Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhD
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Selling the Couch Podcast

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. 4 HR AGO

    372: Decluttering As An Adjunct To Therapy- Sarah Mueller From The Decluttering Club

    The act of decluttering sounds like a simple thing, but it can be loaded with emotions, triggers, and feelings of overwhelm. Today’s guest takes us through this process which can be a beneficial supplement to therapy.  Our Featured Guest Sarah Mueller Sarah Mueller is a friend I’ve known for several years. She started The Decluttering Club to teach people to declutter in a way that doesn’t create burnout, lets them keep the things they love, and actually lasts for the long term. She has grown a huge online following based on the concept of decluttering. It’s a relatable problem that we all face, and learning to let things go is important. Sarah discusses why decluttering is part of her story and part of who she is. She explains what decluttering is, what the benefits are, and how to declutter even when you feel overwhelmed. We wrap up by covering how decluttering can be an advantageous supplement to therapy. The Decluttering Club You’ll Learn: Sarah’s story that led her to create The Decluttering ClubSarah’s tagline: “Less stuff, more life!”The impacts of the personal and professional growth for Sarah as she fulfills the needs of othersDecluttering defined: “Letting go of anything that doesn’t serve me”Being honest about what serves you and what “is clutter and needs to go”The internal work around stories, emotions, and our attachments that goes along with declutteringBenefits of declutteringDecluttering when you feel overwhelmedSarah’s tips for decluttering booksHow letting go of sentimental items can be part of healingWorking with a decluttering expert can supplement therapy in many waysWhy decluttering is a combination of practical work and emotional work to boost someone’s self-worth Resources: Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter. Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months.

    40 min

  2. 19 SEPT

    371: Leaving Therapy for Coaching with Dr. Corey Wilks

    Today’s session is about leaving psychotherapy for coaching. This transition is one that many therapist colleagues have made, and the reality is that many more are shifting from the field of therapy into coaching. Several major factors play into this decision, and my guest today gives a transparent look at his experience in this transition. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dr. Corey Wilks Dr. Corey Wilks is a good friend and licensed psychologist who joins us for an open and honest look at his transition from therapy to coaching.  In giving a glimpse into the circumstances and perspectives that led him to make this decision and shift his career, he shares how his career goals have changed over the years, what autonomy means to him, and why it is important. We wrap up by discussing mistakes that therapists often make in this career change and the drawbacks to leaving a traditional career in mental health. Corey's Website  You’ll Learn: Corey’s career goals back in grad school—and how they have changedUnderstanding autonomy, freedom, and why these are Corey’s top prioritiesCorey’s realizations about therapy, wellness, and burnoutConsiderations in making the shift to entrepreneurshipThe biggest mistake people make in turning from therapy to coachingThe difference in coaching as a much more solo-based endeavor than therapyCorey’s advice to a therapist considering becoming a coachThe distinction between the roles of therapist and coach—and how Corey navigates “the line” Resources: Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers! Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months. Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    44 min

  3. 12 SEPT

    370: Why I Shut Down a 10K-Member Facebook Group

    I want to take this opportunity to talk about a big decision we made recently to shut down and archive our 10,000-member STC Facebook group. In this session, I intend to pull back the curtain and give an authentic glimpse into the thought process and motives behind this move. In early August, about a month ago, we made this decision concerning our Facebook group that has been in existence since 2015. I never expected the group to grow as it did, and it required a great deal of time and energy to maintain the group at a high level of engagement. The reality is that decisions like this are multi-layered and complex. Join me in this episode as I discuss the factors in this decision.  You’ll Learn: The six major considerations in making this decision: The impending season of caregiving for aging parents and the role of business in my family lifeMy original goal for STC and my changing definition of success (“Do I want the successful version of this?”)The sustainable cadence and level of social engagement I’ve found with the STC podcast, YouTube, and the STC newsletterManaging a large Facebook community takes a lot of emotional bandwidth and leadership.The realization that I can’t be everywhere on social media and need to “do less but in a better way”My manageable strategy and goals for social media posts on discovery platforms and relationship-deepening platforms I’m still alive, well, and active on social media! Please find me on YouTube and LinkedIn! Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more! Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit. Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter. Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months.

