Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhD
Selling the Couch

With 1.81 million+ downloads, Selling the Couch is an Apple Top Career podcast for current and future mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists in private practice about how they built their businesses as well as top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, and social media experts.* You'll learn how therapists get referrals, grow their practices, work through fears, find their enough, and stop "trading time for income." Melvin also shares the lessons as he grows his impact + income beyond the therapy room (podcasting, YouTube, writing, online courses, masterminds, investing, etc) and the tips and tools he uses to grow STC from a single-person business to the CEO of a 6-figure business.* Featured in Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Psych Central ****Get show notes and even more good stuff at sellingthecouch.com/stcpodcast*

  1. 1天前

    376: 7 Non-Obvious Things I Learned from My First Conference Talk

    If you have aspirations to be a keynote speaker of any kind, this episode is for you! I recently had the opportunity to speak at my first conference, the Mental Health Marketing Conference, in Franklin, TN. This conference is for clinicians and marketing tech people in the mental health field, and it was a fantastic gathering of about 300 in-person participants. I’m sharing what I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences. I hope you find this episode helpful! You’ll Learn: 7 things I wish I had known earlier about speaking at conferences:Know the setup. This varies from conference to conference. Know about rehearsal opportunities, Green Room, mic/sound/slides check, timekeeping, etc. Find a place to rest and re-center before you go backstage.I didn’t do a great job at this, and I should have made other arrangements.Make sure the mic doesn’t hit your clothes when you move.I’ll be more careful with this and test it better next time.Use social media to share “before/after” posts to document your journey.I did LinkedIn posts and selfies and had friends in the crowd take pictures during my presentation.Have a small squad of friends sit near the front in the crowd.This 100% helped give me confidence.Start with a story that people will remember.Leading with a story makes an impact and connects you to your audience. (Hint: Be clear about your topic.)Understand the crazy power in public speaking. Pace yourself.The endorphin rush of being “in flow” brings an amazing level of external validation. I loved it! Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link)

    29 分钟
  2. 10月17日

    375: Burnout in High-Achieving Mental Health Professionals

    The perfect recipe for burnout is to work in a caring profession, be a slave to perfectionism, and neglect your needs. As clinicians, we realize that we work in a flawed healthcare system in the US, but how do we exist in this environment to do good work and sustain ourselves from a holistic perspective that goes way beyond basic self-care? We are diving into this topic with today’s guest. Join us! Our Featured Guest Dr. Jessi Gold Dr. Jessi Gold is the first Chief Wellness Officer for the University of Tennessee System, which comprises five campuses and more than 60,000 students. Also serving as an associate professor of psychiatry, Dr. Gold is a speaker, media advocate, author, and mental health consultant. She recently wrote How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for the Humanity in Medicine.  In today’s session, Jessi shares her experience in teetering on the edge of burnout and what she learned about herself.  Dr. Jessi Gold You’ll Learn: The basics of Dr. Jessi’s role with the University of Tennessee and what it means to be a Chief Wellness OfficerThe differences and barriers from campus to campus in a university system“Silo-breaking” as it relates to mental healthThe difficulty in caring for ourselves while caring for othersPerfectionism, burnout, and why “it’s OK not to be OK”The pandemic’s part in training us to wear a “badge of honor” for not caring for ourselves and our mental healthWe are human—and we forget that very often.The event that was the impetus for Dr. Jessi’s book—and why it left her feeling horribleSigns of early burnout that Dr. Jessi only noticed in hindsightMaking the shift to navigate perfectionist tendencies to prevent burnoutThe importance of having self-compassion and reframing the mean things we say to ourselvesThe value of timeout for ME Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports...

    43 分钟
  3. 10月10日

    374: If I Started Podcasting with a Busy Private Practice, I’d Do This . . .

