by jennbossio | May 16, 2025 | Uncategorized
Last night, I attended my very first Kingston Business Awards Gala — and came home with the award for Business Person of the Year.
I’m still a little in shock!
Looking around the room, I saw incredible people who run real-deal businesses — people who have scaled operations, created jobs, and made major waves in Kingston’s business landscape. People who looked, if I’m being honest, far more like what I thought a “Business Person of the Year” should look like.
And yet… here we are.
Winning this award is an incredible honour, and I’m filled with so much gratitude for the Kingston Chamber of Commerce for recognizing not just what we do at Tri Health Clinic, but how we choose to do it. This award, while shiny (and yes, matching my business colours — a detail I’m unreasonably delighted by), represents something far deeper to me.
It recognizes that creating a business based on care — real, meaningful, evidence-based care — matters. That scaling a company in a way that centres people, sustainability, and stigma-busting is just as worthy of celebration as scaling profits.
What We Do — And Why It Matters
At the Tri Health Clinic, we provide evidence-based therapy for individuals and couples, with a specialization in sexual health and relationships. We’re Ontario’s largest sex therapy clinic — a title I hold with pride not because of the scale, but because of the impact.
Sexual health is something 1 in 3 people will struggle with at some point in their lives. It’s tied to our mental health, our relationships, and our overall well-being. And yet, it’s still something so many people suffer through in silence.
At Tri Health, we talk about the things no one else wants to talk about. We hold space for pain, for awkwardness, for hope. We help people navigate low desire, painful sex, sexual shame, identity questions, infidelity, disability, and the aftermath of trauma.
We also train the next generation of therapists to do the same — offering internships, supervision, and mentorship to clinicians across Ontario. Because we’re not just building a clinic. We’re building a movement.
How We Do It — A Clinic Built to Last
From day one, I built Tri Health Clinic to model something different. Mental health care is in crisis — long waitlists, overworked clinicians, and a helping field full of helpers who are quietly burning out.
We do things differently here. We don’t wear burnout like a badge of honour. We don’t glorify the grind. We don’t treat therapists like they’re disposable.
Instead, we design for sustainability. We prioritize quality over volume. We create systems that allow clinicians to do the work they love without sacrificing their mental health. We host weekly team meetings, community events, and in-house trainings. We pay fairly. We care deeply.
Because here’s the truth: a therapist who is well, rested, and supported will always do better work than one who is overworked and depleted. Our clients deserve clinicians who are present and passionate — and our clinicians deserve a workplace that lets them be just that.
I don’t believe this mentality is specific to the mental health field, either. I think that this is a fundamental shift that needs to happen across the workforce.
What I Said in My Speech
When I stepped onstage to accept the award, I cracked a joke — because of course I did — about how thrilled I was to be in a room of business leaders talking about sex.
But I also shared something that runs deeper: that we cannot keep treating burnout as the cost of success. That our job, as business owners, is to build companies that take care of their people — not just extract from them.
Kingston is a better place when our entrepreneurs are well. When our helpers are supported. When our businesses are rooted in ethics, evidence, and empathy.
A Call to Fellow Business Owners
To my fellow clinic owners, and anyone in the helping professions: I know how easy it is to put yourself last. To keep saying yes. To believe that doing more is always the answer.
But it’s not. And it never was.
Let this be a reminder that you are allowed to build something gentler. Something that serves your clients and your clinicians without breaking you in the process. Your business can thrive because you take care of yourself, not in spite of it.
If you’re looking for ways to make that happen — I’m always happy to share what’s worked for us.
We’re Hiring
If you’re a high-quality, experienced therapist in Ontario with training or strong interest in sex therapy and/or couples work — we’re hiring. We offer a warm, evidence-based, community-oriented environment where your growth, sustainability, and joy in the work actually matter.
Come join us.
In Closing
Thank you, Kingston. Thank you to my team — every single therapist, our incredible admin support person; everyone who makes this work possible. Thank you to the Chamber for creating space to celebrate small businesses doing big, meaningful things. And thank you to everyone who has ever trusted us with their story.
I’m so proud to be building this clinic here.
