Business of Therapy®

Kelly McKenna, Therapist & Business Coach
  • 4.9 (114)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Are you a therapist that’s dreaming of your own 6-figure practice and all the freedom that comes with it? You’re asking yourself questions like “How do I build a business?”, “Do people really get private pay clients from Instagram” and “How can I scale beyond therapy?”  You’re in the right place.  Welcome to the Business of Therapy® Podcast. Here you’ll find honest conversations about what it truly takes to be successful as a therapist— the good, the bad, and the ugly all included.  You’ll hear actionable advice for filling your caseload, best practices for growing on Instagram, and so much more. I’m your host, Kelly McKenna. I left burnout and nonprofit work behind to start my own private practice and ended up earning $250,000 my very first year. On this podcast we’re diving deep into the strategies that have worked for me and the thousands of therapists I’ve helped. Together we’ll navigate burn out, master your money mindset and boundaries, learn how to fill your caseload with Instagram, and more!  I’m a licensed therapist with my MBA, but you don’t have to go to business school to build a successful practice. I’ve helped many of your favorite Instagram therapists, who started just like you, grow private practices they truly LOVE. I want you to be my next success story!  Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

  1. 1d ago

    114. ~$10K Months with No Website or Instagram with Therapist Halle Guidi

    I'm excited to welcome LA-based Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Halle Guidi to the podcast today! Halle is joining us in the middle of her private practice journey, which is exactly why I wanted you to hear her story! She started building her practice on the side while working 40-55 hours a week at her full-time job. Halle went completely on her own in January and recently made the leap into full-time private practice. Now? She’s approaching $10K months with a mostly private-pay caseload. Yep - ALL before officially launching her website or Instagram! In today’s episode, we’re talking about achieving ~$10k months with no website or Instagram as a therapist. In this episode, we cover: Building a private practice while working a demanding full-time jobDeveloping strong clinical skills & genuine professional connectionsKnowing when it’s finally time to make the leap into full-time private practiceUsing financial & caseload goals to guide the transitionBuilding a mostly private-pay caseload without a website or InstagramTurning authentic relationships into a strong referral networkSetting session fees that sustainably support your practiceBuilding confidence to take imperfect action + keep growing Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  2. Sep 30

    113. BTS of How I Manage My Personal Finances

    I'm taking you behind the scenes of something I've never really shared before: how I manage my personal finances. Sharing my business income and expenses openly is something I've been doing for YEARS. But talking about what happens with that money after I pay myself? That feels a little more vulnerable! I’m excited to break down exactly what works for me and my family as someone with a seven-figure business. In today's episode, I'm taking you BTS of how I manage my personal finances. In this episode, I cover: Creating financial systems that reduce decision fatiguePaying yourself + automating retirement contributionsUsing high-yield savings for bills, emergencies & big expensesBuilding financial freedom through intentional saving & investingGiving back through regular charitable contributionsWorking toward long-term goalsUsing monthly money dates to track progress + make decisions together Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Check out Collective (get 2 months off an annual plan with Collective with code KELLYMCKENNA)CIT High Yield Savings AccountEpisode 59: Part 1: How I Prepped Financially for Maternity Leave Episode 97: How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (as an Instagram Therapist)This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  3. Sep 23

    112. What to Post When You Have Less Than 500 Followers

    If you have less than 500 followers on Instagram, I know how frustrating that can feel. You're putting in a TON of effort without seeing the results you want (yet). When I started @sitwithkelly, it took me about 90 posts and three months to reach my first 1k followers + get my first private-pay client from Instagram. But 3 months later? I had grown to 4k followers AND filled my private-pay caseload from Instagram! In today's episode, I'm talking about what to post when you have less than 500 followers. In this episode, I cover: Why your first 500-1000 followers are the hardest to growHow other therapists can become valuable referral sourcesUsing a clear niche + targeted ads to speed up growthSelling intro calls in StoriesShowing your face & using your clients’ real languageTreating Instagram as a credibility + connection builderPosting consistently during growth mode before scaling back Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Episode 39: How to Get Clients from Instagram StoriesThis episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  4. Sep 16

    111. Permission to Slow Down & Enjoy What You’re Building with Therapist Megan Kirby

    Have you ever reached a goal you’ve been working toward FOREVER, only to immediately start thinking about what’s next? That’s exactly what happened to Megan, a therapist for anxious millennial moms! After dreaming about private practice for years, Megan joined PPA, committed to marketing her business consistently, and eventually made the leap into private practice full-time. She nearly doubled her previous income AND started consistently bringing in $10K a month! But instead of slowing down to enjoy what she built, she pushed even harder. In today’s episode, we’re talking about your permission to slow down & enjoy what you’re building. In this episode, we cover: Megan’s journey to full-time private practiceUsing Instagram to consistently grow her caseloadHow she nearly doubled her income after going out on her ownRecognizing when growth starts to lead to burnoutRedefining what consistency looks like in different seasonsGiving yourself permission to slow down & enjoy your successGrowing toward private pay at a sustainable paceBuilding community + staying consistent with your long-term goals Connect with Megan: Follow on Instagram @megankirbytherapyCheck out her website Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  5. Sep 9

