EP 133: How I Stopped Chasing Degrees & Started Building the Life of My Dreams
Release Date: 05/07/2025
Beyond Private Practice
In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I’m sharing the most common block I see for therapists earning $10k–$12k months—and how to move past it into your first $20k month without working more hours or adding more clients. If you’ve already built a successful private practice and you’re wondering how to scale without burning out, this episode will show you what actually needs to shift—and why your next level doesn’t require more hustle, just smarter alignment. Through real client stories and the exact mindset and business model shifts I guide them through, you'll start to...
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In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I share how therapists can double their income while working less: the path to freedom. Through my own story of burnout, autoimmune illness, and breaking away from a system that kept me underpaid and overworked, you’ll hear how I built a business that gave me back my time, health, and financial freedom—and how this is possible for you too. You’ll learn: Why you don’t need another credential to be “legitimate” How adding coaching can create more income with fewer clients Three lessons I wish I knew before building my business ...
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In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I’m sharing how to earn more and work less as a therapist without starting over. You’ll learn therapist business tips, private practice income strategies, and how coaching can help you expand your impact without burnout or another degree. You’ll discover: Why you don’t need another credential to be “legitimate” How to break free from systems that keep therapists underpaid and overworked The truth about adding coaching (and why it doesn’t make you less of a therapist) Key mindset shifts to start getting paid now for the...
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What if your private practice didn’t have to slow down in the summer? In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I’m sharing why slow seasons aren’t inevitable — and how therapists can stay booked and paid through summer without burning out, overworking, or lowering their rates. You’ll hear how my clients have built high-earning, peaceful summers — even while traveling, resting, and taking Fridays off. I share the exact mindset and 3 foundational marketing rhythms that help private practice owners (and coaches) stay visible, book aligned clients, and sell their services —...
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In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I’m sharing why belief and safety are actual business strategies — especially for first-gen therapists who are ready to add coaching to their work but feel like they’re starting from scratch. You’ll hear a powerful story from Karol G that sparked this episode, and how her journey mirrors so much of what we go through as daughters of immigrants: feeling the dream, losing the dream, and needing someone we trust to help us feel safe enough to try again. I also share my personal story of building a half-a-million-dollar business with nothing but...
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In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, I’m pulling back the curtain on why selling coaching often feels hard for therapists, helpers, and healers — especially first-gen Latinas and daughters of immigrants — and how to reframe selling so it feels ethical, aligned, and confident. You’ll hear my own journey of unlearning therapist conditioning that made me feel small, neutral, and invisible — and why I now believe selling is an act of service, honesty, and sacred leadership. This episode is for the therapist who: Feels uncomfortable or guilty about selling coaching services ...
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In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what coaching can really do for you — especially if you’re a therapist, first-gen Latina, daughter of immigrants, creative, or service provider who wants more time, income, calendar space, and the freedom to fully express your gifts through your work. This conversation is for the woman who feels boxed in by the traditional therapy career path, who has built a “successful” life that no longer fits, and who is craving a business that honors her values, culture, creativity, and desire for a simpler and more spacious schedule of aligned...
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In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to start your coaching business — because for First-Gen Latinas, daughters of immigrants, and ambitious women who’ve been told to play it safe, it’s never just about the strategy. It’s about identity. This episode is for the woman who knows she’s meant for more — the one who’s been circling the decision to start her coaching business, wondering if she’s “ready” or “allowed” to want more freedom, more alignment, and more ownership of her life and her work. I’ll share my personal story of how...
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In this episode, I’m celebrating three years of living in Mexico City—a milestone that marks one of the most transformative decisions I’ve ever made. I’m pulling back the curtain on what it really took to build a life aligned with my deepest desires as a first-gen Latina. This episode is for the mujer who’s been told to just be grateful, but who knows in her heart that she’s meant for more. You’ll hear the lessons, identity shifts, and soul-level releases that made it all possible—and why choosing yourself isn’t selfish, it’s sacred. Here’s What You’ll Learn: The...
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A mindset and identity shift for first-gen Latinas ready to stop surviving and start intentionally creating their dream life. If you’ve ever felt like you’re just “getting by” or that you’re stuck in survival mode, this episode is for you. In this powerful solo episode, Liz unpacks what it means to move from reactivity to intentionality—from survival to creator mode. Through her personal story and real client examples, you’ll discover how to reclaim your identity as someone who creates new opportunities, not just for yourself, but for generations to come. Why You Should Listen: ...
info_outlineIn this raw and real episode of Beyond Private Practice, host Liz Fernandez opens up about the moment she stopped chasing external validation—through degrees, certifications, and titles—and finally gave herself permission to pursue the life of her dreams.
This is a must-listen for first-gen, high-achieving mujeres, eldest daughters, and therapists who are ready to transition into coaching but feel stuck in a cycle of overproving. Liz shares how she went from burnout and "maybe one day" energy to building a soul-aligned business, relocating to Mexico City, finding love, and helping other Latinas do the same.
If you've ever questioned whether you're “ready enough,” “qualified enough,” or worthy of more ease, freedom, and fulfillment—this episode is your sign. It’s time to lead from who you already are, not from what you think you need to prove.
What You’ll Learn:
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How to break the cycle of “earning” your worth through degrees and credentials
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The 3 steps to start living your dream life now—plus a bonus mindset shift
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Why your fear isn’t about starting, it’s about being seen
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The powerful truth behind “you’re not new to helping people”
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What it looks like to live and lead from alignment, not survival
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Why permission is more powerful than another program or piece of paper
Favorite Quotes:
“I didn’t need more proof. I needed more trust—in myself, in my desires, in my voice.”
“You’re not new to coaching—you’re just new to being seen in your full power.”
“I stopped chasing degrees and finally started chasing a life that looked and felt like me.”
This Episode Is For You If:
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You're a first-gen therapist, coach, or service provider stuck in over-achievement mode
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You’re an eldest daughter navigating deep identity shifts
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You’ve told yourself “maybe later” for years—and you’re ready to go all in
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You want to build a business and life that reflects your current season and values
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You’re done with burnout and want to create more space, choice, and freedom
How to work with Liz:
Work with me privately 1:1 – Ready for personalized support to build your dream coaching business as a high-achieving Latina leader? Apply here
Join the Therapist to Coach Collective – My signature 12-month group program for therapists ready to launch or grow their coaching business with aligned strategy and soul. Learn more
Join my email community – Get behind-the-scenes insights, voice notes, and exclusive podcast extras delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe here
Visit my website – Explore coaching programs, free resources, and more support to grow your brand and business. Visit here
Follow me on Instagram – For daily coaching insights, slow living in Mexico City, and behind-the-scenes moments:@thelizfernandez
📲 Loved this episode? Share it:
If this episode spoke to you, text it to a friend or share it on IG and tag@thelizfernandez! Your shares help other Latinas and first-gen women find the support and strategy they need to build a life and business they love.