Practice ownership offers freedom but it also blurs boundaries between work and personal life making work-life balance a challenge. My research found owners often struggled with burnout, long hours, and feeling “always on.”
Challenge 1: Wearing Too Many Hats
Owners start as counselors, then add roles like CEO, HR manager, and marketing director. Without boundaries, this quickly leads to exhaustion.
Challenge 2: Guilt About Time Off
Some owners felt guilty leaving early or saying no to new clients, even when they were exhausted.
Strategies That Helped
- Time blocking: Scheduling admin tasks separately from clinical work
- Delegation: Hiring admin staff or clinical directors to share responsibility
- Clear boundaries: Turning off email after hours, setting vacation policies
One owner shared, “I finally realized rest wasn’t optional—it was part of leading well.”
Takeaway: Balance Requires Intentionality
Work-life balance doesn’t happen automatically. Owners who prioritized boundaries, delegation, and personal well-being built practices that lasted longer and served clients better.
The final blog in this series will give practical tips for aspiring owners ready to take the next step.
If you are a group practice owner looking to improve ROI, retain clinicians, and expand your impact in the community, consider partnering with Dr. Garrett and Brave Play. These consulting services and continuing education experiences provide new skills, renewed energy, and meaningful connections that help counseling teams thrive. Contact us to learn more.
References:
Garrett, A. (2022). The Lived Experiences of Group Practice Ownership by Female Licensed Professional Counselors (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies, 12983.
