Selling the Couch

If you’ve had a standoff with perfectionism in starting something new, you’ll want to join us for this coaching call in today’s session. Like most clinicians who are branching out with an online course, my guest is struggling with her fears about this new endeavor and whether she will get it right. Join us to hear the conversation.

Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call

Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT

Katie Lear is a therapist in solo private practice near Charlotte, NC. She was part of the Online Course School Live Cohort, and she’s part of the Online Course School Mastermind this year. She is preparing for the beta group launch of her course, and her next step will be to record the digital version. This process gives a chance to collect feedback from beta students on the lessons and modules before creating the digital version. Join us for this open and honest conversation around fear and perfectionism.

Katie's Website

You’ll Learn:

• A look at how Katie arrived at her private practice niche working with preteens and tweens around anxiety and OCD symptoms
• Why Katie decided to jump into the online course world
• How an online course income stream helps clinicians build a balanced life outside their career, have more time and capacity for family, and utilize another way to reach clients
• The starting point for content in Katie’s course: teaching about coping skills
• How Katie is looking to incorporate a playful element into her course
• How Katie is dealing with “blank-page syndrome” in creating her course slides
• Tips for Katie in distilling and refining the content for her course
• Why heart and intent matter more in an online course than “Hollywood-level” production
• Why there is great value in teaching with the structure of three tips, three steps, and common mistakes

Resources:

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Try Psych Careers!

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

In today’s busy online world, virtual presentations are everything in how you are received AND perceived. If you put forth the effort to create an online course, webinar, or speaking engagement, you want to show up authentically and masterfully to engage your audience. This is an important area in which there is always room for improvement! My guest today is a proven expert in virtual presentation, and she’s here to share her knowledge with us. Join us to learn more!

Our Featured Guest

Lorraine K. Lee

Lorraine Lee is a top career and business virtual keynote speaker who has been featured in several publications and on podcasts with numerous accomplishments and awards throughout her career. She has worked in several editorial roles at LinkedIn and Prezi and has built a LinkedIn following of over 300,000, so she is very much immersed in the world of virtual presentations and online learning. She is the perfect person to help us understand more about improving our virtual presentations. 

Lorraine's Website

You’ll Learn:

• How virtual presentations give you access to a wider audience and help you stand out in your expertise
• Why the entertainment factor of virtual presentations cannot be ignored
• Examples of different types of virtual presentations
• Lorraine’s tips for improving your virtual presentations:
• Add movement to your presentations and incorporate “state changes.”
• Curate your background with features that are calming, positive, personable, and professional.
• Include visuals on your screens to help people learn and remember. (90% of the information processed by our brains is visual!)
• Use eye contact to improve your connection to your audience.
• How to implement visuals like logos, color gradients, and simple info on your screen
• How to use artwork, photos, and personal elements to cultivate a deeper connection
• How to set up your monitor, camera, laptop, etc. to maximize eye contact with your audience
• Lorraine’s tips for introverts in showing up better in visual presentations
• An overview of Lorraine’s expanding consulting business

Resources:

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Try Psych Careers!

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Here we are, all set for the final episode of 2024. We will fill the next few weeks with replays of popular episodes and be back in 2025 with exciting new episodes. During this hiatus, I’ll be using these “Walden months,” as I call them, for extra rest and taking time to work on specific projects, like my online course. If you are considering launching an online course, today’s episode is for you! I’ve learned a lot over the last 9 years as a course creator, and I’m sharing an honest look at my biggest lessons learned and what I would tell anyone on this course creation path. 

