Shows
The Practice of Therapy PodcastTara Vossenkemper | The Culture Code for Group Practice | TPOT 392Ready to Build a Private Practice People Actually Want to Work In? If you've ever wondered what it really takes to build a group practice with heart, soul, and systems that don’t make your team want to scream into a pillow, this episode is for you. Gordon sits down with the brilliant (and refreshingly honest) Tara Vossenkemper, founder, leadership nerd, and culture whisperer, to talk about the magic behind creating a practice culture where therapists actually feel seen, supported, and inspired. They’re diving into everything from core values that aren’t just f...2025-07-2829 min
Culture Focused PracticeThe Habits You Didn't Choose: How Early Roles Shape Current LeadershipIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives into the messy, revealing world of leadership origin stories. From the therapist default (hi, overexplaining and holding all the space) to the over-functioning pattern (aka fixing everything before anyone else notices), she breaks down four core scripts that quietly shape how we lead. You'll hear how early patterns show up in practice—like avoiding direct feedback, holding onto underperformers out of hope, or modeling instead of actually saying the damn thing—and why recognizing those behaviors is key to leadership evolution. Dr. Vossenkemper walks...2025-07-2426 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When You're Resentful of the Role You Created for YourselfIn this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper gets personal, raw, and real about the emotional and operational weight of leadership. If you’ve ever looked around your group practice and thought, “Wait...did I build myself into a corner?” — this one’s for you.Tara works through five tough but clarifying questions around resentment, role confusion, disengagement, and identity — and then walks through two common, real-life leadership scenarios:A team that relies on you for everythingA workplace built on autonomy...with zero accountabilityExpect metaphors (giant deflated ballo...2025-07-1733 minCulture Focused PracticeSystems Fatigue: When EOS Stops Feeling Helpful (And What to Do About It)Let’s talk about systems fatigue—because yes, even with something as powerful as EOS, there comes a point where it feels heavy, clunky, or downright annoying. In this episode, I dig into what causes that burnout feeling around your systems, especially if you've been implementing EOS and suddenly feel like, “Wait… why is this not working anymore?”We cover how to tell the difference between fatigue and actual failure, what to check first (clarity? leadership? cadence?), and how to course-correct before you throw the whole system out the damn window. From performative meetings to structure that feels...2025-07-1022 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When the Perfect Hire Looks Great on Paper (But Not in Practice)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper gets real about the gut-wrenching moment when a hire you thought was perfect turns out to be a total mismatch. Through a candid, question-based reflection, she walks through two hiring situations — one tangled up in attachment wounds and the other tanked by her absence from the process.Dr. Tara explores five key questions, offering up lessons learned, personal accountability, and a brutally honest look at what happens when the paper-perfect candidate doesn’t pan out in real life. From team impact to hiring process flaw...2025-07-0326 minCulture Focused PracticeDon't Lower the Bar: What to Do When Hiring Feels ImpossibleIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper breaks down what happens when hiring gets hard and you start questioning your standards. You know that moment — you're tired, you're desperate, and suddenly "Can they do the job?" starts to feel like an acceptable question... even though it's the wrong one.Tara dives into three major areas in this one:The real (and painful) costs of lowering your hiring bar — think culture dilution, burnout, and endless training fatigueHow to keep your standards high without getting stuck in analysis paralysisAnd how to survive the drea...2025-07-0120 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When Your Team's Behavior Doesn't Match Your ValuesIn this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper gets into that maddening, murky territory where your team technically isn’t doing anything wrong… but something still feels off. When behavior doesn’t match your values, it’s not always easy to know what the hell is actually going on—or what to do about it.Tara walks through five raw, unscripted questions around clarity, grace, feedback, and emotional tension. This one’s not a strategy playbook—it’s an inside look at what real-time leadership reflection sounds like. If you’ve ever found yourse...2025-06-2624 minCulture Focused PracticeCulture is a System, Not a VibeIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper calls bullshit on the idea that culture is just a vibe. Sure, it feels like something when you walk into a room, but that feeling? It comes from a system—of values, behaviors, and leadership choices—firing in the background. Tara breaks down how to stop winging it and start building culture with intention. She unpacks the biggest myths, where leaders screw it up (hi, perks and bean bags), why hard conversations actually increase morale, and how to turn culture into something measurable and operational. ...2025-06-2530 minCulture Focused PracticeTOR: When You're Scared They'll Quit, So You Stay Silent [with Nicole Brewer]In this Owner’s Room special of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper sits down with Nicole Brewer, founder of Rethink Therapy and Rethink Your Practice. This one’s a no-polish, no-bullshit