And yes… the award really does match our brand colours. Obviously meant to be.
by jennbossio | Feb 21, 2025 | Uncategorized
The field of psychology is at a crossroads. For decades, psychologists have been viewed as leaders in the mental health care industry—renowned for their extensive training, unique skill sets, and ability to provide a wide range of services. However, in today’s mental health landscape, psychologists are quietly losing ground, and the profession as we know it is at risk of disappearing.
Why? Because as the mental health industry expands with new types of providers and a flood of therapists entering the private practice market, psychologists have struggled to advocate for themselves and educate the public about what makes their profession unique. If psychologists don’t step up and start defining their value, they risk being overlooked by a public that’s increasingly opting for cheaper—and often less effective—options.
Here’s why psychologists need to advocate for themselves now more than ever, and what’s at stake if they don’t.
The Expanding Landscape of Mental Health Care Providers
One of the biggest challenges facing psychologists is the sheer number of mental health care providers available today. In Ontario, for example, we have:
- Psychologists: With a minimum of seven to ten years of education, including a master’s degree, PhD, and a year-long clinical residency, psychologists are among the most extensively trained mental health professionals. They can diagnose mental health conditions, administer and interpret psychoeducational and neuropsychological assessments, and provide evidence-based therapy.
- Psychiatrists: Medical doctors who specialize in mental health, psychiatrists can prescribe medications and sometimes provide therapy. However, in Canada, most psychiatrists focus primarily on medication management rather than psychotherapy.
- Registered Psychotherapists (RPs): Regulated since 2015 in Ontario, psychotherapists can provide therapy but cannot diagnose or prescribe. Their training varies widely, with some programs offering in-depth clinical experience and others offering minimal practical training. Many of the newer psychotherapists entering the field come from programs that prioritize speed over quality, leading to significant inconsistencies in the level of care provided.
- Masters of Social Work (MSWs): Social workers with a focus on mental health often provide therapy and support for individuals, couples, and families. Like psychotherapists, MSWs cannot diagnose or prescribe medications.
- Counsellors and Coaches: While not regulated in the same way as psychologists or psychotherapists, these individuals often provide therapeutic support. However, their training can vary drastically, and they cannot diagnose or offer evidence-based interventions.
The public is often unaware of the vast differences in training, expertise, and scope of practice between these providers. And because psychologists have not done enough to advocate for their unique skills, they are being lost in the shuffle.
The Problem: Psychologists Aren’t Utilizing Their Unique Skills
One of the most concerning trends in private practice is that psychologists are underutilizing their unique skills. With the exception of neuropsychologists, who perform assessments and write reports, many psychologists in private practice are simply providing therapy. While therapy is undoubtedly valuable, it’s not a service that is unique to psychologists. In fact, psychotherapists and social workers often dominate this space because they can provide therapy at a much lower cost to clients.
Here’s the problem: Psychologists can offer so much more than just therapy. Their extensive training allows them to:
1. Diagnose Mental Health Conditions: Unlike psychotherapists and social workers, psychologists have the expertise to diagnose mental health disorders accurately. However, in private practice, many psychologists fail to communicate these diagnoses back to the client’s broader health care team, such as family doctors or other specialists. As a result, clients are left to navigate their mental health journey alone, often without the integrated care they desperately need.
2. Conduct Comprehensive Assessments: Psychologists are uniquely qualified to administer and interpret complex assessments, such as psychoeducational reports, ADHD evaluations, and autism diagnoses. These assessments provide crucial insights that can shape a client’s treatment plan. Yet, in private practice, many psychologists shy away from this work due to the time and effort involved.
3. Deliver Evidence-Based, Specialized Care: Psychologists are trained to critically evaluate research and deliver evidence-based interventions that are proven to work. This sets them apart from many other providers, who may rely on outdated or unsupported methods. However, the public doesn’t know this because psychologists haven’t been loud enough about their expertise.
4. Provide High-Quality Supervision: One of the most overlooked but impactful roles psychologists can play is as supervisors to other mental health care providers. Psychologists, with their advanced training and deep understanding of evidence-based practices, are uniquely positioned to guide and mentor psychotherapists, social workers, and other clinicians. High-quality supervision ensures that clients across the mental health spectrum receive excellent care, even if they’re not directly seeing a psychologist.
