.
  2. Entrepreneurship isn't for Everyone: There’s immense value in group practice—especially for those who crave structure, community, and stability. Sabrina reminds us that thriving as a therapist doesn’t require running your own business; finding the right container can be just as empowering.
  3. Leadership is About Relationship, Not Just Revenue: Patrick’s approach as a group practice owner—centering transparency, vulnerability, and accountability—creates psychological safety for his team. Open communication, a willingness to receive feedback, and acknowledging power dynamics are essential for retention and growth.

Whether you’re a therapist seeking the right clinical setting or a practice leader looking to build an inclusive and supportive team, these insights are a great reminder: You can build (and find) workplaces where everyone has permission to show up as themselves.

More about Sabrina:

I'm an LCSW working in NC with no dreams of becoming a private practice owner. Instead, I have been seeking (and have found) my therapeutic "home". I hold many intersectional identities, and finding the right fit has taken hard work and lessons learned. I live in the triangle area of NC and have worked in IOP and outpatient level of care.

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!

The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

Free Gifts for Our Listeners

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You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Receptionist for iPad

 The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.

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About the Podcast

All Things Private Practice Podcast
Honest conversations about building a business while Autistic, ADHD, or both — the self-doubt, the chaos, and everything in between.
A podcast for neurodivergent entrepreneurs and mental health professionals who want to build a business, life, and body of work that actually fits how their brain operates. Through honest interviews and real conversations, Patrick Casale explores entrepreneurship, identity, burnout, overcoming self doubt, creativity, visibility, and sustainable success with neurodivergent business owners, creators, and leaders.
Host Patrick Casale is an AuDHD, a licensed therapist, and an entrepreneur who has built multiple businesses by doing it through imperfect action — which didn't always look pretty, and wasn't always comfortable. These conversations don't sanitize that. They go into the self-doubt, the burnout, the late diagnoses, the moments of "what the hell am I doing," and the stubborn refusal to quit anyway. Guests are therapists, coaches, consultants, and business owners who are Autistic, ADHD, or both — people who've figured out that the conventional path was never going to work for them and built something better in its place.