Selling the Couch with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D. | We 3l5e1m

Today’s topic is at the heart of the Quiet Builder philosophy. The question is, “How do we design a business that s our lives, not swallows it?” This becomes increasingly important as the world grows more uncertain and our responsibilities grow daily. This episode is for anyone building a business that fits into real life, and not the other way around. You’ll Learn: My pandemic story of stepping back and reassessing my business 3 anchors for building a life-first business in an uncertain world: Design for margin, not maximum. Clarity comes from creating margin, not hustling. Deg for margin is how we stay well enough to serve others. Build products that don’t require your constant presence. Design for asymmetry, where value isn’t tied to one-to-one time. A life-first business scales impact, not just hours. Plan around what you can’t plan for. Your business should be designed to absorb disruption, not collapse under it. Strategies that work for me are “Walden months,” a hard growth ceiling on STC, and allowing maximum flexibility to travel when loved ones need extra help.  To sum up today’s topic: “A resilient business doesn’t break when life happens; it bends with grace.” Need help in this area? Check out 50 Free ChatGPT Prompts for Quiet Builders on our website. Sign up here for our new newsletter, The Quiet Builder, that comes out twice monthly.  Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Quiet Builder! 📬 The Quiet Builder: A newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder

Today’s session focuses on therapy work with men who struggle with “nice guy syndrome.” If you aren’t familiar with the term or wonder how that niche works in a private practice, us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Jonathan Rudiger, PsyD Jonathan Rudiger is a licensed psychologist who lives and works in the Nashville, TN, area. He was one of my clinical supervisors when I was at Vanderbilt, and he’s become a dear friend and mentor who helped shape me into who I am today. Besides his time at Vanderbilt, he has spent a number of years working at the VA and in various capacities in private practice. One of his areas of focus is with clients with “nice guy syndrome,” and he’s sharing about his work in this conversation. We will take a look at this unusual niche through a clinical lens and a business perspective. We wrap up with common mistakes therapists make when working with men who present as “nice guys” but are actually in a lot of pain.  LinkedIn (Website coming soon!) You’ll Learn: Jonathan’s path to finding a niche and deg a private practice around it Characteristics of the “nice guy syndrome” and typical patterns in relationships Issues inherent in “nice guy syndrome” include low self-esteem, shame, fear of rejection, and a fundamental dishonesty with themselves. Niching down defines the best space for your work and the place with the least chance of burnout. Going from a clinical explanation to real-world language in marketing (Storytelling is key!) Framing psychotherapy with storytelling empowers people to tell their stories. Common mistakes therapists make when working with “nice guy syndrome” clients: They assume that the nice demeanor means things are okay. Neglecting the role of shame Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Quiet Builder! 📬 The Quiet Builder: A newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder

Today’s session covers strategies for setting boundaries, managing client expectations, and raising rates. All of these tasks can be uncomfortable for clinicians, but we have expert tips for adjusting your mindset and understanding your value. us for more! Our Featured Guest Melody Wilding Melody Wilding, LMSW, has been in the coaching space for the past few years, doing amazing work through speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching. She recently wrote Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. “Managing up” refers to the process of navigating relationships and improving trust with people who have more power than you. We all want to lead well, but there are many opportunities to learn and improve in our leadership. Melody helps us discover how to set boundaries around our availability and tackle the uncomfortable process of raising rates. She shares the necessary mindset shifts to make in advocating for our value while keeping relationships intact, which is one of the most delicate situations for most clinicians.  Website and Book You’ll Learn: The clinician’s role in setting boundaries while providing customer service Importance of understanding power dynamics as a clinician Practical strategies for managing client expectations with clarity Key conversation elements to “manage up,” beginning with alignment Why hesitancy is normal around raising rates: How to have “the money conversation” Difference in the value you’ve already provided vs. the potential ROI going forward Clear communication regarding raising your rates Mindset shifts to empower you to raise your rates Creativity in adding value for clients without increasing your live time with them Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Quiet Builder! 📬 The Quiet Builder: A newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder

How do you know if your idea for an online course is a good one? Today’s session kicks off a three-part series about online courses and how to build a sustainable online course as a therapist. The most common question I get is about ideas for online courses. If you’ve thought about launching an online course but have some hesitancy, this episode will be helpful for you. I going through the dilemma of choosing course ideas and wondering which ones are good. It was overwhelming, but I found a way to determine if a course idea is good, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned.  You’ll Learn: The best course ideas aren’t invented but are discovered in the questions your people are already asking. Three anchors for validating a good course idea: Your audience is already dropping clues. Pay attention to how you are seen as an expert. If someone asks you the same question three times or more, that’s a signal. Validate before you build. Don’t spend time creating slides without validating your idea. Put together a poll or Google form to get . (Fathom.video is a helpful resource!) Don’t chase what’s trending; choose what’s enduring. Ask, “Will this course idea still be relevant 10-15 years from now?” Use AI tools to gather information. If you’re looking for a great free resource about your online course, check out our Course Creator Starter Kit. Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Quiet Builder! 📬 The Quiet Builder: A newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder

Are you a clinician in private practice who has considered taking insurance–but you just aren’t sure? Maybe you already take insurance, but are overwhelmed with navigating denials and rejections. Either way, today’s session is packed with helpful information and strategic tips. us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Jeremy Zug Jeremy Zug is a partner at Practice Solutions, which offers and insurance billing for therapists and private practices. Their mission is to partner with and empower providers to focus on patient care by removing the burden of billing. Jeremy shares information about denials and rejections, the difference between the two, and how to fix them. He also shares the top three reasons for denials and rejections. We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy as a returning guest to STC! Practice Solutions  You’ll Learn: What is a denial? The tricky layers of denials What is a rejection? (This is better than a denial and is usually fixable in a short amount of time.) Assessing your risk tolerance (low, medium, or high?) Fact: Some insurance companies are easier to work with than others. (Check their denial rates!) Insurance companies’ tactics to “control the spend” Jeremy’s advice about denials and appeals, especially for solo practitioners The top three reasons for denials: duplicate claim and service, coordination of benefits, and “denied for medical necessity” The top three reasons for rejections: credentialing issues, patient demographics, and “modifier inconsistent with place of service” The top actions therapists can take to fix denials and rejections: track them, look for a pattern/cause, and manage your insurance mixture An overview of Practice Solutions and their services (book, billing, and billing department ) Use this link for 20% off any of their services for STC listeners!  Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Quiet Builder! If hustle culture makes your soul itch. You'll love the quiet builder. It's for folks building businesses with heart, not hype. You can take a peek inside at https://sellingthecouch.com/builder.