Research shows that effective supervision can significantly improve therapeutic outcomes by helping supervisees refine their skills, adhere to evidence-based practices, and navigate complex cases with confidence. Psychologists who offer supervision are not only shaping the next generation of mental health professionals but are also indirectly improving the quality of care delivered to countless clients.
The Ethical Obligation to Advocate for Our Profession
Psychologists have a responsibility—not just to themselves but to their clients and the mental health care field as a whole—to advocate for their unique value. When we fail to do this, we leave clients in the dark, unsure of the differences between various providers. Many end up choosing less expensive options without realizing that these providers often lack the training to diagnose or treat complex conditions effectively.
Worse yet, by staying silent, psychologists contribute to a system where clients are left to navigate their own care. Diagnoses sit in private psychologist notes, never making their way back to family doctors or other health care providers. This fragmented approach leaves clients without the coordinated care they need, which can delay recovery and exacerbate mental health issues.
Advocating for our profession isn’t just about protecting our careers—it’s about ensuring that clients receive the highest quality care. It’s about educating the public on why and when choosing a psychologist can make a difference, particularly for complex or long-standing issues. And it’s about stepping up as leaders in the mental health field, rather than fading into the background.
Why Psychologists Are at Risk of Being Overlooked
If psychologists don’t act now, the public will continue to gravitate toward less expensive and more visible options. Registered Psychotherapists, for example, are often marketed as accessible and widely available choices for therapy. Their programs frequently emphasize outreach and visibility, making them highly prominent in a saturated market. In contrast, psychologists—who receive extensive clinical training but often little to no training in marketing—can struggle to stand out.
This is where psychologists have an opportunity to step into a leadership role. Instead of competing with other professionals, psychologists can focus on guiding and supervising psychotherapists and other mental health providers to ensure the highest standards of care. Much like the relationship between dentists and dental hygienists, psychologists could position themselves as leaders, providing oversight and expertise to enhance the work of other clinicians. By doing so, psychologists can ensure that clients receive evidence-based, ethical, and effective treatment, no matter who they see directly.
This model not only reinforces psychologists’ value in the mental health landscape but also allows them to focus on their unique strengths—such as advanced diagnostics, comprehensive assessments, and complex case consultations—while uplifting the field as a whole.
How Psychologists Can Advocate for Themselves
The good news is that psychologists have the power to change this narrative. Here’s how:
1. Educate the Public: Take the time to explain the differences between psychologists and other mental health care providers. Highlight the additional training, diagnostic capabilities, and evidence-based approaches that set psychologists apart.
2. Collaborate with Health Care Teams: Share diagnoses, treatment plans, and progress reports with clients’ family doctors and other providers. This integrated approach not only benefits the client but also positions psychologists as essential members of the health care team.
3. Specialize and Market Your Expertise: Lean into the unique skills that only psychologists have, such as assessments and diagnostics. Market these services clearly and effectively, so the public understands their value.
4. Join or Build High-Quality Group Practices: Group practices provide an opportunity to pool resources, build visibility, and create a community of like-minded professionals. They also offer administrative support, freeing psychologists to focus on what they do best.
5. Advocate for Better Publicly Funded Options: Push for systemic changes that make high-quality psychological care accessible to those who need it most. This includes advocating for publicly funded psychological services that address the most complex mental health needs.
The Future of Psychology Depends on Us
The mental health care landscape is changing rapidly, and psychologists are at risk of being left behind. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By advocating for our profession, educating the public, and leaning into our unique strengths, we can ensure that psychologists remain leaders in the field.
The stakes are high—not just for psychologists but for the clients who depend on us. Let’s rise to the challenge and show the world why psychology matters.
by jennbossio | Jan 6, 2025 | Uncategorized
If you’re a mental health clinician, the past few years have likely felt like a whirlwind. COVID-19 changed everything—not just for the people seeking therapy but for those of us providing it. While the pandemic shone a long-overdue spotlight on the importance of mental health, it also transformed the way we deliver care. And now, post-COVID, we find ourselves in an entirely new landscape—one that makes solo practice harder than ever before and highlights the increasing value of high-quality group practices.
