Эпизоды
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Hosting a retreat sounds like a great idea, right? When you stop and think about all the logistical and financial details, that’s when many fears and questions come to the surface. Perhaps the biggest fear is whether enough people will pay for your retreat to make it a success. Join us as we dive into this topic with today’s expert guest!
Our Featured Guest
Megan Gunnell
In addition to being a business owner, author, and triathlete, Megan Gunnell is a Clinical Social Worker who has been hosting 1-day retreats, workshops and weekend/week long retreats for 20+ years.
She hosted her first one at a local community center–complete with harp music! From these humble beginnings, Megan’s retreats have evolved into weekend retreats and international retreats that started in 2012 in Costa Rica, Italy, France, and other places around the globe.
In this episode, we discuss why therapists find it so appealing to consider hosting a retreat, along with common fears related to the risk of hosting your first retreat.
Megan explains how to find suitable venues that offer 100% refund options and points out the important legal and logistical considerations. We wrap up our conversation by discussing retreat marketing, which is vital to the success of your retreat. Megan shares what she has learned along her journey as a retreat host.
Megan's Website and Thriving Therapists ® Facebook Group
You’ll Learn:
Megan’s inspiration to expand beyond private practice into hosting retreatsMegan’s #1 lesson learned: Start small and grow later.The attraction of retreats? They are transformative spaces for people to pull away from everyday life and reinvigorate their passion and purpose.The major differences between private practice work and group retreats as income sourcesLegal considerations around liability, disclaimers, emergencies, etc.Megan’s low-risk tips for hosting retreats:Start small with a test audience and test venue with a half-day or one-day retreat.Look for 100% refundable venues through a certain date prior to the event.Do the math and “beta-test” your audience.Making your retreat a profitable ventureFinding 100% fully refundable venues—and why international properties are desirableMegan’s top marketing strategies for retreats:Be very clear about your intentions. (Who is this for, and what is the purpose?)Think about your runway. (Make sure it is long enough to “land the plane.”)Build a warm excitement with your audience around the date for open registration.Handling the cancellation or rebooking of your retreat with flexibility and transparencyResources:
Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop
https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworshop
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me...
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Many therapists have created online courses or have thought about creating an online course. It’s one of the best ways to increase your visibility, establish your expertise, and expand your audience and impact in the world. The course creation journey is not an easy one, and it’s full of challenges and ups and downs. Join us for a transparent look at the process from today’s guest!
Our Featured Guest
Linda Murphy, MEd, MA, LMHC
Linda Murphy is a group practice owner in Florida, and she’s a member of the STC Online Course Mastermind group for therapists. Linda is the founder of the Banana Man Society and the Relationship and Divorce Counseling Center. She developed her idea to create a course for dealing with a difficult person because she saw that topic come up often for her clients, and she realized over time that there had to be a better way to distill and share information beyond 1:1 therapy. She created “Banana Man” as a metaphor for dealing with a difficult person–and the Banana Man Society was born. In this session, Linda gives an open, honest look at her course creation journey, along with insights into how she refined her idea. She shares tips and strategies she has learned that might be helpful to others in the course creation process.
Website
You’ll Learn:
How to embrace the mindset of connection, support, and collaborationHow Linda realized in her first career, as a teacher, that connection is more important than contentHow Linda developed the idea for her online courseThe origins of Banana Man as a metaphor for options in dealing with difficult peopleWhy Linda created an animated video of the Banana Man story (through the STC Mastermind group)Linda’s best tips for others about creating a successful online course:Lean into who you are and be authentic.Market yourself and be creative with social media.Where Linda sees her course going in the future with a specifically targeted nicheLinda’s thoughts about the impact and benefits of the STC Online Course Mastermind groupResources:
Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Пропущенные эпизоды?
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Today’s session is all about rebranding. We are taking a behind-the-scenes look at how different circumstances might affect the business you’ve established and force you to rebrand. Should you view this kind of pivot as a failure? Absolutely not! Let’s explore this topic together.
Our Featured Guest
Kevon Cheung
Kevon Cheung is the founder and head teacher at Small School. He was a previous guest on the podcast several years ago, and I’ve taken his Build in Public Mastery Course to help overcome my fears about posting on social media. I learned a lot of helpful information about creating effective posts on LinkedIn, YouTube, and the STC podcast. Kevon’s wisdom and practical knowledge have helped me lean into vulnerability in many areas. In light of his rebranding from Public Lab to Small School, Kevon shares the pain and difficulties in business building and rebranding, why he felt the need to rebrand, and what he teaches in his online “small courses.” He also explains where he sees course creators stumbling the most.
