Shows
The Innovative TherapistRedefining Success, Healing Through Business, and Sustainable Online Growth with Melvin Varghese, PhDEpisode 147: Redefining Success, Healing Through Business, and Sustainable Online Growth with Melvin Varghese, PhD
What if your business could be a source of healing—not just hustle?
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the joy of talking with Dr. Melvin Varghese—licensed psychologist, host of the Selling the Couch podcast, and founder of one of the most thoughtful, heart-centered online business communities for therapists.
Melvin is someone I deeply admire—not only because he’s built a wildly successful podcast and sustainable business—but because he’s done it with integri...2025-04-2851 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew BierdsMany 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 GuestMatthew BierdsMatt 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...2024-11-2839 minSelling the CouchENCORE: How To Make Money From Your Podcast Without Just Relying On Sponsors with Melvin Varghese PhDPodcast sponsorship is often seen as the “golden goose” of podcasting. We started working with sponsors on STC a few years ago, and they have generated over $95k to this point. However, I’ve learned that relying solely on sponsorships is not the wisest stance because your success rides the ebbs and flows of another company’s marketing budget. I’m very grateful for the sponsors who have worked with us, but I don’t want to depend on them for the main source of income for STC. Today, I’m sharing three ways you can make money from your podcast f...2024-07-1121 minSelling the CouchENCORE: What Therapists Should Know As Billions Are Invested In Mental Health StartupsToday’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 wo...2024-06-1337 minSelling the CouchENCORE What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew BierdsMany 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 GuestMatthew BierdsMatt 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...2024-06-0637 minSelling the Couch363: How To Make Money From Your Podcast Without Just Relying on Sponsors with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.Podcast sponsorship is often seen as the “golden goose” of podcasting. We started working with sponsors on STC a few years ago, and they have generated over $95k to this point. However, I’ve learned that relying solely on sponsorships is not the wisest stance because your success rides the ebbs and flows of another company’s marketing budget. I’m very grateful for the sponsors who have worked with us, but I don’t want to depend on them for the main source of income for STC. Today, I’m sharing three ways you can make money from your podcast f...2024-04-2521 minSelling the Couch360: What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew BierdsMany 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 GuestMatthew BierdsMatt 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...2024-04-0437 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses.Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching callHeather McKenzie, LCMHCSHeather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so that you are ready to record. Heat...2024-03-1438 minSelling the Couch351: How to (Correctly) Pitch Podcasts with Dustin RiechmannToday’s session is a conversation about how to navigate guest appearances on podcasts. Whether you have future aspirations to launch a podcast or desire to grow your visibility by appearing on podcasts, this will be a helpful session for you! Podcasting offers possibilities for interesting connections and unimaginable opportunities. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestDustin RiechmannDustin Riechmann is a new friend with whom I connected on LinkedIn. From an engineering background, Dustin has become an internet marketing and copywriting whiz. His entire niche is focused on helping entrepreneurs pi...2024-01-0432 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Owning A Therapy Building During The PandemicWhat would it be like to own and run your own group therapy practice--including the building? And to complicate matters, what if the whole endeavor is getting off the ground during a global pandemic? It might sound crazy, but you’ll hear the details from today’s guest who is making it all happen after facing down all the obstacles. Join us!Our Featured GuestKaren Grayson, PhD, LPCDr. Karen Grayson had a vision a few years ago of owning a therapy practice building, so she followed through with the big purchase in 2...2023-12-1440 minSelling the Couch348: Could Keeping Your Business Small Be the Next BIG Thing? with Melvin Varghese, PhDTwo questions confront me daily: How big do I actually want to grow STC? What is the purpose of STC in relation to my overall life? Freedom is my most important value, and building my business around my life, family, and health is most important to me. Not every entrepreneur has the same goals, but these are questions for every entrepreneur to consider. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session!You’ll Learn:How I was compromising to fit life around my business instead of optimizing the business to fit the life I wanted...2023-10-1226 minSelling the Couch344: Should I Stop An Existing Podcast To Start A New One?It’s not unusual for a podcaster to rebrand and head in a new direction after podcasting for a while. The big questions in this transition are around the logistics of the rebranding process. Today’s session is a coaching call with a member of our Healthcasters Podcasting Course who is unsure about the best way to handle this big transition. Join us as we talk it out and figure out her best next steps!Our Featured Guest for Today’s Coaching Call:Marie Vakakis, MA, AMHSWMarie Vakakis is the founder of The Th...2023-09-1438 minSelling the Couch335: How To Show Up On Social Media When You Have A Love/Hate With It With Elizabeth Penela, PhDWelcome to today’s session, which is a conversation/coaching call with a member of our Online Course Mastermind. We focus today on the dilemma that comes along with social media. While social media is a fantastic way to connect with people and build your online presence, it can be a major source of distraction, comparison, and even addiction. How do you handle the tension that comes with social media if you don’t really like being there? This is a common struggle for many clinicians, including me, and this makes me think more intentionally abou...2023-05-1142 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Building A Second Brain, Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.Do you love learning new things but struggle to retain the information you’d like to remember for later use? This problem is an ever-present obstacle in my nerdy quest to accumulate knowledge. The good news? I’ve found something that works for me, and I’m sharing it in today’s show. Join me to learn more.This is a solo episode about building a second brain. You may or may not have heard of this concept, but it has revolutionized my life. As I stick to my commitment of setting aside two hours every day to learn...2023-03-1639 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Tips on Creating a Professional Livestream, Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.Today’s show is the first of a two-part series about livestreaming. I jumped somewhat hesitantly into this world a few months ago, and surprisingly, I’ve enjoyed this new outlet. Join me as I share what I’ve learned about livestreaming.I was nervous about starting The STC Online Income Stream because I am usually self-conscious on video. I’ve become more comfortable and more familiar with being in front of the camera over these months of livestreaming. My livestream focuses on podcasting and online courses, but I have plans to expand into other content areas. The curr...2022-12-0132 minSelling the CouchENCORE: How I Create Live Streaming Content With 30 Minutes of Prep: Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.This is the follow-up to last week’s podcast about creating a professional livestream. We’ve already covered the gear you’ll need, so today’s show focuses on creating the content for your livestream. Join me for Part 2!If you listened to Episode 258, you might be saying, “OK, Melvin, I have the gear, so what else do I need to do to prep for my livestream?” I’m glad you asked! After only doing livestreams for a few months, I’ve already learned a lot (including some very cool timesaving hacks and helpful tools), and I’m eager to share t...2022-11-2429 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Charging Premium Prices For Your Online Course (Money Blocks + Fears)Welcome to Session 300! I never even imagined reaching this point, and I’m very grateful to be at this milestone. I love everything about connecting with people through podcasting, so thank you for joining me on this journey. Today’s show is a coaching call about online courses and the imposter syndrome that sneaks in with fear and doubt. Join us to learn more!