Today’s session revolves around the phrase “quiet builder.” We are discussing the concept behind this phrase, as well as why this mindset is so vitally important in this day of political uncertainty, escalating AI technology, etc. You may wonder how you can build something meaningful without being loud, fast, and constantly online, and I honestly think about this concept very often. When I started Selling the Couch in 2015, I knew that I didn’t want to build my business like everyone else; my definition of success differs from what society pressures us to do to be successful as entrepreneurs. I wanted to embody a more holistic definition of success and well-being, and my purpose remains much bigger than simply building a successful business. me as we explore the idea of being a quiet builder. You’ll Learn: 3 Marks of a Quiet Builder: Quiet builders create from depth, not noise. They focus on long-form content. Quiet builders design their businesses around their lives, not the other way around.  They ask, “How do I build something I won’t resent 5-10 years from now?” Building with “margin” has become my goal. Quiet builders play the long game. They focus on timeless principles, like service, trust, and consistency as they look to cultivate a legacy. For building a values-driven, life-first business that goes against hustle culture messaging, our new newsletter that is published twice monthly. Learn more about The Quiet Builder Newsletter.  Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE —an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Welcome to this session about AI and SEO, very relevant topics to consider in today’s world of constantly evolving technology. SEO is what most clinicians have focused on for many years, but the online world is changing rapidly in the face of new advancements in AI. With these advances come new levels of fear, excitement, and uncertainty about AI’s role in content creation, SEO, and more. If you feel lost and need direction around these topics, today’s podcast session will be helpful and informative.  Our Featured Guest Mary Walker Mary Walker is the new owner of Simplified SEO Consulting, a firm dedicated to helping therapists and other professionals grow their practices through strategic search engine optimization. In this conversation, Mary explains how AI is enhancing SEO, how she sees website SEO evolving with AI, and some of the biggest mistakes therapists make with SEO and AI.  Simplified SEO Consulting You’ll Learn: Words of encouragement to clinicians about SEO Ways that AI is enhancing SEO (what we need to understand) Thoughts on changing your perspective if you’ve been fearful of AI Benefits of using social media and AI searches together Mary’s tips for maximizing SEO content on all platforms (Find out why YouTube is her #1 choice!) Don’t discount the effectiveness of video posts to share content and engage with your audience. Wisdom in balancing the frequency of social media posts and using AI tools to repurpose existing content (Mary recommends Pictory AI for easy video creation.) The scoop on schema markup–what it is and what it does (Find out more at schema.org.) Top SEO mistakes therapists make in the world of AI: Resisting change and being unwilling to adapt Writing content at a higher level, which AI doesn’t like Learn more about SEO with a free course and YouTube video series. Click here. Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE —an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Welcome! Today’s session kicks off a two-part series on podcasting for therapists. Today’s focus is on how podcasting can help you build something bigger than just a business and help establish you as a trusted voice that resonates far beyond the therapy room. If you are a therapist who has been wondering whether it’s time to expand your reach, this episode is for you. As I’ve grown as a podcaster, I’ve learned lessons about thinking of this skill set as a tool for reaching far beyond clinical work in serving others and growing a business. Even though I was initially surprised that people would even listen to my podcast, I’ve come to understand that podcasting for me wasn’t just about sharing content. It is simply “credibility building” in slow motion, but it’s not the loud credibility that permeates social media. It is the quiet kind that is built through consistency, trust, and service. You’ll Learn: In a noisy world, depth builds trust, and podcasting creates space for depth. Three ideas ing podcasting to build your thought leadership: Thought leadership begins with trust, and podcasting builds trust–one episode at a time. People follow voices that they trust, and podcasting gives them the time and space to be human and not just polished. Authenticity is a strength! Podcasting helps you organize and articulate your ideas. You learn to refine frameworks, language, and points of view. Podcasting positions you as a thoughtful voice in a noisy world. You don’t need to be the loudest; you need to be the most aligned. Going viral and building a massive audience has a lot of downsides. Therapists who podcast consistently become trusted voices.  Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE —an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Welcome to a new season of STC after a break of several weeks. I’m excited to be back with new sessions! Today’s topic to explore is the all-important question of why some offers sell well and others flop. I’m ed by my friend Prerna Malik! Our Featured Guest Prerna Malik Prerna has worked with well-known entrepreneurs like Pat Flynn as a conversion copywriter. She and I connected on LinkedIn, and I immediately saw that she comes from a place of integrity and wisdom. In this session, we discuss what offers are and the top three conversion secrets that make offers sell like crazy. You’ll find our conversation informational and inspirational.  Prerna's Website and Free Email Course You’ll Learn: What is an offer? (and what is it not?) Five key elements to an offer: The core offer Your unique mechanism Trust builders Desire drivers Objection demolishers Prerna’s top three conversion secrets to strong offers: Lead with emotion, simplicity, and clarity. Use specific messaging and positioning. Use -based urgency. Maximizing the impact of your copy on your audience The most common mistakes entrepreneurs make in their offers A conversion mistake most people make without realizing it Thoughts on bonus offers: “Every bonus should have a purpose; otherwise, it’s just fluff.” Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.   Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE —an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

If you've ever thought about starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the idea of keeping it up long-term, this episode is for you! Whether you're still dreaming of launching or you've already started and are feeling burnout, I'm here to share the habits that have completely transformed my approach to podcasting. Podcasting can be an incredibly powerful tool to extend your reach and grow your impact beyond the therapy room, but without a sustainable strategy, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. In today’s episode, I'll walk you through the 7 simple yet impactful habits that have changed my relationship with podcasting and made this endeavor sustainable for the long haul. Get ready to hear how you can implement these practices into your own podcasting journey and finally create a process that works for YOU! You’ll Learn:  7 habits that have changed everything for me: Design for longevity, not growth. Learn how I structure my podcast schedule around the life I want. Capture ideas daily. I use a private Slack channel to keep podcast ideas and give me a pipeline of new content. Follow a repeatable episode outline. Establish a framework for solo and guest episodes, and use solo episodes to invite people to your products and services. Batch record on off-months. I record January and February episodes in November and December and keep 3-6 episodes “in the bank” to create a buffer and flexibility. Warm up my voice and energy before recording. There are simple habits (tea, deep breathing, diction exercises, etc.) that work to help me treat my podcast like a speaking engagement. Promote my own offers first, and not just sponsors. Research shows that podcasters are the most trusted media personalities, and inviting people in through dynamic ads is a game changer. (Check out Captivate and the discount available for STC listeners.) Engage with listeners on a regular basis. Ask listeners what topics they want you to cover. Podcasting is not a one-way street! Resources: Try our FREE Podcasting Workshop to learn more. Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

