From Trauma to Triumph: Finding Hope, Strength, and Success After a Near-Death Experience
Embark on an empowering journey with host Kelley Stevens and guest Kayleigh Summers, a resilient clinical social worker and private practice owner specializing in perinatal trauma. Kayleigh’s inspiring story of overcoming life-threatening complications during childbirth is just the beginning. Learn how she used her experience to help other women deal with birth trauma, gain over 150K loyal followers on social media, and open her own successful private therapy practice.
In this episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, we dive into the inspiring story of Kayleigh Summers, a resilient clinical social worker and private practice owner specializing in perinatal trauma. At the core of Kayleigh’s story lies her personal journey into the field. She takes you through her education and career trajectory, shedding light on her path from graduate school and obtaining her clinical license.
However, it’s her own birth trauma story that truly captivates. Kayleigh holds nothing back as she recalls facing life-threatening complications during childbirth – an experience that guided her toward her specialty today.
Throughout the episode, you’ll learn about her transition back to work after birth trauma, her organic growth on Instagram (amassing 150K followers in just two years), and her insights into turning her personal story into a powerful tool for healing and education. Kayleigh shares her experiences monetizing her content, opening her private practice, and amassing over 150K social media followers in less than two years.
Kayleigh’s story will motivate you to take gradual steps toward your goals and, more importantly, to trust yourself and recognize your own value. Whether you’re a budding therapist interested in starting a therapy practice or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode promises to empower and uplift.
Kayleigh Summers is a licensed clinical social worker and private practice owner in Downingtown, PA. She specializes in perinatal trauma and has specific training in both perinatal mental health and EMDR. Kayleigh uses her training as a licensed therapist and her lived experience as an Amniotic Fluid Embolism survivor to treat and support families experiencing perinatal trauma. Kayleigh has also created thriving birth trauma support communities through Instagram and Tik Tok, as well as her podcast, where she provides connection, story sharing, and resources to support those experiencing birth and other trauma.
Website: www.thebirthtraumamama.com
Instagram: @thebirthtrauma_mama
Email: kayleigh@thebirthtraumamama.com
Building a Purposeful Private Practice
Launching a private therapy practice takes more than credentials—it takes resilience, clarity, and a deep understanding of your "why." In this episode of The Private Practice Pro podcast, host Kelley Stevens sits down with Keeley Summers, a licensed clinical social worker, content creator, and solo private practice owner. Her powerful story—from surviving a near-fatal birth trauma to building a successful cash-pay therapy practice—offers not only inspiration but also concrete guidance for therapists starting a therapy practice or scaling an online therapy office.
Starting a Therapy Practice with Purpose
Keeley Summers didn’t plan on going into perinatal trauma therapy. Like many therapists in the early stages of their career, she began in agency settings and higher education, unsure whether she would ever open a private therapy practice. But after surviving a rare and traumatic birth experience, Keeley’s path changed dramatically.
She returned to work at a boarding school post-recovery, but something in her shifted. “I knew this situation was going to mess me up,” she says candidly. “I needed help—and fast.” Within a week of hospital discharge, she was connected with a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health, a pivotal step in her healing and eventual professional pivot.
Today, her solo therapy practice supports clients dealing with birth trauma, maternal near misses, and postpartum PTSD—all inspired by her lived experience.
Building a Private Practice: One Step at a Time
When Keeley and her family made the leap—leaving campus housing and launching a solo private practice—it wasn’t a simple “overnight success.” Despite having over 100,000 Instagram followers, her caseload didn’t instantly fill.
This challenges a common myth: A large social media following doesn’t automatically translate to a thriving therapy practice. Keeley emphasizes that local networking is still essential, especially for cash-pay therapy practices and therapists with state-licensed restrictions.
“Only about 10 to 15% of my clients found me through Instagram,” Keeley explains. “Most were through local doulas, word-of-mouth referrals, and clinicians who didn’t specialize in birth trauma.”