convo about what leadership really looks like when you’re deep in it — when the systems are built but the people stuff is still messy, emotional, and real.Nicole drops gold on everything from letting people coast out of fear, to the gut-punch moments of replacing someone on your so-called “dream team.” Together, they explore the tension between clarity and kindness, building out decision...2025-06-191h 10Culture Focused PracticeThe Scripts Aren't the Problem... But You Might BeIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I’m coming in swinging at one of the most common traps leaders fall into: obsessing over scripts instead of showing up with actual presence. If you’ve ever stalled a hard conversation trying to get the words just right, this one’s for you. We unpack why scripting becomes a crutch, what actually makes your hard convos land (hint: it’s not phrasing), and how to show up clear, grounded, and human. This is about ditching the safety blanket and building real trust instead.Tim...2025-06-1826 minCulture Focused PracticeAvoidance ≠ Harmony: How Conflict-Avoidant Leadership BackfiresIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I’m coming in hot with one of the most damaging leadership myths out there: that avoiding conflict is the same as keeping the peace. Spoiler alert—it’s not. Avoiding hard conversations might feel safe in the short term, but it’s quietly eroding your culture, your clarity, and your credibility. This episode dives into the real cost of conflict avoidance (it’s higher than you think) and breaks down exactly how to lead through the discomfort instead of around it. From people-pleasing habits to late-stage resentment spirals, I...2025-06-1732 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When Slowing Down Feels Like Losing Ground [with Dr. Jeremy Sharp]Welcome to the Culture Focused Practice podcast. In this Owner’s Room episode, I’m joined by my very first guest — Dr. Jeremy Sharp — for a beautifully messy conversation about what happens after you slow down. You know that moment when the chaos stops and you should be feeling calm, but instead your brain starts spiraling with “Why am I not doing more?” Yep, that one.Jeremy and I dive into what it really feels like to pause after a season of intensity, how our identities get tangled in achievement, and why stillness can feel more like a threa...2025-06-1259 minCulture Focused PracticeRest ≠ Stagnation: Why Integration is the Hardest Work You’ll Do (Part 2)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper wraps up the two-part deep dive into rest, integration, and the quiet (but hard) work of leadership.This episode challenges the assumption that rest is passive, arguing instead that integration is one of the most demanding—and crucial—skills in leadership. It’s not a gap between doing. It’s a strategy for making your systems, your team, and your brain actually catch up with your vision.Tara walks through how to operationalize integration inside a group practice using tools like rock rev...2025-06-1231 minCulture Focused PracticeRest ≠ Stagnation: Why Integration is the Hardest Work You’ll Do (Part 1)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper unpacks the gut-punch of realizing that rest doesn’t mean you’ve stopped growing. It just means you’re in integration mode — and, spoiler alert, integration might be the hardest damn thing you do as a leader. We dive into why rest feels so itchy, what cultural narratives are feeding your resistance, and the sneaky emotional labor no one talks about when the hustle stops. You’ll get tangible signs that you’re resisting rest (even when you think you’re just “strategizi...2025-06-1123 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When You're the Bottleneck (And You Know It)In this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper digs into what it feels like—and what it means—to realize you’re the bottleneck in your own business. She explores the emotional weight and operational impact of being the one who unintentionally slows everything down, despite good intentions and strong systems. Through five reflective questions and one real-world scenario, Dr. Tara walks through why bottlenecking happens, how to spot it in yourself, and what’s actually required to start letting go. From the tension of high standards to the identity hit that c...2025-06-0528 minCulture Focused PracticeWhat Most Owners Get Wrong About EOSIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper calls out the top myths that group practice owners believe about EOS—and why those misconceptions are costing you more than you think. She breaks down why EOS is not just for large companies, why “we already do that” is a red flag, and why the system isn’t nearly as rigid as you think. She also shares what EOS actually requires to work well—spoiler: it’s not 10 hours a week or corporate-speak meetings, but it is consistency, feedback, and the willingness to evolve.2025-06-0415 minCulture Focused PracticeEOS in the Wild: How to Know It's Actually WorkingEOS isn’t just a checklist you halfheartedly check off—it’s a rhythm. A way of operating. A structure that makes space for actual leadership and sustainable sanity.In this episode, we’re digging into what it really looks like when EOS is working inside your group practice. (Spoiler: it's not about having a pretty L10 doc saved in Google Drive.) I break down the felt and functional signs that show you’re not just implementing—you’re actually integrating.I also cover some of the most common traps people fall into when they think they’re...2025-06-0325 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When Clarity Isn't Enough (And You Still Feel Stuck)In this special Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper cracks open the weird liminal space where everything in your business is