Episode 131: Disclosure & Authenticity = Therapeutic Rapport and Safety [featuring Sandtrice Russell]

Explicit content warning

03/30/24 • 32 min

In this episode, we're not just talking the talk; we're taking a deep dive into personal struggles both therapists and clients face, challenging the stigma around seeking mental health care and embracing our vulnerabilities.

I talk with Sandtrice Russell as she opens up about the need for safe spaces and advocacy, particularly for the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities.

3 key themes:

Vulnerability as a Bridge: Therapists' self-disclosure and openness about personal struggles can build rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to open up and be vulnerable in turn.
Authenticity in Practice: Showcasing your true values and creating an accepting space for clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA2+, Neurodivergent, and BIPOC individuals, is not just good practice—it's essential for safety and relatability.
The Human Connection: Therapy is more than a checklist; it's about actual authentic human connection and openness to change. We must prioritize the rapport and right fit in the therapist-client relationship.

Note from Sandtrice:

I’ve been in the helping profession since 2004. I've been working in my respective field for over 18 years. I graduated with my Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia in 2004 and later obtained my Master of Science Degree in Clinical Mental Health from Troy State University in 2012. I’m currently a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor in the State of Georgia. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with individuals across various populations providing mental health counseling, career counseling, mentorship, and life coaching services. I have worked in a variety of settings including residential group homes, outpatient mental health, inpatient mental health, and community-based counseling. I specialize in working with clients coping with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, trauma, and individuals of the LGBT community who are seeking a safe space. I also have experience working with Veterans and Active Duty Serviceman. In addition to my role as a Licensed Mental Health professional, I’m a Motivational Speaker and Mental Health Advocate who shares mental health advice on my YouTube Channel and all Social Media Platforms under the handle Tree the LPC. I’m extremely passionate about helping and empowering others to prosper. My mission statement for my organizations Unique Destiny Inc & Unique Destiny Counseling is Empowerment through Education.

Check out the Self Aware and Fucked Up Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/treethelpc
More resources by Sandtrice: linktr.ee/UniqueDestinyInc

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I talk with Sandtrice Russell as she opens up about the need for safe spaces and advocacy, particularly for the BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities.

3 key themes:

Vulnerability as a Bridge: Therapists' self-disclosure and openness about personal struggles can build rapport and trust, making it easier for clients to open up and be vulnerable in turn.
Authenticity in Practice: Showcasing your true values and creating an accepting space for clients of all backgrounds, including LGBTQIA2+, Neurodivergent, and BIPOC individuals, is not just good practice—it's essential for safety and relatability.
The Human Connection: Therapy is more than a checklist; it's about actual authentic human connection and openness to change. We must prioritize the rapport and right fit in the therapist-client relationship.

Note from Sandtrice:

Check out the Self Aware and Fucked Up Podcast: podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/treethelpc
More resources by Sandtrice: linktr.ee/UniqueDestinyInc

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

✈️ Learn about Retreats

🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community

🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community

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Thanks to Our Sponsor: The Receptionist for iPad

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Previous Episode

Episode 130: How To Build & Sell A Thriving Group Practice [featuring Dan King]

If you're a group practice owner, the thought of selling your business has undoubtedly crossed your mind more than you'd probably like to admit. During this episode of the All Things Private Practice Podcast, I talk with Dan King of Fireside Strategic about how to create and cultivate a group practice that you can scale and grow.

Dan and I both emphasize the importance of cultivating a cohesive culture and how to ensure that you sell your business to someone who will keep things intact.

Some important takeaways were:

How to increase employee morale and employee retention. The better you treat your staff, the more likely it is that they remain loyal to the group and are much more invested in the outcomes.
How you should look at your business as an asset, and how to ensure that you have an exit strategy, instead of just packing up shop and all of your hard work.
How to prioritize people over profit, and why this leadership style leads to increases in profits across the board, ensuring a win-win for employers and employees.

More about Dan:

Dan King is the founder of Fireside Strategic. He has an unusual background at the intersection of law, psychology, and investing. He began his career in corporate law at one of the world's largest law firms, focusing on mergers and acquisitions. Following a rapidly growing interest in entrepreneurship, he next moved to the Shark Tank TV show working for one of the investors draft contracts, do due diligence on deals, and helping the companies grow post-investment. He noticed many of the companies struggled to grow due to leadership, team, and psychological challenges and that he was drawn to those challlenges more than legal challenges. So he left law and went back to school to study org psych. He built a few companies before starting Fireside, a private equity firm in mental health. Fireside's focus is culture, acquiring and growing practices by treating clinicians like gold.

Dan focuses on selling a psychology group practice, improving group practices, creating exceptional culture in a group practice, and highlighting why mental health matters.

Fireside Strategic is looking to buy 400k EBITDA and up practices.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/danmking
Website: firesidestrategic.com

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✈️ Learn about Retreats

🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community

🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad

✨ The Receptionist for iPad:

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clien...

Next Episode

Episode 132: From Therapist to Boss: Leadership Roles in Group Practice [featuring Lindsay Keisman]

In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Lindsay Keisman about the intricacies of transitioning from a thriving therapist to an equally triumphant business owner.

Key takeaways:

Leadership Transition - Navigating the transition from individual contributor to effective leader means understanding that it’s not an overnight change. This requires intentional development, clear communication, and alignment with the responsibilities of the new role.
Mentorship is Vital - New leaders need more than just how-to books on business ownership to thrive; dedicated mentorship time and real-life guidance from those above them are instrumental in shaping a leader's ability to navigate complex business environments.
Importance of HR and Leadership Knowledge - Understanding HR practices and leadership dynamics isn't just helpful; it's crucial in setting up a resilient culture and fostering a safe and structured work environment in group practices.

If you are in a leadership role in group practice, developing a good business sense and being a strategic and proactive leader is vital to business success and developing solid relationships with employees built on supportive guidance and mutual respect.

More about Lindsay:

Lindsay Keisman is a business and leadership coach focused on helping people become amazing leaders in their business. Lindsay is also a therapist and owns Pivotal Counseling Center, a mental health group practice with 3 locations in Illinois. Lindsay has a double masters in Counseling and Organizational Psychology, and is also certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources. Lindsay is a mother to 3, enjoys spending time with her husband and extended family, and volunteers for causes in her community. Lindsay is known for helping clients design businesses that allow them to do what matters most to them. Business should exist to build a beautiful life, not become the ruler of your entire life.

Get a 10% discount on your first package of 1:1 coaching with Lindsay if they mention this podcast.

Website: leadingyourpractice.com
Facebook: facebook.com/groups/leadingyourpractice

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🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast

🎙️Spotify

🎙️Apple

🎙️YouTube Music

▶️ YouTube

✈️ Learn about Retreats

🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community

🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

Thanks to Our Sponsor: The Receptionist for iPad

✨ The Receptionist for iPad:

I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to