The Heart of Therapy: Building a Community of Growth and Support

By Charles Coté, LCSWFounder, Path Forward Counseling

After 35 years in private practice, I started Path Forward Counseling with a simple hope: to create a place where emerging therapists could feel deeply supported — not just as clinicians, but as people. I’ve seen how powerful it is when someone is given the time, space, and trust to grow. Here, our team isn’t just doing meaningful work — they’re becoming part of a community that values creativity, reflection, and the courage to care deeply.

What sets Path Forward apart is how we approach development — not as a professional ladder, but as a human unfolding. We draw from a variety of therapeutic frameworks, including Status Dynamics, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed care, family systems, person-centered, and existential approaches. But what grounds us is our supervision model — one that emphasizes mindfulness, presence, and permission to be human. Supervision here offers space to reflect on clinical work while staying connected to purpose and personhood.

Autonomy is one of our core values. We actively encourage therapists to develop their own voice, follow their curiosity, and find their therapeutic niche. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here — you’re supported in discovering what feels most authentic to you.

And that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Relatedness is at the heart of our work. The relationships on our team are real — built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to doing good work. New therapists are welcomed into a collaborative, grounded community that cares as much about each other’s well-being as we do our clients'.

We also focus on building capacity — not just clinical skill, but confidence and presence. Mentorship and reflective supervision are central here. Whether you're integrating creative wellness practices or practicing evidence-based psychotherapy, you’re supported to keep growing in ways that are both personally and professionally fulfilling.

In short: we’re not just a practice. We’re a care-mmunity. A place where therapists are invited to bring their whole selves to the work — with heart, curiosity, and courage.

If that resonates with you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your resume and a brief note to: counseling@explorepathforward.com

From Kristen Julian, LMSW

“After coming from a busy clinic where I felt my professional growth plateauing and experiencing burnout, I was looking for a different way forward in this field. At Path Forward, I’ve received excellent supervision and support, allowing me the time and space to grow. The community of clinicians and the creative team have been instrumental in my professional development. I’ve learned how to find balance and show up for my clients as my best self, ensuring the quality care they deserve. It’s been the most creatively fulfilling experience I’ve had since childhood — fun, calming, and deeply rewarding.”

From Meaghan Flaherty, Intern

“Interning at Path Forward has been a perfect fit for both my personal and professional goals. It’s the most supported I’ve ever felt in my journey as an aspiring professional, offering a safe space to learn, grow, and connect. I truly believe in the power of creative expression to foster compassion and connection, and here, that aligns beautifully with counseling.”