    Have you thought about starting a podcast? If you run a busy private practice, you might wonder how you could take on such an endeavor in addition to all the other things you do. I feel your concerns, as I’m coming up on ten years as a clinician-turned-podcaster. I’ve learned a lot, and I want to share five unique ways you can launch and run a successful podcast without it feeling like another “job” you have to do. Join me in this session to learn more! You’ll Learn: Fact: Podcasting has made my life a lot easier in many ways. Five unexpected insights into podcasting as a beneficial addition:Batch record and automate.This will save you a ton of time, which is your most precious asset. Look at your schedule and identify a 2-3 hour block of time for recording episodes. (Captivate makes it easier!)Bonus tip: Stack this by creating a podcast on your live schedule so you don’t have to record new episodes every week/month. Repurpose your existing content.Look for common themes and pain points with your clients.Capture ideas during the course of your day with notes or a notes app.Bonus tip: My private Slack subchannel helps me. Use podcasting as a client-attraction tool.Your podcast can reduce your marketing workload and attract clients and customers organically.Podcasters are the most trusted media personalities.Podcasts are evergreen and have binge potential.Bonus tip: Create episodes around questions clients ask that are related to your niches and specialties. Keep episodes short and impactful.Shorter episodes are easier for you AND the listener. (15-25 minutes is an ideal length.)Bonus tip: Set a 20-minute timer and cover one question relating to a common struggle within your niche. Outsource editing to free up your time.You don’t have to be the editor; hire someone!Outsourcing allows you to focus on your zone of genius and not get bogged down with the technical side. Bonus tip: Reach out to local colleges and universities for students who are looking for work. Check out the free workshop, Using Podcasting to Grow Your Business. Click here. Resources: Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes! Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH” to get 50% off for the first three months!  Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just...

    28 分钟
  4. 10月3日

    373: Tips On Starting A Private Pay Group Practice - Dr. Adam Assoian

    Today’s topic is one we’ve danced around but never tackled head-on. We’re covering the transition from being a solo practitioner to a private pay group practice. There are many things to consider in making this shift, and today’s guest shares an open and honest look at his experience. Join us! Our Featured Guest Dr. Adam Assoian  Dr. Adam Assoian is a licensed clinical psychologist and the owner of Ally Psychological Services. His full private-pay group practice began in 2019 and now employs more than eight clinicians. They experienced their busiest month this past summer when there is traditionally a seasonal slowdown. Adam joins us to share his transition from solo practitioner to private practice group practice and why he did not go the insurance route, which is seen as the “safer” move. We get Adam’s take on logistical tips about finding office space, finding clients, marketing, and payment options. Our conversation wraps up with a discussion of sustainability during uncertain economic situations.  Adam’s Website: Ally Psych You’ll Learn: An overview of Ally Psych’s growth over the last five yearsFactors in Adam’s decision to be private pay vs. insuranceTips on maintaining a “people over profits” mentalityConsiderations in choosing a physical space and location for an officeThe importance in figuring out the numbers for sustainability in a group practiceAdam’s commitment to prioritizing the comfort of the client as part of the entire therapy experienceAdam’s perspective on what his clinicians charge for therapy servicesThe biggest stressor for Adam as a practice ownerFactors in Adam’s diversified marketing approachThe importance of networking relationships and referralsCommon mistakes therapists make in this transitionAdam’s structure for accepting payments at Ally PsychHow Adam prepares for sustainability in his practice during seasonal slowdowns and an uncertain economy Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Need Community Support? Join the Mastermind If you are a seasoned therapist, and you are wanting to move from clinical to online course income, we actually have a specific mastermind for therapists who are doing this. We meet together to build and grow and scale our online courses. You can learn more about that mastermind over at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link)

    45 分钟
  5. 9月26日

    372: Decluttering As An Adjunct To Therapy- Sarah Mueller From The Decluttering Club

    The act of decluttering sounds like a simple thing, but it can be loaded with emotions, triggers, and feelings of overwhelm. Today’s guest takes us through this process which can be a beneficial supplement to therapy.  Our Featured Guest Sarah Mueller Sarah Mueller is a friend I’ve known for several years. She started The Decluttering Club to teach people to declutter in a way that doesn’t create burnout, lets them keep the things they love, and actually lasts for the long term. She has grown a huge online following based on the concept of decluttering. It’s a relatable problem that we all face, and learning to let things go is important. Sarah discusses why decluttering is part of her story and part of who she is. She explains what decluttering is, what the benefits are, and how to declutter even when you feel overwhelmed. We wrap up by covering how decluttering can be an advantageous supplement to therapy. The Decluttering Club You’ll Learn: Sarah’s story that led her to create The Decluttering ClubSarah’s tagline: “Less stuff, more life!”The impacts of the personal and professional growth for Sarah as she fulfills the needs of othersDecluttering defined: “Letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me”Being honest about what serves you and what “is clutter and needs to go”The internal work around stories, emotions, and our attachments that goes along with declutteringBenefits of declutteringDecluttering when you feel overwhelmedSarah’s tips for decluttering booksHow letting go of sentimental items can be part of healingWorking with a decluttering expert can supplement therapy in many waysWhy decluttering is a combination of practical work and emotional work to boost someone’s self-worth Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link)

