The Bad Therapist Show

What if I told you my coaching business started completely by accident? I spent years trying to make wellness workshops and recovery coaching work - but none of it stuck. All along the way, something else was happening. My therapist colleagues started asking me for help with their practices. Before I knew it, I had three paying clients and thought, "holy crap, there's something going on here." In today's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on exactly how I went from struggling to gaining traction with multiple business ideas to building what I have now–one-on-one coaching, international retreats, and scalable programs. I'll tell you about the moment someone handed me more money than I'd ever received at once, why the pandemic became my unexpected business accelerator, and the one non-negotiable factor that made all the difference (it's not what most business gurus tell you). If you’ve been toying with the idea of stepping beyond your therapy practice but feel stuck or scared, this episode will give you the clarity (and the kick) to see what’s actually possible when you start a coaching business the right way. Topics covered on Starting A Coaching Business: Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: “ The fastest way to make progress is to start now and do the scary thing.” - Felicia

Have you been spinning your wheels for weeks (or even months) trying to choose your therapy niche so you can finally move forward with your website? Plot twist: you might not need a website at all - at least, not yet. In this episode, I share why starting on social media (instead of your website) is the smartest move when you’re stuck in indecision. You’ll learn how its “temporary” nature actually makes it the perfect testing ground for your niche and messaging, and how the rapid feedback loop helped me build my business. I’ll also bust the myth that you can “waste time” on the wrong niche, open up about the messy parts of my own marketing journey, and show you how experimenting led me to clarity and clients. Plus, I’ll walk you through building a simple marketing ecosystem that nurtures people who may not be ready to book today but will remember you when the timing is right. If you're ready to stop overthinking and start experimenting with your therapy niche, this episode will give you permission to take imperfect action. Topics covered on How to Pick A Therapy Niche: Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Resources from this episode: Liberated Business Related episodes: Choosing a Therapy Niche That Aligns with Your Values & Passion [Ep 14]How to Pick a Therapy Niche That Makes You Happy [Ep 4]How to Build a Marketing Ecosystem That AI Can't Break [Ep 130] Quote: “ The fastest way to clarity is through action, not endless planning.” - Felicia

Is SEO for therapists completely dead now that AI is taking over? I brought back my friend and collaborator Kristie Platinga to answer this burning question that's keeping so many of us up at night. After watching my website clicks drop and hearing therapists panic about ChatGPT replacing Google, I knew we needed to have a real conversation about what's actually happening with marketing right now. Kristie breaks down why Google still dominates and introduces the concept of "search everywhere optimization", because showing up on just Google isn't enough anymore. We get into the nitty-gritty of how AI pulls recommendations from across the entire internet, why your Google reviews matter more than ever, and what specific steps you can take to build your online presence even if marketing makes you want to hide under a blanket. I also share my own journey from being that therapist who thought "I'm good at my job, I don't need to market" to finally understanding why SEO for therapists and digital visibility directly impact whether people choose to work with you. This conversation gets real about what it takes to compete in 2025. More about Kristie Platinga: Kristie Platinga is the founder of Place Digital, a marketing agency for therapists, coaches, and wellness practitioners. Topics covered on SEO for Therapists: Resources from this episode: www.youtube.com/@WhatYourTherapistThinkshttps://www.besttherapists.com/podcastwww.Moz.comwww.ChatGPT.comwww.business.google.com Connect with Kristie Platinga: www.placedigital.com Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapist

Ever wonder what other therapists are really thinking? Well, now you can find out. I’ve just launched a podcast with my friend Kristie Platinga, founder of Best Therapists, where actual licensed therapists open up about what they’re really thinking, while answering the internet’s most burning mental health questions. And by ‘burning questions’ we mean the stuff people post anonymously on Reddit in the middle of the night. Each week on What Your Therapist Thinks, you’ll hear expert therapists break it all down, from emotional numbness and trauma to self-worth and healing. And they aren’t holding back. They’re sharing what they really think, including the things they’d never actually say in session. If you’re a therapist in private practice, this is a fascinating peek into the conversations your peers are having and a chance to see how other professionals approach the questions and dilemmas our clients are posting about. Subscribe and follow the show wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss an episode! Resources mentioned in this episode https://www.besttherapists.com/podcastwww.youtube.com/@WhatYourTherapistThinkswww.pod.link/1837783166?view=apps&sort=popularity Connect with Kristie Platinga: www.placedigital.comBestTherapists.com Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money

Are you exhausted from the endless demands of running your private practice? Preventing burnout in your private practice doesn't require another complicated strategy or expensive solution. In today's episode, I'm sharing one surprisingly simple tool that's probably been right in front of you all along. While we often talk about raising fees and being intentional with scheduling, I want to get back to something even more basic, something so simple that most therapists overlook it completely. This practice takes just minutes, costs nothing, and can happen right between sessions. It's helped me stay grounded when the demands of running my own business feel overwhelming, and it's given me the clarity to make better business decisions when I feel stuck. I'll walk you through the exact exercise I used to teach my clients that you can now use for yourself. Plus, I'll share why this particular approach cuts through that feeling of being trapped in your private practice when nothing seems to be working anymore. Topics covered on Preventing Burnout in Your Private Practice: Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Resources from this episode: What Your Therapist Thinks podcast Quote: "Having these moments are going to make you feel like you are in your life instead of watching your life from afar." - Felicia

Is your website traffic dropping even though you're doing everything right? Building a marketing ecosystem is more critical than ever as AI reshapes how clients find therapists online. I'm seeing it firsthand; my website gets higher impressions than ever, but fewer clicks because AI summarizes my content directly in search results. It's frustrating, right? But here's the good news: this shift isn't the end of marketing for therapists. It's actually a chance to create something stronger and more sustainable for your private practice. Tune in to today's episode as I share exactly what's happening with zero-click searches, why relying on one marketing channel leaves you vulnerable, and how to build a marketing ecosystem with multiple touchpoints that work together. You'll hear about my own five-year journey building this business, what worked, what didn't, and the specific steps you can take starting today, even if marketing makes you uncomfortable. So if you're ready to stop worrying about algorithm changes and start building a private practice that thrives no matter what tech throws at us, this episode is for you! Topics covered on Marketing Ecosystem: Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Related episodes Marketing Mindset Shifts You Need to Make to Fall in Love With Marketing [Ep 5]Marketing for Therapists: How to Connect with Clients by Addressing Their Problems [Ep 58] Quote: “ When you invest in a marketing ecosystem that leverages multiple channels, meaningful relationships, and your own strengths, you're protecting your practice against the ups and downs of tech and trends.” - Felicia

Are you spending your weekends catching up on notes when you could be living your life? In today's episode, I'm talking with Doctor TK about time-saving tips for therapists that completely changed how she runs her practice. She went from spending hours on documentation to creating what she calls the "5-minute clickable note" and it all started when she was working across from a mall and wanted more time to shop! Doctor TK shares exactly how she condensed 15-page intakes into 2 pages and built systems that freed up so much time, she was able to create multiple revenue streams. But here's the kicker: most therapists want to jump straight to passive income without fixing the holes in their first boat. We dive deep into why your private practice needs solid systems before you can successfully add another revenue stream, plus Doctor TK gets real about how she cut her revenue by 50% so she could be more present with her kids. If you're tired of drowning in documentation and want to build a business that supports your life (not the other way around), this conversation will show you exactly where to start. More about Doctor TK: Doctor TK is a clinical psychologist who runs her virtual therapy practice while traveling the world with her husband and two kids. She’s also a private practice business mentor and has coached over 3000 therapists! If you follow Doctor TK online you know she’s always talking about ways therapists can save time, create additional revenue streams and live their best life. Topics covered on Time Saving Tips for Therapists: Connect with Doctor TK: @DoctorTK@doctortkpsych Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: “