    110. Why Great Therapists Stay Stuck Accepting Insurance

    A LOT of incredibly skilled therapists accept insurance. But being a great clinician doesn't automatically mean you know how to build a successful private-pay practice. The therapists who are able to transition off insurance panels? They aren't necessarily “better” therapists. They’ve simply learned another skill: how to market themselves. In today's episode, I'm talking about why great therapists stay stuck accepting insurance. In this episode, I cover: Why great therapists can still struggle to build private-pay practicesHow your session rate impacts income, caseload & sustainabilityMy journey from insurance to a $250 private-pay rateWorking through guilt & judgment around charging premium fees2 things keeping therapists stuckWhy private-pay practices require stronger marketingPositioning yourself as the go-to expert for your ideal clientsCreating a premium brand + client experienceBuilding a profitable practice that allows you to give back Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Episode 43: How I Transitioned Off Insurance and Refilled My Caseload at $250/SessionThis episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  6. Sep 2

    109. Should Therapists Get Licensed in Multiple States?

    If you're struggling to fill your caseload, you might be wondering if getting licensed in another state will give you access to more potential clients. As someone who's licensed in New York, New Jersey, and Florida, I understand the appeal. But I don't recommend getting additional licenses simply as a strategy to grow your caseload. Let’s dive into it! In today's episode, I'm answering the question “should therapists get licensed in multiple states?” In this episode, I cover: Why multiple state licenses usually won’t solve a caseload problemThe time and cost of maintaining additional licensesWhen getting licensed in another state can make senseFocusing on better marketing in your existing communityGetting more specific with your niche & messagingImproving conversions + building a stronger referral networkInvesting in branding that supports your private-pay rates Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  7. Aug 26

    108. The Therapists Who Get Clients Aren't the Ones Who Sound the Smartest

    Ever worried that your Instagram content doesn't sound professional, insightful, or "expert" enough?? Imposter syndrome is a tricky thing. It can convince us that we need to prove how much we know. But the harder you try to sound like an expert, the harder it becomes to really connect with the people you're trying to reach. Your ideal clients aren't scrolling Instagram evaluating your theoretical orientation or clinical terminology. They aren’t worried about your years of experience. They're asking themselves ONE simple question: Does this person understand what I'm going through? Your ability to put their real-life thoughts, emotions, and experiences into words is what demonstrates your expertise. THAT is what makes someone feel safe enough to reach out! In today's episode, I'm talking about why therapists who get clients aren’t the ones who sound the smartest. In this episode, I cover: How imposter syndrome can hurt your Instagram contentWhy you’re not marketing to other therapistsConnecting with clients instead of trying to sound impressiveReplacing clinical jargon with your clients’ real-life experiencesGetting more specific so your content resonatesHelping your ideal clients feel seen and less aloneWhy connection + trust ultimately fill your caseload Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

  8. Aug 19

    107. You Don't Need to Become a Coach to Make More Money as a Therapist

    Ever caught yourself thinking you need to become a coach or create a course because you can't make enough money as a therapist? I want to challenge that idea. Your income problem isn't that you're a therapist. Honestly? It’s a marketing, positioning, or pricing problem. Thankfully, those are all things you can fix so you CAN make more money as a therapist! In today's episode, I'm sharing why you don’t need to become a coach to make more money as a therapist. In this episode, I cover: Why therapists don't need to become coaches to earn moreThe tough reality that most therapists faceWhy coaching still requires strong marketing & sales skillsThe easiest + fastest way to increase your income as a therapistNiching down & positioning yourself as an expertWhen adding coaching actually makes senseBuilding a coaching business because you WANT to Connect with Kelly: Follow on Instagram @businessoftherapy and @sitwithkellyCheck out the Business of Therapy® website Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Episode 106: BTS Launch Debrief: $21,534 in 6 DaysThis episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-networkI recommend setting up an intro call scheduler within Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace periodPrivate Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)Reels MembershipBusiness Coaching WaitlistFree trainingCaption Guide Mentioned in this episode: FREE Training: How to Market & Grow Your Private Practice on Instagram

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About

Are you a therapist that’s dreaming of your own 6-figure practice and all the freedom that comes with it? You’re asking yourself questions like “How do I build a business?”, “Do people really get private pay clients from Instagram” and “How can I scale beyond therapy?”  You’re in the right place.  Welcome to the Business of Therapy® Podcast. Here you’ll find honest conversations about what it truly takes to be successful as a therapist— the good, the bad, and the ugly all included.  You’ll hear actionable advice for filling your caseload, best practices for growing on Instagram, and so much more. I’m your host, Kelly McKenna. I left burnout and nonprofit work behind to start my own private practice and ended up earning $250,000 my very first year. On this podcast we’re diving deep into the strategies that have worked for me and the thousands of therapists I’ve helped. Together we’ll navigate burn out, master your money mindset and boundaries, learn how to fill your caseload with Instagram, and more!  I’m a licensed therapist with my MBA, but you don’t have to go to business school to build a successful practice. I’ve helped many of your favorite Instagram therapists, who started just like you, grow private practices they truly LOVE. I want you to be my next success story!  Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

Information

  • Creator
    Kelly McKenna, Therapist & Business Coach
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    115
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kelly McKenna, Therapist & Business Coach
  • Show Website
    Business of Therapy®

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