Five years ago, I was scared to leave my stable job and go on my honeymoon. I NEVER would have believed I could earn $854,316 in one year, but here we are!

One of my proudest moments of 2025? Fully funding my 16-week maternity leave so I could step away and really soak in time with my new baby.

Not only did I take a long maternity leave, but I stopped 1:1 work MONTHS before my due date. And guess what? My business still THRIVED!

In today's episode, I'm talking about how I earned $854,316 in 2025.

In this episode, I cover:

1. How I earned $854,316 in 2025 + the exact revenue streams behind it
2. What’s scalable vs. time-based in my business model
3. How I earned $186k while fully off during a 16-week maternity leave
4. My 2025 expenses & profit margin + why I intentionally invested more this year
5. Comparing year one in business to 2025 + what REAL scaling looks like
6. How I structured work-life balance + travel & time off from the beginning
7. Key lessons learned in 2025
8. How mentorship & outsourcing have helped to accelerate my growth

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Let’s clear something up right now: hyper-niching is NOT dead. In fact, there has never been a better time to get crystal clear on who you serve!

If you want private-pay clients, you HAVE to niche down - period. People don’t pay $200-$250+ per session for a “general therapist.” They pay for someone who deeply understands them.

If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. It will always feel like you’re paddling upstream if you’re not niched with your messaging!

In today's episode, I'm diving into hyper-niching and why it’s not “dead” in 2026.

In this episode, I cover:

1. Why hyper-niching is more important than ever for private-pay therapists
2. How a clear niche attracts dream clients + major opportunities
3. How to show your full personality without confusing your audience
4. What being “too-niched” looks like + how to refine your messaging without being robotic

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

1. Reel Example #1
2. Reel Example #2
3. This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
4. I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
5. Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
6. Reels Membership
7. Business Coaching Waitlist
8. Free training
9. Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

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

As of today, I’m 81 episodes into podcasting! I wanted to pull back the curtain on what this journey has actually looked like.

Since launching in August 2024, the podcast has reached over 61k downloads and generated $82,500 directly tied to the show. Pretty freaking cool!!

Beyond the numbers, though? It has deepened trust with my audience, sparked meaningful conversations, and supported consistent enrollment in my offers, like Reels Membership and PPA.

Podcasting has been powerful, but only because it was started at the RIGHT time.

In today's episode, I'm talking about how, when, & why to start a podcast.

In this episode, I cover:

1. Why I decided to start a podcast + why the timing mattered
2. How sponsorships factor into podcasting
3. The actual steps to starting a podcast
4. The honest pros & cons of podcasting + how it’s looked in my own life

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

I’m excited to welcome Licensed Clinical Social Worker Caitlin Silverstein to the podcast!

Caitlin, who specializes in women’s mental health, went from earning $45/session with an insurance-based group practice to now charging up to $250/session!

She’s created a thriving 6-figure practice while only seeing 15-18 clients every week.

The best part? She didn’t blow up her caseload or completely burn out to do so!

In today’s episode, we’re diving into how she rebuilt her caseload and confidence by going private pay.

In this episode, we cover:

1. Caitlin’s transition from insurance-based group practice to sustainable private pay
2. What the early stages of building her own private practice really looked like
3. How most of her clients chose to come with her + how she navigated that transition
4. How joining Reels Membership and PPA gave her structure + confidence
5. What going off insurance actually required
6. How intentional Instagram marketing (not going viral) worked for Caitlin
7. Why niching her messaging helped Caitlin attract the right clients
8. What her practice, income, and work-life balance look like now

Connect with Caitlin:

1. Follow on Instagram @motherhoodunrocked
2. Follow on TikTok
3. Check out her website

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Today’s episode is my first recording as a mom. Everything before this was pre-batched while my baby, Aiden, was still in my belly! Motherhood has been incredibly beautiful. It’s also been deeply humbling and very hard.

Since stepping away and coming back, I’ve gotten many questions about what maternity leave looked like for me as a therapist and business owner. The truth? It's VERY different when there’s no HR department, no paid leave, and no magical “return date” that suddenly feels right!

In today's episode, I'm sharing my thoughts on returning from mat leave as a therapist & business owner (and the unspoken reality).

In this episode, I cover:

1. The major emotional & identity shifts that happen when returning to work
2. How I’m structuring my return to work + practical ways you can ease back in
3. The REAL business realities of maternity leave for therapists

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

1. IG post about screen time
2. This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
3. I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
4. Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
5. Reels Membership
6. Business Coaching Waitlist
7. Free training
8. Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Networking is one of the most underrated (and coolest) parts of being a therapist online! And no, it’s not about being salesy, awkward, or “schmoozy.” It’s about building REAL relationships with people who share your values + care deeply about their work!