    41 分钟
  6. 9月19日

    371: Leaving Therapy for Coaching with Dr. Corey Wilks

    Today’s session is about leaving psychotherapy for coaching. This transition is one that many therapist colleagues have made, and the reality is that many more are shifting from the field of therapy into coaching. Several major factors play into this decision, and my guest today gives a transparent look at his experience in this transition. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dr. Corey Wilks Dr. Corey Wilks is a good friend and licensed psychologist who joins us for an open and honest look at his transition from therapy to coaching.  In giving a glimpse into the circumstances and perspectives that led him to make this decision and shift his career, he shares how his career goals have changed over the years, what autonomy means to him, and why it is important. We wrap up by discussing mistakes that therapists often make in this career change and the drawbacks to leaving a traditional career in mental health. Corey's Website  You’ll Learn: Corey’s career goals back in grad school—and how they have 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” Resources: Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers! Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link) Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    45 分钟
  7. 9月12日

    370: Why I Shut Down a 10K-Member Facebook Group

    I want to take this opportunity to talk about a big decision we made recently to shut down and archive our 10,000-member STC Facebook group. In this session, I intend to pull back the curtain and give an authentic glimpse into the thought process and motives behind this move. In early August, about a month ago, we made this decision concerning our Facebook group that has been in existence since 2015. I never expected the group to grow as it did, and it required a great deal of time and energy to maintain the group at a high level of engagement. The reality is that decisions like this are multi-layered and complex. Join me in this episode as I discuss the factors in this decision.  You’ll Learn: The six major considerations in making this decision: The impending season of caregiving for aging parents and the role of business in my family lifeMy original goal for STC and my changing definition of success (“Do I want the successful version of this?”)The sustainable cadence and level of social engagement I’ve found with the STC podcast, YouTube, and the STC newsletterManaging a large Facebook community takes a lot of emotional bandwidth and leadership.The realization that I can’t be everywhere on social media and need to “do less but in a better way”My manageable strategy and goals for social media posts on discovery platforms and relationship-deepening platforms I’m still alive, well, and active on social media! Please find me on YouTube and LinkedIn! Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter. Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link)

    31 分钟
  8. 9月5日

    369: Behind The Scenes Of A Rebrand

    Today’s session is all about rebranding. We are taking a behind-the-scenes look at how different circumstances might affect the business you’ve established and force you to rebrand. Should you view this kind of pivot as a failure? Absolutely not! Let’s explore this topic together. Our Featured Guest Kevon Cheung Kevon Cheung is the founder and head teacher at Small School. He was a previous guest on the podcast several years ago, and I’ve taken his Build in Public Mastery Course to help overcome my fears about posting on social media. I learned a lot of helpful information about creating effective posts on LinkedIn, YouTube, and the STC podcast. Kevon’s wisdom and practical knowledge have helped me lean into vulnerability in many areas. In light of his rebranding from Public Lab to Small School, Kevon shares the pain and difficulties in business building and rebranding, why he felt the need to rebrand, and what he teaches in his online “small courses.” He also explains where he sees course creators stumbling the most.  Small School You’ll Learn: The painful parts of Kevon’s rebranding process (Changing your identity and “rebuilding what you’re known for”)Kevon’s thoughts about working through the inevitable feelings of failure when a change became necessary (How to reframe your mindset about a pivot)The biggest mistake course creators makeKevon’s #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs and course creatorsKevon’s reasoning behind his “all in” attitude about online coursesKnowing when to add a course as a new offering (Have you validated your expertise with your audience?)Where course creators stumble the most–and why the goal is to create an experience that connects, surprises, and delightsKevon’s perspective on what a “small course” is Resources: Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers! Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma (Special offer for STC listeners through link) Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    34 分钟
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关于

With 1.81 million+ downloads, Selling the Couch is an Apple Top Career podcast for current and future mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists in private practice about how they built their businesses as well as top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, and social media experts.* You'll learn how therapists get referrals, grow their practices, work through fears, find their enough, and stop "trading time for income." Melvin also shares the lessons as he grows his impact + income beyond the therapy room (podcasting, YouTube, writing, online courses, masterminds, investing, etc) and the tips and tools he uses to grow STC from a single-person business to the CEO of a 6-figure business.* Featured in Psychology Today, Good Therapy, and Psych Central ****Get show notes and even more good stuff at sellingthecouch.com/stcpodcast*

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