    30 min

  4. 5 SEPT

    369: Behind The Scenes Of A Rebrand

    Today’s session is all about rebranding. We are taking a behind-the-scenes look at how different circumstances might affect the business you’ve established and force you to rebrand. Should you view this kind of pivot as a failure? Absolutely not! Let’s explore this topic together. Our Featured Guest Kevon Cheung Kevon Cheung is the founder and head teacher at Small School. He was a previous guest on the podcast several years ago, and I’ve taken his Build in Public Mastery Course to help overcome my fears about posting on social media. I learned a lot of helpful information about creating effective posts on LinkedIn, YouTube, and the STC podcast. Kevon’s wisdom and practical knowledge have helped me lean into vulnerability in many areas. In light of his rebranding from Public Lab to Small School, Kevon shares the pain and difficulties in business building and rebranding, why he felt the need to rebrand, and what he teaches in his online “small courses.” He also explains where he sees course creators stumbling the most.  Small School You’ll Learn: The painful parts of Kevon’s rebranding process (Changing your identity and “rebuilding what you’re known for”)Kevon’s thoughts about working through the inevitable feelings of failure when a change became necessary (How to reframe your mindset about a pivot)The biggest mistake course creators makeKevon’s #1 piece of advice for entrepreneurs and course creatorsKevon’s reasoning behind his “all in” attitude about online coursesKnowing when to add a course as a new offering (Have you validated your expertise with your audience?)Where course creators stumble the most–and why the goal is to create an experience that connects, surprises, and delightsKevon’s perspective on what a “small course” is Resources: Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers! Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants). Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop. Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months. Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    33 min

  5. 29 AUG

    ENCORE: Strategies for Securing Contracts (with schools and the government)

    Today’s session covers the unusual topic of securing contracts from different agencies for mental health services. This aspect of therapy work is not what we normally think about as clinicians, but the connection between private practice and federal funding for programs that can be a wonderful niche. Whether you’ve ever thought about this topic or this is brand new to you, today’s conversation will be food for thought about opening new doors and opportunities in the therapy world. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dr. Ajita Robinson Dr. Ajita Robinson is a dear friend, a highly respected colleague, and a sister in the faith. She has secured many millions in government contracts both for her private practice and in coaching other clinicians to do the same. In sharing her wealth of knowledge today, Ajita explains how to build relationships with government agencies and the top three things she looks for in available contracts. She shares the biggest mistakes our colleagues make in securing contracts and her unusual perspective on contracts that appear to already be given out. We wrap up our discussion with a transparent look at how Ajita’s strong faith influences her work and impacts the contracts she pursues.  Website  You’ll Learn: How working in marginalized communities led Ajita to pursue contracts with local and federal governments–and solved a problem she was passionate aboutHow Ajita leveraged what she knew firsthand about social programs, combined with her research skills, to access available systemsWhere a clinician should begin in forming connections and relationships that lead to government funding opportunitiesHow state-level certifications position a clinician for government contracts and can assist in the corporate contracting marketWhy the biggest barrier to securing government contracts is mismanaging money and not having your books in orderWhat business insurance is required to become a government subcontractorThe top three things Ajita considers with any contract opportunity: the scope of work, payable terms, and whether the contract is renewable or notHow Ajita has been able to strategically position herself to recover contracts when they have fallen through for othersThe biggest mistakes our colleagues make around securing government contracts: they think they aren’t qualified to pursue them, they aren’t open to partnering with others, and they get stuck in DIY-modeHow Ajita’s Christian faith aligns with the contracts she pursues, how she operates as a therapist, and how she functions as a Black, female business ownerAn overview of The Purposeful and Profitable Therapist Summit, an annual conference focused on diversifying income scheduled for July (2024) in Washington, DC  Resources: Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans. Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters   Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is...

    42 min

  6. 22 AUG

    ENCORE: 7 Lessons I Learned From Two 7-Figure Entrepreneurs

    As I’ve learned and grown as an entrepreneur, I have tried to study and learn from those who are further along on the journey. I’ve come to understand that I can learn as much from their hard lessons and challenges as I can from their successes. Today’s session is based on a podcast interview I listened to a couple of months ago. It featured Ali Abdaal and Sahil Bloom, two online creators who have built 7-figure businesses and audiences of over 6 million followers. In their insightful interview done in two parts, they talked a lot about life and business; I’m sharing seven lessons I picked up from them that I’m implementing in my business and personal life.   You’ll Learn:  7 Lessons I Learned from Ali and Sahil:Change the wealth scoreboard.Don’t define self-worth based on net worth. A new definition of success bases “wealth” on health, relationships, and the time I have for the things I enjoy.Set daily non-negotiables.Live with intention by identifying 3-5 things that must happen each day for me to be at my best.Friends over followersThe quality of my relationships greatly impacts my health. Schedule time to connect with genuine friends.More growth equals more haters.Sharing my message attracts people with a lot of pain, so I should default to empathy.Don’t be a slave to social media. Be careful about posting pictures of kids and sharing revenue numbers. This is difficult to navigate while still establishing credibility and the human connection that people crave. Build micro-businesses.These can generate cash flow with minimal involvement.An example: having an in-house agency along with doing a podcast.Connection over mass contentWith AI, content is easier than ever to create, but connection and authenticity help others know, like, and trust me.  Resources: Visit https://sellingthecouch.com/upheal and enter the promo code “COUCH25” for a special 25% off a paid plan for the first 2 months just for STC fans. Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters   Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months. Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    29 min