Marketing for Therapists: Online & Offline
Many private practice therapists believe online marketing will singlehandedly grow their therapy practice. While platforms like Instagram and TikTok can increase visibility, Keeley found her real success came from a hybrid strategy:
Speaking at conferences (like Postpartum Support International events)
Connecting with local doulas and OB/GYNs
Being consistent on Instagram, offering a blend of personal storytelling and therapist-approved marketing strategies
Instead of relying solely on flashy posts or ads, she focused on building authentic relationships with referral partners—a tactic any therapist can implement, even without a large following.
If you’re looking to grow your therapy practice, Keeley’s story is a reminder: start with your community, build strong referral pipelines, and view your online presence as a supportive—not sole—tool.
The Challenges of a Solo Therapy Practice
Launching a solo therapy practice often means wearing all the hats: billing, scheduling, marketing, and content creation. Keeley admits she didn’t enjoy the marketing aspect at first. “I don't like marketing,” she laughs, “but I knew I needed to get the word out.”
She used SimplePractice, a private practice tool for therapists, to streamline client communication, scheduling, and documentation. For therapists wondering how to start a private therapy practice efficiently, investing in an all-in-one HIPAA-compliant platform like this can make the transition much smoother.
Whether you're running an online therapy office or meeting clients in person, tools for therapists like this help reduce burnout and free up time for what matters most—client care.
Going Out-of-Network and Private Pay
Keeley operates a private pay therapy practice, meaning she does not accept insurance and instead helps clients understand their out-of-network therapy benefits. For many therapists considering a cash-pay therapy model, this setup offers more freedom and less administrative stress. However, it also requires clear communication and tools (like Mentaya, mentioned in the podcast) to help clients get reimbursed.
Transitioning to a private-pay model is especially common in niche areas like perinatal trauma or teen therapy. It allows therapists to set sustainable therapy fees, focus on specialized care, and avoid burnout.
The Role of Instagram in Private Practice Growth
Despite common assumptions, Keeley didn’t build her practice solely on social media. However, her Instagram account became a valuable platform for psychoeducation, community support, and eventually, monetization through therapist-led workshops.
Keeley struck a balance between personal vulnerability and clinical expertise, blending relatable storytelling with educational content. For therapists considering online marketing for therapists, her approach shows the value of being both professional and human.
“The impact of birth trauma is what connects us,” she shares. “The event may be rare, but the emotional aftermath is so common.”
If you’re a therapist considering Instagram or TikTok, remember: share what feels authentic. Marketing for therapists doesn’t need to be flashy or salesy—it can be supportive, transparent, and healing.
Growing a Group or Solo Practice Sustainably
While Keeley hasn’t launched a group therapy practice yet, she’s eyeing additional revenue streams to make her business more sustainable. From live and recorded workshops to podcast sponsorships and potential online courses, she’s diversifying.
For therapists looking to scale, monetizing your skills beyond the therapy room can make private practice more financially viable. Keeley shares that she’s working on:
Monthly recorded workshops
PDF workbooks for self-guided healing
Potential course offerings down the line
These offerings support people who can’t access care due to location or cost, and they help balance a full caseload without compromising quality of care.
Therapist Tips: Starting and Growing Your Practice
Keeley’s biggest takeaway?
“You can absolutely do this. It's going to be hard, but it's not the hardest thing you've ever done. Trust yourself.”
If you’re considering starting your private practice, you don’t need a huge following or a perfect plan. Start with small, manageable steps—one at a time. Focus on connecting with your local community, define your therapy niche, and invest in the right private practice tools for therapists to simplify your workflow.
Also, don’t forget: you don’t have to do it alone. Courses like the Private Practice Roadmap and Marketing Guide for Therapists are valuable resources to help you navigate everything from marketing to setting therapy fees.
Final Thoughts: Your Practice, Your Way
Keeley Summers’ journey from trauma survivor to private practice therapist shows that success isn’t linear. It’s built on passion, perseverance, and community. Whether you're building private practice from scratch or looking to grow your therapy practice, remember: your personal experiences can inform your mission, your marketing, and your impact.
Ready to start your private practice or grow your existing one? Whether you're going solo, joining a group therapy practice, or transitioning to a cash-pay therapy model, know that it's possible—and worth it.