In this heartfelt and practical conversation, Lisa sits down with Jessica Cowling, founder of Innerworks Counselling in London, Ontario. Together, they explore what it means to grow as a leader — from the early stages of group practice ownership to running a multi-layered organization with a leadership team, clear systems, and financial clarity. Jessica shares the lessons, mistakes, and mindset shifts that helped her move from “I don’t want to be a leader” to confidently calling herself a CEO.

What You’ll Hear:

- How Jessica went from solo practice to leading a team of 28 (and why that growth felt both scary and freeing)

- What it means to lead through others — shifting from direct connection to empowering middle management

- How to build programs by letting your team’s passions shine

- Jessica’s powerful approach to leadership: calling people up rather than calling them out

- The truth about money in group practice — why “the numbers don’t lie” and how to make peace with them

- The common money mistake practice owners make (hint: giving too much away)

- How to balance being trauma-informed and business-minded

- Why your business needs to take care of you, not the other way around

- Practical steps to move from overwhelm to confidence as a CEO

Resources Mentioned

Group Practice Connection – Lisa’s membership community for Canadian group practice owners

Innerworks Counselling London, ON – Jessica’s practice

Lisa’s free Time & Energy Audit (mentioned in other episodes for related context)

Featured Guest: Jessica Cowling

Jessica Cowling is the founder and CEO of InnerWorks Counselling, a thriving group practice in London, Ontario. Since launching as a solo practitioner in 2016, Jessica has grown InnerWorks into a team of over 30 clinicians, interns, coaches, and support staff who serve families across the region with an innovative, one-stop-shop approach to mental health care.

Known for her visionary thinking and action-oriented leadership style, Jessica has built a practice that disrupts traditional therapy models - offering everything from Dungeons & Dragons therapy groups to in-home therapeutic coaching for autistic youth. She's passionate about creating meaningful clinical outcomes while also building a workplace where therapists can truly thrive.

When she's not dreaming up new programs, learning vibe-coding, or diving into her beloved spreadsheets (usually with a coffee in hand), Jessica loves travelling to Mexico with her family, being the #1 karate/soccer-mom cheerleader, and snuggling on the couch with her goldendoodle, Hazel.

Follow Innerworks London:

www.innerworkslondon.com

socials @innerworks_london

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s...

In this episode, Lisa explores the idea that group practices move through distinct seasons—and leadership looks different in each one. Whether you're planting, growing, tending, or harvesting, knowing your current season helps you lead with clarity, reduce pressure, and stop comparing your practice to others. Lisa walks through practical markers to identify your season, common leadership traps to avoid, and healthy boundaries that support you as the leader.

What You’ll Hear:

1. Why comparing your practice to others can distort your leadership decisions
2. The 4 seasons of a group practice: Planting, Growing, Tending, Harvesting
3. Clear ways to identify which season you’re in (team dynamics, revenue, energy, planning vs reacting)
4. How leadership priorities shift depending on your season
5. Common traps in each stage (identity, burnout, “lazy leadership,” overworking)
6. Healthy leadership boundaries for each season
7. Your leadership challenge: name your season + choose one aligned action for the next 30 days

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is going—and what it’s actually worth.

👉 Download it here

And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside Group Practice Connection—the membership designed to help Canadian group practice owners...

We’re kicking off Season 2 with a grounded, intentional reset for group practice owners. This episode invites you to slow down, take stock of the past season, and step into the next quarter with clarity, energy, and purpose—without the pressure or hustle culture vibes. You’ll hear reflections on wintering, the natural seasonality of practice ownership, what’s ahead for the podcast, and a simple three-step process to reset your leadership for Q1.

What You’ll Hear:

1. A warm welcome to Season 2 and what’s new in this next chapter
2. Why seasonality matters in leadership and practice ownership
3. What to expect from the episode rhythm this season: reflections, tools, and interviews
4. The emotional load of leadership—and why you’re not doing this alone
5. A three-step Leadership Reset: Reflect, Reorient, Reclaim
6. Your leadership challenge for Q1

Resources Mentioned

Group Practice Connection membership

Free Facebook community for group practice owners

October Group Practice Owners Retreat

Coaching & support through Group Practice Network

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear...