running smoothly—and you still feel off. You’ve implemented EOS. Your team’s solid. Systems are humming. And yet… the spark? Nowhere to be found.Tara riffs candidly on her own experience navigating the emotional terrain of clarity without momentum, what it means when you’re craving something new even though nothing is “wrong,” and why feeling stuck doesn’t necessarily mean something’s broken. She explores the difference betwe...2025-05-2924 minCulture Focused PracticeReal Problems, Real Tools: How to Stop Spinning in PlaceEver feel like your practice has déjà vu on loop? Like you're solving the same problem... again... for the third quarter in a row?You're not imagining it — you're stuck in what I call “chronic problem recycling.” And spoiler: insight alone isn’t gonna fix it.In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why you’re spinning in circles and how EOS gives you real-deal traction — not just another brainstorm session with zero follow-through. We’re talking tools, not theory: the Issues List, Scorecard, and Accountability Chart. I walk through each one with real examples...2025-05-2730 min
Compassionate ClimbEpisode 111: Tara Vossenkemper is culture focusedMeet Dr. Tara Vossenkemper, group practice owner, business consultant, and podcaster who believes that leadership doesn't have to suck the life out of you. She shares how she manages a virtual team while traveling in an RV with her family, uses the Entrepreneurial Operating System to provide structure, clarity, and accountability, and developed the Culture Focused Practice Podcast. She discusses her 6 month EOS Mastermind for Group Practice Owners that starts June 5th.Tara's Links:WebsiteEOS MastermindCulture Focused Practice Podcast2025-05-2349 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room - When You're Leading (and Non One's Listening)This one’s for the leaders who’ve said the same thing five times (kindly, clearly, calmly) and are now screaming into the void. You’re not crazy — and no, you don’t suck at leadership. But something is definitely off.In this Owner’s Room episode, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper riffs on the soul-sucking dynamic of doing your damn best to lead…and watching nothing change. She dives deep into accountability fatigue, over-functioning out of perfectionism, and how supportive leadership can quietly morph into enabling (#Yikes.)This episode breaks down how to recover when team foll...2025-05-2224 minCulture Focused PracticeStructure ≠ Control: How to Use EOS Without Becoming a Micromanaging NightmareStructure doesn’t have to mean micromanagement, rigidity, or soul-sucking spreadsheets. In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper unpacks how EOS (the Entrepreneurial Operating System) actually creates freedom, not constraint, when it’s done well.We’re busting myths about “structure = control,” walking through the difference between therapist brain and leadership brain, and showing how clarity and consistency make space for trust, autonomy, and real-deal psychological safety. If you’re tired of repeating yourself, reacting to every fire, or feeling like the office toilet for everyone’s emotional sh*t...2025-05-2119 minCulture Focused PracticeFeedback that Works: How EOS Creates Safe, Structure ConversationsLet’s be real—giving feedback shouldn't feel like walking into a firing squad or hosting a damn hug circle. (Though, for the record, I am pro hug circle.) In this episode, I unpack why feedback feels so freaking hard for most leaders—and how EOS makes it easier, cleaner, and way less soul-sucking.We dive into the real emotional fallout of unclear expectations, what happens when you confuse familiarity with clarity (yes, I'm looking at your veteran team member who should know better), and how to anchor in your values without weaponizing them.If you...2025-05-2025 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room - When You're Outgrowing the Things You Built (But Don't Know What Comes Next)In this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper gets honest about what it feels like to outgrow the very thing you built. When your practice is stable—team’s solid, systems are flowing, fires are out—but something inside you feels off... this one's for you. Tara explores the identity shift that happens when your leadership evolves, the weird guilt around handing off financial control, and the tension between staying put and pursuing fulfillment. She unpacks her own internal tug-of-war (big girl Tara vs. shame-fueled small part), shares reflecti...2025-05-0831 minCulture Focused PracticeYour Team Isn't Lazy - They're Just Foggy. The Real Cost of Half-ClarityIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper calls BS on the myth of the “lazy team.” What looks like laziness is usually fog — unclear expectations, half-baked communication, and leadership gaps that leave your team flailing. Tara unpacks why clarity is everything when it comes to performance, engagement, and accountability, and how EOS gives you the structure to lead without babysitting.From role confusion to mushy priorities and undocumented decisions, she breaks down the hidden cost of “half clarity” and offers tools for building a culture that actually runs itself (without you being in e...2025-05-0629 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When the Systems Are Solid but the Pressure to Grow Won't QuitIn this Owner’s Room episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper unpacks a very specific kind of leadership tension—the pressure to grow when everything already feels solid. If your systems are tight, your team is aligned, and things should be good… but you still feel a pull to do more, this one’s for you. Tara explores the difference between meaningful growth and forced expansion, reflecting on her own creative drive, internal expectations, and the challenge of shifting into new directions like consulting. 2025-05-0124 min
