If you’ve ever ended your day feeling emotionally drained from and completely alone after a day full of therapy client sessions, this episode is for you.  

In this personal and powerfully important episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m getting real about something that affects so many of us—therapist isolation. It’s the quiet, slow leak in our energy that nobody warns you about in grad school, but it’s there... draining your joy, dulling your spark, and making your once-passionate career feel heavy and unsustainable.

We’ll talk about how working in isolation chips away at your confidence, creativity, and even your ethics over time. I’ll share stories from my own early years in solo private practice (before Growing Self became the big, vibrant group it is now), and what finally helped me reconnect, re-engage, and grow again. Because here’s the truth: you were never meant to do this alone.

Timestamps: 00:00 – The Hidden Hazard of Isolation in Therapy  00:59 – Why Therapist Work Is Emotionally Expensive  03:31 – What Isolation Does to Our Clients (Not Just Us)  09:51 – My Own Story: From Lonely to Supported  14:51 – Simple Strategies to Rebuild Connection  15:45 – Coaching Certification: Education and Community  21:08 – How to Find (or Create) Your Therapist Tribe  37:13 – Final Words You Might Just Need to Hear Today

If this episode speaks to you, I’d love to keep this conversation going and support you with tools, ideas, and free CE trainings to help you stay healthy, connected, and growing. Sign up for my weekly newsletter to get resources delivered straight to your inbox—designed with real therapists like you in mind.

And let’s connect on LinkedIn! Click here to find me—I love hearing from other therapists, and it’s a wonderful way to stay plugged into a professional community that actually supports your growth.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Know a fellow therapist who might be feeling the weight of this too? Share this episode with them. Let’s start breaking the cycle of isolation—together.

What separates the therapists who thrive—with waitlists, rave reviews, and real client transformations—from the ones who are always one cancellation away from burnout? (And nope, it’s not just about credentials, cozy office decor, or who has the fanciest website.)

In this episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I’m spilling the tea on the four habits of highly effective therapists. These habits are the real reason some clinicians get results that change lives—while others are stuck wondering why clients keep “taking a break.”

As someone who’s trained and supervised many clinicians over the years at Growing Self, I can tell you these habits are not about talent or luck. They’re practical, learnable, and you can start applying them today.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or brand new to the field, if you’re ready to grow your impact, boost client outcomes, and feel more confident in your work, this episode is your roadmap.

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Secret Sauce of Exceptional Therapists 03:46 - Habit 1: Crystal Clear Case Conceptualizations 14:03 - Habit 2: Mastering Evidence-Based Theories of Change 21:04 - Habit 3: Specializing in Specific Client Issues 31:10 - Habit 4: Flexibility in Therapeutic Approaches 38:14 - Resources and Next Steps

If Habit #4 resonated with you especially... Let's go even deeper. As therapists, many of us are being asked to coach—but without the formal training, it’s easy to blur the lines and unknowingly slip into therapy mode with non-clinical clients. That’s why I created a free CE training just for licensed therapists like you: “Think You’re Coaching? 8 Red Flags You’re Actually Doing Therapy” This training will help you spot scope-of-practice risks, grow your coaching skills ethically, and feel confident in how you're showing up for your clients. And yes, it includes one CE credit! And hey—if you’re on LinkedIn and want to stay connected for more resources, trainings, and real talk about the business and heart of being a therapist, let’s connect! Here’s my LinkedIn profile—I’d love to hear from you.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Know another therapist who could use this wisdom? Send this episode their way or share it with your consultation group. We rise higher when we grow together.

Your therapy clients are cheating on you with coaches. There, I said it. I know, it stings. But as a fellow therapist, supervisor, and coaching educator… you need to know what’s really going on out there and why therapy clients are hiring coaches. Because what you don’t see? It might just be quietly reshaping your practice right under your feet.

In this episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I’m pulling back the curtain on why therapy clients are hiring coaches, what’s really happening in the field, and the exact skills today’s therapists need to stay relevant, effective, and aligned with their ethical standards.

We’ll talk about the awkward conversations happening in coaching internships, the shift you’ve probably already started to feel in your private practice, and how to pivot—powerfully and ethically—into the kind of transformational helper your clients are craving.

