Saltwater Coaching and Consulting helps therapists turn burnout into success, offering clear systems and mindset tools for sustainable private practice.
When Denielle Rigoglioso-Lambert stepped away from the fast-paced, high-pressure world of Virginia’s community mental health system, she was ready for a change, not just for herself, but for the hundreds of therapists who, like her, were overwhelmed and burnt out. What she created through Saltwater Coaching and Consulting was nothing short of transformative, not only for her own career but for countless others who were ready to take control of their professional lives.
Denielle’s journey from agency burnout to entrepreneurial success became the catalyst for Saltwater Coaching and Consulting. Her decade-long career in community mental health, where she built and managed two of the largest agencies in Virginia, overseeing a staff of 150 and managing multimillion-dollar operations, appeared on the outside to be the epitome of success. Yet, the relentless pace of leadership, the unending pressure, and the sacrifice of personal balance eventually took its toll. Denielle realized that despite her achievements, she was emotionally drained, financially strained, and without the sustainable career she desired.
This realization led to a powerful breakthrough, she made the decision to leave the agency model behind and build something entirely different, something that would give her the freedom, income, and lifestyle she dreamed of. Her private practice, established soon after, quickly became proof that it was possible to not only thrive professionally but to do so on her own terms. In less than 90 days, she was working a three-day week, earning a consistent six-figure income, and spending more time with her family. It was this personal success that laid the foundation for Saltwater Coaching and Consulting and its signature program, the 9-Thrive Private Practice Accelerator.
Redefining Success for Therapists
Saltwater Coaching and Consulting was founded with a singular mission: to help therapists stop merely surviving and start truly thriving. Too many mental health professionals are highly trained in clinical skills but receive little to no training in business strategy. This knowledge gap often results in burnout, financial struggles, and a sense of being trapped in an unsustainable practice. Denielle recognized that therapists needed not just skills in business, but a roadmap for integrating professional success with personal well-being.
At the heart of Saltwater Coaching is the Freedom + Profit Method, a carefully crafted approach that blends clear, actionable systems with mindset development. Denielle is quick to point out that therapists don’t need to accumulate endless certifications or rely on flashy marketing tactics to succeed. What they need are frameworks that allow them to set proper pricing for their services, attract the right clients, and establish firm boundaries that protect their well-being.
“Profit without freedom is just another job and road to burnout,” Denielle says, offering a philosophy that speaks directly to the heart of the struggles many therapists face. Saltwater Coaching, she explains, is dedicated to helping therapists build practices that provide both financial stability and personal balance, a rare and precious combination.
A Different Kind of Coaching
What truly sets Saltwater Coaching and Consulting apart from other business coaching programs is its focus on the mental health field and her hands in approach. Denielle’s methods are not based on generic business strategies but are informed by her firsthand experience in the mental health industry. The coaching model is deliberately high-touch, providing clients with feedback, tailored strategies, and ongoing support.
The flagship offering, the 9-Thrive Private Practice Accelerator, is a comprehensive program designed to help therapists build sustainable businesses that align with their values. The program guides participants through developing a solid business structure while addressing the internal barriers, such as limiting beliefs or fear of success, that can impede growth. Therapists in the program learn how to set aligned pricing, manage client caseloads without experiencing burnout, and scale their practices in a sustainable way.
Client Success Stories: The Proof Is in the Results
The impact of Saltwater Coaching’s approach is reflected in the success stories of its clients. For some therapists, this means reaching milestones like their first $10,000 month. For others, it’s about reclaiming their time, such as having the freedom to pick up their children from school without worrying about their caseload or being able to take long weekends without guilt. Beyond these tangible results, however, many clients share stories of newfound confidence and clarity. They report feeling empowered to reimagine what their professional lives can look like, knowing that balance, fulfillment, and success are all within reach.
Impact Across the Profession
As Saltwater Coaching continues to grow, Denielle’s message is resonating far beyond her own client base. She has shared her insights on podcasts, at continuing education events, and through national platforms focused on entrepreneurship within the therapy field. Her perspective challenges the conventional wisdom that burnout is just part of the job for therapists. By promoting a more balanced approach to success, she is shifting the narrative across the profession.
This shift is critical, Denielle argues, as it empowers therapists to break free from the traditional mindset that success must come at the cost of personal well-being. Saltwater Coaching’s growth reflects a broader movement in the mental health field: one that acknowledges that financial success and personal balance can, and should, coexist.
Looking Toward the Future
Saltwater Coaching and Consulting is continuously evolving to meet the needs of therapists at every stage of their journey. The 9-Thrive Private Practice Accelerator is constantly being refined to offer even more resources, ensuring that support is available for both those starting out in private practice and those looking to scale existing businesses.
Denielle’s goal is clear: to help therapists move from surviving to thriving, from burnout to balance, and from financial strain to success. Saltwater Coaching’s philosophy remains steadfast, that financial health and personal well-being are interconnected and not mutually exclusive.
Learn More
If you’re ready to create the private practice of your dreams, one that offers both freedom and profitability, Saltwater Coaching and Consulting is here to help. To learn more about the 9-Thrive Private Practice Accelerator and how it can transform your career, visit www.saltwatercoachingandconsulting.com or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and in the Therapy CEO Facebook community. Let’s create a practice that works for you, not the other way around.