The Testing Psychologist Podcast508. Leading from the Road w/ Dr. Tara Vossenkemper
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In this episode, I sat down with my friend and returning guest, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her family’s leap into full-time RV life and how it’s impacted her leadership, practice culture, and mental clarity. We dug deep into the experience of running a group practice remotely, the evolving dynamics of delegating projects vs. tasks, and the personal transformation that can come from letting go—physically and professionally. Tara shared powerful reflections on the visionary-integrator relationship, the emotional labor of leadership, and how EO...2025-05-011h 08
The Testing PsychologistLeading from the Road w/ Dr. Tara VossenkemperIn this episode, I sat down with my friend and returning guest, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper, for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her family's leap into full-time RV life and how it's impacted her leadership, practice culture, and mental clarity. We dug deep into the experience of running a group practice remotely, the evolving dynamics of delegating projects vs. tasks, and the personal transformation that can come from letting go—physically and professionally. Tara shared powerful reflections on the visionary-integrator relationship, the emotional labor of leadership, and how EOS continues to shape her team and systems. We also explored wh...2025-05-011h 08Culture Focused PracticeInside the EOS Toolbox: The Six Key Components of a Thriving PracticeIf you’re tired of flying by the seat of your pants in leadership (and wondering why everything still falls on you), this episode is your big-ass permission slip to structure the hell out of your practice. I’m walking through the six core components of EOS (that’s the Entrepreneurial Operating System, developed by Gino Wickman), and how they create a seriously solid foundation for running a thriving, sustainable group practice. Spoiler alert: this isn’t just about being more organized. It’s about getting your freedom back and not having to clean up everyone’s...2025-04-3025 minCulture Focused PracticeChaos is Not A Culture Strategy: Why EOS Changes EverythingIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper tackles the reality that chaos isn't leadership—and it definitely isn't a culture strategy. She introduces the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework as a game-changing solution for group practices stuck in survival mode.Dr. Tara shares personal stories, hard-won lessons, and a roadmap for moving from chaotic reaction to sustainable, scalable leadership. This episode covers why chaos undermines leadership, the critical difference between culture by default vs. culture by design, how EOS provides a structural blueprint, how to recognize when you’re the...2025-04-2921 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Owner's Room: When Good Candidates Just Don't Show Up (And You're Starting to Panic)Welcome to The Owner’s Room, a new kind of episode inside the Culture Focused Practice podcast where Dr. Tara Vossenkemper ditches the lists, outlines, and expert takes—and instead just shows up, owner to owner, to talk about what’s really going on.This one’s for anyone who’s been staring at an empty applicant pool, second-guessing their entire hiring funnel, and wondering how to lead when there are zero good options on the table. Tara gets real about how it feels to carry that weight, how high standards get tested in moments of burnout...2025-04-2427 minCulture Focused PracticeFrom Application to Orientation: What a Well-Oiled Funnel Actually Looks LikeIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper walks through what a strong hiring funnel really looks like—from the moment someone clicks “apply” all the way through orientation and onboarding. She breaks down why clear values and role alignment are non-negotiables at every step, how to craft strategic application questions, run intentional phone screens, and lead interviews that actually reflect your expectations. You’ll also hear how to structure your offer and orientation process (and why ghosting your systems post-offer is a mistake), plus key metrics to track and ways to keep...2025-04-2322 minCulture Focused PracticeHow Your Hiring Funnel is Silently Screwing YouIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper breaks down why your hiring funnel might be quietly working against you (and what to do about it). This is the first episode in The Hiring Gauntlet mini-series, where we unpack the messy reality of finding (and keeping) the right people.Tara challenges the myth of the “bad hire” and makes the case that most hiring issues aren’t about people—they’re about broken or nonexistent systems. From the hidden costs of reactive hiring to the leadership burnout it fuels, this episode la...2025-04-2219 minCulture Focused PracticeCulture Lab - Conflict or Misalignment: How to Diagnose the Real IssueNot every workplace issue is true conflict—and assuming it is can lead you down the wrong road. In this Culture Lab episode, we unpack the real culprits behind tension: things like unclear expectations, role confusion, and low-clarity systems that create endless blame loops. You’ll get a simple but powerful 3-part tool—Clarity, Capacity, Compatibility—to help you diagnose what’s actually going on before jumping into the deep end of a hard conversation. We walk through real examples, look beneath the surface of frustrating behavior, and talk about how culture fit shows up in...2025-04-1718 minCulture Focused PracticeStaying in the Fire: How to Handle Conflict Without Shutting Down or Blowing UpIn episode three of the Hard