What if your love for sneakers, storytelling, and sports could help shape a thriving private practice?

Liz Beecroft-Ridgway, licensed clinical social worker and founder of MENTL.SESH, joins Michael Fulwiler to share how she built a brand that bridges therapy, creative partnerships, and athlete mental health. From designing a sneaker with Nike to leading workshops with Saucony and speaking at Phillies games, Liz reveals how she’s turned her unique passions into professional impact.

She opens up about leaving the foster care system, launching her own practice, and learning how to price, pitch, and partner with major brands, all while staying true to her mission.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• How to position your practice to attract aligned partnerships
• Why therapists should embrace their full identity online
• What to consider when creating custom vs. standardized offerings

Connect with the guest:

• Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbcroft/ 
• Liz on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizbcroftlcsw/ 
• Visit the MENTL.SESH website: https://www.mentlsesh.com/ 

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/ 
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter 
• Book a free consult: joinheard.com/consult 

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Welcome to Heard Business School

(00:18) Meet Liz Beecroft-Ridgway 

(01:31) How Philly Sports Culture Shaped Liz

(03:09) Anxiety and Pressure in Competitive Youth Sports

(05:38) How Female Athletes Process Mental Health Differently

(07:06) From Bio Major to Psych Major at NYU

(09:50) Posting Sneakers Online Led to Burnout Relief

(11:06) Designing a Nike Sneaker About Mental Health

(14:24) Working in Foster Care and the Burnout Cycle

(18:14) First Steps into Building a Private Practice

(20:21) Shifting Niche to Athletes and High Performers

(23:28) Therapists vs. Sports Psychologists

(25:26) Launching a Brand That’s Bigger Than Therapy

(28:43) Creating Mental Health Tools Through Brand Partnerships

(38:33) Pricing Custom Workshops Without Underselling Yourself

(43:27) What Therapists Should Know About Sponsored Content

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.