Business of Therapy®

Kelly McKenna, Therapist & Business Coach

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. 16h ago

    103. Using Google Ads to Grow Your Therapy Practice with Jamie Reutershan

    Google Ads aren't designed to fix a broken marketing strategy. They're meant to amplify what's already working! In today’s episode, I’m excited to welcome digital marketer and former Google strategist Jamie Reutershan to talk about using Google Ads to grow your therapy practice. Google Ads can be an incredible way to grow your therapy practice. But that’s only possible when the right foundation is in place. If you've been curious about paid advertising, but aren't sure where to start, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss! In this episode, we cover: Knowing when you're ready for Google AdsBuilding a website that converts before investing in adsThe website metrics every therapist should trackContact forms vs. intro call schedulersAvoiding common Google Ads mistakesBudgeting for Google Ads effectivelyDIYing Google Ads vs. hiring an expertPausing and restarting ad campaigns strategicallyUnderstanding the difference between Google Ads and SEOUsing Google Ads to grow a private-pay practiceWhy your website is your MOST valuable marketing assetJamie's step-by-step Google Ads process Connect with Jamie: Follow on Instagram @therapy.marketingCheck out his 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: Receive $250 off Google Ads Support when you mention the Business of Therapy podcastGet $100 off a website template with code KELLY100This 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  2. Jul 15

    102. The 3 Things Every Therapist Who’s Filled Their Caseload from Instagram Has in Common

    Ever wonder why some therapists consistently fill their caseload from Instagram, but others, well, don’t? TBH, the answer isn't a massive following or “lucky” viral Reel. I’ve worked with thousands of therapists inside Private Practice Academy and the Reels Membership. I’ve noticed the same three patterns over and over again. Honestly, they’re simpler than you might think! In today's episode, I'm diving into the 3 things every therapist who’s filled their caseload from Instagram has in common. In this episode, I cover: Why follower count isn't the key to filling your caseloadStaying consistent + how to set yourself up for successUsing clear, specific messaging that resonatesExamples of moving beyond generic contentWhy putting intentional effort into your marketing is vitalHow the Reels Membership can make IG more sustainable for you 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: Reels Membership example on InstagramThis 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  3. Jul 8

    101. 10K New Followers with Repurposed Content (with Therapist Lali Herrera)

    I’m excited to welcome holistic therapist Lali Herrera to the podcast today! Lali has spent the past several years building her Instagram presence while growing her private practice. She shifted her approach to content AND leaned into repurposing what was already working. As a result? Lali had one viral Instagram post that led to more than 10k new followers in only two months. Pretty stinking cool!! In today’s episode, we’re talking about how Lali gained 10k new followers with repurposed content. In this episode, we cover: Overcoming frustration & finding a sustainable content rhythmLali’s Reel that sparked 10k+ new followersWorking through the discomfort of increased visibilityWhy repurposing successful content beats reinventing the wheelHow she turned one viral idea into an entire content seriesCreating more authentic content by relying less on ChatGPTSimplifying your message to better connect with your audienceWhy repetition is essential for Instagram growthBuilding confidence through consistency & experimentationExpanding beyond Instagram w/repurposed contentFinding your authentic voice + making content more enjoyable Connect with Lali: Follow on Instagram @innerworldpsychotherapyCheck 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: Lali's Multi-Part Reel (Part 1)Lali's Multi-Part Reel (Part 2)Lali's Part 3 CarouselLali's Part 4 CarouselLali's Multi-Part Reel (Part 5)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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  4. Jul 1

    100. Why Every Therapist Needs to Be on Instagram in 2026

    I can’t believe it, but… We’ve made it to the 100th episode of The Business of Therapy podcast!! TBH - hitting this milestone feels surreal. I’m sooo grateful for every single download, share, review, and listener who has been part of this journey! To celebrate, I want to talk about something I believe is more important than ever for therapists: being on Instagram. In today's episode, I'm sharing WHY every therapist needs to be on Instagram in 2026. In this episode, I cover: Celebrating 100 episodes + growth of this podcastHow Instagram helps potential clients research you + connect w/youWhy building relationships is more important than EVER in the age of AIHow content allows you to showcase your expertise & unique value as a therapistWhy marketing skills create more flexibility, opportunities & long-term career optionsHow building trust online can make it easier to attract private-pay clientsHow Instagram offers one of the highest-profit marketing strategies availableWhy marketing is NOT optional 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  5. Jun 24

