Six Figure Therapist Collective

What if growing your audience on Instagram as a therapist didn't require becoming an influencer—or sounding like everyone else online?

If you know you have something meaningful to share but you're struggling to get your content in front of the right people, wondering if anyone is actually paying attention, or trying to figure out how Instagram can help you reach prospective clients and grow your services, this episode is for you.

In today's episode, I'm sitting down with my client Lizzy Madrigal, a coach, therapist, and writer based in Orange County, California.

Lizzy is a graduate of Emerson College's MFA in Popular Fiction and has an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. She has co-written several articles for the mental health nonprofit IDONTMIND, and her poetry has been published in Harness Magazine and Writerly Magazine. She published her debut book, everything in its season, in 2025 and is currently working on her next poetry and lyrical essay collection for eldest daughters. With more than 10 years of experience in the mental health field, Lizzy is bringing together her love of psychology and writing to create stories and services that inspire others.

And in this conversation, we're talking about what happened when Lizzy began bringing more of that voice, expertise, and lived experience into her content.

We get into what it actually looked like for her to move through the fear of being seen, find her voice on Instagram, and create content that helps the right people find and deeply connect with her work.

And while you'll hear about some pretty incredible growth along the way 👀, this conversation is about so much more than followers.

It's about what can happen when you learn how to communicate what you already know and who you already are in a way that feels like you—and build an audience of people who genuinely want what you have to offer.

If you're a therapist trying to grow on Instagram, reach more of your ideal clients, market your private practice or services, and turn your content and visibility into real inquiries, you'll want to listen to this one all the way through.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Finding your voice and creating content that still feels like you

• Becoming more comfortable being visible online as a therapist

• What it really looks like to keep creating before the growth comes

• Creating content that makes the people you want to work with feel seen

• Growing the right audience—not just chasing more followers

• The strategy, feedback, and community that supported Lizzy inside Six Figure Therapist

• What can start to become possible for your work and business when more of the right people are finding you

Ready to grow your own audience on Instagram?

Doors to Six Figure Therapist are officially OPEN and close Sept 28th at Midnight🎉

Six Figure Therapist is my 12-month content + marketing program for therapists who want to get their work in front of more of the right people, turn their content into inquiries, and book more clients and grow their services through Instagram.

If you're ready to stop wondering what to post and start building an Instagram presence that actually supports the practice and services you want to grow, schedule a consultation call to see if SFT is the right fit for you.

👉 Join Six Figure Therapist 👉 Schedule a Consult for Six Figure Therapist

Connect with Lizzy

Instagram: @lizzymadrigal Website + Work With Lizzy: lizzymadrigal.com Substack: The Rewrite Room Book: everything in its season — available through Lizzy's website

Connect with Liz

Instagram: @thelizfernandez.co Website: thelizfernandez.com

What if growing your Instagram as a therapist didn't require posting more—or waiting months for the right people to finally find you?

In less than one week, I gained 500+ new ideal followers on the Instagram account I'm currently rebuilding. Not random followers—the exact therapists I want my work to reach.

And in this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what I've been doing differently and the 3 Instagram strategies that are working right now to get my content in front of more of the right people.

Because if you're posting consistently but still wondering why your Instagram isn't growing—or why your content isn't translating into client inquiries—the problem may not be Instagram.

There are a few key shifts I've made in the way I'm creating content, and I'm breaking them down for you in this episode.

And while 500+ new followers in a week is exciting, this is about so much more than followers.

It's about getting your work in front of the right people—and knowing how to turn that visibility into connection, inquiries, and ultimately, clients.

If you're a therapist trying to grow on Instagram and use your content to actually support your private practice or services, you'll want to listen to this one.

In this episode, I'm sharing:

• The biggest shift I made in my content that changed how I approach Instagram growth

• What I'm doing differently to get my content in front of more of the right people

• The piece I see so many therapists leaving out when trying to turn content into inquiries

• What my audience—and my clients' results—are teaching me about what's working on Instagram right now

Ready to apply these strategies to your own Instagram?