Ever felt guilty for wanting to make good money as a therapist? That's good therapist conditioning at work, and it's probably destroying your practice. Good therapist conditioning is a toxic belief we absorb in grad school, from supervisors and from society that tells us we should sacrifice ourselves for our work. It's that uncomfortable feeling when you talk about money, that guilt when you put yourself first, that fear that other therapists will judge you for wanting financial stability. In today's episode, I'm showing you how to spot good therapist conditioning in your own practice and, more importantly, how to slay it. I'll share real stories from therapists who went from shaking in their boots about raising fees to consistently filling their practices with full-fee clients. We'll talk about why financial health is actually part of your clinical effectiveness and why you don't need anyone's permission to thrive. If you're tired of being overworked, underpaid, and feeling guilty about wanting more, you're in the right place! It's time for you to build a practice that supports your life. Topics covered on Good Therapist Conditioning: Resources from this episode: https://www.kasiaurbaniak.com/unbound-bookwww.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusinesswww.thebadtherapist.coach/feeformula Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "Bad therapists know something that other therapists don't. They know it's possible to do good work and have a life that is deeply pleasurable and financially stable and spiritually aligned." - Felicia

How many clients should you see in a day as a private practice therapist? If you're wrestling with this question, you're definitely not alone—and today I'm breaking it all down with honesty, permission, and just a little bit of math. Most therapists revisit this question throughout their career, wondering what's normal, what's sustainable, and what they actually need to make their practice work financially. I'll share why the typical 15-20 clients per week might not be your magic number, and why I chose to see 6-7 clients over just three days (hello, four-day weekends!). We'll explore why starting with your energy levels and lifestyle needs matters more than industry standards, and I'll flip the traditional math on its head - instead of picking a fee and cramming in clients to pay bills, we'll calculate what fee you need based on your ideal schedule. Plus, I get real about why having fewer clients can actually benefit both you and them, because nobody wins when you're seeing 50 clients and showing up frazzled. This is about building a private practice that supports your life, not one that consumes it. Topics covered on How Many Clients Should You See in a Day: Resources from this episode: www.thebadtherapist.ck.page/revenue-stimulatorwww.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusinesswww.thebadtherapist.coach/feeformula Connect with Felicia: @the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: “The only person you need to please is you and then your clients.” - Felicia

Are you running yourself ragged while trying to scale your group practice? In today's episode, I sit down with my client, Lauren Worley, owner of Foothill Psychotherapy, who transformed her business from $18,000 to $25,000 in monthly revenue - without sacrificing her sanity. Lauren shares the raw truth about being an "accidental group practice owner" and the wake-up call she needed to stop putting everyone else first. You'll hear exactly how our year-long coaching journey helped her shift from throwing darts at the wall to making strategic decisions as a true CEO. We get real about the financial realities of running a sustainable group practice, why marketing matters (even when you hate it), and when to say no to hiring someone you really like. If you're drowning in admin tasks, skipping your own paychecks, or using your clinicians as sounding boards, this episode is for you. Lauren's story shows what happens when you finally put your oxygen mask on first and build a business that cares for both your clinicians AND you. More about Lauren Worley: Lauren is the owner of Foothills Psychotherapy, a group practice in Burbank, CA that is providing compassionate, client-centered care for teens, adults, and relationships of all kinds. She manages a team that specializes in using Brainspotting, EMDR, and talk therapy to help clients reclaim balance, set boundaries, and live more empowered lives. She is a certified Brainspotting therapist and consultant and loves seeing LGBTQ+ teens and supporting their families. Topics covered on Scaling Group Practice: Connect with Lauren Worley: www.foothillspsychotherapy.com Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "When I first started, I had no oxygen mask. I would hear myself saying it to my clients, I would hear myself saying it to my clinicians and in my head saying, 'Hmm, Lauren, what about yours?'" - Lauren Worley

