For over a decade, Dr. Henry Bruns mentored both emerging and established mental health professionals. During this time, he observed a troubling trend: counselors and clinical supervisors were often stretched too thin, lacked sufficient support, and had unclear paths for professional growth. To address these challenges, he launched Premier Supervision and Consultation a practice dedicated to enhancing the quality of clinical supervision and professional development across Virginia.

At Premier Supervision and Consultation, the focus is on providing tailored guidance and professional training for individual counselors, clinical supervisors, and mental health agencies. The organization meets professionals at their current stage of development, aiming to boost clinical skills, improve retention, and promote professional growth. The ultimate goal is to raise the standard of care within Virginia’s mental health community.

Despite his expertise in counseling, Henry had no prior business experience. On a colleague’s recommendation, he turned to the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) – Lynchburg Region. “The SBDC equipped me with the necessary terminology and framework to think like a business owner,” he noted. “It allowed me to concentrate on crucial areas such as branding, website development, and marketing strategy to support my growth.”

With support from his SBDC advisor, Jordan Reeves, Henry secured a $5,000 Campbell County Start Small Grant, providing foundational funding for his venture. After launching, he established connections with local universities and community agencies. This grant, in tandem with SBDC guidance, has positioned Premier Supervision as a trusted resource for counselor training and clinical supervision.

“Collaborating with the SBDC gave me the structure and confidence I needed. I would recommend it to any professional entering the business world for the first time,” Bruns remarked.

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