What if the “messy middle” isn’t proof you’re failing… but proof you’re growing?
In this deeply honest episode, Tiffany sits down with Danielle Robbins, an LMHC in New York, who went from opening a private practice with one client at a $200 fee to charging $255/session, nearly full, and preparing to leave group practice for good.
But this is not a shiny overnight success story.
This is the story of fear. Shame. Doubt. Identity shifts. October–November panic spirals. Networking while terrified. Feeling like “everyone else can do it but me.” And continuing anyway.
Danielle shares what it actually looked like to build a Life First Fee practice while navigating deep internal conflict, grief around leaving scarcity behind, and the emotional reality of stepping into more—especially as a Black woman therapist navigating messages about service, struggle, and success.
If you’ve ever thought:
“Maybe this works for other therapists, but not me…”
This episode is for you.
Because Danielle thought the exact same thing.
And now? They’re here telling you why you can do it too.
Listen to the episode:
In this episode we cover:
- How Danielle went from 1 client at $200 → 8 full-fee clients at $255 and growing
- What it really feels like in the “messy middle” (spoiler: doubt doesn’t magically disappear)
- Why so many therapists mistake normal growth cycles for failure
- The shame Danielle experienced around success, money, and “doing well”
- How being a young Black therapist shaped their beliefs about wealth, visibility, and belonging
- The unspoken money dynamics in therapy—and how Danielle’s own experience as a free pro bono client changed how they practice
- What happened when inquiries slowed down and fear got LOUD
- Why networking became Danielle’s biggest growth strategy (even though they were terrified)
- How stepping into higher fees required stepping into a new identity
- The difference between “failure” and simply being on page three of chapter one
- Why Danielle says therapists don’t need confidence to do this—they can do it scared
- The mindset shift that helped them keep going when nothing seemed to be working
- What it means to stop colluding with scarcity and start building a practice rooted in desire, freedom, and sustainability
If this episode hit home, send it to one therapist who needs permission to stop mistaking the messy middle for failure.
And if you’re ready to stop white-knuckling your way through private practice and finally build a business that supports your actual life?
Email tiffany@leaninmakebank.com with the word “Ready.”
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Resources mentioned
Connect with Danielle: danielle@soulfulharmonycounseling.com
More about Danielle
Danielle Robbins (she/they), LMHC, is a New York City–based psychotherapist and founder of Soulful Harmony Counseling. She helps Black, queer, or unconventional executives, senior leaders, and founders who’ve always powered through — until one day, their body says “no.” Through EMDR, somatic therapy, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, Danielle supports clients in healing from burnout and reclaiming calm, confidence, and connection.
