Confessions of a Counselling Clinic Owner: My Battle with Burnout (& How I Protect My Team!)
Carla Mae Leuschen, MPA, MSW, RSW
Founder & Director of Strength in Heart Counselling
Burnout, Boundaries & Building a Resilient Counselling Team: My Journey as a Group Practice Owner in BC
Since opening Strength in Heart Counselling in 2019, I’ve worn many hats: counsellor, supervisor, team leader, accountant, marketer, web designer and more. As the director and clinical supervisor of a group practice now spanning Victoria, the Cowichan Valley and with virtual services across Canada, I’ve seen firsthand how burnout shapes not only our clients’ lives, but also the lives of counsellors (we’re humans too!).
My Story: Navigating Burnout as a Group Practice Owner
When I first launched Strength in Heart, my vision was clear: create a place where healing feels safe, accessible and deeply human. What I didn’t anticipate was how much energy it would take to balance my own client work with the responsibility of guiding and supporting a team of counsellors (now 15 counsellors) each with their own passions, histories and vulnerabilities.
Burnout is a word that comes up often in our field, but for practice owners and supervisors, it’s more than a buzzword. It’s a lived experience. I’ve sat with my own exhaustion, navigated the blurry boundaries between work and rest and learned (sometimes the hard way) that I can’t pour from an empty cup. That’s why, today, my priority is not to take on more clients myself, but to support the wellbeing of my team and the quality of care that we offer.
Our Team Understands Burnout Because We’ve Lived It!
One of the most remarkable things about Strength in Heart Counselling is the diverse backgrounds of our counsellors. Several of our team members have transitioned from high-stress careers and demanding businesses after experiencing burnout themselves. They know what it’s like to feel overwhelmed, depleted, and unsure of where to turn. Their journeys through burnout are not just stories, they’re sources of empathy, insight and hope for the people we serve.
Whether you’re in Victoria, the Cowichan Valley, or seeking online counselling anywhere in Canada, our team offers more than just professional expertise. We bring lived experience, compassion and a commitment to supporting others through life’s toughest seasons.
Why Boundaries Matter (For Counsellors & Clients!)
As the gatekeeper to our team, I take my role seriously. My job is to ensure that each counsellor is supported, resourced, and able to show up fully for their clients, without sacrificing their own health. That means regular supervision, open conversations about self-care, and a culture where asking for help is not just accepted, but encouraged.
Burnout prevention isn’t just a catchphrase for us. It’s woven into everything we do, from our flexible scheduling and supervision practices to the way that we match clients with counsellors who truly understand what they’re going through.
If you’re struggling with burnout, whether you’re a helping professional, a business owner, a student, or anyone feeling overwhelmed, please know that you’re not alone. Our team at Strength in Heart Counselling is here to help, with in-person sessions in Victoria and Cobble Hil as well as secure online counselling Canada-wide.
We offer a range of services, including individual, couples, and family counselling, all delivered by counsellors who truly “get it.” Many of us have walked the path from burnout to balance, and we’re passionate about helping others do the same.
Ready to Take the First Step?
You don’t have to wait until you’re at a breaking point. Reach out for a free 20-minute consultation with any one of our counsellors (you can see list of therapists on our team as well as rates here). You are also welcome to book a free 20 minute discovery call with me (click here) and I will help you to find the right counsellor based on your needs and budget.
At Strength in Heart Counselling, healing is a team effort. We’re here for you, every step of the way.