Small School
You’ll Learn:
The painful parts of Kevon’s rebranding process (Changing your identity and “rebuilding what you’re known for”)Kevon’s thoughts about working through the inevitable feelings of failure when a change became necessary (How to reframe your mindset about a pivot)The biggest mistake course creators makeKevon’s #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs and course creatorsKevon’s reasoning behind his “all in” attitude about online coursesKnowing when to add a course as a new offering (Have you validated your expertise with your audience?)Where course creators stumble the most–and why the goal is to create an experience that connects, surprises, and delightsKevon’s perspective on what a “small course” isResources:
Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Many of us have thought about creating continuing education courses and wondered how the process works and what factors are involved. Who better to learn from than someone who has done this successfully? Being successful at CEU course creation takes innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us for informative insights from today’s guest!
Our Featured Guest
Matthew Bierds
Matt Bierds, from Duke City Counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, course creator, and professional speaker who does in-person and virtual counseling and LPC supervision in Texas and New Mexico. As far back as ten years ago, Matt realized that the world of online education was expanding, and he knew there were interesting opportunities for LPCs in the area of online courses. After jumping into this arena, Matt went through a “failing forward” phase before making a few tweaks and creating a course for LPC supervisors. In today’s session, Matt shares the lessons learned along his fascinating journey and the mistakes and successes that have brought him to where he is today.
Matt's Website
You’ll Learn:
Matt’s wisdom: “I learned the hard way that selling general continuing education courses online is pointless and a waste of time and money.”The value in pivoting and niching down when something isn’t workingDiscovering the sweet spot: How Matt created a course designed for a specific person in a specific situationCourse creation is successful when you see the need and solve the pain point.Matt’s path to building trust and cultivating repeat customersThe progression and development of Matt’s 40-hour course and 6-hour refresher coursesThe challenges in maintaining compliance and navigating changes in licensing requirementsCourse creation challenges: creating content and incorporating more video interaction and student engagementMatt’s biggest mistakes and successes in marketing his coursesResources:
So you’ve probably heard that blogging is one of the best ways to attract your ideal clients as a therapist.
But I know that it can be intimidating to SEO optimize your blog post so that it’s actually getting found by your current and future clients.
Simplified SEO Consulting is a team of mental health professionals who genuinely want to help you attract more of your ideal clients using a proven on-page SEO process.
Please visit https://sellingthecouch.com/simplifiedseo.
**Use the code “MELVIN” to get 20% off any online, DIY SEO courses, and mention Melvin during your consultation for $100 off your onboarding fee for Done-For-You SEO services!
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at
https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part...
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If you’ve had a standoff with perfectionism in starting something new, you’ll want to join us for this coaching call in today’s session. Like most clinicians who are branching out with an online course, my guest is struggling with her fears about this new endeavor and whether she will get it right. Join us to hear the conversation.
Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call
Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT
Katie Lear is a therapist in solo private practice near Charlotte, NC. She was part of the Online Course School Live Cohort, and she’s part of the Online Course School Mastermind this year. She is preparing for the beta group launch of her course, and her next step will be to record the digital version. This process gives a chance to collect feedback from beta students on the lessons and modules before creating the digital version. Join us for this open and honest conversation around fear and perfectionism.
Katie's Website
You’ll Learn:
A look at how Katie arrived at her private practice niche working with preteens and tweens around anxiety and OCD symptomsWhy Katie decided to jump into the online course worldHow an online course income stream helps clinicians build a balanced life outside their career, have more time and capacity for family, and utilize another way to reach clientsThe starting point for content in Katie’s course: teaching about coping skillsHow Katie is looking to incorporate a playful element into her courseHow Katie is dealing with “blank-page syndrome” in creating her course slidesTips for Katie in distilling and refining the content for her courseWhy heart and intent matter more in an online course than “Hollywood-level” productionWhy there is great value in teaching with the structure of three tips, three steps, and common mistakesResources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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In today’s busy online world, virtual presentations are everything in how you are received AND perceived. If you put forth the effort to create an online course, webinar, or speaking engagement, you want to show up authentically and masterfully to engage your audience. This is an important area in which there is always room for improvement! My guest today is a proven expert in virtual presentation, and she’s here to share her knowledge with us. Join us to learn more!
Our Featured Guest
Lorraine K. Lee
Lorraine Lee is a top career and business virtual keynote speaker who has been featured in several publications and on podcasts with numerous accomplishments and awards throughout her career. She has worked in several editorial roles at LinkedIn and Prezi and has built a LinkedIn following of over 300,000, so she is very much immersed in the world of virtual presentations and online learning. She is the perfect person to help us understand more about improving our virtual presentations.
Lorraine's Website
You’ll Learn:
How virtual presentations give you access to a wider audience and help you stand out in your expertiseWhy the entertainment factor of virtual presentations cannot be ignoredExamples of different types of virtual presentationsLorraine’s tips for improving your virtual presentations:Add movement to your presentations and incorporate “state changes.”Curate your background with features that are calming, positive, personable, and professional.Include visuals on your screens to help people learn and remember. (90% of the information processed by our brains is visual!)Use eye contact to improve your connection to your audience.How to implement visuals like logos, color gradients, and simple info on your screenHow to use artwork, photos, and personal elements to cultivate a deeper connectionHow to set up your monitor, camera, laptop, etc. to maximize eye contact with your audienceLorraine’s tips for introverts in showing up better in visual presentationsAn overview of Lorraine’s expanding consulting businessResources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Here we are, all set for the final episode of 2024. We will fill the next few weeks with replays of popular episodes and be back in 2025 with exciting new episodes. During this hiatus, I’ll be using these “Walden months,” as I call them, for extra rest and taking time to work on specific projects, like my online course. If you are considering launching an online course, today’s episode is for you! I’ve learned a lot over the last 9 years as a course creator, and I’m sharing an honest look at my biggest lessons learned and what I would tell anyone on this course creation path.
You’ll Learn:
5 things I want to share about launching an online course:Focus on what you already know and love to teach. (Stay within your niche!)Hear my thoughts on course creation and AI.Start small and build slowly. (Think about your “value ladder.”)Think about recurring offers related to your course.Validation is non-negotiable. (Validate your course idea before you proceed.)Download the free Course Creator Starter Kit. Embrace the tech, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Start with “good enough,” and upgrade your sound, lighting, and camera when you can.Hear my recommendations for basic tech for someone just starting out in course creation. Take a “defaulting to action” perspective rather than waiting for perfectionism. Build your audience early.Don’t wait until your course launch to build your email list.Use social media and discovery platforms. Use these affiliate links for more information: Teachable, ConvertKit, and CartraResources:
Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH” to get 50% off for the first three months!
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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If you are a therapist in private practice in the US, this episode will be helpful for you. We are breaking down the new legal requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. This act requires that you comply by the end of 2024, so time is running out. This act is part of an effort to reduce money laundering by shell companies, focusing on business ownership. If you have an LLC or an S-corp, please take the time to listen and learn more.
Our Featured Guests
Dan Mayer and Dr. David Yood
Dan Mayer is an attorney who works with many mental health and healthcare practitioners. Dr. David Yood is a licensed psychologist and private practice owner who gives his perspective of the Corporate Transparency Act and its requirements. Dan and Dave co-host the Protecting Your Practice Podcast for mental health practitioners. In this session, they use simple language to explain what the CTA is, what the filing requirements and processes are, the implications of non-compliance, and the constitutionality of the act.
Dan's website
Dave's website
Protecting Your Practice Podcast
You’ll Learn:
What is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)?Dave’s perspective about the CTA, his private practice, and compliance requirementsA look at the compliance requirements of the CTA (mostly about ownership of companies)Who needs to register under the CTA? (Get professional help if you aren’t sure!)Thoughts on the constitutionality of the CTADave’s perspective on what the CTA requires of himConsequences of not filing under the CTADan’s recommendations for business ownersFind out more about the CTA and how to file (in just a few minutes): fincen.govResources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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If you have aspirations to be a keynote speaker of any kind, this episode is for you! I recently had the opportunity to speak at my first conference, the Mental Health Marketing Conference, in Franklin, TN. This conference is for clinicians and marketing tech people in the mental health field, and it was a fantastic gathering of about 300 in-person participants. I’m sharing what I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences. I hope you find this episode helpful!
