5 mindset shifts that helped me grow from solo provider to practice leader
I remember sitting at my desk years ago as a solo counseling provider in private practice, wondering how I’d ever grow something bigger without burning out. I had a vision of building something that could expand beyond just me (and RJ), but the mindset I had back then wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to go.
Fast forward to today: We lead a multi-site practice with over 35 team members. And while yes, there are strategies and systems that helped get us here, what changed was how I think.
(Because it’s wild to me how differently I think now than how I thought five years ago.)
Here are 5 mindset shifts that helped me grow as a leader (and scale a practice). And if you adopt these mindsets, you’ll grow enormously as a leader.
1. Your time is your most valuable asset.
We all know, I’m a systems gal. A time blocking fan.
However, as a solo provider, I was used to being available…always. Answering every single email, jumping into back-to-back sessions, handling all the things. Saying yes to everything and everyone.
But when you’re trying to build something bigger, your time becomes a powerful tool.
That meant learning to time block, protect my focus (and my calendar), and say no more than yes.
I had to stop being reactive and start being intentional.
2. You can’t lead from scarcity.
For a long time, I made decisions out of fear.
Fear of money. Fear of hiring the wrong person. Fear of taking up space. Fear of not being liked. Fear of everything.
But scarcity leadership leads to micromanagement, burnout, staying small, and constant overthinking and anxiety.
When I began leading from enough (enough time, enough clients, enough resources), I built stronger trust with others (and myself) and more stability in our business (and mentally stability, too).
3. You’re not just a provider. You’re now a manager and entrepreneur.
This one has been a huge challenge. And I’m constantly learning and growing.
It’s not enough to be a great clinician or creative. When you build a team, you become a leader of people and strategy.
You have to grow your skills in communication, delegation, hiring, vision casting, running effective meetings, marketing, accountability, and 10,000 other things.
Being good at your craft won’t be enough anymore, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s an opportunity to grow.
4. Systems are a form of self-care.
I used to resist systems, thinking they would box me in.
Now I know: systems free you up to do the work that matters most.
From onboarding to billing to team meetings, if it’s repeated, it needs a structure.
Strong systems and SOPs create clarity for your team and margin for you.
Again, I’ve had to drop perfectionism and embrace enough.
5. Your team won’t grow past the level of your clarity.
If I’m unclear in vision, messy in boundaries, or inconsistent in communication, my team will reflect it.
Leadership isn’t about perfection. But it is about clarity.
Clarity is kindness.
When I got clear on expectations, values, and goals, everything started moving with more ease.
Do you have clarity? On mission, purpose, systems, strategy?
Final Thoughts:
If you’re in the middle of hiring your first team member or leading a growing group… remember this: Your mindset (and skills) is the ceiling.
These shifts didn’t happen overnight, but they’ve made all the difference over the last five years.
Ask:
Where am I currently leading from fear or scarcity?
What do I believe about my time, and how is that belief shaping my leadership?
What would it look like to step into the role of owner…even if I don’t feel ready yet?
Want to Go Deeper?
I’ll be diving into counseling leadership, supervision, and practice administration during my upcoming:
➜ 6-Hour Ethics CE Webinar
➜ Live in August 2025
➜ Or available later on-demand
➜ Approved for Supervision CE hours
➜ Hosted by The Knowledge Tree
Register here ➜
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Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to substitute professional therapeutic advice. Talk with your healthcare provider about your health concerns and before starting or stopping therapies. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct professional advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