Conversation miniseries, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives into the real work of conflict—staying in it without checking out, blowing up, or spiraling. From understanding why conflict can feel like a full-body experience to recognizing the exact moment you're losing your grounding, this episode gives you the tools to hold steady and lead well. You’ll learn how your nervous system plays into it all, how to stay present without overcompensating, and simple regulation strategies you can use before, during, and after the tough stuff.Timestamps00:00 Introduction and Setti...2025-04-1625 minCulture Focused PracticeScripts for the Hard Stuff: What to Say When It’s Awkward, Emotional, or PersonalIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives headfirst into the awkward, emotional, and straight-up uncomfortable territory of hard conversations. This is episode two of a four-part miniseries, and it’s all about giving you actual words to say when shit gets real. We’re talking underperformance, weird vibes, cultural misalignment, and tense moments that need some follow-up. Tara breaks down how to start these convos (without sounding like a panicked robot), how to hold the space when emotions spike, and how to wrap things up without leaving people in a fog...2025-04-1523 minCulture Focused PracticeConstructive Conflict: How to Fight Fair in a Group PracticeIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper tackles the messy, necessary, and ultimately transformative topic of constructive conflict in group practices. She breaks down why conflict isn’t the enemy—avoidance is—and walks through five key agenda items: reframing conflict as a neutral or even positive forcerecognizing unhealthy conflict behaviors like gossip and passive-aggressivenessowning your role as a leader when tensions risesetting clear rules of engagementthe magic of post-conflict debriefsThis episode is part of the Hard Conversations miniseries and is packed with practical, real-talk guidance for handling the shit that inevita...2025-04-0827 minCulture Focused PracticeCulture Lab: Is This a Clarity Problem or an Accountability ProblemIn this Culture Lab episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper breaks down the “clarity gap”—that sneaky space between what you think you're communicating and what your team is actually hearing. This episode is part of a mini-series focused on teasing apart clarity and accountability issues in your group practice.We’re digging into three painfully familiar scenarios: the flaky clinical lead, the chronic meeting talker, and the infamous half-assed documentation problem. You’ll learn how to figure out what’s really going on—and what to do about it—so you’re not stuck playing...2025-04-0326 minCulture Focused PracticeHow to Create Clarity Without Micro-Managing or Going Full DictatorIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I dig into the sneaky little thing I call the clarity gap—aka the space between what you think you’re saying and what your team is actually hearing. It’s a doozy, and it trips up even the best leaders. We’re talking about how to create clarity without turning into a micromanaging dictator (because ew), how to set up structures that actually help people do their jobs, and how to build systems that make clarity the norm. Plus, we’ll get into why your team needs to be...2025-04-0220 minCulture Focused PracticeYou're Not as Clear as You Think: Why Your Team is Confused (And Won't Tell You)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper kicks off a new mini-series on something every practice owner faces but rarely talks about: the clarity gap. You know—that frustrating disconnect between what you think you're saying and what your team is actually hearing. In this episode, Tara breaks down three big things: why we assume we’re being clear (spoiler: we’re not), how to spot when your team is silently confused, and the top spots where communication totally falls apart. If you’ve ever found...2025-04-0118 minCulture Focused PracticeRight People, Real Problems - How EOS Helps You Solve the Shit That Actually Matters (Part 3/3)In the third (and final!) episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast’s EOS Bootcamp series, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper wraps up with the good stuff: how to actually solve the sh*t that’s holding your group practice back. This episode - Right People, Real Problems - dives into the last two core components of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS): people and issues. Tara breaks down how to figure out if your team members are in the right seats (using the GWC framework - gets it, wants it, capacity for it), how to spot when it’s a sys...2025-03-2732 minCulture Focused PracticeVision & Traction: How to Set Goals That Actually Get Followed Through On [Part 2/3]In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I dive into Vision and Traction - two of the most foundational and badass parts of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS). This is part two in a three-part EOS Bootcamp series, and we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of how to actually set goals and follow through on them without burning out or losing steam two weeks later. I revisit the six core components of EOS, unpack why goals fall flat in group practices (spoiler: it’s not you, it’s your lack of systems), and walk you throug...2025-03-2637 minCulture Focused PracticeEOS 101: What It Is and Why Your Group Practice Needs It (Part 1/3)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I’m kicking off the EOS Bootcamp series - a three-part, no-BS breakdown of the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and why it might just be the structure your group practice has been begging for. EOS, created by Gino Wickman, helps you