Scaling Therapist Podcast: More Income, More Independence, More Impact (Not More Hours)

James Marland
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The Scaling Therapist Podcast exists to inspire therapists to scale their business with systems, people, community, or opportunity so they can have more income, impact, and independance without giving up more of their life.

  1. STP 148 | How to Use a Path That Simplifies Your Growth Decisions

    3H AGO

    STP 148 | How to Use a Path That Simplifies Your Growth Decisions

    This episode is for therapists, coaches, and helpers who are working hard but still feel scattered, unsure, or exhausted. If you’re doing “all the right things” but progress feels slow—or nonexistent—James explains why the issue isn’t motivation or discipline. It’s direction. You’ll learn how a clear path brings confidence, simplifies decisions, and helps your work finally add up to the life you’re trying to build. This episode is especially helpful if you: Feel busy and committed, but not confident you’re moving forward Worry about choosing the “wrong” opportunity and wasting time Have too many good ideas and not enough clarity Want to grow your impact and income without burning out or losing integrity Top 3 Reasons to Listen You’ll understand why hard work alone doesn’t create confidenceJames explains why effort without direction leads to burnout—not freedom. You’ll learn how a single clear path simplifies hundreds of decisionsDiscover how one “filter goal” removes overwhelm and decision fatigue. You’ll walk away with a practical exercise to clarify your next seasonA simple letter-to-your-future-self exercise that helps you choose your path with intention. What You’ll Learn Why feeling scattered is a direction problem, not a character flaw How having too many “good” options can keep you stuck The difference between small goals that exhaust you and big goals that clarify you How a clear path builds steady confidence instead of emotional highs and lows Why your future—not your past—should guide today’s decisions Highlights 00:00 The Problem: Working Hard Without Progress 06:06 Introduction: James Marland 06:42 The Three Pillars Series Overview 07:29 Pillar 1: Clarity - Why and What 07:54 Pillar 3: Confidence Through Path 08:42 The Scalable Income Framework 09:44 Too Many Good Options Problem 11:10 Clear Path Simplifies Decisions 12:50 Today's Topic: The Path 13:43 Start with Big Goals Not Small 15:33 Big Goals Force Better Choices 16:33 How to Find Your Clear Path 17:11 Work Backwards from Future Goal 18:19 Examples: $100K vs $1M Goals 18:50 Business Goals Filter Behavior 20:19 Choose Your Future First 21:44 Future vs Past Control 22:27 Eliminate Choices with Filter Goal Resources & Mentions Time Is a Tool by Benjamin Hardy (book) Hero on a Mission – Free daily goal-setting apphttps://heroonamission.com FutureMe.org – Write a letter to your future selfhttps://www.futureme.org Course Creation Studio – Free PDF journal mentioned in the episode Destination Planner Closing Invitation If this episode helped you breathe a little easier or see your next step more clearly, consider sharing it with someone who’s quietly carrying too much. You don’t need more motivation.You don’t need to work harder. You just need a clearer path—and one faithful step forward.

    24 min
  2. STP 147 | How to Use Proof to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Build Your Scaling Confidence

    FEB 2

    STP 147 | How to Use Proof to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Build Your Scaling Confidence

