Therapists Rising Podcast

Dr. Hayley Kelly
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Welcome to the Therapists Rising Podcast, where we share real, raw, and behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from Therapists who are thinking outside the traditional clinical box and choosing to do things differently in their careers. I’m your host, Dr. Hayley Kelly, and I myself have made the journey from a very experienced, but burnt out and unhappy, Clinical Therapist - to a successful entrepreneur who runs a business she loves, is thriving financially, and working and living life on her own terms. Join me, and be inspired, as I speak with other Therapists who too are broadening their horizons, and experiencing more abundance, joy, and fulfilment than ever before. Together we will laugh, soak up priceless wisdom and take actionable steps, to help you transition from clinical practice to non-clinical offerings, and diversify and amplify your income - all while honouring your wellbeing and having a work-life balance. If you’re ready to be inspired and take action on your dreams, then you’re in the right place, friend. This is the Therapists Rising Podcast.

  1. The Hidden Reason Business Coaching Doesn’t Work for Therapists

    3H AGO

    The Hidden Reason Business Coaching Doesn’t Work for Therapists

    In this episode, I’m breaking down one of the most frustrating realities therapists face when trying to build online programs: traditional business advice simply doesn’t work for us. You’ve probably felt it — you join a business webinar or invest in a coaching program, and halfway through you realise: this doesn’t fit. The strategies feel pushy, unsafe, or completely out of alignment with your clinical values. And if you’ve ever thought, “Maybe I’m just not cut out for business,” you’re not alone. The truth is, you’re not broken. The advice you’ve been given wasn’t designed for therapists. It ignores our ethics, our scope of practice, our insurance requirements, our time constraints, and the unique way we’re trained to think and work. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the five big reasons generic business advice fails therapists — from topic selection and program design, to pricing, marketing, and capacity. You’ll understand why the advice feels so misaligned, what’s really going on when you get stuck, and why the solution isn’t to become “more business-y,” but to use frameworks that actually translate your clinical expertise into sustainable, ethical online programs. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: The advice isn’t built for therapists – You’re not stuck because you don’t know enough. You’re stuck because you’re trying to apply strategies designed for generic entrepreneurs, not registered health professionals.Clinical training creates unique challenges – Our “encyclopedia brains,” focus on thoroughness, and ethical obligations are strengths in therapy… but they can sabotage program design without therapist-specific frameworks.You already have what it takes – Your clinical skills can be translated into program frameworks, ethical pricing, and authentic marketing. But you need tools designed for therapists, not for Etsy shop owners or generic coaches.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: If this conversation resonates, join me for the From Couch to Course Bootcamp, running September 23–26. For just $37, I’ll guide you through how to map, price, and structure your first ethical online program using frameworks designed specifically for therapists. In four focused days, you’ll move from feeling like business advice doesn’t fit, to having a clear roadmap for building a program that honours your scope, your ethics, and your capacity. 👉 Secure your spot at: therapistsrising.com/bootcamp MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY The Therapist Rising Incubator – For therapists ready to create their first sustainable online program with ongoing support: therapistsrising.com/incubator Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on therapist innovation and sustainable practiceSUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you realise why traditional business advice doesn’t fit therapists, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more therapists who are ready to build programs that actually work for them and their clients. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising — see you next week!

    19 min
  2. “I Can’t Keep Doing This”: Why You Don’t Have to Grind in 1:1 or Walk Away Completely

    5D AGO

    “I Can’t Keep Doing This”: Why You Don’t Have to Grind in 1:1 or Walk Away Completely