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Nikki Sewell, LCSWNikki Sewell was part of our beta group for Online Course School’s eight-week live experience where we went thr...2022-11-1734 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses.Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching callHeather McKenzie, LCMHCSHeather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so that you are ready to record. Heat...2022-11-1039 minSelling the Couch322: How To Avoid Information Overload In Your Online CourseToday’s session is a coaching call, and our main focus is on a struggle that many course creators face. When you are an expert in your course content, how do you find the balance in presenting information without overwhelming your students? I feel sure that every course creator has felt this struggle, so I hope you find today’s call to be helpful.Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Heather England, Ph.D., LCP, LCPC, CST, CDWFDr. Heather England is a coach, certified sex therapist, and licensed clinical psychotherapist in Ove...2022-09-0838 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Improving Your Private Practice Website with Daniel FavaLike many of you, I’m looking forward to a different 2021, but I am grateful for what we’ve learned about ourselves, our businesses, and our resilience. Today’s topic is more relevant than ever, as we all want to learn more about improving our private practice website. Join us to learn more! Our Featured GuestDaniel FavaDaniel Fava, from Private Practice Elevation, is my friend and an expert in website design. I trust his insight and advice, and I rely heavily on him for everything website-related. Daniel is here t...2022-08-2537 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Moving From An Online Course To A Membership Model with Jennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SToday’s show takes on a very niched perspective, but the information and wisdom are useful in many aspects of our work as clinicians and business owners. We are specifically discussing how to move from an online course to a membership model. Maybe you’ve wondered about these components of your practice and how to make the transition. Join us for expert advice!Our Featured GuestJennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SJennifer McGurk is a registered dietitian in NY whose specialty is helping clients with eating disorders. She made the transition from an onli...2022-08-1836 minSelling the Couch320: 5 Lessons I Learned After 2 Cohort-Based Course LaunchesToday’s solo episode is the last one before we take an extended summer break for August. We will return with new episodes in September and October before I plan a sabbatical of several months. Today’s focus is on cohort-based courses, which are becoming very popular in the world of online education. It’s a very powerful model that I truly love. Join me for a closer look as I share what I’ve learned so far!5 lessons I’ve learned about CBCs:It truly gets easier the second time around, bu...2022-07-2823 minSelling the Couch319: 9 Ways to Turn Your Podcast Into A Money-Making MachineBefore I started this podcast in 2015, I had rolled the idea around in my head over and over again. The problem was that I was full of fears and apprehension, and I just wasn’t sure that I could make it work like I wanted. Since then, I’ve been fortunate to help almost 300 of my colleagues build their online businesses through podcasting, and I’ve learned what to do and what not to do. I’m sharing helpful tips today to help you transform your podcast into a money-making machine. Join me to learn more!You’ll Learn:2022-07-2125 minSelling the Couch318: Why You Should Not Just Build a Social Media Following with Craig MorrisToday’s topic is relevant to many different types of businesses and entrepreneurs, and it’s something I have pondered along my own journey. We are taking a look at owning an audience compared to “renting” an audience through social media platforms. Social media can be overwhelming with many challenges, and the number of followers is not always a reflection of the success of a business. Join us to learn strategies to help you own your audience!Our Featured GuestCraig MorrisCraig Morris works with creators to monetize their knowledge. He has worked a...2022-07-1436 minSelling the Couch317: A Niche Working With Incarcerated MenToday’s session is atypical and very specific, but I think it’s a relevant and timely focus. The topic of supporting incarcerated men has been something I’ve thought about for a long time because the need is great, and I have a heart for those clinicians who do this difficult work. I want to learn and understand more about this field, so I hope you’ll join me for today’s conversation. Our Featured GuestRobert Fields, LPARobert Fields is a Licensed Psychological Associate in Durham...2022-07-0727 minSelling the Couch316: Creating A Breathwork App with Brian Von AnckenToday’s session is all about building a breathwork app. It’s an interesting and nuanced process that most of us don’t understand. Breathwork can be a vital part of any therapy practice, and it is a tool that we should better understand. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestBrian Von AnckenBrian Von Ancken is Head of Partnerships at Othership.us. Brian and I met on Twitter, which has been a great place for me to connect and engage with many amazing people. Brian’...2022-06-3032 minSelling the Couch315: How to Use Loom to Record Your Course Quickly and EfficientlyEven with seven years or so of course-building under my belt, I certainly do not claim to be an expert with all the answers. Always the student, I’m constantly learning and tweaking the process, and I’m always happy to share my tips and valuable lessons with you. There are so many tools, equipment, formats, etc.--- and it can all be very intimidating! In today’s solo session, I’m sharing tips about my favorite recording tool, Loom. Join me now!You’ll Learn:Why Loom is my favorite recording tool for online courses and the ST...2022-06-2326 minSelling the Couch314: Finding Our Enough as Entrepreneurs with Keri NolaToday’s session is very relevant to the season of life that I’m currently navigating. How far do we keep going as entrepreneurs as we reach our goals? How far is enough that our lives and responsibilities are balanced by the work we do and not pushed aside by work? How big do we want our business and our revenue goals to be? Join us for a closer look at “enough” in today’s podcast!Our Featured GuestKeri NolaKeri Nola is a good friend and a repeat guest on the podcast, e...2022-06-1636 minSelling the Couch310: Creating an Online Course for ParentsI’m the fortunate podcast host with two guests today, which is a first for me! They are long-time friends of mine from grad school who have taken a unique idea and brought it to fruition in starting their company and launching their first online course. If you’re anything like me, you’ll want to hear all about it, so join us to hear their story!Our Featured GuestsJordana Mortimer, PhDErin Avirett, PhDJordana Mortimer and Erin Avirett are both child neuropsychologists with independent private practices. They have been f...2022-05-1935 minSelling the CouchENCORE: Moving From An Online Course To A Membership Model with Jennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SToday’s show takes on a very niched perspective, but the information and wisdom are useful in many aspects of our work as clinicians and business owners. We are specifically discussing how to move from an online course to a membership model. Maybe you’ve wondered about these components of your practice and how to make the transition. Join us for expert advice!Our Featured GuestJennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SJennifer McGurk is a registered dietitian in NY whose specialty is helping clients with eating disorders. She made the transition from an onli...2022-04-1440 minSelling the Couch304: How To Build An Email List Alongside Your Online CourseToday’s session features a coaching call about how to build an email list simultaneously with an online course. You’ve probably heard that social media is the best option for building an email list, but is it? There are pros and cons to consider. Join us as we discuss this topic that is relevant to many people. I hope it’s helpful for you!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Tami Zak, AMFTTami Zak was part of our first beta group for Online Course School last fall. Her practice is based...2022-03-1034 minSelling the Couch300: Charging Premium Prices For Your Online Course (Money Blocks + Fears)Welcome to Session 300! I never even imagined reaching this point, and I’m very grateful to be at this milestone. I love everything about connecting with people through podcasting, so thank you for joining me on this journey. Today’s show is a coaching call about online courses and the imposter syndrome that sneaks in with fear and doubt. Join us to learn more!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Nikki Sewell, LCSWNikki Sewell was part of our beta group for Online Course School’s eight-week live experience where we went thr...2022-02-1029 minSelling the Couch296: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses.
Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call
Heather McKenzie, LCMHCS
Heather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so that you are ready to record. Heather created a course specifically focused on anxi...2022-01-1338 minSelling the Couch296: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses.Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching callHeather McKenzie, LCMHCSHeather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so that you are ready to record. Heat...2022-01-1335 minSelling the CouchENCORE: 5 Subtle Ways I Stay Productive Daily: Melvin Varghese, PhDWhat techniques have you found that help you stay on task each day? Maybe you have some tried and true habits, or maybe you recognize the need to put in place a little more structure. Either way, there is inspiration waiting for you in today’s show!Solo episodes are always fun for me because I love getting to share with you what I’m learning. Today’s topic is about the habits I’ve incorporated to maximize my productivity on a week-to-week basis. For many of us, our self-worth is measured by how much we get done, an...2021-12-1623 minSelling the Couch291: Owning A Therapy Building During The PandemicWhat would it be like to own and run your own group therapy practice--including the building? And to complicate matters, what if the whole endeavor is getting off the ground during a global pandemic? It might sound crazy, but you’ll hear the details from today’s guest who is making it all happen after facing down all the obstacles. Join us!Our Featured GuestKaren Grayson, PhD, LPCDr. Karen Grayson had a vision a few years ago of owning a therapy practice building, so she followed through with the big purchase in 2...2021-10-0737 minSelling the CouchENCORE: 5 Tips To Authentically Get On Podcasts: Melvin Varghese, PhDAs STC has grown, I’ve been wanting to address this topic of getting on other podcasts as a guest. In a typical week, I receive several requests from people wanting to be a guest on STC. There are several reasons why I cannot accept every one of those requests, and there are things to consider in remaining authentic while seeking podcast appearances. In this solo episode, we discuss some tips to follow if you want to increase your exposure by appearing on podcasts.RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosures: Please note that all opi...2021-08-2627 minSelling the CouchENCORE: How I create Live Stream Content With 30 Minutes of Prep: Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.This is the follow-up to last week’s podcast about creating a professional livestream. We’ve already covered the gear you’ll need, so today’s show focuses on creating the content for your livestream. Join me for Part 2!If you listened to Episode 258, you might be saying, “OK, Melvin, I have the gear, so what else do I need to do to prep for my livestream?” I’m glad you asked! After only doing livestreams for a few months, I’ve already learned a lot (including some very cool timesaving hacks and helpful tools), and I’m eager to share t...2021-08-1931 minSelling the Couch270: When A Therapy Practice Is No Longer Your Calling, Melvin Varghese, PhDToday’s solo episode is a show I’ve wanted to do, but it’s a vulnerable topic for me. This show highlights a moment of joy because it means I’m listening to my hopes and dreams and not my fears. Our Featured GuestMelvin Varghese, PhDDuring this last year, I’ve made the decision not to be a therapist in private practice any longer but to dedicate 100% of my time to STC, serving our field and our colleagues in this way. I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at this decision, sh...2021-03-1132 minSelling the Couch268: Moving From An Online Course To A Membership Model with Jennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SToday’s show takes on a very niched perspective, but the information and wisdom are useful in many aspects of our work as clinicians and business owners. We are specifically discussing how to move from an online course to a membership model. Maybe you’ve wondered about these components of your practice and how to make the transition. Join us for expert advice!Our Featured GuestJennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-SJennifer McGurk is a registered dietitian in NY whose specialty is helping clients with eating disorders. She made the transition from an onli...2021-02-2539 minSelling the Couch267: Bookkeeping Things To Consider When Transitioning From Solo to Group Practice With Michael Spencer, BS, MAAs a business owner, if you’re baffled by the world of bookkeeping, then today’s show will be helpful to you. Maybe you’re a solo practitioner considering starting a group practice, or perhaps you want to learn more about efficient financial systems and processes. Join us!Our Featured GuestMichael SpencerMichael Spencer has an interesting career background as a CPA who became a licensed clinician in private practice. Recently, she started a bookkeeping practice to serve helpers and healers in the healthcare profession. Michael has a gentle presence that brings comfor...2021-02-1835 minSelling the Couch266: How We Connect our Mindset to Systems to Achieve Entrepreneurial ConfidenceWe all want to have entrepreneurial confidence as we run our business. Today’s topic is how we connect our mindset to systems to achieve that confidence. Join us to learn more about translating an entrepreneurial mindset into systems and processes that will boost your profitability.Our Featured GuestKasey Compton, M.Ed, LPCC-SKasey Compton from KaseyCompton, lives and works in KY, where she has built a very successful, seven-figure group practice. When I thought about a show highlighting systems and processes, I knew Kasey would be the perfect person to cover th...2021-02-1137 minSelling the Couch265: Transitioning From Conventional Business Model in Private Practice in 2021 And Beyond with Brant Thomsen, LICSWMany of us are wondering what our careers are going to look like in 2021 and beyond. We know the therapy model of 2019 as we knew it is not coming back. How do we pivot and move forward? We are answering this question in today’s show. Our Featured GuestBrant ThomsenBrant Thomsen is a therapist in private practice in the twin cities area of MN. He has an interesting life and career because he became a social worker after training at a music school in high-level piano performance. He is now making th...2021-02-0433 minSelling the Couch264: Building A Second Brain, Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.Do you love learning new things but struggle to retain the information you’d like to remember for later use? This problem is an ever-present obstacle in my nerdy quest to accumulate knowledge. The good news? I’ve found something that works for me, and I’m sharing it in today’s show. Join me to learn more.This is a solo episode about building a second brain. You may or may not have heard of this concept, but it has revolutionized my life. As I stick to my commitment of setting aside two hours every day to learn...2021-01-2836 minSelling the Couch263: How to Show up as a Genuine And Authentic Clinician in Multicultural IdentitiesToday’s topic is a relevant one for any clinician interested in diversity and multiculturalism. It can be fulfilling and empowering to show up in authentic ways for your clients, especially with today’s increased awareness of diversity and social justice. I hope you’ll join us to learn more. Our Featured GuestDr. Lindsey BrooksDr. Lindsey Brooks is a licensed psychologist. In these times of racial injustice, many of us wonder how to be a clinician in private practice who shows up in multicultural identities. Lindsey is here to share what she’s...2021-01-2138 minSelling the Couch262: Improving Your Private Practice Website with Daniel FavaLike many of you, I’m looking forward to a different 2021, but I am grateful for what we’ve learned about ourselves, our businesses, and our resilience. Today’s topic is more relevant than ever, as we all want to learn more about improving our private practice website. Join us to learn more! Our Featured GuestDaniel FavaDaniel Fava, from Private Practice Elevation, is my friend and an expert in website design. I trust his insight and advice, and I rely heavily on him for everything website-related. Daniel is here t...2021-01-1435 min
