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Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhD

With 1.81 million+ downloads, Selling the Couch is an Apple Top Career podcast for current and future mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists in private practice about how they built their businesses as well as top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, and social media experts.*

You'll learn how therapists get referrals, grow their practices, work through fears, find their enough, and stop "trading time for income." Melvin also shares the lessons as he grows his impact + income beyond the therapy room (podcasting, YouTube, writing, online courses, masterminds, investing, etc) and the tips and tools he uses to grow STC from a single-person business to the CEO of a 6-figure business.*

Featured in Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Psych Central

****Get show notes and even more good stuff at sellingthecouch.com/stcpodcast*

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  • 22 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 27 min
  • English

Episodes 22

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  • Thursday · 41 min

    ENCORE: Finding Your Enough As An Entrepreneur with Jeanetta Garrison, LCSW

    More is not always better. We often find that what we are chasing in our pursuit of success is not what we thought it was. Entrepreneurship for private practice clinicians naturally attracts many high achievers and recovering perfectionists, so we need to take a pause and periodically reassess and redefine what success looks like. Join us for a closer look at this important topic! Our Featured Guest Jeanetta Garrison, LCSW Jeanetta Garrison is an anxiety therapist in private practice in Charlotte, NC. She is the perfect person to share insights into today’s topic. In this episode, Jeanetta shares a personal story about what she learned about money during her childhood, along with how we navigate our aspirations and what we go after to achieve success. We wrap up with a discussion of knowing what is “enough” and being cautious about who we follow after as mentors and examples. Crown Counseling & Consulting You’ll Learn: Common characteristics of entrepreneurs in private practice Jeanetta’s family story of how she learned about money from her upbringing Having big hearts of service sets us up to allow boundaries to be crossed The need for clarity in communication with clients about cancellations and no-shows Chasing the proverbial “carrot” to reach success Jeanetta’s advice: “Remember your WHY and center your head, heart, and spirit around it.” Think about your success in terms of what you are sacrificing for it! Navigating the ebbs and flows that are inherent in entrepreneurship How Jeanetta grounds herself with what is “enough” for her in her business Thinking about money in terms of what it symbolizes to us (“All money is not good money.”) -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • August 21 · 27 min

    ENCORE: 5 Lessons from 2 Years on LinkedIn

    If you’ve been thinking about posting more on LinkedIn or if you’re curious about how to best use this social media platform, today’s encore is for you. It took me a long time to understand the purpose of LinkedIn and how it can be beneficial in connecting me to the right followers. Join me for an honest look at my experience and the biggest lessons learned. You’ll Learn: 5 lessons learned over the last 2 years on LinkedIn: The magic is in the DMs. Focusing on thoughtful relationships is better than chasing followers. LinkedIn’s search tool is amazingly helpful for making connections. The algorithm will always change. Don’t chase trends, but focus on consistency and diversified content. Experiment on LinkedIn, but don’t overthink the metrics. Watch out for growth gurus. Be wary of those who over-promise and under-deliver. I’m more interested in posting things that will help a young therapist like I used to be. Followers are less relevant than you think. It’s about the right people—not ALL people. Try creator mode and curate your network intentionally. The daily posting game is a slow burn. I’ve learned to pace myself in posting. I would rather focus on slower growth in followers and have consistency and sustainability. Connect with me on LinkedIn! -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • August 13 · 25 min

    ENCORE: The Anxiety Of Finding A Private Practice Niche

    In today's encore, I share my journey of going into private practice, in addition to keeping STC running and growing. There were three main reasons for this decision: I missed the therapy room, a clinical arm to my business is a wise move, and I’d be able to more strategically diversify my income. But this decision brought me some anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I address these issues with my wonderful therapist, and did 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. Join me as I share my insights on finding my private practice niche. You’ll Learn: What is a niche, and how did I choose my niche for private practice? Who do I want to work with? My top four insights on finding my private practice niche: Niches are living and breathing things that evolve over time. Family and friends will always recommend people outside your niche. There is a relational component to marketing beyond your website. Even though my niche focuses on tech and business founders, working within other branches of these niches will add diversity to my work. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • August 6 · 22 min

    ENCORE: Why Every Course Creator Should Start A Podcast

    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. 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 in today's encore as I share what I’ve learned through my experience. Join us! You’ll Learn: Why starting a podcast has been one of the most rewarding personal and professional endeavors of my life Why podcasts are the perfect way to produce authentic, evergreen content and establish trust How a podcast becomes a way to avoid burnout and take self-care breaks while staying consistent with releasing and re-releasing content How podcasts allow dynamic ads, which are pure magic (Captivate makes it easy!) and help build your email list How the podcasting format allows pre-roll, mid-roll, and end-roll ads to market your courses/resources consistently How the “flywheel effect” serves to compound your efforts over time if you leverage your existing course students on your podcast -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • July 30 · 29 min

    ENCORE: Could Keeping Your Business Small Be the Next BIG Thing?

