Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

In today’s special episode, hosts Kelly and Miranda take a break from their usual client success stories to dive deep into the current landscape of the mental health field. Drawing on real-world data and their decades of experience, Kelly and Miranda unpack some of the most pressing concerns clinicians face right now—like the fear that fewer people are seeking therapy, how online directories and tech companies are shifting the playing field, and what the actual search data tells us about modern demand for therapy.They’ll also explore why therapists sometimes feel pressured to chase certifications, how to make intentional choices about training and specialization, and why finding your unique voice—and getting clear about your strengths—matters more than ever. If you’ve ever worried about competition, burnout, or whether private practice still has a place in today’s world, this episode is packed with encouragement, honest insights, and practical strategies.So grab your coffee and get ready to hear what’s really happening in the mental health field—and why there’s more opportunity for passionate clinicians than ever before.---Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

Today, host Kelly Higdon sits down with Nina, a psychologist based in Costa Mesa, California, for a deeply personal and powerful conversation. Nina shares her journey from an early dream of becoming a therapist to the challenges and triumphs of owning a private practice as a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant.In this episode, Nina opens up about the loneliness she experienced while building her practice—especially without family support or role models who looked like her. She discusses how a recent revelation about her own neurodivergence, sparked by supporting her son through diagnoses of dyslexia, ADHD, and giftedness, has profoundly shifted both her self-understanding and her approach to therapy. Nina and Kelly explore the impact of intersectional identities, intergenerational trauma, and the resilience needed to create a practice that feels authentic amidst cultural expectations and stigma.If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t belong, questioned your path as a clinician, or found your private practice mirroring your own healing journey, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone. Nina’s candid reflection and hard-earned wisdom offer encouragement for therapists navigating similar paths and demonstrate the transformative power of self-acceptance and community.---Nina's Website: www.ocaapsych.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: www.youtube.com/ZynnyMeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

In today’s episode, host Kelly Higdon chats with Dr. Melanie Harth, a longtime therapist in Santa Fe. Together, they dive deep into how private practice evolves over the years and what it means to navigate aging, self-worth, and personal growth as a clinician.Melanie shares her journey from underpaid agency work to confidently running a high-fee, values-driven practice, all while confronting her own fears around visibility, money, and aging. The conversation explores practical strategies for adapting your business to life changes, setting boundaries, and honoring your needs—offering valuable insights for both new and experienced therapists. If you’re looking to be inspired by real talk about authenticity and evolution in private practice, this episode is for you.---Melanie's Website: www.thesantafetherapist.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

In today’s episode, hosts Miranda Palmer and Kelly Higdon chat with Latasha, owner of a successful group practice in San Antonio, Texas. Latasha shares her unexpected path from teaching to therapy, how she built a practice that now serves up to 150 clients a week, and the lessons she learned about sustainability, self-care, and leadership along the way. Tune in for Latasha’s honest insights on balancing business with purpose, overcoming burnout, and building a practice that truly honors both clinicians and clients.---Latasha's Website: www.seekhope.netLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

In today’s conversation, host Kelly Higdon interviews Gary, LCSW, founder of the Center for Intimacy Recovery. Gary shares his evolution from solo practice to leading a multi-state group focused on the theme of intimacy—both in clinical work and in business leadership.Kelly and Gary discuss building authentic connections among clinicians, maintaining quality while expanding, and redefining success beyond just financial growth. Gary offers practical insights on fostering community, overcoming fear as a business owner, and staying true to your practice’s core values.If you’re looking to grow a counseling practice with purpose and meaning, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration.---Gary's Website: www.intimacyrecovery.com/gary-katz Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/zynnymeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

Today, host Kelly Higdon sits down with Merrilee, an LMFT based in Los Angeles who’s carved out a truly unique and much-needed niche in the world of private practice. Merilee shares her journey from working in traditional treatment facilities to building a thriving practice focused on helping clients struggling with alcohol—not through abstinence, but moderation. She opens up about the challenges she faced breaking away from mainstream approaches like the 12-step model, how she found support and inspiration through harm reduction, and the creative ways she was able to attract her ideal clients.If you’ve ever felt drawn to serve a population that doesn’t fit inside the usual boxes, or you’re worried that following your passion might set you apart from the crowd, Merilee’s story will inspire you. From the practicalities of subletting office space as you get started, to riding the ups and downs of niche-based marketing, to letting your own unmet needs guide the direction of your business—this episode is full of honest insights and actionable advice for any therapist ready to get a little weird and do things differently. Tune in and learn how standing out can be the key to a fulfilling, sustainable practice.---Merrilee's Website: merrileeburke.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/zynnyme Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

In this episode, your hosts Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer, along with guest Barbara Griswold, set aside industry talk to focus on the lived experience of therapists. Together, they explore how years in the mental health field can quietly disconnect practitioners from their intuition and authentic selves—thanks to pressures from training, organizational culture, and the demands of documentation and systems.Through honest stories and personal reflection, the trio examines how this disconnection impacts therapists’ well-being, work satisfaction, and client outcomes. They offer insight into the journey back to embodiment and intuition, and even guide listeners through a simple exercise to help reconnect with their own inner wisdom.Tune in for an inspiring, heartfelt conversation that invites you to imagine a practice—and a life—rooted in authenticity and self-compassion.---Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

In this episode, Kelly and Miranda sit down with Erinn, the inspiring founder of Every Heart Dreams Counseling in El Dorado Hills, California. Erinn shares her journey from working in a group practice to launching her own private practice during the midst of the 2020 pandemic—all while welcoming her third child. Tune in as Erinn discusses the surprising influx of clients during uncertain times, navigating imposter syndrome, and the decision-making process behind striking out on her own. We’ll explore the seasonal ebb and flow of running a practice focused on kids, teens, and families, and hear Erinn’s sage advice for anyone feeling unsure about making the leap into private practice. Stay tuned for real talk about the challenges, triumphs, and deeper purpose behind a thriving counseling business.---Erinn's Website: everyheartdreamscounseling.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify

Today, host Kelly Higdon sits down with Jessica, an MFT from California, to talk candidly about her journey to building a private therapy practice from the ground up. Jessica opens up about what inspired her leap from agency work to entrepreneurship, navigating burnout, the realities of setting up her business, and what it’s really like to start with zero clients—while balancing family life with two young kids.Together, Kelly and Jessica unpack the challenges of those critical early steps: licensing, website building, marketing, networking, and learning to celebrate the small wins along the way. Whether you’re thinking about starting your own practice, already in the thick of it, or just want a transparent look behind the scenes, this episode is filled with real talk, encouragement, and practical takeaways. Stay tuned for an honest conversation about patience, perseverance, and building a solid foundation for your counseling practice!

In today’s episode, host Kelly Higdon and guest co-host Shani sit down with Megan, a Pennsylvania therapist and new author, to explore how her private practice evolved through unexpected personal loss and major life changes.Megan shares her journey from working with premarital couples and grief support to reimagining her practice after the deaths of her parents. She opens up about listening to her intuition, letting go of traditional therapy models, and weaving together her backgrounds in ministry and mental health. Along the way, Megan explains how creativity, grief, and self-compassion led her to build a practice—and write a book—that meets people where they truly are.This powerful episode is perfect for any clinician reassessing what it means to serve authentically. Get ready for a moving, practical discussion about honoring change, overcoming burnout, and letting your business grow as you do.---Megan's Website: a-new-path.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMeFacebook: facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: pinterest.com/zynnyme/Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms + leave a review letting us know what you think:Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify