Episodes
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If youâve ever said, âIâd love to make a CE course someday,â this episode is for you.
I sat down with Leo DeRock to unpack the five biggest reasons therapists stay stuckâand how you can finally get moving. Whether itâs fear of tech, the sound of your voice, or just not knowing where to start, weâve been there.
Weâre breaking it all down so you can take one simple step toward a course that helps others... and earns you income beyond the session.
Top 3 Reasons to Listen:Youâll realize you donât need a full course to beginâjust a single blog post can start the journey.
Youâll get permission to be imperfect (your first is your worstâbut itâs the only path to your best).
Youâll leave with clarity, encouragement, and real next steps.
Timestamped Highlights:00:03:00 â How Leoâs Counselorâs Choice Award is helping clean up CE clutter (and spotlight whatâs actually good)
00:06:50 â Reason #1: It seems too hard to get started â The elephant-sized course myth (and why a one-page blog post is often your best first step)
00:11:10 â Reason #2: âIâll do it somedayâ â How delay becomes default, and what snapped me out of it
00:14:50 â Reason #3: I donât like the sound of my own voice â Why your cringe is someone elseâs clarity
00:18:03 â Reason #4: Tech feels overwhelming â If you can share your screen on Zoom, you can record a course (really)
00:20:30 â Reason #5: Accreditation confusion â What I wish more therapists knew about âofficialâ CE credit (and how to avoid the bureaucracy trap)
00:26:40 â The one piece of advice Leo would shout from the rooftops: get an accountability buddy
Resources & Mentions:â Register here for our Course Idea to Paycheck Workshop â coursecreationstudio.com/idea-to-paycheck
Register for the workshop here: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ideatopaycheck and use code CCA to receive $10 off.
Thursday, June 26 | 10 AMâ12 PM ET | Replay availableMore CE resources and ethical tools: counselorschoiceaward.com
My go-to editing tool for clean audio and easy presentation: Descript
Closing Thought:If this conversation stirred something in you, donât wait for the âperfect time.â Share it with a friend, or better yet, be someoneâs accountability buddy.
Letâs take your mission and turn it into a message that lasts.
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STP 119 | Progress Over Perfection: Escaping the Overthinking Trap
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, James Marland explores how overthinking quietly robs therapists, coaches, and helpers of progress. What feels like productivity is often just a delay tactic rooted in fear.If youâve been stuck in analysis modeâwaiting to make the ârightâ move for your course, your business, or your next stepâthis conversation will help you move from thinking to doing.
Youâll learn how to break free from indecision, make peace with imperfect action, and move forward with clarity and purpose.
What Youâll Learn:
The hidden cost of overthinking (itâs not just timeâitâs momentum)How perfectionism disguises itself as âdoing researchâ7 small but powerful ways to get unstuckWhy your brain wants safetyâbut your calling wants movementTimestamps & Topics:
00:00 â Why overthinking feels productive (but isnât)01:00 â Invitation: June 26 CE Course Workshop (Register here)02:02 â Too many choices: The therapistâs crossroads dilemma03:23 â Every decision has a cost (time, energy, opportunity)04:29 â The screwdriver story: When small choices become paralyzing06:17 â Coping vs. growing: The real reason overthinking persists07:28 â The ârocking chairâ metaphor for mental spinning08:00 â Jamesâs real-life LinkedIn struggle and decision09:10 â The 80% Rule: Why certainty isnât required to act10:39 â Why being busy isnât the same as progress11:33 â 7 Tips to Escape Overthinking:
Start with what you knowApply the 80% ruleDone is better than perfectTrust yourselfSet gentle deadlinesAccept that risk is part of growthAnchor decisions to your personal vision
16:26 â You donât need a perfect planâjust the right screwdriver17:48 â Jamesâs daily vision and goal system18:33 â Final encouragement: Choose progress, not perfectionWorkshop Mentioned:
đŻ Course Idea to Paycheck Workshop
đ June 26, 10AMâ12PM EST
đ Register here: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ideatopaycheck -
Episodes manquant?
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STP 118 | How to Free Yourself from Low Pay Work with Murray Cowell
Hosted by: James Marland
Episode Overview
Podcast: Scaling Therapy Practice
Guest: Murray Cowell, Founder of Accelerando Ltd.Hello, friend! Iâm James Marland, host of Scaling Therapy Practice, and today Iâm talking with the wise and experienced Murray Cowell, founder of Accelerando Ltd., about how to transition from corporate life to running a thriving training and course creation business.
Murray brings over 25 years of experience in learning and development, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Whether youâre a therapist trying to escape the hamster wheel of insurance billing or a corporate coach wanting to launch your own programs, this episode is packed with hard-won wisdom and actionable steps.