You’ll Learn:
7 things I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences:Know the setup. This varies from conference to conference. Know about rehearsal opportunities, Green Room, mic/sound/slides check, timekeeping, etc. Find a place to rest and re-center before you go backstage.I didn’t do a great job at this, and I should have made other arrangements.Make sure the mic doesn’t hit your clothes when you move.I’ll be more careful with this and test it better next time.Use social media to share “before/after” posts to document your journey.I did LinkedIn posts and selfies and had friends in the crowd take pictures during my presentation.Have a small squad of friends sit near the front in the crowd.This 100% helped give me confidence.Start with a story that people will remember.Leading with a story makes an impact and connects you to your audience. (Hint: Be clear about your topic.)Understand the crazy power in public speaking. Pace yourself.The endorphin rush of being “in flow” brings an amazing level of external validation. I loved it!Resources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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The perfect recipe for burnout is to work in a caring profession, be a slave to perfectionism, and neglect your needs. As clinicians, we realize that we work in a flawed healthcare system in the US, but how do we exist in this environment to do good work and sustain ourselves from a holistic perspective that goes way beyond basic self-care? We are diving into this topic with today’s guest. Join us!
Our Featured Guest
Dr. Jessi Gold
Dr. Jessi Gold is the first Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, which comprises five campuses and more than 60,000 students. Also serving as an associate professor of psychiatry, Dr. Gold is a speaker, media advocate, author, and mental health consultant. She recently wrote How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for the Humanity in Medicine. In today’s session, Jessi shares her experience in teetering on the edge of burnout and what she learned about herself.
Dr. Jessi Gold
You’ll Learn:
The basics of Dr. Jessi’s role with the University of Tennessee and what it means to be a Chief Wellness OfficerThe differences and barriers from campus to campus in a university system“Silo-breaking” as it relates to mental healthThe difficulty in caring for ourselves while caring for othersPerfectionism, burnout, and why “it’s OK not to be OK”The pandemic’s part in training us to wear a “badge of honor” for not caring for ourselves and our mental healthWe are human—and we forget that very often.The event that was the impetus for Dr. Jessi’s book—and why it left her feeling horribleSigns of early burnout that Dr. Jessi only noticed in hindsightMaking the shift to navigate perfectionist tendencies to prevent burnoutThe importance of having self-compassion and reframing the mean things we say to ourselvesThe value of timeout for MEResources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Have you thought about starting a podcast? If you run a busy private practice, you might wonder how you could take on such an endeavor in addition to all the other things you do. I feel your concerns, as I’m coming up on ten years as a clinician-turned-podcaster. I’ve learned a lot, and I want to share five unique ways you can launch and run a successful podcast without it feeling like another “job” you have to do. Join me in this session to learn more!
You’ll Learn:
Fact: Podcasting has made my life a lot easier in many ways. Five unexpected insights into podcasting as a beneficial addition:Batch record and automate.This will save you a ton of time, which is your most precious asset. Look at your schedule and identify a 2-3 hour block of time for recording episodes. (Captivate makes it easier!)Bonus tip: Stack this by creating a podcast on your live schedule so you don’t have to record new episodes every week/month. Repurpose your existing content.Look for common themes and pain points with your clients.Capture ideas during the course of your day with notes or a notes app.Bonus tip: My private Slack subchannel helps me. Use podcasting as a client-attraction tool.Your podcast can reduce your marketing workload and attract clients and customers organically.Podcasters are the most trusted media personalities.Podcasts are evergreen and have binge potential.Bonus tip: Create episodes around questions clients ask that are related to your niches and specialties. Keep episodes short and impactful.Shorter episodes are easier for you AND the listener. (15-25 minutes is an ideal length.)Bonus tip: Set a 20-minute timer and cover one question relating to a common struggle within your niche. Outsource editing to free up your time.You don’t have to be the editor; hire someone!Outsourcing allows you to focus on your zone of genius and not get bogged down with the technical side. Bonus tip: Reach out to local colleges and universities for students who are looking for work. Check out the free workshop, Using Podcasting to Grow Your Business. Click here.Resources:
Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH” to get 50% off for the first three months!
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Today’s topic is one we’ve danced around but never tackled head-on. We’re covering the transition from being a solo practitioner to a private pay group practice. There are many things to consider in making this shift, and today’s guest shares an open and honest look at his experience. Join us!
