Selling the Couch-logo

Selling the Couch

Business & Economics Podcasts

With over 1.8 million downloads, Selling the Couch is a top podcast for mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists, top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, productivity, and social media experts. You'll learn how therapists get referrals, make money, work through fears, and how they've stopped "trading time for income." Melvin also shares the lessons as he grows his impact + income beyond the therapy room (podcasting, video, online courses, masterminds, investing, etc) and the tips, tools, and tech he uses to grow STC from a single-person business to the CEO of a 5-person 100% remote team. You get bite-sized and highly actionable tips to guide your private practice and entrepreneurial journey.

Location:

United States

Description:

With over 1.8 million downloads, Selling the Couch is a top podcast for mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists, top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, productivity, and social media experts. You'll learn how therapists get referrals, make money, work through fears, and how they've stopped "trading time for income." Melvin also shares the lessons as he grows his impact + income beyond the therapy room (podcasting, video, online courses, masterminds, investing, etc) and the tips, tools, and tech he uses to grow STC from a single-person business to the CEO of a 5-person 100% remote team. You get bite-sized and highly actionable tips to guide your private practice and entrepreneurial journey.

Twitter:

@mvarghese5

Language:

English

Contact:

2142150041


Episodes
Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

364: How to Start Writing a Book: Things They Don’t Tell You

5/2/2024
If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you’ve realized that the process is intimidating. Just knowing where to begin and how to proceed pose big challenges. We are tackling this topic with today’s guest and uncovering the things nobody tells you about writing a book. Join us to get real and learn more! Our Featured Guest Raj Lulla Raj Lulla is a StoryBrand Certified designer and strategist. He and his partner, Ben Lueders, are the co-owners of Fruitful Design & Strategy, where they “create and grow compelling brands.” Raj has spent the last few years writing a book called The Caring House, and he joins us to dive deeper into the book-writing process. He shares why he chose to write a fiction book, how he approached the publishing aspect, and the financial outlay for a project like this. We wrap up with Raj’s perspective on the things no one tells you about marketing a book and Raj’s best tips for anyone who wants to write a book. Fruitful Design and Raj Lulla You’ll Learn: The Caring House Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants) https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworshop Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges. Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale...

Duration:00:44:01

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

363: How To Make Money From Your Podcast Without Just Relying on Sponsors with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.

4/25/2024
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 from Day One, without having to depend on securing sponsors down the road. Join me for a closer look! You’ll Learn: Fathom Analytics podcasting workshop Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants) https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworshop Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:21:55

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

362: Low Risk Ways To Host Your First Retreat with Megan Gunnell

4/18/2024
Hosting a retreat sounds like a great idea, right? When you stop and think about all the logistical and financial details, that’s when many fears and questions come to the surface. Perhaps the biggest fear is whether enough people will pay for your retreat to make it a success. Join us as we dive into this topic with today’s expert guest! Our Featured Guest Megan Gunnell In addition to being a business owner, author, and triathlete, Megan Gunnell is a Clinical Social Worker who has been hosting 1-day retreats, workshops and weekend/week long retreats for 20+ years. She hosted her first one at a local community center–complete with harp music! From these humble beginnings, Megan’s retreats have evolved into weekend retreats and international retreats that started in 2012 in Costa Rica, Italy, France, and other places around the globe. In this episode, we discuss why therapists find it so appealing to consider hosting a retreat, along with common fears related to the risk of hosting your first retreat. Megan explains how to find suitable venues that offer 100% refund options and points out the important legal and logistical considerations. We wrap up our conversation by discussing retreat marketing, which is vital to the success of your retreat. Megan shares what she has learned along her journey as a retreat host. Megan's Website and Thriving Therapists ® Facebook Group You’ll Learn: Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworshop Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on...