Join me Monday, September 14 at 3 PM PT for my FREE live training:

3 Strategies Therapists Are Using to Book Private-Pay Clients From Instagram Right Now (Even With a Small Audience)

I'm breaking down the exact strategies I'm using right now to rebuild my own Instagram—and teaching my clients—to help you create content that gets in front of more of the right people, turn followers into inquiries, and book clients from Instagram.

Plus, I'll be doing live Instagram audits so you can see how I would apply these strategies to real therapist accounts.

If you're starting from zero, posting consistently but not seeing inquiries, or simply want more of the right people finding your work, you gotta be in the room.

Save your free Spot here: https://thelizfernandez.com/training

Connect with Liz

Instagram: @thelizfernandez.co Website: thelizfernandez.com

Episode 156: Starting an Instagram Account From Scratch: How Therapists Can Get Cash-Pay Clients With a Small Audience

Can you actually get cash-pay clients from Instagram if you only have 100, 300, or 500 followers?

And if you're starting an Instagram account from scratch, what should you focus on first if you want your content to eventually help grow your private practice?

A few months ago, I unexpectedly lost my entire Instagram account — nearly 10,000 followers, years of content, client wins, memories, and a community I had spent years building.

So now, I'm rebuilding my Instagram account from scratch.

And as frustrating and humbling as this experience has been, it's given me a completely new perspective on Instagram marketing for therapists, growing a small audience, creating content that attracts the right people, and getting cash-pay client inquiries before you have thousands of followers.

Because one of the biggest things rebuilding has reminded me of is this:

You do not need a big Instagram following to get clients.

I built my first six-figure business with fewer than 2,000 followers. I've helped therapists with small audiences get clients and generate recurring revenue from their content. And now, I'm putting those same strategies back into practice as I rebuild my own account in real time.

If you're starting your Instagram account, growing a smaller audience, or posting consistently and wondering when all of this is actually going to turn into clients, this episode is for you.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why you don't need thousands of Instagram followers to start getting cash-pay clients

• What to focus on when you're starting or growing a smaller Instagram account

• How to create content that attracts the right people — not just more views

• How to get clear on what you want to be known for so the right clients recognize that your work is for them

• Why you can grow your audience and get client inquiries at the same time (you don't have to wait!)

• How to stop letting a small following keep you from showing up, sharing your work, and building the practice you want

You don't need 10,000 followers.

You need the right people finding you, feeling seen by your content, understanding how you can help them, trusting your perspective, and knowing they can work with you.

And you can start building that now — even with a small audience.

FREE: 30 Instagram Hooks for Therapists

If you've been staring at a blank Reel wondering, "Okay… but what do I actually say?" I created something for you.

Grab my free Instagram Hooks Guide for Therapists for hooks you can use to help the right people stop scrolling, pay attention, and want to hear more from you.

Grab the free guide: https://thelizfernandez.com/freebie

Ready to Turn Your Instagram Content Into Cash-Pay Client Inquiries?

If you're starting an Instagram account, rebuilding your audience, or you've been posting but aren't seeing the followers or client inquiries you want, you don't have to keep guessing what to change.

Inside my 90-Minute 1:1 Content Intensive, we'll look at your Instagram, ideal clients, messaging, and content together.

You'll leave with a personalized plan to help you create content that attracts more aligned followers, nurtures the people already watching, and creates more opportunities for cash-pay clients to reach out and work with you.

The investment is $497 USD.

Book your 90-Minute Content Intensive: HERE

And if you want to follow along as I rebuild my own Instagram account from scratch, come find me at @thelizfernandez.co.

We're building it together. 🤍

Your feed grows your audience. Your stories fill your practice.

If you've been showing up on Instagram consistently and your DMs are still quiet, this episode names the exact gap that's keeping your content from converting into consultations.

In this episode, I'm covering:

• What's actually working on Instagram right now, and what it means for how you build your presence as a therapist or coach
• Why your stories audience is your warmest audience, and why that's where the real opportunity lives
• My hand-raise opportunity framework: two ways to invite your audience to reach out, without ever posting a "spots available" graphic
• Real results from clients who applied this, including a $12K week, two cash-pay clients booked in one week after six months of silence, and a first group program filled straight from stories
• Three types of stories you can post this week to start creating inquiries

This episode is short and practical so you can start applying it today.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with the therapist who needs to hear it. And DM me on Instagram with your takeaways. I love hearing from you.

Want more hooks that stop the scroll? Grab my free Hooks Guide here → https://thelizfernandez.com/freebie

Ready to start getting private, cash-pay clients from Instagram this week? →Book a one-on-one intensive with me

Connect with Liz: Instagram: @thelizfernandez.co Website: https://thelizfernandez.com/

How to Create Instagram Carousels That Get Therapists Private Pay Client Inquiries

If you've been posting carousels on Instagram but they're not leading to DMs or consultation requests — this episode is going to change how you structure them.

In this episode, Liz Fernandez breaks down the exact carousel structure that has consistently brought her private pay client inquiries directly from Instagram. Most therapists are already posting carousels, but the way they're structured often doesn't lead someone to reach out ready to work with you. Teaching-based carousels like "5 tips for anxiety" or "3 ways to manage stress" can be helpful — but they don't make someone think, this is the therapist I want to work with.

The carousels that generate inquiries start somewhere different. They start by helping your ideal client feel deeply seen — before they've ever booked a call.

In This Episode You'll Hear:

• Why most therapist carousels don't lead to client inquiries — and what to do instead
• A 7-step carousel structure that consistently converts followers into private pay clients
• How to use your content to build trust before a consultation even happens
• Why helping someone feel seen is more powerful than teaching them something new
• How to invite the next step at the end of a carousel without feeling salesy

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're a therapist or coach posting carousels but not getting inquiries from them
• You want a clear, repeatable content structure that actually attracts private pay clients
• You're ready to stop creating content that educates and start creating content that converts
• You want Instagram to consistently bring ideal clients to your practice

The 7-Step Carousel Structure That Converts:

1. Call out a symptom — name something your ideal client is noticing in their day-to-day life
2. Describe their experience — paint a picture of the small things they're noticing, the thoughts they're having, the worries that come up
3. Name the belief — name what they think is happening or what they assume the problem is
4. Introduce a reframe — show them that what they think the problem is might not be the real problem
5. Introduce your framework or process — give them a glimpse into how you help people solve this
6. Share proof — include a short client story or experience that makes the transformation feel real
7. Invite the next step — invite them to send a message, comment a keyword, or learn more about working with you

When someone reads a carousel structured this way, they don't just learn something — they feel understood. And that's what leads to inquiries.

Keywords:

Instagram carousels for therapists, how to get private pay clients on Instagram, therapist Instagram content strategy, carousels that convert, Instagram marketing for therapists, how to get therapy clients from Instagram, private pay client inquiries Instagram, therapist content strategy, six figure therapist, grow private practice online

Work With Liz

The 90-Minute Content Intensive Ready to get clear on your niche, optimize your Instagram profile, and build the foundation that turns profile visitors into client inquiries? In this one-on-one intensive, Liz personally helps you set up your Instagram so it works like a client-attracting platform — simply and strategically. Book Your Intensive → https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6a03631e48908760ac0e1f3e/schedule

Private Coaching If you're looking for personalized, ongoing support to grow your private pay practice using Instagram, private coaching might be the right fit. Liz works with a small number of therapists and coaches who are ready to go all in. Explore Private Coaching → https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/65c32d0c5d72204299a14b50/schedule

Six Figure Therapist Collective The group program for therapists and coaches who want Instagram to consistently bring private pay client inquiries. Inside, you'll work on niche positioning, content that converts, and building a system that generates inquiries year round — in the simplest way possible. Join the Waitlist → https://thelizfernandez.com/sixfiguretherapist

Six Figure Scaled — Mastermind Waitlist For therapists and coaches who are ready to move beyond one-on-one and build group offers. If you're thinking about your next level, get on the waitlist now. Join the Six Figure Scaled Waitlist → https://thelizfernandez.com/6fswaitlist

Free Resource: 30 Hooks Guide Not sure how to start your reels or captions? Grab Liz's free 30 Hooks Guide — 30 proven hooks designed specifically for therapists and coaches to stop the scroll and attract the right clients. Download the Free Guide → https://thelizfernandez.com/freebie

Connect With Liz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelizfernandez.co/ Website: https://thelizfernandez.com/

If this episode helped you think differently about your Instagram content, share it with a therapist or coach who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following the podcast — in the next episode, we're breaking down how Instagram Stories can turn followers into consultation calls.

The Types of Instagram Reels That Actually Get Therapists Private Pay Client Inquiries

If you've been posting reels consistently but still not getting DMs or consultation requests — this episode is going to shift how you think about your content.

In this episode, Liz Fernandez breaks down why most therapists aren't getting client inquiries from Instagram Reels and what to do instead. The problem isn't the algorithm. It's the type of content being created. Most therapists are using reels to educate — sharing tips, explaining mental health concepts, providing helpful advice. And while that content has value, it doesn't create the moment that leads to inquiries.

The reels that generate client inquiries do something different. They create recognition. They help the right person see themselves in the content.

In This Episode You'll Hear:

• Why educational reels aren't converting into client inquiries
• The three elements that make a hook stop the scroll: identity, relatability, and specificity
• How one reel reached over 1 million views and brought in new clients — and exactly why it worked
• How one of Liz's clients shifted her content strategy and gained 108 ideal new followers and multiple inquiries from a single reel
• Why recognition-based content is the key to attracting private pay clients on Instagram

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're a therapist or coach posting reels but not getting DMs or consultation requests
• You want to understand what actually makes Instagram content convert into client inquiries
• You're ready to stop posting and hoping — and start creating content with intention
• You want private pay clients finding you through Instagram consistently

Key Takeaways:

The three elements of a hook that converts:

1. Identity — signal clearly who the content is for
2. Relatability — name an experience your ideal client recognizes instantly
3. Specificity — paint a specific picture that stops the scroll (not "crowded places overwhelm me" — "Costco on a Sunday")

When someone feels understood by your content, they are far more likely to reach out. That is the power of recognition-based content.

Keywords:

Instagram reels for therapists, how to get therapy clients on Instagram, private pay clients Instagram, therapist Instagram content strategy, Instagram reels that convert, how to get client inquiries from Instagram, therapist marketing on Instagram, Instagram hooks for therapists, six figure therapist, grow private practice Instagram

Work With Liz

The 90-Minute Content Intensive Ready to get clear on your niche, optimize your Instagram profile, and build the foundation that turns profile visitors into client inquiries? In this one-on-one intensive, Liz personally helps you set up your Instagram so it works like a client-attracting platform — simply and strategically. Book Your Intensive → https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/6a03631e48908760ac0e1f3e/schedule

Private Coaching If you're looking for personalized, ongoing support to grow your private pay practice using Instagram, private coaching might be the right fit. Liz works with a small number of therapists and coaches who are ready to go all in. Explore Private Coaching → https://hello.dubsado.com/public/appointment-scheduler/65c32d0c5d72204299a14b50/schedule

Six Figure Therapist Collective The group program for therapists and coaches who want Instagram to consistently bring private pay client inquiries. Inside, you'll work on niche positioning, content that converts, and building a system that generates inquiries year round — in the simplest way possible. Join the Waitlist → https://thelizfernandez.com/sixfiguretherapist

Six Figure Scaled — Mastermind Waitlist For therapists and coaches who are ready to move beyond one-on-one and build group offers. If you're thinking about your next level, get on the waitlist now. Join the Six Figure Scaled Waitlist → https://thelizfernandez.com/6fswaitlist

Free Resource: 30 Hooks Guide Not sure how to start your reels or captions? Grab Liz's free 30 Hooks Guide — 30 proven hooks designed specifically for therapists and coaches to stop the scroll and attract the right clients. Download the Free Guide → https://thelizfernandez.com/freebie

Connect With Liz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelizfernandez.co/ Website: https://thelizfernandez.com/

If this episode helped you think differently about your Instagram content, share it with a therapist or coach who needs to hear it. And make sure you're following the podcast — next episodes break down how to turn carousels and Instagram Stories into client inquiries too.

Welcome to Six Figure Therapist: A New Era for Therapists Who Want to Be Seen, Known & Booked

If you've been posting on Instagram and wondering why it's not turning into private pay client inquiries — this episode is for you.

In this first episode of the new era, Liz Fernandez breaks down what she's been studying, testing, and seeing work with therapists and coaches over the last several months. And what she discovered completely shifted how she sees the work she's been doing for the last five-plus years.

The truth? Instagram didn't stop working. But most therapists were never taught how to turn visibility into actual client inquiries. And that one missing piece is what's keeping so many skilled, talented therapists from having the full, private pay practice they deserve.

This episode marks a new chapter — for this podcast and for the therapists and coaches who are ready to be seen, known, and booked with the clients they actually want to serve.

In This Episode You'll Hear:

• Why Instagram feels like it stopped working for so many therapists (and what's really going on)
• The real reason content isn't turning into consultations or client inquiries
• What shifted in Liz's work with therapists and coaches — and why it changed everything
• What the Six Figure Therapist podcast is about and who it's for
• What's coming in future episodes: reels, carousels, Instagram Stories, and the strategy behind all of it

This Episode Is For You If:

• You're a therapist or coach who wants to attract private pay clients through Instagram
• You've been posting content but it's not generating inquiries or consultation calls
• You're tired of relying on directories, referrals, or mental health platforms to fill your practice
• You want a clear, simple strategy for using Instagram to grow a fully booked private pay practice

Keywords:

how to get private pay clients, Instagram for therapists, grow a therapy practice online, cash pay clients for therapists, private pay therapy marketing, Instagram strategy for therapists, how to get therapy clients on Instagram, therapist Instagram tips, six figure therapist, therapist business coach

Work With Liz

The 90-Minute Content Intensive Ready to get clear on your niche, optimize your Instagram profile, and build the foundation that turns profile visitors into client inquiries? In this one-on-one intensive, Liz personally helps you set up your Instagram so it works like a client-attracting platform — simply and strategically. → Book Your Intensive

Private Coaching If you're looking for personalized, ongoing support to grow your private pay practice using Instagram, private coaching might be the right fit. Liz works with a small number of therapists and coaches who are ready to go all in. → Explore Private Coaching

Six Figure Therapist Collective The group program for therapists and coaches who want Instagram to consistently bring private pay client inquiries. Inside, you'll work on niche positioning, content that converts, and building a system that generates inquiries year round — in the simplest way possible. → Join the Waitlist

Six Figure Scaled — Mastermind Waitlist For therapists and coaches who are ready to move beyond one-on-one and build group offers. If you're thinking about your next level, get on the waitlist now. → Join the Six Figure Scaled Waitlist

Free Resource: 30 Hooks Guide Not sure how to start your reels or captions? Grab Liz's free 30 Hooks Guide — 30 proven hooks designed specifically for therapists and coaches to stop the scroll and attract the right clients. → Download the Free Guide

Connect With Liz

Instagram: @thelizfernandez.co Website: thelizfernandez.com

If this episode resonated with you, share it with a therapist or coach who needs to hear it. And if you're loving the new era of the show, leave a review — it helps more therapists find this work.

In this episode, you're getting exclusive access to the kind of real, honest, and high-level coaching that happens inside the Therapist to Coach Collective.

You'll hear me coaching one of our incredible clients — a therapist of color who went from working full-time in community mental health to building a thriving private practice. Within her first month of going full time, she filled her caseload — and now she's consistently bringing in $10K/month through a hybrid model (insurance + private pay).

