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Are you neurodivergent? Have you been considering opening a group private practice that is neuro-inclusive? What are the need-tos when it comes to working with neurodivergent staff and clients for a more comfortable and inclusive work environment?
In this podcast episode, Andrew Burdette speaks about creating a neurodivergent group practice with Patrick Casale.
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Meet Patrick Casale
Patrick Casale is an AuDHD Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist in Asheville, NC.. He is the owner of All Things Private Practice and Resilient Mind Counseling. Patrick works as a Business Coach and Strategist and is also a Group Practice Owner, Motivational Speaker, International Retreat Planner, the host of All Things Private Practice Podcast, and Co-Host of Divergent Conversations Podcast.
His work has helped and inspired thousands of mental health professionals to take risks, start and grow their businesses, and invest in themselves. He has been featured on Private Practice Startup, Abundance Practice Building, Therapy Reimagined, Not Your Typical Psychotherapist, Selling The Couch, and Modern Therapists.
Patrick is a passionate advocate for reducing shame and stigma of mental health, as well as impostor syndrome. Patrick helps mental health entrepreneurs break the mold, work through their fears and insecurities, and to embrace their Authenticity. He loves good coffee, craft beer, playing soccer, and travelling the world. Doubt Yourself Do It Anyway has become his official motto.
Visit All Things Private Practice and connect on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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In This Podcast
- Maintaining good communication
- Building a neuro-inclusive work environment
- Being proactive and creative in finding personalized solutions
Maintaining good communication
As the group practice owner, Patrick emphasizes the importance of autonomy in his private practice with his staff. He lets them know from the first day that they are allowed – and encouraged – to structure their schedules as they see fit, as long as they communicate it, and as long as the work gets done.
You are adults right, so as long as we’re getting the job done, I don’t really see the need to have this black and white thinking process around how we structure what the day to day looks like for people. (Patrick Casale)
To make sure that everything runs smoothly, Patrick has one-on-one meetings with his staff at least once a quarter.
I do a lot of one-on-one check in’s, and that has been really useful from the get go … Like, being very involved as the practice owner, despite not being involved in the day-to-day a lot of the time, so one-on-one check ins … every quarter … And I ask them, ‘Would you prefer to meet virtually, in person, via text? What is your preference?’ That’s also another way to create a really healthy, neuro-inclusive and neuro-affirming workplace culture too. (Patrick Casale)
Building a neuro-inclusive work environment
One of the main tenets of an inclusive neurodivergent work environment is making sure that everyone understands that other people may have different brain types and neurology.
A lot of the time when we’re talking about neurodivergence, we’re talking about autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and then there are so many diagnoses that fall under the neurodiversion umbrella, but those are the big three that are commonly talked about. (Patrick Casale)
As Patrick further explains, when you’re talking about creating a neurodiverse and neuro-inclusive work environment, you are essentially talking about accommodating sensory systems. This may include;
- Using low and warm lighting and avoiding sharp or bright overhead lights
- Allowing staff to move comfortably around their office space, and allowing them to sit, stand or walk around while working
- Offering a variety of comfortable chairs and seating arrangements
- Avoiding overpowering scents and fragrances in the office
You’re really trying to ensure that people feel comfortable [because] our sensory systems are paramount when we’re talking about taking care of our neurology. (Patrick Casale)
Being proactive and creative in finding personalized solutions. When it comes to structuring your group private practice, as long as you’re HIPAA compliant and the work gets done, you can basically do it however you want!
There’s no “wrong way” to develop and manage your group private practice, especially when you are prioritizing the well-being of your staff and clients, and encouraging them to do work that they are proud of and passionate about.
There’s probably not going to be one right or wrong way to do this, and I think that creates more camaraderie and teamwork when the leader, mentor, or the boss is like, ‘Hey, what do we think is working? What do we think is not?’ And I think that’s a constant evaluation process. (Patrick Casale)
Adopt a growth mindset approach to your business, because progress is part of adjusting and evaluating what is and isn’t working, and then pivoting accordingly.
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
- Visit All Things Private Practice and connect on Instagram and LinkedIn.
- Listen to All Things Private Practice Podcast, and the Divergent Conversations Podcast.
- See also, Neurowild Therapy and Embrace Autism.
- Trust me, don’t waste any more of your time, and try TherapyNotes.
Check out these additional resources:
- Practice of the Practice Network
- Group Practice Launch
- Group Practice Boss: www.practiceofthepractice.com/grouppracticeboss $149 a month
- PoP Group Practice Owners Facebook Group
- Free resources to help you start, grow, and scale
- Work with us
- Practice of the Practice Network
Meet Andrew Burdette
Andrew founded Mindful Counseling PLLC in Asheville, NC shortly after completing his graduate program in clinical mental health counseling. At the start of the pandemic, he pivoted to an online solo practice, and in 2022, began to grow a group practice. He most enjoys helping clients and colleagues identify what ignites their passions and assisting them in creating a life rooted in authenticity. Andrew approaches his business development with alignment in mind and enjoys the integration process connecting the many puzzle pieces and systems required to run a successful practice.
Visit Andrew’s website and Apply to work with him.
Email him at [email protected]
