There’s a lot about the counseling industry that doesn’t sit right with me. Over the years, I've sensed the limitations of traditional models in therapy—models that often fail to foster growth, creativity, and collaboration. As a business owner for years before embarking on my master's program and entering internship roles at different practices, I quickly realized what was missing: a system that truly empowers both clinicians and clients without the constraints of power dynamics and hierarchical structures. The industry is in desperate need of change—a shift away from traditional, hierarchical models that leave clinicians feeling isolated and disempowered.
That’s where Dynamic Mind LLC comes in. Partnering with Susan Belangee has been a revelation. This isn’t just another traditional setup where I’m expected to “pay my dues” under a director or supervisor. Instead, we’ve built a collaborative, partnership-driven model that allows both leadership and clinicians to work together toward the best outcomes for both individuals and organizations. As an APC under Susan’s guidance, I’ve witnessed the profound benefits of this relationship—not just for my growth as a clinician, but for the growth of the entire practice.
Personal Growth: More Than Just Clinical Skills
When I began my master’s program and stepped into the clinical field, I entered an industry that often seemed to silo professionals. Clinicians were expected to fit into predefined roles, where the line between director and clinician felt rigid, and autonomy was scarce. Even as I moved into different internships, I began to notice the subtle (and not so subtle) issues that came with this lack of collaboration. It was clear that the traditional therapy model—where clinicians are subservient to directors and often face isolation and abuse, rather than mentorship—wasn’t conducive to sustained growth or personal empowerment.
Enter Susan Belangee. Working alongside Susan has been a game-changer for me. With her guidance, I’ve learned that true leadership isn’t about creating power imbalances; it’s about collaborating and empowering those around you. Susan’s leadership has been instrumental in my evolution, not just as a therapist but as a professional. She provides the space for growth, self-reflection, and collaboration—all the things that traditional models of therapy trainees seem to leave out. I’m not just following someone’s instructions; I’m a co-creator in this practice, and my voice matters.
This collaborative approach has allowed me to grow as a clinician in ways I never thought possible. I’m learning new therapeutic strategies and gaining insights into leadership and team dynamics. I now understand that being a good therapist goes beyond the clinical setting—it’s about contributing to an environment that supports both personal and professional development.
Leadership and Business Growth: A Shared Experience
One of the most rewarding aspects of this partnership is that it isn’t just about my growth. Susan has shared how this collaboration has helped her grow as a business owner as well. As we work together, Susan and I constantly learn from one another, growing not just in our roles but as partners in the truest sense.
The mutual growth we’ve experienced is a direct result of our equal approach, which has helped us avoid the power struggles that so often exist in hierarchical organizations. Our practice doesn’t function like a traditional top-down business model. Instead, we build together, supporting each other’s strengths while challenging and expanding our areas of growth.
The Shift in Counseling and Leadership: Breaking the Old Model
What excites me most about Dynamic Mind LLC is how it directly challenges the limitations of the traditional counseling industry. My Catching Flak series isn’t just a blog series—it’s a call to action. The system needs to change, and Dynamic Mind LLC is leading that charge. Here, we’ve built something completely different. We are partnering for success, where both therapists and leaders are equally valued and empowered. This collaborative approach eliminates the traditional us vs. them mentality, and instead creates a space where everyone’s contributions are heard, respected, and used to move the practice forward.
The old system of hierarchical silos simply doesn’t work. It stifles creativity, prevents professional growth, and creates division. At Dynamic Mind LLC, we’ve found a way to break through those barriers and create something new—a model that prioritizes collaboration over hierarchy and empowerment over control.
Leading the Change in Counseling and Leadership
My journey as an APC under Susan has reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: growth comes through collaboration. Together, we’re not just changing the way we do therapy—we’re changing the way we approach leadership, teamwork, and success in the counseling industry. The future of therapy and business lies in partnerships that foster mutual respect, shared growth, and empowerment.
At Dynamic Mind LLC, we’re not just talking about change—we’re living it.
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