Are you caught in the telehealth vs. in-person therapy debate? In today's episode, I tackle the question that’s on many therapists' minds: do you really need to have an office to succeed in private practice? Since the pandemic shifted our industry toward virtual sessions, many of us have gotten comfortable working from home. But there's a growing number of clients specifically seeking in-person therapy experiences. So I'm sharing my own journey with telehealth and why having a physical office space might be worth considering - even if it’s just for one day a week. From the unexpected marketing advantage of Google Business Profiles to the benefits of work-home separation, I'll break down the pros and cons without sugarcoating the realities. Whether you're committed to your virtual practice or feeling the pull to return to an office setting, this episode offers a no-nonsense look at what might work best for your private practice and lifestyle. Topics covered on Do You Really Need to Have an Office to Succeed in Private Practice: Resources from this episode: Google My BusinessWhy Therapist Reviews Are Better Than Paid Ads - Your $0 Client Attraction Plan [Episode 123] Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "Having an office can boost your visibility, help you serve a wider range of clients, and create new business opportunities, but it's not a requirement for success." - Felicia

Growing a group practice starts with your very first hire, but who should that person be? In today's episode, I sit down with Nicole McCance, and we get real about the mistakes that can make or break your expansion plans. Nicole sold her group practice for multiple seven figures after scaling to 55 therapists in just three years! She shared why your first hire should be a "mini-you" who matches your therapeutic style and energy, ensuring clients get a consistent experience. We discussed real-life strategies for transitioning clients to new therapists, why couples therapists are revenue gold mines, and the best way to screen candidates. Plus, we explore why creating solid systems not only makes your daily operations smoother, but also significantly increases your group practice's value if you ever decide to sell. If you're dreaming of working less while earning more in your therapy business, this episode is for you. Nicole's stories about her own hiring mistakes will save you tons of headaches and money! More about Nicole McCance: Nicole is a Psychologist (retired) turned Business Coach for therapists scaling to a group practice. She expanded her private practice to 55 therapists and multiple 7 figures in 3 years (with toddler twins at home). Nicole sold her clinic in the 4th year and then retired as a Psychologist in her 5th year. She now teaches therapists how to help more people, make more money and have more freedom following her proven method. The McCance Method: https://mccancemethod.com/ Topics covered on Growing A Group Practice: Connect with Nicole McCance: The Business Savvy Therapist Podcasthttps://mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "In order for you to be a CEO, you have to let go...

Do therapist reviews feel like an ethical minefield for your private practice? Let me help you cut through the confusion! In this episode, I'm talking about how reviews can make or break your visibility online - whether you're a brand new therapist or you've had your practice for years. You'll learn exactly where to get reviews (Google Business Profile isn't your only option!), who you can ethically ask for testimonials (hint: it's not always off-limits to ask clients), and a simple monthly system that takes minutes to maintain. I'll give you the exact script to use when asking for reviews so you don't sound awkward or desperate. Plus, I'll show you why local reviews matter more than ones from across the country, and how to make sure your reviews sound authentic instead of keyword-stuffed. This is truly one of the most cost-effective marketing strategies available to private practice therapists today. And the best part is you can start implementing this strategy immediately after listening. Tune in and watch your visibility skyrocket! Topics covered on Therapist Reviews: Resources from this episode: www.yelp.comwww.google.com/businesswww.psychologytoday.comHow to create email templates in GmailWhat to Do When a Therapy Client Threatens to Leave a Negative Review [Ep 50] Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "Having a solid Google business profile with great reviews can be one of your most cost-effective ways to get more eyeballs on your business." - Felicia