Because let’s be real: awareness and insight are amazing. But they don’t always change lives. And if your client is still stuck in the same patterns six months in, they’re already wondering if someone else can help them move forward.

Here’s how to make sure that someone is still you.

Timestamps: 00:00 - The Truth About Therapy Clients and Coaches 02:52 - What’s Actually Changing in the Therapy World 04:15 - The Coaching Dilemma Therapists Are Facing 07:05 - Why Your Clients Want More Than Insight 09:23 - What Traditional Therapy Can’t Always Deliver 19:36 - The Ethical Tightrope: Beneficence and Client Outcomes 22:51 - The Opportunity: Coaching Psychology Done Right 27:51 - Coaching Certification for Therapists

If this episode gave you a little jolt (in a good way), I want to invite you into something more. Check out the Coaching Certification for Therapists. I created this program for therapists who want to grow, adapt, and expand their skill set with research-backed coaching psychology. It’s a clear path to helping high-functioning, growth-oriented clients—without compromising your integrity or clinical background.

And hey — let’s connect on LinkedIn, too. You can find out when I’m hosting NBCC accredited CEU webinars and join in on crucial topics affecting our field of work. I also share my latest findings dedicated to helping us therapists create growth, happiness and success in our lives. I love connecting with thoughtful professionals like you. Come say hi, share your thoughts, and let me know what resonated with you.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If this episode gave you insight, clarity, or even just a much-needed “a-ha!” moment, please share it with a fellow therapist or colleague. You never know who’s secretly wondering the same things you are—and who might really need to hear this today.

Ever feel like money stress is the third wheel in your therapy sessions—or your own life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I sat down with the incredibly wise and wonderfully down-to-earth Jillian Knight, LMFT, who opened my eyes to the transformative power of financial therapy.

We talked about what financial therapy actually is, why it’s different from traditional therapy, and how this niche is helping clients heal. From financial trauma to the emotional minefield of pricing your services as a therapist, this episode is a refreshingly honest conversation about money—something most of us therapists were definitely not trained to handle in grad school.

Whether you’re curious about specializing, craving more clarity around your own money mindset, or just want to stop discounting your rates before anyone even asks (yes, we talked about that), this one’s for you. Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Jillian: Therapist, money whisperer, and all-around badass 02:46 – Why financial advisors and therapists teamed up to create a new field 05:24 – Real talk on burnout and the danger of being a therapy generalist 09:35 – Jillian’s journey from “I’m never doing therapy again” to finding her niche 21:43 – The systems that shape our relationship with money 28:06 – Trauma responses... but make it financial 😳 32:14 – Shame, scarcity, and the magic of self-compassion in money work 35:33 – Why so many therapists feel weird about charging what they’re worth 47:00 – Jillian’s mission to bring financial therapy to the world 50:00 – Where to find her (and maybe even bring her in to speak to your crew)

If this conversation around financial therapy sparked something for you—whether it was curiosity, validation, or even that little internal ugh that says “Oof, I needed to hear this”—you’re not alone. So many therapists carry silent stress around money, career direction, or even just feeling like they’re supposed to have it all figured out by now. You don’t. None of us do. That’s why we’re here—learning and growing together.

If you're looking for more support, insight, and real talk like this, I’d love for you to join me on the journey. My weekly newsletter for therapists is a space where I share new podcast episodes, helpful resources, and personal reflections to support your growth as a therapist—professionally and personally. You can sign up here: https://courses.growingself.com

Also, if you’re on LinkedIn, I’d truly love to connect with you. It’s one of my favorite places to build relationships with fellow therapists and like-hearted professionals. Come say hi and let me know what resonated with you: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby on LinkedIn.

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If this convo lit you up, please share it with a colleague or your professional community. You never know who needs to hear this message today. 💛

What if I told you that the key to a thriving therapy practice isn’t more clinical training—it’s gaining essential marketing skills? Yep, I said it. As therapists, most of us were trained to serve, not sell—but when you’re running your own private practice, knowing how to connect with the people who need you is essential. And trust me, marketing for therapists doesn’t have to feel gross, pushy, or fake.