Selling the CouchAdapting New Ways of Doing Things in Private Practice Because of Difficult CircumstancesI’m hoping 2021 will be a new year of great experiences and opportunities after what we went through in 2020. Today’s show covers one specific way that clinicians have had to adapt to new ways of doing things because of difficult circumstances. Join us to learn more.Roseann Capanna-Hodge is an integrative and pediatric mental health expert. She’s the founder and director of the Global Institute for Children’s Mental Health and Dr. Roseann and Associates. Roseann had a simple idea during the pandemic about doing therapeutic activities via Zoom and telehealth sessions. This realization led to her wr...2021-01-0728 min
Selling the CouchHow I create Live Streaming Content With 30 Minutes of Prep: Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.This is the follow-up to last week’s podcast about creating a professional livestream. We’ve already covered the gear you’ll need, so today’s show focuses on creating the content for your livestream. Join me for Part 2! If you listened to Episode 258, you might be saying, “OK, Melvin, I have the gear, so what else do I need to do to prep for my livestream?” I’m glad you asked! After only doing livestreams for a few months, I’ve already learned a lot (including some very cool timesaving hacks and helpful tools), and I’m eager to share t...2020-10-2225 min
Selling the CouchTips on Creating a Professional Livestream, Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.Today’s show is the first of a two-part series about livestreaming. I jumped somewhat hesitantly into this world a few months ago, and surprisingly, I’ve enjoyed this new outlet. Join me as I share what I’ve learned about livestreaming. I was nervous about starting The STC Online Income Stream because I am usually self-conscious on video. I’ve become more comfortable and more familiar with being in front of the camera over these months of livestreaming. My livestream focuses on podcasting and online courses, but I have plans to expand into other content areas. The curr...2020-10-1528 min
Selling the CouchDealing with Pandemic Challenges And Growing Private Practice In ItAs we enter a new STC season, we are all aware of the challenges for clinicians during the coronavirus pandemic. Many practitioners have pivoted and transitioned into the world of telehealth, which still presents obstacles. Join us to learn more in today’s show.Dr. Adina Silvestri works as an addictions therapist and has a podcast called Atheists in Recovery. The global pandemic presents unique challenges for someone in addiction recovery. Adina saw a golden opportunity to serve her audience while continuing to grow her business. In today’s show, we are discussing her growth journey during this...2020-09-0331 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: Three Non-Traditional Marketing Methods For Introverts To Market Their Practice EffectivelyHow do you succeed in marketing your practice when you tend toward introversion? So many clinicians are not extroverts and don’t feel comfortable with the traditional networking that is required in marketing. There are challenges to face, and fortunately, there are non-traditional forms of marketing that can be done. This show will give you some valuable information and practical insights about marketing for non-extroverts.Patricia Young, LCSW, is based in California, but also offers teletherapy sessions for her clients. Her practice focuses on helping HSP’s (highly sensitive people) experience more ease and peace and thrive with...2020-08-2735 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: What America's Millionaires Do DifferentlyHave you ever wondered what it would be like to be a millionaire? Most of us have probably spent some time dreaming about how we would use that kind of wealth, but you might be surprised to learn that millionaires don’t live and spend the way we think they do.The show will take a short break for the month of April. This is because I like to practice what I preach about self-care; to stay at my optimal health, I’ll take this break and then return with more shows in May. Today’s show center...2020-08-2026 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: How to Market a TeleMental Health PracticeWith the growth of the telemedicine industry in recent years, have you considered using this technology in your private practice? If your curiosity is piqued, then you might wonder about the differences in marketing online counseling vs. a traditional private practice. Join us to learn more about this intriguing concept.Shelly Smith, LMFT, shares a private practice with her business partner, Jennifer. They have ventured into online counseling with their practice, United Counseling Wellness, based in Minneapolis and Milwaukee. Shelly will share what she has learned in this endeavor and how the therapy field is changing. She...2020-08-131h 14
Selling the CouchENCORE: How to Find Ideal Clients And Why It’s Best to Focus on The Ideal ClientsWhere do your ideal clients hang out? Who are the people and organizations that are serving them? These are questions you should answer as you consider narrowing your focus and attracting your ideal clients. Today’s show dives into the practical steps you can take to accomplish these important goals.Keri Nola is a dear friend who has been on the show before. Keri has branched out of her psychotherapy background to mentor, awaken, and support healers of all kinds through her newly established practice in San Diego. She has a lot of answers to the questions we...2020-08-0648 min
Selling the CouchColleagues Share The #1 Business Lesson They've Learned from The Selling The Couch PodcastIn this last episode before the usual August break for STC, I wanted to highlight my colleagues and valued listeners. So much knowledge and wisdom have been shared in these first few years of the podcast, and today’s show includes clips from other clinicians sharing what they have learned and how they have implemented those lessons into their practice. I’ll wrap up the compilation with my top personal takeaways.www.sellingthecouch.com/session251 Mentioned in this episode:Sign up for the new online course workshop of a sma...2020-07-3023 min
