Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

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 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, 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 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 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!Mentioned 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 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 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, Miranda Palmer interviews Shay (they/them), a San Diego-based anxiety and trauma therapist specializing in somatic therapy. Shay’s journey to private practice took them from working as a nanny and in the airline industry to finally becoming licensed at age 50—a testament to perseverance and dedication.Tune in to hear Shay discuss transitioning from nonprofits to private practice, the impact of deep personal healing on their business, and the ups and downs of navigating insurance and building a supportive community. Shay’s honest story is a reminder that it’s never too late to create the practice—and life—you truly want.---Shay's Website: overcomeanxietytrauma.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 this episode, hosts Kelly and Miranda sit down for an honest, big-picture discussion about the challenges therapists face in private practice today. Sparked by a lively Reddit thread, they explore why even experienced clinicians sometimes struggle to achieve great client outcomes—and why the issues often run much deeper than individual skill.Kelly and Miranda unpack the systemic problems plaguing the mental health field, from underwhelming graduate training and overwhelming student debt to exploitative supervision and a broken insurance system. They discuss how these factors impact not just therapists but also client care and the profession as a whole.If you’ve ever wondered why private practice often feels so hard—or how to create a more sustainable, effective practice—this episode is a must-listen. Dive in for an open, insightful conversation that challenges old assumptions and offers hope for meaningful change.---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 this episode, Kelly Higdon interviews Dawn-Petrice, an LPC and group practice owner in Texas. Dawn shares her path from education and hospital administration to building a successful, community-focused group practice.Listen in as Dawn discusses the power of leading with transparency, the importance of creating a diverse and supportive team, and how her background in education has shaped her approach to mentoring clinicians. She also dives into the challenges of insurance platforms, maintaining clinician retention, and staying true to your values. If you’re interested in growing a thriving counseling practice with heart, this episode is for you!---Dawn-Petrice's Website: youngscounseling.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

Welcome to a special "State of the Union" episode of Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories, hosted by Miranda Palmer and Kelly Higdon. In this engaging conversation, Miranda and Kelly tackle the rapidly evolving role of AI in mental health private practice. They explore real examples, like ChatGPT referring clients to therapists, and discuss the opportunities and challenges AI brings—from its environmental impact and ethical concerns to its ability to streamline marketing and documentation.Balancing optimism with caution, the hosts reflect on how AI can support clinicians without replacing the essential human touch of therapy. Whether you’re curious or cautious about AI, this episode will help you navigate its possibilities and pitfalls, all while keeping client care and ethical practice at the forefront. Tune in for a grounded, insightful discussion on embracing technology in private practice.---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 this episode, Miranda Palmer sits down with Dr. Jamey, a New York-based psychoanalyst and therapist who made the bold switch from a career as a literature professor to private practice. Jamey shares how his love for the humanities infuses his therapy work, the challenges and rewards of starting over in midlife, and the nitty-gritty of building a thriving practice - including dealing with insurance, setting fees, and embracing your unique therapeutic style. If you’re looking for honest insights and practical tips on creating a meaningful private practice, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!---Jamey's Website: https://www.drjameyhecht.com/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 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 is joined by Alicia, a California-based Marriage and Family Therapist breaking new ground with ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP). Alicia shares how she’s creatively structured her practice - from one-on-one sessions to dynamic groups and couples intensives - to deliver the most meaningful client outcomes while staying true to her own growth and passions.Tune in as Alicia and Kelly discuss the importance of innovation in a shifting mental health landscape, navigating insurance limitations, and reigniting your own enthusiasm for the work you do. If you’re craving inspiration and fresh ideas for your counseling practice, this episode is for you!---Alicia's Website: https://www.ranchocounseling.com/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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One