    STP 147 | Confidence How to Use Proof to Beat Imposter Syndrome and Build Your Scaling Confidence  Episode Introduction Confidence doesn’t disappear because you’re bad at something. It fades when you expect yourself to be perfect at something you’ve never done before. In this episode, James Marland talks directly to therapists and helpers who feel confident in the therapy room—but shaky when it comes to business, marketing, teaching, or creating something new. If you’ve ever sent an email, launched an offer, or shared an idea and thought, “Maybe this isn’t for me,” this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar—in the best way. James explains why those negative thoughts feel so convincing, why they’re not facts, and how confidence is built through proof, not positive thinking. This is the third pillar in the Scalable Income framework, and it may be the one that keeps you from quietly quitting on the work that matters most to you. 3 Reasons to Listen to This Episode 1. You Feel Confident as a Therapist—but Not in Business You’ve trained for years to sit with clients. But marketing, writing, selling, teaching, or building something new can make you feel like a beginner again. This episode explains why that discomfort is normal—and not a sign you should quit. 2. Your Mind Uses Silence Against You When you don’t get feedback, your brain fills in the gaps with doubt and half-truths. James shows how confirmation bias feeds imposter syndrome—and how collecting proof can stop that mental loop. 3. You Want Confidence That Lasts on Hard Days Motivation fades. Emotions dip. This episode teaches how to build grounded confidence—confidence based on evidence—so you can keep going even when results are slow or invisible. SEO Highlights & Key Moments (with Timestamps) [00:00 – 02:30] Why Confidence Crumbles When You Try Something New: James explains how negative “half-truths” sound convincing but are really just interpretations driven by uncertainty—not facts [02:30 – 04:00] Being a Beginner Again Doesn’t Mean You’re Failing: You wouldn’t tell a client to quit after one awkward attempt—so why do you say that to yourself? [04:00 – 05:30] The Three Pillars of Scalable Income: An overview of clarity, connection, and confidence—and why confidence determines whether you keep going. [05:30 – 07:30] The Core Idea of Confidence: Confidence has two sides: believing in yourself and earning trust from others. These two sides feed each other—for better or worse. [07:30 – 09:00] The Curse of Knowledge for Therapists: Why therapists radically undervalue their experience and overlook their own proof. [09:00 – 11:30] What Happens When You Don’t Track Proof: Silence becomes fuel for imposter syndrome. Your brain fills the gap with worst-case stories. [11:30 – 14:30] The Gym & Hiking Metaphor for Confidence: Confidence grows when you track progress toward an unseen goal—just like training for a hike you can’t do yet. [14:30 – 17:30] Ethical Ways to Ask for Proof and Feedback: Clear guidance on who therapists can and cannot ask for testimonials, based on professional ethics. [17:30 – 19:00] Four Questions That Create Strong Testimonials: Simple questions that gather real proof without asking for praise. [19:00 – 21:30] Where Proof Belongs: How to use proof on your website, in emails, and in your own mind when confidence dips. [21:30 – 24:00] Your Next Step: Download the handout, send one email, collect proof, and keep your mission in motion. Resources Mentioned in This Episode Testimonials & Proof Handout:  A downloadable resource mentioned in the show notes that includes: Final Takeaway Confidence isn’t about believing in yourself harder. It’s about believing you’re walking in the right direction—even when you can’t see the outcome yet. “Proof is a sign on the road that you’re heading in the right direction.” If this episode resonated with you, your next step is simple: collect one piece of proof, save it, and let it carry you through the next hard day. Links and Resources  STP 147 Resource - Great Testimonials - 4 questions that get great testimonials every time Visit Course Creation Studio to explore tools and support for building educational offers Explore ScalingTherapistServices.com for resources designed specifically for therapists growing beyond the therapy room Message me on LinkedIn - I am always looking to help people put their mission in motion.

    24 min
  3. Episode 146 | How to Share Your Work Without Selling Out: Use A TRUST-BASED Marketing System

    JAN 26

    Episode 146 | How to Share Your Work Without Selling Out: Use A TRUST-BASED Marketing System