In This Episode, Youâll Learn:
How to shift from corporate work to self-employment with clarity and focus â and why many get stuck in the âmessy middle.âWhy solo trainers and therapists undercharge â and the strategies to raise your rates and attract premium clients.How to break free from low-paid associate work by creating your own branded training offers or online courses.Episode Highlights & Timestamps
[00:00] Welcome & Guest Intro
I introduce Murray Cowell and share how I discovered his work through a masterclass that truly impressed me. Murray runs Accelerando Ltd., helping corporate trainers grow independent businesses.[02:00] Murrayâs Corporate-to-Entrepreneur Journey
From retail management to HR at IBM to becoming a full-time trainer, Murray shares how he followed curiosity, took big risks, and landed in entrepreneurship.[05:00] The Trap of Doing Too Much
Murray talks about running both a training business and a marketing agency â and why dividing your energy can stall your success.[06:30] Shiny Object Syndrome & Entrepreneurial Distraction
We dive into how creative minds (yes, like yours!) often chase new ideas, and why that can be a problem if not handled intentionally.[08:00] Associate Work vs. Direct Clients
Murray explains why many trainers and therapists get stuck doing associate work â and how theyâre leaving serious money on the table.âIf you're earning half of what you could, you're doing twice the work.â
[11:00] Murrayâs Struggles with Course Launches
Even experienced trainers can have failed launches. Murray shares how his first email marketing course flopped â and what he learned about co-creating courses with his audience.[16:00] The Power of Pilots and Feedback
One of the biggest takeaways: donât build your course in isolation. Pilot it. Test it. Adjust it.[18:00] Rebuilding After Failure
Murray talks about taking a high-level role at a global sales training company â and how it gave him the insights and tools he now uses to help solo trainers grow.[20:00] Creating the Success Cycle
He breaks down how to escape the low-pay hamster wheel and build a training business that brings in consistent, well-paid work â without burning out.[22:00] Who the Training Business Revolution Masterclass is For
This free class is for corporate trainers, facilitators, consultants â and yes, therapists â who are done with undercharging and ready to stand out and scale up.[24:00] Favorite Tools & Tech Tips
We geek out over Murrayâs background setup (he uses Prism Studio â and yes, itâs free).[26:00] Final Thoughts: Stay Deluded
Murrayâs Free Masterclass: Training Business Revolution Join the Community: ClientFind.Club Background Tool: Prism Studio
Resources Mentioned -
Burnout and the Better Way: How to Repackage Your Wisdom Without Starting Over
Scaling Therapy Practice | Episode 117
If you're feeling worn out from back-to-back sessions and thinking, âThereâs got to be a better way,â this episode is for you. In Part 3 of our burnout series, we talk about repurposing what you already knowâwithout burning out, quitting therapy, or starting from scratch.
Youâll hear practical, hope-filled ideas for earning differentlyâby turning your existing expertise into scalable offers that help more people (and free up your schedule). You donât need more hustle. Just a shift in how you package what you already do best.
Top 3 Reasons to ListenYouâll learn how to repackage your most repeated advice into products that scale.Youâll see why âsmall testsâ are the best next stepânot massive courses.Youâll walk away with permission to earn differently without abandoning your calling.Highlights[00:01:09] â The voice inside: âThereâs got to be a better way.â
James names the burnout so many therapists feelâand offers a hopeful alternative.[00:04:00] â âYou donât need to do anything new.â
You already have everything you need. Start with what you repeat most in session.[00:05:37] â Island A, Island B, and your course as the bridge
A practical metaphor for how to think about your course content.[00:09:15] â âPut it in drive and go.â
Why you shouldnât wait until you have the whole map to start your journey.[00:11:33] â Fire bullets, then cannonballs
How small, low-risk products help you test what worksâbefore you invest big.[00:14:00] â Don't bet your schedule on a flagship course
Avoid burnout by starting with curiosity products that work alongside your practice.[00:18:32] â âYour wisdom deserves to be shared.â
Encouragement to stop hiding your brilliance behind the therapy room clock.Resources + Mentionsđ 15 Ways to Package Your Wisdom â Free resource to help you get started: https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/stoređ Great by Choice by Jim Collins â The âfire bullets, then cannonballsâ metaphorđïž Danny Iny â Course creation insight on learning by doingScaling Therapy Practice podcast:
Episode 115: Burnout Is Not a Badge of HonorâAnd What to Do About It
Listen on Apple PodcastsEpisode 116: Beliefs That Lead to Burnout
Listen on Apple PodcastsClosing InvitationYou donât have to quit therapy to earn differently. You need to repackage what you already know. If youâve felt stuck or exhausted, this might be your small, faithful next step.
Your course might be the answer someoneâs been praying for.
Letâs build something together. -
So many therapists are quietly running on emptyânot because they donât care, but because they care so deeply. In this episode, we tackle the hidden belief that helping only happens one hour, one client, one room at a time.
James shares a vulnerable childhood story, the power of contagious belief (both positive and negative), and how the therapy model you were trained in might be limiting the impact you could be having.
This is part two of the âBuild Whatâs Next Without Burning Outâ series.
Show Highlights00:00 â The Belief Holding Therapists Back
âTherapy can only happen one room, one hour, one person at a timeââwhat if that belief is whatâs burning us out?00:22 â Welcome to the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast
James Marland, your course creation coach, shares tools and encouragement for therapists ready to scale.01:18 â Shoutout to Danny Iny + His Monetize Me Program
Danny helps experts sell meaningfully, without funnels or overwhelm. Link in show notes (enrollment closes May 22!).02:21 â Todayâs Topic: Beliefs That Lead to Burnout (Part 2)
Introduction to the series: how therapists can build whatâs next without starting over.03:00 â Childhood Story: The Stump Challenge
A low-ropes challenge gone sideways. One phraseââThis is impossibleââshut everything down.đš Lesson: Belief is contagious. And so is doubt.
