She Collects Spaces: Expanding a Group Practice with Vision, Grit, and a Guardian Mindset with Rachel Frankford

She Collects Spaces: Expanding a Group Practice with Vision, Grit, and a Guardian Mindset with Rachel Frankford

What does it look like to expand your group practice three times without a blueprint, before you feel financially ready, and driven entirely by vision? In this conversation, Lisa sits down with Rachel Frankford, owner of New Pathways Therapy in Toronto, to talk about organic growth, the guardianship model of leadership, and what it really takes to keep saying yes when everything in you says it is too soon. What You’ll Hear: * How Rachael went from hospital social worker to accidental group practice owner, and why she started a practice simply because the group she wanted to be in did not exist * What she means by guardianship as a leadership model and how it changed the way she hires, grows, and protects her practice culture * The story behind The Third Space, her newest location, and the concept that inspired the name * Why each of her three expansions happened before she felt financially ready and what she learned from doing it anyway * How getting her numbers straight changed everything, and why she says investing in your business skills matters more than almost anything else when you are scaling Resources Mentioned on this Episode - New Pathways Therapy website: newpathwaystherapy.com [http://newpathwaystherapy.com] - New Pathways Therapy on Instagram: @newpathwaystherapy - The Forum: women in business mentorship program sponsored by Scotiabank — forumforwomenentrepreneurs.ca [https://forumforwomenentrepreneurs.ca/] - Ella Ascend: competitive scaling program for women entrepreneurs through the Forum - Taunya Richardson / Cashflow Canvas: numbers and finance coaching for group practice owners - The Numbers Room: Lisa's program for understanding your practice finances - Group Practice Connection: Lisa's membership for established group practice owners - The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker Featured Guest: Rachel Frankford Rachel Frankford is a holistic psychotherapist, clinical social worker, and founder of New Pathways Therapy Centre in Toronto. With over two decades of experience in mental health, she specialises in trauma therapy and works from an integrative lens that weaves together neuroscience, somatic therapy, nervous system regulation, and mindfulness. Rachel is also the creator of The Third Space, a community gathering space within New Pathways dedicated to mindfulness groups, workshops, and collective healing. Her work is rooted in a deep belief that community, embodiment, and authentic connection are essential to how we heal. Find her at newpathwaystherapy.com [http://newpathwaystherapy.com/] and on Instagram at @newpathwaystherapy. Connect with Rachel: Website: https://www.newpathwaystherapy.com/ [https://www.newpathwaystherapy.com/] Instagram: @newpathwaystherapy 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 [http://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/] Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork] Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork] LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo [https://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 [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/thank-you-etl] 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 lead with clarity and confidence. ✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts [https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts] Share the Love ✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and @grouppracticenetwork and let us know your biggest takeaway! 🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/apple] 🎧 Spotify [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/spotify] 🎧 Amazon Music [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/amazon] 🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead]

Permission to Pause: Why Authentic Leadership Doesn't Require You to Be Vulnerable

This solo episode is a permission slip for any leader who has been white-knuckling a promise that no longer serves them. Lisa unpacks the real difference between being authentic and being vulnerable with your team, and why honouring your own capacity is one of the most caring things you can do as a group practice owner. What You’ll Hear: * Why pausing a commitment is an act of leadership, not a failure of it * The question to ask about every promise you are still holding in your business * The real difference between being authentic and being vulnerable with your team, and why they are not the same thing * Why oversharing your decisions can destabilize the people you lead instead of steadying them * What is shifting for Empowered to Lead this summer, and the coast-to-coast guest stories coming your way Resources Mentioned on this Episode - Group Practice Connection membership: Join here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] -The Numbers Room [https://app.notion.com/p/S2ETL20-Episode-40-Building-Your-GPO-Community-The-Connection-Map-35a1cf3ac5aa802db0e3c3141b75856f?pvs=21], launching this fall inside the Group Practice Network - The previous "stop, start, and protect [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead/episode/stop-start-and-protect-a-mid-year-reset-for-group-practice-owners]" episode referenced at the top of this one - Have a topic you want covered in the Fall season? Email Lisa at lisa@grouppracticenetwork.ca [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 [http://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/] Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork] Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork] LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo [https://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 [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/thank-you-etl] 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 lead with clarity and confidence. ✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts [https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts] Share the Love ✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and @grouppracticenetwork and let us know your biggest takeaway! 🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/apple] 🎧 Spotify [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/spotify] 🎧 Amazon Music [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/amazon] 🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead]

Stop, Start, and Protect: A Mid-Year Reset for Group Practice Owners

Summer can feel like a season you either coast through or panic through. In this solo episode, Lisa offers a different invitation: to use the slower pace deliberately. Drawing on the burnout conversation from the previous episode and the image of a plant quietly wilting from giving without being watered, Lisa walks group practice owners through three grounding questions to help them arrive at the fall whole, energised, and ready to lead. What You’ll Hear: * Why summer can actually feel more stressful than other seasons for group practice owners, and why that is worth naming * The plant metaphor for burnout — what it looks like when you have been growing and giving without being watered * How to recognise the early signals that you are managing your practice rather than leading it * Why fall is the real new year for most clinic owners, and what it means to build toward it intentionally * The three questions: what do you need to stop, start, and protect — and how to work through each one slowly and honestly * How the Drains and Fills audit connects to this work and where to find it * What protection actually means as a leader — and why naming it matters before summer slips away Resources Mentioned - Previous episode with Katarina McCurdy on burnout https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vkNn9vpUzZSOAa4H9lzUj?si=0959b0d9b59d4812 [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0vkNn9vpUzZSOAa4H9lzUj?si=0959b0d9b59d4812] - Drains and Fills audit episode and worksheet https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fel58u1jdGxlpiEy15Hju?si=jMHAC9ohQPukWo4zJM1jlw [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2fel58u1jdGxlpiEy15Hju?si=jMHAC9ohQPukWo4zJM1jlw] - Previous episode on retreats https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VFivrRTLj1WtqPi9ulfJJ?si=DiFnoOtgSXeU0AY0MBeM7g [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4VFivrRTLj1WtqPi9ulfJJ?si=DiFnoOtgSXeU0AY0MBeM7g] - The Numbers Room: Lisa's group coaching program on finances and sustainable leadership — new cohort launching in September - Muskoka Retreat in October: boundaries as a group practice owner — grouppracticenetwork.ca/retreats [http://grouppracticenetwork.ca/retreats] 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 [http://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/] Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork] Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork] LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo [https://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 [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/thank-you-etl] 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 lead with clarity and confidence. ✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts [https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts] Share the Love ✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and @grouppracticenetwork and let us know your biggest takeaway! 🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/apple] 🎧 Spotify [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/spotify] 🎧 Amazon Music [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/amazon] 🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead]