    In today's encore, we will cover two questions that confront me daily: How big do I actually want to grow STC? What is the purpose of STC in relation to my overall life? Freedom is my most important value, and building my business around my life, family, and health is most important to me. Not every entrepreneur has the same goals, but these are questions for every entrepreneur to consider. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session! You’ll Learn: How I was compromising to fit life around my business instead of optimizing the business to fit the life I wanted 5 key concepts I learned from Paul Jarvis in his book Companies of one reject limitless growth. We should set firm growth limits to keep opportunity costs small. Companies of one are okay with limited success. More profits mean more productivity, sales, customers, and infrastructure to manage. Develop your business out of a side gig. Your business needs time to incubate and grow so you can devote yourself to it full time. Target a specific audience to find your niche. The more specific your target is, the easier it is to connect, build trust, and distinguish your audience’s needs. Embrace the power of simplicity and personality. Amplify your uniqueness by sharing your most powerful asset: yourself and your personality. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • July 23 · 12 min

    ENCORE: 3 Meetings 99% of Course Creators Don’t Schedule But Absolutely Need

    Are you a course creator who wants to get better and better at your craft? Today's encore reflects on three non-negotiable meetings that I’ve implemented with my online courses. This simple technique has played a massive role in making over $300K more than the original course. Join me! You’ll Learn: Three meetings course creators need: After-action review (AARS)--takes place after a launch. Ask and answer three questions: What went well? What did not go well? What was missing? This simple step has a massive impact on course growth and future scaling. Live chat–is a way to “put yourself out there” I recommend a quarterly live chat with existing students, whether one-on-one or in a group. This feedback gives you an idea of what’s working/what’s not and allows you to come up with better offers in the future. Learning time–is a way to be a student for life. Block off time weekly to get better at your course topic and related topics by learning more “Being a lifelong student of your course topic opens up a lifetime of opportunities.” -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • July 16 · 30 min

    ENCORE: If I Were Launching An Online Course Soon, I'd Do This...

    If you are considering launching an online course, today’s encore is for you! I’ve learned a lot as a course creator, and I’m sharing an honest look at my biggest lessons learned and what I would tell anyone on this course creation path. You’ll Learn: 5 things I want to share about launching an online course: Focus on what you already know and love to teach. (Stay within your niche!) Hear my thoughts on course creation and AI. Start small and build slowly. (Think about your “value ladder.”) Think about recurring offers related to your course. Validation is non-negotiable. (Validate your course idea before you proceed.) Download the free Course Creator Starter Kit. Embrace the tech, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Start with “good enough,” and upgrade your sound, lighting, and camera when you can. Hear my recommendations for basic tech for someone just starting out in course creation. Take a “defaulting to action” perspective rather than waiting for perfectionism. Build your audience early. Don’t wait until your course launch to build your email list. Use social media and discovery platforms. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • July 9 · 44 min

    ENCORE: Leaving Therapy for Coaching with Dr. Corey Wilks

    Today’s encore is about leaving psychotherapy for coaching. This transition is one that many therapist colleagues have made, and the reality is that many more are shifting from the field of therapy into coaching. Several major factors play into this decision, and my guest today gives a transparent look at his experience in this transition. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dr. Corey Wilks Dr. Corey Wilks is a good friend and licensed psychologist who joins us for an open and honest look at his transition from therapy to coaching. In giving a glimpse into the circumstances and perspectives that led him to make this decision and shift his career, he shares how his career goals have changed over the years, what autonomy means to him, and why it is important. We wrap up by discussing mistakes that therapists often make in this career change and the drawbacks to leaving a traditional career in mental health. Corey's Website You’ll Learn: Corey’s career goals back in grad school—and how they have changed Understanding autonomy, freedom, and why these are Corey’s top priorities Corey’s realizations about therapy, wellness, and burnout Considerations in making the shift to entrepreneurship The biggest mistake people make in turning from therapy to coaching The difference in coaching as a much more solo-based endeavor than therapy Corey’s advice to a therapist considering becoming a coach The distinction between the roles of therapist and coach—and how Corey navigates “the line” -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • July 2 · 13 min

