Selling the Couch

“If you build a great course, they’ll come.”I wish that were true.Over the past decade, both as a course creator (since 2015) and as a teacher helping therapists launch their own courses, I’ve seen something surprising:Great content alone is rarely enough.In this episode, we talk about why most online courses fail, even when the material inside is research-backed, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful.Because the truth is:Content is only one part of the equation.Completion, clarity, and connection build a real course business.Inside this video, I break down:Why the most important video in your course isn’t what you thinkThe 80/20 mistake most course creators makeWhy your course is competing with everything (not just other courses)The hidden anxiety that leads to overstuffed, overwhelming modulesHow to simplify your curriculum without losing depthA practical way to map and refine your modules (using tools like Miro)How gentle gamification (completion badges, progress nudges) increases completion ratesWhy the clearest courses—not the deepest ones—tend to winIf you’re a therapist or clinician thinking about creating an online course (or wondering why yours isn’t gaining traction), this episode will help you shift your focus from perfection → to promotion → to sustainable momentum.--Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Want to launch your online course?Save your spot for our free live webinar: The Calm YouTube Flywheel here!Or check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

Most conversations about private practice are highlight reels.But what about the parts no one posts about?In today’s episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by my friend Dr. Justin Dodson, a group practice owner in Memphis, Tennessee, for an honest, real-world conversation about what it actually takes to run (and sustain) a small business as a therapist.Justin is heading into year 6 of private practice, and I’m in year 11 with STC—so we wanted to pull back the curtain on the things therapists often learn the hard way: pricing, confidence, leadership, loneliness, burnout, and what success really looks like after the early hustle phase.In this conversation, we cover:Why most therapists start with zero business training (and what to do anyway)The “version 1 vs version 10” trap therapists fall intoHow Justin set his first fee (and why he’ll never haggle again)A realistic approach to raising rates without spiralingWhy “don’t base your business on someone else’s secret” matters more than everThe hidden loneliness of entrepreneurship (no-shows, cancellations, declined cards, overhead)How becoming a business owner changes you—emotionally, mentally, and relationallyManaging burnout + anxiety while still showing up for clientsThe leadership challenges that come with scaling and relinquishing controlHow to build trust in yourself by keeping your word to yourselfIf you’re in private practice, thinking about starting one, or navigating the messy middle of business ownership... this episode will feel like a deep exhale.--Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

Most podcasts never make a dollar.Not because the host isn’t talented.Not because their strategy is bad.But because they quit too soon, or they measure ROI the wrong way.In this episode, I break down what 11 years of podcasting (and nearly 2 million downloads) have taught me about building a podcast that actually pays off.The 3 Forms of Podcast ROI1️⃣ Trust – Deep relational credibility that compounds quietly over time2️⃣ Longevity – Most quit early; sustainable rhythm wins3️⃣ Assets – Turn episodes into evergreen SEO infrastructurePodcasting is not about going viral.It’s about building something that compounds.If you’re a therapist building a podcast (or considering it), this episode will help you think beyond downloads, and design something sustainable, profitable, and aligned.Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. --Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

In this deeply honest and practical conversation, I’m joined by fellow clinician and creative coach TJ Walsh as we explore what it means to evolve your brand in real time — especially when your identity as a therapist is shifting.TJ introduces a simple but powerful framework:Push. Pull. Propel.It’s a guide for navigating professional discomfort, emerging desires, and the momentum that comes from integrating both.We talk about:* Why branding is worked out in real time* Letting go of perfectionism and overthinking* The emotional cost of being “the product” in therapy work* How to know when it’s time to pivot* Building Quiet Builder and navigating multiple identities* Intuitive practices for clarity and alignment* Why slow growth is often the greatest giftIf you're in a season of change — whether it's launching a new offer, exploring a new part of yourself, or simply wondering “what’s next?” — this one is for you.Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. --Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many therapists and thoughtful professionals wrestle with: the pressure to be seen on social media, and what it means to opt out.Over the past decade of building Selling the Couch, I’ve had a front-row seat to both the power and the cost of online visibility. And lately, I’ve been asking myself: What does success look like without the performance? What if we chose privacy over performance, resonance over reach?In this episode, I share 3 core insights I’ve learned from personal experience and from conversations with fellow clinicians:🧠 The illusion that fame heals insecurity📉 The emotional weight of influence🕵️ Privacy as the hidden cost of visibilityI also reflect on how slow growth gave me space to emotionally regulate, why I’m focusing more on deeper offline conversations (including my golf journey 👀), and how I’ve come to define enough in business and life.Whether you're feeling burned out from social media, questioning your relationship to personal branding, or just wondering if there's a quieter way to grow, I hope this episode offers encouragement and clarity.Resources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

AI can be an incredible tool to save time, boost creativity, and streamline your content, but how do you use it without losing your authentic voice?In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Cumberland, founder of Dan Cumberland Labs, to explore how therapists, coaches, and small business owners can use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude without sounding robotic or generic.We cover:* Common therapist concerns about using AI* How to treat AI as a collaborator (not a replacement)* The POWER Framework: How to get better AI output* Building a brand voice guide* How AI frees up time for life, family, and creative work* Using AI to repurpose podcast & YouTube content* Dan’s tips for delegating content without losing your voiceThis episode is packed with practical tips if you're looking to scale your message, free up your schedule, and still sound like you.Resources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

Whether you're in grad school for psychology, counseling, social work—or mentoring someone who is—this episode is for you.After 20+ years in the mental health field and over a decade running Selling the Couch, I'm sharing 5 things I wish I had done during grad school to set up a more sustainable, meaningful, and flexible career.I also share one bonus tip that’s been the most important for long-term success (especially if you want to avoid burnout and build a career that supports your life, not consumes it).This episode covers:#1: Don’t Just Learn—Build Something#2: Say Yes to What Scares You#3: Learn the Language of Business#4: Build Relationships, Not Just a Resume#5: Don’t Burn Bridges (Ever)And tune in to get the BONUS tip!Resources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site that just opened! Find out more and join us in Haven here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

What is emotional fitness, and why is it more important than ever for therapists, helpers, and quiet leaders?In this episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Emily Anhalt to explore how we can strengthen our emotional muscles to prevent burnout, set boundaries, and lead with compassion (without losing ourselves in the process).We break down:The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional fitnessThe 7 traits of emotionally fit peopleThe early warning signs of burnout—and how to prevent itWhy boundaries are the blueprint for sustainabilityHow playfulness improves therapy outcomes (and leadership!)A powerful "emotional push-up" you can try todayWhether you're in private practice, leadership, or building something new, this episode will help you stay grounded and grow with intention.Resources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site that's starting in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Melvin kicks off Season 11 of Selling the Couch with a powerful and timely conversation on how therapists and online educators can AI-proof their online courses in 2026 and beyond.If you’re worried that AI tools might replace the need for your course, this episode will help you rethink that fear, and give you a framework to build something deeply human, emotionally intelligent, and resilient.Learn the 3 keys to future-proofing your course:Sustainable Community – Build connection that lasts beyond the launchBlue Ocean Positioning – Create a course that stands alone in your nicheMeaningful Gamification – Design experiences that transform, not just informYou’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Melvin made the difficult decision to retire his previous programs, and what led to the creation of Haven, a calm, supportive community for therapists moving into online income.Resources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