actually organize and lead your business like a grown-up (in the best way). In this first episode, we’re diving into the foundations - what EOS is, the six key components (vision, people, data, issues, process, traction), and why so many practice owners are stuck spinning their wheels without it...2025-03-2527 minCulture Focused PracticeCulture-Driven Leadership - What Great Leaders Do Differently to Build a Thriving Team (Part 3/3)In this third episode of the Culture Isn't Really What You Think series (aka the "Good Vibes Won't Save You" series), Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives into culture-driven leadership - what actually builds a strong practice culture (hint: it’s not trust falls and mission statements).We’re talking leader behavior, consistency, and accountability (read: the real shit that shapes your team's experience). Tara breaks down why core values don’t mean jack unless you’re actually living them out, why inconsistency is a culture killer, and how clear communication keeps your team from feeling like the...2025-03-2039 minCulture Focused PracticeThe ‘Energy Audit’ - Why Some Team Members Are Dragging the Whole Practice Down (Part 2/3)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, we’re diving into energy audits - aka, how to figure out who’s subtly (or not-so-subtly) dragging your team down. This is Part 2 of our "The Culture Isn't Really What You Think" series, where we’re busting myths about team culture and getting real about what actually makes (or breaks) a strong practice.Here’s the deal: negativity spreads - and most of the time, you don’t even notice it happening. We’re talking about chronic complainers, silent resistors, passive-aggressive peacemakers, overburdened stars, and those sn...2025-03-1936 minCulture Focused PracticeCulture is What You Allow - How to Identify & Address Unspoken Problems (Part 1/3)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, we’re kicking off a brand-new series that challenges the biggest misconceptions about culture. Spoiler: It’s not about “good vibes” and team-building retreats. Instead, culture is shaped by what you allow, tolerate, and hold people accountable for - whether you realize it or not.I'm diving into the real, sometimes uncomfortable truth: your culture is being defined every single day by how you handle conflict, the behaviors you let slide, and the unspoken rules running the show. We’ll cover:✅ The sneaky ways culture issue...2025-03-1833 minCulture Focused PracticeLeading Like a CEO – How to Run Your Practice Without Running Yourself Into the Ground [Part 3/3]In this final episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast’s three-part burnout series, we’re talking about the mindset shift that changes everything—moving from practitioner to CEO.Because let’s be real: if you’re still running your group practice like a solo therapist, you’re probably drowning in decisions, client issues, and a never-ending to-do list. This episode covers how to delegate like an actual leader (not just offloading tasks and hoping for the best), why energy management beats time management every damn time, and how to ditch the ‘helper guilt’ that’s keeping you overco...2025-03-1333 minCulture Focused PracticeBoundaries That Actually Work – How to Stop Being Available 24/7 Without Feeling Like a Jerk [Part 2/3]In this episode of The Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I’m diving into boundaries—the kind that actually stick and don’t make you feel like an asshole for having them. We’re talking about the biggest mistakes practice owners make (hint: being too damn available, absorbing everyone’s stress like a human sponge, and overworking because training people is exhausting).I’ll break down time, emotional, decision, and communication boundaries—because “just say no” is bullshit advice if you don’t have a plan to back it up. Plus, we’ll cover how to handle pushback from your tea...2025-03-1234 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Hidden Burnout Traps – Why Practice Owners Are Exhausted (And Don’t Even See It) [Part 1/3]In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I’m kicking off a three-part series on burnout—because let’s be real, if you own a group practice, burnout is probably lurking around the corner (or already sitting in your passenger seat, eating your snacks).We’re talking about the real burnout traps that practice owners fall into—the ones that go beyond just working too much. Burnout isn’t just about long hours; it’s about chronic stress, emotional exhaustion, and feeling like you’ve completely lost control over your work and its meaning. Sound familiar...2025-03-1129 minCulture Focused PracticeStop Playing Cleanup: How to Build a Team That Actually Takes OwnershipIn this episode of The Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I’m breaking down a leadership trap that too many group practice owners fall into—constantly playing cleanup. If you’re stuck micromanaging, fixing mistakes, and generally feeling like the only adult in the room, this one's for you.We’ll talk about why you keep falling into this cycle (spoiler: helper tendencies, unclear expectations, and a fear of being “too harsh” are big culprits). Then, I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts that help you stop playing cleanup and start building a culture where your team actually...2025-03-0528 minCulture Focused PracticeWhy Goal Setting Fails (And How to Fix It In Your Practice)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I’m breaking down why so many goals crash and burn—and, more importantly, how to actually achieve them. Spoiler: It’s not about working harder or manifesting success through sheer willpower.I’m covering the biggest goal-setting disasters, like setting way too many goals, failing to track progress, and falling for shiny object