The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast

Danielle Swimm

Are you a therapist looking for a one-stop shop for practice building and personal development? Then you're in the right place! Your host, Danielle Swimm, believes that therapists are meant to live full, abundant lives and create businesses along the way. We talk all things mindset, marketing and systems for today's entrepreneurial therapist. Danielle and her guests will share behind the scenes of mistakes they've made and lessons learned along the way. The episodes are raw and real, reminding you that even when times are hard, you can still achieve your own version of success. You will leave each episode feeling motivated and inspired each week to build the practice and life of your dreams. If you're a therapist who likes to listen to Lewis Howes, Rachel Rodgers or Rachel Hollis, you'll feel right at home here. Let's get started! Launching 23 Feb 2022

  1. 5D AGO

    EP 226: Q&A: Burnout, Business Growth, and the Future of Therapy Practices

    This week, I'm opening up about attending a high level business retreat in Los Angeles and the surprising lessons that followed me home. From crying on the plane over mom guilt to sitting in rooms full of wildly successful female founders, I share the mindset shifts, burnout realizations, and behind the scenes truths about entrepreneurship that rarely make it onto Instagram. We talk about why protecting your time and energy is no longer optional, what successful women are actually prioritizing behind closed doors, and why implementation matters so much more than endless learning.    Topics Covered in This Episode: 1:30 - The emotional reality of leaving family behind for business growth opportunities and navigating the guilt that comes with it 5:00 - The burnout realization that only became obvious after stepping away from work for a few days 8:15 - Why implementation matters more than endlessly consuming courses, trainings, and information 11:45 - What high level female founders prioritize differently when it comes to schedules, boundaries, and energy 15:20 - The truth about hard work, freedom, and what successful entrepreneurs are actually doing behind closed doors 17:40 - Why community and accountability are becoming more valuable than information in the age of AI 19:10 - The biggest reason therapists are struggling to get intakes in 2026 and what marketing strategies are working now 24:00 - Additional revenue opportunities for therapists including intensives, EAPs, and scalable income streams Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    28 min
  2. MAY 6

    EP 225: Helping Therapists in Crisis with Jeanine Rousso

    Everything changes when therapists finally have a safety net. In this episode, I sit down with Jeanine Rousso, founder of the Therapist Resource Network, to talk about a resource I truly believe every therapist needs to know about. We dive into the reality so many clinicians are quietly facing financial instability, burnout, and what happens when life throws something unexpected your way. I share why this conversation matters so deeply to me and how having support in those hardest seasons can change everything about how we show up in our work and our lives. Jeanine opens up about the personal experiences and industry gaps that led her to build a nonprofit dedicated to supporting therapists through crises, from natural disasters to personal emergencies. We talk about the realities of therapist income, the emotional weight of this profession, and what it actually looks like to receive support when you need it most. If you have ever wondered what happens when a therapist needs help, how to prepare your practice for the unexpected, or how we can advocate for more sustainable careers in this field, this episode is one you will not want to miss.   Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:15 - The moment that sparked the idea for a therapist support network 5:40 - What most therapists are silently struggling with right now 8:10 - The truth about therapist income and why it is a bigger issue than you think 11:25 - What actually happens when a therapist faces a crisis 13:50 - How these emergency grants work and who qualifies 16:05 - The hidden emotional toll of burnout and isolation in this field 18:20 - What needs to change for therapists to feel truly supported   If this conversation resonates with you, I encourage you to share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need it. You never know who is going through something behind the scenes. And if you are looking to build a more sustainable, supported, and empowered career as a therapist, make sure you subscribe and stay connected. There is so much more ahead. Resources Mentioned:   Therapy Resource Network: www.therapistresourcenetwork.org    Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle   Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle   Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    21 min
  3. APR 29

    EP 224: When You Want to Burn It All Down in Your Luteal Phase

    If you've ever hit a point where you just want to burn it all down, this episode is going to feel like someone finally understands what you've been experiencing. I walk you through what's really happening during the luteal phase when your business suddenly feels heavy, frustrating, or completely out of alignment. I share why that urge to quit, burn it down, or disappear isn't random or dramatic, but often a powerful signal pointing to deeper structural issues in your business and the way it's currently relying on you. I also coach you through how to navigate those intense days without making impulsive decisions you might regret later. We explore how hormones amplify what's already there, how burnout and over-functioning show up in sneaky ways, and how to start building a business that doesn't collapse every 30 days. If you've ever questioned yourself, your capacity, or your business during this phase, this episode will help you separate truth from temporary emotion and start making more supportive, sustainable shifts. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:10 - Why the urge to "burn it all down" isn't actually the problem 4:25 - The hidden business structure issue most women overlook 6:40 - What your luteal phase is trying to reveal to you 9:15 - The difference between intuition and hormonal amplification 11:30 - Signs your business is relying too heavily on you 13:50 - How burnout quietly builds across your cycle 16:05 - A simple way to respond instead of react in the moment 18:20 - The long-term shift that changes everything If this episode hits home, don't just listen and move on. Save it, come back to it during your next luteal phase, and start noticing what patterns are repeating for you. Then take one small step toward building a business that actually supports you through every phase, not just the easy ones. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    21 min
  4. APR 22

