Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhD
  • 4.9 (332)
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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. 1D AGO

    413: What They Don’t Tell Therapists About Owning a Small Business

    Most conversations about private practice are highlight reels. But what about the parts no one posts about? In today’s episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by my friend Dr. Justin Dotson, a group practice owner in Memphis, Tennessee, for an honest, real-world conversation about what it actually takes to run (and sustain) a small business as a therapist. Justin is heading into year 6 of private practice, and I’m in year 11 with STC—so we wanted to pull back the curtain on the things therapists often learn the hard way: pricing, confidence, leadership, loneliness, burnout, and what success really looks like after the early hustle phase. In this conversation, we cover: Why most therapists start with zero business training (and what to do anyway)The “version 1 vs version 10” trap therapists fall intoHow Justin set his first fee (and why he’ll never haggle again)A realistic approach to raising rates without spiralingWhy “don’t base your business on someone else’s secret” matters more than everThe hidden loneliness of entrepreneurship (no-shows, cancellations, declined cards, overhead)How becoming a business owner changes you—emotionally, mentally, and relationallyManaging burnout + anxiety while still showing up for clientsThe leadership challenges that come with scaling and relinquishing controlHow to build trust in yourself by keeping your word to yourself If you’re in private practice, thinking about starting one, or navigating the messy middle of business ownership... this episode will feel like a deep exhale. -- 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. -- Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

    46 min

  2. FEB 12

    412: How to Create a Podcast That Actually Pays Off

    Most podcasts never make a dollar. Not because the host isn’t talented. Not because their strategy is bad. But because they quit too soon, or they measure ROI the wrong way. In this episode, I break down what 11 years of podcasting (and nearly 2 million downloads) have taught me about building a podcast that actually pays off. The 3 Forms of Podcast ROI1️⃣ Trust – Deep relational credibility that compounds quietly over time 2️⃣ Longevity – Most quit early; sustainable rhythm wins 3️⃣ Assets – Turn episodes into evergreen SEO infrastructure Podcasting is not about going viral. It’s about building something that compounds. If you’re a therapist building a podcast (or considering it), this episode will help you think beyond downloads, and design something sustainable, profitable, and aligned. 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. -- Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

    19 min

  3. FEB 5

    411: Making Peace with Your Becoming: Navigating Brand Evolution as a Therapist

    In this deeply honest and practical conversation, I’m joined by fellow clinician and creative coach TJ Walsh as we explore what it means to evolve your brand in real time — especially when your identity as a therapist is shifting. TJ introduces a simple but powerful framework: Push. Pull. Propel. It’s a guide for navigating professional discomfort, emerging desires, and the momentum that comes from integrating both. We talk about: * Why branding is worked out in real time * Letting go of perfectionism and overthinking * The emotional cost of being “the product” in therapy work * How to know when it’s time to pivot * Building Quiet Builder and navigating multiple identities * Intuitive practices for clarity and alignment * Why slow growth is often the greatest gift If you're in a season of change — whether it's launching a new offer, exploring a new part of yourself, or simply wondering “what’s next?” — this one is for you. 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. -- Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

    41 min

  4. JAN 29

    410: Why Many Therapists Quietly Reject Social Media Fame

    In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many therapists and thoughtful professionals wrestle with: the pressure to be seen on social media, and what it means to opt out. Over the past decade of building Selling the Couch, I’ve had a front-row seat to both the power and the cost of online visibility. And lately, I’ve been asking myself: What does success look like without the performance? What if we chose privacy over performance, resonance over reach? In this episode, I share 3 core insights I’ve learned from personal experience and from conversations with fellow clinicians: 🧠 The illusion that fame heals insecurity 📉 The emotional weight of influence 🕵️ Privacy as the hidden cost of visibility I also reflect on how slow growth gave me space to emotionally regulate, why I’m focusing more on deeper offline conversations (including my golf journey 👀), and how I’ve come to define enough in business and life. Whether you're feeling burned out from social media, questioning your relationship to personal branding, or just wondering if there's a quieter way to grow, I hope this episode offers encouragement and clarity. Resources: Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! 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.

    21 min

  5. JAN 25

    409: How to Use AI for Content Creation—Without Losing Your Voice

    AI can be an incredible tool to save time, boost creativity, and streamline your content, but how do you use it without losing your authentic voice? In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Cumberland, founder of Dan Cumberland Labs, to explore how therapists, coaches, and small business owners can use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude without sounding robotic or generic. We cover: * Common therapist concerns about using AI * How to treat AI as a collaborator (not a replacement) * The POWER Framework: How to get better AI output * Building a brand voice guide * How AI frees up time for life, family, and creative work * Using AI to repurpose podcast & YouTube content * Dan’s tips for delegating content without losing your voice This episode is packed with practical tips if you're looking to scale your message, free up your schedule, and still sound like you. Resources: Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site! Find out more and get on the Haven Waitlist here.

    40 min

  6. JAN 15

    408: If I Were in Grad School Again: 5 Career Shifts I'd Make

    Whether you're in grad school for psychology, counseling, social work—or mentoring someone who is—this episode is for you. After 20+ years in the mental health field and over a decade running Selling the Couch, I'm sharing 5 things I wish I had done during grad school to set up a more sustainable, meaningful, and flexible career. I also share one bonus tip that’s been the most important for long-term success (especially if you want to avoid burnout and build a career that supports your life, not consumes it). This episode covers: #1: Don’t Just Learn—Build Something #2: Say Yes to What Scares You #3: Learn the Language of Business #4: Build Relationships, Not Just a Resume #5: Don’t Burn Bridges (Ever) And tune in to get the BONUS tip! Resources: Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site that just opened! Find out more and join us in Haven here. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! 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.

    25 min

  7. JAN 8

    407: How to Build Emotional Fitness as a Therapist and Quiet Leader

    What is emotional fitness, and why is it more important than ever for therapists, helpers, and quiet leaders? In this episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Emily Anhalt to explore how we can strengthen our emotional muscles to prevent burnout, set boundaries, and lead with compassion (without losing ourselves in the process). We break down: The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional fitness The 7 traits of emotionally fit people The early warning signs of burnout—and how to prevent it Why boundaries are the blueprint for sustainability How playfulness improves therapy outcomes (and leadership!) A powerful "emotional push-up" you can try today Whether you're in private practice, leadership, or building something new, this episode will help you stay grounded and grow with intention. Resources: Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site that's starting in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! 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.

    34 min

  8. JAN 1

    406: How to AI-Proof Your Online Course as a Therapist

    Melvin kicks off Season 11 of Selling the Couch with a powerful and timely conversation on how therapists and online educators can AI-proof their online courses in 2026 and beyond. If you’re worried that AI tools might replace the need for your course, this episode will help you rethink that fear, and give you a framework to build something deeply human, emotionally intelligent, and resilient. Learn the 3 keys to future-proofing your course: Sustainable Community – Build connection that lasts beyond the launch Blue Ocean Positioning – Create a course that stands alone in your niche Meaningful Gamification – Design experiences that transform, not just inform You’ll also get a behind-the-scenes look at how Melvin made the difficult decision to retire his previous programs, and what led to the creation of Haven, a calm, supportive community for therapists moving into online income. Resources: Want to launch your online course? Check out our new membership site that’s launching in January! Find out more and join us in Haven here. Mentioned in this episode: Try Alma! 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.

    33 min
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4.9
out of 5
332 Ratings

About

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*

Information

  • Creator
    Melvin Varghese, PhD
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Selling The Couch LLC
  • Show Website
    Selling the Couch

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