Selling the Couch

Latest Episodes:

ENCORE: How To Not Let Work Become Your Identity (Dan Cumberland) Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

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:

Why entrepreneurs are programmed to find meaning in their work through the areas of people, product, process, and profit
Why pursuing your passion usually means sacrificing something else
How Dan came to a watershed moment with his passion, The Meaning Movement
Why entrepreneurship is a constant reimagining of yourself and your purpose
Why there is never a clean line between who you are and what you do
Dan’s top tips for finding a balance between work and life
How to assess your happiness and satisfaction
Info about Dan’s beta cohort assessment for finding balance in life

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:

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.

ENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing? Mar 14, 2024

Show notes

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:

How to handle logistical challenges in the online presentation of your course
Why Heather’s course is an eight-week course to help people understand anxiety and DBT emotion regulation skills
How 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 you
How 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 webinar
Why 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 webinars
In 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 sheets
Core blog post
Select podcast episodes
Mini-podcast

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:

Try Alma!

ENCORE: Avoid These 3 Mistakes The Average Investor Makes Mar 07, 2024

Show notes

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:

Andy’s background of growing up in a family without wealth in Mumbai, India, and then going to college in the US while holding multiple jobs to make ends meet
Why Andy feels that his mission is to help others with investing so they can achieve financial security and freedom
Why Andy’s definition of financial freedom revolves around increased time spent with his family, creating a financial safety net for them, and making a positive impact on others
Three mistakes that the average investor makes:
Trying to “time” the market
“This is a fool’s errand. The difference in trying to time the market vs. staying in for the long haul is astronomical.”
Believing that cash in the bank is safe
You are guaranteed to lose money every year because of inflation.
Taking on too much risk by overexposing themselves in one area
It's best to mix asset classes to reduce your risk and potentially increase your return for the level of risk
Andy’s tips for investing smartly:
Have a cash reserve on hand.
Diversity by investing in asset classes that don’t “move together.”

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:

Try Alma!

359: What Therapists Should Know As Billions Are Invested In Mental Health Startups Feb 29, 2024

Show notes

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:

How to view tech startups in the mental health industry in terms of “headwind” and “tailwind” tendencies since the COVID-19 pandemic
What the data shows about tech startups: 90% will fail!
Why the big risk also comes with big opportunities in the startup world
What happens when a clinician contracts with a mental health tech startup
Why client data privacy is a valid concern when working with a tech startup (Hear Mike’s advice about watching out for red flags!)
Top three considerations for a therapist about a tech startup:
How they handle the data
Whether or not there is a mental health professional on their team who helps with decisions and development
How compensation for therapists is structured
Mike’s advice about doing your due diligence when contacted by a tech startup
An overview of Mike’s work and mission at Heard and what they provide for therapists

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:

Try Alma!

358: Why I’m Going Back to Private Practice Feb 22, 2024

Show notes

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:

What my life was like when STC began in 2015 when I was working in a group practice
Why I feel a responsibility to provide mental health support in today’s world
Three reasons I feel drawn to private practice:
I genuinely miss clinical work.
The mental health landscape is changing like no other due to COVID-19, AI tools, and heavily financed mental health startups.
A “hub and spoke model” can keep things in perspective for me.
How I’m structuring my “hub and spoke model” with a flagship offering as the “hub” and other offerings as “spokes”
Questions that I’m thinking about and weighing in my mind about private practice:
Is the insurance route or private pay route better?
Do I have a niche for private practice work?
How I’m confronting my fears about taking this new step
The hopes and dreams I have about stepping into a new phase

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:

Try Alma!

357: Using Brainspotting To Work With Athletes Feb 15, 2024

Show notes

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:

Why Thad pursued training in brainspotting in 2016 as a way to serve families better
How Thad experienced the somatic connection with his personal grief in new and real ways during his brainspotting training
How brainspotting differs from EMDR
Technical aspects of “inside window” and “outside window” reflexes within brainspotting
How different clients might respond during a brainspotting session
How training phases are structured in the brainspotting certification process
Why Thad chose to use brainspotting with performance athletes
How Thad uses brainspotting with athletes who experience muscle-guarding and the “yips”

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:

Try Alma!

356: 7 Lessons I Learned From Two 7-Figure Entrepreneurs Feb 08, 2024

Show notes

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:

7 Lessons I Learned from Ali and Sahil:
Change the wealth scoreboard.
Don’t define self-worth based on net worth.
A new definition of success bases “wealth” on health, relationships, and the time I have for the things I enjoy.
Set daily non-negotiables.
Live with intention by identifying 3-5 things that must happen each day for me to be at my best.
Friends over followers
The quality of my relationships greatly impacts my health.
Schedule time to connect with genuine friends.
More growth equals more haters.
Sharing my message attracts people with a lot of pain, so I should default to empathy.
Don’t be a slave to social media.
Be careful about posting pictures of kids and sharing revenue numbers.
This is difficult to navigate while still establishing credibility and the human connection that people crave.
Build micro-businesses.
These can generate cash flow with minimal involvement.
An example: having an in-house agency along with doing a podcast.
Connection over mass content
With AI, content is easier than ever to create, but connection and authenticity help others know, like, and trust me.

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:

Try Alma!

355: Strategies for Securing Contracts (with schools and the government) Feb 01, 2024

Show notes

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:

How working in marginalized communities led Ajita to pursue contracts with local and federal governments–and solved a problem she was passionate about
How Ajita leveraged what she knew firsthand about social programs, combined with her research skills, to access available systems
Where a clinician should begin in forming connections and relationships that lead to government funding opportunities
How state-level certifications position a clinician for government contracts and can assist in the corporate contracting market
Why the biggest barrier to securing government contracts is mismanaging money and not having your books in order
What business insurance is required to become a government subcontractor
The top three things Ajita considers with any contract opportunity: the scope of work, payable terms, and whether the contract is renewable or not
How Ajita has been able to strategically position herself to recover contracts when they have fallen through for others
The biggest mistakes our colleagues make around securing government contracts: they think they aren’t qualified to pursue them, they aren’t open to partnering with others, and they get stuck in DIY-mode
How Ajita’s Christian faith aligns with the contracts she pursues, how she operates as a therapist, and how she functions as a Black, female business owner
An overview of The Purposeful and Profitable Therapist Summit, an annual conference focused on diversifying income scheduled for July (2024) in Washington, DC

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:

Try Alma!

354: Why Every Course Creator Should Start A Podcast Jan 25, 2024

Show notes

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:

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

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:

Try Alma!

353: Setting Up An Email Series To Market Your Practice Jan 18, 2024

Show notes

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:

What an email sequence is
How an email sequence welcomes someone to your email list and draws them into your circle
Why more clinicians aren’t taking advantage of an email sequence
Why your email list is a better way to build your audience–as opposed to social media platforms
How to pick a topic for an email sequence and strategically offer a lead magnet
Why an email sequence should be useful to your subscribers and keep their interests in mind
Avivit’s example of her email welcome sequence
Details about ideal email sequences for solo and group practitioners
How to handle the fear of unsubscribers
The top mistake therapists make in using an email sequence

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:

Try Alma!