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🔮 Episode Highlights
Y’all, I’m so excited to share this conversation with you! It’s our first full interview episode of Group Practice (R)evolution Podcast! Today I’m chatting with Mirjam Quinn, founder of Mirjam Quinn and Associates, about how she’s created such a thriving practice culture on Chicago’s south side. Real talk – I reached out to Mirjam because I heard her employees were singing her praises to other practices (how amazing is that?!). From offering employee benefits before it was cool to balancing high expectations with high support, Mirjam shares the secret sauce behind her practice’s success that has everyone taking notice.
💬 What You’ll Learn
In this episode, I dig into:
- How Mirjam built a diverse, supportive team of 30 clinicians who actually strengthen each other’s clinical game
- The transparency practices that help staff understand practice finances (and why that matters for buy-in!)
- Why creating emotional safety and belonging translates to better business outcomes
- Creative approaches to building community that don’t feel forced or cheesy (okay, maybe a little cheesy, but in the best way)
- How Mirjam balances tight profit margins with employee benefits (spoiler: she was offering W2 and PTO way back in 2014!)
- The power of intentional small groups and structured support systems
- Why being able to receive negative feedback might be the most underrated practice owner skill (and where many of us fall short)
🌟 Quotable Moments
“It’s almost like you’re creating your own little universe, right? And there’s still, like, the pressures of trying to do this in late-stage capitalism and being slowly ground to a little nub between your own efforts and what insurance companies will and will not do.” – Mirjam
“The assumption that you’ll be cared for is something that’s hugely important.” – Mirjam
“Private practice ownership is going to tweak every single issue that you have, starting with money and how weird we feel about being paid for the work that we do.” – Mirjam
“The best advice I’ve ever gotten from any supervisor ever was ‘Don’t just do something. Sit there.'” – Mirjam (on receiving feedback)
🔍 Digging Deeper
Mirjam discusses how group practices have a unique advantage over venture-backed companies and AI: the interpersonal healing that happens in community. She references fascinating research showing how therapists’ and clients’ heart rates actually sync during therapy sessions – something technology can’t replicate. Read the article here!
🦄 The Magic Touch
The real magic in Mirjam’s practice? Creating intentional connections between therapists who genuinely support each other. From weekly small groups with changing composition to community-building activities with dedicated budgeting, she’s fostering authentic relationships that make staff feel valued and understood.
🔮 Future Visions
Mirjam believes the future of group practice lies in doubling down on hyper-local community connections and interpersonal healing – things that make independent practices uniquely valuable compared to corporate alternatives.
📱 Connect with Mirjam
Mirjam Quinn (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and the founder of Mirjam Quinn and Associates, a group practice in Chicago that provides affirming therapy, testing, and teaching to people 3 – 104 in Chicago and virtually around the country. Their practice mission is breaking patterns to foster connection, compassion, and community. She loves her three kids, her husband, her dog, the two non-profits she dedicates her free time to, and running.
Services: In-person and telehealth therapy for ages 3-103, plus psychological testing
Practice Website: Mirjam Quinn and Associates
Location: Beverly Morgan Park area of Chicago (108th and Western)
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