In this episode, Patrick Casale speaks with Dr. Donna Oriowo, an award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker, and certified sex and relationship therapist, as she discusses the complexities of self-esteem, particularly for Black women navigating supremacist and patriarchal cultures. Her perspective on self-esteem being shaped by collective experiences, rather than just individual actions, is powerful and eye-opening.

3 Key takeaways:

1. Self-esteem is not created in a vacuum: Dr. Donna reminds us that our sense of self-worth is deeply influenced by generational, cultural, and systemic forces—it's not simply a personal failing if you struggle.
2. Authenticity carries risks—especially for marginalized identities: Being "yourself" isn’t always safe, and the ongoing negotiation between authenticity and safety can be exhausting. It’s crucial to acknowledge the price people pay just to exist as themselves.
3. Community is essential for healing and growth: Dr. Donna encourages us to seek out affirming relationships and supportive spaces, reminding us that self-esteem and healing aren’t solo journeys—they’re collective processes.

More about Donna:

Dr. Donna Oriowo (oreo-whoa!) LICSW, CST, is an award-winning DEI advocate, international speaker, and certified sex and relationship therapist in the Washington D.C. metro area. Dr. Donna is the owner of private practice, AnnodRight, which specializes in working with Black women on issues related to colorism and texturism and its impacts on mental and sexual health. Dr. Donna specializes in working with Black women to feel Free, Fabulous, and F*cked! She is the author of Cocoa Butter & Hair Grease: A Self-Love Journey Through Hair and Skin and the host of a biweekly community space for Black women called In My Black Feelings. Dr. Donna collects inspiring quotes, eats donuts, loves pasta, travels to learn, gives COVID-safe handshakes, warm hugs, and (figurative) knocks on the head.

Donna's book is called: Drink Water & Mind Your Business: A Black Woman's Guide to Unlearning the BS and Healing Self-Esteem

Dr. Oriowo served as DEI Co-chair and Communications Steering Committee Chair for AASECT. She is a member of the Women of Color Sexual Health Network (WOCSHN). She can be found on social media @Dr.DonnaOriowo. OR you can visit her on the interwebs at DonnaOriowo.com.

• Instagram: instagram.com/dr.donnaoriowo
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@dr.donnaoriowo
• Threads: threads.net/@dr.donnaoriowo
• Grab her book: drinkwaterbook.com

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In this episode, Patrick Casale speaks with Erica Smith about creating equitable and accessible workplaces in private practice. Erica shares candid, real-life stories of navigating the mental health field as someone living with chronic illness, and discusses the imperative of designing work environments that are truly supportive and accessible.

Top 3 takeaways:

1. Accessibility Goes Beyond Ramps: It means considering everything from office seating and safe, convenient entryways to virtual work options and clear communication about what your space does (and doesn't) offer.
2. Culture Starts with Transparency: Erica models being upfront with staff and clients about values, policies, and decision-making—including the challenges and financial realities of running an equitable group practice.
3. Intentionality Drives Inclusion: From pronouns on the website to supporting community initiatives and hosting know-your-rights cards in the lobby, every detail signals who you want to welcome and support in your practice.

More about Erica

Erica, a North Carolina native and clinical social worker, specializes in trauma, particularly interpersonal violence, racial trauma, and chronic/invisible illness, drawn from her personal experiences. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and then Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) at age 12 in 2003—also the year she experienced the sudden loss of her father—followed by Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) later in life. These events spurred her desire to help others, leading to international volunteering, non-profit work, and over 10 years as a therapist. Navigating chronic illness and being a Black woman taught her strategies to adapt and advocate. She now leads Whole Mentality, a Raleigh-based group practice focused on accessible and affirming mental health services.