    EP 223: How to Improve Conversions Through Your Website with Liz Zhou

    Stop chasing algorithms and start building a marketing engine that actually works for you. In this episode, I sit down with Liz Zhou, therapist turned website designer and copywriter, to unpack what's really driving client inquiries in 2026. We dive into why SEO is more than just a buzzword and how your website serves as the foundation of your entire marketing ecosystem. I explore the often-overlooked gap between getting traffic and actually converting that traffic into paying clients, and Liz shares how therapists can create websites that not only rank but resonate. We also get real about the highs and lows of social media growth, including Liz's experience going viral and the burnout that followed. I ask the questions so many of you are wondering: Do you actually need Instagram to grow your practice? What happens if you step away? And how can you create a more sustainable, long-term marketing strategy that doesn't rely on constant posting? From niching down and refining your messaging to designing a neurodivergent-friendly website that speaks clearly to your ideal client, this episode will challenge the way you think about marketing your practice. Topics Covered in this Episode: 3:12 - Why SEO is the true foundation of sustainable marketing 6:45 - The hidden reason your website isn't converting clients 10:28 - What really happens when you go viral as a therapist 14:02 - The burnout behind social media growth no one talks about 17:36 - How to step away from Instagram without losing inquiries 20:11 - The three pillars every high-converting website needs 23:07 - Subtle copywriting shifts that instantly make your site stand out 25:40 - How to design a website that works for different types of brains If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out trying to keep up with marketing trends, this episode will open your eyes to a more grounded and effective approach. Tune in and start building a marketing system that supports your practice instead of draining it.   Resources Mentioned: Connect with Liz: https://www.lizamay.com/  Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.  Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    29 min
  5. APR 15

    EP 222: Quarter 1 Review: Content, Launches and What Worked

    What happens when massive growth finally hits… and you're more exhausted than excited? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and walking you through a completely unfiltered behind-the-scenes look at my Quarter 1 experience… what worked, what surprised me, and what stretched me more than I expected. From multiple launches in a 90-day sprint to navigating real-life challenges happening at the exact same time, I'm sharing the honest reality of what it takes to grow a business quickly without burning out. I also dive into the strategies, mindset shifts, and unexpected wins that shaped this quarter… from selling out my first-ever in-person retreat with ease, to refining my approach to launches, to experimenting with Instagram growth in a way that actually moved the needle. Along the way, I'm asking bigger questions about what it really takes to scale sustainably, especially as a woman balancing business, life, and everything in between. If you've ever wondered how to grow without sacrificing yourself in the process, or how to navigate momentum when life doesn't slow down, this episode will give you a whole new perspective. Topics Covered in This Episode: 2:15 - Why rapid growth can feel just as challenging as slow seasons 6:40 - The surprising launch that completely changed my perspective on selling 11:20 - What actually limits your ability to scale (hint: it's not strategy) 15:05 - A major mindset shift around capacity that most people overlook 18:30 - Behind-the-scenes of a launch that almost didn't happen 22:10 - How I grew my audience (without going viral) 24:45 - What real life interruptions taught me about resilience in business 27:30 - The intentional shift I'm making in Quarter 2 and why it matters If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to stay connected and keep learning alongside me. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss what's coming next, especially as I head into Quarter 2 with a completely different focus and bring you along for the journey. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle   Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle   Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    29 min
  6. APR 8

    EP 221: Google Ads for Therapists with Christi Underwood (Part 2)

    In part two of my conversation with Christi Underwood, we move beyond the basics and dive into what really matters once your ads are live. I walk through the exact metrics you should be paying attention to, how to tell if your ads are worth the investment, and the subtle signs that something needs to shift before you waste more money. We also get honest about the realities of tracking in today's privacy-first world, what to do when conversions feel unclear, and how to think about your ad strategy as your practice grows and evolves. From understanding clicks, impressions, and conversion rates to knowing when to refresh or pause your ads entirely, this episode will help you stop guessing and start making confident, data-driven decisions about your marketing. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:10 - The first metric I always check to quickly gauge ad performance 4:35 - The "good" daily click range most therapists should aim for 6:20 - Why conversions are harder to track now and what to do instead 9:15 - The hidden tradeoff between better tracking and better user experience 12:05 - How keyword costs fluctuate and what that means for your budget 14:40 - What impression share actually tells you about your visibility 17:25 - When to pause, refresh, or completely rebuild your ads 19:10 - A simple rule of thumb for setting a sustainable ad budget   Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle   Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle   Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.    Christi's Website: clevercatalystllc.com   Connect with Christi on IG @theclevercatalyst

