Selling the Couch - podcast cover

Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhDsellingthecouch.com
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*
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Episodes

ENCORE: Expert Insights on How to Generate Revenue Through Podcasting

As rewarding as it is to start your own podcast and share your knowledge and expertise with the world, there is one thing that makes it even better--and that’s monetizing your podcast. Wouldn’t it be a dream come true to make money from your podcast? You might think it’s the impossible dream, but today’s show brings practical information and simple tips for monetization that can expand your reach, extend the life of your podcast, and free up more of your time for quality content creation. Christ...

Aug 12, 202147 min

ENCORE: Pro Tips To Improve The Quality Of Live Videos

The pandemic and months of quarantine have many of us relying more than ever on video. We use video for meetings, live sessions, live-streaming, and other content, so it’s important to have the best quality possible. Join us to learn more. Michael Rothermel is my videographer who filmed the welcome video for STC back in 2017. We were part of the same faith community while Michael lived in the Philly area, and I can’t believe I haven’t had him on the show until now. He’ll share his top tips to im...

Aug 05, 202143 min

285: Real Advice To Therapists Launching An Online Course

This is the last episode until September while I take some time off to focus on self-care before the summer ends. Today’s episode is a valuable one if you are thinking about launching an online course sometime soon or in the future. My encouragement to you is to do it! Get started! Join me for this solo episode in which we discuss the basics. You’ll Learn ● The most common reasons to launch an online course: to put your message out there to impact more people in different locations, to feel more...

Jul 29, 202133 min

284: Depression and Private Practice Building

Today’s topic is a popular one that affects many people. I’m not ashamed to say that I have struggled with mental health and depression. It’s especially important to know how to balance mental health and the challenges of entrepreneurship. Join us for this incredibly open and honest conversation. Our Featured Guest-Rebekah Shackney, LCSW Rebekah Shackney has struggled with depression, which runs on both sides of her family. She’s here to share her story and how her life and business have been im...

Jul 22, 202133 min

283: How To Invest Intelligently: Top Tips From A Certified Financial Planner

I have to admit that the topic of personal finance excites the nerd in me. I love reading and learning more about all things around finance! Investing intelligently and planning for retirement are often intimidating areas in which we can always benefit from expert advice. Join us to learn how you can make solid investment decisions and better prepare for your future. Our Featured Guest-Dave Frank, Certified Financial Planner Dave Frank is the founder of Turning Point Financial Life Planning, whi...

Jul 15, 202143 min

282: A Live vs. Pre-Recorded Online Course

Today’s show is a live coaching call regarding a topic that has been very relevant to me recently. We are talking about the many nuances of online courses. I hope this episode will be helpful to you and bring new ideas if an online course is on your radar. Our Featured Guest-Kristen Boice, LMFT Kristen Boice is a therapist in private practice and a fellow podcaster. She has realized the need among her listeners for an online course. Her podcast, Close the Chapter, is about closing the chapter on...

Jul 08, 202135 min

281: A Slow, Intentional Transition To Full Time Private Practice

Staying true to our values is important in the work we do as clinicians. True business success for us is not based solely on the revenue we generate but on many other important aspects, such as working in a way that our genuine gifts and talents show forth in the meaningful and purposeful work that we do. Join us to learn more. Our Featured Guest-Jennifer Kasey, PsyD Jennifer Kasey is a good friend, mentor, and sister in the Christian faith. She and I met way back in 2009 in Nashville, and I’m t...

Jul 01, 202135 min

280: How To Overcome The Crippling Fear Of Launching A New Product Or Service

In any solo episode, I love to be transparent in sharing the behind-the-scenes processes in the entrepreneurial journey. On social media, we see highlights and the finished product, but we rarely see the struggle and obstacles in getting there. Today’s focus is on confronting and overcoming fear as I go through the process of building a new product. My hope is that this episode will give you encouragement and inspiration to keep going in whatever new endeavors you undertake. You’ll Learn ● Three...

Jun 24, 202131 min

279: Building A Personal Brand On Social Media

If the topic of building your personal brand on social media brings feelings of anxiety and insecurity, then today’s show is for you. As clinicians, we know it makes sense to have a digital footprint in the online world, but it’s difficult to know just how to establish yourself with authenticity and transparency. There are so many nuances to the intimidating world of social media! Today’s conversation will give you valuable insight and practical tips to help people get to know, like, and trust y...

Jun 17, 202135 min

278: Comparing Yourself to Others in the Field: Avoiding The Pitfalls

Today’s show is about a topic that has been a struggle for much of my life and career. I’ve fallen victim to comparing myself to others and feeling like I’m not measuring up. It’s taken a lot of personal work for me to learn to compare in healthy ways that don’t cripple and stifle my creativity and purpose. Are you in the same boat? Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest - Supriya Blair, PsyD Dr. Supriya Blair is a psychologist in Albany, NY. We have connected through the STC community, and I...