As the director of The Tri Health Clinic, a thriving group practice in Ontario specializing in sex and couples therapy, I’ve had a front-row seat to these changes. In this blog, I’ll explore why solo practice is becoming increasingly difficult, why group practice is the solution many clinicians didn’t know they needed, and how joining the right practice can be the most rewarding career move you’ll make.
The Reality of Solo Practice in a Post-COVID World
During COVID-19, mental health needs skyrocketed. People were isolated, stressed, and struggling, and for many, this was their first time seeking therapy. Clinicians in private practice were overwhelmed with demand. If you had your own solo practice, it was like the floodgates opened—clients came pouring in because everyone desperately needed help. Many of us worked from home, eliminating the need for expensive office spaces or long commutes. Solo practice seemed easier than ever.
Fast forward to today, and the game has completely changed.
The mental health market is now flooded with practitioners. Colleges like Yorkville University are pumping out hundreds—if not thousands—of new psychotherapists annually. This influx has created a saturated market where simply “hanging a shingle” and waiting for clients no longer works. Add to that the increasing preference for in-person therapy, and suddenly solo practitioners are facing rising overhead costs for office spaces they used to do without.
But the biggest challenge of solo practice isn’t just the competition—it’s the crushing loneliness and administrative burden. For a job where you spend all day talking to people, working in solo practice can be shockingly isolating. You have no colleagues to bounce ideas off of, no supervision to sharpen your skills, and no sense of community to help you stay connected. On top of that, you’re responsible for everything: screening clients, scheduling appointments, collecting payments, managing marketing, updating your website, and troubleshooting technical issues. It’s exhausting, and it’s no wonder so many clinicians are feeling burned out.
Why Group Practice Is the Solution
If you’re tired just reading about the challenges of solo practice, you’re not alone. That’s why more and more clinicians are choosing to join group practices—and for good reason. Here’s what makes group practice the ideal solution in today’s mental health landscape:
1. Community and Connection
Therapy is a lonely job, but it doesn’t have to be. In a high-quality group practice, you’re part of a team of like-minded professionals. You have people to consult with, learn from, and laugh with. This sense of community not only makes your work more enjoyable but also makes you a better therapist. After all, no one grows in isolation.
2. No More Admin Nightmares
In solo practice, you’re not just a therapist—you’re also an administrator, a marketer, a tech support specialist, and sometimes even your own accountant. In a group practice, all of that is handled for you. At The Tri Health Clinic, for example, we have a dedicated intake coordinator who screens and matches clients to the right therapist, so you don’t have to waste time answering inquiries or coordinating schedules. Our admin team also handles billing, paperwork, and all the other non-clinical tasks, freeing you up to focus on what you do best: helping clients.
3. Training and Supervision
Quality group practices invest in their clinicians. At The Tri Health Clinic, we provide in-house training, supervision, and consultation to ensure our therapists are always at the top of their game. Whether you’re new to sex and couples therapy or a seasoned expert, having access to ongoing education and mentorship makes a world of difference—not just for your career but for your clients.
4. A Curated Client List
One of the hardest parts of solo practice is screening and finding the right clients. In a group practice, this is done for you. At The Tri Health Clinic, we carefully match clients to therapists based on their needs and the therapist’s expertise, ensuring that you’re always working with clients who are the right fit for your skills and interests.
5. Work-Life Balance
When you’re in solo practice, work-life balance often feels like a pipe dream. You’re constantly juggling therapy sessions with admin tasks, and it’s easy to let work creep into every corner of your life. In a group practice, you can leave the admin work at the door. That means more time to rest, recharge, and actually enjoy your life outside of work.
Why Join a Group Practice, Like The Tri Health Clinic?
Not all group practices are created equal. At The Tri Health Clinic, we pride ourselves on being more than just a workplace—we’re a community of passionate, skilled clinicians dedicated to providing the best sex and couples therapy in Ontario. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Evidence-Based Expertise: We’re a data-driven clinic, which means we use the latest research to inform our practice. Our therapists are trained in evidence-based models like EFT, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness, ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of care.
