Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

In this special episode, hosts Kelly and Miranda tackle timely issues shaping the world of mental health—from rising insurance rates and the hidden influence of state insurance commissioners to the expanding reach of AI in therapy.They discuss recent headlines, including dramatic insurance rate hikes, and share eye-opening stories about how legislation and business decisions directly affect therapists and their clients. Kelly and Miranda highlight why every therapist should know their insurance commissioner, the risks and opportunities AI poses, and how to track clinical outcomes to advocate for better pay and practice policies.Packed with real-world advice and empowering insights, this episode is a must-listen for any clinician navigating the evolving healthcare landscape.---Join Us for our October 7th Free Training - Crossing State Lines in Therapy: A Guide to Staying Legal & Ethical with Ben CaldwellLearn 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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

In this episode, host Kelly sits down with Dr. Wiyatta to explore her inspiring journey from working in correctional and federal settings to building a thriving, bicoastal private practice. Dr. Wiyatta shares candid insights about why she chose the path of private practice, the pivotal moments that sparked her transition, and how she tailored her business to fit her life—including focusing on women's mental health and fertility counseling.You'll hear practical advice on building a practice with multiple income streams, the power of niching down, and the importance of creating a foundation before taking the leap. Dr. Wiyatta reveals how flexibility, autonomy, and the courage to do things her way have shaped not only her business, but her lifestyle—from cross-country moves to international speaking opportunities.Whether you’re on the fence about starting your own practice or looking for tips to refine your business, Dr. Wiyatta’s story is filled with valuable lessons, encouragement, and inspiration. Tune in for a conversation that’s both real and motivating, and discover how you too can design a practice—and life—that truly works for you.---Dr. Wiyatta's Website: drwiyatta.comJoin Us for [Webinar Name]: 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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

In today’s episode, our host Kelly sits down with Jessica, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Texas who’s carved out a thriving solo private practice after years in the hospital and group practice worlds. Jessica opens up about her unconventional journey to entrepreneurship, how she overcame early doubts about running a business, and the personal work she did to reshape her relationship with money. Known for her unique blend of specialties—including sleep issues, chronic pain, PTSD, OCD, and radically open DBT—Jessica shares practical insights on building a specific niche, making the leap from agency to independent work, and finding joy in both clinical and business growth. Whether you’re on the fence about private practice or struggling with your niche, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and the reminder that, as Jessica puts it, “everything is learnable.”---Jessica's Website: jessicafinktherapy.comJoin Us for our upcoming October 7th Webinar - Crossing State Lines in Therapy: A Guide to Staying Legal & Ethical with Ben Caldwell. CE Credit Eligible! Sign up here: news.zynnyme.com/crossing-state-lines-in-therapyLearn 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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

In today’s conversation, host Kelly Higdon sits down with Allison, a licensed marriage and family therapist and registered art therapist based in San Diego. Allison shares her inspiring journey from burnout in the mental health system to building a thriving private practice—one that’s grown and adapted through personal health challenges, parenthood, and even a global pandemic. Together, they dive into the realities of solo versus group practice, the importance of honoring neurodivergence as a business owner, and the lessons learned about timing, support, and sustainable growth. Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about expanding your practice, Allison’s story offers practical wisdom and heartfelt encouragement for anyone looking to build a business that truly fits their life and values.---Allison's Website: 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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One