Last week, we shared a blog post about bad advice in consulting groups and how it can negatively affect you and your business. However, this post is about the benefits of good advice and how it can benefit you and your business.
Not All Advice is Bad Advice
Let’s be fair: consulting groups are not inherently the problem. In fact, many of them are filled with generous, thoughtful professionals who genuinely want to help. These forums can be incredibly valuable in normalizing experiences, brainstorming ideas, and realizing you are not the only one with a question or challenge in your business. The problem arises when context gets lost.
Advice in these groups is often shared from personal experience-what worked for that person, with their business model, in their state, and at their stage in growth. When that advice is applied universally, without understanding the legal, financial, clinical, ethical, or operational nuances of the situation, it can quickly become misleading or even harmful.
Another issue is that the advice in these spaces is rarely accompanied by accountability. When there is no data, follow up, or responsibility if the recommendation leads to compliance issues, financial strain, or burn out the risk is carried entirely by the person taking the advice.
Some Advice is Valuable
Consulting groups can be a great starting point-a place to gather perspectives, identify themes, and get quick answers. The key is to treat the information received in these forums as information, not instruction. It can be used to inform what you ask your accountant, attorney, supervisor, or consultant but should not serve as a replacement for these valuable advisors.
Discernment is the skill that matters most. Knowing how to filter the advice, find the right people, and recognize when a response does not fit your specific situation is the key.
Start With People You Trust
When you are sorting through advice-especially in moments of uncertainty-the safest place to start is with people who already know you, your values, and your business. People who are invested in your long-term sustainability and understand your unique situation. People who ask clarifying questions before offering solutions and a one-size-fits all answer. People who are willing to be honest with you if something is not a good idea, even if that feedback is uncomfortable.
This might be starting with your accountant before implementing a financial strategy you saw online or checking with your attorney before copying a contract offered by another practice owner. These relationships create a layer of accountability that someone who does not know you simply cannot provide. Someone who knows you also leaves room for follow up and the opportunity to revisit the decision, evaluate outcomes, and course correct as needed.
Do a Google Search
If you’re considering working with a consultant, a quick Google search can be a good place to start. You can find information about different options, utilize free resources like templates or webinars, and review testimonials from past customers. A consultant can help you even with a single meeting, so don’t think that you’re locked into a lengthy and expensive process.
Our Programs
At Compassionate Consulting Company, our team helps therapists at every stage in business build practices that are streamlined, impactful, and profitable. Each consultant has a program starting in January to make 2026 your most successful year yet.
Clinical Practice Launchpad-with Lucita Clondas
Kick off January with a 4-session, high-impact course that gives you everything you need to open your private practice the right way.
Sign up here.
Scale Smart Mastermind-with Julia Nepini
A 12-week, interactive mastermind designed to help you expand your group practice with clarity, systems, and support.
Sign up here.
The Prescriber Playbook-with Katelyn Martins
A 5-week masterclass that walks you step-by-step through adding prescribers to your group practice—without the overwhelm.
Sign up here.
