Group Practice Owner - Growth & Scale Retreat

Isle of Crete, Greece

September 21-26, 2025

We hosted a transformative 5-night retreat in Chania, Crete, Greece, specifically designed for group practice owners seeking to step away from the daily grind and focus on advancing their business. Set against the stunning Venetian backdrop of Chania, this retreat provided a historic and serene environment for adventure and professional growth. Surrounded by like-minded leaders, participants shared their vision and ambition to elevate their group practices to the next level.

During the retreat, attendees explored how to identify and implement new revenue opportunities, optimize existing services, and experiment with innovative business models to scale and grow. We focused on streamlining operations with efficient processes that reduce overhead, free up valuable time, and improve productivity. Our facilitators offered insights into enhancing multiple aspects of business, including client satisfaction, counsellor retention, quality assurance, and developing a high performance team.

Through interactive workshops, group discussions, breakouts and networking opportunities, participants gained practical strategies for business growth, operational efficiency and financial decision-making.

This retreat balanced professional learning with cultural immersion and relaxation. Alongside business enhancement, attendees enjoyed a series of curated local excursions that allowed them to experience the beauty and richness of Crete. By the end of their stay, participants left with practical strategies to grow their practices, streamlined systems to free up time, and a renewed passion for their work.

Led by experienced facilitators in a supportive environment, the retreat became a valuable opportunity for both personal and professional growth, helping participants reconnect with their vision and return home with fresh insights and renewed energy.

The Retreat Included:

  • 5-Night Accommodation: Guests stayed at the charming Kriti Hotel, just a block from the water, complete with a relaxing pool and various rooming options.

  • Engaging Workshops: Dynamic group sessions led by four industry speakers, designed to inspire and empower.

  • Networking & Connection: Meaningful relationships and collaborations built among therapists.

  • Daily Breakfast: A delicious start to each morning, served poolside at the hotel.

  • Curated Dining Experiences: Group exclusive lunch & dinners, featuring local Cretan flavours.

  • Exciting Group Excursions: A sunset boat cruise, walking tours of Chania’s Old Town, winery and olive oil tastings, a countryside exploration, immersing participants in the culture and natural beauty of Crete.

✨ The Chania retreat was truly a special experience, combining powerful learning, deep connection, and the magic of Greece. We are grateful to the 24 inspiring practice owners who joined us and made it such an extraordinary gathering.

 

FACILITATORS & HOSTS

Facilitators are carefully selected to enhance the overall experience and theme of each retreat. We are honored to feature Lisa Catallo, Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, Nicole Ripley, and Chantelle Froats, who are inspirational, caring, and dynamic leaders.

  • Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes: A seasoned therapist, group practice owner, and supervisor for under-licensed providers, Ashlyn has successfully expanded income streams through various methods. She has developed her own directory, coaching program, niche market programs and counselling, assessments, course creation, and the successful publishing and sales of worksheets, journals, and templates. Ashlyn has also helped fellow therapists and group practice owners achieve similar success.

  • Lisa Catallo: A highly experienced clinical therapist who has successfully operated as a group practice owner for six years. She oversees a thriving group practice with two locations. Lisa is a dedicated business coach for fellow group clinic owners and the owner of the Group Practice Network.

  • Nicole Ripley: With over a decade of experience as a clinical therapist, clinical supervisor, and dedicated group practice owner, Nicole Ripley offers exceptional leadership and expertise in the field of group clinic ownership. Her organization is made up of over 50 practitioners and 12 non-clinical staff across eight locations, where she has effectively grown her business and continues to achieve remarkable expansion and success.

  • Chantelle Froats: With over 15 years in business development, Chantelle offers extensive knowledge on running a sustainable group practices, encompassing all facets from day-to-day operations to strategic marketing, financial management, and fostering organizational excellence.

Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Group Practice Owner & Entrepreneurial Therapist

Lisa Catallo, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Group Practice Owner, Business Coach & Clinical Facilitator

Nicole Ripley, Registered Clinical Counsellor & Group Practice Owner, Clinical Facilitator

Chantelle Froats, Host, Business & Operations Facilitator

 
 

RETREAT VENUE & TOWN

The Kriti Hotel is nestled in the charming old town of Chania, just a few minutes from the seaside, surrounded by the rich history and beauty of the Venetian old town and located 50 meters from Koum Kapi Beach. This prime location offers easy access to the area's picturesque streets, historic sites, and vibrant local culture, making it an ideal base for exploring all that Chania has to offer.

The hotel boasts a range of amenities designed to enhance your stay. Each morning, guests can enjoy a delicious daily breakfast. The property features a small bar where you can unwind with a refreshing drink, as well as a lovely large outdoor pool area for relaxation and leisure. Additionally, our well-equipped conference room within the hotel provides a convenient and comfortable space for retreat activities and sessions.

With only 80 rooms, The Kriti Hotel offers an intimate and exclusive atmosphere. The tranquil environment ensures a calm, safe and relaxing stay, providing ample space for rest and rejuvenation. The hotel is within walking distance of Chania's main attractions, allowing guests to easily explore the town, the Venetian harbor, waterfront restaurants, lighthouse, and beaches while enjoying a serene retreat experience.

SCHEDULE

Day 1 – Sept 21: 

  • Check-in 3pm

  • Welcome Reception

  • Introduction to Chania & Seaside Group Dinner

Day 2 – Sept 22: 

  • Breakfast

  • 9am-12pm Workshop hosted by Lisa Catallo - Streamlining Group Practice Operations: Strategies for Ease and Success

  • Tavern Group Lunch and tour of Old Town with local guide

  • Sunset Boat Cruise

  • Dinner on Own

Day 3 – Sept 23: 

  • Breakfast

  • 9am-12pm Workshop hosted by Ashlyn Douglas Barnes - Increasing Your Group Practice Income: Multiple Revenue Stream & Niche Creation

  • Lunch on own

  • (Optional) “Unstructured Work Time” with Ashlyn

  • Dinner on own

Day 4 – Sept 24: 

  • Breakfast

  • 9am-11am Workshop hosted by Chantelle Froats - Implementing Quality Assurance Measures & High Performance Team

  • Lunch on own

  • Crete Countryside tour, tastings, authentic group dining experience

Day 5 – Sept 25: 

  • Breakfast

  • 9am-12pm Workshop hosted by Nicole Ripley - Understanding Metrics: Driven Financial Management to Scale Your Group Practice

  • Lunch on own & free time

  • Farewell Group Dinner

Day 6 - Sept 26:

  • Breakfast

  • 11am Check out

Final schedule will be provided to participants in advance of arrival.