We recently connected with Lisa Duez and have shared our conversation below.

Lisa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

“I opened my group practice in 2019 after working as a solo practitioner for several years. Transitioning to a group practice was incredibly challenging because everything seemed to happen all at once—hiring staff, buying furniture, seeing clients, and marketing the business. It was a whirlwind! Looking back, I realize there were some decisions I could have made earlier to prepare for the expansion, rather than trying to figure everything out as the business grew. In the beginning, it felt like bootstrapping—managing everything on my own while navigating the complexities of running a young and growing practice. It was a tough but invaluable learning experience.”

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have been in the mental health field for about 25 years, with 15 of those years in management positions. I often say I’ve been a social worker at heart long before I was formally trained as one. Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse populations, including youth in foster care, those involved in the juvenile justice system, and individuals struggling with substance use.

When I became a clinician, I developed a deep interest in EMDR and trauma therapy. I pursued EMDR as a specialty, became an Approved Consultant, and now mentor other EMDR clinicians as they grow in their practice.

When I opened my group practice, my goal was to create a supportive and collaborative culture for clinicians. I understand how challenging this work can be and know firsthand that not all organizations fully grasp the emotional demands of our profession. I built the kind of practice I would have wanted to work in—a place where clinicians feel valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

I think the most important thing in managing a team is to be approachable and build strong relationships. As therapists, we’re in the business of relationships, and I believe that same principle should be reflected in the way we lead. It’s about fostering a parallel process within the organization—if we expect connection and trust with our clients, we need to cultivate the same dynamics with our team.

Spending time talking with staff, getting to know them, and truly understanding their needs is crucial. It’s not just about having an open-door policy but ensuring people feel comfortable. Leaders are responsible for the culture of their organizations. Communication, openness, and trust are at the heart of creating an environment where people feel supported and valued. Ultimately, leadership is about being present, setting the tone, and ensuring your team has what they need to thrive.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Taking the time to truly understand myself—my strengths and weaknesses—has been key to my personal and professional growth. and Self-awareness has helped me recognize what triggers me, what I excel at, and where I need support. This understanding has allowed me to be more intentional and successful in my decisions and interactions.

I’ve also learned that flexibility is essential. It’s important to accept that you won’t always have all the answers, and that’s okay. Being open to learning, adapting, and seeking input from others is what leads to growth and resilience. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about knowing yourself and being willing to learn.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lisaduez.com
• Instagram: lisaduez4
• Facebook: Lisa Duez
• Linkedin: Lisa Duez
• Twitter: none
• Youtube: none
• Yelp: n0ne
• Soundcloud: none
• Other: practice website is turningpointva.com

Image Credits

last 2 pictures taken by me, and other as part of a purchased branding session