The Bad Therapist Show

What if you didn’t have to feel 1000% confident before hosting a profitable retreat? In this episode, I’m chatting with Sarah Lazarewicz, a therapist, Liberated Business graduate and first-time retreat host about what it looked like to lead her very first overnight retreat. She walked away with $3,000 in profit and a whole new level of confidence. But getting there? That's the real story.

Before the retreat even happened, Sarah was deep in self-doubt. Imposter syndrome told her she wasn’t qualified. Money fears made her question whether anyone would actually sign up. And more than once, she considered canceling the whole thing and walking away from her dream (again).

But Sarah didn't stay stuck in fear. She leaned into community support, worked through what was underneath the doubts, and chose to move forward anyway. The result was a beautiful, heartfelt experience that transformed not just her attendees, but her own belief in what she's capable of as a leader and business owner.

If you've been sitting on a big vision but fear keeps holding you back, this episode will give you permission to do it messy, do it scared, and do it anyway.

More about Sarah Lazarewicz:

Sarah Lazarewicz (MSW, LICSW) is a somatic therapist and trauma specialist based in Minneapolis, MN. She specializes in helping adults recovering from unhealthy childhoods find greater connection and peace in adulthood. She is also passionate about supporting therapists, and leads retreats for therapists focused on preventing burnout and creating deep community among fellow mental health providers.

Topics covered on Hosting a Profitable Retreat:

1. The experiences that sparked Sarah’s vision for creating a community care retreat for other therapists
2. The fears that arose after Sarah had already booked the retreat space and set the date
3. How to move forward with hosting a profitable retreat when you're starting without an established audience
4. The moment Sarah's co-facilitator had to step back just four months before the retreat
5. The role coaching and community support in Liberated Business played in Sarah's ability to stay committed to her vision
6. The difference between being a good leader and trying to control every detail of the retreat experience
7. Sarah's advice for therapists who want to take the leap in hosting a profitable retreat or pursuing any big vision while feeling stuck in fear

Resources from this episode:

1. Liberated Business program: https://www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness

Related episodes

1. Building Blocks of a Profitable Retreat: How to Design the Perfect Experience [Ep 65]

Connect with Sarah Lazarewicz:

1. Website: laztherapy.com

Connect with Felicia:

1. Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
2. Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
3. Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach

Quote:

"Do it messy. It's worth doing it messy. It's worth doing it afraid. You're probably never gonna get to the point where you're not afraid, but you can do something and be afraid and it can still go well." - Sarah

If you think a $20K month for solo therapists means working 60-hour weeks, hear this: the therapists I work with who are consistently hitting 20K months aren't running giant group practices or burning themselves out. They're solo clinicians with premium fees, clear niches, and one really effective marketing channel that actually works.

In today's episode, I'm breaking down the real anatomy of a 20K month for solo therapists based on what my actual clients are doing month after month. I'm talking about the core pieces that add up to those numbers, the mindset shifts around charging what you're worth, and the specific moves you can make right now to start moving in that direction.

Whether you're at 5K months or 15K months, there are probably just one or two bottlenecks in your business keeping you stuck. I'm going to help you figure out what those are and give you concrete next steps to open things up!

Topics covered on 20K Month for Solo Therapists:

1. The structure of a 20K month for solo therapists and the client loads that make it possible without working 60-hour weeks
2. The premium fee ranges my clients are charging and the mindset work you need to do before raising your rates
3. The digital marketing channels that are actually driving consistent leads
4. The specific bottlenecks in your business that are keeping you stuck at low revenue months
5. The skills you need to learn if you want to charge premium fees before your marketing is perfect
6. The cancellation and attendance policies that will help you hit a consistent 20K months

Resources from this episode:

1. Liberated Business: www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness
2. How Saying No to Clients Doubled Erin's Income to $14K/Month in 3 Months [Ep 148]
3. How Dr Mikki Lee Used TikTok Marketing to Grow Her Private Practice and 4x Her Revenue [Ep 139]

