Rachel Brennan: Keeping Connection in an Online Group Practice | Ep 169

Fearless Practice

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.

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

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.

Starting her private practice

Rachel was dedicated to opening up her Canadian private practice even while she was still completing her Master's degree.

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

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.

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

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:

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Website

Resources mentioned and useful links:

Ep 168: Dakota Grass: Life as a New Canadian Private Practice Owner | EP 168

Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice

Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice

Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)

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Learn more about Rachel on her practice website, Psychology Today, and Instagram profiles

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