Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

In this compelling episode of Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories, hosts Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer sit down for an honest, no-interview conversation about the seismic shifts in the mental health world right now. Drawing on their experiences supporting thousands of clinicians and leading Business School for Therapists, they dive deep into the growing influence of venture capital-backed therapy platforms, the realities of 1099 contracts vs. employment, and how insurance companies are reshaping the landscape—with a powerful impact on therapist autonomy and pay.Listen as Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer peel back the curtain on how big marketing and profit-driven systems are affecting therapists’ mindset, fees, and even their health. The duo discuss the importance of embodied practice, highlight the risks of burnout and autoimmune issues on the rise in the field, and share why it’s crucial to reconnect with your body, intuition, and core values when making practice decisions.You’ll hear practical guidance on navigating contracts, fee-setting for sustainability, and why group and community-oriented offerings may be the future for accessibility and authentic healing. If you’re feeling the pinch of working harder for less, or questioning the “way things are” in private practice, this episode will leave you with validation, tangible next steps, and a reminder: you have more agency than you think.Learn more about Business School for Therapists: https://bit.ly/BusinessSchoolYouTubeWebsite: https://www.zynnyme.com/Blog: https://www.zynnyme.com/blogFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyandmirandaInstagram: http://instagram.com/zynnyme/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2456942/Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/zynnyme/TikTok: @zynnyme

In this episode, hosts Kelly and Miranda take on the messy realities of the mental health field today. They dive into everything from the latest challenges with insurance and the impact of AI on documentation to the emotional toll and ethical decisions many therapists are grappling with, especially those in marginalized or high-pressure environments.You’ll hear about the push-and-pull of staying in the system, fighting for change, or carving out new, sustainable practice models. Kelly and Miranda also share updates on healthcare negotiations, rising costs, and the importance of understanding how clinical work and finances intersect. It’s a candid, supportive conversation meant to validate what so many counselors are feeling right now, while encouraging everyone to find their own best way forward.Join us as we unpack the chaos, honor the complexity, and highlight new ways to thrive in practice!---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 Podcasts

In this episode, host Miranda chats with Katie, a licensed professional counselor, author, and group practice owner specializing in high-risk teens. Katie shares her deeply personal journey into therapy, from overcoming her own struggles to building a successful practice through relentless visibility and networking.You'll hear how Katie navigated career pivots, from agency work to private practice, launching consulting programs, and now focusing on her upcoming book and signature treatment methods. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about following your curiosity, creating impact, and how embracing change can fuel your success as a therapist.---Katie's Website: creativehealingphilly.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 Podcasts

Miranda welcomes Cassidy, a therapist, group practice owner, and now published author based in Utah. Cassidy shares her compelling journey from teaching high school math to specializing in trauma therapy and ultimately writing a book about religious trauma affecting women in the LDS church.You’ll hear how Cassidy navigated the growing pains of private practice, set up a supportive leadership team, and found the personal inspiration and focus needed to tell her story. She gets real about the challenges of writing, the emotional rollercoaster of putting her truth on paper, and the practicalities of bringing her book to life.Whether you’re a therapist, aspiring author, or just looking for an honest conversation about healing and innovation in counseling, Cassidy’s insights offer inspiration and practical takeaways for your own practice or creative journey.---Cassidy's Website: purpleskycounseling.comJoin Us for our November 4th LIVE Training - Platform Contracts Exposed: What's Really at Stake for Your License, Your Ethics, and Your Practice's Future: news.zynnyme.com/platforms/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 Podcasts

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!---Liath's Website: personcenteredtech.comJoin Us for our November 4th Webinar: The Platform Playbook: How Tech Companies Exploit Therapists (And How to Protect Yourself) news.zynnyme.com/platforms/ 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 Podcasts