As an Instagram therapist, you will have people reach out who aren’t in your niche, aren’t in your licensed state, or are looking for something you don’t offer. This is where a strong referral network changes everything!

When you know and trust other therapists and helping professionals, you can confidently refer clients out. They’ll do the same for you, so it’s totally a win-win for everyone involved!

In today's episode, I'm talking about how to build strong referral relationships and network with private pay therapists.

In this episode, I cover:

1. How to intentionally find therapists you resonate with on Instagram
2. Other helping professionals to include in your referral network
3. How to reach out and build real relationships
4. What to talk about on networking calls + how to lead with connection first
5. How to confidently send a warm hand-off that supports both the client & therapist
6. Simple ways to nurture referral relationships long-term

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

We all know creating new content is super important! But doing it every single day?? That’s a fast track to burnout.

If you’ve been putting pressure on yourself to constantly reinvent the wheel, this episode is your permission slip to sloooow down. It’s time to learn how to work smarter (not harder) when it comes to your Instagram content!

In today's episode, I'm sharing lazy content creator hacks for Instagram therapists.

In this episode, I cover:

1. Key points to understand about Instagram & consumers
2. Real examples of MY repurposed posts that drove strong engagement + growth
3. The best types of posts to repurpose
4. Simple ways to repurpose content without just “reposting”
5. How creating a repurpose bank saves time + supports long-term consistency

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

1. How much do therapists make in a year (January 2024 IG post)
2. How much do therapists make in a year (July 2024 IG post)
3. Instagram Disclaimer post (August 2024)
4. Instagram Disclaimer post (June 2025)
5. What anxiety feels like (October 2023 IG post)
6. What anxiety feels like (October 2024 IG post)
7. This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
8. I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
9. Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
10. Reels Membership
11. Business Coaching Waitlist
12. Free training
13. Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

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

I’m excited to welcome licensed mental health counselor Michelle Stiles to the podcast!

In today’s episode, we’re chatting about the reality of balancing a full-time job & starting a private practice. We also talk about the importance of niching down and learning how to market yourself with confidence.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that slow growth, brave decisions, and the right support can completely change your business (and your life)!

In this episode, we cover:

1. What it really looks like to balance a full-time job while slowly building a private practice
2. Michelle’s breaking point with burnout in community mental health
3. The “sink or swim” moment that led her to fully commit to private practice
4. Navigating the fear of quitting a “stable” job
5. Why Michelle chose to stop taking insurance and move fully to private pay
6. How niching down helped her market with more clarity & confidence
7. Using Instagram for both client acquisition and therapist referrals
8. How charging her worth led to working fewer hours + making more money
9. What Michelle’s life looks like now
10. Advice for therapists just getting started

Connect with Michelle:

1. Follow on Instagram @panicandanxiety
2. Check out her website

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

The new year is here, which means I’m back from maternity leave and diving into ALL things 2026 planning!

Annual planning as a private-practice therapist isn’t about being rigid. It’s not about getting every detail perfect. It’s about stepping into CLARITY. When you’re crystal clear on what matters and what you’re capable of, you will create a business and life that feels aligned!

A little bit of intentional planning now saves you from a whole lot of chaos later.

In this episode, I cover:

1. How to start with your “big rocks” to map out your priorities
2. The importance of planning life before business & allowing room for flexibility
3. How to honestly assess your capacity
4. Using the SMART framework to set goals
5. The power of breaking your goals into smaller milestones throughout the year

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

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

Mentioned in this episode:

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

Today, I’m taking you back in time to visit the 3 reels that COMPLETELY shifted the trajectory of my business. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, awkward, or straight-up cringey when you first start posting on Instagram… Yep, SAME.

I didn’t even tell my friends or family about my account until I hit 500 followers! But once I pushed past the fear, things started happening. I’m talking BIG things. Reels truly changed everything for me. They can absolutely change everything for you, too!

In this episode, I cover:

1. How my very first reel gave me the key mindset shift I needed
2. My first viral reel that built credibility + momentum for me
3. The reel that brought in a TON of new client inquiries + truly changed my business
4. My biggest lesson from these 3 reels

Connect with Kelly:

1. Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkelly
2. Check out the Business of Therapy website

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

Resources & Links:

1. My very first reel
2. My first viral reel with 800k views
3. My first reel that brought in a LOT of new clients
4. This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
5. I recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
6. Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
7. Reels Membership
8. Business Coaching Waitlist
9. Free training
10. Caption Guide

Mentioned in this episode:

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