PACIFIC PINES: WORKING AS A TEAM TO FULFIL A PRIVATE PRACTICE DREAM | EP 154
Natasha and Cherise met on an internship, became friends, and decided to work together to open up a Canadian private practice that is based on their shared values; accessibility, equity, and transparency.
Working with a business partner in private practice is a great way to divide up the stress and double up the ideas. Together, they each handle specific roles, discuss new options, and help each other where they can. Building a practice, whether it is with a like-minded professional or on your own with an accountability partner or coach, can be easier!
In this episode, I chat with Natasha and Cherise about their private practice journey, ups and downs, and the advice that they have for you.
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MEET NATASHA AND CHERISE
Pacific Pines Wellness was founded with the mission to create a safe and nurturing space, Natasha and Cherise offer tailored counselling services to help individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. Committed to removing barriers to care, they provide solutions for equitable access, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to receive the support they deserve. They combine evidence-based approaches with a holistic perspective, empowering clients to achieve balance, resilience, and well-being.
Learn more about Natasha and Cherise on their practice website.
In This Episode
- What made Natasha and Cherise become therapists
- Funding an equitable cost of therapy
- Building an accessible and equitable group practice
- Working as a team
- Advice to listeners
What made Natasha and Cherise become therapists
For Cherise, she started in applied behavioral analysis at the beginning of her studies. Later on, she became drawn to a more personal and collaborative approach to working with clients.
She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology, and while unsure of what to do after she graduated, she worked for a crisis line for a while. That is where she discovered her passion for making therapy more accessible to people who need it.
‘From there, it was very clear [to me] that there were so many barriers to accessible and affordable counselling … That’s how I made the decision that [I wanted] to start this journey to make counselling more affordable and turn the dial a little bit.’ – Cherise Garon
For Natasha, she actually wanted to become a police officer and completed her undergraduate degree in forensic science! However, during the program, Natasha was often more interested in what happened to the person.
‘Working in forensic mental health, I realized how vulnerable these populations of individuals were and the gaps in trauma care, that one-to-one counselling support, and in doing that, I shifted towards counselling. That’s something that Cherise and I connected on [which] was reducing the barrier rate.’ – Natasha Sani
Funding an equitable cost of therapy
Natasha and Cherise try to find the sweet spot between being able to afford their own bills while making their services affordable to a broader population.
A percentage of their caseload is reserved for low-cost counselling to service the populations who cannot afford most counselling services.
‘We operate on a sliding scale, so depending on where you’re at, we try to meet you where it’s most affordable, so it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.’ – Natasha Sani
Both of them have conversations with their clients to figure out what they can each afford at that moment in a collaborative approach to find a comfortable price for everyone.
Building an accessible and equitable group practice
Natasha and Cherise are interested in building out the practice in a group setting.
‘In keeping with our core values of fair and equitable access. What we want to do is break the mold in that way and offer a flat rate so that there is no commission split … It’s a goal we have in mind to break the norm in that way and see where it leads.’ – Natasha Sani
They would like to one day hire more mental health professionals into the practice. The flat fee that they would offer is to allow the therapist to receive a higher income, instead of asking them to pay a percentage of their income.
‘That opens the door to more sliding scales [and] free access!’ – Cherise Garon
Transparency, accessibility, and barrier-free care are the guiding principles and foundations on which Cherise and Natasha lay their practice.
Working as a team
Natasha explains that initially she wasn’t sure how to approach a private practice, but in meeting Cherise, they discovered a great team in one another and felt excited to approach the opportunity.
‘Initially, I was just going to try to stay where I was. I knew I wanted to do private practice eventually but I was very [focused on] a safety nest. When I met Cherise, there was that yin-and-yang and I felt like [we] would do this!’ – Natasha Sani
Cherise appreciated Natasha suggesting working together and it has been a great experience for them both!
Advice to listeners
It’s not going to be easy but it will be worth it! There will be doubt and you won’t always get a “yes”, but with a great business partner or support network, you can keep pursuing your goals. Be kind to yourself in the process!
Connect With Me
Resources Mentioned and Useful Links:
Ep 153: An Update on Direct Billing | EP 153
Learn more about the tools and deals that I love and use for my Canadian private practice
Sign up for my free e-course on How to Start an Online Canadian Private Practice
Jane App (use code FEARLESS for one month free)
Get some help and freebies on your website with WordPress!
Learn more about Natasha and Cherise on their practice website, and individual Psychology Today (Natasha) Psychology Today (Cherise) profiles
Rate, review, and subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, and TuneIn
About Julia
Julia Smith, MEd, RCT, CCC is a registered Counselling Therapist who owns a group private practice in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is also the owner of Fearless Practice Consulting and hosts the Fearless Practice podcast. Through the Fearless Practice podcast, she provides invaluable insights and practical advice on starting and growing a successful Canadian private practice. Julia’s wealth of knowledge also extends beyond the podcast, as she provides personalized one-on-one consulting to therapists who are feeling burnt out and overwhelmed with their solo or group private practices. With Julia’s expertise, therapists can confidently navigate the complexities of owning a private practice and find work life – balance.
Julia also has written articles for the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy association. You can learn more at www.ccpa-accp.ca/blog/.
