Why Group Practice Retreats Are More Than Just a Getaway
Reflections from Whistler and the Power of Stepping Away to Connect
I’m writing this from beautiful Whistler, BC—where I’m currently attending (and hosting!) a group practice owners' retreat. It’s a place I’ve returned to for over 30 years, both with my family and, more recently, with other leaders in the mental health world. And while I came for the mountain air and a few days of reflection and reconnection, I’m walking away with so much more: renewed energy, insight, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Whistler has always had a special kind of magic. Someone I met here recently described it beautifully: “Whistler is a place where people come to connect—with themselves, with others—and then return to their lives changed in some way.” That’s exactly what happens on retreat.
But here’s the thing—it’s not just about Whistler. It’s about the intentional practice of stepping away, gathering with others who understand the unique challenges and joys of leading a group practice, and giving yourself the space to rest, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible.
And that’s what I want to share with you today: why retreats matter for group practice owners, why they’re not a luxury but a powerful leadership tool, and how you can build time away into your own professional rhythm.
What Makes a Retreat So Transformative?
In our work as group practice owners, we hold so much. We lead teams, navigate systems, manage client care, solve HR challenges, market services, pay bills, support communities… the list goes on. Even when we love what we do (and most of us do!), it’s a lot.
Retreats offer something rare and valuable: a chance to step outside the day-to-day and reconnect with the bigger picture.
Whether you're at a retreat in Whistler, on the East Coast, or in the Rockies, the ingredients are similar. Here’s why they matter:
1. Real, Nourishing Connection
Running a group practice can be lonely. Your team may be amazing, but at the end of the day, there are some things only other owners truly understand. Being in a room (or a hot tub, or around a campfire) with people who get it is incredibly validating.
These are the conversations that remind you:
You’re not the only one navigating a tricky team dynamic.
It’s normal to question your role as CEO sometimes.
Systems don’t always run smoothly—and that’s okay.
Growth comes with growing pains, and you’re doing better than you think.
You also get to talk shop—without the glazed-over look you sometimes get from non-clinical friends or partners. You can swap strategies, ask about software, share hiring woes, and celebrate wins. These relationships often continue long after the retreat ends, becoming part of your professional circle of support.
2. Laughter, Rest and Yes—Fun!
One of my favourite parts of these retreats? Watching people exhale. Like…really exhale.
You can see it happen by day two—shoulders drop, faces soften, someone cracks a joke over coffee and everyone erupts in that laugh that only comes when you feel safe and seen. It’s beautiful.
And it’s necessary.
Leadership can become so serious. So high-stakes. But when we laugh, play, and rest, we reconnect with the part of ourselves that leads from wholeness—not just responsibility. We show up better for our teams, our families, and our clients when we’ve given ourselves permission to enjoy something for ourselves.
Retreats are also a break from your regular roles. No cooking, no laundry, no admin backlog tugging at your attention. You get to be just you. And honestly? That’s rare and worth protecting.
3. Fresh Perspective for a Clearer Vision
One of the biggest benefits of a retreat is how it helps you zoom out.
When you’re in the daily grind of running your business, it’s hard to see the forest for the trees. But when you leave your routine—physically and mentally—you gain clarity.
Suddenly, ideas you’ve been chewing on for months click into place. Problems that felt huge seem manageable. You might realize you’ve been tolerating something that’s no longer aligned—or feel re-inspired to tackle a goal you’d set aside.
Some of the insights I’ve heard from fellow retreat attendees:
“I finally realized I need to stop hiring out of urgency and start hiring for values alignment.”
“I’ve been treating CEO time like a luxury instead of the leadership necessity it is.”
“I saw clearly for the first time that my practice has outgrown my current systems. It’s time to scale differently.”
“I want to lead with more intention. I’m ready to stop reacting and start designing.”
These moments don’t happen when your inbox is pinging and your to-do list is screaming. They happen when you pause long enough to listen.
Why You Should Consider a Retreat
If you’ve been feeling isolated, overwhelmed, burnt out—or just craving something different—it might be time to consider attending (or creating!) a retreat experience for yourself.
You don’t need to wait until you’re “caught up” (are we ever?). You don’t need to justify it as a professional development expense (though, let’s be real, it totally qualifies). You need only ask: what would change if I gave myself a few days to breathe, connect and reflect?
Here’s what you can expect when you attend a Group Practice Network retreat:
✅ Thoughtful facilitation: Time to connect with others, but also space to reflect. Guided prompts, informal masterminds, and meaningful conversations.
✅ Curated community: I keep our retreats small and intentional so that real relationships form.
✅ A blend of rest and strategy: Yes, you’ll get time to sleep in, move your body, and sip wine. But you’ll also come home with ideas, plans, and clarity.
✅ No pressure, no posturing: This is not a place for hustle culture or “6-figure coach” vibes. It’s real practice owners sharing real stories, successes and struggles.
A Personal Invitation
Whether it’s Whistler or Winnipeg, the Atlantic coast or the Alberta foothills, I hope you’ll consider joining us at a future retreat.
Because while systems and spreadsheets are part of building a sustainable practice, so is this: community, laughter, rest, and vision. And sometimes, we need to leave our practice to reconnect with what we’re building in the first place.
Are you curious about our next retreat? Want to join other amazing Canadian group practice owners for a weekend of reflection, growth, and connection?
👉 Click here to learn more and register
Spots are limited, and they tend to go fast—because once people experience the magic, they want to come back again (and again!).
In the meantime…
What would it look like for you to take time away from your business?
What kind of support would you need to make that happen?
And what do you imagine could shift if you gave yourself permission to pause?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—and maybe, see you around the fire at the next retreat.
