Selling the Couch

Afleveringen

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  ENCORE: Could Keeping Your Business Small Be the Next BIG Thing? 30.07.2026 29min

  In today's encore, we will cover two questions that confront me daily: How big do I actually want to grow STC? What is the purpose of STC in relation to my overall life? Freedom is my most important value, and building my business around my life, family, and health is most important to me. Not every entrepreneur has the same goals, but these are questions for every entrepreneur to consider. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session!You’ll Learn:How I was compromising to fit life around my business instead of optimizing the business to fit the life I wanted5 key concepts I learned from Paul Jarvis in his bookCompanies of one reject limitless growth.We should set firm growth limits to keep opportunity costs small.Companies of one are okay with limited success.More profits mean more productivity, sales, customers, and infrastructure to manage.Develop your business out of a side gig.Your business needs time to incubate and grow so you can devote yourself to it full time.Target a specific audience to find your niche.The more specific your target is, the easier it is to connect, build trust, and distinguish your audience’s needs.Embrace the power of simplicity and personality.Amplify your uniqueness by sharing your most powerful asset: yourself and your personality. --Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  ENCORE: 3 Meetings 99% of Course Creators Don’t Schedule But Absolutely Need 23.07.2026 12min

  Are you a course creator who wants to get better and better at your craft? Today's encore reflects on three non-negotiable meetings that I’ve implemented with my online courses. This simple technique has played a massive role in making over $300K more than the original course. Join me!You’ll Learn:Three meetings course creators need:After-action review (AARS)--takes place after a launch. Ask and answer three questions: What went well? What did not go well? What was missing?This simple step has a massive impact on course growth and future scaling.Live chat–is a way to “put yourself out there”I recommend a quarterly live chat with existing students, whether one-on-one or in a group.This feedback gives you an idea of what’s working/what’s not and allows you to come up with better offers in the future.Learning time–is a way to be a student for life.Block off time weekly to get better at your course topic and related topics by learning more“Being a lifelong student of your course topic opens up a lifetime of opportunities.”--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  ENCORE: If I Were Launching An Online Course Soon, I'd Do This... 16.07.2026 30min

  If you are considering launching an online course, today’s encore is for you! I’ve learned a lot 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. --Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  ENCORE: Leaving Therapy for Coaching with Dr. Corey Wilks 09.07.2026 44min

  Today’s encore 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 GuestDr. Corey WilksDr. 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 changedUnderstanding autonomy, freedom, and why these are Corey’s top prioritiesCorey’s realizations about therapy, wellness, and burnoutConsiderations in making the shift to entrepreneurshipThe biggest mistake people make in turning from therapy to coachingThe difference in coaching as a much more solo-based endeavor than therapyCorey’s advice to a therapist considering becoming a coachThe distinction between the roles of therapist and coach—and how Corey navigates “the line”--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  ENCORE: Designing a Life-First Business In An Uncertain World 02.07.2026 13min

  Today’s encore is at the heart of the Quiet Builder philosophy. The question is, “How do we design a business that supports our lives, not swallows it?” This becomes increasingly important as the world grows more uncertain and our responsibilities grow daily. This episode is for anyone building a business that fits into real life, and not the other way around.You’ll Learn:My story of stepping back and reassessing my business3 anchors for building a life-first business in an uncertain world:Design for margin, not maximum.Clarity comes from creating margin, not hustling.Designing for margin is how we stay well enough to serve others.Build products that don’t require your constant presence.Design for asymmetry, where value isn’t tied to one-to-one time.A life-first business scales impact, not just hours.Plan around what you can’t plan for.Your business should be designed to absorb disruption, not collapse under it.Strategies that work for me are “Walden months,” a hard growth ceiling on STC, and allowing maximum flexibility to travel when loved ones need extra help. To sum up today’s topic: “A resilient business doesn’t break when life happens; it bends with grace.”---Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon.Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026
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  ENCORE: What Therapists Get Wrong About Selling Their First Online Course 25.06.2026 15min

