How can we learn from past experiences to improve future practices?

You may not know this but LGBTQ-focused group practices are a fairly recent development in our field. Jeff Levy recounts his journey from co-founding Live Oak, in Chicago, to his current solo private practice with a focus on virtual therapy and consultations. He and Sarah discuss the evolution of group practices, market shifts post-COVID, and the challenges of maintaining a practice including capital investment, balancing client and staff needs, and transparency in financial operations.

***

Group Practice (R)evolution is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future.

Podcast episodes are available for free in this feed for a limited time. If you want to hear more episodes like this one and access Sarah’s “why do you stay?” interview template…

Join other leaders in the Group Practice (R)evolution!

Available episodes include:

• Sustainable Solutions for Staff Retention and Satisfaction with Jennifer Froemel

• Creating Emotional Safety, Belonging, and Buy-In With Your Staff with Mirjam Quinn

Regular podcast listeners can get a full year of membership for only $19.99 by using the discount code PODCAST. So visit: https://tinyurl.com/GPRPodcast and click on “have a coupon” and enter PODCAST to enjoy all the perks of Group Practice (R)evolution for a year!

***

About Our Guest:

Jeff Levy, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 30 years of experience. For the past six years, he has maintained a private practice, where he offers psychotherapy, consultation, and training to fellow clinicians. Prior to that, he spent over 14 years as co-founder and CEO of Live Oak, Inc., a group practice in Chicago. Jeff began his career as a recreation therapist working with youth in foster care and residential settings—early work that shaped his enduring commitment to trauma-informed, LGBTQIA+ affirmative, and relational care.

jrlevymsw@gmail.com

www.jeffreylevylcsw.com

How can we improve communication between practice owners and employees?

Sthefany Alviar reveals insights from the contrast between her current role at Mirjam Quinn and Associates and a previous, less supportive private practice. She and Sarah explore issues such as financial transparency, the challenges of transitioning from salaried to contractual pay, and the importance of clear administrative support. Sthefany emphasizes the value of aligning personal values with those of the practice, noting how Miriam's openness about financials and future plans contributes to a positive workplace culture.

***

Group Practice (R)evolution is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future.

Podcast episodes are available for free in this feed for a limited time. If you want to hear more episodes like this one and access Sarah’s “why do you stay?” interview template…

Join other leaders in the Group Practice (R)evolution!

Regular podcast listeners can get a full year of membership for only $19.99 by using the discount code PODCAST. So visit: https://tinyurl.com/GPRPodcast and click on “have a coupon” and enter PODCAST to enjoy all the perks of Group Practice (R)evolution for a year!

Available episodes include:

• The Ideals of Therapy vs the Limitations of Capitalism with Jeff Levy

• Sustainable Solutions for Staff Retention and Satisfaction with Jennifer Froemel

• Creating Emotional Safety, Belonging, and Buy-In With Your Staff with Mirjam Quinn

***

About Our Guest:

Dr. Sthefany Alviar earned her doctorate from the Wright Institute in Berkeley, CA in 2020 and now serves as a postdoctoral fellow at Mirjam Quinn and Associates (MQA), a thriving private practice. With an integrative approach rooted in attachment and relational frameworks, she provides virtual therapy for clients of all ages. Dr. Alviar specializes in supporting individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and behavioral difficulties. Her expertise extends to parent-child dynamics (PCIT), performance anxiety, cultural identity exploration, LGBTQ+ concerns, and neurodivergent experiences.

salviar@mqatherapy.com

IG: @mirjamquinnandassociates

Practice Website: https://mirjamquinnandassociates.com/sthefany-alviar/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sthefany-alviar-psyd-ms-7b9530113

As promised, here’s the fantastic part two of my conversation with Tamila Gresham. We delve into the foundational pieces of accountability: knowledge, nuance, relationship, and vulnerability.

You know what to do if you haven’t met her yet: hit play on part one. Tamilia is co-founder of Harmonize, a consulting firm that helps organizations bridge the gap between values, vision, and impact. She’s a lifelong educator with formal education in law, sociology, and philosophy. Tamila centers justice and heart-work in her efforts to change organizations and the world.

GUEST BIO

Tamila Gresham is a co-founder of Harmonize, a consulting firm helping organizations bridge the gap between values, vision, and impact. She's a life-long educator, with formal education in law, sociology, & philosophy. She centers justice and heart work in her efforts to change organizations to change the world.

***

Join the Group Practice (R)evolution! GPR is a new platform and podcast series offering insights from owners, employees, and experts, and resources to support this wildly ambitious vision for the future. For a limited time, podcast listeners can get a full year of membership for only $19.99 by using the discount code PODCAST.

Visit: https://tinyurl.com/GPRPodcast and click on “have a coupon” and enter PODCAST to enjoy all the perks of Group Practice (R)evolution for a year!

SUPPORT THE SHOW

Conversations With a Wounded Healer Merch

Join our Patreon for gifts & perks

Shop our Bookshop.org store and support local booksellers

Share a rating & review on Apple Podcasts

***

Let’s be friends! You can find me in the following places…

Website

Facebook @headheartbiztherapy

Instagram @headheartbiztherapy