In this reflective season finale, Lisa looks back on the first four months of the Empowered to Lead podcast — the growth, the surprises, the learning curves, and the themes that kept surfacing across every conversation. She shares what she’s learned as a leader, a coach, and a new podcast host, and invites listeners to consider where they’re being stretched and how they might “winter” in their own leadership. With warmth and honesty, Lisa closes out Season One and offers a glimpse into what’s coming in Season Two.

What You’ll Hear:

1. Why Season One was full of lessons, unexpected growth, and meaningful conversations
2. The major themes that showed up repeatedly across interviews
3. What Lisa learned about leadership from hosting her first season
4. The importance of being intentional, slowing down, and creating space
5. Reflections from Wintering by Katherine May and how they apply to group practice owners
6. How to prepare yourself for Season Two’s deeper leadership work
7. Your leadership challenge for the break between seasons

Resources Mentioned

1. Book: Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
2. Email Lisa: lisa@grouppracticenetwork.ca

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group...

In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa sits down with Lucinda Bibbs and Stefanie Iverson, co-founders of New Ground Wellness, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a group practice in partnership. From defining roles to building trust, they share candid insights into navigating challenges, staying aligned with values, and leading with vision and collaboration.

What You’ll Hear:

• The story of how Lucinda and Stefanie met and transitioned from solo practices to forming a partnership.
• Why clearly defining roles and responsibilities has been key to their success.
• How trust, transparency, and shared values keep them aligned as leaders.
• The importance of pausing, slowing down, and seeking support when overwhelm sets in.
• Lessons they’ve learned about systems, numbers, and staying flexible as their business grows.
• What makes New Ground Wellness unique and deeply aligned with their values.

Resources Mentioned

Ambition Alliance - https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-ambition-alliance

Linzy Bonham’s training/course Money Skills for Group Practice Owners - https://moneynutsandbolts.com/msgpo-ngp-nb/

Group Practice Connection (peer support for practice owners) - https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection

Featured Guests: Lucinda Bibbs and Stefanie Iverson

Stefanie Iverson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Group Practice Co-Owner, Clinical Supervisor, and mom of three, with over 15 years in the mental health field. She’s passionate about helping adults and couples navigate relationships, growth, and life transitions with compassion and authenticity.

In 2022, Stefanie merged her private practice with colleague Lucinda Bibbs to form New Ground Wellness—one of the South Okanagan’s largest and most trusted counselling practices. Today, she oversees operations and finances while leading a thriving team of 20+ clinicians and supporting emerging counsellors through supervision and practicum programs. Stefanie’s leadership reflects her deep commitment to collaboration, accessibility, and community well-being.

Lucinda Bibbs is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Breathwork and Cold Exposure Facilitator, and co-owner of New Ground Wellness. With over a decade of experience, she helps people achieve mind–body–spirit balance through both traditional therapy and holistic practices.

After merging her practice with Stefanie’s in 2022, Lucinda expanded her work to include workplace wellness, community programming, and embodied healing experiences. Through LightFORCE Academy and New Ground Wellness, she offers breathwork, coaching, and workshops across B.C.—helping people reconnect with themselves and their communities. Lucinda’s work is rooted in accessibility, empowerment, and the belief that true healing engages the whole person.

Follow Stefanie and Lucinda/New Ground Wellness:

• Website: www.newgroundwellness.ca

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s...

People pleasing shows up in almost every group practice owner — even the ones who look calm, confident, and steady on the outside. In this episode, we explore why it’s so common for therapists-turned-leaders, how it quietly erodes clarity and confidence, and what you can do to shift into grounded, assertive leadership that protects your time, your energy, and the long-term health of your practice.

You’ll walk away with a simple leadership challenge to help you practise clearer, more values-aligned decision-making this week.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why people-pleasing is so common for group practice owners (and why it makes total sense)
• The subtle ways people pleasers “under-lead” without realizing it
• How undervaluing your expertise fuels unclear boundaries and over-accommodating
• What happens in your business when decisions are delayed or driven by guilt
• Why clarity — not control — is the foundation of effective, trauma-informed leadership
• Practical ways to define your boundaries as a CEO
• A leadership challenge with four options (you’ll choose just one!) to practise assertive, grounded leadership this week

Resources Mentioned

• The Group Practice Connection — Supportive membership for group practice owners who want to lead with clarity, confidence, and steadiness
• Group Practice Network (1:1 Coaching) — Individual coaching to strengthen your leadership and systems
• Website: grouppracticenetwork.ca

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is going—and what it’s actually worth.

