I got fired from one of my first therapy jobs.
A client told me he had a crush on me. I let him speak. Reviewed it with my supervisor. She said transfer him immediately.
I chose to meet with him one more time to explain why.
The next day I was fired. No goodbye to my clients. They just woke up with no access to me.
I was devastated.
Some found me through Google. So I quietly started a tiny side practice. A few people a week.
Then a company found my Psychology Today profile and specialized me in ERP for OCD and anxiety.
For the first time I watched people actually get better. The burnout lifted.
I got promoted to director of a region. Managing over 300 therapists.
Then demoted back to being a therapist.
They didn't call it that. But that's what it was.
Again, I was devastated, but refused to let that be my reality and I saw it as a sign.
I posted ONE video on TikTok about panic and it went viral.
Dozens were reaching out to work with me. Willing to pay private because they were confident in my ability to get them better.
Fast forward to now. Solo practice. Six figures. Training clinicians. Traveling the country hosting mental health open mics.
All because I got fired. All because I got demoted.
No firing. No demotion. No Psychology Today profile. No specialization. No viral TikTok. No full time practice.
Sometimes the hard thing is the door.
If you're an LMHC, LCSW, or therapist and this hits close to home, comment GUIDE and I'll send you my free tips on starting a private practice.
Losing a job can feel like the end of the world, especially when it involves caring deeply for your clients and your professional identity. I have been there too, and the journey from being fired to building a thriving private practice is full of lessons worth sharing. One of the most powerful strategies is embracing specialization. When I was discovered for my expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD and anxiety, it gave me a unique edge that clients actively sought out. Specializing your skills can help you stand out in a competitive mental health field. Moreover, the experience taught me the importance of adaptability and openness to new opportunities. Losing my position as a regional director felt devastating at first, but it pushed me to explore other avenues, including creating content on platforms like TikTok. A single viral video brought awareness to my work and attracted private clients ready to invest in their mental wellness. Starting small is key—beginning with a few clients and gradually building your practice allows for manageable growth, better client relationships, and less burnout. Managing setbacks with a growth mindset turns challenges into doors for new beginnings, as was true in my story. Lastly, community support can be invaluable. Connecting with other therapists, sharing experiences, and offering guidance not only helps others but also reinforces your own resilience and sense of purpose in the profession. Hosting mental health open mics and training clinicians have enriched my practice and expanded my reach. For therapists facing similar hardships, remember that sometimes the hard thing is the door leading you to your next chapter. Resilience, specialization, and leveraging social media can transform career setbacks into a successful and fulfilling practice.