06:00 â Parallel to Therapy: The One-Room Model Has Limits
That in-office model works... until it doesnât. When someone believes something canât be done, it shuts down creativity.07:23 â Ghosted: The Pain of Wasted Appointments
James shares a real-world no-show example and how therapists face financial instability when clients cancel.09:10 â Your Schedule Isnât the Only LimitâYour Location Might Be
Most therapy training prepares you for a couch, clipboard, and clockâbut clients want something different now.11:34 â Clients Are Changing, Too
People are seeking flexible, on-demand support: podcasts, self-paced courses, downloadable resources.13:08 â Your Wisdom Shouldnât Be Zip Code-Locked
The people who need you most may not live near youâand may be searching at 2am.14:03 â Personal Story: My Sisterâs Struggle to Find the Right Help
Even with insurance and effort, finding the right therapist wasnât easy. What if your support could be easier to access?16:22 â A Bold Truth: You Can Make an Impact Without a Room
Say it out loud: âI donât need a therapy office to make a real difference.â17:05 â Map vs GPS Metaphor
A map works... for one person. A GPS guides many. Courses work like GPSâthey scale your wisdom, on demand.18:56 â Everything Feels Impossible... Until Someone Does It
Itâs not impossibleâitâs just not visible until someone makes it real.19:59 â You Donât Have to Stop HelpingâJust Package It Differently
You can still serve one-on-one and explore ways to scale what you already know.20:24 â FREE Resource: 15 Ways to Package Your Experience
From email courses to downloadsâstart small and expand from there.
đ Grab your free guide21:10 â Join the Step Group Cohort
Limited spots for this summer/fall. Create your system, launch your course, and expand your reachâwithout quitting therapy.21:54 â Final Word: Youâre Meant to Help Beyond the Couch
đŁ Links & Resourcesđ Free Guide: 15 Ways to Package Your Experience
The people who need you may not live in your zip codeâbut theyâre still waiting. Letâs put your mission in motion. đĄ
đ Join the Step Group: Small cohort for course creators (Summer/Fall enrollment) đ Danny Inyâs Monetize Me Program: Enrollment closes May 22 -
Burnout Is Not a Badge of HonorâAnd What to Do About It
Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast â Episode 115
In this powerful episode, host James Marland explores the dangerous myth many therapists believe: that being âfully bookedâ equals success. He breaks down the hidden costs of tying your income to your calendar, and why burnout is not something to wear with pride. James introduces a better, more flexible model for therapists who want to protect their energy, income, and impactâwithout sacrificing their well-being. âYou became a therapist to help people, not to run yourself into the ground.â
Key Takeaways
Being fully booked â freedom: A full calendar can actually limit your time, creativity, and peace.Therapy time has no shelf life: If a session goes unused, that time (and income) is lost forever.The service model is broken: Trading time for money doesn't allow for flexibility or scalability.Burnout is not noble: High stress, long hours, and exhaustion are not a badge of honorâthey're a sign to reassess.You can package your expertise: Online courses, recorded workshops, and coaching offers let you help more people without burning out.Start small, but start now: You donât need a big course or a huge audience to begin. Just take the next small step.Show Highlights
[00:00:06] â Your Schedule Becomes Your Ceiling[00:01:26] â Burnout Isnât NobleâItâs a Red Flag[00:03:20] â New Series: Build Whatâs Next Without Burning Out[00:04:28] â Real Talk: Therapists Are Tired and Maxed Out[00:05:28] â The Full Schedule Myth (And Why Itâs Dangerous)[00:06:13] â A Real Case Study: Maxed Out and Missing the Moment[00:07:35] â Feast, Famine, and Financial Anxiety[00:08:49] â Is It the Schedule... or the Model?[00:09:17] â Why Time-for-Dollars Is a Broken System[00:10:09] â The Spinach Analogy: Your Time is Perishable[00:11:00] â Pressure and Trade-offs: What This Model Steals from You[00:11:57] â Courses, Cohorts, and Recorded Workshops: The Shelf-Life Solution[00:12:29] â The $97 Product That Works While You Rest[00:13:24] â When Do You Find Time to Build? Hereâs the Truth[00:13:48] â The Netflix and Bitcoin Regret: Stop Waiting for Perfect[00:15:21] â Build Something, AnythingâStart Before Youâre âReadyâ[00:16:00] â Small Steps Lead to Big Shifts (STEP Program Intro)[00:17:11] â Burnout Is a SignalâTime to Build Something That Works for You[00:17:37] â Free Resource: 15 Ways to Package Your Experience[00:18:27] â Final Word: Youâre Made for More Than BurnoutResources
đ Scaling Therapy Empowerment Program (STEP Group) â Learn how small steps lead to big changes. https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/stepgroupđ 15 Ways to Package Your Experience into a Coaching Product (Free Guide) https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/store -
Build Your Online Course Brand
In this episode, we dive into the hidden power of resonant identityâand how it quietly shapes the success of your brand.
Danny Iny returns for Part 2 of our conversation to explain how your brand can establish deep trust, feel effortless to promote, and naturally connect with the people youâre meant to serve.If youâre looking to build a brand that feels authentic, trusted, and effortless, youâll love todayâs insights.