Duration:00:47:47

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

361: The Anxiety Of Finding A Private Practice Niche

4/11/2024
About a month ago, I shared that I’ve decided to go into private practice, in addition to keeping STC running and growing. There are three main reasons for this decision: I miss the therapy room, a clinical arm to my business is a wise move, and I’ll be able to more strategically diversify my income. I think this venture will offer new opportunities for the future that are beneficial in many ways, but, to be honest, this decision has brought me some anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I’m addressing these issues with my wonderful therapist, and I’m doing all the things that we therapists tell our clients to do. My worries and fears are probably normal for someone who feels the pressure to be successful in multiple businesses and endeavors. In today’s solo session, I’m sharing my insights on finding my private practice niche. Join me for a closer look! You’ll Learn: Fruitful Design Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:20:25

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

360: What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew Bierds

4/4/2024
Many of us have thought about creating continuing education courses and wondered how the process works and what factors are involved. Who better to learn from than someone who has done this successfully? Being successful at CEU course creation takes innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us for informative insights from today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Matthew Bierds Matt Bierds, from Duke City Counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, course creator, and professional speaker who does in-person and virtual counseling and LPC supervision in Texas and New Mexico. As far back as ten years ago, Matt realized that the world of online education was expanding, and he knew there were interesting opportunities for LPCs in the area of online courses. After jumping into this arena, Matt went through a “failing forward” phase before making a few tweaks and creating a course for LPC supervisors. In today’s session, Matt shares the lessons learned along his fascinating journey and the mistakes and successes that have brought him to where he is today. Matt's Website You’ll Learn: Resources: So you’ve probably heard that blogging is one of the best ways to attract your ideal clients as a therapist. But I know that it can be intimidating to SEO optimize your blog post so that it’s actually getting found by your current and future clients. Simplified SEO Consulting is a team of mental health professionals who genuinely want to help you attract more of your ideal clients using a proven on-page SEO process. Please visit https://sellingthecouch.com/simplifiedseo. **Use the code “MELVIN” to get 20% off any online, DIY SEO courses, and mention Melvin during your consultation for $100 off your onboarding fee for Done-For-You SEO services! Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket...

Duration:00:37:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: How To Work Through Perfectionism When Launching Your Online Course (Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT)

3/28/2024
If you’ve had a standoff with perfectionism in starting something new, you’ll want to join us for this coaching call in today’s session. Like most clinicians who are branching out with an online course, my guest is struggling with her fears about this new endeavor and whether she will get it right. Join us to hear the conversation. Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT Katie Lear is a therapist in solo private practice near Charlotte, NC. She was part of the Online Course School Live Cohort, and she’s part of the Online Course School Mastermind this year. She is preparing for the beta group launch of her course, and her next step will be to record the digital version. This process gives a chance to collect feedback from beta students on the lessons and modules before creating the digital version. Join us for this open and honest conversation around fear and perfectionism. Katie's Website You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:48:31

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: How To Not Let Work Become Your Identity (Dan Cumberland)

3/21/2024
Welcome to a brand new season of Selling the Couch! After an extended sabbatical of several months, it’s good to be back on STC with new, exciting shows. Today’s topic is one that we have all contemplated to some degree. I imagine that many coffee shop conversations and therapy sessions have included discussions around how we think about work and integrate our work into our post-pandemic lives. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dan Cumberland Dan Cumberland is a creative, catalyst, and collaborator at The Meaning Movement. He created this blog and community to help people pursue a deeper meaning in what they do beyond simply earning a paycheck. From his personal experience, he knows what it’s like to sacrifice too much for work and face burnout and hopelessness. He is intensely passionate about helping others wrestle with the big questions around work, meaning, and purpose. In this conversation, Dan inspires us to find meaning without letting work become our identity, along with his top tips for finding a healthy balance between work and life. You’ll Learn: The Meaning Movement Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Connect with Dan Website and Burnout Assessment Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:40:44

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?

3/14/2024
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 anxiety that can be found at Dial Down Anxiety. Like most of us who create an online course, she faced a common struggle about how to handle marketing time and costs to promote her course. Join us to hear the coaching call! McKenzie Counseling You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: We'd LOVE To Partner With You! ➡️ Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit ➡️ Looking to launch a successful podcast? Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients...

