Business of Therapy®

Networking can be an INCREDIBLE way to bring private-pay clients into your practice.

But if you're relying on referrals as your entire marketing strategy? It’s time to change that!

Referrals often convert really well because they come from someone your potential client already trusts.

The downside? You have very little control over when those referrals actually come in.

That's why I recommend networking as one piece of a larger marketing strategy (NOT the whole thing).

In today's episode, I'm talking about how to network for private pay clients + the pros and cons of doing so.

In this episode, I cover:

• The pros & cons of networking for private-pay referrals
• Defining your niche + identifying potential referral partners
• Building genuine connections w/other professionals
• Nurturing long-term, reciprocal referral relationships
• Comparing networking & Instagram as marketing strategies
• Creating a balanced marketing strategy to consistently attract private-pay clients

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

You all have been LOVING my launch debrief episodes, so we're doing another one!

I'm taking you behind the scenes of my latest Private Practice Academy launch. We’re talking the good, the bad, and the ugly.

This time, I tested a much shorter four-day sale as part of my ongoing goal to work smarter, NOT harder.

The result? 39 therapists joined PPA, bringing in $40,823 in revenue AND putting us just one sale shy of my goal!

In today's episode, I'm talking about the good, bad & ugly of my $40k launch.

In this episode, I cover:

• Testing a shorter launch without sacrificing strong results
• Using a live webinar to build a highly engaged + warm audience
• Creating fast-action bonuses that solve real audience needs
• Using targeted emails to speak to different stages of the buying journey
• Testing Instagram ads, Stories, Reels & carousels during a launch
• Giving potential buyers direct access to ask questions BEFORE purchasing
• Why your marketing doesn’t have to perform perfectly to have a successful launch

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• Episode 106: BTS Launch Debrief: $21,534 in 6 Days
• Get 15% off your first month + $500 set-up fee waived with Fire Us Marketing using code KELLY
• My Hannah Montana IG post
• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

I'm excited to welcome LA-based Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Halle Guidi to the podcast today!

Halle is joining us in the middle of her private practice journey, which is exactly why I wanted you to hear her story! She started building her practice on the side while working 40-55 hours a week at her full-time job. Halle went completely on her own in January and recently made the leap into full-time private practice.

Now? She’s approaching $10K months with a mostly private-pay caseload. Yep - ALL before officially launching her website or Instagram!

In today’s episode, we’re talking about achieving ~$10k months with no website or Instagram as a therapist.

In this episode, we cover:

• Building a private practice while working a demanding full-time job
• Developing strong clinical skills & genuine professional connections
• Knowing when it’s finally time to make the leap into full-time private practice
• Using financial & caseload goals to guide the transition
• Building a mostly private-pay caseload without a website or Instagram
• Turning authentic relationships into a strong referral network
• Setting session fees that sustainably support your practice
• Building confidence to take imperfect action + keep growing

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

I'm taking you behind the scenes of something I've never really shared before: how I manage my personal finances.

Sharing my business income and expenses openly is something I've been doing for YEARS.

But talking about what happens with that money after I pay myself? That feels a little more vulnerable!

I’m excited to break down exactly what works for me and my family as someone with a seven-figure business.

In today's episode, I'm taking you BTS of how I manage my personal finances.

In this episode, I cover:

• Creating financial systems that reduce decision fatigue
• Paying yourself + automating retirement contributions
• Using high-yield savings for bills, emergencies & big expenses
• Building financial freedom through intentional saving & investing
• Giving back through regular charitable contributions
• Working toward long-term goals
• Using monthly money dates to track progress + make decisions together

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• Check out Collective (get 2 months off an annual plan with Collective with code KELLYMCKENNA)
• CIT High Yield Savings Account
• Episode 59: Part 1: How I Prepped Financially for Maternity Leave
• Episode 97: How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (as an Instagram Therapist)
• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

If you have less than 500 followers on Instagram, I know how frustrating that can feel.

You're putting in a TON of effort without seeing the results you want (yet).

When I started @sitwithkelly, it took me about 90 posts and three months to reach my first 1k followers + get my first private-pay client from Instagram.

But 3 months later? I had grown to 4k followers AND filled my private-pay caseload from Instagram!

In today's episode, I'm talking about what to post when you have less than 500 followers.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why your first 500-1000 followers are the hardest to grow
• How other therapists can become valuable referral sources
• Using a clear niche + targeted ads to speed up growth
• Selling intro calls in Stories
• Showing your face & using your clients’ real language
• Treating Instagram as a credibility + connection builder
• Posting consistently during growth mode before scaling back

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• Episode 39: How to Get Clients from Instagram Stories
• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

Have you ever reached a goal you’ve been working toward FOREVER, only to immediately start thinking about what’s next?