    ENCORE: Designing a Life-First Business In An Uncertain World

    Today’s encore is at the heart of the Quiet Builder philosophy. The question is, “How do we design a business that supports our lives, not swallows it?” This becomes increasingly important as the world grows more uncertain and our responsibilities grow daily. This episode is for anyone building a business that fits into real life, and not the other way around. You’ll Learn: My story of stepping back and reassessing my business 3 anchors for building a life-first business in an uncertain world: Design for margin, not maximum. Clarity comes from creating margin, not hustling. Designing for margin is how we stay well enough to serve others. Build products that don’t require your constant presence. Design for asymmetry, where value isn’t tied to one-to-one time. A life-first business scales impact, not just hours. Plan around what you can’t plan for. Your business should be designed to absorb disruption, not collapse under it. Strategies that work for me are “Walden months,” a hard growth ceiling on STC, and allowing maximum flexibility to travel when loved ones need extra help. To sum up today’s topic: “A resilient business doesn’t break when life happens; it bends with grace.” --- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon. Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026

  • June 25 · 15 min

    ENCORE: What Therapists Get Wrong About Selling Their First Online Course

    Today’s encore is on what therapists often get wrong about selling their first online course, considering all the assumptions we make and the misconceptions we hold about online courses. I’m bringing full transparency to today’s topic as I share what I’ve learned through my years of experience with online courses. You’ll Learn: The guilt loop running in my head (“I became a therapist to help people, not to sell things.”) Mindset shift that made it all make sense to me Ethical selling: a path to transformation with deep care and clarity 3 sales mistakes therapists make—and what to do instead: Thinking “sales equals sleazing” Think of aligned sales as clear communication with a gentle and generous invitation. Avoiding the “ask” entirely If someone is clearly interested, don’t make them guess how to work with you. Give them a clear call-to-action. Not believing in the value of your course Your confidence comes from alignment. Focus on the transformation you can offer. --- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon. Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026

  • June 18 · 35 min

    ENCORE: A Live vs. Pre-Recorded Online Course

    Today’s encore is from a live coaching call talking about the many nuances of online courses. I hope this episode will be helpful to you and bring new ideas if an online course is on your radar. Our Featured Guest-Kristen Boice, LMFT Kristen Boice is a therapist in private practice and a fellow podcaster. She has realized the need among her listeners for an online course. Her podcast, Close the Chapter, is about closing the chapter on certain things in our lives so we can open ourselves up to new opportunities. In today’s coaching call, I’ll share some lessons I’ve learned along the way about online courses. We’ll talk about the rationale behind creating a live course vs. a pre-recorded one. We will wrap up with a pre-launch strategy to help get buyers for your course before you launch. Pathways To Healing Counseling Kristen Boice You’ll Learn ● Why Kristen started her podcast about two years ago to provide another opportunity for deeper work for her clients ● How an online course can help you get more information out to curious people ● The options for your course and other services ● Why niching down is a big challenge for therapists ● How Kristen sees the epidemic of people feeling “not good enough” and being scared to speak up ● How a niche can help you offer value and find your sweet spot ● How the best courses take people from one place to another ● Why Kristen focuses on helping with the hard conversations ● How to use phraseology that appeals to people and addresses their need ● Step-by-step actions to build your email list and create effective opt-ins ● How to create value on the front end of your course by validating your content --- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon. Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026

  • June 11 · 37 min

    ENCORE: The Process of Creating and Marketing Your Product Using the Feelings Wheel

    In today's encore, we're tapping into creative thinking. How are you at thinking outside the box? This episode is perfect for everyone who has thought about creating, marketing, and selling a product. What is the process like? How do you take care of all the little details? What about the marketing piece of your product? We’re diving deep into these questions and more on today’s show. My guest is Rosanne Marmor, LCSW, in Portland, Oregon. She created a Feelings Wheel as a way for clients to identify their feelings both inside and outside the therapy room. Rosanne went on a journey that took almost two years of gathering data, development, and production. She was finally able to put this tool in the hands of her clients and has been overwhelmed by its success.