Jun 10, 202135 min

277: 3 Powerful Reasons Every Entrepreneur Needs A Daily Hike (Backed By Science)

What if I told you that there is something simple and free that most of us can do daily for an hour or less that yields amazing physical and mental benefits? Would you want to know what it is? Since the pandemic has forced us to take a closer look at our habits and make some changes, I want to share this life-changing activity that has become an almost daily habit for me. It’s hiking! Incorporating a midday hike several times each week helps me sleep better at night and stay centered for daily t...

Jun 03, 202120 min

276: Creating Authentic "Win-Win" Relationships With Colleagues

Many of us find the concept of networking to be an intimidating endeavor. Even though it’s a vital element of business success, it can feel scary and shady and a little too sales-y. Join us to learn more about what you should be focusing on in your networking relationships. Our Featured Guest Patrick Casale, MA, LCMHC, LCAS Patrick Casale is a clinician in Asheville, NC. He provides coaching for clinicians who are transitioning from a group practice or agency to a solo practice. He’s here to tal...

May 27, 202133 min

275: Best Advice I Would Give If Starting A Podcast

Today’s show is different from any previous STC episode. I’m doing a live coaching call, a new podcast format for me that is still in the experimental stage. If you’ve thought about starting your own podcast for even five minutes, then your brain has probably been bombarded with many questions. Join us as we discuss tips and advice for those who want to start a podcast. Our Featured Guest Steve Bisson, LMHC Steve Bisson is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Massachusetts. He’s written a book,...

May 20, 202141 min

274: From The First Female-Identified Electrician In Oregon To A Counselor + Trainer With Progressive Vision Loss

Today’s show is a special one because we are joined by the first female-identified electrician in the state of Oregon. Breaking into an overwhelmingly male-dominated field, along with other obstacles, gave her the motivation to keep going when faced with roadblocks. Join us to hear more about this fantastic journey. Our Featured Guest Deb Marinos, MS, CRC, LPC Deb Marinos has a varied career path with many diversions along the way. As a rehabilitation counselor and current LPC intern, Deb helps ...

May 13, 202134 min

273: Bringing BrainSpotting to BIPOC Communities: John Edwards, LCSW

It can be a scary thing to truly pursue your calling. Today’s guest has beaten the odds to create brainspotting training specifically for the BIPOC community. He’s finding increased success and receiving positive feedback, so if you’re curious about what it takes to set up a training program, join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest: John Edwards, LCSW John Edwards is a therapist in Oakland, CA. In 2019, he went through brainspotting training and experienced a pivotal shift as he saw the need t...

May 06, 202135 min

ENCORE: Thinking Outside the Box to Grow Your Practice!

My guest today is Jason Weiland, who operates his therapy practice in Florida. He is dedicated to helping clients through wilderness retreats and workshops. Jason shares how he has combined his practice and his love of nature in thinking outside the box. His first large-scale wilderness workshop is coming up in June against the beautiful backdrop of the Colorado Rockies. Join us to hear more about this unique offshoot of Jason’s therapy practice! RESOURCES TO GUIDE YOUR BUSINESS JOURNEY Disclosu...

Apr 29, 202141 min

ENCORE: Designing and Creating an App for Your Business

My guest today is Benjamin Reisterer, LPC, in Grand Rapids, MI. He has successfully accomplished something that is a frequent topic of discussion in the STC Facebook community: he designed and created an app. It’s called MetaFi, and it’s a more efficient way for clients to track emotions on a daily basis. He had to think outside the box and take action to see this idea become a reality. We’ll discuss the process he went through and the lessons he’s learned. Join us for more! www.sellingthecouch....

Apr 22, 202137 min

ENCORE: The Process of Creating and Marketing Your Product Using the Feelings Wheel

How are you at thinking outside the box? As private practitioners, that kind of creative thinking is vital, but we know that any journey has its bumps in the road. This episode is perfect for everyone who has thought about creating, marketing and selling a product. What is the process like? How do you take care of all the little details? What about the marketing piece of your product? We’re diving deep into these questions and more on today’s show. My guest is Rosanne Marmor, LCSW, in Portland, ...

Apr 15, 202140 min

ENCORE: Dealing With Depression And Anxiety In Private Practice

Welcome to the final episode of 2019! I try to be intentional about the mindful breaks I take to keep myself refreshed and focus on producing quality content for STC. The plan is for the show to return in January with helpful and informative content for you. Today’s episode is a very personal topic of dealing with depression and anxiety, which has been a lifelong struggle for me. I knew that becoming more public with my practice and the podcast would force me to balance the daily pressures of li...

Apr 08, 202130 min

ENCORE: How to Build a Private Practice While Dealing With Grief, Mourning, And Loss

Grief, mourning, and loss---they aren’t topics we usually enjoy discussing, but whether we like it or not, they are processes that we all have to go through at some point in life. For a therapist, how do you build your private practice while dealing with these intense feelings, and what would prompt you to find your niche within this realm? Today’s guest answers these questions and more as we delve into this topic to begin a new season of STC. Nikki Sewell, LCSW, has tackled building a private p...