Do you ever wish that you could just take a week off from seeing your clients? I’m not talking about taking a longer break for holidays and vacations, but taking a week off so you could step out of the employee role and step into your entrepreneurial self. If the answer is yes, then this episode is for you! If you are waiting for a secret roundabout way for you to take a week off without raising your fees, sorry, but it doesn’t exist. I know that you’re probably cringing when you hear the term ‘raising fees’, but the reality is that most therapists need to raise fees for their services and that’s exactly what I will teach you in this replay podcast episode! Tune in to learn about how to set up your practice so you can earn enough money to take time off, how to use the time off and invest it into growing your business, how to let clients know that you are raising your fees, tips on healing your money blocks, and much more! Topics covered on Raising Fees: Resources mentioned in this episode: My Journey of Becoming 'The Bad Therapist’’ [Episode 1]The Bad Therapist Magic SheetsThe Money Witch - Jessie Susannah Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Related episodes you might also enjoy: How to Ethically Raise Your Therapy FeesEpisode 46Why You Can't Rely On This Method To Make More Money In Private Practice [Episode 61] Quote: “The truth is not that people won't pay that amount of money. The truth is that we are unwilling to do the work so that we could have what we want and we...

Money conversations in therapy are often avoided, but why are we so comfortable discussing trauma, sex, and family dynamics while tiptoeing around finances? In today's episode, I tackle the elephant in the therapy room: should you ask your clients how much money they make? I've been there too - feeling weird about bringing up finances with clients. But I realized this avoidance wasn't serving them or me. Money shapes our clients' reality and our work sustainability. I’m sharing my favorite approaches to introduce money conversations in therapy that build rapport rather than damage it. Plus, we explore how to normalize money talk from intake forms to ongoing sessions, and why understanding your clients' financial circumstances is crucial for effective sliding scale implementation. If you've ever felt uncomfortable discussing fees or noticed resentment creeping into your therapeutic relationships, this episode will give you straightforward guidance on creating financial transparency that benefits everyone involved. Let's get honest about money in therapy! Topics covered on Money Conversations in Therapy: Resources from this episode: https://www.thebadtherapist.coach/feeformulahttps://www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Related episodes you might enjoy: Breaking Taboos: How to Talk About Money with Your Therapy Clients [Episode 47] Quote: "It's super weird that we talk to our clients about all sorts of very intimate topics, and then we get so weird around money." - Felicia

In this episode, I'm tackling one of the biggest questions therapists face when transitioning to private practice: can you take your clients with you when leaving a group therapy practice? Being able to take your clients with you can be the difference between starting with a full caseload instead of scrambling for referrals. But how do you handle this tricky transition without burning bridges? I’m breaking down exactly what you need to know about client transitions - from reviewing your contract to having that ‘awkward’ conversation with the group practice owner. I'll share how to approach this situation with transparency and kindness while preserving relationships. You'll learn the two possible paths for client transitions and how to handle each one professionally. If you're preparing to make the leap to private practice or just want to understand your options for the future, this episode will give you the roadmap to transition with integrity and confidence. Listen in for a step-by-step guide to navigating this significant career move without the drama! Topics covered on Leaving Group Therapy Practice: Resources mentioned: Liberated BusinessImprove Your Website Instantly with This Simple Practice [Ep 29] Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Related episodes: Making the Leap: Tips for Transitioning from Agency Work to Private Practice [Ep 34]Celebrating 1st Anniversary with My Top Private Practice Growth Tips [Ep 57]How to Make As Much Money As You Want in Private Practice [Ep 62] Quote: "Remember, the best possible scenario is that you leave this group practice with mutual...

If you're tired of watching your therapy schedule and income evaporate every summer, I have a simple fix for you - therapy intensives. They can transform those dreaded summer months into your most profitable season yet. And I'm here to show you how! In today's episode, I'm breaking down how offering therapy intensives can stabilize your summer income while giving traveling clients the focused care they need. You'll discover how to package your existing skills into premium-priced therapy intensive sessions that clients actually prefer during busy months. Plus, I share practical formatting options from half-day to multi-day intensives, pricing strategies that reflect their premium value, and how to position these services with both existing clients and your waitlist. So if you're ready to ditch the summer revenue slumps and earn thousands in extra income with just a few therapy intensive bookings, this episode will give you the exact blueprint to make it happen. Topics covered on Therapy Intensives: Resources from this episode: Building a StoryBrand 2.0: Clarify Your Message So Customers Will Listen by Donald Miller How to Uphold Your Cancellation Policy Without Feeling Guilty [Ep 19] Related episodes you might enjoy: How To Make As Much Money As You Want in Private Practice [Ep 99]A Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Private Therapy Practice [Ep 43]Choosing a Therapy Niche That Aligns with Your Values & Passion [Ep 14] Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing...

