Scaling From a Solo to Group Therapy Practice with Elizabeth Earnshaw

Having a bad experience with an employer may feel terrible at the time, but it can fuel a fire to create something amazing. 

Elizabeth Earnshaw, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Gottman Therapist, did just that by launching and expanding her group practice, A Better Life Therapy, to six locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Elizabeth speaks with host Michael Fulwiler as she shares her personal experiences and practical tips on expanding from a solo therapy practice to managing a group practice, highlighting the challenges and rewards along the way. 

She also discusses the importance of niching down, explaining how focusing on a specific area not only enhances your expertise, but also attracts a dedicated client base.

She underscores the value of networking with lawyers, accountants, and other professionals and how these connections have been pivotal in her business's growth and success. 

She also emphasizes a care-focused approach with her employees, maintaining an environment of integrity and trust, ensuring that paying employees, even during tough times, can reap long-term benefits.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• Networking as your secret sauce in intentionally connecting with the right people where you can make all the difference for them.
• Invest smartly in your practice and strategically focus on what matters most to prioritize essentials and provide quality care for patients.
• Attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for a thriving practice. Fostering a supportive and collaborative environment while offering growth opportunities within the organization is key to building loyalty and satisfaction among her team members. 

Connect with the guest:

• On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizlistens/ 
• On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lizlistens/  
• Elizabeth’s website: https://elizabethearnshaw.com/ 
• Preorder her book: ‘Til Stress Do Us Part: How to Heal the #1 Issue in Our Relationships

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form 

Jump into the conversation:

00:00 Introduction to Heard Business School with host Michael Fulwiler and special guest Elizabeth Earnshaw

03:12 Working in community mental health

05:47 On starting a private practice

10:42 On accepting all types of clientele and not niching down

15:59 Challenges during the first year of practice

20:56 Managing the financials

24:50 Unexpected surprises during practice 

26:42 Building a network of professionals 

28:03 Keys to successfully opening your own practice

32:15 Business growth objectives 

34:06 On finding the right therapists to hire

39:56 On building the brand and its presence on Instagram

43:04 Challenges in maintaining social media

46:00 On Elizabeth’s overall rol