syndrome (we’ve all been there). Plus, I’ll walk you through a practical, no-BS approach to setting goals that actually work—including how to break them down into doable steps, assign ownership (yes, even for yours...2025-03-0423 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Role of Leadership in Diffusing ConflictIn this episode of The Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I (Dr. Tara Vossenkemper—yep, still weird calling myself that) dive into the reality that conflict is inevitable in group practices. But here’s the kicker: how you, as a leader, handle it will make or break your team.We’re not aiming for a conflict-free practice (that’s a fantasyland I don’t live in). Instead, I’ll walk you through how to set the tone for healthy conflict resolution so disagreements strengthen your practice instead of blowing it up.Here’s what we’re covering...2025-02-2640 minCulture Focused PracticeStreamlining Your Onboarding for Long-Term SuccessIn this episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, I’m diving into why onboarding isn’t just a box to check—it’s the foundation for long-term success. If you’re hiring but not setting people up right, you’re basically rolling out the red carpet for high turnover. Not ideal.We’re talking about getting crystal clear on expectations, weaving culture into the process (instead of hoping they just pick it up), and making sure new hires feel supported from day one and beyond. I’ll break down the biggest onboarding mistakes (seriously, don’t do these), plus...2025-02-2523 minCulture Focused PracticeHiring Mistakes You're Making (and How to Stop Them)In this episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, I’m diving into the four most common hiring mistakes that group practice owners make and, more importantly, how to stop making them.I’ve seen these mistakes firsthand (because I’ve made them, too), and I know how much bad hires can drain your time, money, and practice culture. So, let’s talk about why hiring too fast, ignoring red flags, over-prioritizing skills, and weak onboarding are wrecking your team (and what you can do instead).00:00 Introduction to Hiring Mistakes (Let’s set the stage...2025-02-2124 minCulture Focused PracticeThe Four Biggest Struggles of Group Practice Ownership (And How to Fix Them)In this inaugural content episode of the Culture Focused Practice podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper discusses the top four challenges faced by group practice owners. The episode covers topics such as hiring and retention, clarity on roles and responsibilities, balancing clinical caseloads with managerial duties, and staying on top of financials. Tara provides practical solutions and insights for each struggle, emphasizing the importance of assessing skills and cultural fit during hiring, defining clear roles and responsibilities, reducing clinical work to focus on business growth, and managing financials effectively. Additional resources and support options for practice owners are also highlighted.2025-02-2116 minCulture Focused PracticeWelcome to a World of Culture-Driven Practice LeadershipIn the debut episode of the Culture Focused Practice Podcast, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper introduces herself as a consultant, group practice owner, and enthusiast of practice-related topics. She outlines the podcast's focus on ownership, business culture, and leadership within group practices. Key themes include hiring, team dynamics, conflict resolution, and implementing the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework. Emphasizing a practical and down-to-earth approach, Tara plans to present mostly solo episodes, with occasional coaching, Q&A sessions, and interviews. She also highlights her mobile lifestyle, her informal style, and ways for listeners to connect through subscribing, joining her free EOS Facebook...2025-02-2108 minCulture Focused PracticeGroup Practice Ownership: The Good, The Bad, and the WTFIn this introductory episode of Culture Focused Practice, Dr. Tara Vossenkemper dives into the core aspects of developing a thriving group practice culture. The podcast targets practice owners and leaders who are ready to enhance hiring, retention, team dynamics, leadership structuring, and overall practice management. Dr. Vossenkemper emphasizes her straight talk approach, promising episodes filled with practical, jargon-free advice. The podcast will feature a mix of solo episodes, interviews, and Q&A sessions, with opportunities for listeners to submit topic requests. Join Dr. Vossenkemper in this journey to create an incredible practice culture.00:00 Introduction...2025-02-2002 minThe Testing Psychologist Podcast467. Beyond “Culture” w/ Dr. Tara VossenkemperWould you rather read the transcript? Click here. “Culture” is such an important part of running a business, but the word itself is also getting a little overplayed and has almost become a cliche at this point. That’s why I’m so grateful to have Dr. Tara Vossenkemper here to dig deep into the idea of culture – what it is, ... Read More2024-10-0349 min
Back Porch Bestie52: Managing Conflicts in Your Relationship (#NightTimeKelsey) with Tara Vossenkemper, PhD, LPCThe amazing Tara Vossenkemper is back for another episode! In this conversation, her and the besties chat about how relationships can change and get better over time. Tara explains the concept of perspective and how the way we see things (our personal lenses) can totally shape our relationship experiences. She also talks about the importance of addressing conflicts and understanding the underlying emotions and needs behind them. Kasey and Kelsey even throw in some of their own relationship conflicts (#NightTimeKelsey), and share advice for working through challenges in order to keep your relationship moving in a positive direction.