Ever wondered how specializing in Black health and well-being could actually expand your reach as a therapist? In today's episode, I’m chatting with Dr. Raquel Martin, a licensed clinical psychologist who's built an impressive following while staying true to her specialty. She breaks down how she juggles being a professor, researcher, private practice therapist, podcast host, and content creator (all while raising two kids!) without burning out. Dr. Raquel talks about her no-nonsense approach to social media - treating it as a business card rather than the main event - and why saying no is crucial to your success, how to set rates without guilt, and why having a solid referral network lets you confidently stay in your lane. Plus, she explains her innovative "Burn the Cape" program that helps Black women access mental health support without increasing her clinical caseload. If you're tired of trying to be everything to everyone in your practice, Dr. Raquel's story will show you how focusing on what you truly care about can help you help more people. More about Dr. Raquel Martin: Dr. Raquel Martin is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Professor, Scientist, Podcast Host, Author, and Health Educator specializing in Black Health & Wellbeing. Topics covered in this episode: Connect with Dr. Raquel Martin: www.raquelmartinphd.com@raquelmartinphd@raquelmartinphdDr. Raquel MartinMind Ya Mentalwww.raquelmartinphd.com/burnthecapeDonate to Dr. Raquel’s "Burn the Cape" program Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapist

Why do some private practice therapists have a waitlist, while others can’t fill their calendars? In today's episode, I'm breaking down the four essential ingredients that actually create trust and reputation - not just in theory, but in practice too. We’ll cover why staying the “secret therapist” is quietly killing your business, how perfectionism keeps you stuck, and the order you actually need to build your visibility, credibility, and authority (hint: most therapists get this completely backward). You'll learn a visibility move you can make this week, the one-month consistency commitment that changes everything, when to actually focus on quality, and the uncomfortable truth about longevity that separates flash-in-the-pan therapists from those with lasting careers. This isn't fluffy advice - This is the exact framework I’ve used during my biggest growth seasons, and I'm giving you the straight-up truth about what works. Stick around to the end for a quick homework assignment to help you apply this right where you are now. Topics covered in this episode: this week Connect with Felicia: The Magic Sheets@the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Quote: "If you are a secret therapist, if you are invisible, then there is no way that you can build trust. People simply don't know you exist." - Felicia

Are you a therapist who's tired of feeling chained to your therapy chair, seeing client after client just to make ends meet? Freedom is what I keep hearing therapists want more than anything else - the ability to build a private practice around the life you crave. So many therapists can articulate their money goals, but what lights them up is describing the life they'd create with that money - yoga in the middle of the day, three-day workweeks, or time for forgotten hobbies. So in today's episode, I'm digging into what therapist freedom really looks like and how to build a private practice that doesn't just pay the bills but actually supports your dreams. I'll walk you through getting honest about what freedom means to you personally, setting fees that create true profitability, implementing time-saving systems, and giving yourself permission to want more. Ready to stop just surviving in your practice and start creating a business that gives you both income AND independence? Let's get into it. Topics covered in this episode: Resources from this episode: Join Liberated BusinessThe Magic Sheets Connect with Felicia: @the_bad_therapistwww.thebadtherapist.coachHealing Money Related episodes: How to Ethically Raise Your Therapy Fees [Episode 46]How to Raise Your Fees & Take a Week off from Your Private Practice [Episode 2] Quote: "Your business should support your life, not the other way around." - Felicia