In this episode of Love, Happiness & Success for Therapists, I sit down with the incredible Candice Thompson, LMFT, who built a booming private practice in Silicon Valley and grew her professional presence on LinkedIn by 10X—all while staying rooted in authenticity and clinical integrity. 

We dive deep into the real-world marketing strategies that work (and what doesn’t), the mindset blocks that keep too many talented therapists struggling, and how to get past the “ick” factor around sales. If you’ve been quietly panicking about your empty calendar—or feeling conflicted about promoting your work—this episode is for you.

Timestamps: 00:00 - The Unspoken Truth About Therapy Skills 03:01 - The Reality of Private Practice 05:44 - Overcoming Resistance: Embracing Marketing and Sales 09:17 - Building Confidence: The Journey from Imposter Syndrome to Mastery 16:39 - Finding Your Niche: Aligning Passion with Practice 21:05 - Industry Trends: Navigating the Competitive Landscape 25:53 - The Power of Authentic Relationships in Marketing 28:23 - Pricing Strategies for Therapists 32:48 - Marketing Strategies for New Private Practices 34:24 - Building Professional Relationships and Networking 38:28 - Leveraging LinkedIn for Professional Growth 40:25 - Ethical Concerns in Mental Health Tech 43:04 - Future of the Coaching Industry and Regulation 46:05 - Practical Advice for Therapists 49:49 - Connecting with Candice Thompson

This episode is packed with insights that will transform how you think about your role as a therapist and an entrepreneur. You’re not just a healer—you’re a solopreneur with a mission. You have something unique to offer the world. And learning how to share that — not in a pushy, salesy way, but in a real and resonant way — is part of your path.

If this conversation inspired you, I’d love to keep supporting your journey. I send out a monthly e-newsletter for therapists filled with thoughtful resources, practical tips, and the occasional love note reminding you that you’re doing just fine. You can get connected here!

And if you’re active on LinkedIn, I’d love to get in touch personally! That’s where I share more expert insights, professional conversations, and upcoming trainings for therapists. Find me here: linkedin.com/in/drlisabobby

Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobbywww.growingself.com

P.S. If you know someone who could benefit from this episode, I invite you to share it with your colleagues or professional network. It’s such an important part of building sustainable, thriving careers as therapists! Let’s help each other learn and grow.

Therapists, have you ever wondered how to truly make an impact in the lives of children through therapy? If so, you're in for a treat! In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success For Therapists, I sit down with Dr. Brenna Hicks, a psychologist who specializes in Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT). Whether you're just starting out or looking to specialize further, this approach could be the key to unlocking the full potential of your work with kids.

We dive into the foundational principles of CCPT and how it fosters emotional regulation, self-control, and the healing power of relationships. Play therapy can be a game changer in helping kids develop the skills they need to thrive, and this episode will leave you with a clear understanding of how it works and why it’s so effective.

Timestamps: 00:39 – Meet Dr. Brenna Hicks: From Geriatrics to Play Therapy 01:58 – How a Simple Shift in Perspective Led to Play Therapy 05:31 – The Impact of Labels on Kids’ Development 08:23 – Play Therapy: How It Transforms Children’s Lives 09:37 – The Evidence Behind Child-Centered Play Therapy 12:12 – What is Child-Centered Play Therapy? 21:02 – Why CCPT Works Across Ages and Issues 29:57 – The Role of Vulnerability in Child Development 30:39 – Creating a Safe Environment for Kids’ Growth 32:06 – Navigating Modern Challenges: Screen Time and More 37:37 – Techniques and Benefits of CCPT 40:53 – Why Specializing is Key for Therapists 53:28 – Resources and Support for Play Therapy Clinicians

If you loved this interview with Dr. Brenna Hicks, there’s more where that came from! You can sign up for my weekly newsletter to be the first to know about new podcast episodes featuring interviews with fellow therapists and experts, as well as practical advice for personal and professional growth in our field. It’s all about making sure you feel supported, informed, and confident as you grow in your work. 

If you’re looking to take the conversation further, I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn! Whether you have a specific question or just want to engage in a deeper conversation about therapy, self-care, or growing a successful practice, I’m here to chat. We’re in this together, and having a supportive network is the best way to stay grounded and inspired. I’d be so happy to hear from you.

Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobbywww.growingself.com

P.S. If you know a colleague or someone in your professional community who could benefit from this episode, please share it with them! You never know who might need to hear these insights today.

If you’re a therapist who coaches, you already know this space is full of gray areas. Where does therapy end and coaching begin? What’s ethical, what’s not, and how do you avoid stepping into a professional minefield? In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I’m diving into the trickiest ethical dilemmas therapists face when adding coaching to their practice.

From insurance pitfalls to scope creep and dual relationships, I’ll break down what you need to watch out for—and how to keep your practice ethical, professional, and compliant.

Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Ethics Matter in Coaching 02:46 - The Insurance Trap: Are You Unknowingly Committing Fraud? 04:46 - Scope Creep: When Coaching Becomes Therapy 08:42 - The Boundary Blender: Dual Relationships & Conflicts of Interest 10:13 - Marketing Ethics: What Therapists Can and Can’t Do 16:33 - Certification vs. Experience: Do Therapists Need Coaching Credentials? 20:49 - The Importance of Professional Consultation and Supervision 28:21 - How to Build an Ethical, Sustainable Coaching Practice 30:42 - Coaching For Therapists Resources

If you’re ready to add coaching into your practice the right way, my Coaching Masterclass is for you. You’ll learn how to navigate ethical pitfalls, market yourself correctly, and build a thriving, integrity-driven coaching business. Check it out! I hope it helps. 

And hey, if we’re not already connected on LinkedIn, let’s fix that! I’m always sharing insights and (let’s be real) probably stirring up a few debates in the therapy world. I’d love to see you there! 

Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobbywww.growingself.com

P.S. If you found this episode helpful, be sure to share this episode with a therapist or coaching colleague! The more we talk about these challenges, the stronger our profession becomes.

Imagine spending years in graduate school, racking up thousands of hours in supervision, investing in continuing education—only to find out that companies are now hiring unqualified mental health coaches instead of licensed therapists… for a fraction of the pay. Sound unfair? It is. And it’s happening right now. Let’s talk about what this means for our profession and what we can do about it.

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I dive into a jaw-dropping trend that’s reshaping the mental health industry: the rise of mental health coaching as a cheaper alternative to therapy. With big corporations jumping on this bandwagon, therapists everywhere need to be paying attention.

We’ll cover: - What mental health coaching really is (and what it isn’t) - How corporations are replacing therapists with under-qualified “coaches” - Why this shift is dangerous for clients and for our profession - What therapists can do to protect their careers and reclaim this space

Timestamps: 00:00 - Wait, What?! Big Companies Are Hiring Coaches Instead of Therapists?! 01:34 - The Rise of Mental Health Coaches 02:52 - The Future of Mental Health Care 05:39 - The Differences Between Therapy and Mental Health Coaching 11:40 - How This Impacts Therapists, Your Career, and Your Growth 13:10 - What We Can Do To Fight Back (And Why We Must!) 18:11 - Coaching Certification for Therapists and Resources

I know this is frustrating. You’ve worked hard to build your skills, develop your expertise, and serve your clients with integrity. It’s infuriating to see big companies sidestep ethical, evidence-based care in favor of cost-cutting alternatives. But here’s the good news: we are not powerless. The more we educate ourselves and take action, the more we can shape the future of our field.

If you’re wondering how you can ethically integrate coaching into your practice (without crossing ethical lines or diminishing your value), check out my free masterclass: The Therapist’s Guide to Coaching. In this training, I break down exactly how therapists can use coaching as a powerful, evidence-based tool for non-clinical clients—helping you expand your impact, attract dream clients, and stay aligned with best practices.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Let’s keep the conversation going—connect with me on LinkedIn and be part of this amazing community of therapists who are standing up for our profession.

Xoxo Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby www.growingself.com

P.S. I encourage you to share this episode with your fellow therapists. The more we talk about this issue, the more awareness we create!

Ever had that gut-wrenching moment when a client looks you in the eye and says, "Therapy isn’t working for me"? It's like a punch to the professional solar plexus, right? I get it. When therapy stalls, it can trigger our self-doubt and imposter syndrome. But here’s the truth: this isn’t a failure—it’s a turning point. 