Our Featured Guest
Dr. Adam Assoian
Dr. Adam Assoian is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Ally Psychological Services. His full private-pay group practice began in 2019 and now employs more than eight clinicians. They experienced their busiest month this past summer when there is traditionally a seasonal slowdown. Adam joins us to share his transition from solo practitioner to private practice group practice and why he did not go the insurance route, which is seen as the “safer” move. We get Adam’s take on logistical tips about finding office space, finding clients, marketing, and payment options. Our conversation wraps up with a discussion of sustainability during uncertain economic situations.
Adam’s Website: Ally Psych
You’ll Learn:
An overview of Ally Psych’s growth over the last five yearsFactors in Adam’s decision to be private pay vs. insuranceTips on maintaining a “people over profits” mentalityConsiderations in choosing a physical space and location for an officeThe importance in figuring out the numbers for sustainability in a group practiceAdam’s commitment to prioritizing the comfort of the client as part of the entire therapy experienceAdam’s perspective on what his clinicians charge for therapy servicesThe biggest stressor for Adam as a practice ownerFactors in Adam’s diversified marketing approachThe importance of networking relationships and referralsCommon mistakes therapists make in this transitionAdam’s structure for accepting payments at Ally PsychHow Adam prepares for sustainability in his practice during seasonal slowdowns and an uncertain economyResources:
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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The act of decluttering sounds like a simple thing, but it can be loaded with emotions, triggers, and feelings of overwhelm. Today’s guest takes us through this process which can be a beneficial supplement to therapy.
Our Featured Guest
Sarah Mueller
Sarah Mueller is a friend I’ve known for several years. She started The Decluttering Club to teach people to declutter in a way that doesn’t create burnout, lets them keep the things they love, and actually lasts for the long term. She has grown a huge online following based on the concept of decluttering. It’s a relatable problem that we all face, and learning to let things go is important. Sarah discusses why decluttering is part of her story and part of who she is. She explains what decluttering is, what the benefits are, and how to declutter even when you feel overwhelmed. We wrap up by covering how decluttering can be an advantageous supplement to therapy.
The Decluttering Club
You’ll Learn:
Sarah’s story that led her to create The Decluttering ClubSarah’s tagline: “Less stuff, more life!”The impacts of the personal and professional growth for Sarah as she fulfills the needs of othersDecluttering defined: “Letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me”Being honest about what serves you and what “is clutter and needs to go”The internal work around stories, emotions, and our attachments that goes along with declutteringBenefits of declutteringDecluttering when you feel overwhelmedSarah’s tips for decluttering booksHow letting go of sentimental items can be part of healingWorking with a decluttering expert can supplement therapy in many waysWhy decluttering is a combination of practical work and emotional work to boost someone’s self-worthResources:
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Today’s session is about leaving psychotherapy for coaching. This transition is one that many therapist colleagues have made, and the reality is that many more are shifting from the field of therapy into coaching. Several major factors play into this decision, and my guest today gives a transparent look at his experience in this transition. Join us to learn more!
Our Featured Guest
Dr. Corey Wilks
Dr. Corey Wilks is a good friend and licensed psychologist who joins us for an open and honest look at his transition from therapy to coaching. In giving a glimpse into the circumstances and perspectives that led him to make this decision and shift his career, he shares how his career goals have changed over the years, what autonomy means to him, and why it is important. We wrap up by discussing mistakes that therapists often make in this career change and the drawbacks to leaving a traditional career in mental health.
Corey's Website
You’ll Learn:
Corey’s career goals back in grad school—and how they have changedUnderstanding autonomy, freedom, and why these are Corey’s top prioritiesCorey’s realizations about therapy, wellness, and burnoutConsiderations in making the shift to entrepreneurshipThe biggest mistake people make in turning from therapy to coachingThe difference in coaching as a much more solo-based endeavor than therapyCorey’s advice to a therapist considering becoming a coachThe distinction between the roles of therapist and coach—and how Corey navigates “the line”Resources:
Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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I want to take this opportunity to talk about a big decision we made recently to shut down and archive our 10,000-member STC Facebook group. In this session, I intend to pull back the curtain and give an authentic glimpse into the thought process and motives behind this move. In early August, about a month ago, we made this decision concerning our Facebook group that has been in existence since 2015. I never expected the group to grow as it did, and it required a great deal of time and energy to maintain the group at a high level of engagement. The reality is that decisions like this are multi-layered and complex.