You’ll Learn: 

• 5 things I want to share about launching an online course:
• Focus on what you already know and love to teach. (Stay within your niche!)
• Hear my thoughts on course creation and AI.
• Start small and build slowly. (Think about your “value ladder.”)
• Think about recurring offers related to your course.
• Validation is non-negotiable. (Validate your course idea before you proceed.)
• Download the free Course Creator Starter Kit. 
• Embrace the tech, but don’t let it overwhelm you. 
• Start with “good enough,” and upgrade your sound, lighting, and camera when you can.
• Hear my recommendations for basic tech for someone just starting out in course creation. 
• Take a “defaulting to action” perspective rather than waiting for perfectionism. 
• Build your audience early.
• Don’t wait until your course launch to build your email list.
• Use social media and discovery platforms. 
• Use these affiliate links for more information: Teachable, ConvertKit, and Cartra

Resources:

Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH” to get 50% off for the first three months! 

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Try Psych Careers!

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

If you are a therapist in private practice in the US, this episode will be helpful for you. We are breaking down the new legal requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act. This act requires that you comply by the end of 2024, so time is running out. This act is part of an effort to reduce money laundering by shell companies, focusing on business ownership. If you have an LLC or an S-corp, please take the time to listen and learn more.  

Our Featured Guests

Dan Mayer and Dr. David Yood

Dan Mayer is an attorney who works with many mental health and healthcare practitioners. Dr. David Yood is a licensed psychologist and private practice owner who gives his perspective of the Corporate Transparency Act and its requirements. Dan and Dave co-host the Protecting Your Practice Podcast for mental health practitioners. In this session, they use simple language to explain what the CTA is, what the filing requirements and processes are, the implications of non-compliance, and the constitutionality of the act. 

Dan's website

Dave's website

Protecting Your Practice Podcast

You’ll Learn:

• What is the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)?
• Dave’s perspective about the CTA, his private practice, and compliance requirements
• A look at the compliance requirements of the CTA (mostly about ownership of companies)
• Who needs to register under the CTA? (Get professional help if you aren’t sure!)
• Thoughts on the constitutionality of the CTA
• Dave’s perspective on what the CTA requires of him
• Consequences of not filing under the CTA
• Dan’s recommendations for business owners
• Find out more about the CTA and how to file (in just a few minutes): fincen.gov

Resources:

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Psych Careers!

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

If you have aspirations to be a keynote speaker of any kind, this episode is for you! I recently had the opportunity to speak at my first conference, the Mental Health Marketing Conference, in Franklin, TN. This conference is for clinicians and marketing tech people in the mental health field, and it was a fantastic gathering of about 300 in-person participants. I’m sharing what I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences. I hope you find this episode helpful!

You’ll Learn:

• 7 things I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences:
• Know the setup. 
• This varies from conference to conference. Know about rehearsal opportunities, Green Room, mic/sound/slides check, timekeeping, etc. 
• Find a place to rest and re-center before you go backstage.
• I didn’t do a great job at this, and I should have made other arrangements.
• Make sure the mic doesn’t hit your clothes when you move.
• I’ll be more careful with this and test it better next time.
• Use social media to share “before/after” posts to document your journey.
• I did LinkedIn posts and selfies and had friends in the crowd take pictures during my presentation.
• Have a small squad of friends sit near the front in the crowd.
• This 100% helped give me confidence.
• Start with a story that people will remember.
• Leading with a story makes an impact and connects you to your audience. (Hint: Be clear about your topic.)
• Understand the crazy power in public speaking. Pace yourself.
• The endorphin rush of being “in flow” brings an amazing level of external validation. I loved it!

Resources:

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Try Psych Careers!

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

The perfect recipe for burnout is to work in a caring profession, be a slave to perfectionism, and neglect your needs. As clinicians, we realize that we work in a flawed healthcare system in the US, but how do we exist in this environment to do good work and sustain ourselves from a holistic perspective that goes way beyond basic self-care? We are diving into this topic with today’s guest. Join us!

Our Featured Guest

Dr. Jessi Gold

Dr. Jessi Gold is the first Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, which comprises five campuses and more than 60,000 students. Also serving as an associate professor of psychiatry, Dr. Gold is a speaker, media advocate, author, and mental health consultant. She recently wrote How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for the Humanity in Medicine.  In today’s session, Jessi shares her experience in teetering on the edge of burnout and what she learned about herself. 