- High-End Compensation: Our fee-split model is competitive, and because we specialize in sex and couples therapy—a high-demand area—our client fees are typically higher than average. That means you earn more for the work you do.
- Flexibility and Autonomy: As an independent contractor, you have the freedom to set your schedule, choose your clients, and build the career you want—all while enjoying the support of a group practice.
- Immediate Availability: Our intake team works quickly to fill your schedule, so you’re never left waiting for clients. Plus, our curated matching process ensures you’re working with clients who are the best fit for your skills.
- Comprehensive Support: From admin tasks to training to community-building events, we take care of everything, so you can focus on what you love: helping clients.
The Future of Mental Health Care Is Here
The mental health landscape has changed dramatically over the past five years, and it’s clear that the future lies in high-quality group practices. Solo practice may have worked during the COVID boom, but today, it’s a recipe for burnout and frustration. Group practices like The Tri Health Clinic offer a sustainable, fulfilling career path where clinicians can thrive—not just survive.
If you’re a high-quality clinician who’s ready to join a thriving team, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re an experienced therapist or just starting your career, The Tri Health Clinic offers the support, community, and opportunities you need to succeed.
Why Flounder? Join A Group Practice That Cares About You
Interested in joining Ontario’s leading sex and couples therapy clinic? Apply today and take the next step in your career. Together, we can build a future where clinicians thrive, and clients receive the care they deserve. Learn more and apply here.
by jennbossio | Oct 1, 2024 | Consultation, Medicine, Sexual Health, Therapy, Training, Uncategorized
Six years. Wow. Looking back at when I first opened The Tri Health Clinic in 2018, I’m honestly overwhelmed with a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement for what’s still to come.
It all started when I returned to Ontario after a few intense, transformative years in British Columbia. There, I had the absolute privilege of working with Dr. Lori Brotto and Dr. Rosemary Basson—two giants in the field of sex therapy. Their pioneering work, especially on the sexual response cycle, deeply shaped how I view sexual health, how I practice therapy, and how I train my clinicians today.
When I hired Tri Health’s first clinician, it felt like a huge leap. It wasn’t just about growing from being a solo practitioner to becoming a team—it was about creating a collective that would tackle sexual health in a way that hadn’t really been done before. Our goal was (and still is!) to remove the shame, the stigma, and the loneliness that so many people feel when it comes to their sex lives. We wanted to build a clinic that put evidence-based care at the forefront, and a place where people across Ontario could get the help they need.
By 2019, the clinic grew, and we needed more space. Moving into a larger office with four offices felt like a dream come true—but it didn’t stop there. Today, we’ve got six offices and a team of 15 clinicians, all working together to provide the best damn care we can. We’ve helped over a thousand people, and it’s surreal to think about the ripple effect that has on people’s lives. Sex and intimacy are often such isolating struggles, but every day, we get to remind people: you are not alone.
Looking ahead, our mission is clear. We want to keep growing, but not just for the sake of growth. We want to reach more people, help more individuals and couples, and most importantly, educate more medical professionals about how crucial sexual health is to overall well-being. We want to make sex therapy—and talking about sex—a normal part of healthcare in Ontario. Because sex is a part of life. It’s something we all deserve to feel good about.
The next six years? We’re just getting started.
We’re building something that, I hope, will make a lasting difference in this province. We’re not just a clinic; we’re becoming the go-to place for anyone in Ontario who needs support with sex or relationship issues. And I’m so damn excited for what’s to come.
Here’s to many more years of growth, learning, and—above all—helping people rediscover joy, connection, and pleasure in their intimate lives.
With gratitude,
– Jenn
by jennbossio | Sep 25, 2024 | Therapy, Uncategorized
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of treating our bodies like machines, pushing them beyond their limits in pursuit of productivity and success. However, this mentality overlooks a fundamental truth: our physical and mental health are deeply interconnected. In this blog, we’ll explore the damaging consequences of viewing the brain and body as separate entities and highlight the importance of prioritizing holistic wellness for overall well-being.
