Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

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The Hidden Dangers of Tech Therapy Contracts: Ethics, Labor, and the Fight for Fair Pay with Liath Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we are joined by Laith from Person Centered Tech to tackle the surge of venture-backed online therapy platforms, like Talkspace, Alma, and Spring Health, and their impact on private practice.

Together, they discuss why so many therapists are turning to these tech companies for supplemental income, and whether that’s as safe or sustainable as it seems. The trio dives into hidden risks around contract terms, HIPAA responsibility, AI recordings, and how therapists’ labor and expertise are being leveraged by big business.

If you’re considering working with one of these platforms, don’t miss this honest, practical conversation about asking the right questions, understanding the real risks, and protecting your clients and yourself. Tune in and get the insights you need to make informed choices for your practice!

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Liath's Website: personcenteredtech.com

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Moving States as a Therapist? Amity Shares Her Private Practice Startup Blueprint Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

In today’s episode, host Kelly sits down with Amity, a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Florida, to explore her inspiring transition from working in a government civil commitment facility in Wisconsin to launching her own private practice - while navigating a cross-country move, burnout, and finding balance in her life and career!

Amity shares the real-life challenges and triumphs she faced during her shift into entrepreneurship, what it was like to build a practice from scratch in a brand new state, and how she learned to shape her business around her core values: peace, stability, and flexibility. From leveraging online therapy platforms like BetterHelp for a quick financial start, to ultimately customizing her schedule to support her mental health and family life, Amity’s story is packed with honest insight, practical advice, and encouragement for anyone considering their own leap into private practice.

Whether you’re on the fence about making the jump or seeking a fresh perspective on managing growth and self-care in your existing practice, this conversation delivers relatable lessons you won’t want to miss. Tune in as Amity and Kelly discuss the evolving definition of success, the power of intentional business-building, and the importance of aligning your work with your true values.

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Amity's Website: olson-counseling.com

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The State of Therapy: Tips for Therapists on Handling Insurance Rate Hikes and Technology Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Join Us for our October 7th Free Training - Crossing State Lines in Therapy: A Guide to Staying Legal & Ethical with Ben Caldwell

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Fertility Specialization and Professional Women: Dr. Wiyatta’s Guide to Counseling Niches Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Dr. Wiyatta's Website: drwiyatta.com

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Sleep, Chronic Pain, and Overcontrol: How Jessica Found Her Niche in Private Practice Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

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.”

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Jessica's Website: jessicafinktherapy.com

Join 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-therapy

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Art, Authenticity, and ADHD: Allison’s Playbook for Building a Private Practice That Fits YOU Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Allison's Website:

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The State of Therapy: Why Therapists Are in High Demand and How to Stand Out Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Integrating Neurodivergence & Culture in an Empowered Therapy Practice with Nina Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Nina's Website: www.ocaapsych.com

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Private Practice at Any Age: Wisdom, Aging, and Thriving as a Therapist Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Melanie's Website: www.thesantafetherapist.com

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