    99. How to Film Better B-Roll for Your Reels as a Therapist on Instagram

    Ever felt like your Reels are falling flat? It might not be your content ideas - it might be your visuals. B-roll is suuuper simple, and it’s an effective way to speak to your ideal client. It’s literally everywhere on Instagram these days! The text that goes on top is important, but that’s not the only part that matters. Your visuals are really going to impact how well your Reel does! The good news? You don't need fancy equipment, complicated editing, or tons of extra work. Small changes can make a huge difference! In today's episode, I'm talking about how to film better B-roll for your reels as a therapist on Instagram. In this episode, I cover: What makes effective B-roll on InstagramHelpful guidelines for better B-rollHow to improve your video qualityHow to make your on-screen text easy to readWhy small content upgrades can make a BIG difference 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: My favorite tools for content creationTying shoes ReelDancing w/ flashing lights ReelSpitting out coffee ReelOldest daughters ReelThis 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  6. Jun 17

    98. How She Filled Her Caseload During the Summer Slump with Rachel Sleeper (A Pre-licensed Therapist)

    I’m excited to welcome anxiety therapist Rachel Sleeper to the podcast today! Rachel started her therapy Instagram during her last semester of grad school, after not posting anything on any social media platform for 3 years. While still in grad school, she joined Private Practice Academy. Since then, she’s graduated, and FILLED her private practice with cash-pay clients! Now? She’s scaling her business and growing a thriving practice through Instagram, networking, and a willingness to stay consistent. In today’s episode, we’re talking about how she filled her caseload during the summer slump (as a pre-licensed therapist). In this episode, we cover: Rachel’s journey of building a private practice straight out of grad schoolOvercoming the fear of launching a private practice from scratchHow her consistency on IG built confidence over timeUsing process-based goals instead of outcome-based goalsWhy the "summer slump" actually helped Rachel grow fasterThe Instagram strategy that helped fill her caseloadHow the Reels Membership simplified content creation & consistencyLeveraging local networking both online + in personImproving intro call conversions with a clear processThe unexpected referrals that came from Instagram relationshipsBuilding a supportive therapist community through networking Connect with Rachel: Follow on Instagram @anxiety.therapist.rachelCheck 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: Carrie Jackson’s Brand Deals ProgramJennifer Ann’s Editing CourseThis 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  7. Jun 10

    97. How I Pay My Son $15,860 Per Year (As an Instagram Therapist)

    This episode feels a little different than my usual content, but it’s also VERY on brand for me. I’m not one to shy away from talking about money (if you follow me online or have listened to previous episodes, you probably know that). Money, transparency, and building wealth are all super important to me! Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how and why I pay my son over $15k per year to appear in my content as an Instagram therapist. I genuinely believe this is one of THE smartest things I can do for both my business and his future! In this episode, I cover: Why I believe it’s fair to pay my son for appearing in my contentThe pros, cons, & personal boundaries of sharing kids onlineWhat counts as legitimate “work” for children in a businessHow my CPA helped me legally structure payment for modeling/content workWhy fair market value + documentation matter for IRS complianceMy exact payment breakdownHow a custodial Roth IRA can build long-term generational wealthWhy I’m also using a high-yield savings account for additional growthThe potential long-term financial impact of investing earlyWhy consulting your own CPA is non-negotiable before trying this strategy 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! Some links referenced below are affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support! Resources & Links: Check out HeardThis 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

  8. Jun 3

    96. How the Instagram Algorithm ACTUALLY Works

    Feeling like the Instagram algorithm is working against you? If that's you, you are NOT alone. I want to break down what Instagram actually says about how content gets pushed. And no, we're not doing any fear tactics, gimmicks, or "secret sauce" that only marketing gurus know! These are facts coming STRAIGHT from Instagram itself. It's totally possible to use them to grow your reach and attract more private pay therapy clients! In today's episode, I'm diving into how the Instagram algorithm ACTUALLY works. In this episode, I cover: Why the Instagram algorithm is not out to get youCommon misconceptions about followers, views & conversionsWhat Instagram actually prioritizesWhy strong hooks matter in the first 1-3 secondsKey IG metrics to watchHow to create more likable, shareable, savable & comment-worthy contentWhy connection and trust-building MATTER for engagementHow to review your analytics & spot patterns that are already workingWhy you do NOT need every Reel to do everything wellA simple way to help you prove future content performance 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: Instagram’s new analyticsExample Reel of likable contentExample Reel of shareable contentExample Reel of savable contentExample Reel of comment-worthy contentEpisode 89: How to Optimize Your IG Bio to Attract Private Pay Therapy ClientsThis 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: Sign up for The Annual Reels Membership here! But hurry, your chance to get 3 months free + bonuses expires July 22nd at 11:59 PM EST!

4.9
out of 5
110 Ratings

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! 

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