👉 Download it here

And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside...

In this episode of the Empowered to Lead podcast, Lisa Catallo interviews Wendy Huang, a group practice owner, about her journey in starting and managing a group practice. They discuss the challenges and rewards of leadership, the importance of having a vision and mission, and the common misconceptions about running a group practice. Wendy shares her experiences, insights on marketing, and the significance of mentorship in navigating the complexities of business ownership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of taking small steps, setting achievable goals, and finding support in the journey of entrepreneurship.

What You’ll Hear:

• You are not alone in this journey.
• Leadership is about leading by example.
• Starting small is crucial for success.
• Having a clear vision and mission is essential.

Featured Guest: Wendy Huang

Wendy Huang is a registered clinical counsellor and a professional art therapist. She works with children between 5 and 14 years old and adults, helping them learn emotional regulation and use creative ways to experience therapeutic processes.

ARTivity Finder explains itself. In art therapy, people are encouraged to combine ART with an ACTIVITY to explore their inner world. We, the therapists, can integrate art with a variety of counselling approaches to fit clients' needs.

Follow Wendy Huang:

Website: http://www.artivityfinder.com/

Instagram: @artivity_finder

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their role as CEO, Lisa brings a blend of insight, structure, and heart to everything she does.

When she’s not coaching or connecting with therapists, you’ll find her hanging out with her children and grandchildren, reading, walking by the water, or dreaming up new ways to make business feel a little lighter.

Connect with the Host:

Website: www.grouppracticenetwork.ca

Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork

Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork

LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo

Loved this episode? Let’s take it a step further.

Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is going—and what it’s actually worth.

👉 Download it here

And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside Group Practice Connection—the membership designed to

In this episode of Empowered to Lead, Lisa sits down with Madeline Larsen, co-founder of Practice Vital, to talk about how data can empower group practice owners to make confident, informed decisions. Together, they unpack how understanding your metrics can strengthen leadership, improve team conversations, and help you step fully into your CEO role—without drowning in spreadsheets.

What You’ll Hear:

• The story behind Practice Vital and how it helps group practice owners access key business data
• How to make sense of your numbers (without being a “numbers person”)
• Turning data into meaningful insight for leadership and team development
• Why data can neutralize emotional or difficult conversations with clinicians
• How understanding metrics supports better hiring, compensation, and retention decisions
• Tips for starting small and building confidence with data tracking
• Practice Vital’s features, integrations, and pricing overview

Resources Mentioned

- Practice Vital

- EHRs compatible with Practice Vital: Jane, Simple Practice, Therapy Notes, Theranest, Intake Queue, and more

- Connect with Practice Vital to book a demo or learn more

Featured Guest: Madeline Larsen

Madeline is one of four co-founders of PracticeVital. Her fellow co-founders include her cousin and his wife, who own a group therapy practice in the Chicago area, and her husband, an experienced software engineer and entrepreneur. Their skillsets came together back in 2023 after a dinner conversation inspired the creation of PracticeVital, the first ever automated dashboard for group therapy practices to more effortlessly track their business and performance metrics. Madeline’s background is in brand strategy and experience design. After leaving her 15 year career as an advertising executive in Chicago, she now leads all design and marketing efforts for PracticeVital. She and her husband reside in Evanston, Illinois with their two daughters.

Follow Practice Vital:

https://www.instagram.com/practicevital

https://facebook.com/groups/practicevital/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/practicevital

Free gift: $30 off your first month with PracticeVital. Use code GroupPracticeNetwork. link: **https://www.practicevital.com/?ref=GroupPracticeNetwork**

Meet the Host: Lisa Catallo

Lisa is a Canadian psychotherapist, group practice owner, and business coach with over eight years of experience leading a thriving, values-driven practice. She works with therapists who are ready to step into their role as confident, ethical, and intentional leaders—without burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.

Lisa’s coaching focuses on building sustainable group practices through efficient systems, effective leadership, and a deep respect for time and energy. Her approach is calm and encouraging, offering grounded guidance that helps therapists move from overwhelm to clarity—so they can lead with confidence and purpose.

Whether she’s supporting someone just starting to grow a team or helping a seasoned leader reclaim their...