The Myth of Separation:
For too long, society has perpetuated the myth that the brain and body operate independently of each other. We’ve been conditioned to believe that mental health issues are solely a result of chemical imbalances in the brain, while physical ailments are treated in isolation. However, emerging research tells a different story – one of interconnectedness and interdependence.
The Mind-Body Connection:
Our bodies are not mere vessels for our brains; they are integral components of our overall being. When we neglect our physical health – whether through poor diet, lack of exercise, or chronic stress – it inevitably takes a toll on our mental well-being. Conversely, prioritizing self-care and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can have profound benefits for our mental health.
The Consequences of Neglect:
Treating our bodies like endless resources comes at a cost. Chronic pain, fatigue, stress-related illnesses, and mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are all-too-common outcomes of this mindset. Ignoring the signals of distress from our bodies only exacerbates these issues, leading to a vicious cycle of decline.
Prioritizing Holistic Wellness:
It’s time to shift our perspective and recognize that caring for our mental health begins with caring for our bodies. This means nourishing ourselves with nutritious foods, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and managing stress effectively. By honoring the mind-body connection, we can cultivate resilience, vitality, and overall happiness.
In closing:
The notion that our mental wellness is separate from our physical health is not only outdated but harmful. When we treat our bodies like endless resources, we set ourselves up for a host of health problems. By acknowledging the profound interconnection between our physical and mental well-being, we can adopt a more holistic approach to self-care that promotes vitality and resilience. It’s time to prioritize our bodies as the invaluable vessels they are – our gateway to a healthier, happier life.
by jennbossio | Aug 28, 2024 | Uncategorized
As a clinical psychologist specializing in sexual health, my journey led me to a pivotal phase of research and practice: addressing sexual health after prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, affecting millions of men globally, brings with it not only the physical challenges of the disease but also profound implications for sexual well-being.
Understanding Prostate Cancer and its Effects:
Prostate cancer, a diagnosis that reverberates through millions of lives (indeed, 1 in 7 Canadian men will get a diagnosis of prostate cancer in their lifetime), brings with it a myriad of challenges. One often-overlooked aspect is its profound impact on sexual health. In this blog, we’ll delve into the intricate relationship between prostate cancer and sexual well-being. Additionally, we’ll explore groundbreaking research that sheds light on the potential for a fulfilling, vibrant intimate life after this life-altering diagnosis.
Prostate cancer, a prevalent form of cancer among men, arises in the prostate gland—a small, walnut-shaped organ that produces seminal fluid. Treatments such as surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy, while crucial for managing cancer, can significantly alter sexual function.
Working and Researching in the Prostate Cancer World
During my postdoctoral fellowship at UBC, where I collaborated with the Prostate Cancer Supportive Care Program in Vancouver, I had the privilege of working closely with individuals and couples navigating this complex terrain. It was here that I witnessed the indomitable spirit of those facing adversity head-on, seeking to reclaim a vital aspect of their lives: intimacy.
We delved into the intricacies of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions, developing tailored treatment manuals that addressed the unique challenges faced by these couples. The transformation we witnessed was awe-inspiring. Couples were not merely adapting; they were thriving, discovering a renewed sense of closeness and intimacy.
One striking revelation from our work was that while the objective measures of sexual function might not show significant improvement, there was a remarkable shift in something equally profound: sexual enjoyment. This discovery was a beacon of hope for countless individuals and couples facing the aftermath of prostate cancer treatment.
This journey taught me a powerful lesson: the devastation of prostate cancer does not define the entirety of one’s sexual experience. It underscores the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for growth, even in the face of significant challenges.
Good Sex is Possible After Prostate Cancer
It is my fervent belief that this knowledge should be shared widely. Understanding that sexual health after prostate cancer is not merely about restoring function, but about embracing the potential for deep, meaningful connection, is a message of hope that deserves amplification.
To those embarking on this journey, know this: you are not alone. There is support, there is hope, and there is the potential for a fulfilling and satisfying intimate life beyond prostate cancer.
