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

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

YouTube: youtube.com/@ZynnyMe

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

YouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMe

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

YouTube: youtube.com/@ZynnyMe

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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.

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

YouTube: youtube.com/ZynnyMe

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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/

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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/

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify

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

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: 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 Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify