Hey there! I’ve taken my years of experience opening mental health facilities, running (and growing) my private practice along with my passion for helping others to create The Practice Class an innovative alternative for therapists seeking “out of the office” experiences in all things continuing education, training, resources, and support. Let me tell you how it came about…

I got the counseling degrees…yada, yada, yada. I got the PhD…yada, yada, yada. I’ve worked in the mental health field for over 23 years; community mental health, private practice, corporate, adjunct professor, group practice owner, clinic director…yada, yada, yada. 

The thing is I love the counseling field and I love supporting other therapists!

After years of being a director for the “authority” I decided to leave and opened my own group practice. I made the transition to full-time private practice and geez was it hard! Don’t get me wrong, I love counseling, but sitting on my butt all day long was painful and unbearable. Then came a pandemic and most of the team stayed home with telehealth. I found myself struggling in a sedentary and lonely space. 

So, I started walking and offering walk-and-talks. I just wanted to get outside. I started doing more adventure travel (yes during a pandemic) to parks and secluded areas. I signed up for guided hiking adventures. It was on one of these trips that I heard a bunch of women complaining about their jobs and processing together in a group while walking when I had the idea of hosting similar retreats for psychotherapists. Can you imagine? Walking in nature, processing with other people who get what you do? Yes, please!

So, I took my love of counselor education, networking, supporting other therapists, adventure travel, and hiking and created The Practice Class, LLC. 

I am constantly learning and exploring, and I love it! I love the freedom of being my own boss and running my own business. Yes, there are ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I have learned so much over the years and I want to share what I’ve learned with YOU with online continuing education, retreats, conferences, resources, and whatever else I can find! 

Looking forward to connecting with you!

Dr. Dawn Brunkenhoefer, LPC