    In this episode, I’m talking about one of the most painful myths therapists buy into: the belief that your only options are to keep grinding in 1:1 sessions until you collapse, or burn your practice down and walk away completely. Maybe you’ve felt it too — cancelling family dinners because of client demand, fantasising about a “normal” 9–5 job, or even Googling “alternative careers for therapists” late at night. It’s an awful false binary, and it’s keeping too many talented therapists stuck, exhausted, and questioning their future. I’ll walk you through why this binary shows up in our profession, what it actually costs when you stay stuck in it, and how to pivot in a safe, gradual way that doesn’t mean torching everything you’ve built. You’ll hear real stories from therapists in our community, plus my own 18-month pivot journey, and you’ll leave with the belief that your therapy career can expand, not end. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: 1. The “grind or burn” binary is a lie – Most therapists believe their only options are to overwork in 1:1 forever or walk away entirely. In reality, there’s a third path: gradual, layered pivots that create sustainability without blowing up your practice. 2. Staying stuck has real costs – Burnout, chronic health issues, guilt about waitlists, identity crises, and even leaving the profession altogether. This isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s unsustainable for you and for the mental health system. 3. Pivots can be small, safe, and successful – From pilot workshops to beta groups to my own 18-month gradual shift, the most effective pivots aren’t leaps off a cliff. They’re experiments that create breathing room while protecting your existing practice. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: If today’s conversation resonated and you’re ready to try your own safe pivot, join me for the From Couch to Course Bootcamp, running September 23–26. For just $37, I’ll guide you through how to map, price, and structure your first ethical online program using frameworks designed specifically for therapists. In four focused days, you’ll move from being stuck in the binary to having a clear roadmap for building a sustainable program that works alongside — not against — your therapy career. 👉 Secure your spot at: therapistsrising.com/bootcamp MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY The Therapist Rising Incubator – For therapists ready to create their first sustainable online program with ongoing support: therapistsrising.com/incubator Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on therapist innovation and sustainable practice.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you see that your only choices aren’t grind or burn, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more therapists who feel stuck but deserve to discover their third path. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising — see you next week!

    31 min
  3. The Gap Between Great Idea and Great Program (And Why Most Therapists Never Cross It)

    SEP 8

    The Gap Between Great Idea and Great Program (And Why Most Therapists Never Cross It)

    In this episode, I'm talking about the invisible wall that stops most therapists from turning their brilliant program ideas into actual programs. You know the one - you've got this amazing concept that could genuinely help people, but every time you sit down to build it, you just... stare at the screen. Most therapists think this gap exists because they don't know enough or aren't qualified enough. The reality? You're stuck because your therapeutic training - the thing that makes you incredible in the therapy room - is actually working against you when it comes to program design. We're trained for responsive, individualised work, but programs need to be structured and predictable. I'm walking you through why this gap feels so insurmountable, what happens to most therapists who never cross it, and the simple framework that can help you bridge from "great idea" to "something people can actually follow." You'll understand why having expertise isn't enough and what you actually need to turn that knowledge into something sustainable. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: The gap isn't about your qualifications – You're not stuck because you don't know enough. You're stuck because you're trying to turn expert knowledge into structured learning without a framework for how that translation actually works. Your therapeutic training creates the problem – We're conditioned to be responsive and comprehensive, accounting for every possible scenario. Programs need the opposite: clear, linear progression that works whether you're there or not. Most people either quit or overcompensate – Without a bridge across this gap, therapists either abandon their program dreams entirely or create something so complicated that no one completes it. Neither serves anyone. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: That simple exercise I mentioned - writing down your program idea in one sentence, then asking "what's the ONE main transformation someone gets?" - that's actually just the first step in a bigger framework we dive deep into in the bootcamp. Join me for the From Couch to Course Bootcamp this September 23-26. For just $37, I'll walk you through exactly how to map, price, and structure your first ethical online program using frameworks designed specifically for how therapists think. In four focused days, you'll move from staring at that blank screen to having a clear roadmap for turning your expertise into something people can actually follow and complete. Secure your spot at therapistsrising.com/bootcamp MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY The Therapist Rising Incubator – For therapists ready to create their first sustainable online program with ongoing support: https://therapistsrising.com/incubatorFollow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykellySUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you see that gap differently, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more therapists who have brilliant ideas but need help turning them into reality. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising! See you next week!

    17 min
  4. The Anti-Hustle Guide to Building Programs That Actually Sell

    SEP 4

    The Anti-Hustle Guide to Building Programs That Actually Sell

    In this episode, I'm dismantling the biggest myth therapists believe about creating online programs — that building one will just add more hustle and burnout to your already overwhelming life. We're no longer in the early days when therapists could assume that more hours worked equals more value delivered. Today's most successful therapist-entrepreneurs are rejecting hustle culture entirely and building programs that actually give them energy instead of draining it. What's winning? Programs designed around your natural strengths and energy patterns, not cookie-cutter templates. I'm breaking down why your therapy training is sabotaging your program design, the three biggest myths keeping you stuck in overwhelm, and how to build something sustainable that you'll actually enjoy running. You'll walk away with a completely new framework for thinking about programs — one that honours your need for flow, freedom, and sustainability. HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Your therapy conditioning is working against you – We've been trained to equate exhaustion with worth, so we unconsciously design programs that recreate the same burnout patterns we're trying to escape from private practice. Smaller, focused programs create more impact – Your students don't need everything you know. They need the right transformation delivered in a way that's sustainable for both you and them to complete successfully. Tools and pre-recording aren't shortcuts — they're smart strategy – Using AI for content creation, automation for admin tasks, and pre-recorded lessons for consistency frees up your energy for the high-value connection work you actually love. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: You don't need to figure out your online program alone while juggling a full caseload. Join me for the From Couch to Course Bootcamp this September 23-26. For just $37, I'll walk you through exactly how to map, price, and structure your first ethical online program using evidence-based frameworks your clinical training will actually recognise. In four focused days, you'll move from "someday I'll figure this out" to having a clear, compliant roadmap — or get enough clarity to know this isn't your next step. Either way, you'll stop wondering "what if." Secure your spot at therapistsrising.com/bootcamp MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY The Therapist Rising Incubator – For therapists ready to create their first sustainable, anti-hustle online program: https://therapistsrising.com/incubatorFollow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykellySUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If you loved this episode, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more therapists who are ready to build programs without the burnout. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising! See you next week!

    29 min
  5. A Week in My Life After Stepping Away from Back-to-Back Sessions

    SEP 1

    A Week in My Life After Stepping Away from Back-to-Back Sessions

    If you’ve been feeling burned out by back-to-back sessions, wondering if the only way to help people is to keep adding more clients to your calendar — you’re not alone. This episode pulls back the curtain on what life can look like when you step beyond the traditional therapy chair. I’m sharing a real, unfiltered week in my life as a therapist-turned-entrepreneur — the fun, messy, everyday realities of running a thriving online business while still making a meaningful impact. You’ll hear what it looks like to balance leadership, creativity, and connection, all while building a business that serves clients, students, and the broader community without burning out. Whether you’re dreaming of more freedom in your calendar, curious about creating multiple income streams, or simply tired of the endless cycle of individual therapy sessions, this episode shows you what’s possible — and why it’s closer than you think. If you’ve ever wondered how to serve beyond 1:1 without losing the depth and meaning of your work — or how to design a business that actually supports your life rather than consumes it — this episode is for you. HERE ARE THE 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Therapist life doesn’t have to mean burnout — long days of notes and sessions aren’t the only way to build a career.Leadership is part of the new therapist identity — stepping out of provider mode into visionary mode creates ripple effects across hundreds of lives.Creativity and teaching are just as impactful as 1:1 sessions — one program or training can support more people in months than years of private practice.Scaling doesn’t mean losing intimacy — you can hold depth and connection through memberships, masterminds, and group experiences.Real life is still messy — pajama school runs, café brainstorms, and tech hiccups are part of the journey, but with breathing room, they don’t derail you.MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY Future-Ready Therapist Incubator – For therapists ready to create ethical, scalable online programs: https://therapistsrising.com/incubatorThe Collective Mastermind - For established therapist-entrepreneurs scaling their impact without sacrificing sustainability: https://therapistsrising.com/collective Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on building a sustainable, impactful business.SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode gave you a glimpse of what’s possible for therapists beyond the chair, please subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here — your support helps more therapists discover what’s possible for their future. The mental health profession is changing. Therapists don’t have to wait for permission to build freedom and impact — you can create a business that serves your life and your clients. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising!