Top 3 Reasons to ListenLearn how resonant identity makes your brand stronger without extra "selling."Discover why brand perception impacts buying decisions more than features do.Walk away with small, practical steps to start shaping your brand story today.Timestamped Highlights02:00 â Jamesâs Mastermind Story: Trust deepens with repeated experiences05:30 â What is Resonant Identityâand why it matters for your brand08:00 â Brand Perception: The Tiffany vs. Walmart lesson11:00 â Tiny Actions, Big Brand Impact: The Ritz-Carlton giraffe story14:00 â How high-quality details build brand trust (Dannyâs famous pens)16:30 â Relatable + Aspirational: The sweet spot of resonant brands18:00 â Where to learn more about effortless offers and resonant brandingResources & MentionsDanny's free gift to help you create immediate revenue and momentum in your business is the Inverted Funnel Formula Are you ready to start creating online courses but need support? Email [email protected] to start the process. I am accepting new students for the next cohort in that goes form May to November. Effortless by Danny Iny â Get it on AmazonExplore Danny Inyâs work at MiraseeClosing ThoughtsYour brand isnât just what you say. Itâs what people believe about you before you even speak.
If this episode spoke to you, share it with a fellow therapist, coach, or mission-driven leader ready to build a trusted presence online.
Take one faithful step today. Your mission is worth it.
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How to Create an Effortless Offer (with Danny Iny)
(Podcast for therapists, coaches, and mission-driven course creators)
Short DescriptionThis episode is for therapists, coaches, and helpers who know they have a course inside themâbut feel stuck turning it into something clear and marketable.
Top 3 Reasons to Listen
Iâm joined by Danny Iny, founder of Mirasee and author of Effortless, as we dig into what makes an offer truly irresistible (and why most people unintentionally create friction instead).
If you've ever felt like your offers were good but not glowing, this conversation will change how you see the path forward.Youâll learn how to diagnose why your course or offer isnât selling easilyâand how to fix it.
Youâll hear Dannyâs "Three Levers" for effortless business growth (and why they matter for your next step).
Youâll discover the power of the "Obvious Offer" and simple exercises to design one.
Highlights[00:01:00] â Danny introduces the "Three Levers" for creating an effortless business: the Obvious Offer, the Resonant Identity, and the Intuitive Path.00:03:00] â James shares how a mastermind with Danny shifted his thinkingâand energized his mission.[00:05:00] â Why Danny wrote Effortless: the surprising business plateau that sparked a breakthrough.[00:07:00] â A relatable Starbucks story: Why settling for âgood enoughâ in your offers leaves people unsatisfied.[00:10:00] â Breaking down the Three Levers: what makes an offer intuitive, resonant, and truly effortless to buy.[00:13:00] â Jeff Bezosâs Amazon strategy: What never changes about customer desires (and what you should focus on instead).[00:16:00] â The 11-Star Experience: How to stretch your thinking beyond âgood enoughâ offers.[00:20:00] â How to prioritize which upgrades to make to your course or program without burning out.[00:23:00] â Sneak peek: Whatâs coming up in Part 2 (Resonant Identity).Want to Make a CourseLet's chat about joining the next course creation cohort, where I help you put your mission in motion. Email [email protected] for more information.
Resources & MentionsDanny's free gift to help you create immediate revenue and momentum in your business is the Inverted Funnel Formula.Danny Iny's Book: Effortless on Amazon
Effortless Toolkit: Free resources and audiobook â Effortless Toolkit
Learn more about Dannyâs work: Mirasee Website
Closing CTAIf this conversation lit a fire for you, share it with someone else who's dreaming of building their course.
Your course could be the answer to someone's silent prayer.
Take one small, faithful step this weekâIâm cheering you on. -
Pivoting With Purpose: How to Transform Your Lifeâs Work Without Starting Over
In todayâs episode, James Marland sits down with coach, consultant, and visual practitioner Jill Greenbaum to uncover what it really looks like to pivot your business â and your lifeâs mission. If youâve ever wondered how to build something new without abandoning your past, or how to move into more meaningful work (even around tough topics like end-of-life conversations), this episode will show you the roadmap. Youâll leave inspired, equipped, and ready to take your next big leap.
Show Highlights
00:00:00 Why We Must Talk About Death (And Why We Donât)
00:00:40 Meet Jill Greenbaum: Teacher, Coach, Visual Thinker, Lifelong Learner
00:02:00 How Decades of Experience Built a Pivot Foundation
00:03:00 From Fortune 500 Training to Visual Facilitation Magic
00:04:00 Buddhism, Singapore, and Finding a New Mission
00:05:00 Facing the Whiplash of a Business Pivot
00:06:00 Taking Skills With You: Coaching, Curriculum, and Visuals
00:07:00 Building a New Offer With Old Expertise
00:08:00 How to Design Coaching Products That Feel Natural
00:09:00 Facing Fear: Pivoting From Secure to Uncertain
00:10:00 How Jill Uses Intuition and Values to Guide Decisions
00:11:00 Meeting People Where They Are (Not Where You Are)
00:12:00 Shifting Into Grief, Loss, and End-of-Life Conversations
00:13:00 Using Visuals to Make Hard Conversations Easier
00:14:00 How to Launch a New Offer With Just 6 Questions
00:15:00 Email Scripts, Quick Conversations, and Honest Research
00:16:00 Moving From Research to Real Customers
00:17:00 Why People in Their 50s and 60s Are the Real Audience
00:18:00 The Relief of Having a Plan for End-of-Life
00:19:00 Funerals Are Better Than Parties: A Life Perspective Shift
00:20:00 Leaving a Legacy: Living Life On Purpose
00:21:00 How Different Life Experiences Shape End-of-Life Wishes
00:22:00 Fighting Over Funerals: Why Advance Conversations Matter
00:23:00 Managing Grief, Confusion, and Family Conflict
00:24:00 Where Jill Is Now: Mid-Pivot and Loving It
00:25:00 Whatâs Next for Jill Greenbaum and Her New Programs
00:26:00 Closing Reflections: You Have More Choices Than You Know
Links and Resources
Jill Greenbaumâs Website: www.jillgreenbaum.comJill's Books and Tools: How to Major In You and Find the Right CollegeRegister for the SEO Learning Event - Friday, April 25th at 11 AM EST -
Finding Your Spark: Starting Your Online Course Without a Perfect Plan
In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland emphasizes the importance of starting course creation with a spark rather than waiting for a perfect plan. Addressing therapists looking to expand their reach through online courses, James discusses the pitfalls of waiting for everything to be perfect and the fear that often holds people back. He likens course creation to remodeling a basement where flexibility and adjustments are essential. The episode covers three main points: why a spark is the true starting point, the power of personal stories, and identifying where one's natural gifts meet real-world needs. James also introduces a five-day challenge starting April 14th to help therapists get started and find their spark.
