What if planning your year could feel motivating, expansive, and actually fun? In this episode, I walk you through exactly how I'm preparing for 2026—mindset, strategy, rhythm, and the behind-the-scenes reality of being a mom, therapist, and entrepreneur all at once. I share the rituals, tools, and questions I use every year to plan intentionally, avoid burnout, and build a business and life that actually feel good. From reviewing revenue to mapping out launches to honoring your real-life capacity, this is the episode that will flip planning on its head and make you excited for what's ahead.

This is my final solo episode of 2025, and I wanted it to be a powerful one. If planning usually stresses you out, let this episode be the mindset reset, the strategy spark, and the permission slip you've been needing.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 3:29 - The planning mistakes I made early on (and what finally changed everything)

• 7:11 - How motherhood, capacity, and seasons actually shape your business success

• 10:57 - The must-run financial reports that tell you exactly how to plan 2026

• 13:37 - My launch-timing breakdown for both B2B and B2C therapists

• 16:25 - The three mantras guiding my entire 2026 strategy

• 22:48 - The "12-Week Year" mindset shift that can radically collapse your timelines

• 25:02 - How sprints (not marathons) keep you focused, energized, and out of burnout

Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of The Entrepreneurial Therapist. If this conversation helped you feel more grounded, inspired, or clear about your 2026 vision, it would mean the world if you subscribed and left a quick review. And a huge thank-you to our sponsors, Alma and Simple Practice, for supporting therapists in building sustainable, aligned, thriving practices.

If you want to go deeper, check out the full 2026 Planning Workshop—your year is waiting.

Resources Mentioned:

End of Year Planning workshop: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Calendar I Bought to Plan the End of the Year: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B2P39G1W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

What do you do when life feels impossible… but your business still needs you?

In this episode, I'm getting honest about something most people never talk about publicly: how to scale your practice when life absolutely sucks. I'm sharing the real mindset shifts, identity work, and business decisions that have helped me keep going—even in seasons where motivation disappears, personal life feels chaotic, and showing up online feels inauthentic. If you've ever felt like you're putting on a mask just to keep your practice running, this conversation will feel like a deep exhale.

Together, we'll explore how to use the hardest seasons as catalysts for building a more sustainable business, why intense rest is sometimes the most productive strategy, and the surprising reason you may actually be more likely to hit your goals right now—not less. This heart-to-heart is meant to help you feel seen, supported, and grounded in the truth that your dreams are still possible, even when life is messy.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:55 - Why your hardest seasons can teach you how to structure a stronger business

• 6:47 - A surprising mindset shift that makes hitting your goals more likely

• 8:34 - How to reframe breakdowns, burnout, and life crises into fuel for growth

• 10:56 - Using your story to help others (when the time is right)

• 12:40 - The power of intense rest and why it feels so uncomfortable

• 14:54 - The "delusional" mindset entrepreneurs need to scale through anything

• 16:30 - Why community matters most when you're at your lowest

End of Year Planning Workshop is next week! For one powerful hour, I'm walking you through exactly how I plan my entire year as a multi-business owner and busy mama — and I'll guide you step-by-step through building your own plan, too. Don't miss this chance to start the new year with absolute clarity and direction.

Join here: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Resources Mentioned:

End of Year Planning Workshop: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/end-of-year-workshop

Have you ever wondered how much easier content creation could feel if AI actually sounded like you? In this episode, I'm sitting down with social media strategist and AI expert Talisa Pina to break down the exact process for using AI to save time, spark ideas, and create content that still feels deeply human. We explore why so many creators feel overwhelmed by AI, how to overcome the fear of "doing it wrong," and the step-by-step method for training any AI tool to understand your voice, your niche, and your goals.

I also dig into the real questions that content creators and therapists have been asking: Where do I even start? How do I train AI using my reels? How do I prevent it from sounding robotic? And how do I use AI as a thought partner instead of a copy-paste shortcut? Whether you're burned out from endless content creation or curious about how AI could uplevel your strategy without sacrificing authenticity, this conversation is loaded with clarity, relief, and practical steps you can implement today.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 7:10 - How to turn your old Reels into a powerful AI training tool

• 8:47 - The truth about why your AI captions sound robotic

• 10:27 - How long it really takes to train AI (and what makes it quicker)

• 13:40 - ChatGPT vs. Claude: which platform wins for social content

• 16:56 - A single prompt that turns AI into your strategic thought partner

• 19:24 - The mistake most creators make when planning content with AI

• 22:01 - The biggest difference between creators who use AI… and those who don't

If this episode sparked ideas, gave you clarity, or made AI feel a little less intimidating, I'd love for you to hit subscribe, leave a quick review, and share this episode with another therapist or content creator who could use these tools right now.

Resources Mentioned:

Fill Your Caseload With Private Pay Clients & Build Your 6-Figure Private Practice: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator-sales-page

Connect with TalIsa: Socially-ez.com instagram.com/socially.ez

How do you scale your impact as a therapist without sacrificing motherhood, alignment, or joy? In this episode, I'm sitting down with Carly Costello — known as EMDR with Carly — to go behind the scenes of how she built multiple revenue streams while staying committed to her values as a mother. We dig into her journey of growing a thriving insurance-based group practice in West Virginia, expanding into EMDR consultation online, and building a niche Instagram audience that deeply trusts her expertise. We talk about the mindset shifts that helped her go from full time solo therapist to a CEO with five therapists on her team and a global reach through her consulting offers.

We also explore how she strategically uses Instagram — not for viral fame, but for genuine connection — and how networking, simple visibility, and slow growth led her to sell out her first EMDR consultation cohorts for both therapists seeking certification and consultants-in-training. Carly gets real about expanding her vision while expanding her family (yes, she bought her office building while having a newborn!), navigating mom guilt, and trusting that building the business now will create more freedom for her daughter later.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 2:09 - How Carly built multiple revenue streams including a thriving group practice + EMDR consultation online

• 4:36 - The mindset and accountability shifts that made major growth possible

• 7:22 - Growing pains & boundaries when suddenly doubling your staff

• 18:47 - Scaling while having a newborn + buying her office building (yes, at the same time)

• 20:42 - The support + structure that keeps big goals moving even when life gets full

If you've been dreaming of diversifying your practice or reaching beyond your state lines, this episode will show you what's possible and what it really looks like behind the scenes. Tune in now, get inspired, and walk away with ideas you can start applying today.

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Apply for our New Year Scale Up Mastermind: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/scale-up-mastermind

View Carly's Website: www.emdrwithcarly.com

Connect with Carly on IG: https://www.instagram.com/emdrwithcarly

Have you ever wondered what actually goes into showing up for your podcast audience week after week? In this milestone 200th episode, I take you behind the scenes of The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast — the lessons, the growth, the messy real-life moments (including recording with my feet in a foot warmer), and what this journey has taught me. I share the mindset that helped me stay committed, why I view this podcast like a high-value service people are paying for, and the exact strategy that has helped the show grow significantly in the last six months.

I'm also answering your raw and honest questions from Instagram — from what niches are thriving right now, to how to navigate the business side of therapy while going through the hardest seasons of your personal life. Whether you're dreaming of launching a podcast or scaling beyond your current capacity, this episode will help you think bigger while protecting your most valuable resource: you.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 0:59 - Why this milestone episode is a behind-the-scenes Q&A celebration

• 2:24 - How entrepreneurship creates flexibility for working moms

• 3:44 - The mindset + commitment behind 200 weekly episodes

• 7:28 - Treating your podcast like listeners are paying for it

• 9:49 - Why podcasting feels lonely at first (and when that changes)

• 10:51 - How I structure production so weekly episodes are realistic

• 14:43 - What 7-figure entrepreneurs do differently to protect their energy

• 17:34 - Navigating business during a divorce, grief, or your hardest season

• 21:51 - Niches that are thriving right now — and why they stand out

If this episode inspired you or gave you a peek inside what's possible, the best way to say thanks is to hit follow, leave a review, and share it with another therapist building something bold this year. You showing up here every week is what keeps this show going and I can't wait for the next 200 episodes with you!