Selling the CouchPro Tips To Improve The Quality Of Live VideosThe pandemic and months of quarantine have many of us relying more than ever on video. We use video for meetings, live sessions, live-streaming, and other content, so it’s important to have the best quality possible. Join us to learn more.Michael Rothermel is my videographer who filmed the welcome video for STC back in 2017. We were part of the same faith community while Michael lived in the Philly area, and I can’t believe I haven’t had him on the show until now. He’ll share his top tips to improve the quality of live vid...2020-07-2339 min
Selling the Couch5 Years and 1 Million Downloads: Melvin Varghese, PhDToday’s show is a special episode as we celebrate STC hitting the ONE MILLION downloads’ milestone. When I started the podcast, I thought one million downloads was a reasonable 20-year-goal, but here we are, just five years along in the journey. To mark this occasion, I’m going solo today with advice to the younger me, or what I wish I had known five years ago.www.sellingthecouch.com/session249RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosures: Please note that all opinions are my own and based on my personal experience. Sponsors are ac...2020-07-1624 min
Selling the CouchExpert Insights on How to Generate Income Through PodcastingAs rewarding as it is to start your own podcast and share your knowledge and expertise with the world, there is one thing that makes it even better--and that’s monetizing your podcast. Wouldn’t it be a dream come true to make money from your podcast? You might think it’s the impossible dream, but today’s show brings practical information and simple tips for monetization that can expand your reach, extend the life of your podcast, and free up more of your time for quality content creation.Christy Haussler is the founder of Team Podcast, a full-s...2020-07-0942 min
Selling the CouchMoving From Multiple Systems For Content Management To All-in-one PlatformJuly is an exciting month because STC will hit one million downloads! It’s something I could never have imagined during these first few years. As STC has grown, we’ve added new team members and made significant changes. One of the biggest changes to date is happening now, and we’re taking a closer look in today’s show.Nicole Denison has been my virtual assistant for the past three years. You may remember that she joined us in Episode 232 to talk about the benefits of having a VA. Nicole is back to discuss the changes taking p...2020-07-0240 min
Selling the CouchThe Process Of Launching a Membership Site To Survive The PandemicDuring times like these, it’s essential to think outside the box, but every decision has business and financial implications. One way to survive the pandemic shutdown is to pull back from one-on-one work and create income streams that aren’t dependent on being there in person. If you’re curious to know more, then join us for this episode.Jackie Flynn teaches therapists how to integrate EMDR Therapy and Play Therapy techniques, and she is launching a membership site this year. In this episode, Jackie and I will discuss what I’ve learned through my experiences, and we’l...2020-06-2548 min
Selling the CouchSigns Why Private Practice Is Not For Someone And Moving Away From ItSince STC usually focuses on aspects of the journey into private practice, today’s show is different. We are talking to someone who decided to take her skill set in another direction and move away from private practice. A traditional talk-therapy practice isn’t for everyone, and there are other therapeutic healing modalities that can be fulfilling and meaningful. Join us to learn more!Hayley Hansen is a body-centered healer based in Phoenix, Arizona. She was a Licensed Professional Counselor who became fascinated with bodywork healing methods through yoga; Hayley decided to give up her LPC license to p...2020-06-1831 min
Selling the CouchThe Truth About Marriage: Golden Nuggets for Happy RelationshipsToday’s show is different from the regular topics of business and entrepreneurship, and it may be one of the most important issues of all. Join us to learn some golden nuggets to help you in your relationships.Roger Nygard is best known for his highly acclaimed and successful documentary called Trekkies. Today’s conversation is focused on Roger’s latest documentary, The Truth About Marriage. He wanted to figure out what makes happy relationships, so he started out by reading a lot of books on the topic. Roger didn’t stop there because he went on to inter...2020-06-1141 min
Selling the CouchBlogging As A Way To Build Your Practice And Reach Your Ideal ClientsWe are tackling another topic relevant to the pandemic crisis. This particular time is a good chance to think about private practice in different ways than ever before. If you’ve ever considered blogging as a way to build your practice and expand your reach to your ideal clients, then this is the show for you.Lauren Hahn is a licensed mental health counselor in Orlando, Florida. She has built a successful private practice through blogging. In this episode, Lauran shares the process that she’s gone through for the past several years in starting her blog and...2020-06-0441 min
Selling the CouchThe Concept Of Using Telemedicine For Mental Health Clinicians And Practical Measures To TakeThe concept of using telemedicine for mental health clinicians has become very relevant due to the coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, meeting clients this way is something that is not just temporary; clinicians need to make this transition and set themselves up for successful telemedicine for the future.Roy Huggins has been at the forefront of telemedicine and how to do it ethically. In today’s show, he’ll share practical measures to take, like setting up your computer and tablet. He’ll also share tips around the expectations of telemedicine mental health and how to reframe those expectations for ou...2020-05-2835 min
Selling the CouchText-based Therapy And Using It In An Ethical And Effective Way In Private PracticeAs clinicians, we occupy a unique role as we hold space for the grief of our clients while still navigating our own grief and disappointment in a time like this pandemic crisis. These times make us think differently about how we serve our clients, which makes today’s show about text-based therapy very relevant. Can it be used in an ethical and effective way?Bill Hudenko is a professor at Dartmouth College in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. He also teaches at Dartmouth’s School of Medicine and is the CEO of Trusst Health, a comp...2020-05-2130 min
Selling the CouchExpert Tips for Private Practice That Involves Military PopulationEven though today’s topic is very specific, it’s one that applies to many clinicians. We are discussing the unique situation of restarting a private practice after a military deployment. We include many helpful tips if you find yourself in that situation, or if your niche involves working with the military population. Chad Welch has a private practice outside St. Louis. He has an amazing story of deployment to the Middle East until July of last year and then restarting his private practice just one month later. We take a deep dive into his mindset about the...2020-05-1435 min
Selling the CouchWebsite SEO And Why It Is Important To Attract Ideal Clients In Private Practice with Maelisa Hall, PsyDToday’s show is about search engine optimization (SEO), an essential aspect of your private practice website. The truth is that you can have the most beautifully designed website on the planet, but it won’t help your practice if it doesn’t attract people. If you’re confused about trying to navigate the world of SEO, then this is the show you don’t want to miss! Dr. Maelisa Hall is a licensed psychologist and digital marketing expert. She’s here to break down the intimidating world of SEO with language that’s easy to understand. She covers her...2020-05-0741 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: Sharing the Knowledge of Business Building and Marketing Strategies in Private PracticeIt’s a challenge to open up and be vulnerable about what you’ve learned along your journey. Often, it’s that authenticity that is most effective in helping others learn from what YOU have learned. Today’s guest is an example of openness and vulnerability. Katie Leikam, LCSW, has a private practice in Decatur, GA. She is sharing with transparency about how she went from zero clients after the first four months to a thriving $100,000 practice. There is wisdom to be found in Katie’s experience, in the difficulties of building a business and the struggle to get the...2020-04-3034 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: How to Focus on Your ONE ThingWelcome to a solo episode about a very important topic: Focusing on Your ONE Thing. This episode is an outgrowth of one of my personal goals for 2017, which is to read one business-related book per month. I’ve already read a book that has impacted me greatly and changed the way I approach my business. The book is The One Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan. The book hones in on the principle that successful businesses with innovative products and services focus on one project at a time, instead of going in ma...2020-04-2334 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: 19 Colleagues Share "The #1 Way I Get Referrals For My Practice.”This episode features . . . .you! Nineteen of our listeners took the time to record their tips for getting referrals, which just happens to be the most-asked question for clinicians. This episode is bittersweet for me because it’s the last one of this season. I’m taking some time off to focus on being a husband and daddy and to take some much-needed time for self-care. But before I say goodbye, for now, let’s listen to these great ideas for getting those coveted referrals! You can read the full show notes at: Session190Mentioned in this ep...2020-04-1651 min
Selling the CouchENCORE: A Deep Dive into Setting Fees That Ensure Our Profitability and Business GrowthToday’s topic is one that puzzles many clinicians and leaves us feeling uncomfortable. We’ve approached setting fees on past episodes, but today we are diving deeper into setting fees that ensure our profitability. How do we make sure our business is growing, thriving, and allowing for future expansion? Join us as we learn more with today’s guest. Reina Lombardi is an art therapist based in Florida. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge about debt, building a business, and setting fees. Reina understands the many challenges in owning a private practice, and she knows...2020-04-0943 min
Selling the CouchMy 5 Favorite Tools For Creating Online Courses, Melvin Varghese, PhDToday’s show is about something a bit different, even though we’re in the middle of the coronavirus crisis. I’ve learned that we should have a virtual aspect of our business in place for scenarios like this. I’ve also learned how important diverse income streams can be when your regular practice is interrupted. I can’t maintain my business health if I rely solely on my clients. Five years ago, I launched my first online course, so now I’m sharing lessons learned over that time, especially about gear. Remember, though, that gear should help you achieve your...2020-03-2630 min
Selling the CouchTop Five Tips About Hiring a Virtual AssistantToday’s show is one that I’ve looked forward to for a long time. We are covering a topic that comes up frequently in the STC community, which is the process of hiring a virtual assistant. I’ve been through this process more than once, and it was a rocky road before finding Nicole three years ago. Hiring a VA teaches you about your strengths, weaknesses, and communication skills. I’ve learned what tasks I can delegate and what help I need for long-term sustainability in my business. Today you’ll meet Nicole Denison, who is my awesome...2020-03-1939 min
Selling the CouchCreation, Do's and Don'ts of a Successful Retreat Model in Private PracticeToday’s show is about a topic I’ve wanted to cover for a while. It’s about something many of us might have wanted to do in our practices. We are talking about retreats and mini-retreats, and I have the perfect person to fill us in on the details.Mikella Millen is an art therapist in NYC. She has taken a great idea and made it reality by creating retreats focused on self-care for clinicians. She’s sharing with us how she developed this idea and validated the fact that people would want to sign up. We’ll ta...2020-03-1235 min
Selling the CouchRenting Or Subleasing Extra Office Space And Key Points To Launch This In Private PracticeToday’s topic is a new one in the STC community. Have you ever thought about renting or subleasing extra office space? Whether you might be a prospective owner or renter, today’s show has great wisdom about how that extra office space can be put to good use in serving other clinicians and your community. Elena Clemente has a practice in North Tampa. She has learned many lessons through renting out parts of her four-person office suite. In today’s show, Elena shares how she found this office space and what kinds of contracts she uses with c...2020-03-0535 min
Selling the Couch5 Tips To Authentically Get On Podcasts: Melvin Varghese, PhDAs STC has grown, I’ve been wanting to address this topic of getting on other podcasts as a guest. In a typical week, I receive several requests from people wanting to be a guest on STC. There are several reasons why I cannot accept every one of those requests, and there are things to consider in remaining authentic while seeking podcast appearances. In this solo episode, we discuss some tips to follow if you want to increase your exposure by appearing on podcasts. www.sellingthecouch.com/session229 Mentioned in this episo...2020-02-2722 min
Selling the CouchBuilding a Successful Private Pay Group Practice In An Area Where Other Clinicians Take InsuranceToday’s conversation focuses on an interesting topic. We’ve often discussed the nuances of a private pay practice, but today we are going deeper. Is it possible to build a successful private pay group practice in an area where most other clinicians take insurance? Join us as we explore this question together. Deborah Duley has a practice in Maryland, which she manages remotely from her new home in Atlanta. Deborah has learned a lot along the journey in which she began as a solo practitioner in a private pay practice in 2013. She then went to a grou...2020-02-2029 min
Selling the Couch227: Multiple Income Streams And What is The Best Way to Put Them in Place?Today’s show covers an interesting topic that has come up in the STC community. We discuss multiple income streams frequently, but what is the best way to put those in place? Do I need to build my therapy practice before I launch a second income stream? Let’s answer these questions and more with today’s guest. Annie Schuessler lives in the San Francisco Bay area. She’s been in private practice for 20 years, and she’s mentored other therapists for 10 years. She has insights learned along the way in her journey, and she’s here to share tho...2020-02-1334 min
Selling the Couch226: A Deep Dive into Setting Fees That Ensure Our Profitability and Business GrowthToday’s topic is one that puzzles many clinicians and leaves us feeling uncomfortable. We’ve approached setting fees on past episodes, but today we are diving deeper into setting fees that ensure our profitability. How do we make sure our business is growing, thriving, and allowing for future expansion? Join us as we learn more with today’s guest. Reina Lombardi is an art therapist based in Florida. She has a wealth of experience and knowledge about debt, building a business, and setting fees. Reina understands the many challenges in owning a private practice, and she knows...2020-02-0638 min
Selling the Couch3 Lessons from Revamping My Private Practice Website: Melvin Varghese, PhDWelcome to a solo episode! I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss how I’ve revamped my private practice website. The process has been very intentional for me, and I’ve enlisted the help of several other people. Maybe you are considering changes to your website, but you aren’t sure where to begin. I hope today’s “inside look” at a private practice website is helpful to you. www.sellingthecouch.com/session225 Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building though...2020-01-3024 min
Selling the CouchThe Big Picture Of Private Practice And Basic Procedures To Get Started With It with Montoyia McGowan, LCSWHave you felt the pull of private practice? Maybe you’ve considered taking the leap into private practice, but are hesitant about the first steps to take. Today’s show takes an authentic look at the big picture, along with basic procedures to get you started. Our guest shares how she followed her intuition and took the risk that comes with starting a business. Montoyia McGowan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the Memphis, Tennessee area. She and I have connected online for about four years, since the early days of the STC community. Montoyia left a jo...2020-01-2331 min
Selling the CouchHow Online Reviews Help Improve The Private Practice with Keely Kolmes, PsyDWith today’s technology, most people rely on online reviews when it comes to products, services, restaurants, hotels, and much more. When it comes to clinicians and clients, online reviews can reveal a lot, but is that a good thing? Do people mainly leave online reviews when they are upset or dissatisfied with the service they have received? Join us for a deeper look at this issue on today’s show. Dr. Keely Kolmes is a Licensed Psychologist in California. They did research via anonymous surveys about the experience of therapy clients who had accessed personal or prof...2020-01-1627 min
Selling the CouchTransition From Clinical Work To Online Courses And Challenges Of Course CreationMany clinicians think about creating online courses, and some may even feel pressured to take this step. Online courses are sometimes portrayed as the “golden egg” for clinicians and the pinnacle of achievement. While this is certainly a product with much potential, the key is in balancing online courses with the other aspects of your practice while making sure you are motivated by the right reasons. Learn more in today’s show! Miranda Palmer is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from ZinniMe.com. She’s a good friend who is very knowledgeable about the transition from clinical...2020-01-0942 min
Selling the CouchThe Power Of Sub-niching Within A Niche And Lessons Learned From It with Curt WidhalmWelcome to the first episode of 2020! It’s been nice to have some extra time for rest and family time around the holidays, but now I’m ready to get going again with wonderful guests and helpful episodes as we step into a new year. Curt Widhalm, LMFT, is a friend based in Los Angeles. He works with high-achieving teens in his practice. I wanted Curt to share how he chose this niche and what he’s learned along the way. It’s also cool that Curt is a marathon runner who ran competitively in high school and now...2020-01-0236 min
Selling the Couch[ENCORE] Money Pitfalls That Come With Business Success22Do you “have it all together” when it comes to your business finances? My hat’s off to you if you do, but for most of us, the painful truth is that any business journey comes with its own set of challenges and lessons, some of which must be learned the hard way. Like many of you, I like to pretend that I have it all together, but today’s show is all about transparency and baring it all---the good, the bad, and the ugly. Every few weeks I like to a solo session to share with you what I’m lear...2019-12-2625 min
Selling the Couch[ENCORE] Creating a Digital Product Using Your Clinical Strengths and Growing it OnlineToday’s guest is Debra Roberts, LCSW, who is in private practice specializing in relationship therapy. Our topic today is one that many clinicians have probably pondered at one time or another. We’re discussing how to take our clinical expertise and turn it into some kind of digital product that extends far beyond the therapy room. Over 20+ years in private practice, Debra realized that she was having success with her clients and finally mustered the courage to write a book that has since branched into a course, training, webinars and more. Debra shares her journey, what she’s learne...2019-12-1947 min
Selling the Couch3 Practice Building Insights After 100 Conversations With Successful PractitionersWhen you’ve talked with as many people as I have, you tend to learn a lot of lessons and gain great insights into what it takes to build a successful private practice. Today’s show is a solo episode inspired by a presentation I did recently. We are focusing on three lessons I’ve learned, along with key takeaways and the biggest mistake for each lesson. www.sellingthecouch.com/session218 Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful...2019-12-1224 min
Selling the Couch5 Podcasting Myths and How to Avoid ThemWelcome to this solo episode! I’m talking today about all the things I thought I knew about podcasting that turned out NOT to be true. I want to help you avoid these mistakes if you’re considering embarking on your own podcasting journey. My podcasting journey spans almost 2-1/2 years now, which is still hard for me to believe. So, here we go; let’s jump right into Five Podcasting Myths and How to Avoid Them. www.sellingthecouch.com/session217 Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Buil...2019-12-0532 min