If you’ve ever thought about creating an online course or made preparations to launch a course, today’s show should bring you clarity and inspiration. We are discussing five indicators that you are ready to launch that course you’ve considered. us to learn more! You’ll Learn: My online course journey and how it all began for me The biggest lessons I learned from my multiple fears of getting started Are you ready to launch your online course? Here are five signs to help you say YES! You are looking for a scalable impact. (Do you have a bigger vision?) You have mastered a specific skill or have become a known expert in a particular niche. You have a ion for teaching. You are open to learning new skills. You are willing to validate your idea.  My belief: “Every therapist has an online course inside them.”  Our free email course can help you become a course creator! Find it here. Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Private practice is often seen as the golden goose that brings everything clinicians hope for. However, there are many nuances to consider, as well as factors that can add significant stress to your life. This stress can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and questions about why you chose this route in the first place. us for today’s conversation! Our Featured GuestJames Childress James Childress is a A whose practice primarily focuses on working with therapists, giving him a unique perspective on today’s topic. In this episode, we cover the top three uncomfortable aspects of private practice that can lead to imbalance and big problems. James shares insights that help us better understand business ownership, financial stability, and the seasonal nature of private practice. James' Website You’ll Learn:Common factors that lead clinicians into private practice and entrepreneurship Key considerations before launching into private practice The importance of trusting your gut and paying attention to the data Uncomfortable Truths About Private Practice Finances:There is a size of private practice that is inherently unstable. (This is a normal phase to through.) Assessing your supervisor/ load is critical to maintaining balance. Therapists often strive to succeed in every area and “want it all.” Additional Insights:The need for balanced growth and attracting more people into the field Ensuring the external environment aligns with the internal environment Achieving product-market fit for long-term sustainability Resources:Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! here! Want to launch your online course? Check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you’re a seasoned therapist transitioning from clinical work to online course income, our mastermind group! We meet to build, grow, and scale online courses. Learn more here.

Today’s session covers a topic that many clinicians are pondering. Many, like me, are having conversations with themselves in their heads about the available opportunities and the most efficient and ethical ways not to be left behind as technology presents new options in our field. The issue is how we can navigate the world of mental health tech startups that are available to us to our good work. Examples of what these startups provide are electronic health records, website design, marketing, and more. The truth is that the pandemic changed everything and catapulted the tech startup world into the range of billions of dollars. Don’t miss my enlightening conversation with today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Michael Fulwiler Michael Fulwiler is Head of Brand Marketing at Heard, a company that assists therapists with bookkeeping and financial needs. I’ve come to rely on Mike’s expertise as a good friend as I navigate the aspects of STC, trying to be a protector of our field while staying in alignment with my values. In this session, Mike and I discuss the mindblowing numbers around the multitude of mental health tech startups and how clinicians can be informed about which ones are most likely to succeed or fail. We also discuss the vitally important topic of client data privacy and the top three considerations we should have before g up for a product or service.  Heard Website You’ll Learn:  How to view tech startups in the mental health industry in of “headwind” and “tailwind” tendencies since the COVID-19 pandemic What the data shows about tech startups: 90% will fail! Why the big risk also comes with big opportunities in the startup world What happens when a clinician contracts with a mental health tech startup Why client data privacy is a valid concern when working with a tech startup (Hear Mike’s advice about watching out for red flags!) Top three considerations for a therapist about a tech startup: How they handle the data  Whether or not there is a mental health professional on their team who helps with decisions and development How compensation for therapists is structured Mike’s advice about doing your due diligence when ed by a tech startup An overview of Mike’s work and mission at Heard and what they provide for therapists Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/thehealthcasters   Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

This will be the last episode for a month or so as I take a break to get ahead on some projects and take extra time to recharge. Today’s session is in response to a frequent question about optimizing your LinkedIn profile. I don’t pretend to be a LinkedIn expert, but I have learned some valuable lessons in the past two years of using this platform. As I share screens and info with you today, you may find it more helpful to watch the YouTube video rather than simply listen to the audio. So many people are curious about LinkedIn and how to use it best, so I’m happy to share some of my insights today! You’ll Learn: View your profile as a landing page, not a sales page.  Tips for your banner (Canva is a great resource!), profile picture, text, and graphics My philosophy when trying something new: “Get going, get good, and then get smart.” Including credibility and social proof in your LI profile Beware of playing the analytics game! Taplio is a great resource for scheduling LI posts. Structure your “About” section with an emphasis on storytelling. Gauge your level of engagement with your ideal client. Be clear and simple about your call to action. Connect with your audience on a deeper level through your “Featured” section. Thoughts about maximizing the impact of your “Activity” section Tips for other sections on your LI profile Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: STC Elite STC Elite, our mastermind for therapists creating their first online courses, is open for enrollment. If you've been thinking about creating an online course and have been a fan of the STC podcast and are looking to launch your online course in a community of other therapists, you can check out the mastermind over at sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Or you can our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help validate your course idea that's over at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