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Want to learn how therapists can use AI to work smarter—not harder? In this episode, I'm joined by Uriah Guilford, founder of The Productive Therapist, to talk about the five most powerful ways you can use AI to streamline your practice, boost productivity, and prevent burnout.

From writing your clinical notes to creating a virtual business coach, automating admin tasks, and even using AI to answer your phone, Uriah breaks down how to integrate these tools ethically and effectively without losing the human connection that makes therapy so meaningful.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:17 - The five most practical ways therapists can use AI in private practice

• 7:06 - How AI-written progress notes are saving time (and sanity)

• 11:15 - Building your own "AI business coach" to guide growth and strategy

• 15:32 - Fresh, creative ways to use AI for marketing and content creation

• 19:25 - How to cut admin overload using AI for email and task management

• 23:20 - Meet the AI receptionist: answering calls, booking consults, and more

• 26:32 - Navigating ethics, consent, and client comfort around AI

• 28:53 - The response-time advantage that's helping practices grow faster

Ready to see what AI can do for your practice? Tune in now and learn how to use technology to elevate your therapy practice.

Resources Mentioned:

Want my free AI Guide to Attracting More Clients? Download it here: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Connect with Uriah: https://productivetherapist.com/

Productive Therapist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@productivetherapist

Listen to The Productive Therapist Podcast: https://pod.co/the-productive-therapist-podcast

Have you ever felt like scaling your business was draining the very energy you need to make it work? In this episode, I'm sharing how I've learned to protect and rebuild my energy while scaling and why that's the real secret behind every successful entrepreneur.

This is what it actually looks like to sustain high-energy seasons (like running three back-to-back live launches) without burning out. We'll talk about the physical, mental, and emotional sides of managing your energy, how to find white space in your schedule, and why your "why" matters more than any strategy. If you've ever felt like you're running on empty while chasing big dreams, this one's for you.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 1:22 - The truth about managing energy through intense seasons of growth

• 3:15 - Why your problem isn't that you're doing too little

• 5:00 - The two biggest energy drains you probably haven't noticed yet

• 8:09 - The kind of why that will carry you through your hardest seasons

• 11:40 - How to use anger, loss, or frustration as powerful motivation

• 13:05 - The importance of knowing your on and off seasons in business

• 14:35 - The mindset shift: "Did I rest enough to work?"

• 15:45 - Why high-performing entrepreneurs obsess over their physical health

Ready to stop running on fumes? Tune in to learn how to protect your energy, reclaim your drive, and scale your business with clarity and purpose.

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 50% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

What does it really take to step out of burnout and into the CEO role of your practice, without sacrificing your family or freedom along the way? In this episode, I sit down with Megan Richert, owner of Bloom Maternal Therapy, to unpack her inspiring journey from solo therapist to thriving group practice leader. We dive into the mindset shifts, systems, and strategic decisions that helped her double her intakes, scale her team, and reclaim her time—all while still picking her kids up from school every day.

You'll hear how Megan went from feeling isolated in solo practice to confidently leading a team of nine, and how she built a business that thrives even when she steps away. If you've ever wondered how to scale sustainably, lead with balance, and create a business that supports your life instead of the other way around, this episode is your roadmap.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 3:21 – The turning point that pushed Megan to transition from solo to group practice

• 7:09 – The mindset shift that helped her scale from owner to true CEO

• 10:25 – How she learned to delegate, delete, and focus on what moves the needle

• 12:11 – The strategy that doubled her consult calls—without working more hours

• 13:44 – Building a business that runs even when life requires rest

• 15:32 – The honest truth about "doing it all" and the help behind the scenes

• 17:10 – How she overcame scarcity mindset and leaned into sustainable growth

• 20:02 – The single piece of advice she'd give therapists ready to scale

If this episode spoke to you, make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss future conversations that help you scale with intention and freedom. Leave a quick review to help more therapists find the show and come hang out with me on Instagram @entrepreneurialtherapist for more tools, strategies, and behind-the-scenes insights.

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 70% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Visit Megan's Website: bloommaternaltherapy.com

Connect with Megan on IG: @bloommaternaltherapy

What if the very thing holding you back from success isn't your strategy, but your mindset? In this episode, I'm diving into the one mindset shift that separates successful entrepreneurial therapists from those stuck in burnout, fear, or self-doubt. I'm sharing the real stories behind my own messy beginnings—failed workshops, awkward launches, and showing up when no one was watching—and why those moments were actually the foundation of everything that came after.

This isn't about hustling harder; it's about learning to do what others won't. From being willing to be embarrassed, to showing up even when no one's clapping, to surrounding yourself with people who challenge your limits—this episode will call you out (lovingly) and challenge you to rise. If you're ready to finally start operating from a place of confidence and resilience instead of comparison and fear, this one's for you.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 1:25 - The uncomfortable truth about burnout and why most therapists fall into it

• 4:30 - The mindset shift that sets successful entrepreneurs apart

• 08:57 - Why failure and embarrassment are actually part of your success formula

• 11:45 - The secret power of showing up when no one's watching

• 14:20 - How to invest your time and energy like people who are "light years ahead"

• 16:58 - The hardest (and most freeing) lesson—being misunderstood

• 18:10 - How to protect your mindset when family and friends "don't get it"

Resources Mentioned:

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Take 70% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Have you ever wondered what it actually takes to scale your solo private practice into a thriving seven-figure group practice? In this episode, I sit down with Nicole McCance, who shares her personal story of hitting income ceilings, navigating burnout, and realizing she needed to build something bigger than herself. We dive into the exact five-step scaling method that helped her grow quickly while balancing life as a mom of twins and eventually selling her practice.

Together, we cover everything from systemizing before you hire, to building the right team, to marketing strategies that actually work while you sleep. Nicole shares the surprising missteps many therapists make when expanding, why your first hire should be a "mini-me," and the essential client conversion and retention strategies that separate struggling practices from sustainable ones. If you're ready to move beyond burnout and start building a practice that runs without you, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 4:49 - The surprising first step before hiring anyone

• 7:53 - Why your first hire should be a "mini-me" and how to avoid Nicole's biggest early mistake

• 10:11 - The marketing strategy that works while you sleep

• 13:14 - A counterintuitive secret about consult calls that increases conversions

• 14:44 - The timing discovery that changes how clients actually book sessions

• 15:47 - How pre-booking boosts retention and reduces no-shows

• 17:01 - The overlooked follow-up strategy that can instantly increase revenue

• 18:59 - The necessary timeline to see results from ads

If you're ready to take the next step in scaling your practice, don't just stop at inspiration—put these strategies into action. For podcast listeners, you can get up to 70% off your first 4 months of SimplePractice, plus a 7-day free trial, when you sign up at simplepractice.com/danielle. It's the perfect time to streamline your systems and set yourself up for growth.

Resources Mentioned:

Take 70% off your first 4 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

The McCance Method: https://mccancemethod.com/

Connect with Nicole on IG: https://www.instagram.com/nicole.mccancemethod/

Listen to Nicole's Podcast: https://mccancemethod.com/podcast/

Join Nicole's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/947689352498639

Sign up for Nicole's FREE Masterclass- How to Build a 7-Figure Group Practice → https://mccancemethod.com/webinar-free-masterclass-from-solo-to-superteam/