• From Solo to Collective: Leading an Equitable Therapy Practice - for group practice consultation: itsericakendra.com/consultation
• Website: wholementality.com
• Social media: @wholementality and @itsericakenddra

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In this episode, Patrick Casale and Nicole McCance talk about her proven 5-step method for scaling a group practice—perfect for anyone feeling stuck at an income ceiling, burned out, or simply wondering what the next level looks like for their private practice.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Systemize First, Hire Second: Before you build your team, get everything out of your head and document your systems. As Nicole says, if you don't systemize before hiring, you'll end up as the "chief question answerer"—not a true CEO.
2. Marketing Matters—But Do It Right: Digital marketing (especially Google Ads) is essential, but make sure your website and ads are synced, specialty pages are clear, and hire experts when needed. Don’t waste money on marketing that doesn’t connect.
3. Retention is Your Secret Weapon: Booking clients for multiple sessions and following up consistently (even after no-shows or cancellations) can increase your sessions by up to 20%. Simple steps = big impact.

Whether you're dreaming of scaling, preparing your practice as an asset, or just want more freedom as an owner, Nicole’s guidance offers a fresh roadmap using practical strategies.

More about Nicole:

Nicole is a Psychologist (retired) turned Business Coach for therapists scaling to a group practice. She expanded her private practice to 55 therapists and multiple 7 figures in 3 years (with toddler twins at home). Nicole sold her clinic in the 4th year and then retired as a Psychologist in her 5th year. She now teaches therapists how to help more people, make more money, and have more freedom following her proven method. The McCance Method: mccancemethod.com

Social Media

• Instagram: instagram.com/nicole.mccancemethod
• Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/947689352498639
• Podcast: mccancemethod.com/podcast

Sign up Nicole’s FREE Masterclass: How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice → mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam

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In this episode, I talk with Rachel Murdock, a burnout prevention specialist, group practice owner, and former FBI employee who bravely walked away from a "golden handcuffs" career to reclaim her well-being and design a life on her own terms. Her story is an empowering reminder that sometimes betting on yourself is the best investment you can make.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Burnout isn’t just about workload—culture matters. Toxic organizational structures, lack of boundaries, and constant demand can erode even the most passionate professionals. Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the job itself, but the noise of the system you're in.
2. Permission to pause can change everything. Rachel emphasizes that we’re at our best when we step back, take breaks, and intentionally reset. Small, regular pauses (even just 15 minutes!) help rejuvenate your nervous system and protect your long-term health.
3. Your impact is meaningful, but your well-being matters more. Organizations will survive when you move on. Choosing yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary. There’s power in letting go of the idea that you have to sacrifice your own needs for the mission.

If you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or scared to make a change, Rachel’s journey proves you can honor your passion, set boundaries, and thrive beyond traditional structures.

More about Rachel:

Rachel Murdock, MS, LPC, LCPC, is the owner/clinician providing mental health counseling in private practice with Beyond the Storm Behavioral Health, LLC. She is a licensed counselor in Missouri, Kansas, and Iowa, and supervises clinicians obtaining licensure in Missouri and Kansas. Her practice specializes in mental health counseling for first responders and individuals experiencing anxiety, mood disorders, or post-traumatic stress, and survivors of abuse.

Rachel does wellness checks for various first responder agencies to promote psychological resilience, psychoeducation about trauma and coping skills, and provide resources and referrals as part of a statutory mandate in Missouri (590.192), requiring all sworn peace officers and dispatch personnel to meet with a program service provider every three to five years.

Prior to January 2023, Rachel was a Supervisory Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer (SCAFI) with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Victim Services Division, Child Victim Services Unit, and held this position for seven months prior to her resignation, which led to her reopening her private practice. From November 4, 2012, to July 3, 2022, she was a Child/Adolescent Forensic Interviewer (CAFI) in the same unit. Prior to joining the FBI, Rachel was a forensic interviewer at The Child Advocacy Center, Inc., in Springfield, Missouri.

During her career as a forensic interviewer, Rachel conducted almost 3,000 forensic interviews of alleged victims of/or witnesses to an incident. Rachel has studied forensic interviewing, children’s memory and suggestibility, process of disclosure, and trauma responses of victims for over 20 years.