2024-04-2536 minBack Porch Bestie03: The Function Of Conflict with Tara VossenkemperTara Vossenkemper dives into the topic of conflict. Even when it doesn't feel good emotionally, it serves a crucial function in helping individuals be heard, understood, and create better relationships. Trara provides her perspective and experience with couples therapy and the ladies share their own experiences with past conflict.
Tune in to hear how Kasey and Kelsey dealt with conflict completely differently growing up and how it affects their relationship today, the fork in the road that allowed Tara to embrace conflict, the importance of relationship friction, and much more!
About Tar...2023-05-1733 min
The Group Practice ExchangeEpisode 80 | [Real Talk] Weekend Intensives with Tara VossenkemperHello Group Practice Listeners! In this real talk/coaching episode, I talk with Tara Vossenkemper about adding intensives to what you have to offer in your practice. In this episode, we discuss: Benefits to offering intensives for both clients and clinicians Possible structures of intensive offerings The biggest common struggles in setting up a intensives How to go about reducing your caseload in order to offer intensives Marketing intensives to couples This episode is sponsored by TherapyNotes. TherapyNotes is an EHR software that helps behavioral health professionals manage their practice with confidence and efficiency...2019-09-0233 min
The Group Practice ExchangeEpisode 77 | [Coaching] Implementing Big Ideas without Getting Bogged Down with Tara VossenkemperHey Group Practice listeners! In this coaching episode, Tara Vossenkemper and I will be talking all about how to implement big ideas without getting bogged down. We’ll discuss: building a support team to help with smaller tasks that take away time determining what tasks need to be done by you and which can be handed off learning to decide which projects will be best for your practice setting a boundary before starting a new project This episode is sponsored by TherapyNotes. TherapyNotes is an EHR software that helps behavioral health professionals manage th...2019-07-2643 min
Kelly and the EncouragersEpisode 31: Tara Vossenkemper: Part IIPart II of our conversation with Tara Vossenkemper!!! She is wise, kind, and hilarious! She talks us through how to navigate hard conversations while advocating for yourself and living your own truth! There’s so much wisdom in her knowledge. I know you will love this conversation!
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***Please note that this podcast is not intended to be therapy or to replace therapy. However, we hope that you will find this podcast to...2019-06-2527 minThe Practice of Therapy PodcastTara Vossenkemper | Knowing How You Are Doing In Your Practice | TPOT Podcast 085In this episode, Gordon talks with Dr. Tara Vossenkemper about how to know what you are doing as a clinician is working. Tara recently started a group practice and looks at lots of different numbers to determine how the business is operating. Also, Tara and her clinicians use multiple different methods to determine if their clients have valuable experiences during therapy. Stay tuned to hear about anonymous feedback surveys, DAS screening, Outcome Rating Scales, and Session Rating Scales. Meet Tara Vossenkemper Tara Vossenkemper is the owner of The Counseling Hub, a group practice in Columbia Missouri, a clinician wi...2019-06-2446 minKelly and the EncouragersEpisode 30: Tara Vossenkemper: Part II’m so thrilled to introduce you to Tara! She is wise, kind, and hilarious! She talks us through how to navigate hard conversations while advocating for yourself and living your own truth! There’s so much wisdom in her knowledge. I know you will love this conversation! Come back next week for part two!2019-06-1833 min