Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

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From Poetry to Private Practice with Jamey Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Jamey's Website: https://www.drjameyhecht.com/

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

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Innovation, Psychedelics, and Making Practice Fun with Alicia Jun 18, 2025

Show notes

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!

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Alicia's Website: https://www.ranchocounseling.com/

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Building a Thriving Trauma-Focused Group Practice with Lauran Jun 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, host Kelly Higdon is joined by Lauran, founder of a thriving trauma-focused EMDR group practice in downtown Orlando. Lauran shares her journey from solo practice to building a close-knit team, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how she’s navigated economic worries, private pay challenges, and the importance of staying true to her core values of collaboration, communication, community, and continued learning.

Listen in as Lauran talks about practical strategies for hiring great therapists, keeping burnout low, tracking outcomes, and standing out through reputation and relationship-building. Whether you’re just starting out or leading your own group, Lauren’s story will inspire you to create a healthy, effective, and values-driven counseling practice.

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Lauran's Website: https://www.mindfullivingcounselingservices.com/

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Finding Your Rhythm in Private Practice: Breathwork, Business, and the Power of Presence with Breathwork Facilitator Zach Rehder May 20, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of "Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories"! Today, host Kelly Higdon is joined by her friend and breath work mentor, Zach Raider, for a unique conversation about the power of breath work in both personal healing and professional practice.

Together, they unpack how breath work can help therapists navigate stress, uncertainty, and change, offering a path to deeper self-trust and creative ways of connecting with clients. Zach shares the science and art behind conscious breathing, while Kelly reflects on her own transformative journey with breath work and how it’s become a cornerstone in her life and coaching.

Tune in for practical insights on integrating somatic practices into therapy, finding opportunity in discomfort, and building community in challenging times. If you’re looking for inspiration and new therapeutic tools, you won’t want to miss this episode.

00:00 "Breathwork: Key to Healing & Awareness"

03:24 "Mindfulness Through Breath Awareness"

09:24 Limits of AI in Therapy

12:42 Embracing Triggers for Growth

14:04 "Self-Reflection on Triggers"

19:07 "Collective Fear or Personal?"

21:59 Breaking Generational Emotional Cycles

24:55 The Power of Breath in Therapy

29:39 "Expanding Beyond Limitations"

31:25 "Therapist's Role in Embracing Fear"

33:46 "Until Next Time"

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Zach's Website: https://www.zachrehder.com/

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

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The State of Therapy: Surviving, Thriving, and (Un)Learning the Rules May 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to "Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories"! In this State of the Union episode, hosts Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer tackle the latest shifts in mental health care and how they affect private practice owners. From the push toward value-based care and what that means for therapist pay and accountability, to the personal impact of working in an increasingly profit-driven system, Kelly and Miranda get real about insurance, outcomes, and the emotional cost of navigating broken structures.

You’ll get insights on tracking client improvement, negotiating with insurance, and building a sustainable practice that supports your clients—and yourself. Tune in for honest discussion, practical tips, and encouragement for therapists striving to create positive change in a challenging environment.

00:00 "Understanding Value-Based Care Concepts"

03:19 Therapist Payment Issues and Challenges

09:02 UHC: Profitable Yet Problematic Partnerships

13:10 Therapists' Fear-Induced Behavioral Shift

17:23 "Burnout vs. Mental Health Diagnosis"

20:27 Decolonizing Practice for Healing

25:03 Holistic Support Over Self-Care

26:58 Balancing Business and Community Support

29:59 Navigating Private Practice Challenges

33:43 Evaluating Therapy Success Metrics

39:30 "Orlando's Top Trauma Therapists"

42:03 Therapists' Anxiety and Outcome Improvement

43:56 "Recognizing Progress Beyond Trauma"

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The State of Therapy: Big Business, Burnout, and Reinventing Private Practice Apr 30, 2025

Show notes

In this special new series of Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories, Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer are switching things up with their very first “State of the Union” episode! Once a month, they’ll hit pause on the usual interviews and have real, unfiltered conversations about what’s going on in the mental health world—and what that means for anyone running (or dreaming about) a private practice.

In this kickoff chat, Kelly and Miranda spill their honest thoughts about the big news shaking up the field—like Rula teaming up with Amazon Health and the latest drama with BetterHelp. They dig into what all this means for therapists: choosing the right platforms, burnout, marketing headaches, and how to carve out your own space in an ever-noisier industry.

So, if you want to hear what’s really going on behind the scenes and pick up some practical tips for building your practice in these wild times, you’re in the right place. Grab your coffee, get comfy, and join Kelly and Miranda as they share what’s on their minds and help you find your footing in the shifting world of mental health care.

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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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Building a Thriving Private Practice in a Small Town: Bridgette's Inspiring Journey Apr 28, 2025

Show notes

Bridgette shares her experience of building a successful private pay therapy practice in rural Montana in less than a year. She discusses the challenges she faced, including concerns about client volume and the viability of a private pay model. Bridgette highlights the importance of strategic planning, creating a positive client experience, and utilizing resources like zynnyme.com. She offers valuable advice for therapists navigating the early stages of private practice, emphasizing the importance of community, self-compassion, and embracing the freedom of being your own boss.

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Bridgette's Website: nourishwellnesstherapy.com

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

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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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Ditching Insurance: How Chelsea Built a Thriving Private Pay Practice Apr 21, 2025

Show notes

Welcome back to the podcast! This week, we're talking about a topic that resonates with so many therapists: navigating the often-turbulent waters of insurance and private practice. We're thrilled to have Chelsea, MFT, join us to share her inspiring journey of transitioning away from insurance panels and building a thriving private pay practice. Chelsea's story exemplifies the power of self-reflection, strategic planning, and courageous action. If you've ever felt the pull to create a more sustainable and fulfilling practice, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready for practical tips, honest reflections, and a dose of encouragement as Chelsea reveals her secrets to private pay success.

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Chelsea's Website: chelseakramertherapy.com

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

Website: zynnyme.com

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:

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From Tech to Therapy: Embracing Change with Raffi Jan 15, 2025

Show notes

Guest: Raffi, LCSW-C

Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Practice: Baltimore Therapy Center

Topics Covered:

Unconventional Career Path: How Raffi transitioned from computer science at Brown University to therapy, finding his true calling.
Starting a Private Practice: The decision to open a practice after moving to Maryland and how a parallel job reduced stress during the early days.
Organic growth: Building a thriving practice, starting with a simple website and moving to a group model with a growing team.
Relationship Expertise: Key focus areas include couples counseling, infidelity, family conflict, and workplace relationships.
Balancing Work and Wellbeing: Lessons Raffi has learned about running a business while maintaining personal health and fulfillment.

Why connect with Raffi?

Raffi is the go-to expert on couples counseling, family dynamics, and personal growth. Whether you're facing a relationship crisis or want to improve communication, his guidance can help you achieve meaningful change.

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Raffi's Website: thecommunicationbook.com

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/