Rachel has published on topics such as definitions of child abuse and neglect, the disclosure process in child abuse victims/witnesses, forensic child psychology, dynamics of compliant victimization, internet exploitation, suggestibility, and trauma. Her manuscripts all appear in peer-reviewed journals or book chapters, and Rachel has presented locally, nationally, and internationally about these topics since 2006.

Rachel has testified in state and federal hearings and trials during her career as a fact and/or expert witness.

Rachel is a faculty member with Avila University’s Graduate Counseling Psychology program and an adjunct faculty member Missouri State University’s Department of Psychology, where she created a course, Psychology of Child Abuse and Exploitation, and co-authored a textbook regarding issues of...

In this episode, Rachel Bentley shares her journey of building a thriving group practice and launching the Next Level Private Practice Summit, emphasizing the power of community, collaboration, and taking risks despite self-doubt or fear of imperfection. She and Patrick Casale discuss the importance of consistency, authentic connection, and embracing vulnerability to grow personally and professionally in private practice.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Embrace Imperfection and Take Action: Rachel shares how perfectionism and self-doubt almost stopped her from launching her summit. The key isn't to wait until everything is perfect, but to take the leap and iterate as you go. Progress beats perfection!
2. Build Community Through Collaboration (Not Competition): Both Patrick and Rachel emphasize the importance of collaboration over competition in our industry. There’s plenty of space for everyone to succeed, and true growth happens when we support each other.
3. Consistency is Critical: Whether you’re launching an event, offering a course, or opening up your practice to new clients, showing up consistently matters more than doing everything flawlessly. People usually need to see your message multiple times before they take action.

More about Rachel:

Rachel Bentley, MA LPC, is a trained IFS Level (2)+ therapist, trained IFIO therapist, and clinical supervisor. Rachel is a Private Practice Consultant, and she hosts retreats and summits to assist private practice owners in starting and growing their private practices. Rachel is the Founder and CEO of COR Counseling and Next Level Private Practice.

COR Counseling is a private practice that centers around trauma-informed and LGBTQIA+ affirming care. COR is a 40-therapist group with physical locations in E Lansing and Ann Arbor, MI. COR also serves clients across Michigan (via Telehealth).

Next Level Private Practice assists therapists in all levels of Private Practice to include 1) Therapists that are starting out in developing their own practices 2) Solo practice owners that wish to develop additional revenue streams and/or grow into group practices 3) Group practice owners that are seeking ways to make their practices sustainable.

Rachel will host the Next Level Private Practice Summit in the Fall of 2025. This summit will be a (safe) place and space for therapists and practice owners to connect, learn, and build their private practices. Learn more about the summit and Next Level's offerings (here): nextlevelprivatepractice.com

• Register here for the Next Level Private Practice Summit, and use code Nextlevel50 for $50 off registration: nextlevelprivatepractice.com/summit
• Learn more about COR Counseling: corcounselingmi.com
• NEXT LEVEL Facebook Group: facebook.com/share/g/15oQgGm7PV
• NEXT LEVEL Facebook Page: facebook.com/nextlevelprivatepractice
• NEXT LEVEL Instagram: instagram.com/nextlevelprivatepractice

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In this episode, Patrick Casale and Sabrina Longley, LCSW at Resilient Mind Counseling, talk about why authenticity, open communication, and a supportive work environment matter so much for therapists who’d rather work for someone else than run their own practice. They also share how embracing your identity and using dialectics can boost confidence and create a healthier, more collaborative workplace.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. The Power of Authenticity: Sabrina beautifully highlights how living authentically at the intersection of her identities (Black, fat, neurodivergent, extroverted, and more) has been non-negotiable for her well-being and effectiveness as a therapist. When workplaces embrace this authenticity, it fuels real connection and reduces burnout.
2. Entrepreneurship isn't for Everyone: There’s immense value in group practice—especially for those who crave structure, community, and stability. Sabrina reminds us that thriving as a therapist doesn’t require running your own business; finding the right container can be just as empowering.
3. Leadership is About Relationship, Not Just Revenue: Patrick’s approach as a group practice owner—centering transparency, vulnerability, and accountability—creates psychological safety for his team. Open communication, a willingness to receive feedback, and acknowledging power dynamics are essential for retention and growth.