    You’re working hard. You care deeply. You’ve built something that helps people—but it feels like no one knows you exist. If you’re a therapist, coach, or helper, you’ve probably said to yourself, “I don’t want to feel like a marketer.” You might already have a website or lead magnet, but something’s missing. You’re still the best-kept secret, and the right clients never seem to find you at the right time. In this episode of the Scaling Therapist Podcast, host James Marland breaks down why good marketing doesn’t have to feel fake—and how to build a system that helps people find you without selling out. We explore the heart-centered approach to promotion that actually fits your values as a helper. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your ideal clients don’t see you—even when they need you What a “promotion to share” is, and why it’s the missing piece How to stay present in people’s inboxes without feeling annoying The real reason people only buy during short “frustration windows” How to build a simple lead magnet and follow-up system What nurture emails are—and how they quietly build trust over time Why this type of promotion actually feels like service, not selling “If you never build this promotion piece, you’ll keep hoping people find you—while the ones who need you most pass you by.” — James Marland This isn’t about chasing followers or being louder. It’s about building familiarity, connection, and trust—so when someone hits that “I can’t do this alone anymore” moment, you’re the one they think of. Whether you’re just starting or trying to make your content actually connect, this episode will walk you through a simple, honest system to get found—and stay found. Who This Episode Is For: Therapists and coaches who feel invisible online Helpers who are tired of “pushy” marketing advice Anyone who wants clients to find them without selling their soul Practitioners who have great content but no system to share it Episode Highlights [00:00:05] – The Hard Truth About Visibility “If you never build this promotion piece, you’ll just keep working hard and hoping people find you.” James sets the tone with a reality check about what happens when helpers don’t market intentionally. [00:01:09] – The "Best-Kept Secret" Problem Even with a website and a lead magnet, many therapists still feel invisible. James explains why—and how to fix it. [00:01:48] – Three Pillars of Scalable Income Quick recap: Clarity, Connection, and Confidence. This episode focuses on the second pillar—Connection—and the “promotion to share” concept. [00:02:50] – What is a Promotion to Share? James defines it clearly: “Everything you do to stay in touch with people after they first discover you.” [00:05:00] – Why It Matters: The Frustration Window Clients don’t buy when everything’s fine. They buy when they hit a breaking point. James shows how being consistently visible helps you show up right when they need you. [00:06:47] – Marketing That Matches Your Values This isn’t about pressuring people—it’s about extending the “enlightenment phase” of the client journey until it overlaps with their readiness. [00:08:17] – What Makes a Good Lead Magnet? Small, focused, and valuable. Think checklists, assessments, or mini-trainings that solve a real problem. [00:09:54] – Two Things Every Lead Magnet Must Do Qualify your ideal clients. Build trust and deliver real help. [00:11:14] – How to Pick the Right Lead Magnet Don’t guess. Start with the problem your clients already know they have. Then offer a small win. [00:13:00] – The Role of Follow-Up Emails A lead magnet without a follow-up is like a first date with no text after. James outlines how email builds trust over time. [00:14:10] – A Simple Email Sequence That Works Using story-based marketing principles, James shares a six-part email framework that invites rather than sells. [00:15:47] – What to Say in Your Emails Examples of tone, structure, and clear calls to action—without sounding pushy. [00:17:45] – Why Nurture Emails Are Your Secret Weapon Most people won’t buy right away. Staying present over weeks or months keeps you top of mind without being annoying. [00:18:39] – What Kind of Content to Send Weekly Real-life examples of emails that feel helpful and human: teaching tips, stories, resources, and soft offers. [00:20:11] – Why This Kind of Promotion Feels Good It fits your values as a helper. You’re not chasing people—you’re simply being available when they’re ready. [00:21:00] – Summary: What to Do This Week James gives a practical action plan: define one client problem, create a lead magnet, write one helpful welcome email. Simple and doable. [00:22:57] – Closing Encouragement “You weren’t meant to live forever on the road to burnout. It’s possible to build a new road.” Resources Mentioned: Coach Builder by Donald Miller How to Sell What You Know by Graham Cochrane Joey Ragona – Heart-Centered Marketing James Marland’s free tools and lead magnet builder  - https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/  Previous episodes on the Clarity and Connection pillars

    23 min
  4. STP 145 | How to Go From Invisible to Unforgettable.

    JAN 19

    STP 145 | How to Go From Invisible to Unforgettable.

