EP 123. How Katherine Became 9-5 Optional, Left Her Decade Long Therapy Job in 2 Months & Fully Booked Her Private Practice in 30 Days

Episode Summary:

In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, Liz Fernandez sits down with her private client, Katherine Rodriguez, a bilingual therapist who went from working full-time in education for 11 years to leaving her 9-5 in just 2 months—and fully booking her private practice in just 30 days.

Katherine shares how she overcame imposter syndrome, made bold decisions despite fear, and built a thriving business that aligns with her values. She dives into the mindset shifts, nervous system support, and strategic planning that allowed her to transition out of her job with confidence through private coaching with Liz.

If you’re a therapist or service provider wondering if now is the right time to go all-in on working for yourself, this episode will not only inspire you—but show you what’s possible when you have the right support and strategy in place.

Ready to make your own transition out of the 9-5? Work with Liz 1:1 and get a custom roadmap, mindset coaching, and a strategy designed just for you.

Apply for Private Coaching here: https://thelizfernandez.com/privatecoaching

About Katherine Rodriguez

Katherine Rodriguez is a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Self-Worth Coach, and Relationship Coach based in California with 15 years of experience as a clinician in education. Specializing in life transitions and self-worth, she helps individuals navigate major changes while building confidence and resilience.

Based in the Bay Area, Katherine has had the unique privilege of serving diverse populations, including children, teens, and families from various cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.

In 2024, she launched Inner Me Therapy, a private practice dedicated to supporting children, teenagers, and first-generation adults through life transitions. Her approach is rooted in compassion and cultural awareness, creating a safe and welcoming space where clients can explore their challenges and build the resilience needed to thrive.

With a passion for creating safe and inclusive spaces, Katherine works to foster environments where individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. She is deeply committed to empowering underrepresented communities to use their voices, prioritize their mental health, and embrace their authentic selves.

Katherine’s work is guided by the belief that every person has the innate capacity for resilience and the power to grow into the best version of themselves.

Timestamps:

00:01 – Katherine’s Journey: From 11 Years in Education to Private Practice
03:08 – The Mindset Shifts That Helped Her Trust Herself & Take the Leap
04:25 – How She Overcame Imposter Syndrome & Built Confidence as a Business Owner
10:27 – The Exact Steps She Took to Transition to Private Practice
12:04 – Why She Thought She Needed More Time—But Actually Needed Mindset Support, a Nervous System-Aligned Plan, & the Right Strategy
19:43 – The Moment She Knew She Was Ready (Even When It Felt Scary!)
28:07 – Her Biggest Lessons from Becoming 9-5 Optional So Quickly

🔥 Episode Highlights:

Mindset Over Time: Katherine initially thought she needed more time to feel ready, but in reality, she needed mindset support and a plan that worked with her nervous system.
From Fear to Fully Booked: How shifting her self-belief helped her book out her private practice in just 30 days.
Creating Financial Safety: The strategy that helped Katherine leave her 9-5 without financial panic.
Identity Shifts: Stepping into the role of a business owner and CEO—without guilt.

Category:

Latinas in Business, Private Practice Growth, Therapist to Coach, Business & Mindset

Keywords:

private practice success, leaving 9-5, therapist entrepreneurship, business mindset shifts, booking out private practice, Latina therapists, therapist to coach transition, financial planning for private practice

Connect & Work with Liz Fernandez:

Website: https://thelizfernandez.com/
Instagram: @thelizfernandez

Apply for Private Coaching: Learn More & Book a Consultation
Therapist to Coach Collective: Learn More & Enroll

From Therapist to Coach Weekly Email Series: Click Here

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Connect with Katherine Rodriguez:

Private Practice (Therapy): @intermetherapy_
Coaching: @innerheartcoach
Website: www.intermetherapy.com

If you're navigating life transitions or working on self-worth, Katherine is the therapist & coach you need.

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