We recently connected with Adam Tripp and have shared our conversation below.

Adam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

My journey to starting my practice wasn’t a sudden leap but more of an evolution built on a decade of experience. I had spent 10 years working in various roles within the treatment industry, seeing firsthand what worked, what didn’t, and where the gaps were. During that time, I’d also started doing some private coaching and consulting on the side. It was meaningful work, connecting with clients and helping them navigate their paths, but it wasn’t growing. My “marketing strategy,” if you could call it that, was purely word-of-mouth referrals. It was steady, but small-scale.

The real turning point came during a conversation with a dear friend. They saw my passion and unique perspective and called me out on playing small. That conversation was the spark I needed. It crystallized my desire to stop just doing sessions and instead “go all in”—to build an authentic brand around my services and the core philosophy that had always guided me.

That philosophy has always been about meeting clients exactly where they are and supporting whatever pathway works for them to achieve recovery and well-being. In an industry that often leans heavily towards 12-step recovery as the primary solution, my approach of embracing multiple pathways is admittedly unconventional. Recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all, and I wanted to create a space that truly honored that.

This conviction extended to interventions as well. Having participated in more traditional interventions, often using the Johnson Model, I saw the potential for them to be unnecessarily confrontational and sometimes even traumatic for families. There had to be a better, more compassionate, yet effective way. That need slowly drove me to craft, refine, and eventually formalize what became The Mantra Model of Intervention – an approach built on systemic family healing and minimizing harm.

So, fueled by that pivotal conversation and a clear vision for an unconventional, client-centered brand offering unique approaches like the Mantra Model, I decided it was time to build a proper practice. That’s when the real work began—the practical, often daunting task of establishing the firm from the ground up. But I also knew well enough to recognize that I couldn’t do it alone. I was deeply aware of my strengths and limitations, and I understood that building something sustainable would require partnership, not just passion. That’s when I approached my best friend, CJ.

CJ is a natural connector—a networking powerhouse with an energy that draws people in. Having him by my side would challenge me to step outside my comfort zone and lean into the growth that makes success possible. His complementary strengths—his drive, ability to build genuine relationships quickly, and relentless optimism—would perfectly balance my vision and strategy. Together, we weren’t just founding a business but creating a movement rooted in authenticity, collaboration, and fearless innovation.

Main Steps & Key Challenges:

Solidifying the Brand & Digital Foundation:
The first step was translating that vision into a tangible brand. This meant nailing down the practice name, the core mission, and how to articulate my unconventional “any pathway” philosophy clearly. Since I operate from a home office, the focus wasn’t on finding physical space, but on building a strong digital one. As a graphic designer, I had the advantage – and the significant task – of creating everything myself: the logo, the visual identity, and initial content. Establishing the right “vibe” for the brand was crucial – authentic, compassionate, and professional. The following primary phase was building the online presence: methodically setting up social media pages on relevant platforms and, the biggest job, building the website from scratch. A key challenge quickly emerged: realizing that simply having a website wasn’t enough. I had to dive into the steep learning curve of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) basics to ensure people could find me online. That felt like a whole new skill set to conquer!

The Legal & Financial Maze:
This was the steepest learning curve outside my core expertise. Registering the business (I opted for an LLC), getting an EIN from the IRS, and opening a dedicated business bank account were concrete steps that made it feel official. Financially, I had saved up a cushion, but budgeting for unpredictable income while managing start-up costs (software, website hosting, marketing tools) was stressful. Initially, cash flow was king, and managing it felt like a full-time job.

Setting Up Systems:
I needed operational infrastructure beyond the website and branding. This meant setting up reliable phone/internet service for professional use and establishing client management, scheduling, and record-keeping systems. Maintaining confidentiality and professionalism was paramount, even without being bound by strict HIPAA regulations for all services offered. This involved researching and choosing the right tools or software that fit my workflow and budget. Again, the challenge was wearing all the hats – practitioner, graphic designer, web developer, SEO specialist, admin assistant, bookkeeper. It was exhilarating but overwhelming at times.

Building a Presence & Getting Clients:
Just because the website was live didn’t mean clients would instantly appear! Moving beyond word-of-mouth required intentional, strategic effort. We had to actively put ourselves out there through emerging online channels, network digitally and in person with colleagues and potential referral sources, and consistently share thoughtful content that reflected our philosophy and values. But we didn’t stop there—we made it our mission to get in front of anyone who would have us. We showed up at every networking event, every open house, every professional mixer we could find. Whether it was five people or fifty, we were there, engaging, listening, connecting. And we didn’t let those efforts go unnoticed—we documented and shared them across social media platforms to amplify our visibility and reinforce our commitment to showing up. Building trust and reputation from scratch took time, patience, and relentless consistency, but every handshake, every post, every conversation was a step toward credibility and connection.

What I’d Do Differently:

Hindsight is always 20/20!

Invest in Systems Sooner:
I tried to bootstrap everything initially. From day one, I should have invested in better practice management and accounting software. It would have saved countless hours and headaches later.

Seek Mentorship Earlier:
I eventually found mentors, but I wish I’d actively sought out experienced practice owners before I even launched. Learning from their mistakes and successes would have been invaluable. Don’t be afraid to ask for guidance.

Budget More Time for Admin:
I underestimated the sheer amount of time business-related tasks would take. I would have blocked out dedicated admin time from the very beginning instead of trying to squeeze it in between clients.

Don’t Be Afraid to Delegate (Small Stuff):
Even early on, outsourcing small tasks like basic bookkeeping or social media scheduling could have freed up mental energy for core activities. You don’t have to do everything.

Advice for Young Professionals:

Know Your ‘Why’ & Your Niche:
Get solid experience first. Understand the field, identify gaps, and determine why you must start your practice. What unique value will you bring? Don’t just hang a shingle because you want to be your boss.