00:00 Introduction: Embrace Change and Start Now
00:32 Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice
00:57 Join the Therapist Chair to Course Challenge
01:44 The Spark Point: Starting Without a Perfect Plan
04:02 Finding Your Spark: Personal Stories and Insights
05:34 Course Building is Messy and Iterative
10:25 Recognizing Your Superpowers
14:19 Identifying Your Spark Point
17:18 Conclusion: Join the Five-Day ChallengeJoin the Challenge: https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/chairtocourse
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Youâre not missing anythingâyouâre just one step away from clarity, confidence, and community.
Have you ever thought, âI could help more people if I just knew how to get startedâ? Youâre not aloneâand youâre not too late.
In this heart-to-heart solo episode, James Marland gets real about what stops mission-driven therapists and helpers from building online coursesâand how to move forward anyway. If youâve ever felt called to create something meaningful but got stuck in doubt, fear, or the myth of ânot being ready,â this episode is for you.
James shares personal stories, honest insights, and a gentle challenge to take your next stepâbefore you feel ready.
Highlights 00:03:00 â Youâre Not Missing Anything00:04:00 â Doubts that creep in: âWho am I to create a course?00:05:00 â Common mindset blocks: âI donât have an audience, product, or tech.â00:06:00 â You do have what matters: experience, passion, and results.00:07:00 â Authenticity over imitation: real stories matter more than AI fluff.00:08:00 â Your story builds trustâresonant identity is the real connection.00:09:00 â Youâve had the ruby slippers all along: the Wizard of Oz metaphor.
00:10:30 â Courage Comes Before Confidence00:11:00 â Why waiting for confidence keeps you frozen.00:12:00 â Jamesâ water slide story: each small step builds belief.00:13:00 â Momentum is created by action, not planning.00:14:00 â Tip: Google your course idea. Take one small step today.00:15:30 â Youâre Not Meant to Do This Alone00:16:00 â Camp counselor swamp story: courage grows in community.00:17:00 â Helping hands and muddy hikes make everything easier together.00:18:00 â A spontaneous hymn, a shared struggle, and real connection.00:19:00 â Donât build in a caveâcreate alongside others like you.00:20:00 â Invitation to the Therapist Chair to Course Challenge.
00:21:00 â Closing Challenge00:21:00 â âYour new life will cost you your old one.â âBrianna Wiest00:22:00 â Take one action step today: research, reflect, or sign up.00:23:00 â What to expect from the free 5-day challenge.
What Youâll Learn in This Episode:Why you donât need more timeâyou need the right first stepWhat Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz can teach us about course creation?Why your best idea is already inside you (even if you donât feel confident yet)How courage, not confidence, gets you startedThe power of not doing it aloneâand how community builds momentumFavorite Quotes:âCourage comes before confidence. One step builds the next.â
Ready for Your First Step?
âYouâre not missing anything. Youâve just forgotten how far youâve already come.â
âYou donât need a huge audienceâyou need the right one.âJoin the Therapist Chair to Course Challenge â a free 5-day journey to turn your mission into a course idea youâre excited to build.
â Sign up at: courses.coursecreationstudio.com/chairtocourse
Youâll get bite-sized videos, simple worksheets, and a supportive communityâjust 15 to 30 minutes a day.Letâs put your mission in motion.
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STP 109 | Communication That Works: How to Build Trust with Your Virtual Assistant
In This Episode of Scaling Therapy Practice
Ever feel like youâre doing everything yourselfâand still things fall through the cracks?
This episode is for you.I sat down with my friend Alyssa Avant, founder of Alyssa Avant and Company, to talk about something that makes or breaks every mission-driven business: communication. Alyssa runs a thriving virtual assistant agency serving Christian authors, speakers, and coachesâand what she shares here will change the way you think about working with support.
If you've ever been frustrated by missed deadlines, back-and-forth emails, or just not knowing where things standâthis episode will help you fix that.
