The Shoreline Connection with Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster | GP 288

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How can solo practitioners find the support and collaboration of a group without giving up their independence? What small, intentional steps can turn an idea into a thriving community? Why is building a business around your core values crucial for long-term success?

In this podcast episode, Brandon Shurn speaks about Shoreline Connect with Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster.

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Meet Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster

A photo of Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster is captured. She is a licensed clinical psychologist based in Warwick, Rhode Island, with a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. Dr. Dorothy is featured on Grow A Group Practice, a therapist podcast.

Visit Shoreline CBT and connect on LinkedIn. See also The Centre for CBT and Mindfulness.

In This Podcast

Shoreline Connect
Expanding the group with new and existing connections
Building a business based on values
Final takeaways for listeners

Shoreline Connect

The idea emerged from a conversation with a colleague who was part of a solo practice and had started and was talking about how they missed being part of a group where they could share cases, consult with colleagues, and get the support that they wanted and really needed. After that conversation, I started to do a little research and look around at what was available … Shoreline Connection emerged as a way to bridge that gap. (Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster)

From seeing the need that her colleague expressed, Dr. Skierkowski-Foster created Shoreline Connect to serve solo practitioners who missed and wanted the connection that they had available to them in a group practice setting.

It allows solo practitioners to experience the benefits of being in a larger group while maintaining the autonomy of their own practice.

What Shoreline Connection really is, is a close-knit community of vetted professionals in your area … A place where clinicians can come together to direct message each other, where they can have conversations, where they can consult on cases, case conferences over video … So that clinicians can have the support that they would get being part of a larger group while they maintain their autonomy. (Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster)

Expanding the group with new and existing connections

There is a vetting process that potential members have to go through if they want to become part of the Shoreline Connect community.

However, most of their current members are referrals from existing members through word-of-mouth, which is a great bonus, since the connections between therapists have already been established and get added to a greater network.

I think that’s a very important feature, where you know someone who knows someone who says, “Hey, this new platform is coming out. We think you’d be interested. It’s a great way of sharing resources.” … So if there is some sort of personal connection, I think that is very important … I know that the folks who are a part of this group are going to care about this question and are also going to respond. (Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster)

Building a business based on values

Shoreline Connection is an intention-filled dream that Dr. Skierkowski-Foster wanted to build into a strong business.

To keep this business going and growing strong, she knew that it needed to be aligned with her values.

What I wanted to build was a place that I would feel comfortable sending my children to if they ever needed help, and that to me is my gold standard. You can replace “children” with family members, loved ones, partner, spouse, friend, or anyone you care about. To me, that’s developed through taking care of clinicians … that clinicians are treated with trust, that there is transparency, autonomy, and a lot of focus on integrity, and so I carry those values into my own [business]. (Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster)

Dr. Dorothy Skierkowski-Foster has seen time and time again that when clinicians and therapists are taken care of, they can turn around and give better care to their clients. This is also what she wanted to offer the clinicians who joined Shoreline Connect.

Final takeaways for listeners

Take small, calculated steps forward. If you have an idea that you want to explore, try getting into it with small actions. Remember your “why” and keep your values closely aligned with your work, and let these two guide your choices.

Useful links mentioned in this episode:

Visit Shoreline CBT and connect on LinkedIn. See also The Centre for CBT and Mindfulness.

Check out these additional resources:

Meet Prof. Brandon Shurn

Brandon Shurn, Ph.D., LCPC, LMHC, AFC®, NCC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor and the founder of EmPower Me Holistic Counseling, a fully virtual Maryland-based practice. He’s also a full-time professor in Seattle University’s online Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. With extensive experience launching and directing university training clinics, Brandon now focuses on helping therapists design and grow impactful, sustainable practices.

Outside of his work, he enjoys fitness, yoga, Wing Chun, golf, reading, and spending time with his family and dogs.

Visit Empower Me Counseling, and connect with Brandon on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Email him at: [email protected]

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