Duration:00:38:38

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: Avoid These 3 Mistakes The Average Investor Makes

3/7/2024
Today’s show focuses on one of my favorite topics, which is personal finance. Investing can be overwhelming and very confusing. Join us to learn how anyone can approach investing with knowledge and confidence. Our Featured Guest: Andy Gupta Andy Gupta and I have become good friends over the past couple of months. He is a kind and genuine person who worked for 20 years on Wall Street. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School who understands the ins and outs of investing, and he wants to make investing more approachable for average people. Andy has a particular passion for helping women understand investing, and he looks to use his wealth in ways that help others. Andy’s 30-day investing course: Anyone Can Invest Now Andy's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418356686326993 Andy's LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/andy-gupta You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:35:11

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

359: What Therapists Should Know As Billions Are Invested In Mental Health Startups

2/29/2024
Today’s session covers a topic that many clinicians are pondering. Many, like me, are having conversations with themselves in their heads about the available opportunities and the most efficient and ethical ways not to be left behind as technology presents new options in our field. The issue is how we can navigate the world of mental health tech startups that are available to join us to support our good work. Examples of what these startups provide are electronic health records, website design, marketing, and more. The truth is that the pandemic changed everything and catapulted the tech startup world into the range of billions of dollars. Don’t miss my enlightening conversation with today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Michael Fulwiler Michael Fulwiler is Head of Brand Marketing at Heard, a company that assists therapists with bookkeeping and financial needs. I’ve come to rely on Mike’s expertise as a good friend as I navigate the aspects of STC, trying to be a protector of our field while staying in alignment with my values. In this session, Mike and I discuss the mindblowing numbers around the multitude of mental health tech startups and how clinicians can be informed about which ones are most likely to succeed or fail. We also discuss the vitally important topic of client data privacy and the top three considerations we should have before signing up for a product or service. Heard Website You’ll Learn: Heard Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their...

Duration:00:38:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

358: Why I’m Going Back to Private Practice

2/22/2024
I have big news! I’m going back into private practice! Don’t worry, though, because STC remains, and I’ll be adding 1-2 days of clinical work each week. In today’s session, I’m pulling back the curtain on my thought process as I’ve pondered this decision for quite a while. Do I have all the bits and pieces organized and figured out? The answer is NO, and that’s okay. I want to give you a glimpse into the messy middle of this decision and the three main reasons I have made this choice. You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:39:42

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

357: Using Brainspotting To Work With Athletes

2/15/2024
Today’s session is all about brainspotting, a powerful and fascinating psychotherapy technique that I have personally found to be helpful. Specifically, we discuss the technique as it is used to help performance athletes. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Thad Frye, LCSW Thad Frye is a licensed clinical social worker in Boulder, CO. As a certified brainspotting consultant, Thad has gone through multiple levels of training in this therapy technique. In our conversation, Thad explains why he was motivated to pursue training in brainspotting after previously focusing his work with families through hospice care and end-of-life journeys. He describes the technical aspects of brainspotting and how he uses it in his work with athletes, specifically in those with the “yips,” a puzzling phenomenon of the loss of an ability. Thad Frye Counseling and Brainspotting Coaching for Athletes You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: So you’ve probably heard that blogging is one of the best ways to attract your ideal clients as a therapist. But I know that it can be intimidating to SEO optimize your blog post so that it’s actually getting found by your current and future clients. Simplified SEO Consulting is team of mental health professionals genuinely want to help you attract more of your ideal clients using a proven on-page SEO process. Please visit https://sellingthecouch.com/simplifiedseo *Use the code “MELVIN” to get 20% off any of our online, DIY SEO courses and mention Melvin during your consultation for $100 off of your onboarding fee for Done-For-You SEO services! You're Invited to Join the Mastermind! Looking for a group of likeminded clinicians to help you grow your practice? You're in the right place. Check it out at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just

Duration:00:42:21

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

356: 7 Lessons I Learned From Two 7-Figure Entrepreneurs

2/8/2024
As I’ve learned and grown as an entrepreneur, I have tried to study and learn from those who are further along on the journey. I’ve come to understand that I can learn as much from their hard lessons and challenges as I can from their successes. Today’s session is based on a podcast interview I listened to a couple of months ago. It featured Ali Abdaal and Sahil Bloom, two online creators who have built 7-figure businesses and audiences of over 6 million followers. In their insightful interview done in two parts, they talked a lot about life and business; I’m sharing seven lessons I picked up from them that I’m implementing in my business and personal life. You’ll Learn: Resources: Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans. Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. So you’ve probably heard that blogging is one of the best ways to attract your ideal clients as a therapist. But I know that it can be intimidating to SEO optimize your blog post so that it’s actually getting found by your current and future clients. Simplified SEO Consulting is team of mental health professionals genuinely want to help you attract more of your ideal clients using a proven on-page SEO process. Please visit https://sellingthecouch.com/simplifiedseo *Use the code “MELVIN” to get 20% off any of our online, DIY SEO courses and mention Melvin during your consultation for $100 off of your onboarding fee for Done-For-You SEO...

Duration:00:28:52

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

355: Strategies for Securing Contracts (with schools and the government)

2/1/2024
Today’s session covers the unusual topic of securing contracts from different agencies for mental health services. This aspect of therapy work is not what we normally think about as clinicians, but the connection between private practice and federal funding for programs that can be a wonderful niche. Whether you’ve ever thought about this topic or this is brand new to you, today’s conversation will be food for thought about opening new doors and opportunities in the therapy world. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dr. Ajita Robinson Dr. Ajita Robinson is a dear friend, a highly respected colleague, and a sister in the faith. She has secured many millions in government contracts both for her private practice and in coaching other clinicians to do the same. In sharing her wealth of knowledge today, Ajita explains how to build relationships with government agencies and the top three things she looks for in available contracts. She shares the biggest mistakes our colleagues make in securing contracts and her unusual perspective on contracts that appear to already be given out. We wrap up our discussion with a transparent look at how Ajita’s strong faith influences her work and impacts the contracts she pursues. Website You’ll Learn: The Purposeful and Profitable Therapist Summit Resources: Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans. Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed...

Duration:00:38:03

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

354: Why Every Course Creator Should Start A Podcast

1/25/2024
If you have ever considered creating an online course, or if you are already a course creator, you have probably thought a lot about marketing that course. The challenge is how to be thoughtful and creative in marketing your course, which becomes a separate income stream for your business. Starting a podcast is one of the best ways to market your course while creating a solid, compound income stream, and we are talking strategy today as I share what I’ve learned through my experience. Join us! You’ll Learn: Captivate Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Looking to launch a successful podcast? Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges. Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Duration:00:21:02

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

353: Setting Up An Email Series To Market Your Practice

1/18/2024
Are you using an email sequence in your practice? In today’s session, we are exploring the question of why more clinicians don’t create email sequences, which I believe is a smart and logical move. I have found that most of our STC sales come via our email list, and not through social media platforms. I’ve learned the hard lessons about this topic, so I hope this conversation will help you avoid some of my mistakes in this area. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Avivit Fisher Avivit Fisher is the founder and owner of REdD Strategy and a marketing and business coach for therapists in private practice. Her work with therapists helps them attract their ideal clients through branding, digital marketing, and advertising. We will discuss what an email sequence is, why many clinicians aren’t creating it, and how you can repurpose existing content in your email sequence. We will cover why this tool makes sense in many ways and can be helpful to get more clients in the door. Website You’ll Learn: Resources: Struggling with documentation and progress notes? Well, meet Upheal, a new AI-powered, HIPPA-compliant platform that creates automated session notes and analytics for busy mental health professionals. Whether online or in person, Upheal captures your sessions and creates pre-drafted progress notes and insights that you can simply review and edit. And, it even creates treatment plans with SMART goals included! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans. Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency...

Duration:00:43:09

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

352: When An Idea For An Online Course Comes From Therapy Sessions

1/11/2024
Many therapists have created online courses or have thought about creating an online course. It’s one of the best ways to increase your visibility, establish your expertise, and expand your audience and impact in the world. The course creation journey is not an easy one, and it’s full of challenges and ups and downs. Join us for a transparent look at the process from today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Linda Murphy, MEd, MA, LMHC Linda Murphy is a group practice owner in Florida, and she’s a member of the STC Online Course Mastermind group for therapists. Linda is the founder of the Banana Man Society and the Relationship and Divorce Counseling Center. She developed her idea to create a course for dealing with a difficult person because she saw that topic come up often for her clients, and she realized over time that there had to be a better way to distill and share information beyond 1:1 therapy. She created “Banana Man” as a metaphor for dealing with a difficult person–and the Banana Man Society was born. In this session, Linda gives an open, honest look at her course creation journey, along with insights into how she refined her idea. She shares tips and strategies she has learned that might be helpful to others in the course creation process. Website You’ll Learn: Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges. Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online...