Whether you’re a therapist seeking the right clinical setting or a practice leader looking to build an inclusive and supportive team, these insights are a great reminder: You can build (and find) workplaces where everyone has permission to show up as themselves.

More about Sabrina:

I'm an LCSW working in NC with no dreams of becoming a private practice owner. Instead, I have been seeking (and have found) my therapeutic "home". I hold many intersectional identities, and finding the right fit has taken hard work and lessons learned. I live in the triangle area of NC and have worked in IOP and outpatient level of care.

• Sabrina's Profile: resilientmindcounseling.com/sabrina-longley-lcsw

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In this episode, I spoke with Dr. Priyanka Rao, licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Asha Mental Health, about what it means to be an ADHD entrepreneur — the challenges, the resilience, and how to thrive authentically.

Dr. Rao shared her late-diagnosis journey, how motherhood illuminated her ADHD, and the mindset shifts that fuel her leadership, coaching, and private practice ambitions. Her real-talk about embracing neurodiversity in entrepreneurship is a must-hear.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Embrace How Your Brain Works: Letting go of self-blame and outdated expectations is liberating. Accepting your unique wiring means you’re not lazy or disorganized — just wired differently. Plan for your patterns rather than fighting them.
2. Permission to Delegate: You don’t have to do it all. Delegation isn’t a weakness; it’s a strategy for growth. Investing in support and systems early on helps you stay energized and focused on what matters most.
3. Vision + Values over Hustle: Get clear about where you want to go and make decisions aligned with your long-term values, not just the next shiny idea. Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who can offer perspective (and keep you grounded).

More about Priyanka:

Dr. Priyanka Rao is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Minneapolis and the founder of Asha Mental Health, a private practice specializing in neurodiversity-affirming and multiculturally inclusive mental health care. She is also an executive coach for leaders and entrepreneurs, especially those with ADHD. As a late-diagnosed ADHDer herself, Dr. Rao brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work, particularly in neurodiversity affirming adult ADHD and autism assessment. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Rao has extensive leadership experience, having served as Chief Clinical Officer of a large group practice prior to opening her own practice. When she’s not empowering clients to embrace their authentic selves, she enjoys reading, trying new foods, and spending time with her family and dog.

• Instagram: @ashacoach
• www.ashamh.com
• www.asha-coaching.com

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It can be easy to feel overwhelmed, burnt out, or in need of hope during uncertain times in our lives. In this episode, Patrick Casale and Hillary Logan talk about using Motivational Interviewing (MI) as a realistic, strengths-based way to cultivate hope—even amidst collective uncertainty.

3 Key takeaways:

1. Reground in the “Spirit” of MI: Hillary highlighted four core elements—compassion, acceptance, empowerment, and partnership. By practicing self-compassion and embracing self-acceptance, we allow ourselves the grace to be where we are, not where we “should” be.
2. Empowerment Isn’t All-or-Nothing: Sometimes taking action means boundary-setting, resting, or simply stepping away from the news to protect your mental health. Empowerment can look like giving yourself permission to do less, not more.
3. Community and Connection Matter: Whether it’s drawing on our internal resources or actively seeking community support, partnership—both with ourselves and others—is vital for resilience. Even small moments of connection can restore hope and energy during tough times.

More about Hillary Logan, MSW, LCSW and LCAS, member of the MINT:

Hillary Logan has been a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) since 2011. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Addiction Therapist. Hillary has worked as a helping professional for 20 years, ranging from working in wilderness therapy to community mental health, providing in-home and school-based services, and as a therapist with specialties including working with anxiety, trauma, addiction, and veterans.

• Free resources: micenterforchange.com/free-resources
• Hope course: micenterforchange.com/Eight-ways-to-hope-course
• Level 1: Foundations of Motivational Interviewing course: micenterforchange.com/beginner-foundations
• Email: hillary@micenterforchange.com

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