  Today’s encore is on what therapists often get wrong about selling their first online course, considering all the assumptions we make and the misconceptions we hold about online courses. I’m bringing full transparency to today’s topic as I share what I’ve learned through my years of experience with online courses. You’ll Learn:The guilt loop running in my head (“I became a therapist to help people, not to sell things.”)Mindset shift that made it all make sense to meEthical selling: a path to transformation with deep care and clarity3 sales mistakes therapists make—and what to do instead:Thinking “sales equals sleazing”Think of aligned sales as clear communication with a gentle and generous invitation.Avoiding the “ask” entirelyIf someone is clearly interested, don’t make them guess how to work with you. Give them a clear call-to-action.Not believing in the value of your courseYour confidence comes from alignment. Focus on the transformation you can offer.---Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon.Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026
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  ENCORE: A Live vs. Pre-Recorded Online Course 18.06.2026 35min

  Today’s encore is from a live coaching call talking about the many nuances of online courses. I hope this episode will be helpful to you and bring new ideas if an online course is on your radar.Our Featured Guest-Kristen Boice, LMFTKristen Boice is a therapist in private practice and a fellow podcaster. She has realized the need among her listeners for an online course. Her podcast, Close the Chapter, is about closing the chapter on certain things in our lives so we can open ourselves up to new opportunities. In today’s coaching call, I’ll share some lessons I’ve learned along the way about online courses. We’ll talk about the rationale behind creating a live course vs. a pre-recorded one. We will wrap up with a pre-launch strategy to help get buyers for your course before you launch.Pathways To Healing Counseling Kristen BoiceYou’ll Learn● Why Kristen started her podcast about two years ago to provide another opportunity for deeper work for her clients● How an online course can help you get more information out to curious people● The options for your course and other services● Why niching down is a big challenge for therapists● How Kristen sees the epidemic of people feeling “not good enough” and being scared to speak up● How a niche can help you offer value and find your sweet spot● How the best courses take people from one place to another● Why Kristen focuses on helping with the hard conversations● How to use phraseology that appeals to people and addresses their need● Step-by-step actions to build your email list and create effective opt-ins● How to create value on the front end of your course by validating your content---Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.Our next Accelerator, Building Authoritative Guides That Stand Out In The Age of AI, begins soon.Learn more here: https://melvinvarghese.kartra.com/page/july2026
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  ENCORE: The Process of Creating and Marketing Your Product Using the Feelings Wheel 11.06.2026 37min

  In today's encore, we're tapping into creative thinking. How are you at thinking outside the box? This episode is perfect for everyone who has thought about creating, marketing, and selling a product. What is the process like? How do you take care of all the little details? What about the marketing piece of your product? We’re diving deep into these questions and more on today’s show.My guest is Rosanne Marmor, LCSW, in Portland, Oregon. She created a Feelings Wheel as a way for clients to identify their feelings both inside and outside the therapy room. Rosanne went on a journey that took almost two years of gathering data, development, and production. She was finally able to put this tool in the hands of her clients and has been overwhelmed by its success.
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  ENCORE: The Power of Depth Over Scale 04.06.2026 13min

  Today's encore is on the 400th episode of Selling the Couch! It was truly surreal to think back to 2015 and the show’s humble beginnings; reaching this milestone is beyond anything I ever dreamed of 10 years ago. I wanted to use this milestone to reflect on a few meaningful thoughts about staying the course to reap the quiet rewards. What does it mean to choose depth over scale and to build intentionally and slowly when the world often tells us to go fast? The truth in this concept of depth over scale is the most impactful lesson I’ve learned on this journey. In this episode, I’m focusing on 3 reflections that I hope encourage you, especially if you are in a season of slow growth. You’ll Learn:My experience: Feeling behind when everyone else seemed to be scaling faster: “Am I doing this wrong?”What clicked for me: “Speed makes noise, but depth builds roots.”3 Quiet-Builder truths for longevity and depth:Slow growth is often the healthiest growth.We often think reputation comes from a single moment, but it comes from quiet consistency.Depth protects your nervous system. (“There is a cost for going fast. Depth is kinder.”)A business should give you life—not drain you.Want to know more about being a Quiet Builder? Check out The Quiet Builder Newsletter to get more of my reflective thoughts.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  423: Why Google Is Done With Your Reels (And What Smart Therapists Are Creating Instead) 28.05.2026 19min

  Are therapists focusing on the wrong kind of content in the age of AI?In this episode, Mel explores one of the biggest shifts happening online right now: why Google and AI-powered search are quietly rewarding depth-first, human-centered, experience-based content, while most social media content disappears within 24–48 hours.If you’re a therapist building:a private practice,a podcast,a course,a coaching business,or a thought leadership platform…this conversation may completely change how you think about content creation moving forward.In this episode, we discuss:Why social media content is a perishable assetWhat Google’s new EEAT framework means for therapistsWhy AI-generated “generic content” is getting buriedHow clinicians have a unique advantage in AI searchThe difference between a blog post and an authoritative guideWhy long-form, depth-filled content is quietly winningHow therapists can create evergreen content that compounds over timeWhat AI should actually be used for in content creationWhy specificity and lived experience matter more than everHow one well-built guide can become a podcast, YouTube video, workshop, and newsletterWhy therapists should stop waiting to feel like “experts” before publishing“The guide you don’t write can’t help anyone. The one you do, it works while you sleep.”The internet is changing.And for the first time in a long time, it may actually be shifting in therapists’ favor.Because what Google increasingly rewards now is depth, specificity, real-world expertise, and trustworthy human insight.--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  422: What Happens to Your Clients If Something Happens to You? 21.05.2026 35min

  What happens to your private practice if you suddenly become incapacitated… or pass away?It’s a difficult question, and one most therapists never want to think about.But in this deeply practical and important conversation, Mel sits down with Dr. Robin Miller to discuss one of the most overlooked responsibilities in private practice: creating a professional will.Dr. Miller shares the personal story that led her to found TheraClosure after unexpectedly losing a close colleague and stepping in to manage the aftermath of her private practice, client care, records, and continuity planning.This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and incredibly relevant for every clinician in private practice.In this episode, we discuss:What a professional will actually isWhy every therapist in private practice should have oneWhat happens to client care and medical records if a clinician dies unexpectedlyThe emotional and ethical impact on clients after sudden therapist lossHow professional wills differ for solo practitioners vs. group practicesCommon mistakes therapists make when planning for continuity of careWhy “I’ll deal with this later” can create major problems for loved ones and clientsHow retirement, incapacitation, and practice sales impact continuity planningWhat therapists should think about regarding passwords, EHR access, payroll, and two-factor authenticationWhy professional wills are about protecting clients — not just protecting businessesA powerful idea from this conversation:“We can’t prevent loss. But we can prevent traumatic loss.”Very few conversations ask: What happens if something happens to you?This episode is an invitation to think proactively, ethically, and compassionately about continuity of care — for your clients, your loved ones, and your profession.--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  421: A Quick Clinical + Life Update 14.05.2026 38min

  In this deeply personal episode, Mel shares an honest update on a new chapter he’s building: one that sits at the intersection of psychology, nervous system regulation, golf, performance under pressure, and the future of clinical work in the age of AI.This is not a polished “success story.” It’s a real-time reflection on what AI is changing in mental health, why traditional private practice models no longer fit for some clinicians, and how to build work that feels deeply aligned with your life instead of consuming it.In this episode, Mel shares:The childhood basketball story that shaped his understanding of pressure and performanceWhy the same person can succeed under pressure one year and crumble the nextHow AI is transforming therapy, healthcare, and human workWhy the future belongs to the irreplaceable parts of human connectionThe difference between burnout from the work vs. burnout from the modelWhy he chose not to return to traditional private practiceThe vision behind a new golf-focused performance psychology retreatHow golf became a “laboratory” for understanding nervous system regulation under stressWhy experiences and human presence may become the most valuable forms of care in the AI eraThe concept of building the one model only you could buildQuestions to reflect on:What population have you spent the most time with, and what do they truly need that nobody is delivering?What life experiences or non-clinical skills could become part of the intervention itself?What would you build if you weren’t trying to make it look like what a therapist is “supposed” to offer?--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  420: How A Therapist's Website Shapes A Client's First Impression 07.05.2026 35min

  Do therapist websites still matter in the age of AI? With platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Search, social media, and online directories changing how people search for support, many therapists are wondering: Is it even worth investing in a website anymore? In this episode, Mel sits down with Sarah Gershon of Strong Roots Web Design to explore why therapist websites may actually matter more than ever, especially in a world where AI is becoming the intermediary between clinicians and potential clients. Together, they unpack how websites shape a client’s first impression, why authenticity matters more than “marketing,” and how therapists can create websites that feel safe, human, and deeply aligned with their values. We cover:* What potential clients are really looking for in the first few seconds on a therapist website * Why websites still matter in the AI era* The difference between “rented” platforms (social media) vs. owned platforms (your website) * How to write website copy that feels authentic instead of salesy * Why therapists are uniquely positioned to create high-quality, human-centered content * Google’s evolving EEAT standards * A simple homepage audit exercise every therapist should do this month Your website isn’t just a marketing tool. It’s a place where potential clients can feel safe, understood, and begin building trust before they ever reach out. If you want to improve your website this month: ask: Would a hurting person feel safe here?--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  419: Why Smart, Thoughtful Professionals Are Pulling Back From Social Media 30.04.2026 18min

  Are therapists quietly leaving social media… on purpose?In today’s episode, we explore a growing shift: not burnout, but intentional withdrawal from platforms that promise connection... but often create fragmentation.If you’ve ever felt conflicted about social media—needing it for visibility but feeling drained by it—this conversation will hit close to home.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why social media isn’t a neutral tool, it’s a shaping forceThe “dysregulation paradox” therapists face onlineWhat social media actually does to your brain (especially as a clinician)Why intentional creators are stepping back, or redesigning their relationship with itHow to market your work without handing over your nervous systemA simple framework to decide if social media is still serving youKey insights:We teach nervous system regulation… on platforms designed for dysregulationSocial media often trains reactivity, comparison, and fragmented attentionLeaving (or limiting) social media isn’t about productivity, it’s about protecting your attentionYou don’t owe any platform your presenceThe most meaningful work rarely comes from constant scrolling, it comes from depth, slowness, and focusBecause the real question isn’t just: “Should I be on social media?”It’s: “What is this platform shaping me into?”--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  418: Human-Centric Marketing: Choosing Connection Over Algorithms 24.04.2026 42min

  What does it actually look like to market your work… without losing your humanity?In today’s episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by Shayna Vance Roman to explore a powerful and often overlooked idea: human-centric marketing—and how to apply it in a way that feels grounded, ethical, and aligned.If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with marketing… overwhelmed by social media… or unsure how to grow your practice without becoming someone you’re not, this conversation is for you.In this episode, we explore:What human-centric marketing really means (and why it matters more than ever)Why marketing can start to feel “transactional” instead of relationalThe tension between running a business and staying values-drivenThe rise of therapist influencers, audience growth, and revenue pressureHow to create content that feels authentic, not performativePractical ways to build connection, compassion, and trust onlineThe role of AI in marketing and how to use it without losing your voiceWhy “less but better” content may be the futureA few key takeaways:People aren’t just “clients” or “data points”, they’re humans navigating real strugglesYour website, social media, and content should meet people where they areYou don’t need to post constantly (consistency ≠ overproduction)The goal of marketing isn’t just visibility, it’s trust and connectionAt the end of the day… Marketing isn’t about getting more people in the door.It’s about helping the right people feel seen, safe, and supported, before they ever reach out.--RESOURCES Connect with Shayna:🌐 https://shaynavanceetc.com--Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  417: Is Ai Killing Our Ability To Protect Time? 16.04.2026 9min

  Is AI actually giving us more freedom… or just more to do?In this episode, I reflect on something I’ve been noticing lately, both in my own life and in conversations with other business owners:Even though AI makes it easier to write, create, and move faster… many of us aren’t using that time to slow down.In this episode, we explore:Why AI doesn’t actually create freedom (and what it creates instead)The subtle trap of turning efficiency into more workHow “doing more” quietly pulls us away from the life we wanted to buildThe difference between efficiency vs. alignmentWhy protecting empty space is more important than everHow to define “enough” in a world where there’s always more you could doGrounding reminders shared in this episode:Efficiency is not alignmentJust because you can do more doesn’t mean you should.Empty space is not a problemThat quiet time? That slower pace? That’s the whole point.If you don’t define “enough,” it disappears Without friction, there’s always one more thing to do.The goal was never to do more. It's to build a life that feels like your own.--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  416: Is Blogging Still Worth It In The AI Age? 09.04.2026 44min

  If you’ve been told to “just start a blog” to grow your private practice and be seen online, but you’re now wondering if AI has made that advice outdated... this episode is for you.In this conversation, I sit down with Daniel Fava from Private Practice Elevation to explore what’s actually changed with blogging, SEO, and content creation, and what still works today.In this episode, we cover:Why blogging has traditionally been such a powerful strategy for therapistsThe biggest shifts in SEO and content creation since the rise of AIWhat Google’s E-E-A-T framework really means, and why it favors therapistsHow to make your content stand out in an AI-saturated worldThe role of social signals in building authorityA smarter way to approach bloggingWhere to start if you haven’t blogged in months (or ever)Blogging isn’t dead, but generic blogging is. In an AI-driven world, storytelling is your unfair advantage.Because blogging isn’t about writing on a weekly schedule. It’s about creating content that actually connects, builds trust, and compounds over time.--Connect with Daniel & Private Practice Elevation:Website: https://privatepracticeelevation.comFree Clarity Call: https://privatepracticeelevation.com/kickoff--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  415: What Actually Drives Podcast Downloads Based on Real Data 02.04.2026 18min

  After 11 years, 400+ episodes, and nearly 2 million downloads, I thought I understood what drives podcast growth.Then I saw the data, and it challenged a lot of assumptions.In this episode, I break down what actually drives podcast downloads today, based on real-world insights and my own experience growing Selling the Couch into a top 0.5% podcast.Because here’s the truth:Audience size doesn’t guarantee downloadsBig-name guests aren’t the growth lever you think they areAnd visibility alone isn’t what moves the needleIn this episode, we cover:Why audience size ≠ downloads (and what matters more)The real difference between a “vitamin” vs. “painkiller” episodeWhy titles matter more than your guest listHow to write titles that get 2–3x more downloadsThe ideal episode lengthHow to think about podcast guesting strategically (not randomly)The strategy that beats social media for growthYour best discovery toolThe biggest shift in downloadsPlus, we'll go over a simple experiment to try to see what your audience actually responds to, and how to double down on it.If your podcast isn’t growing the way you expected, it may not be your consistency. It may be your alignment—between your title, your topic, and the real problems your listeners are trying to solve.If you found this helpful, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who is building (or thinking about starting) a podcast.And don’t forget to subscribe for more insights on podcasting, online business, and building something that compounds quietly over time.--RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice.With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients.You support your clients. Alma supports you.Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners.--Ready to launch (or grow) your online course?Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work.You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way.Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven
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  ENCORE: Researching and Finding an Audience for Your E-Course 26.03.2026 22min

  Today’s encore is covering creating and selling an E-Course. Since creating Healthcasters, I’ve definitely made many mistakes that I’m happy to share with you.Statistics show that the self-improvement industry is a $10-11 billion industry, so we know that there are a lot people who crave knowledge and want to learn. Join me for more!--Want to launch your online course?Our new membership is open for enrollment! Find out more and join Haven here
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  ENCORE: How to Show Up Imperfect In Your Marketing 19.03.2026 32min

  If there is one thing I’ve learned as a small business owner, it’s that it takes courage to show up imperfect. We want so badly to be perfect and put together in front of our audience, but perfectionism makes us less authentic and connected. Join us to learn more about being OK with being imperfect.Samara Stone is a return guest to the podcast, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back! In addition to her work as a therapist, Samara is a branding expert who has a curated community, Be Full Grown, for black women over 40 who are ready to imagine, create, and live a life of their own design. Samara is in the process of launching a podcast, and she has already proven her courage in showing up imperfect through some major life difficulties. We will discuss how we, as clinicians, can show up imperfect when perfectionism always has a pull on us. Samara also shares helpful guidelines for sharing appropriately on social media, which is something we all need to keep in mind.Be Full GrownYou’ll Learn:How things have changed in our field in beautiful ways; “Your Saturday self CAN show up on Monday morning.”Why many therapists struggle with perfectionism and are afraid to show up as 100% humanWhy clients appreciate transparency because it conveys a non-judgmental attitudeWhy there is a huge shift happening in how we understand marketing and our personal brandHow therapists need to share enough about the real dynamic of themselves so clients can see the healing possibilitiesHow Samara decided to share on social media the experience of her divorce a few years agoWhy we have to be polarizing at times in order to find our true audience–and that’s OKThe importance of realizing that you can’t and won’t appeal to everyoneHow to use your clear purpose and intention to determine how much of your life to share on social media--Want to launch your online course?Our new membership is open for enrollment! Find out more and join Haven here.