Join me in this episode as I discuss the factors in this decision.
You’ll Learn:
The six major considerations in making this decision:
The impending season of caregiving for aging parents and the role of business in my family lifeMy original goal for STC and my changing definition of success (“Do I want the successful version of this?”)The sustainable cadence and level of social engagement I’ve found with the STC podcast, YouTube, and the STC newsletterManaging a large Facebook community takes a lot of emotional bandwidth and leadership.The realization that I can’t be everywhere on social media and need to “do less but in a better way”My manageable strategy and goals for social media posts on discovery platforms and relationship-deepening platformsI’m still alive, well, and active on social media! Please find me on YouTube and LinkedIn!
Resources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate 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.
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Today’s session is all about rebranding. We are taking a behind-the-scenes look at how different circumstances might affect the business you’ve established and force you to rebrand. Should you view this kind of pivot as a failure? Absolutely not! Let’s explore this topic together.
Our Featured Guest
Kevon Cheung
Kevon Cheung is the founder and head teacher at Small School. He was a previous guest on the podcast several years ago, and I’ve taken his Build in Public Mastery Course to help overcome my fears about posting on social media. I learned a lot of helpful information about creating effective posts on LinkedIn, YouTube, and the STC podcast. Kevon’s wisdom and practical knowledge have helped me lean into vulnerability in many areas. In light of his rebranding from Public Lab to Small School, Kevon shares the pain and difficulties in business building and rebranding, why he felt the need to rebrand, and what he teaches in his online “small courses.” He also explains where he sees course creators stumbling the most.
Small School
You’ll Learn:
The painful parts of Kevon’s rebranding process (Changing your identity and “rebuilding what you’re known for”)Kevon’s thoughts about working through the inevitable feelings of failure when a change became necessary (How to reframe your mindset about a pivot)The biggest mistake course creators makeKevon’s #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs and course creatorsKevon’s reasoning behind his “all in” attitude about online coursesKnowing when to add a course as a new offering (Have you validated your expertise with your audience?)Where course creators stumble the most–and why the goal is to create an experience that connects, surprises, and delightsKevon’s perspective on what a “small course” isResources:
Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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Today’s session covers the unusual topic of securing contracts from different agencies for mental health services. This aspect of therapy work is not what we normally think about as clinicians, but the connection between private practice and federal funding for programs that can be a wonderful niche. Whether you’ve ever thought about this topic or this is brand new to you, today’s conversation will be food for thought about opening new doors and opportunities in the therapy world. Join us to learn more!
Our Featured Guest
Dr. Ajita Robinson
Dr. Ajita Robinson is a dear friend, a highly respected colleague, and a sister in the faith. She has secured many millions in government contracts both for her private practice and in coaching other clinicians to do the same. In sharing her wealth of knowledge today, Ajita explains how to build relationships with government agencies and the top three things she looks for in available contracts. She shares the biggest mistakes our colleagues make in securing contracts and her unusual perspective on contracts that appear to already be given out. We wrap up our discussion with a transparent look at how Ajita’s strong faith influences her work and impacts the contracts she pursues.
Website
You’ll Learn:
How working in marginalized communities led Ajita to pursue contracts with local and federal governments–and solved a problem she was passionate aboutHow Ajita leveraged what she knew firsthand about social programs, combined with her research skills, to access available systemsWhere a clinician should begin in forming connections and relationships that lead to government funding opportunitiesHow state-level certifications position a clinician for government contracts and can assist in the corporate contracting marketWhy the biggest barrier to securing government contracts is mismanaging money and not having your books in orderWhat business insurance is required to become a government subcontractorThe top three things Ajita considers with any contract opportunity: the scope of work, payable terms, and whether the contract is renewable or notHow Ajita has been able to strategically position herself to recover contracts when they have fallen through for othersThe biggest mistakes our colleagues make around securing government contracts: they think they aren’t qualified to pursue them, they aren’t open to partnering with others, and they get stuck in DIY-modeHow Ajita’s Christian faith aligns with the contracts she pursues, how she operates as a therapist, and how she functions as a Black, female business ownerAn overview of The Purposeful and Profitable Therapist Summit, an annual conference focused on diversifying income scheduled for July (2024) in Washington, DCResources:
Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans.