Related episodes

1. My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients [Ep 7]
2. Devotional Sales: My Sales Practice That Will Turn Consult Calls into Clients [Ep 56]

Connect with Felicia:

1. Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
2. Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
3. Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach

Quote:

“At 20K per month as a solo practitioner, that is where you can really start to see your quality of life shift.” - Felicia

What if raising your therapy fees and saying no to clients more often could actually double your private practice income? That's exactly what happened to Erin Cantor, a play therapist in New York City who went from $8,000 to $14,000 per month in just three months of being in my signature program, Liberated Business.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Erin about the specific changes she made that led to her rapid growth, why she requires three parent sessions before working with any child, and how learning to say no to clients became her biggest marketing strategy. Erin got ruthlessly clear about which cases to accept, raised her fees without apologizing, and implemented a firm cancellation policy faster than most therapists would dare. And the wild part? Her clients thanked her for it.

If you've ever felt guilty about turning away potential clients or wondered whether you're charging enough for your expertise, this conversation will shift something for you. Erin's story proves that building a private practice on your terms isn't just possible; it's profitable.

More about Erin Cantor:

Erin Cantor, M.A., MSW, LCSW is a child play therapist and adolescent, adult and family psychotherapist working in private practice in New York City. A graduate of the three-year child and adolescent psychotherapy training program (CAPTP) at The William Alanson White Institute, she is also trained in Family Therapy from Ackerman Institute, and completed the one year infant observation program with the Anni Bergman Parent Infant training program (ABPIP) with Contemporary Freudian Society (CFS) and Institute for Psychoanalytic Training and Research (IPTAR). In addition to her psychotherapy work, Erin is also a clinical writer, presenter, and consultant.

Topics covered on Saying No To Clients:

1. Saying no to clients became the turning point that allowed Erin to double her practice income while working fewer hours
2. The three immediate changes Erin made to her private practice that led to explosive growth
3. How Erin discovered her specialty in play therapy and high-conflict divorce cases was actually rare and valuable, not something every therapist does
4. The moment Erin realized that saying no to clients she felt confused about was actually better for everyone involved, including the child
5. The surprising way that parents who declined to work with Erin became some of her best referral sources

Resources from this episode:

1. Holdspace Creative: https://www.holdspacecreative.com/
2. Liberated Business: https://www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness

Connect with Erin Cantor:

1. Website: www.erincantorlcswpllc.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-c-377181153

Connect with Felicia:

1. Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
2. Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
3. Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach

Quote:

"I started to say no more, and I got to more yeses." - Erin Cantor

Are you a therapist dreaming of starting a therapy private practice but not sure where to begin? Then today's podcast episode is for you! Join me as I guide you through the essential steps to launching your therapy private practice. From registering your business and obtaining necessary legal documents to setting up a bank account and securing liability insurance, I've got you covered!

But it's not just about the technicalities; I delve into the importance of establishing clear policies around fees and cancellations that work for you. Plus, I share insights on how to effectively market your therapy private practice and why having a professional website is crucial in today's digital age. This episode is your quick-start guide to making your dream of owning a therapy private practice a reality. Don't let uncertainty hold you back - tune in now and take the first step towards building your successful private practice!

Topics covered on Starting a Therapy Private Practice in 2026:

1. Legal, financial, and ethical considerations when starting a therapy private practice in 2024.
2. Navigating the technical aspects of starting a therapy private practice.
3. How you can create policies and practices that not only meet professional standards but also align with your personal preferences and lifestyle.
4. What marketing strategies should you consider if you want to start a therapy private practice in 2024.
5. Why having a website is crucial for a therapy private practice and how it can benefit you.