    22 min
  7. APR 1

    EP 220: When Your Family Doesn't Support Your Success

    This might be the uncomfortable truth that's quietly holding you back more than anything else. In this episode, I want to cover a topic no one really talks about. So many of us are silently navigating what it actually feels like when the people closest to you do not understand, support, or believe in your vision. This is so much more common than you think, though. Too often, family, partners, or friends question your ambition, your pricing, and your dreams. We dive into the emotional weight of feeling misunderstood and why chasing validation from the wrong people can keep you stuck longer than any strategy ever will. I also walk you through the mindset shifts and practical tools that changed everything for me. This episode will help you separate love from alignment and give you permission to expand beyond the ceilings you were raised around. If you've ever felt torn between your vision and the expectations of others, this conversation will hit deep and help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Topics Covered in this Episode: 1:12 - Why lack of support from family hits deeper than you expect 3:45 - The subtle ways people project their own limits onto your dreams 6:20 - What actually changes when you stop seeking their approval 8:10 - The hidden pressure to "prove them wrong" and why it backfires 10:05 - A powerful mindset shift that instantly creates emotional separation 12:30 - How to stop carrying other people's opinions like they are yours 14:15 - The "board of directors" concept and how it changes your decisions 16:40 - Why who you take advice from determines how far you go I want you to take a moment and really sit with where this might be showing up in your life right now. And if you haven't already, make sure you subscribe and leave a review it truly helps get this message into the hands of more women who are ready to step into bigger lives, even when not everyone around them understands it. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle   Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

    19 min
  8. MAR 25

    EP 219: Google Ads for Therapists with Christi Underwood (Part 1)

    If you've ever wondered whether Google Ads are the missing piece in growing your private practice, this episode might completely change how you think about them. In this conversation, I sit down with Christi Underwood to break down what therapists actually need in place before spending a single dollar on ads and why jumping in too early can end up costing you more than it helps. We unpack the foundational pieces most people skip, from your online presence to your lead management systems, and why these elements make or break your results. We also get into the real numbers and expectations behind Google Ads so you can make smart, informed decisions for your practice. Christi shares what a realistic starting budget looks like, how long it takes to know if your ads are working, and the biggest mistakes therapists make when trying to DIY their campaigns. Whether you are brand new to ads or already experimenting with them, this episode will help you think more strategically about when, why, and how to use Google Ads to actually fill your caseload. Topics Covered in This Episode: 2:15 - What most therapists misunderstand about starting Google Ads 5:40 - The non-negotiables you need before running ads 9:10 - A realistic starting budget and what your money is actually doing 13:25 - How quickly you can tell if your ads are working 16:50 - The difference between clicks, leads, and real clients 19:30 - When ads work best (and when they don't) depending on your niche 22:10 - Why solo practitioners might benefit more than group practices 24:00 - The hidden systems that determine whether your leads convert   If you've been on the fence about Google Ads or unsure whether you're truly ready to invest in them, this episode will give you the clarity you need to move forward with confidence. Tune in, take notes, and start thinking about how to build a marketing strategy that actually supports the growth of your practice instead of draining your time and money. And if this episode resonates, be sure to subscribe and share it with another therapist who's ready to grow.   Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle   Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k   If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout.    Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1.  Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.    Christi's Website: clevercatalystllc.com Connect with Christi on IG @theclevercatalyst

    25 min
5
out of 5
94 Ratings

About

Are you a therapist looking for a one-stop shop for practice building and personal development? Then you're in the right place! Your host, Danielle Swimm, believes that therapists are meant to live full, abundant lives and create businesses along the way. We talk all things mindset, marketing and systems for today's entrepreneurial therapist. Danielle and her guests will share behind the scenes of mistakes they've made and lessons learned along the way. The episodes are raw and real, reminding you that even when times are hard, you can still achieve your own version of success. You will leave each episode feeling motivated and inspired each week to build the practice and life of your dreams. If you're a therapist who likes to listen to Lewis Howes, Rachel Rodgers or Rachel Hollis, you'll feel right at home here. Let's get started! Launching 23 Feb 2022

You Might Also Like