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 was ready to get her pilot students into her course, but she has encountered a lot of fear around charging her worth for her grief course for therapists. Nikki built a successful private practice focusing on the niche of grief counseling, motivated by losing her father to suicide during her grad school years and suddenly losing her husband at age 41 back in 2013. Join the coaching call with Nikki and Melvin!Nikki SewellYou’ll Learn:● How Nikki found her niche in grief counseling with widows, suicide survivors, and orphaned adults● Why Nikki views her grief counseling work as something beautiful that empowers people to see “what’s lost, what’s left, and what’s possible”● How Nikki decided to create her online course to help other grief and trauma therapists● Why the best online courses combine clinical training with personal experience–like Nikki is doing● How money blocks, shame, and internal voices get in the way to create imposter syndrome for Nikki● The new perspective: Nikki’s course is helping clinicians to become better clinicians, help their clients more fully, and become better business owners (who make more money)● Why we struggle with shame in charging what we are worth because we are a “helping profession”● How Nikki can implement the same steps in charging for her online course that she employed in establishing her private practice● How to take a “ladder view” of our expertise and experience, realizing that there are always people on lower rungs who need your help● Why it’s better to take the tortoise approach and pace yourself in launching a courseResources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Many clinicians are left wondering if their best work lies in the clinical field or the coaching/consulting arena. I’ve felt this dilemma myself, pondering how to balance my interests, endeavors, and the evolution of family life. I realized that I couldn’t sustain multiple paths, and I made the hard decision to give up my clinical work. If you are struggling along those same lines, I hope today’s show gives you insights, clarity, and encouragement. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestAngela Williams, LCSWAngela Williams is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Orlando, Florida. She has made the transition from clinician to coach, and she now works with other therapists who are making the same change in their lives. Angela shares her thoughts about why so many clinicians are leaving for the world of coaching, along with the biggest roadblocks that may come up on this path. She gives her best tips for overcoming those big roadblocks and recommends several books as helpful resources. WebsiteYou’ll Learn:Why so many therapists are becoming coachesHow the therapy field, with its inherent regulations, contains many barriers to providing services to clients—and coaching is differentThe biggest mental roadblock for Angela in moving from clinician to coachWhy each clinician feels like the “insecure expert” and has to intentionally build up their confidenceWhy it’s challenging to become an online, visible brand rather than a care providerWhat holds clinicians back the most and presents the biggest roadblocksHow a mindset coach can help us rewrite our roadblocks into our success storyHow perfectionism, fear of failure, and standards of success can prevent us from taking actionWhy money blocks and financial literacy play into our beliefs about moneyWhy the fear of success can be just as crippling as the fear of failureBooks recommended by Angela:  The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas, and You Are a Badass at Making Money by Jen SinceroResources:Want to launch your online course?Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s topic is a fascinating one for me. As therapists, we are wired for stories, but telling an effective story online is a struggle for many of us. Fortunately for us, my guest has wisdom and tips to share to help us become awesome storytellers. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestKieran DrewKieran Drew lives in Leeds, England, and is my writing coach for Twitter. In an interesting career twist, he was a dentist who left behind his stressful, work-filled life to become a copywriter/storyteller. My first connection to Kieran came through the viral story he wrote about his unique medical experiences as a teenager. He is a talented storyteller who has helped my writing immensely, and I know his insights will be helpful to anyone looking to improve their writing. WebsiteYou’ll Learn:Why Kieran made the unconventional transition from dentist to copywriter/storytellerAn overview of Kieran’s spinal issues involving a tumor, surgeries, and titanium rods—this is the experience that helped him discover storytelling and a new love for life3 tips to become a better storyteller:Make a story bank by writing down everything that happens to you with specific details.Cut through the noise to impart a lesson. Even in sales, start every point with a story. How specific details make your stories more impactfulHow to draw a “lesson” from each storyHow storytelling breaks down skepticism and improves your selling abilityHow storytelling can be your differentiator in the online worldA storytelling template: what happened/the lesson, why people should care, and a call to actionHow Kieran reviews his story bank to choose his next storyResources:Want to launch your online course?Join our Free 90-Minute Workshop happening on December 10th: Will AI Make My Course Irrelevant? Save your spot at sellingthecouch.com/aiwebinarCheck out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. 

I’ve been focused on building a life around my family and self-care rather than fitting those things around a career. I’ve learned that there is much wisdom in slowing down and not keeping up a crazy pace. One thing that has helped me accomplish these goals is creating an online course. Even though I’m super grateful and blown away by the success, I made a lot of mistakes along the way. Join me as I share my insights and lessons learned. You’ll Learn:The 10 biggest mistakes I made as an online course creator:1–I didn’t understand how my childhood trauma affected my course pricing. Check out these resources: “The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship” (Inc Magazine), We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers, and courses by Tiffany McLain.2–I gave my students lifetime access to coaching and community.This caused me to feel resentment for not charging more for that kind of access to me.3–I focused too much on gear instead of creating a steady marketing system. I have learned that marketing, which is not my strength, is all about authenticity and connection.4–I focused on being in the “middle of the pack” on pricing instead of in the upper tier.Ask yourself, “Do you want to be the Apple or the Walmart in your niche?”5–I didn’t realize that I could invite students into other experiences beyond my course.Options include a mastermind, cohort-based course, and other recurring income buckets.6–I realized that looking at my bank account doesn’t drive sales as testimonials do.7–I thought I’d be stuck on one business model, so I built a “strip mall model.”8–I thought having a mentor with a similar course meant that I couldn’t create one.When someone else has a similar course, you can niche down into a more specific message.9–I was too concerned about the sale over the relationship.This came from a poverty mindset instead of the abundance mindset to which I aspire. 10–I didn’t think about the one-off sale on the front end and the recurring invitation on the back. A certain number of students will want a more in-depth experience with us. Resources:Want to launch your online course?Join our Free 90-Minute Workshop happening on December 10th: Will AI Make My Course Irrelevant? Save your spot at sellingthecouch.com/aiwebinarCheck out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. 