    19 min
  6. Future-Ready Therapist: The Competencies That Will Define Our Profession

    AUG 27

    Future-Ready Therapist: The Competencies That Will Define Our Profession

    If you've been feeling incredibly skilled at individual therapy but somehow underprepared for what mental health delivery actually looks like in 2025 - you're not alone. This episode addresses the growing disconnect between traditional therapy training and the evolving mental health landscape worldwide. I'm breaking down why qualified therapists globally can't meet the exploding demand for mental health support, and how unqualified voices are filling the spaces qualified therapists should occupy. You'll discover the five core competencies that Future-Ready Therapists are developing to remain relevant and impactful in the Mental Health 3.0 era. Whether you're frustrated by long waitlists, concerned about your profession's declining influence, or ready to expand your therapeutic impact beyond individual sessions - this episode provides the professional development framework you need. If you've been torn between staying in your traditional therapy lane and exploring innovative delivery models, or you're ready to lead your profession's evolution rather than react to it - this episode is for you. HERE ARE THE 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Traditional training isn't keeping pace with global demand - Mental health services worldwide face unprecedented demand, with waitlists stretching months and qualified therapists unable to serve everyone who needs support. Mental Health 3.0 requires new professional competencies - Future-Ready Therapists need digital fluency, innovation design thinking, ethical navigation skills, systems leadership abilities, and professional authority development to remain impactful. Evidence-based interventions can scale beyond individual sessions - CBT principles work for hundreds of university students, trauma-informed approaches can be embedded in workplace policies, and therapeutic expertise can guide community-level programs while maintaining clinical integrity. Professional development is shifting from modalities to delivery methods - The next decade of therapist education isn't just about learning new treatments, but developing capabilities to deliver existing interventions where people are, at the scale they need. Continuing education requirements will soon include these competencies - Future-Ready Therapists are developing these skills proactively before they become mandatory, understanding that professional evolution is happening with or without their participation. MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY  Future-Ready Therapist Incubator - For therapists ready to develop Mental Health 3.0 competencies through innovative program creation: https://therapistsrising.com/incubatorFollow me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on Mental Health 3.0 professional development SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you understand the professional competencies needed for Mental Health 3.0 practice, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here. Your support helps us reach more therapists ready to lead their profession's evolution. The mental health profession is evolving rapidly. Future-Ready Therapists aren't waiting for permission - they're leading the transformation while maintaining the highest clinical and ethical standards. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising!

    32 min
  7. "Is This Even Safe?" How to Spot Program Ideas That Cross Professional and Ethical Boundaries

    AUG 25

    "Is This Even Safe?" How to Spot Program Ideas That Cross Professional and Ethical Boundaries

    If you've been sitting on a program idea but paralyzed by the question "Am I allowed to do this?" - you're not alone. This episode tackles the fear that keeps brilliant therapists stuck on the sidelines of the online space. I'm breaking down the critical difference between scope-safe and sketchy program positioning, using real examples of ideas that started with good intentions but crossed dangerous lines. You'll discover why following generic business advice can land therapists in hot water, and more importantly, how to spot the red flags before you invest months developing something risky. Whether you're worried about board complaints, accidentally attracting people in crisis, or just want confidence that your program idea is ethically sound - this episode gives you the practical checklist you need. If you've been torn between wanting to scale your impact and staying safely within your scope of practice, or you're tired of second-guessing every program idea you have - this episode is for you. HERE ARE THE 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: Generic business advice is dangerous for therapists - "Teach what you're passionate about" sounds innocent, but when what you know is therapy, this advice can lead you straight into scope violations without realizing it. Language choices reveal everything - Words like "heal," "treat," "cure," "recovery," and "disorder" immediately signal clinical territory. If your marketing copy sounds therapeutic, you've probably crossed the line. Your audience type determines safety - Growth-seekers want optimization; help-seekers need intervention. Attracting people in crisis to educational programs creates ethical dilemmas and safety risks. Delivery method matters as much as content - Even scope-safe topics become problematic when delivered through inappropriate formats. Self-paced trauma content or group processing without therapeutic boundaries are recipe for disaster. Red flag spotting is reactive, not proactive - While identifying warning signs protects you from obvious mistakes, what therapists really need is a systematic way to evaluate ideas before developing them. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Professional Registration Boards - Check your specific jurisdiction's guidelines for online program creationScope of Practice Guidelines - Review what constitutes educational vs. therapeutic delivery in your areaContinuing Education Requirements - Ensure any program delivery aligns with your professional development obligationsMORE FROM ME The Aligned Idea Accelerator - For therapists ready to find their scope-safe program concept: https://therapistsrising.com/ideaFollow me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly for daily insights on ethical program creation SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode helped you feel more confident about evaluating your program ideas, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here. Your support helps us reach more therapists who need practical guidance on creating impact while staying within professional boundaries. The online space doesn't have to be scary territory for therapists. With the right frameworks, you can create programs that transform lives while keeping your registration completely safe. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising! See you next week!

