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Carving a Unique Path: Moderation-Focused Counseling with Merrilee

EPISODE · Aug 11, 2025 · 18 MIN

Carving a Unique Path: Moderation-Focused Counseling with Merrilee

from Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories

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.---Merrilee's Website: merrileeburke.comLearn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/Website: zynnyme.comBlog: zynnyme.com/blogYouTube: youtube.com/zynnyme Facebook: 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 PodcastsSpotifyMentioned in this episode:Register Now - Starting a Profitable Private Practice: Build It Right, Earn More, Love Your Work From Day One

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Carving a Unique Path: Moderation-Focused Counseling with Merrilee

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