Dr. Jessi Gold

You’ll Learn:

• The basics of Dr. Jessi’s role with the University of Tennessee and what it means to be a Chief Wellness Officer
• The differences and barriers from campus to campus in a university system
• “Silo-breaking” as it relates to mental health
• The difficulty in caring for ourselves while caring for others
• Perfectionism, burnout, and why “it’s OK not to be OK”
• The pandemic’s part in training us to wear a “badge of honor” for not caring for ourselves and our mental health
• We are human—and we forget that very often.
• The event that was the impetus for Dr. Jessi’s book—and why it left her feeling horrible
• Signs of early burnout that Dr. Jessi only noticed in hindsight
• Making the shift to navigate perfectionist tendencies to prevent burnout
• The importance of having self-compassion and reframing the mean things we say to ourselves
• The value of timeout for ME

Resources:

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.

If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Mentioned in this episode:

Try Psych Careers!

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Have you thought about starting a podcast? If you run a busy private practice, you might wonder how you could take on such an endeavor in addition to all the other things you do. I feel your concerns, as I’m coming up on ten years as a clinician-turned-podcaster. I’ve learned a lot, and I want to share five unique ways you can launch and run a successful podcast without it feeling like another “job” you have to do. Join me in this session to learn more!

You’ll Learn:

• Fact: Podcasting has made my life a lot easier in many ways. 
• Five unexpected insights into podcasting as a beneficial addition:
• Batch record and automate.
• This will save you a ton of time, which is your most precious asset. 
• Look at your schedule and identify a 2-3 hour block of time for recording episodes. (Captivate makes it easier!)
• Bonus tip: Stack this by creating a podcast on your live schedule so you don’t have to record new episodes every week/month. 
• Repurpose your existing content.
• Look for common themes and pain points with your clients.
• Capture ideas during the course of your day with notes or a notes app.
• Bonus tip: My private Slack subchannel helps me. 
• Use podcasting as a client-attraction tool.
• Your podcast can reduce your marketing workload and attract clients and customers organically.
• Podcasters are the most trusted media personalities.
• Podcasts are evergreen and have binge potential.
• Bonus tip: Create episodes around questions clients ask that are related to your niches and specialties. 
• Keep episodes short and impactful.
• Shorter episodes are easier for you AND the listener. (15-25 minutes is an ideal length.)
• Bonus tip: Set a 20-minute timer and cover one question relating to a common struggle within your niche. 
• Outsource editing to free up your time.
• You don’t have to be the editor; hire someone!
• Outsourcing allows you to focus on your zone of genius and not get bogged down with the technical side. 
• Bonus tip: Reach out to local colleges and universities for students who are looking for work. 
• Check out the free workshop, Using Podcasting to Grow Your Business. Click here.

Resources:

Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH” to get 50% off for the first three months! 

Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more!

Want to launch your online course?

Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit

Mentioned in this episode:

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Try Psych Careers!

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Today’s topic is one we’ve danced around but never tackled head-on. We’re covering the transition from being a solo practitioner to a private pay group practice. There are many things to consider in making this shift, and today’s guest shares an open and honest look at his experience. Join us!

Our Featured Guest

Dr. Adam Assoian 

Dr. Adam Assoian is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Ally Psychological Services. His full private-pay group practice began in 2019 and now employs more than eight clinicians. They experienced their busiest month this past summer when there is traditionally a seasonal slowdown. Adam joins us to share his transition from solo practitioner to private practice group practice and why he did not go the insurance route, which is seen as the “safer” move. We get Adam’s take on logistical tips about finding office space, finding clients, marketing, and payment options. Our conversation wraps up with a discussion of sustainability during uncertain economic situations. 