Resources from this episode:

1. Jane EHR
2. Sessions
3. How to Build a Strategic Website That Will Bring More Clients to Your Practice With Sarah Busse [Ep 30]
4. SEO For Therapists: Future-Proofing Your Therapy Practice with Kristie Platinga [Ep 38]
5. How to Uphold Your Cancellation Policy Without Feeling Guilty [Ep 19]
6. Growing Your Group Practice: Why Your First Hire Should Be A 'Mini-You' w/ Nicole McCance [Ep 124]
7. Holdspace Creative
8. Place Digital
9. Building a Storybrand book by Donald Miller
10. Starting a Private Practice In Counseling Checklist

Related episodes:

1. Improve Your Website Instantly with This Simple Practice [Ep 29]
2. My Secret to Turning 10 Min Intake Calls Into Paying Clients [Ep 7]
3. How to Pick a Therapy Niche That Makes You Happy [Ep 4]

Connect with Felicia:

1. Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
2. Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
3. Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
4. Facebook group: Healing Money

Quote:

"There's actually a lot you can do to start your private practice that can all happen in a day and honestly in a matter of hours.” - Felicia

Want to transition into 2026 with real clarity instead of just another vague resolution? This New Year guided meditation will help you do exactly that! In today's episode, I'm walking you through an end-of-year reflection that honors both the wins and the hard moments of 2025. We're not bypassing anything here. We're celebrating what went well, grieving what didn't, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

This isn't about being more productive or hitting arbitrary benchmarks. It's about recognizing that your private practice growth is deeply connected to your own healing and spiritual journey. I'll guide you through acknowledging where you are right now, reconnecting with the moments that felt nourishing this year, and holding space for the challenges that still need attention.

Then we'll move into setting intentions that actually align with who you're becoming, not just what you think you should achieve. This New Year meditation meets you exactly where you are - whether you're feeling rushed, distracted, or already cozy and settled in.

Topics covered on New Year Meditation:

• Accepting this present moment exactly as it is before trying to create any change in your private practice
• Celebrating the wins from 2025 that made you feel proud and excited in your therapy business
• Your business is actually a place where your spiritual practice has direct relevance and shouldn't be separated from your growth work
• The New Year meditation for 2026 that aligns with both your conscious goals and your soul's evolution

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Quote:

"You don't have to be perfect in order to shift. You can be in pain, and that's all right. That doesn't have to stop you from continuing to grow and to change and to make progress in all sorts of ways." - Felicia

I almost didn't make the changes that took my coaching business from "doing fine" to legitimately blowing up this year. I thought I needed to work harder but what actually moved the needle required me to do something that felt completely backward.

This year I crossed the five-year mark in business, went back to therapy, hired help, and made ONE shift in how I communicate with my audience that changed everything. At least two people who joined my signature program, Liberated Business, told me they couldn't stand me when they first found my work. But now they're paying clients! In this episode, I’m reflecting on what actually changed behind the scenes during a $100K growth year — including the creative weekend trips that unexpectedly became a source of clarity, why letting myself evolve mattered more than doubling down, and what scaling a coaching business looked like for me at this stage.

If you're wondering what it actually takes to scale a coaching business past multiple six figures without burning out, this one's going to surprise you! Some of what worked this year goes against what I thought I knew about growing a business.

Topics covered on Scaling a Coaching Business:

1. Scaling a coaching business required me to get way more "salesy," and this is why I'm not apologizing for it anymore
2. The email strategy shift that finally got my ideal clients to say "yes, I'm ready," and it's probably not what you think
3. I joined a group coaching container this year, and surprisingly it worked better for me than one-on-one support
4. The non-therapist friend whose weekend trips helped me see what was actually genius about my program (when I thought I needed to do an overhaul)
5. How going back to therapy changed the way I show up in my business

Resources from this episode:

1. Liberated Business: www.thebadtherapist.coach/liberatedbusiness

Connect with Felicia:

1. Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
2. Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
3. Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
4. Facebook group: Healing Money

Related episodes:

1. 2024 Recap: Key Takeaways from Running My Business This Year [Ep 92]

Quote:

"Some people are gonna see you out in the world doing your thing, and they're going to have mixed feelings about you, and that doesn't mean that you're doing it wrong." - Felicia

SEO for therapists isn't what it used to be. If you’re still marketing your private practice like it's 2020, it's time to change things up! Your potential clients aren't just googling "therapist near me" anymore. They're asking ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Google's AI to recommend someone. And if you're not showing up in those AI answers? You're basically invisible.

For today's episode, I invited Chris Moren, founder of Monraker.Ai, an SEO agency for therapists, to tell us what's changed and what we need to do about it. We chat about why your Google Business Profile matters more than ever, how one therapist got 22 reviews and now ranks #1 in his entire city, and the biggest mistake solo practitioners make when they're thinking about scaling to a group practice.

If you've been relying on "good vibes" and word-of-mouth to build your caseload, this conversation is going to shift how you think about marketing. Because doing great work nowadays is the bare minimum, not a visibility strategy. So if you want to fill your caseload faster, understanding SEO for therapists is no longer optional.

More about Chris Moren:

Chris Moren is the founder of Moonraker.AI, an SEO agency focused on helping therapists grow their visibility on google maps and AI platforms. Before marketing, Chris was a massage therapist for over 15 years, providing chair massage to local businesses. Chris' goal is to help therapists boost their online visibility and connect with their ideal clients so they can build the practice of their dreams.

Topics covered on SEO for Therapists:

• Why good vibes and great therapy skills won't fill your caseload (and what actually will)
• AI platforms like ChatGPT are making traditional SEO for therapists almost irrelevant
• The one therapist who got 22 Google reviews in 2 months and what happened next
• Chris's top SEO tips for therapists who want more visibility fast
• Why your Psych Today profile matters even if you've literally never gotten a lead from it
• What are zero-click searches and why Google doesn't want anyone leaving their site anymore
• The FAQ hack that's "overpowered right now" for showing up in AI answers
• Different ways to prove to Google you're a real, credible therapy practice 

Connect with Chris:

• Website: moonraker.ai
• Instagram: @chris.goes.viral

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Related episodes:

• Is SEO Dead for Therapists? What's Happening with AI & Digital Marketing in 2025 and Beyond [Ep 132]
• How Jim Kemp Built a Thriving Group Practice in Just One Year - Client Success Story [Ep 82]
•  How to Build a Marketing Ecosystem That AI Can't Break [Ep 130]

Quote:

"The value of leads from an AI answer is massive. It's probably three to four times the value because of how high they convert...the client is pre-sold, so they're almost just coming to the website to find the booking link." - Chris Moren

Should you invest thousands in podcast production, or can you build a successful show from your closet? In today's episode, I'm continuing the conversation about how to start a podcast that actually grows your therapy business. I'm sharing the real, unfiltered truth about what's worked across my two very different shows - The Bad Therapist Show and What Your Therapist Thinks.

From total DIY setups to high-production video podcasts, I break down the production options that fit different budgets and time constraints. I'll tell you about the failed attempt that never aired, the accountability hack that keeps me showing up every single week, and why it took two years before I started seeing serious returns. Plus, I'm spilling the strategies that got What Your Therapist Thinks featured on Apple Podcasts multiple times and already receiving sponsorship requests!

So if you're wondering whether you need fancy equipment, an editor, or a huge budget to start your podcast, this episode will give you clarity on what actually matters and what you can skip.

Topics covered on How to Start a Podcast: 

• How to start a podcast with the right production approach for your budget, from total DIY to hiring a full production team.
• The failed podcast attempt at the end of 2022 that taught me exactly what not to do with editing and production quality.
• The realistic timeline for podcast growth and why it took two full years before The Bad Therapist Show started consistently converting listeners into paying clients.
• SEO optimization strategies for podcast titles and show notes that help new listeners find your episodes.
• Buzz-building tactics Kristie and I used that got us featured quickly.
• How to use opt-ins and email lists to turn podcast listeners into clients instead of just having people consume your content without ever contacting you.
• The sponsorship request I received for What Your Therapist Thinks.