Burnout, Self-Awareness, and What It Really Takes to Keep Going with Katarina McCurdy

What does burnout actually feel like from the inside — and how do you know you're in it before it's too late? In this conversation, Lisa sits down with Katarina McCurdy, a therapist, clinical supervisor, workshop facilitator, and podcast host, to talk about the hidden emotional cost of keeping all the plates spinning, and what it really takes to slow down before your body does it for you. What You’ll Hear: * How Katarina went from frontline trauma work to private practice, clinical supervision, and launching her own podcast, and what she learned about pacing herself along the way * Why burnout sneaks up on us like a lobster in slowly boiling water, and what the early signs actually look like in hindsight * The difference between knowing what self-care is and actually practicing it on yourself * Why slowing down is a skill, not just a suggestion, and how distress tolerance plays a bigger role in prevention than most people realize * How to assess your expectations of yourself heading into a slower season, and why perfectionism and shame love to live in that space * What congruence has to do with authentic leadership and why it matters more than performance * The three things Kat would encourage group practice owners to consider if they are heading into burnout Resources Mentioned - Katarina's podcast: Advantage — available wherever you listen to podcasts - Advantage Podcast on Instagram: @advantage.podcast - Katarina's private practice website: vantagecounseling.com [http://vantagecounseling.com] Featured Guest: Katarina McCurdy With just under 10 years of experience as a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC), training facilitator, practicum clinical supervisor, and podcast host, Katarina is passionate about helping people overcome trauma, anxiety, stress, and burnout. She supports individuals and teams in achieving personal and professional growth while maintaining strong mental and emotional well-being. Katarina holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and multiple certifications in trauma-informed therapies. Alongside running her private practice as an RCC, specializing in first responders, youth, and adults, she also designs and facilitates workshops for front-line workers and professionals on burnout prevention, resilience, leadership support, and crisis debriefing. 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 [http://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/] Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork] Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork] LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo [https://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 [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/thank-you-etl] 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 lead with clarity and confidence. ✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts [https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts] Share the Love ✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and @grouppracticenetwork and let us know your biggest takeaway! 🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/apple] 🎧 Spotify [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/spotify] 🎧 Amazon Music [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/amazon] 🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead]

Building Your GPO Community: The Connection Map

Last week we named the cost of leading alone. This week, we hand you the map. In this solo episode, Lisa walks group practice owners through the Connection Map — a tool for seeing who is actually in your circle, where the gaps are, and what kind of support you are missing without realizing it. You will learn the six roles every group practice owner needs in her circle, three questions to ask about each one, and how to read your finished map. If last week's episode named what was missing, this episode helps you do something about it. What You’ll Hear: * Why "more people" is the wrong answer when you realize you are leading alone * The six roles every group practice owner needs in her circle: the Sounding Board, the Two-Steps-Ahead, the Mirror, the Cheerleader, the Expert, and the Witness * What each role does, and why owners often forget the Witness exists * The three questions to ask about every role on your map * The four patterns to look for: filled and active, filled but unused, thin, and empty * How to start filling a gap without trying to fix all of them at once * Why a retreat is, among other things, a room full of potential Sounding Boards, Two-Steps-Ahead, and Mirrors Resources Mentioned - Connection Map worksheet: Email lisa@grouppracticenetwork.ca [lisa@grouppracticenetwork.ca] - Group Practice Network retreats: grouppracticenetwork.ca/retreats [http://grouppracticenetwork.ca/retreats] - Group Practice Network: grouppracticenetwork.ca [http://grouppracticenetwork.ca] - Previous episode: The Hidden Cost of Leading Alone — and What to Do About It [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead/episode/the-hidden-cost-of-leading-alone-and-what-to-do-about-it] 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 [http://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/] Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork] Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork [http://facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork] LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo [https://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 [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/thank-you-etl] 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 lead with clarity and confidence. ✨ You don’t have to do this alone. Check it out here [https://www.grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection] Empowered to Lead is proud to be on the High Vibe Podcast Network Check out (Host Name) Gift in the Vault https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts [https://highvibepodcastnetwork.com/gifts] Share the Love ✨ If this episode lit something up in you… tag us on Instagram @HighVibeLeaders and @grouppracticenetwork and let us know your biggest takeaway! 🦋 Don’t forget to rate & review — it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you. Listen & Subscribe 🎧 Apple Podcasts [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/apple] 🎧 Spotify [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/spotify] 🎧 Amazon Music [https://empowered-to-lead.captivate.fm/amazon] 🎧 High Vibe Podcast Network [https://network.highvibepodcastnetwork.com/podcast/empowered-to-lead]