In this episode of Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists, I dive deep into navigating these challenging conversations and turning them into opportunities for growth—for both you and your client. 

Together, we’ll explore why clients sometimes feel stuck, how to assess what’s really going on, and most importantly—what you can do to re-engage them in the process. Because let’s be real: simply throwing another CBT worksheet at them and hoping for the best isn’t the answer (been there, done that).

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – The Dreaded Client Confession: "I don't think this is working."

• 01:43 – Reflecting on your therapeutic approach.

• 07:42 – The Eclectic Conundrum: When having too many tools leads to confusion.

• 12:00 – Roadmaps Over Randomness: Establishing a clear theory of change.

• 15:14 – Coaching vs. Therapy: Bridging the gap for non-clinical clients.

• 21:57 – Action Steps: Practical tips to enhance your practice.

• 29:58 – Resources for thriving as a therapist

Therapy is an evolving process—for our clients and for us. If a client isn’t making progress, it doesn’t mean you’re a bad therapist. It means there’s an opportunity to fine-tune your approach, clarify expectations, or expand your skill set.

In many cases, therapists are using a therapy model for clients who would actually benefit from coaching psychology. If someone is struggling with general life satisfaction, career transitions, or goal-setting—but doesn’t meet diagnostic criteria for a mental health condition—traditional therapy might not be what they need. Instead, a structured coaching approach can help them develop clarity, motivation, and action-oriented change.

Coaching psychology is a real, evidence-based approach that therapists can (and should) be trained in. If you’re curious about strengthening your ability to work with coaching clients—or just want to feel more confident when a client is struggling—check out my Therapist’s Guide to Coaching Masterclass. It’s free, packed with insights, and a game-changer for therapists in private practice.

Don't let these moments shake your confidence. Instead, let's use them as catalysts for professional evolution. If this episode was helpful for you, check out my other podcast episodes for therapists and connect with me on LinkedIn! I’m always sharing tidbits of info over there. I’d love to hear from you. 

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. Pass this episode along to a colleague or friend who could use this advice today. Let’s help each other grow.

Therapists, we need to have a real conversation about insurance fraud.

I know, I know. You’re probably thinking, "Lisa, I would NEVER do that!" But hear me out… many private practice therapists are accidentally stepping over the ethical line when billing insurance. And it’s way more common than we like to admit.

In this episode, I’m peeling back the curtain on the unspoken truth about therapist insurance fraud—why it happens, the systemic pressures that push therapists into ethical gray areas, and most importantly, what you can do to stay on the right side of it (without losing clients or revenue).

Timestamps:

00:00 - The Hidden Issue of Insurance Fraud in Therapy

02:29 - The Dilemma of Non-Clinical Clients

05:35 - The Problem with Fudging Diagnoses

06:25 - The Impact on Couples Therapy

15:46 - The Ethical Stand Against Pathologizing

17:58 - The Solution: Coaching Psychology

22:24 - The Benefits of Becoming a Board Certified Coach

26:47 - Free Resources for Therapists

If this conversation has you rethinking how you structure your practice, I’m here to help with a solution! Many therapists feel stuck in the insurance model, wrestling with ethical gray areas just to make things work. But here’s the truth: there’s a better way. 

Therapists who implement a coaching model into their practice not only avoid the ethical dilemma of insurance fraud, but also end up working with highly-motivated, growth-oriented clients and thriving personally, professionally, and financially. It’s a huge win all around. 

If you’re a therapist who’s curious about coaching and how it can transform your practice, check out my free Masterclass: The Therapist’s Guide to Coaching. It’s designed to help you confidently integrate coaching into your work, attract and serve motivated clients (who don’t need a mental health diagnosis), and run a profitable, sustainable practice without being tied to restrictive insurance policies. If you want to build a practice that aligns with your values, this is for you. 

Also, check out my other LHS For Therapists podcast episodes for more therapist-focused professional development content. Every week I share my insights, research, and interviews with experts in our field so you can thrive as a therapist. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn! It’s a great way to build community and support for yourself as a therapist. I'd love to hear from you!

Xoxo

Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby

www.growingself.com

P.S. If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a fellow therapist—this is a conversation we all need to be having.