Our Featured Guest for today’s call: Heather 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. 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:How to handle logistical challenges in the online presentation of your courseWhy Heather’s course is an eight-week course to help people understand anxiety and DBT emotion regulation skillsHow marketing options for an online course can be overwhelming for most people How to pinpoint your own superpowers in teaching and the style that works best for youHow to structure the content levels for promoting your course in six-month blocks:Start with webinars, both free and paid.Offer a downloadable guide or cheat sheet.Use a core blog post as a stand-alone feature that blows people away.Tips from Melvin about content levels:Offering too many things can confuse people, so stick with one core webinar.Less is more!Be thoughtful about using the words “webinar” and “workshop” so as not to intimidate people.Link your blog post videos to YouTube to drive more traffic back to your webinar.Consider that high-quality offerings through webinars, guides, and blog posts help to establish your authority as an expert and give people value that keeps them returning.How podcasting can help with future promotion by giving a call-to-action to your webinarWhy you need to take notes during the first offering of your course with beta students to know what content resonates the most; that content can be used for future free webinarsIn summary, five tools to market an online course that have evergreen potential:Webinar (start with live ones and then transition to evergreen ones)Downloadable guides or cheat sheetsCore blog postSelect podcast episodesMini-podcast Resources:Want to launch your online course?Join our Free 90-Minute Workshop happening on December 10th: Will AI Make My Course Irrelevant? Save your spot at sellingthecouch.com/aiwebinarCheck out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. 

Today’s episode takes a closer look at a major passion of mine: online courses. Let’s talk about the important questions to ask–and answer–before launching an online course. Join me!You’ll Learn:How online courses can help fill in the gap for those who need mental health services7 Questions to Ask Before Launching an Online Course:Have people paid me one-on-one for this course idea?Can I see myself being in this space for 10+ years?Is this course idea confronting a “massive pain” vs. an “annoying inconvenience” for my audience?Can this population afford the course I’m selling? Do they have purchasing power?Is this a population that is easy to target and find online?Is my course idea a growing concern/need for my audience?Are there others out there creating information products for this niche?Resources:Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

The perfect recipe for burnout is to work in a caring profession, be a slave to perfectionism, and neglect your needs. As clinicians, we realize that we work in a flawed healthcare system in the US, but how do we exist in this environment to do good work and sustain ourselves from a holistic perspective that goes way beyond basic self-care? We are diving into this topic with today’s guest. Join us!Our Featured GuestDr. Jessi GoldDr. Jessi Gold is the first Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, which comprises five campuses and more than 60,000 students. Also serving as an associate professor of psychiatry, Dr. Gold is a speaker, media advocate, author, and mental health consultant. She recently wrote How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for the Humanity in Medicine.  In today’s session, Jessi shares her experience in teetering on the edge of burnout and what she learned about herself. Dr. Jessi GoldYou’ll Learn:The basics of Dr. Jessi’s role with the University of Tennessee and what it means to be a Chief Wellness OfficerThe differences and barriers from campus to campus in a university system“Silo-breaking” as it relates to mental healthThe difficulty in caring for ourselves while caring for othersPerfectionism, burnout, and why “it’s OK not to be OK”The pandemic’s part in training us to wear a “badge of honor” for not caring for ourselves and our mental healthWe are human—and we forget that very often.The event that was the impetus for Dr. Jessi’s book—and why it left her feeling horribleSigns of early burnout that Dr. Jessi only noticed in hindsightMaking the shift to navigate perfectionist tendencies to prevent burnoutThe importance of having self-compassion and reframing the mean things we say to ourselvesThe value of timeout for MEResources:Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Here we are at the last episode of 2025, our 10th year of the podcast. For the last episode of the year, I usually try to focus on reflections about lessons learned, tough decisions, and pivots that are happening. My intent today is to be transparent and share in a “fireside chat” format. Take a pause with me, sit back, and think about your business as we approach the end of 2025.You’ll Learn:The underlying question to ask: “How do I build something that lasts without losing myself in the process?”Announcement about closing STC Elite, our mastermind that has lasted for 4 yearsClosing the mastermind, all related to my stress level, focus, and mental clarity“Sometimes, the highest ROI decision we can make in our businesses is subtraction.”Feedback about concerns over the $9K investmentHighlights of a new membership site, Haven, launching in January 2026 (A much more affordable option!) Find out more and join the interest list. The Quiet Builder Newsletter: How this movement resonates with so many peopleWhat’s coming up for me in the form of courses, books, and new platforms to create space for my clinical skillsMy tip: Create your first course to support your enduring identity.Factors in life that go beyond businessChoosing clarity over complexityLegacy, stewardship, and charitable givingMy passion to help those who’ve been rescued from sex tradesThank you for your support over these past 10 years!Resources:Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.If you are a seasoned therapist looking to transition from clinical to online course income, we have a specialized mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join the interest list for Haven. Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