    How to Go From Invisible to Unforgettable With a Clear Connection PageLearn the simple structure to help people say “This is for me” within seconds. The intro title image was not added to the video file (my mistake!) This episode is for therapists, coaches, and mission-driven helpers who want to reach more people without burnout. If your website, profile, or “about” page feels more like a resume than an invitation—this is your episode. You’ll learn why people don’t buy the best services—they buy what they understand the fastest. And how to build a simple, clear page that moves someone from “just browsing” to “this is what I need.” 📌 Top 3 Reasons to Listen You’ll learn what a “page to show” is—and why it’s more than just a webpage. You’ll get a simple, story-based structure to help your clients see themselves in your message. You’ll discover how to write clearly and connect deeply without hype or perfection. ⏱️ Timestamped Highlights 00:50 – The 3 Pillars of Scalable Income (Clarity, Connection, Confidence) 02:00 – Why clients don’t buy degrees—they buy clear solutions 04:00 – “Page to show” defined (Hint: It’s more than just a website) 06:00 – What makes a forgettable profile—and how to fix it 08:20 – Your page is an invitation, not a resume 10:01 – Shark bite problems vs. mosquito bite problems 13:00 – Use “the grunt test” to clarify your message fast 15:00 – Simple headline formula: “I help [who] who feel [what] get [result] so they can [why]” 16:10 – Show the stakes: what happens if nothing changes 18:00 – Build a menu: freebies, workshops, group programs 20:30 – Create a simple 3-step plan to help reduce fear 21:43 – Use proof and reassurance to help the right people self-select 24:00 – Start with a rough draft. Done is better than perfect. 26:11 – Homework: Draft your first “page to show” in a Google Doc 🔗 Resources & Mentions Free Template: Page to Show Google Doc → https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ixypDQRK_wM9uQ6WPZPfYuoQubQX47nBXkW3XsWo7bI/edit?usp=sharing Book: Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller Inspiration: PrivatePracticeElevation.com (clarity in action) Mentioned: Catalyst (book on how people change) https://a.co/d/cBObA4BConnect: james@coursecreationstudio.com ✅ Closing CTA Your people are scanning for someone who “gets them.” When your words are clear, they’ll stop scrolling and start reading. You don’t need a perfect page. Just one faithful draft. If this helped, share it with a fellow helper who’s ready to grow without burning out.

    28 min
  5. STP 144 | How To Guide Your Clients From Curious To Committed

    JAN 12

    STP 144 | How To Guide Your Clients From Curious To Committed

    In this episode, you learn how people actually move from noticing your work to trusting you enough to commit. You walk through a simple, human path that respects timing, builds trust, and removes pressure, especially if selling has ever felt uncomfortable or misaligned for you. TOP 3 REASONS TO LISTEN• You learn how to guide people toward working with you without pressure or manipulation.• You gain clarity on what to offer at each stage of a client’s decision journey.• You build confidence that your values and income goals can work together. TIMESTAMPED HIGHLIGHTS[01:02] – You understand why clarity alone is not enough to create committed clients.[02:15] – You learn how connection turns strangers into students over time.[03:51] – You see why human connection matters more as automation increases.[05:36] – You reframe your role from hero to guide in your client’s story.[06:29] – You learn the three stages people move through before committing.[08:05] – You discover how curiosity works and why simple beats impressive.[09:47] – You get practical examples of low-pressure curiosity tools.[12:06] – You learn how enlightenment helps people see themselves succeeding.[15:39] – You understand what people need before making a real commitment.[18:16] – You get a simple exercise to map your own client journey. RESOURCES & MENTIONS• StoryBrand by Donald Miller – https://storybrand.com• Coach Builder by Donald Miller – https://coachbuilder.com• Episode 113 with Danny Iny – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stp-113-how-to-make-your-course-an-obvious-yes-with/id1654020972?i=1000705238585 • The Go-Giver by Bob Burg – https://thegogiver.com• Tad Hargrave Ethical Marketing Starter Kit – https://marketingforhippies.com You are not meant to burn out by doing everything alone. Start by creating a clear path, then take the next faithful step forward.