Duration:00:40:20

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

351: How to (Correctly) Pitch Podcasts with Dustin Riechmann

1/4/2024
Today’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 Guest Dustin Riechmann Dustin 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 pitch themselves to bigger and bigger podcasts, which is a huge accelerant to business growth. Podcasting appearances help you establish social proof and open the doors to partnerships you could never imagine. Dustin shares his background story of coming to this niche and what he has learned along the way. He gives practical insights into crafting pitches to podcasters and much more valuable information on this topic. You’ll Learn: Podcast Pitch Playbook Resources: Connect with Melvin On LinkedIn Want to launch your podcast soon? Please check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: Connect with Dustin Riechmann: Website: Simple Success Coaching LinkedIn Get Dustin’s FREE Podcast Pitch Playbook! Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built

Duration:00:33:13

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: How To Increase Fees With Existing Clients

12/28/2023
Today’s topic is one that many clinicians have navigated, are navigating, or will navigate in the future. It’s the idea of increasing fees with existing clients. I’ve seen this topic come up repeatedly in online groups for therapists, and I know it brings anxiety and confusion. Let’s dig into it together! Our Featured Guests Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer are therapists, private practice owners, and the founders of ZynnyMe, where they teach and train therapists to build valuable and gratifying businesses. Their year-long training program, Business School Bootcamp, is a super-powerful system that teaches therapists everything they wish they had learned in grad school about running a successful private practice. In this episode, Kelly and Miranda will discuss the idea that we are betraying our client if we increase fees, along with ways to work through that mindset. We will cover the nitty-gritty of how to communicate fee increases to clients with all the logistical nuances. Our conversation wraps up with simple scripts you can use during sessions to stay on track, be clear, and affirm your clients without causing feelings of abandonment. www.zynnyme.com Starting a Counseling Practice Podcast You’ll Learn: Resources: Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists Looking to launch a successful podcast? Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists. Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first...

Duration:00:38:53

Ask host to enable sharing for playback control

ENCORE: Writing A Children's Book

12/21/2023
Have you ever considered writing a children’s book? I’ll admit that I’ve thought about it, and it might be a new endeavor in my future. Writing a children’s book takes creativity and planning, and much perseverance is required to navigate the publishing process. Join me as I talk to a longtime friend who has been through the process and published two children’s books. Our Featured Guest Amy Jivani Amy is a childhood friend of mine who has become a children’s book author. Her latest book, Meera’s Flowers, tells the story of a young girl celebrating an Indian holiday while living in America. She also wrote More Than Words: A Book About Body Language, a story about body language and feelings. Amy is a former first-grade teacher who is inspired by her students and her cultural background to write children’s books with ethnically diverse characters. Amy shares with us where she gets ideas for books and how the creative process works. We also discuss the concept of self-publishing compared to the traditional publishing route. We wrap up with Amy’s insights into the hardest part about writing and releasing a book during a pandemic. www.amyjivani.com You’ll Learn: Resources: Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists Looking to launch a successful podcast? Please check out our free "Using Podcasting To Grow Your Business" workshop for therapists. Mentioned in this episode: Thrizer Thrizer is a payment platform designed for private pay therapists, built to help clients automatically tap into their out-of-network benefits and save on therapy upfront. Thrizer can help instantly verify clients’ out-of-network benefits ahead of a client’s first session, so they get the transparency upfront on their out-of-pocket costs. When therapists charge their clients via Thrizer, an out-of-network claim is automatically submitted for them, so no need to deal with superbills. Best part? After meeting their deductible, clients have the option to just pay their co-insurance portion for sessions while Thrizer floats the rest of the therapist’s fee and waits for reimbursement on the client’s behalf, helping clients afford therapy upfront. Please visit sellingthecouch.com/thrizerand enter the promo code “STC” and receive waived fees for your first $2500 in charges.

Duration:00:33:05