But like many therapists in growth mode, she's now facing a new challenge: How do I create more time, space, and alignment — without sacrificing income?

Inside this behind-the-scenes coaching session, we unpack:

• The real numbers behind her $10K/month practice

• How to gradually shift away from insurance and grow private pay clients

• The mindset shift from "helper" to CEO

• Simplifying her calendar to make space for a coaching business

• Expanding her niche to reflect her life transitions (including pregnancy + new motherhood)

• How to set boundaries that protect her time and her energy

This is a raw and inspiring look at what becomes possible when you stop playing small, step into your CEO identity, and build a business that supports your life — not just your clients'.

Ready to double your therapy income with private practice or coaching?

The Therapist to Coach Collective is now enrolling through November 7th — and this is the only time we're opening doors this year.

Inside, you'll get weekly group coaching, a full curriculum to grow your coaching business, ethical and legal templates, and a supportive community of therapists of color walking the same path.

🔗 Links & Resources:

Book a free 60-minute clarity call to see if the collective is for you (through Nov 7 only) Join the Therapist to Coach Collective before doors close on Nov 7th Follow me on Instagram for more coaching + launch week updates @thelizfernandez Join the email Community to stay in the know

If this episode spoke to you… Leave a review or send it to a therapist friend who's ready to grow their income and their impact — without the burnout.

Are you tired of being dependent on directories or insurance panels to stay afloat? In this episode of Beyond Private Practice, therapist business coach Liz Fernandez unpacks the real cost of relying on third-party platforms like Headway, Alma, and Psychology Today to build your caseload — and shows you exactly how to start growing your therapy income sustainably and ethically.

Whether you're scaling your private practice or adding coaching, this episode is packed with real talk, therapist mindset shifts, and actionable private practice growth strategies that will help you step into your next level — without burning out or abandoning your values.

🎙 In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why third-party platforms keep you in survival mode — and how to break free

• The difference between visibility and true presence in your niche

• How to build a sustainable therapy business that reflects your values

• Why you don't need to leave therapy to make 20K months — but you do need a strategy

• How to sell your services ethically and clearly — no "ick" required

• The 3 keys to shift from therapist to entrepreneur and start building demand on your own terms

This is your invitation to stop waiting to be picked — and start creating a business that supports your income, impact, and energy. 💻 Sign Up for my new Free Live Training: Therapist to CEO

October 27 @ 3PM PST How to Go From Therapist to CEO & Double Your Therapy Income With Integrity and Aligned Clients

Learn the exact strategies that will help you raise your rates, attract the right clients, and scale your private practice or coaching business — all with integrity.

👉 Register here: www.thelizfernandez.com/webinar

Can't attend live? Still register — the replay will be sent to all who sign up.

Coming Soon: Enrollment for the Therapist to Coach Collective

Get ready to Join TCC on Monday October 27th! Doors open right after the free training. This is my signature 12-month group coaching program for therapists ready to step into CEO energy, create consistent income, and build a values-aligned business with ease.

🎁 48 hour Bonus: Training attendees get early access + when you join TCC by 10/29 at mindnight you get a private bonus 1:1 call to map your "Double Your Income with Content" plan.

Work with Me 1:1

Enrollment for Private Coaching is now open. If you're ready to build a profitable, sustainable income — and scale to 20K months in your private practice or coaching business — private coaching may be the space for you.

👉 Book a free consult: www.thelizfernandez.com/privatecoaching

💌 Join My Email Community

I send weekly mindset shifts, behind-the-scenes lessons, and business strategies to help you grow a values-driven, sustainable business — without the burnout. You'll also be first to know when new coaching spots and trainings open.

👉 Subscribe here: www.thelizfernandez.com/email

Stay Connected

Follow me on Instagram @thelizfernandez for daily insights, business tips, and the real behind-the-scenes of building a thriving, ethical business as a therapist and coach.

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