  7. 15 AUG

    ENCORE: What Therapists Should Know As Billions Are Invested In Mental Health Startups

    Today’s session covers a topic that many clinicians are pondering. Many, like me, are having conversations with themselves in their heads about the available opportunities and the most efficient and ethical ways not to be left behind as technology presents new options in our field. The issue is how we can navigate the world of mental health tech startups that are available to join us to support our good work. Examples of what these startups provide are electronic health records, website design, marketing, and more. The truth is that the pandemic changed everything and catapulted the tech startup world into the range of billions of dollars. Don’t miss my enlightening conversation with today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Michael Fulwiler Michael Fulwiler is Head of Brand Marketing at Heard, a company that assists therapists with bookkeeping and financial needs. I’ve come to rely on Mike’s expertise as a good friend as I navigate the aspects of STC, trying to be a protector of our field while staying in alignment with my values. In this session, Mike and I discuss the mindblowing numbers around the multitude of mental health tech startups and how clinicians can be informed about which ones are most likely to succeed or fail. We also discuss the vitally important topic of client data privacy and the top three considerations we should have before signing up for a product or service.  Heard Website You’ll Learn:  How to view tech startups in the mental health industry in terms of “headwind” and “tailwind” tendencies since the COVID-19 pandemicWhat the data shows about tech startups: 90% will fail!Why the big risk also comes with big opportunities in the startup worldWhat happens when a clinician contracts with a mental health tech startupWhy client data privacy is a valid concern when working with a tech startup (Hear Mike’s advice about watching out for red flags!)Top three considerations for a therapist about a tech startup:How they handle the data Whether or not there is a mental health professional on their team who helps with decisions and developmentHow compensation for therapists is structuredMike’s advice about doing your due diligence when contacted by a tech startupAn overview of Mike’s work and mission at Heard and what they provide for therapists Resources: Interested in becoming part of our affiliate program? Learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/jointhehealthcasters   Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the first 3 months. Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter.

    40 min

  8. 8 AUG

    ENCORE: What I Learned After My First Two Talks

    To keep you informed, this will be the last session before I take a summer break. Along with taking time for much-anticipated rest, I’ll be busy with my family and many STC-related projects! STC will still be here, though, as we run replays of our best episodes for you during this time. I look forward to returning in a few weeks with another great season of podcast sessions for you!  As I prepare to see clients very soon in my return to private practice, I’ve been given unique opportunities to do two talks related to mental health for folks near my childhood home of Dallas, Texas. Through a childhood friend, I became connected to a nonprofit there and was asked to share my personal experience with mental health. As a high-achiever, I grew up as a South Asian kid in the US, struggling with anxiety and depression. It was REAL and led me to see a psychologist, prompting my love for psychology and changing the course of my life. I shared my story with parents of high-achieving kids through this nonprofit and led a Q & A session with them; it was truly one of the most amazing experiences of my life. I was subsequently asked to do a second talk with another organization on a similar topic, focusing on risk factors for kids/teens growing up in hyper-competitive public and private schools. These kids are in what I call “the gilded pressure cooker,” feeling enormous pressure to achieve almost impossible feats. In today’s session, I want to share the three biggest lessons I’ve learned as a result of these unexpected opportunities to talk about the intersection of my experiences, passions, and callings.  You’ll Learn:  My three biggest takeaways after doing these talks:Leaning into social media platforms, podcasting, and teaching workshops has helped me refine my speaking skills and learn to enjoy public speaking. (I’ve learned to silence my ever-present inner critic!)Doing talks like these takes a LOT of work and planning. (These were pro bono talks, but I will charge a fee in the future because of the multiple hours required. I don’t want to focus on revenue but on reach)For every talk I do in the future, I will capture the email addresses of the audience members to expand my community. (Adding people to your email list takes them from a “rented” audience on social media to an “owned” audience.)My thoughts and plans for the future in creating community, products, and services for this niche of families of high-achieversThis is a new area for me, but I would love to connect with more groups and organizations around this topic of high-achieving kids and their parents. If you have a contact for me, please email me! Resources: Mentioned in this session: Sign up for the newsletter for high-achievers! Want to launch your podcast? Check out our free podcasting workshop for therapists (and therapists turned coaches and consultants) sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshop Want to launch your online course? Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit For Therapists: https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit Mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch Newsletter Our newsletter is absolutely FREE! Join us for tips, the latest podcast, and more at sellingthecouch.com/newsletter. Try Upheal! Try Upheal Secure AI Therapy Notes Go to sellingthecouch.com/upheal - Use code COUCH to get 50% off Upheal for the...

    32 min
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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 - 2024
  • Episodes
    302
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Selling The Couch LLC
  • Show Website
    Selling the Couch

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