  • June 4 · 13 min

    ENCORE: The Power of Depth Over Scale

    Today's encore is on the 400th episode of Selling the Couch! It was truly surreal to think back to 2015 and the show’s humble beginnings; reaching this milestone is beyond anything I ever dreamed of 10 years ago. I wanted to use this milestone to reflect on a few meaningful thoughts about staying the course to reap the quiet rewards. What does it mean to choose depth over scale and to build intentionally and slowly when the world often tells us to go fast? The truth in this concept of depth over scale is the most impactful lesson I’ve learned on this journey. In this episode, I’m focusing on 3 reflections that I hope encourage you, especially if you are in a season of slow growth. You’ll Learn: My experience: Feeling behind when everyone else seemed to be scaling faster: “Am I doing this wrong?” What clicked for me: “Speed makes noise, but depth builds roots.” 3 Quiet-Builder truths for longevity and depth: Slow growth is often the healthiest growth. We often think reputation comes from a single moment, but it comes from quiet consistency. Depth protects your nervous system. (“There is a cost for going fast. Depth is kinder.”) A business should give you life—not drain you. Want to know more about being a Quiet Builder? Check out The Quiet Builder Newsletter to get more of my reflective thoughts. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • May 28 · 19 min

    423: Why Google Is Done With Your Reels (And What Smart Therapists Are Creating Instead)

    Are therapists focusing on the wrong kind of content in the age of AI? In this episode, Mel explores one of the biggest shifts happening online right now: why Google and AI-powered search are quietly rewarding depth-first, human-centered, experience-based content, while most social media content disappears within 24–48 hours. If you’re a therapist building: a private practice, a podcast, a course, a coaching business, or a thought leadership platform… this conversation may completely change how you think about content creation moving forward. In this episode, we discuss: Why social media content is a perishable asset What Google’s new EEAT framework means for therapists Why AI-generated “generic content” is getting buried How clinicians have a unique advantage in AI search The difference between a blog post and an authoritative guide Why long-form, depth-filled content is quietly winning How therapists can create evergreen content that compounds over time What AI should actually be used for in content creation Why specificity and lived experience matter more than ever How one well-built guide can become a podcast, YouTube video, workshop, and newsletter Why therapists should stop waiting to feel like “experts” before publishing “The guide you don’t write can’t help anyone. The one you do, it works while you sleep.” The internet is changing. And for the first time in a long time, it may actually be shifting in therapists’ favor. Because what Google increasingly rewards now is depth, specificity, real-world expertise, and trustworthy human insight. -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • May 21 · 35 min

    422: What Happens to Your Clients If Something Happens to You?

    What happens to your private practice if you suddenly become incapacitated… or pass away? It’s a difficult question, and one most therapists never want to think about. But in this deeply practical and important conversation, Mel sits down with Dr. Robin Miller to discuss one of the most overlooked responsibilities in private practice: creating a professional will. Dr. Miller shares the personal story that led her to found TheraClosure after unexpectedly losing a close colleague and stepping in to manage the aftermath of her private practice, client care, records, and continuity planning. This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and incredibly relevant for every clinician in private practice. In this episode, we discuss: What a professional will actually is Why every therapist in private practice should have one What happens to client care and medical records if a clinician dies unexpectedly The emotional and ethical impact on clients after sudden therapist loss How professional wills differ for solo practitioners vs. group practices Common mistakes therapists make when planning for continuity of care Why “I’ll deal with this later” can create major problems for loved ones and clients How retirement, incapacitation, and practice sales impact continuity planning What therapists should think about regarding passwords, EHR access, payroll, and two-factor authentication Why professional wills are about protecting clients — not just protecting businesses A powerful idea from this conversation: “We can’t prevent loss. But we can prevent traumatic loss.” Very few conversations ask: What happens if something happens to you? This episode is an invitation to think proactively, ethically, and compassionately about continuity of care — for your clients, your loved ones, and your profession. -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • May 14 · 38 min

    421: A Quick Clinical + Life Update

    In this deeply personal episode, Mel shares an honest update on a new chapter he’s building: one that sits at the intersection of psychology, nervous system regulation, golf, performance under pressure, and the future of clinical work in the age of AI. This is not a polished “success story.” It’s a real-time reflection on what AI is changing in mental health, why traditional private practice models no longer fit for some clinicians, and how to build work that feels deeply aligned with your life instead of consuming it. In this episode, Mel shares: The childhood basketball story that shaped his understanding of pressure and performance Why the same person can succeed under pressure one year and crumble the next How AI is transforming therapy, healthcare, and human work Why the future belongs to the irreplaceable parts of human connection The difference between burnout from the work vs. burnout from the model Why he chose not to return to traditional private practice The vision behind a new golf-focused performance psychology retreat How golf became a “laboratory” for understanding nervous system regulation under stress Why experiences and human presence may become the most valuable forms of care in the AI era The concept of building the one model only you could build Questions to reflect on: What population have you spent the most time with, and what do they truly need that nobody is delivering? What life experiences or non-clinical skills could become part of the intervention itself? What would you build if you weren’t trying to make it look like what a therapist is “supposed” to offer? -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • May 7 · 35 min