That’s exactly what happened to Megan, a therapist for anxious millennial moms!

After dreaming about private practice for years, Megan joined PPA, committed to marketing her business consistently, and eventually made the leap into private practice full-time.

She nearly doubled her previous income AND started consistently bringing in $10K a month! But instead of slowing down to enjoy what she built, she pushed even harder.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about your permission to slow down & enjoy what you’re building.

In this episode, we cover:

• Megan’s journey to full-time private practice
• Using Instagram to consistently grow her caseload
• How she nearly doubled her income after going out on her own
• Recognizing when growth starts to lead to burnout
• Redefining what consistency looks like in different seasons
• Giving yourself permission to slow down & enjoy your success
• Growing toward private pay at a sustainable pace
• Building community + staying consistent with your long-term goals

Connect with Megan:

• Follow on Instagram @megankirbytherapy
• Check out her website

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

A LOT of incredibly skilled therapists accept insurance.

But being a great clinician doesn't automatically mean you know how to build a successful private-pay practice.

The therapists who are able to transition off insurance panels? They aren't necessarily “better” therapists.

They’ve simply learned another skill: how to market themselves.

In today's episode, I'm talking about why great therapists stay stuck accepting insurance.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why great therapists can still struggle to build private-pay practices
• How your session rate impacts income, caseload & sustainability
• My journey from insurance to a $250 private-pay rate
• Working through guilt & judgment around charging premium fees
• 2 things keeping therapists stuck
• Why private-pay practices require stronger marketing
• Positioning yourself as the go-to expert for your ideal clients
• Creating a premium brand + client experience
• Building a profitable practice that allows you to give back

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• Episode 43: How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/Session
• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

If you're struggling to fill your caseload, you might be wondering if getting licensed in another state will give you access to more potential clients.

As someone who's licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, I understand the appeal.

But I don't recommend getting additional licenses simply as a strategy to grow your caseload. Let’s dive into it!

In today's episode, I'm answering the question “should therapists get licensed in multiple states?”

In this episode, I cover:

• Why multiple state licenses usually won’t solve a caseload problem
• The time and cost of maintaining additional licenses
• When getting licensed in another state can make sense
• Focusing on better marketing in your existing community
• Getting more specific with your niche & messaging
• Improving conversions + building a stronger referral network
• Investing in branding that supports your private-pay rates

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

Ever worried that your Instagram content doesn't sound professional, insightful, or "expert" enough??

Imposter syndrome is a tricky thing. It can convince us that we need to prove how much we know. But the harder you try to sound like an expert, the harder it becomes to really connect with the people you're trying to reach.

Your ideal clients aren't scrolling Instagram evaluating your theoretical orientation or clinical terminology. They aren’t worried about your years of experience. They're asking themselves ONE simple question: Does this person understand what I'm going through?

Your ability to put their real-life thoughts, emotions, and experiences into words is what demonstrates your expertise. THAT is what makes someone feel safe enough to reach out!

In today's episode, I'm talking about why therapists who get clients aren’t the ones who sound the smartest.

In this episode, I cover:

• How imposter syndrome can hurt your Instagram content
• Why you’re not marketing to other therapists
• Connecting with clients instead of trying to sound impressive
• Replacing clinical jargon with your clients’ real-life experiences
• Getting more specific so your content resonates
• Helping your ideal clients feel seen and less alone
• Why connection + trust ultimately fill your caseload

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

Ever caught yourself thinking you need to become a coach or create a course because you can't make enough money as a therapist?

I want to challenge that idea.

Your income problem isn't that you're a therapist.

Honestly? It’s a marketing, positioning, or pricing problem.

Thankfully, those are all things you can fix so you CAN make more money as a therapist!

In today's episode, I'm sharing why you don’t need to become a coach to make more money as a therapist.

In this episode, I cover:

• Why therapists don't need to become coaches to earn more
• The tough reality that most therapists face
• Why coaching still requires strong marketing & sales skills
• The easiest + fastest way to increase your income as a therapist
• Niching down & positioning yourself as an expert
• When adding coaching actually makes sense
• Building a coaching business because you WANT to

Connect with Kelly:

• Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
• Check out the Business of Therapy® website

Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Resources & Links:

• Episode 106: BTS Launch Debrief: $21,534 in 6 Days
• This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
• I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
• Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
• Reels Membership
• Business Coaching Waitlist
• Free training
• Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram