Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

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Leading with Heart: Fostering Intimacy in Therapy and Business with Gary Aug 13, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Gary's Website: www.intimacyrecovery.com/gary-katz

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

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Carving a Unique Path: Moderation-Focused Counseling with Merrilee Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Merrilee's Website: merrileeburke.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

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The State of Therapy: From Burnout to Embodiment for Today’s Therapists with Barbara Griswold Aug 06, 2025

Show notes

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.

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From Imposter Syndrome to Inspiration in Private Practice with Erinn Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Erinn's Website: everyheartdreamscounseling.com

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From Agency Burnout to Private Practice: Jessica on Taking the Leap Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

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!

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When Life Changes Everything: Transforming a Counseling Practice After Profound Loss with Megan Jul 16, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Megan's Website: a-new-path.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

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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:

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From Nonprofit Work to Somatic Therapy in San Diego: Shay’s Professional Evolution Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Shay's Website: overcomeanxietytrauma.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@ZynnyMe

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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:

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The State of Therapy: Surviving Debt, Burnout, and Systemic Issues in Private Practice Jul 09, 2025

Show notes

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.

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Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

YouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMe

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

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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:

The Importance of Mentorship and Culture from a Successful Texas Group Practice Owner Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Dawn-Petrice's Website: youngscounseling.com

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@ZynnyMe

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/