Build Your Network Now:
You can start building relationships with peers, potential mentors, and referral sources long before you plan to launch. Your network is your lifeline.

Learn Business Basics:
You’re not just a practitioner; you’re a business owner. Take an introductory course, read books, or talk to people about finance, marketing, and operations. Understanding these fundamentals is crucial.

Start Lean & Have a Cushion:
Don’t go into massive debt for a fancy office right away. Start small, test your model, and grow organically. Critically, save up at least 6-12 months of personal and business operating expenses. It takes time to become profitable.

Embrace Imperfection:
You will make mistakes. Things won’t go perfectly to plan. See challenges as learning opportunities, adapt quickly, and keep moving forward. Resilience is key.

Guard Your Well-being:
Passion is essential, and so is sustainability. Set boundaries, prioritize self-care, and build a practice that supports your life, not consumes it. Burnout is a real risk when you’re pouring everything into your venture.

Starting my practice was one of the most challenging and rewarding things I’ve ever done. It’s a journey of constant learning, but the ability to build something meaningful from the ground up is incredible. If you have that fire and a clear vision, go for it—do it with your eyes wide open!

Adam, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For those who may not have read about me before, here’s a bit about who I am, what I do, and why I do it.

My journey into this work is rooted in personal transformation. I come to this field not just with professional training, but with over 20 years of lived experience with addiction. When I got sober in 2013, I experienced a profound shift—not just in my own life, but in my ability to connect with others who were still struggling. I quickly realized that I had a gift for reaching people where they were, speaking their language, and building trust with fellow addicts and alcoholics in a way that felt safe, compassionate, and real. That realization became the foundation of everything I do today.

I work in a space that blends clinical insight with personal authenticity. Our practice is centered around a client-first philosophy, offering holistic, deeply individualized support for people navigating addiction recovery, mental health challenges, and personal transformation. One of the cornerstones of our approach is the Mantra Model—a proprietary intervention modality we pioneered. This model was born from lived experience, field-tested insights, and a commitment to doing things differently. The Mantra Model blends motivational interviewing, narrative reframing, and long-term family engagement with mindfulness, purpose-building, and systems-based support. It’s designed to initiate and sustain recovery through ongoing relational investment and personalized care.

The problems we solve go beyond addiction alone. Many clients feel isolated, misunderstood, or like they’ve tried everything and nothing has worked. We’re here for those moments of stuckness—when someone is ready to change, but doesn’t know how. We walk them through the fear, shame, and resistance, and help them reconnect with who they are beneath it all.

What sets us apart is the radical empathy and authenticity we bring to our work. This isn’t a cookie-cutter program. We don’t wear masks. Our team includes people with lived experience and professional credentials, and that combination creates a space where people feel truly seen and understood. My co-founder CJ and I built this practice from the ground up, and every part of it reflects our values: real connection, fierce compassion, and relentless hope.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve cultivated. We’ve created something that helps individuals heal and inspires them to become powerful forces of change in their own families, communities, and careers. That ripple effect is the most rewarding part of what we do.

For potential clients, followers, and collaborators, I want you to know that we’re not here to fix you—we’re here to walk beside you as you discover your power, clarity, and path to healing. This work is personal, purposeful, and just getting started.

How’d you meet your business partner?

I met CJ while working as the Facilities Manager at Turtle Creek Recovery Center. It wasn’t a clinical role, but I always went far beyond the scope of my job description—I facilitated groups, spent time connecting with clients one-on-one, and made it a point to show up for people in ways that felt real and human. That’s how I met CJ. At the time, he was what we affectionately called a “frequent flyer”—someone who had been through the program multiple times, still caught in the cycle but not giving up.

Despite the challenges he was facing, there was something about CJ that stood out to me. We connected on a deep level, in part because our stories mirrored each other in meaningful ways. Mutual respect and authenticity in our interactions formed the foundation of a real friendship. Even after his time at Turtle Creek, we stayed in touch. I had the privilege of watching his transformation unfold over the years—from struggling addict to the powerhouse of purpose and leadership he is today.

Seeing CJ evolve and rise to his full potential was inspiring. It made it clear to me that he was someone I wanted by my side when it was time to build something bigger. His lived experience, resilience, and natural ability to connect with people make him an irreplaceable part of our mission. Our story is one of full-circle recovery, rooted in mutual growth and the belief that people can change—and that those people can help others change, too.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond education or credentials, authenticity and the ability to form real, human connections are ingredients for success in this field. You can have all the certifications in the world, but if you can’t meet someone where they are—if you can’t speak to their experience with honesty and empathy—none of it matters. People in recovery, or any personal transformation, have strong radar for what’s real and what’s performative. Being yourself, sharing your story, and showing up with consistency and integrity builds trust; trust is everything in this work.

When CJ and I launched our practice, we were new and doing things differently from the traditional models. We weren’t backed by a large institution or following a cookie-cutter path. We intentionally went against the grain, choosing a relational, client-centered approach, prioritizing presence over protocols. That came with challenges. We had to prove ourselves, not just by talking about what we could do, but by doing it repeatedly, for every client who trusted us enough to give us a shot.

It wasn’t easy. We had moments of doubt, wondering if the industry would take us seriously. But what kept us going was the feedback from the people we served—the ones who told us, “You see me,” or “This is the first time I’ve felt understood.” That validated everything.

So yes, knowledge matters. But in this field, what truly moves the needle is showing up authentically, connecting deeply, and holding space for fundamental transformation. That’s the work—and that’s what sets meaningful practitioners apart.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mantrarecovery.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mantrarecovery
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mantrarecovery214
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamtripp

Image Credits

Dylan Hollingsworth