Adam’s Website: Ally Psych

You’ll Learn:

• An overview of Ally Psych’s growth over the last five years
• Factors in Adam’s decision to be private pay vs. insurance
• Tips on maintaining a “people over profits” mentality
• Considerations in choosing a physical space and location for an office
• The importance in figuring out the numbers for sustainability in a group practice
• Adam’s commitment to prioritizing the comfort of the client as part of the entire therapy experience
• Adam’s perspective on what his clinicians charge for therapy services
• The biggest stressor for Adam as a practice owner
• Factors in Adam’s diversified marketing approach
• The importance of networking relationships and referrals
• Common mistakes therapists make in this transition
• Adam’s structure for accepting payments at Ally Psych
• How Adam prepares for sustainability in his practice during seasonal slowdowns and an uncertain economy

Resources:

Want to launch your podcast?

Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.

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 Psych Careers!

Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind

If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

The act of decluttering sounds like a simple thing, but it can be loaded with emotions, triggers, and feelings of overwhelm. Today’s guest takes us through this process which can be a beneficial supplement to therapy. 

Our Featured Guest

Sarah Mueller

Sarah Mueller is a friend I’ve known for several years. She started The Decluttering Club to teach people to declutter in a way that doesn’t create burnout, lets them keep the things they love, and actually lasts for the long term. She has grown a huge online following based on the concept of decluttering. It’s a relatable problem that we all face, and learning to let things go is important. Sarah discusses why decluttering is part of her story and part of who she is. She explains what decluttering is, what the benefits are, and how to declutter even when you feel overwhelmed. We wrap up by covering how decluttering can be an advantageous supplement to therapy.

The Decluttering Club

You’ll Learn:

• Sarah’s story that led her to create The Decluttering Club
• Sarah’s tagline: “Less stuff, more life!”
• The impacts of the personal and professional growth for Sarah as she fulfills the needs of others
• Decluttering defined: “Letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me”
• Being honest about what serves you and what “is clutter and needs to go”
• The internal work around stories, emotions, and our attachments that goes along with decluttering
• Benefits of decluttering
• Decluttering when you feel overwhelmed
• Sarah’s tips for decluttering books
• How letting go of sentimental items can be part of healing
• Working with a decluttering expert can supplement therapy in many ways
• Why decluttering is a combination of practical work and emotional work to boost someone’s self-worth

Resources:

Want to launch your podcast?

Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.

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:

Selling the Couch Newsletter

Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

Try Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Try Psych Careers!

Today’s session is about leaving psychotherapy for coaching. This transition is one that many therapist colleagues have made, and the reality is that many more are shifting from the field of therapy into coaching. Several major factors play into this decision, and my guest today gives a transparent look at his experience in this transition. Join us to learn more!

Our Featured Guest

Dr. Corey Wilks

Dr. Corey Wilks is a good friend and licensed psychologist who joins us for an open and honest look at his transition from therapy to coaching.  In giving a glimpse into the circumstances and perspectives that led him to make this decision and shift his career, he shares how his career goals have changed over the years, what autonomy means to him, and why it is important. We wrap up by discussing mistakes that therapists often make in this career change and the drawbacks to leaving a traditional career in mental health.

Corey's Website 

You’ll Learn:

• Corey’s career goals back in grad school—and how they have changed
• Understanding autonomy, freedom, and why these are Corey’s top priorities
• Corey’s realizations about therapy, wellness, and burnout
• Considerations in making the shift to entrepreneurship
• The biggest mistake people make in turning from therapy to coaching
• The difference in coaching as a much more solo-based endeavor than therapy
• Corey’s advice to a therapist considering becoming a coach
• The distinction between the roles of therapist and coach—and how Corey navigates “the line”

Resources:

Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers!

Want to launch your podcast?

Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop.

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 Psych Careers!

Today's podcast is supported by the American Psychological Association's Psych Careers. If you are a psychology professional looking to advance your career or thinking about a pivot, definitely encourage you to check out Psych Careers, which is the career center from the American Psychological Association Services, Inc. There are over 400 positions available. It's the perfect time to create a free account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts.

Try Psych Careers!

Selling the Couch Newsletter

Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.