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at
https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us
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As I’ve learned and grown as an entrepreneur, I have tried to study and learn from those who are further along on the journey. I’ve come to understand that I can learn as much from their hard lessons and challenges as I can from their successes. Today’s session is based on a podcast interview I listened to a couple of months ago. It featured Ali Abdaal and Sahil Bloom, two online creators who have built 7-figure businesses and audiences of over 6 million followers. In their insightful interview done in two parts, they talked a lot about life and business; I’m sharing seven lessons I picked up from them that I’m implementing in my business and personal life.
You’ll Learn:
7 Lessons I Learned from Ali and Sahil:Change the wealth scoreboard.Don’t define self-worth based on net worth. A new definition of success bases “wealth” on health, relationships, and the time I have for the things I enjoy.Set daily non-negotiables.Live with intention by identifying 3-5 things that must happen each day for me to be at my best.Friends over followersThe quality of my relationships greatly impacts my health. Schedule time to connect with genuine friends.More growth equals more haters.Sharing my message attracts people with a lot of pain, so I should default to empathy.Don’t be a slave to social media. Be careful about posting pictures of kids and sharing revenue numbers. This is difficult to navigate while still establishing credibility and the human connection that people crave. Build micro-businesses.These can generate cash flow with minimal involvement.An example: having an in-house agency along with doing a podcast.Connection over mass contentWith AI, content is easier than ever to create, but connection and authenticity help others know, like, and trust me.Resources:
Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans.
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at
https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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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 join us to support 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 signing up for a product or service.
Heard Website
You’ll Learn:
How to view tech startups in the mental health industry in terms of “headwind” and “tailwind” tendencies since the COVID-19 pandemicWhat the data shows about tech startups: 90% will fail!Why the big risk also comes with big opportunities in the startup worldWhat happens when a clinician contracts with a mental health tech startupWhy 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 developmentHow compensation for therapists is structuredMike’s advice about doing your due diligence when contacted by a tech startupAn overview of Mike’s work and mission at Heard and what they provide for therapistsResources:
Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at
https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to be 10 years for me as a course creator next year, and the validation part is the most important part of an online course. You can download it over at coursecreatorstarterkit.com.
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To keep you informed, this will be the last session before I take a summer break. Along with taking time for much-anticipated rest, I’ll be busy with my family and many STC-related projects! STC will still be here, though, as we run replays of our best episodes for you during this time. I look forward to returning in a few weeks with another great season of podcast sessions for you!
As I prepare to see clients very soon in my return to private practice, I’ve been given unique opportunities to do two talks related to mental health for folks near my childhood home of Dallas, Texas. Through a childhood friend, I became connected to a nonprofit there and was asked to share my personal experience with mental health. As a high-achiever, I grew up as a South Asian kid in the US, struggling with anxiety and depression. It was REAL and led me to see a psychologist, prompting my love for psychology and changing the course of my life. I shared my story with parents of high-achieving kids through this nonprofit and led a Q & A session with them; it was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was subsequently asked to do a second talk with another organization on a similar topic, focusing on risk factors for kids/teens growing up in hyper-competitive public and private schools. These kids are in what I call “the gilded pressure cooker,” feeling enormous pressure to achieve almost impossible feats. In today’s session, I want to share the three biggest lessons I’ve learned as a result of these unexpected opportunities to talk about the intersection of my experiences, passions, and callings.
You’ll Learn:
My three biggest takeaways after doing these talks:Leaning into social media platforms, podcasting, and teaching workshops has helped me refine my speaking skills and learn to enjoy public speaking. (I’ve learned to silence my ever-present inner critic!)Doing talks like these takes a LOT of work and planning. (These were pro bono talks, but I will charge a fee in the future because of the multiple hours required. I don’t want to focus on revenue but on reach)For every talk I do in the future, I will capture the email addresses of the audience members to expand my community. (Adding people to your email list takes them from a “rented” audience on social media to an “owned” audience.)My thoughts and plans for the future in creating community, products, and services for this niche of families of high-achieversThis is a new area for me, but I would love to connect with more groups and organizations around this topic of high-achieving kids and their parents. If you have a contact for me, please email me!Resources:
Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!
Want to launch your podcast?
Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants)
sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop
Want to launch your online course?
Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit
Mentioned in this episode:
Course Creator Starter Kit
I know that many of us are thinking and planning for the upcoming year. If an online course is on your radar, I want to encourage you to download our free online course starter kit. It's a seven-day email course that will help you validate your course idea. Now, it's going to...
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