Selling the CouchHow to Build an Authentic Brand Around Your Therapy PracticeWelcome! Can you build a private pay counseling private practice in this day and age? That is the question that therapist and business coach Keri Nola and I explore in Session 4 of the Selling the Couch podcast. www.sellingthecouch.com/session216 Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder2019-11-2631 min
Selling the CouchHow to Build an Authentic Brand Around Your Therapy PracticeToday’s guest is Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, a psychologist in private practice in Decatur, GA. She is the creator of the website, blog, and podcast, Therapy for Black Girls. Her practice mainly focuses on African-American women who have gone through breakups. Dr. Joy and I are discussing how she has built this therapy and brand, and how she developed it while staying authentic and true to herself and her calling. www.sellingthecouch.com/session215 Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for therap...2019-11-2131 min
Selling the Couch[ENCORE] How to Find Ideal Clients And Why It’s Best to Focus on The Ideal ClientsWhere do your ideal clients hang out? Who are the people and organizations that are serving them? These are questions you should answer as you consider narrowing your focus and attracting your ideal clients. Today’s show dives into the practical steps you can take to accomplish these important goals. Keri Nola is a dear friend who has been on the show before. Keri has branched out of her psychotherapy background to mentor, awaken, and support healers of all kinds through her newly established practice in San Diego. She has a lot of answers to the questions we...2019-11-1450 min
Selling the Couch[ENCORE] My Struggles with Chasing the Shiny Objects in BusinessToday’s podcast is a solo episode about My Struggle with Chasing the Shiny Objects in Business. I’ve experienced this struggle as I’ve built STC and gone through the challenges of entrepreneurship. My desire is to encourage all of you by being transparent about this issue. You can read the full show notes at www.sellingthecouch.com/session213Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for therapists, founders & leaders building thoughtful work + lives. The Quiet Builder2019-11-0737 min
Selling the CouchDealing With Depression And Anxiety In Private PracticeWelcome to the final episode of 2019! I try to be intentional about the mindful breaks I take to keep myself refreshed and focus on producing quality content for STC. The plan is for the show to return in January with helpful and informative content for you. Today’s episode is a very personal topic of dealing with depression and anxiety, which has been a lifelong struggle for me. I knew that becoming more public with my practice and the podcast would force me to balance the daily pressures of life with my mental health. The past year has been pa...2019-10-3124 min
Selling the CouchBuilding Private Practice Around Religious Abuse And Marketing ItToday’s topic is a new one for the podcast. We’ve never tackled the subject of religious abuse before, even though it pops up in news stories frequently. Building a private practice around working with this population may not be anything you’ve ever imagined, but you’ll hear from someone who is doing it successfully. Connie Baker is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Washington. She’s found her niche in religious abuse recovery. Like many clinicians, Connie came to this field of work because of her personal experience of sexual abuse at the hand of religious...2019-10-2432 min
Selling the CouchHow To Balance Out The Fear Of Public Speaking And Giving A PresentationToday’s topic is one that brings fear into the hearts of many: giving a presentation. Although many clinicians aspire to speak in front of peers on the topics with which we have the most passion, there is still the immense fear of those public speaking moments. How do we balance out that fear to impart the knowledge we want to give? We’re covering all aspects of this topic on today’s show. Marie Vakakis, LCSW, is a clinician in Australia. She’s here to share some of the things she has learned in her presentations specific...2019-10-1729 min
Selling the CouchImmigration Hardship Evaluations And How To Conduct, Market, And Charge For ThemToday’s show covers a topic that we’ve dealt with before, but I wanted to take a deeper dive into Immigration Hardship Evaluations. Let’s learn more together with today’s guest! Juan Santos is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Greensboro, NC. He’s here to talk about what he has learned about these evaluations and how to conduct, market, and charge for them. Our conversation gets to the real heart of the issue, based on Juan’s experiences in his clinical work. If you’ve been curious about these evaluations and wondered if you are qualified to d...2019-10-1034 min
Selling the CouchBuilding Sales Funnel And Email List To Grow Your Private PracticeHave you heard much about “sales funnels”? If you have, the phrase might have conjured up visions of slick and slimy marketing schemes that haven’t left you with a positive feeling. Today’s show is all about building a funnel in an ethical way, along with things to think about regarding using funnels to grow your business--without the slick and slimy schemes. Joel Louis is the founder of Integrator and Co., where he focuses on funnel-building with his clients, helping them to grow their businesses in profound ways. He’s here to break funnels down so we can und...2019-10-0339 min
Selling the CouchWhen Should I Launch A Podcast?: Melvin Varghese, PhDToday’s show is a solo episode inspired by a recent roundtable that I led with some local therapists here in the Philadelphia area. A question came up that I’m asked often: “How do I know when I’m ready to launch a podcast?” There is no set time that’s right for everyone, but there are several factors to consider. That’s where today’s discussion takes us. You can read the full show notes at: Session207Mentioned in this episode:Try Quiet Builder!📬 The Quiet Builder: A premium newsletter for thera...2019-09-2621 min
Selling the CouchThe Biggest Factors To Consider Before Setting Up a Practice In a Saturated AreaToday’s show is full of very practical tips that I hope will be helpful to you. We are talking about the nuances of building a sustainable practice with someone who has a wealth of knowledge. Laura Northrup is a Marriage and Family Therapist in Oakland, CA. She’s here to discuss a wide range of topics, including the biggest factors to consider before setting up a practice in a saturated area. We’ll discuss the most common mistakes new clinicians make when jumping into private practice, how to market and strategically build relationships with referral sources, and th...2019-09-1935 min
Unapologetically SensitiveI Gave Myself Permission To Be Me, And Not Place Undue Expectations About Who I Should Be, with Melvin Varghese, PhdEPISODE 005 TITLE 005 I gave myself permission to be me, and not place undue expectations about who I should be, with Melvin Varghese, PhD GUEST Melvin Varghese, PhD EPISODE OVERVIEW Melvin talks about what it was like being born in India, and coming to the U.S. as a sensitive, minority male in a new culture. Melvin talks about the collective consciousness in India compared to the individualistic values in the U.S. Before Melvin had the baby, he got up at 4:30 every morning; and he t...2018-11-131h 08