    21 min
  6. Your Year in Review: Tools, Moments, and Meaning from 2025

    12/30/2025 · BONUS

    Your Year in Review: Tools, Moments, and Meaning from 2025

    Your Year in Review: Tools, Moments, and Meaning from 2025 This special end-of-year episode of The Scaling Therapist looks back on 2025—what worked, what mattered, and what moved the needle in both business and life. If you’re building a meaningful online business as a therapist or coach, James shares a thoughtful review of the best tech, tools, books, and moments that shaped the year. You’ll hear honest reflections on what tools are worth your time (and which ones to skip), plus one powerful story that reminds us why connection matters more than ever. Top 3 Reasons to Listen: You’ll discover which programs actually helped scale a coaching or course business this year. You’ll walk away with a practical book list that feeds both mind and mission. You’ll hear a powerful story about grief, friendship, and the quiet impact of showing up. Highlights: 00:01:00 – Book of the Year Breakdown — James shares how books like The Mountain Is You, Stories That Sell, and The Coach Builder impacted his thinking and systems. 00:04:30 – Program of the Year — A candid review of Kajabi, Canva, and why Descript took the top spot for 2025. 00:07:28 – Podcast Favorites — From editing Therapy for Your Money to laughing with Film Sack, James explains why these shows stood out. 00:10:29 – Tech Talk — Favorite headphones and a regretful gadget purchase. 00:12:47 – Drink & Sock of the Year — Yes, it’s silly—and deeply human. 00:15:19 – Songs of the Year — From Doom soundtracks to Jack Johnson, a peek into what fueled creative moments. 00:18:00 – Movie Rankings — Why Fantastic Four finally got it right. 00:20:21 – Games & Gifts of the Year — The joy of reconnecting through games and meaningful presents. 00:23:22 – Moment of the Year — A quiet invite leads to an unforgettable moment of real connection and unexpected gratitude. Resources & Mentions: The Coach Builder by Donald Miller Stories That Sell by Matthew Dicks The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay Stanier Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann Descript: https://www.descript.com Kajabi: https://www.kajabi.com  Canva: https://www.canva.com Therapy for Your Money Podcast with Julie Herres: https://therapyforyourmoney.com

    26 min
  7. STP 143 | What Should I Offer—and What Should I Charge Beyond 1:1 Sessions?

    12/15/2025

    STP 143 | What Should I Offer—and What Should I Charge Beyond 1:1 Sessions?

    If you’re a therapist who knows you can’t grind away at being fully booked forever, but feels stuck on what to offer next or what to charge, this episode is for you. In this conversation, James walks through how to create clear, aligned products beyond 1:1 sessions and how to price them with confidence and integrity. This isn’t about copying others or selling harder. It’s about stewardship, sustainability, and building something that truly fits your life and calling. Who This Episode Is For This episode is especially helpful if: You want to scale your impact without adding more sessions You’re unsure what kind of product to create beyond 1:1 work You’re undercharging and quietly exhausted You want sustainable income without compromising your values What You’ll Learn In this episode, you’ll learn: How to decide what to offer beyond 1:1 sessions based on real client problems Why product clarity is about alignment, not confidence or comparison How to think about pricing without guilt Why being paid well supports long-term service and stewardship A simple exercise to turn one recurring problem into one clear product Highlights 00:00 – Why unsustainable businesses eventually stop helping people 01:08 – The three pillars of scalable income: clarity, connection, confidence 01:32 – The two questions this episode answers: what you offer and what you charge 02:48 – Why product clarity is really about alignment 03:12 – Your product as the bridge between people, problem, and strengths 04:06 – The real difference between you and people already selling similar products 04:58 – Why mass appeal weakens your offer 06:52 – The Miracle on 34th Street mindset toward competition 08:22 – The Italian restaurant analogy for product levels and pricing 11:19 – A practical exercise to match problems with real products 12:49 – James’s early pricing mistake and what it taught him 13:51 – The boat trip analogy: why clear journeys command higher value 15:05 – How people decide what’s worth paying for 16:09 – Why charging well is stewardship, not greed 17:28 – Why selling feels different once clarity is in place 18:19 – Why you only need one clear product to get started 18:42 – How James structures his flagship cohort for therapists Key Takeaways A product is a clear bridge from a specific problem to a meaningful outcome The right people are drawn to you, not just your information Pricing supports sustainability, energy, and long-term mission Selling doesn’t have to feel pushy—it can simply be an honest invitation Resources & Mentions Donald Miller / Coach Builder – inspiration for the problem-to-product exercise Scaling Therapist Cohort -  Learn more or book a free clarity call (link mentioned in the episode) Closing Invitation If you’re tired of living on the fully booked, energy-drained path—and you’re ready to build one clear product beyond 1:1 sessions—I’d love to help you think it through. You don’t need ten offers.You don’t need a perfect funnel.You just need one clear product that serves people and serves your life. When you’re ready, I’m here to help.