What does it mean to have an “anti-racist practice”? With all the changes taking place regarding DEI and the current US political climate, this is a challenging endeavor for clinicians. Join us for a closer look at this important topic in today’s session. Our Featured GuestKenya CrawfordKenya Crawford is a licensed therapist and trained facilitator who works with individuals, companies, and therapists to create healing spaces for our collective liberation. In today’s conversation, Kenya provides a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of DEI programs and discusses how to balance DEI and anti-racist work with running a sustainable business. This is a practical conversation around building and designing practices and businesses with strategic intentionality. Kenya's WebsiteCultivated Healers CommunityYou’ll Learn:The current state of DEI work: It’s not dead, but it has shifted.Our companies reflect our communities.Kenya’s focus from 2020-2025, aiming for overall sustainability in her practiceKenya’s personal example of navigating life with an “All money is not good money” philosophy“Is it really worth it to do work that doesn’t align with my values?” Considerations in a fee structure that make therapy more accessibleActions to cultivate space, community, and gratitudeFirst steps in starting an anti-racist practiceAn anti-racist practice is intentional in every touch point in your business. Finding your community (and accountability partners) with a shared visionBalancing anti-racist work with running a sustainable business Challenges in the differing language used to describe “psychological safety”Kenya’s perspectives on the removal of DEI language from websites, publications, etc. Resources:Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

This session is the second part of a series called “Podcasting for Therapists.” You can check out the first part of the series on launching your podcast with this link. Today’s focus is on what happens after you launch your podcast. More specifically, how do you strategically and thoughtfully turn your podcast into a platform that leads to more income, impact, and invitations to do the work that lights you up? This is an aspect of podcasting that is often overlooked. You start a podcast to serve others, but it gradually becomes a bridge to other opportunities, like online courses, book deals, speaking gigs, retreats, and relationships you could have never imagined. If you’ve ever wondered if you can really build a business through a podcast, this episode is your roadmap!You’ll Learn:There was no grand vision or monetization plan when I began back in 2015.The #1 recurring question I’m asked: “How did you launch a podcast?”My journey into online courses—how it began and grew (To date, that first course has generated over $340,000 in revenue!)The STC podcast, which started with just the basics in my home office, was the foundation to show people they could trust me.My view of a podcast as a “channel of authenticity,” when it’s built with care and intention3 anchors for turning your podcast into a platform:Listen closely to what your audience asks for. Create soft invitations, not hard pitches.Build systems behind the scenes.My approach to calls-to-action at the end of each podcast episode (invitation-based, not pressure-based)Want to know more about starting YOUR podcast? Check out our FREE Podcasting Workshop. Resources:Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session is about shutting down your private practice, which is an inevitable step in the journey for many therapists. The two main options are to sell their private practice or shut it down, which can be the best choice for a therapist who wants to pursue other avenues and achieve more freedom in their life. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestDr. Jen BlanchetteDr. Jen Blanchette is a licensed psychologist, podcaster, speaker, career coach, and business consultant. Her passion is helping therapists and other caring professionals say goodbye to burnout culture and find the support they need. In the early years of the pandemic, Dr. Jen made the decision to close the private practice she had worked hard to build; a combination of burnout and the realization that she wanted to focus on other things fueled her decision. In today’s conversation, we cover the real, emotional side of shutting down a private practice, which includes terminating relationships with clients and handling logistical challenges. Guilt and shame accompany this difficult decision, and Dr. Jen shares what she wishes she had known back then. She gives her insight into other details of the closing process, along with an optimal timeline for closing. Website: drjenblanchette.comYou’ll Learn:Considering what comes “on the other side”---finding freedom and clarityTips for planning to shut downHow to communicate with clients about closingThe grief element for you AND your clients requires time to healDr. Jen’s hindsight into what she wishes she had done in the process of shutting down her private practiceEthical questions about the termination of treatmentTop 3 logistical tasks in shutting down your private practice:Contacting your liability insurance carrierHandling records appropriatelyContacting your state boardConsiderations for choosing an appropriate attorneyMost common mistakes therapists make: not having the support they need and trying to handle it all soloDr. Jen’s advice: What she wishes every therapist knew about closing down a private practiceVisit Dr. Jen’s website, drjenblanchette.com, for information about the Ethical Practice Closure Course, her free Quick Start Guide, and The Therapist Burnout Podcast.Resources:Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.If you are a seasoned therapist looking to transition from clinical to online course income, we have a specialized mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.