Apr 01, 202139 min

272: 20 Colleagues Reflect: How The Pandemic Has Changed Me As A Business Owner

Today’s show is a special episode about the changes on both personal and professional levels since the beginning of the pandemic. The field of mental health therapy has been flipped upside-down in many ways, and there have been numerous and unexpected positive outcomes. We can all benefit from collective learning and the sharing of our stories, so let’s listen as twenty of my colleagues answer the following question: How has the pandemic changed you as a business owner? You’ll hear from: ● Alice...

Mar 25, 202133 min

271: Creating An Epic Welcome Video,Bryan Nixon, MA, LPC

Today’s topic is very specific, but it’s one that makes a big difference in your private practice and has a meaningful impact on your clients. We are talking about creating an epic welcome video for your practice website. If making a welcome video isn’t part of your website already, don’t miss today’s episode about showing up authentically in ways that connect you to your clients. Our Featured Guest Bryan Nixon, MA, LPC Bryan Nixon is a group practice owner in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His welcome...

Mar 18, 202139 min

270: When A Therapy Practice Is No Longer Your Calling, Melvin Varghese, PhD

Today’s solo episode is a show I’ve wanted to do, but it’s a vulnerable topic for me. This show highlights a moment of joy because it means I’m listening to my hopes and dreams and not my fears. Our Featured Guest Melvin Varghese, PhD During this last year, I’ve made the decision not to be a therapist in private practice any longer but to dedicate 100% of my time to STC, serving our field and our colleagues in this way. I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at this decision, share these big and...

Mar 11, 202132 min

269: Responding to a Calling Despite Fear: Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, NCC, CDWF, CCISM

The fear of being seen is something we all face at one time or another. When we feel called to serve in bigger and better ways, we can’t be afraid to show up authentically. Today’s conversation brings the message that we can’t let fear hold us back. The world needs the good things that we can bring. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Cyndi Doyle, LPC-S, NCC, CDWF, CCISM Cyndi Doyle is a counselor, speaker, and author who had a big vision to work with couples in which one or both partners ...

Mar 04, 202140 min

268: Moving From An Online Course To A Membership Model with Jennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-S

Today’s show takes on a very niched perspective, but the information and wisdom are useful in many aspects of our work as clinicians and business owners. We are specifically discussing how to move from an online course to a membership model. Maybe you’ve wondered about these components of your practice and how to make the transition. Join us for expert advice! Our Featured Guest Jennifer McGurk, RDN, CDN, CEDRD-S Jennifer McGurk is a registered dietitian in NY whose specialty is helping clients ...

Feb 25, 202139 min

267: Bookkeeping Things To Consider When Transitioning From Solo to Group Practice With Michael Spencer, BS, MA

As a business owner, if you’re baffled by the world of bookkeeping, then today’s show will be helpful to you. Maybe you’re a solo practitioner considering starting a group practice, or perhaps you want to learn more about efficient financial systems and processes. Join us! Our Featured Guest Michael Spencer Michael Spencer has an interesting career background as a CPA who became a licensed clinician in private practice. Recently, she started a bookkeeping practice to serve helpers and healers in...

Feb 18, 202136 min

266: How We Connect our Mindset to Systems to Achieve Entrepreneurial Confidence

We all want to have entrepreneurial confidence as we run our business. Today’s topic is how we connect our mindset to systems to achieve that confidence. Join us to learn more about translating an entrepreneurial mindset into systems and processes that will boost your profitability. Our Featured Guest Kasey Compton, M.Ed, LPCC-S Kasey Compton from KaseyCompton , lives and works in KY, where she has built a very successful, seven-figure group practice. When I thought about a show highlighting sys...

Feb 11, 202137 min

265: Transitioning From Conventional Business Model in Private Practice in 2021 And Beyond with Brant Thomsen, LICSW

Many of us are wondering what our careers are going to look like in 2021 and beyond. We know the therapy model of 2019 as we knew it is not coming back. How do we pivot and move forward? We are answering this question in today’s show. Our Featured Guest Brant Thomsen Brant Thomsen is a therapist in private practice in the twin cities area of MN. He has an interesting life and career because he became a social worker after training at a music school in high-level piano performance. He is now maki...

Feb 04, 202133 min

264: Building A Second Brain, Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.

Do you love learning new things but struggle to retain the information you’d like to remember for later use? This problem is an ever-present obstacle in my nerdy quest to accumulate knowledge. The good news? I’ve found something that works for me, and I’m sharing it in today’s show. Join me to learn more. This is a solo episode about building a second brain. You may or may not have heard of this concept, but it has revolutionized my life. As I stick to my commitment of setting aside two hours ev...

Jan 28, 202136 min

263: How to Show up as a Genuine And Authentic Clinician in Multicultural Identities

Today’s topic is a relevant one for any clinician interested in diversity and multiculturalism. It can be fulfilling and empowering to show up in authentic ways for your clients, especially with today’s increased awareness of diversity and social justice. I hope you’ll join us to learn more. Our Featured Guest Dr. Lindsey Brooks Dr. Lindsey Brooks is a licensed psychologist. In these times of racial injustice, many of us wonder how to be a clinician in private practice who shows up in multicultu...

Jan 21, 202138 min
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