More importantly, itâll shift your mindset from âI have to do it allâ to âI donât have to do it alone.âYouâll walk away with:
A simple strategy for onboarding that saves hours of time and stress
A weekly communication rhythm that builds trust and keeps projects on track
The belief that delegation isnât giving up controlâitâs creating more freedom
Whether youâre hiring your first VA or managing a team, this episode will help you lead with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
âYou donât need to be everywhere. You just need to show up in the places that matterâwith the right help.â
đ Key Takeaways
â Weekly recap emails can transform your working relationships
â Donât underestimate the power of a good onboarding call
â Communication style mattersâask, donât assume
â Set expectations early with a âHow We Workâ guide
â You donât need to hustle harderâjust get the right supportđ°ïž Episode Breakdown
00:00 â Opening & course creation challenge invite
03:00 â Meet Alyssa Avant and how she helps mission-driven leaders
06:00 â Why good support makes all the difference
08:00 â The onboarding call: why itâs critical
11:30 â Setting up a rhythm: how weekly check-ins create peace of mind
15:00 â Email, text, Zoom: using the right tool for the right moment
21:00 â Alyssaâs favorite tools: HoneyBook, Asana, SOPs
25:00 â Real-life lessons and communication turnarounds
27:00 â Where to find Alyssa and how to get her helpđ Resources Mentioned:
AlyssaAvantandCompany.com
Alyssaâs Podcast: Christian Business Advantage
FREE Challenge: The Therapistâs Chair to Course Challenge April 14th - April 18th
Enjoy the show? Record a Short Intro
You can record a quick 30â60 second intro using this link: Record Your Memo Here. If you don't have a podcast or program to promote, mention your favorite episode or something you like about the show. Thanks! -
Overcoming Limiting Beliefs and Building a Coaching Business
Free Resource: Webinar - How to Find and Get an Audience Ready to Buy March 24th 1 pm EST
In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland interviews Brenda Stewart, a licensed mental health counselor who is expanding her career into coaching and consulting. Brenda discusses the challenges she faced, including overcoming her own limiting beliefs and fears. She shares about her private practice focused on trauma and eating disorders, her journey into coaching, and her new coaching business Balanced Life Strategies. She highlights the importance of investing in coaching and having a support system, and mentions her upcoming book inspired by her blind dog's journey of overcoming challenges. The episode offers insights into balancing a therapy practice while expanding into new ventures and how to embrace a mission-driven approach.
Show Highlights
00:00 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
00:36 Upcoming Free Learning Event
02:27 Introducing Brenda Stewart
03:10 Brenda's Therapy and Coaching Journey
06:22 Challenges and Fears in Starting a Business
17:01 The Importance of Coaching and Mentorship
22:47 Future Plans and Ideal Clients
26:03 Brenda's Upcoming Book
27:48 Where to Find Brenda Online
Resources
BLS Coaching & Consulting: You are Enough! Right now. Just as you are.Therapreneur(TM): A Therapist's Guide to 3X Your Therapy IncomeBusiness Made Simple: 60 Days to Master Leadership, Sales, Marketing, Execution, Management, Personal Productivity and MoreFree Resource: 15 Ways to Package Your Experience Into a Product to SellCheck out Brendaâs website here!Find Brendaâs Facebook page here!Follow Brendaâs Instagram here!See some of Brendaâs other offers here!Free Resource: Webinar - How to Find and Get an Audience Ready to Buy March 24th 1 pm EST -
đïž STP 107 | Learn to Love Marketing: 3 Reframes to Make Selling Feel Less Gross
In This Episode of Scaling Therapy Practice:
Do you feel like marketing your practice or online course makes you sound pushyâor worse, inauthentic?
In this heartfelt and practical solo episode, host James Marland tackles one of the biggest mindset blocks therapists and helpers face: the belief that marketing is manipulative. James shares three powerful reframes that will help you see marketing in a new lightânot as pressure, but as presence. With real-life stories, metaphors (like the umbrella in a storm), and a faith-informed perspective, this episode offers a gentle but empowering path forward.
Youâll walk away with:
A new mindset around marketing as helping, not harassingPermission to share your work without changing who you areThe belief that people actually need your voice, your story, and your solutionWhether you're building a course, growing your list, or just trying to put yourself out thereâthis episode will help you move from hesitation to motion.
âYouâre not selling. Youâre showing up with something usefulâwhen someone needs it most.â
đ Key Takeaways:Marketing = Service: Itâs not about chasing. Itâs about inviting.Marketing = Connection: Youâre building relationships, not pressure tactics.Marketing = Helping: Youâre not bothering people. Youâre showing up with generosity and trust.đ°ïž Episode Breakdown:00:00 â Intro: Why marketing feels gross to helpers
âš Links:
01:20 â A mindset shift that changes everything
03:00 â Reframe 1: Marketing is serving, not selling
05:50 â Reframe 2: Marketing is connection, not coercion
09:40 â Reframe 3: Marketing is helping, not harassment
13:00 â The gas station story: What not to do
15:10 â Final encouragement: Keep showing up with presence
16:30 â Free Resource: Webinar - How to Find and Get an Audience Ready to BuyFree Resource: Webinar - How to Find and Get an Audience Ready to Buy
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Maximizing Conversations: Patience, Humanity, and Persistence
In this episode of 'Scaling Therapy Practice,' host James Marland discusses strategies to get more sales calls by embracing patience, being more human, and maintaining persistence. James emphasizes the importance of understanding each customer's unique journey, building human connections, and being consistently present. He shares personal stories and insights on why these traits are crucial for converting conversations into sales calls. James also promotes an upcoming free learning webinar with Joey Ragona, aimed at helping mission-driven creators find and connect with their ideal audience. Key takeaways include the importance of being patient as customers navigate their journey, the value of human connections in speeding up trust-building, and the necessity of persistence in presenting solutions when the time is right. (Note: the webpage update and new tool are still being worked on...stay tuned).