    18 min
  8. The Profession Under Threat: A Call for Innovation and Advocacy with Sahra O'Doherty

    AUG 20

    The Profession Under Threat: A Call for Innovation and Advocacy with Sahra O'Doherty

    If you've been feeling like our profession is under siege, you're not imagining it. This episode dives deep into the systemic challenges facing Australian therapists and why staying silent is no longer an option. I'm sitting down with Sahra O'Doherty, President of the Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPI), for a conversation that will change how you think about your role as a therapist. Sahra reveals everything from the two-tier Medicare system to the Training Pathways Review that could completely overhaul psychology training in Australia. With 30-40% of Australians now seeking support from unregulated providers, we're at a crossroads. We can either evolve and innovate, or risk becoming obsolete. If you've felt torn between wanting to innovate and fearing professional backlash, or you're tired of feeling like our profession is being left behind - this episode is for you. HERE ARE THE 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE: The profession is self-policing to a fault - Most AHPRA complaints come from other psychologists without collegial conversation first. This lateral violence keeps us small and scared. Innovation is now mandated, not optional - New core competencies coming December 2025 explicitly require psychologists to advocate for clients and health equity. Your comfort zone is no longer compliant practice. The substantial equivalence pathway is changing everything - Hundreds of psychologists are gaining endorsements in different areas, proving the arbitrary nature of the two-tier system. Training reform is coming - Complete overhaul of psychology training pathways in the next 3-5 years, focusing on job-readiness rather than academic research. Fear is keeping us irrelevant - While we stay paralyzed by compliance anxiety, other professions step into mental health spaces and government pushes psychology assistants as first-line interventions. RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Australian Association of Psychologists (AAPI) - Learn more about membership and advocacy effortsAHPRA Core Competencies - New standards coming into effect December 2025Training Pathways Review - Government consultation on psychology education reform MORE FROM SAHRA O'DOHERTY Mindscape Psychology: Sarah's private practice in Sydney's inner west MORE FROM ME The Incubator: For therapists ready to create scalable digital offeringsFollow me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW If this episode opened your eyes to what's really happening in our profession, please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts here. Your support helps us reach more therapists who need to hear these crucial conversations. The psychology profession is at a turning point. The question isn't whether change is coming - it's whether we'll lead it or be left behind. Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising! See you next week!

    56 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Therapists Rising Podcast, where we share real, raw, and behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from Therapists who are thinking outside the traditional clinical box and choosing to do things differently in their careers. I’m your host, Dr. Hayley Kelly, and I myself have made the journey from a very experienced, but burnt out and unhappy, Clinical Therapist - to a successful entrepreneur who runs a business she loves, is thriving financially, and working and living life on her own terms. Join me, and be inspired, as I speak with other Therapists who too are broadening their horizons, and experiencing more abundance, joy, and fulfilment than ever before. Together we will laugh, soak up priceless wisdom and take actionable steps, to help you transition from clinical practice to non-clinical offerings, and diversify and amplify your income - all while honouring your wellbeing and having a work-life balance. If you’re ready to be inspired and take action on your dreams, then you’re in the right place, friend. This is the Therapists Rising Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Hayley Kelly
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    226
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Therapists Rising Podcast
  • Show Website
    Therapists Rising Podcast

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