From Solo to Group Practice

A full-day workshop for established therapists ready to expand beyond solo practice.

Developing a group practice involves decisions about business structure, recruitment, contracts, finances and attracting clients. This workshop brings those decisions together in a comprehensive, practical guide, covering 29 steps from exploring an initial idea to establishing and managing a team of associates.

The workshop began with a conversation about what we wished had been available when we were starting out. Having built Heathwell and Viva Therapy using different models, we decided to bring our experience together and create that resource.

We share what we did, what worked, what didn’t and what we would do differently. Along the way, we address the questions we wish we had asked and the things we wish we had known, helping participants make informed decisions before committing time and money.

Meet the workshop facilitators

Anne Lewis

Anne is a clinical supervisor and couples therapist. She founded VIVA Therapy, a specialist online group practice with a particular focus on neurodivergent individuals and couples.

Her background in law, including experience running a legal practice, brings an additional perspective to establishing and managing a business. She will draw on this alongside her clinical and supervisory experience to explore contracts, associate arrangements and the legal considerations involved in developing a group practice.

Elena Miari

Elena is a BACP and COSRT psychotherapist who qualified in 2008 and works primarily with couples. Alongside her busy private practice, Elena founded and runs Heathwell Therapies and co-founded Rous & Most, offering specialist couples therapy intensives.

She brings practical experience of building a specialist team, developing a local and online presence, and establishing the systems needed to support a fast growing practice.

Polina Dimitrova

Accountant with experience working with therapists and clinics

Polina is Founder and Director of Best-Assistant Accounting Ltd. She will bring an accountant’s perspective to the financial side of building a group practice, helping participants understand the financial questions to consider as they plan and develop their businesses.

Two successful practices, two different models

We began building our group practices around the same time. Within two years, we had each established a successful practice, taking different approaches to structure, specialisation and delivery.

Viva Therapy, founded by Anne, is a specialist online group practice offering individual and couples therapy, with a particular focus on ADHD, autism and neurodivergent relationships. Its approach is neurodivergent-affirming and LGBTQ+ affirmative, with services including ongoing therapy, focused single sessions and couples intensives.

Heathwell Therapies, founded by Elena, began with one consulting room and three therapists in Blackheath Village. Within two years, it has expanded to three rooms and a team of more than 30 therapists, combining a strong local presence with specialist online services.

We will explain how each model works, the decisions behind it and the advantages and challenges we have encountered. Drawing on both experiences, we will explore different ways to structure a group practice and the considerations that help determine which model is suitable.

Who the workshop is for

This workshop is designed for established therapists who have built a successful private practice and are considering their next stage of development.

It is particularly relevant to those who are:

Receiving more enquiries than they can accommodate.
Considering recruiting associates or establishing a specialist team.
Exploring an online group practice, a physical clinic or a combination of both.
Seeking to develop income beyond their own clinical hours.
Already working with associates and looking for a clearer structure for growth.

A completed business plan or a clear starting point is not required. The workshop is designed to help participants turn initial ideas into a structured plan, with a clear starting point, priorities and practical steps for building their group practice.

What the workshop covers

Our 29-step guide covers the key stages of building a group practice:

Defining a vision and choosing a practice model.
Planning finances, costs and associate fees.
Developing a brand, website and marketing strategy.
Recruiting associates and establishing contracts.
Managing enquiries, referrals and day-to-day operations.
Planning for sustainable growth.

We will explore different models of running a group practice, alongside examples from our own experience, to help participants identify an approach that suits their circumstances, ambitions and resources.

What participants will take away

By the end of the day, participants will have a structured plan for developing their group practice, with a clear starting point, priorities and practical next steps.

The workshop will help clarify which model fits their circumstances, the resources required and the decisions to address before moving forward.

The final hour will be dedicated to consultancy and questions, offering advice tailored to participants’ circumstances and plans.

Workshop details and booking

Date: Friday 22 January 2027
Time: 10am–6pm, including breaks
Format: Online
Fee: £350

Spread the cost over three instalments.

[Book a place]