Highlights
00:00 Introduction: The Power of Patience in Sales
00:21 Upcoming Free Learning Event with Joey Ragona
02:13 Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice
02:19 Key Strategies to Get People on Sales Calls
02:54 Be Patient: Understanding Customer Journeys
06:48 Be Human: Building Genuine Connections
11:23 Be Persistent: Consistently Offer Value
14:03 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
19:05 Conclusion and Upcoming Resources
Studio Session Live! Event March 24th at 1 PM Eastern: How to Find and Get an Audience Ready to Buy:https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/Dreamclient_Webinar
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In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland speaks with podcast marketing expert Andrew Chapman from Marasee FM. They explore the benefits of using podcasts to promote online courses and discuss strategies for effective podcasting. Andrew shares his journey from book publishing to podcasting and offers tips on podcast formats, marketing strategies, and the advantages of creating a limited series. Additionally, there's an announcement for an upcoming webinar on leveraging AI in course creation hosted by James Marland and Jay Allison. Key takeaways include understanding the role of podcasts as a marketing tool, the importance of having a clear strategy, and practical advice for getting started in podcasting.
00:00 A Life-Changing Moment
00:33 Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice
01:02 Upcoming Webinar Announcement
02:10 Exploring Podcasting with Andrew Chapman
04:25 Andrew Chapman's Journey
13:52 Lessons from Book Publishing to Podcasting
21:44 Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition
22:05 Exploring Podcasting Strategies and Models
22:42 Direct-to-Listener Podcasting Challenges
24:32 Interview-Based Podcasting
25:11 Scripted and On-Site Podcast Formats
25:57 Round Table Discussions
27:11 Structuring Your Podcast Show
28:44 Tips for Course Creators Starting a Podcast
35:00 Marketing and Promoting Your Podcast
35:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts -
James Marland, a course creation coach, introduces a podcast episode focused on helping therapists scale their reach through online courses. The episode features Carla Titus, founder and CEO of Wealth and Worth Within, who shares actionable financial tips for 2025. Emphasizing the importance of regular financial check-ins and the management of business expenses, Carla provides strategies on planning and financial health for therapy practices. Additionally, there's a segment announcing an upcoming webinar by author and podcaster Jay Allison, who will discuss how to use AI to create human-centered course content.
00:00 Introduction to Scaling Therapy Practice
00:58 Financial Tips with Carla Titus
01:27 Upcoming Webinar with Jay Allison
02:47 Conversation with Carla Titus
03:05 Importance of Regular Financial Check-ins
05:05 Delegating Financial Tasks
14:10 Auditing Business Expenses
19:51 Planning for Financial Success in 2025
20:06 Setting Business Goals and Mapping Out the Future
20:28 Evaluating Insurance and Credentialing Costs
21:03 Growing Revenue and Offering New Services
21:37 Balancing Time and Financial Planning for Online Courses
25:35 Reviewing Year-End Goals and Business Performance
30:55 Getting Started with Financial Planning
34:13 Resources and Final Thoughts
Register for the AI Webinar with Jay Allyson
Register Here: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/aiwithjayResources:
Check out Carlaâs website here!Follow Carla on Facebook here!Find Carla on Instagram here!See Carla on LinkedIn here! Look at Carlaâs services here! -
In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland introduces Brooke Borup from MyCloneSolutions to discuss strategies for scaling a therapy practice using HighLevel CRM. Brooke shares insights on the benefits of consolidating various tools into a single platform to save time, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. They explore how HighLevel CRM's comprehensive features, such as integrated marketing, scheduling, and communication tools, can help therapists focus on their strengths while automating routine tasks. Key reasons to listen include learning about the advantages of a unified CRM system, understanding how to streamline multiple tools into one platform, and hearing practical tips from an expert in business optimization. "The more interaction you can have, the higher likelihood somebody is going to purchase from you or refer you to somebody else," Brooke highlights the importance of effective communication in scaling your practice.
Show Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Scaling Therapy Practice
00:31 Importance of CRM for Therapists
00:58 Welcome Back and Guest Introduction
01:38 Brooke Borup's Journey and MyCloneSolutions
02:37 Challenges for Business Owners
05:13 Streamlining Business Operations
06:28 Introducing Go High Level
10:14 Features and Benefits of Go High Level
13:12 Comparing Go High Level with Other Platforms
22:03 Pricing and Packages
30:47 Brooke's Services and Contact Information
33:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Resources
Check out Brookâs website here!Follow her on Instagram here! Find her on LinkedIn here! -
Always Be Prepared: Financial Tips for Small Business Success with Danielle Hayden
In this episode of 'Scaling Therapy Practice,' host James Marland is joined by Danielle Hayden, CPA, and co-founder of Kickstart Accounting. They discuss the critical importance of knowing your numbers as a business owner, practical tips for tax preparation, and overlooked deductions. Marland also shares a personal lesson about the necessity of having support systems in place. Danielle emphasizes, 'The minute you accept money from a customer, you become a business.' This episode is packed with valuable insights, including how to stay ready for taxes, maximizing deductions, and the benefits of having a catch-up financial review. Listen to gain confidence and peace of mind in handling your business finances.