I’ve thought a lot about this topic and want to share more about it today. You might wonder why I don’t want to become social media famous since being active in thought leadership and content creation seems to require a certain degree of social media involvement. People “hang out” on social media platforms, but my impact on the world is not dependent on being a social media influencer. Let’s explore this topic! You’ll Learn: Fame is more accessible than ever today. The path I’ve chosen values peace, depth, and privacy over chasing online recognition. Three key reasons why I don’t seek social media fame (and powerful reflection questions for you to consider): The illusion of fame as a solution to personal insecurities The lesson: If you aren’t grounded before you attract attention, more attention will only amplify your struggles. The emotional toll of public exposure The lesson: When you have a platform, you aren’t simply sharing content, but you are influencing people’s emotions, choices, and mental health.  The erosion of personal privacy The lesson: Privacy is precious, and I want to build a business that s my life, not one that makes me feel like I’m on display.  My thoughts here are influenced by an impactful 2007 blog post by Tim Ferriss. You can check it out here.  Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: STC Elite STC Elite, our mastermind for therapists creating their first online courses, is open for enrollment. If you've been thinking about creating an online course and have been a fan of the STC podcast and are looking to launch your online course in a community of other therapists, you can check out the mastermind over at sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Or you can our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help validate your course idea that's over at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you've ever thought about starting a podcast but felt overwhelmed by the idea of keeping it up long-term, this episode is for you! Whether you're still dreaming of launching or you've already started and are feeling burnout, I'm here to share the habits that have completely transformed my approach to podcasting. Podcasting can be an incredibly powerful tool to extend your reach and grow your impact beyond the therapy room, but without a sustainable strategy, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos. In today’s episode, I'll walk you through the 7 simple yet impactful habits that have changed my relationship with podcasting and made this endeavor sustainable for the long haul. Get ready to hear how you can implement these practices into your own podcasting journey and finally create a process that works for YOU! You’ll Learn:  7 habits that have changed everything for me: Design for longevity, not growth. Learn how I structure my podcast schedule around the life I want. Capture ideas daily. I use a private Slack channel to keep podcast ideas and give me a pipeline of new content. Follow a repeatable episode outline. Establish a framework for solo and guest episodes, and use solo episodes to invite people to your products and services. Batch record on off-months. I record January and February episodes in November and December and keep 3-6 episodes “in the bank” to create a buffer and flexibility. Warm up my voice and energy before recording. There are simple habits (tea, deep breathing, diction exercises, etc.) that work to help me treat my podcast like a speaking engagement. Promote my own offers first, and not just sponsors. Research shows that podcasters are the most trusted media personalities, and inviting people in through dynamic ads is a game changer. (Check out Captivate and the discount available for STC listeners.) Engage with listeners on a regular basis. Ask listeners what topics they want you to cover. Podcasting is not a one-way street! Resources: Try our FREE Podcasting Workshop to learn more. Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: STC Elite STC Elite, our mastermind for therapists creating their first online courses, is open for enrollment. If you've been thinking about creating an online course and have been a fan of the STC podcast and are looking to launch your online course in a community of other therapists, you can check out the mastermind over at sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Or you can our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help validate your course idea that's over at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