Resources from this episode:

• PodVision 
• Descript
• Riverside.fm
• Check out my podcasting gear 
• What Your Therapist Thinks podcast
• Best Therapist Directory
• Rosemarie - Podcast Producer + Strategist www.evergreenpodcaststrategy.co.uk

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Related episodes:

• The Truth About Ketamine Therapy from a Licensed Psychologist Who Actually Provides It w/ Dr Shannon York [Ep 136]
• How to Start a Podcast That Gets You Therapy Clients (Not Just Downloads) [Ep 142]

Quote:

"This morning I opened up the WYTT inbox and I gasped because we had a sponsorship request from a brand whose website I was literally on the night before." - Felicia

Starting a podcast for your private practice sounds exciting until you're drowning in decisions about format, equipment, naming, and whether anyone will actually listen. I've been hosting The Bad Therapist Show for almost three years, and just three months ago, I launched a completely different podcast called What Your Therapist Thinks that's kind of blowing up.

They serve totally different purposes in my business, and understanding that distinction is everything. In today's episode, I'm breaking down how to start a podcast that actually works for your private practice. I'm talking about why your show's purpose matters more than fancy gear, how to nail your concept and format, why your podcast name can make or break discoverability, and what I learned along the way that changed the game for my second show..

I'm also getting real about the mistakes I made with my first podcast that I'd do differently now. If you're a therapist thinking about starting a podcast but feel stuck on where to begin, this episode will help you think through the decisions that actually matter.

Topics covered on How To Start a Podcast:

• The difference between a podcast that nurtures your existing audience and one that reaches a massive new market
• Interviewing competitors on your show is actually costing you money
• How to structure your episodes instead
• The five-syllable rule for naming your podcast and why obscure titles work for some shows but might kill yours
• What to think about before you ever hit record so your podcast actually serves a purpose in your business instead of just draining your bank account
• How to start a podcast that creates intimacy with potential clients in a way no other marketing tool can replicate. 

Resources from this episode:

• Listen to the What Your Therapist Thinks podcast
• Visit BestTherapists.com
• Check out Felciia's podcasting gear
• Jeremy Enns: https://jeremyenns.com/
• Rosemarie - Podcast Producer + Strategist: www.evergreenpodcaststrategy.co.uk 

Connect with Felicia:

• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets
• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Related episodes:

• Time Saving Tips for Therapists: The 5-Minute Note Method That Freed Up 10+ Hours Every Week with Doctor TK [Episode 129]
• How Six Figure Business Owners Spend Money in Business w/ Linzy Bonham [Episode 93]

Quote:

"Starting a podcast is within reach, and I think it's one of the best marketing tools out there because it is just so intimate. People feel like they're having a conversation with you." - Felicia

Are you ready for the holiday season, or is your private practice bracing for a financial slump The festive season often brings increased expenses and client cancellations, leaving many therapists scrambling to maintain their income. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down actionable strategies to keep your private practice thriving during the holidays. From setting clear goals and planning your time off to adjusting your fees and policies, you’ll learn how to navigate this busy season without sacrificing your financial stability - or your peace of mind.

I’ll also share personal insights on why therapy is so crucial during this stressful time of year and how you can effectively communicate with clients to meet their needs while protecting your boundaries. Tune in and discover how you can make this holiday season a successful one for both you and your clients.

Topics covered on Preparing Your Private Practice for the Holidays:

• Preparing your private practice for the holidays and how to effectively communicate with clients about potential cancellations.
• Strategies to encourage clients to continue therapy during the holidays.
• Incorporating time off into your fee structure, ensuring financial stability while enjoying well-deserved breaks.
• How The Magic Sheets tool simplifies fee calculations, helping you to prepare your private practice for the holidays.
• Reassessing your financial goals and how to make 2025 your most successful year yet.

Resources from this episode:

• Want the roadmap to making six figures in your therapy business? Learn more about The Fee Formula course!
• Get my freebie & join the email list: The Magic Sheets

Related episodes

• Grow Your Private Practice with a 90 Day Sprint [Ep 101]
• How to Add $30k to Your Private Practice & Book Premium Fee Therapy Clients [Ep 115]

Connect with Felicia:

• Instagram: @the_bad_therapist
• Website: www.thebadtherapist.coach
• Facebook group: Healing Money

Quote:

“You don't need to wait for another thing in order to charge more money.” - Felicia