00:00 The Responsibility of a Business Owner
01:10 Introduction and Personal Insights
03:25 Guest Introduction: Danielle Hayden
05:01 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
11:38 Staying Ready for Taxes
21:36 Taking Back Your Time: Outsourcing Bookkeeping
21:53 Understanding Scalable Pricing for Bookkeeping Services
22:18 Overcoming Barriers to Getting Help in Your Business
22:34 Misconceptions and Overlooked Tax Deductions
23:10 Maximizing Business Deductions: Real-Life Examples
25:23 Business vs. Personal Expenses: Practical Tips
26:50 Travel and Business Expenses: What You Need to Know
27:50 The Importance of Separate Business and Personal Accounts
28:15 Online Education and Skill Building: Deductible Expenses
28:38 Managing Deductions and Tax Liabilities
31:21 Overlooked Tax Write-Off Categories
32:28 Home Office Deductions and Accountable Plans
35:15 Maximizing Business Deductions: A Step-by-Step Guide
36:52 Creating Healthy, Sustainable, Profitable Businesses
37:48 Kickstart Accounting Inc.: Services and Mission
38:57 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Links and Resources
My Clone Solution: https://myclonesolution.com/Kickstart Accounting Inc: https://kickstartaccountinginc.com/ Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ -
How to Stay on Track in 2025
Starting something newâwhether itâs a side hustle, a course, or a whole new ventureâcan be daunting. Youâre navigating the fog of uncertainty while trying to avoid mistakes. But what if mistakes were a part of the plan? My recent conversation with Brandon White, entrepreneur, investor, and seasoned business planner, was a masterclass in turning fear into strategy and ideas into actionable steps.
Here are the key takeaways for course creators and entrepreneurs looking to scale their mission-driven work.
1. Expect Mistakes and Embrace the ProcessBrandon shared a valuable insight: expect mistakes. Theyâre a natural part of any journey, especially when starting something new. The key is not to avoid them but to minimize their impact and recover quickly. Mistakes often offer the most important lessons.
"The truth is most people are much closer to success than they think, but they quit too soon because they scare themselves," Brandon reminded us.
For course creators, this means letting go of perfectionism. Launch that first draft of your online course. Youâll learn, adapt, and improve along the way.
2. A Business Plan Isnât OptionalMany of us dread the idea of writing a business plan. It feels overwhelming and unnecessaryâuntil we realize itâs a lifeline. A good business plan clarifies your goals, identifies your audience, and ensures your efforts are sustainable.
Hereâs a simplified framework Brandon recommends:
Slide 1: Elevator Pitch â What problem are you solving, and how? Keep it under 15 seconds.Slide 2: Problem â Define the pain point. Use this formula: "A person does X, their pain is, existing solutions are broken because..."Slide 3: Solution â How does your course solve this problem uniquely?Slide 4: Market â Who needs your solution? Get specific.Slide 5: Go-to-Market Strategy â How will you reach them? Social media? Partnerships? Ads?Slide 6: Traction and Milestones â What progress have you made? Whatâs next in the short term?Slide 7: Competition â Who else is out there, and how are you different?Slide 8: Financials â Know your numbers. This isnât just about profitsâitâs about sustainability.Slide 9: Team â Whoâs involved? Who do you still need?Slide 10: Funding Needs â How much capital do you need, and when?Slide 11: Summary â A quick recap of everything.Even for an online course, this blueprint helps ensure your passion aligns with the practical steps needed to succeed.
3. Focus on Your Unique AudienceOne of the biggest mistakes is going too broad. Instead, get specific. Are you creating a course for therapists burned out from 60-hour weeks? Or for parents looking for mindful ways to manage family stress?
Brandon emphasized, "The better you define your audience, the easier it is to stand out from the competition and speak their language."
Knowing your audience deeply also makes marketing easier. Youâre not just selling a course; youâre offering a tailored solution.
4. Your Financials Tell a StoryFinancial planning isnât just numbersâitâs a story of your businessâs health and potential. As Brandon said, "If you donât know where your money is coming from, everything dies."
For course creators, this means understanding your costs (platform fees, marketing expenses) and potential income (pricing models, course tiers). Break it down into manageable chunks. How many students do you need to cover your costs and make a profit? This clarity fuels confidence.
5. Keep It Simple and IterativeA business plan shouldnât be a massive document gathering dust on a shelf. Keep it short, actionable, and update it regularly. Think of it as a living roadmap that evolves as you do.
"Itâs not about writing a perfect plan," Brandon explained. "Itâs about using it to guide your actions and adjust as you learn."
Your Mission in MotionWhether youâre diversifying into online courses or starting your first side hustle, the tools Brandon shared offer clarity and courage. By embracing mistakes, crafting a business plan, and staying focused on your audience, youâre not just creating a courseâyouâre building a sustainable, mission-driven venture.
Now, itâs your turn. Start small, stay specific, and let your passion lead. And remember, the best way to predict your future is to create it.
LinkedIn Learning EventThe Trust Advantage: Elevate Your LinkedIn Profile for Impact: Thursday, January 23rd, 2025, 1 pm ESTThe Magnet ModelMagnetic Client Attraction: Sophieâs Revolutionary MAGNET ModelResourcesCheck out Brandonâs website here!Find Brandonâs Instagram here!See Brandon on Twitter here!Visit LinkedIn and find Bradon here! - Montre plus