    420: How A Therapist's Website Shapes A Client's First Impression

    Do therapist websites still matter in the age of AI? With platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Search, social media, and online directories changing how people search for support, many therapists are wondering: Is it even worth investing in a website anymore? In this episode, Mel sits down with Sarah Gershon of Strong Roots Web Design to explore why therapist websites may actually matter more than ever, especially in a world where AI is becoming the intermediary between clinicians and potential clients. Together, they unpack how websites shape a client’s first impression, why authenticity matters more than “marketing,” and how therapists can create websites that feel safe, human, and deeply aligned with their values. We cover: * What potential clients are really looking for in the first few seconds on a therapist website * Why websites still matter in the AI era * The difference between “rented” platforms (social media) vs. owned platforms (your website) * How to write website copy that feels authentic instead of salesy * Why therapists are uniquely positioned to create high-quality, human-centered content * Google’s evolving EEAT standards * A simple homepage audit exercise every therapist should do this month Your website isn’t just a marketing tool. It’s a place where potential clients can feel safe, understood, and begin building trust before they ever reach out. If you want to improve your website this month: ask: Would a hurting person feel safe here? -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • April 30 · 18 min

    419: Why Smart, Thoughtful Professionals Are Pulling Back From Social Media

    Are therapists quietly leaving social media… on purpose? In today’s episode, we explore a growing shift: not burnout, but intentional withdrawal from platforms that promise connection... but often create fragmentation. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about social media—needing it for visibility but feeling drained by it—this conversation will hit close to home. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why social media isn’t a neutral tool, it’s a shaping force The “dysregulation paradox” therapists face online What social media actually does to your brain (especially as a clinician) Why intentional creators are stepping back, or redesigning their relationship with it How to market your work without handing over your nervous system A simple framework to decide if social media is still serving you Key insights: We teach nervous system regulation… on platforms designed for dysregulation Social media often trains reactivity, comparison, and fragmented attention Leaving (or limiting) social media isn’t about productivity, it’s about protecting your attention You don’t owe any platform your presence The most meaningful work rarely comes from constant scrolling, it comes from depth, slowness, and focus Because the real question isn’t just: “Should I be on social media?” It’s: “What is this platform shaping me into?” -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • April 24 · 42 min

    418: Human-Centric Marketing: Choosing Connection Over Algorithms

    What does it actually look like to market your work… without losing your humanity? In today’s episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by Shayna Vance Roman to explore a powerful and often overlooked idea: human-centric marketing—and how to apply it in a way that feels grounded, ethical, and aligned. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with marketing… overwhelmed by social media… or unsure how to grow your practice without becoming someone you’re not, this conversation is for you. In this episode, we explore: What human-centric marketing really means (and why it matters more than ever) Why marketing can start to feel “transactional” instead of relational The tension between running a business and staying values-driven The rise of therapist influencers, audience growth, and revenue pressure How to create content that feels authentic, not performative Practical ways to build connection, compassion, and trust online The role of AI in marketing and how to use it without losing your voice Why “less but better” content may be the future A few key takeaways: People aren’t just “clients” or “data points”, they’re humans navigating real struggles Your website, social media, and content should meet people where they are You don’t need to post constantly (consistency ≠ overproduction) The goal of marketing isn’t just visibility, it’s trust and connection At the end of the day… Marketing isn’t about getting more people in the door. It’s about helping the right people feel seen, safe, and supported, before they ever reach out. -- RESOURCES Connect with Shayna: 🌐 https://shaynavanceetc.com -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

  • April 16 · 9 min

    417: Is Ai Killing Our Ability To Protect Time?

    Is AI actually giving us more freedom… or just more to do? In this episode, I reflect on something I’ve been noticing lately, both in my own life and in conversations with other business owners: Even though AI makes it easier to write, create, and move faster… many of us aren’t using that time to slow down. In this episode, we explore: Why AI doesn’t actually create freedom (and what it creates instead) The subtle trap of turning efficiency into more work How “doing more” quietly pulls us away from the life we wanted to build The difference between efficiency vs. alignment Why protecting empty space is more important than ever How to define “enough” in a world where there’s always more you could do Grounding reminders shared in this episode: Efficiency is not alignment Just because you can do more doesn’t mean you should. Empty space is not a problem That quiet time? That slower pace? That’s the whole point. If you don’t define “enough,” it disappears Without friction, there’s always one more thing to do. The goal was never to do more. It's to build a life that feels like your own. -- 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. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

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