Today’s session highlights important questions to ask for solo or group practices about hiring an intake coordinator. Is this a smart move for your practice? Let’s dive into this topic and discuss barometers by which to measure and consider if an intake coordinator makes sense for your practice right now. Our Featured Guest Uriah Guilford Uriah Guilford is a group practice owner based in northern California. He also owns Productive Therapist, which provides virtual assistants and intake coordinators for therapy practices. Uriah has been a group practice owner since 2015 and has a lot of wisdom to share about the journey to hire and train an intake coordinator. We cover all the bases on this topic, including if hiring an intake coordinator makes sense for your practice and the most common responsibilities of an intake coordinator that can help you reclaim valuable hours in your day. We also cover data privacy, how an intake coordinator should handle this, and the top mistakes clinicians make in hiring for this role. We wrap up with the metrics in determining when an intake coordinator is a great fit for your practice.  Productive Therapist You’ll Learn: The purpose and role of an intake coordinator Trends in intake processes—what works best? Too many options confuse and overwhelm people looking for therapy. Is it time for me to hire an intake coordinator? How do I know? (Take Uriah’s quiz to find out!) How an intake coordinator can help you grow your practice Uriah’s opinion on the importance of an intake coordinator: “Your Intake Coordinator is the MVP of your practice.” Understanding when to delegate to your intake coordinator Uriah’s journey of letting go and transitioning responsibilities to his intake coordinator Top responsibilities of an intake coordinator Considerations about data privacy for your practice and your intake coordinator Solutions when your intake coordinator is sick or away on vacation Uriah’s advice on hiring (and retaining) intake coordinators for growing practices Top mistakes therapists make in hiring an intake coordinator Important considerations in training an intake coordinator Solid metrics to determine if an intake coordinator is right for you Uriah’s course, The Intake Coordinator Starter Pack: Find the course here and use the discount code “STC” for 25% off! Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: STC Elite STC Elite, our mastermind for therapists creating their first online courses, is open for enrollment. If you've been thinking about creating an online course and have been a fan of the STC podcast and are looking to launch your online course in a community of other therapists, you can check out the mastermind over at sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Or you can our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help validate your course idea that's over at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you’ve ever thought about creating an online course or made preparations to launch a course, today’s show should bring you clarity and inspiration. We are discussing five indicators that you are ready to launch that course you’ve considered. us to learn more! You’ll Learn: My online course journey and how it all began for me The biggest lessons I learned from my multiple fears of getting started Are you ready to launch your online course? Here are five signs to help you say YES! You are looking for a scalable impact. (Do you have a bigger vision?) You have mastered a specific skill or have become a known expert in a particular niche. You have a ion for teaching. You are open to learning new skills. You are willing to validate your idea.  My belief: “Every therapist has an online course inside them.”  Our free email course can help you become a course creator! Find it here. Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Alma Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Private practice is often seen as the golden goose that brings everything clinicians hope for. However, there are many nuances to consider, as well as factors that can add significant stress to your life. This stress can lead to overwhelm, burnout, and questions about why you chose this route in the first place. us for today’s conversation! Our Featured GuestJames Childress James Childress is a A whose practice primarily focuses on working with therapists, giving him a unique perspective on today’s topic. In this episode, we cover the top three uncomfortable aspects of private practice that can lead to imbalance and big problems. James shares insights that help us better understand business ownership, financial stability, and the seasonal nature of private practice. James' Website You’ll Learn:Common factors that lead clinicians into private practice and entrepreneurship Key considerations before launching into private practice The importance of trusting your gut and paying attention to the data Uncomfortable Truths About Private Practice Finances:There is a size of private practice that is inherently unstable. (This is a normal phase to through.) Assessing your supervisor/ load is critical to maintaining balance. Therapists often strive to succeed in every area and “want it all.” Additional Insights:The need for balanced growth and attracting more people into the field Ensuring the external environment aligns with the internal environment Achieving product-market fit for long-term sustainability Resources:Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! here! Want to launch your online course? Check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you’re a seasoned therapist transitioning from clinical work to online course income, our mastermind group! We meet to build, grow, and scale online courses. Learn more here. Mentioned in this episode: Alma Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

If you’ve been thinking about posting more on LinkedIn or if you’re curious about how to best use this social media platform, today’s show is for you. It took me a long time to understand the purpose of LinkedIn and how it can be beneficial in connecting me to the right followers. me for an honest look at my experience and the biggest lessons learned. You’ll Learn: 5 lessons learned over the last 2 years on LinkedIn: The magic is in the DMs. Focusing on thoughtful relationships is better than chasing followers. LinkedIn’s search tool is amazingly helpful for making connections. The algorithm will always change. Don’t chase trends, but focus on consistency and diversified content. Experiment on LinkedIn, but don’t overthink the metrics. Watch out for growth gurus. Be wary of those who over-promise and under-deliver. I’m more interested in posting things that will help a young therapist like I used to be. Followers are less relevant than you think. It’s about the right people—not ALL people. Try creator mode and curate your network intentionally. The daily posting game is a slow burn. I’ve learned to pace myself in posting. I would rather focus on slower growth in followers and have consistency and sustainability. Connect with me on LinkedIn! Resources: Interested in becoming part of our program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Alma Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming istrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You your clients. Alma s you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.