    22 min
  8. STP 142 | Why Solving the Right Problem Brings Clients to Your Door

    12/08/2025

    STP 142 | Why Solving the Right Problem Brings Clients to Your Door

    STP 142: Why Solving the Right Problem Brings Clients to Your Door Episode Title: Why Solving the Right Problem Brings Clients to Your Door Host: James Marland Podcast: The Scaling Therapist Podcast Keywords: therapist burnout, clarity in marketing, scalable income, private practice growth, digital products for therapists, ideal client, mom test, client journey Episode Summary In this episode, James Marland explains why understanding the real problem your clients want solved is the key to building scalable income and attracting the right people to your work. Most therapists start with the solution—courses, groups, workshops, tools—but clients don’t buy solutions. They buy results. James shares simple strategies to gain clarity on client needs, avoid polite-but-false feedback, and discover the deeper problem your offer should solve. You’ll hear stories about restaurant choices, car dealerships, burnout, “The Mom Test,” and the famous idea: people don’t want a drill; they want a hole. If you want to reduce burnout and bring clients to your door without feeling salesy, this episode delivers solid steps you can use this week. Timestamps & Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro: A Message for Therapists Feeling Stretched Thin James introduces an upcoming cohort for therapists who want to build products that free them from their calendar. 01:15 – What Clients Really Want: The Result, Not the Process “People don't necessarily wanna go through therapy… they want the life that's on the other side of your solution.” 01:42 – The Three Pillars of Scalable Income Clarity, Connection, and Confidence — and today’s focus on clarity around the real problem. 02:11 – The Restaurant Analogy Why clients choose a provider the same way they choose a restaurant: to solve a deeper desire, not just the obvious need. 03:47 – The Classic Marketing Mistake Why starting with your solution pushes clients away and creates “polite but useless” feedback. 05:22 – James’s Early Mistake Creating Courses for Therapists Asking the wrong questions leads to the wrong product — and why tech problems weren’t the real pain. 06:46 – The Real Problems Therapists Shared Burnout, exhaustion, compassion fatigue, drowning in clients, no time for family. 08:01 – People Don’t Want a Course. They Want Their Life Back. The shift from solving “course problems” to solving life problems. 08:50 – The Car Dealership Story A powerful example showing why people hate being sold to and how therapists can avoid that dynamic. 10:32 – Your Ideal Client Doesn’t Want to Be in a Funnel Helpers want relief, not sales pressure — and how clarity helps you serve, not sell. 11:10 – The Drill vs. The Hole Why clients buy outcomes, not tools. “People don’t want the drill. They want the hole.” 12:44 – Three Methods to Get Clarity on Client Problems A simple framework to understand the right problem to solve. 13:05 – Method 1: Talk to Your Ideal Client Using The Mom Test How to ask questions they can’t lie about—and why this gives better data than “Would you buy this?” 16:53 – Method 2: Map the Before, During, and After A storytelling tool to reveal the real client journey and the problem worth solving. 19:36 – Method 3: Listen to What People Already Ask Online Using Google, AnswerThePublic, Reddit, and Facebook groups to find real problems therapists care about. 22:06 – How Clarity Changes Your Message The shift from “let’s build a course” to “let’s build income flow” and why clients respond differently. 24:02 – Action Steps You Can Take This Week Easy next steps: talk to people, map their journey, and find the problem that repeats. 25:43 – Clarity Turns Selling Into Helping How solving the right problem brings clients to your door and frees you from your calendar. 26:35 – What’s Coming Next A look ahead at the next episode on products and pricing that feel like service, not pressure. 27:00 – Invitation to Join the Free Webinar James invites therapists to the Beyond Fully Booked webinar on December 11th. Resources Mentioned Course Creation Studio Cohort:https://coursecreationstudio.com/stepgroup     Book: The Mom Test by Rob Fitzpatrick How to ask questions people can’t lie about. AnswerThePublic: https://answerthepublic.com  AlsoAsked: https://alsoasked.com

    28 min
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The Scaling Therapist Podcast exists to inspire therapists to scale their business with systems, people, community, or opportunity so they can have more income, impact, and independance without giving up more of their life.

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