In this episode, Lisa sits down with Krista Helman, founder and Executive Director of the Trauma and Grief Institute in Ottawa, to talk about the real behind-the-scenes work of growing a group practice â and what it looks like to lead with intention while carrying *a lot* of hats. Krista shares her journey from solo practice to running a 15-clinician practice, the misconception she had about how quickly sheâd be able to step out of client work, and the mindset shift that helped her delegate and âbuy backâ her time. Together, they explore the importance of community as burnout prevention, the challenges of leadership identity (especially when you donât love the spotlight), and how Krista is building something uniquely holistic for both clinicians and the community.
What Youâll Hear:
- Kristaâs story: from solo practice in 2019 to leading a 15-clinician group practice today
- The transition from a âfee-for-useâ model to running a true group practice â and what changes
- A major misconception: why stepping out of client work takes longer than most owners expect
- How Krista manages the âswitching costâ of clinician brain vs. CEO brain (and why boundaries matter)
- The book that changed her leadership mindset: Buy Back Your Time
- Why delegation isnât just operational â itâs mental health support for practice owners
Resources Mentioned
- Book by Krista Helman: Over the Rainbow: The Love, Loss and Legacy of Your Dog
- Grief Resource Workbook (Kristaâs clinician/community resource)
- Buy Back Your Time (book referenced as a key mindset shift for delegation)
- Group Practice Connection (Membership): grouppracticenetwork.ca/the-group-practice-connection
Featured Guest: Krista Helman
Krista Helman is the Founder and Executive Director of the Trauma & Grief Institute (TGI), a group practice in Ottawa, Ontario. She is also the author of Over the Rainbow: The Love, Loss, & Legacy of Your Dog and the developer of EMDR-GRIEF, a grief-focused protocol that integrates EMDR principles with attachment and mourning frameworks. A Registered Clinical Social Worker, Krista is an EMDR Certified Therapist and EMDRIA-Approved Consultant who facilitates professional trainings, and provides clinical consultation and coaching to support therapists and leaders in building recovery capacity and sustainable practice. She leads a collaborative team of independent clinicians and wellness practitioners committed to holistic and evidence-informed care.
Follow Krista Helman and the Trauma and Grief Institute:
https://www.instagram.com/traumaandgrief/
https://www.facebook.com/trauma.grief
https://www.traumaandgrief.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/104989893/admin/dashboard/
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 leadersâwithout burning out or getting buried in the day-to-day.
Lisaâs 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 clarityâso they can lead with confidence and purpose.
Whether sheâs 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 sheâs not coaching or connecting with therapists, youâll 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
Instagram: instagram.com/grouppracticenetwork
Facebook: facebook.com/grouppracticenetwork
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-catallo
Loved this episode? Letâs take it a step further.
Grab the free Time + Energy Audit for Group Practice Owners to get super clear on where your time is goingâand what itâs actually worth.
đ Download it here
And if you're ready for consistent support, connection, and access to done-for-you tools? Come join us inside Group Practice Connectionâthe membership designed to help Canadian group practice owners lead with clarity and confidence.
⨠You donât have to do this alone. Check it out here
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
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!
đŚ Donât forget to rate & review â it helps us reach more conscious rebels like you.
Listen & Subscribe
đ§ Apple Podcasts
đ§ Spotify
đ§ Amazon Music