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: The Anxiety Of Finding A Private Practice Niche

About a month ago, I shared that I’ve decided to go into private practice, in addition to keeping STC running and growing. There are three main reasons for this decision: I miss the therapy room, a clinical arm to my business is a wise move, and I’ll be able to more strategically diversify my income. I think this venture will offer new opportunities for the future that are beneficial in many ways, but, to be honest, this decision has brought me some anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I’m address...

Jun 27, 202427 min

ENCORE: Using Brainspotting To Work With Athletes

Today’s session is all about brainspotting, a powerful and fascinating psychotherapy technique that I have personally found to be helpful. Specifically, we discuss the technique as it is used to help performance athletes. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Thad Frye, LCSW Thad Frye is a licensed clinical social worker in Boulder, CO. As a certified brainspotting consultant, Thad has gone through multiple levels of training in this therapy technique. In our conversation, Thad explains why ...

Jun 20, 202440 min

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, ...

Jun 13, 202437 min

ENCORE What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew Bierds

Many of us have thought about creating continuing education courses and wondered how the process works and what factors are involved. Who better to learn from than someone who has done this successfully? Being successful at CEU course creation takes innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us for informative insights from today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Matthew Bierds Matt Bierds, from Duke City Counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, course creator, and profession...

Jun 06, 202437 min

368: 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...

May 30, 202430 min

367: Psychedelic Therapy: What You Need To Know As A Therapist

As I’m moving back into clinical work, I’m compelled to do more clinical-related podcasts. Today’s session fits that bill as it delves into psychedelic psychotherapy, an area of clinical work that is exploding with interesting potential. There is a lot to navigate within this topic; join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Keith Kurlander Keith Kurlander is the co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute (IPI) and the co-host of the Higher Practice Podcast . The IPI is the largest traini...

May 23, 202432 min

366: Finding Your Enough As An Entrepreneur with Jeanetta Garrison, LCSW

More is not always better. We often find that what we are chasing in our pursuit of success is not what we thought it was. Entrepreneurship for private practice clinicians naturally attracts many high achievers and recovering perfectionists, so we need to take a pause and periodically reassess and redefine what success looks like. Join us for a closer look at this important topic! Our Featured Guest Jeanetta Garrison, LCSW Jeanetta Garrison is an anxiety therapist in private practice in Charlott...

May 16, 202439 min

365: Starter Podcaster Setups

One of the most common questions I’m asked is about the gear needed to begin podcasting. I will honestly admit that it’s a difficult decision when you’re just starting because you want reliable equipment that does a great job, but you are also hesitant to break the bank for it. As you progress, several factors complicate the choices of gear, such as how you conduct guest interviews and whether you have a co-host. In today’s session, I’m walking you through four common podcasting scenarios and th...

May 09, 202431 min

364: How to Start Writing a Book: Things They Don’t Tell You

If you’ve ever thought about writing a book, you’ve realized that the process is intimidating. Just knowing where to begin and how to proceed pose big challenges. We are tackling this topic with today’s guest and uncovering the things nobody tells you about writing a book. Join us to get real and learn more! Our Featured Guest Raj Lulla Raj Lulla is a StoryBrand Certified designer and strategist. He and his partner, Ben Lueders, are the co-owners of Fruitful Design & Strategy , where they “c...

May 02, 202445 min

363: How To Make Money From Your Podcast Without Just Relying on Sponsors with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D.

Podcast sponsorship is often seen as the “golden goose” of podcasting. We started working with sponsors on STC a few years ago, and they have generated over $95k to this point. However, I’ve learned that relying solely on sponsorships is not the wisest stance because your success rides the ebbs and flows of another company’s marketing budget. I’m very grateful for the sponsors who have worked with us, but I don’t want to depend on them for the main source of income for STC. Today, I’m sharing th...

Apr 25, 202422 min

362: Low Risk Ways To Host Your First Retreat with Megan Gunnell

Hosting a retreat sounds like a great idea, right? When you stop and think about all the logistical and financial details, that’s when many fears and questions come to the surface. Perhaps the biggest fear is whether enough people will pay for your retreat to make it a success. Join us as we dive into this topic with today’s expert guest! Our Featured Guest Megan Gunnell In addition to being a business owner, author, and triathlete, Megan Gunnell is a Clinical Social Worker who has been hosting ...

Apr 18, 202447 min

361: The Anxiety Of Finding A Private Practice Niche

About a month ago, I shared that I’ve decided to go into private practice, in addition to keeping STC running and growing. There are three main reasons for this decision: I miss the therapy room, a clinical arm to my business is a wise move, and I’ll be able to more strategically diversify my income. I think this venture will offer new opportunities for the future that are beneficial in many ways, but, to be honest, this decision has brought me some anxiety, insomnia, and depression. I’m address...

Apr 11, 202423 min

360: What I Learned from Creating a Course for CEUs with Matthew Bierds

Many of us have thought about creating continuing education courses and wondered how the process works and what factors are involved. Who better to learn from than someone who has done this successfully? Being successful at CEU course creation takes innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us for informative insights from today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Matthew Bierds Matt Bierds, from Duke City Counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, course creator, and profession...

Apr 04, 202437 min

ENCORE: How To Work Through Perfectionism When Launching Your Online Course (Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT)

If you’ve had a standoff with perfectionism in starting something new, you’ll want to join us for this coaching call in today’s session. Like most clinicians who are branching out with an online course, my guest is struggling with her fears about this new endeavor and whether she will get it right. Join us to hear the conversation. Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call Katie Lear, LCMHC, RPT, RDT Katie Lear is a therapist in solo private practice near Charlotte, NC. She was part of the On...

Mar 28, 202450 min

ENCORE: How To Not Let Work Become Your Identity (Dan Cumberland)

Welcome to a brand new season of Selling the Couch! After an extended sabbatical of several months, it’s good to be back on STC with new, exciting shows. Today’s topic is one that we have all contemplated to some degree. I imagine that many coffee shop conversations and therapy sessions have included discussions around how we think about work and integrate our work into our post-pandemic lives. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dan Cumberland Dan Cumberland is a creative, catalyst, and c...

Mar 21, 202441 min

ENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?

One of the new things for STC this year is the incorporation of coaching calls into the podcast from time to time. Join us for a glimpse into today’s coaching call about online courses. Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call Heather McKenzie, LCMHCS Heather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so ...

Mar 14, 202438 min

ENCORE: Avoid These 3 Mistakes The Average Investor Makes

Today’s show focuses on one of my favorite topics, which is personal finance. Investing can be overwhelming and very confusing. Join us to learn how anyone can approach investing with knowledge and confidence. Our Featured Guest: Andy Gupta Andy Gupta and I have become good friends over the past couple of months. He is a kind and genuine person who worked for 20 years on Wall Street. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School who understands the ins and outs of investing, and he wants to make i...

Mar 07, 202434 min

359: 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, ...

Feb 29, 202436 min

358: Why I’m Going Back to Private Practice

I have big news! I’m going back into private practice! Don’t worry, though, because STC remains, and I’ll be adding 1-2 days of clinical work each week. In today’s session, I’m pulling back the curtain on my thought process as I’ve pondered this decision for quite a while. Do I have all the bits and pieces organized and figured out? The answer is NO, and that’s okay. I want to give you a glimpse into the messy middle of this decision and the three main reasons I have made this choice. You’ll Lea...

Feb 22, 202437 min

357: Using Brainspotting To Work With Athletes

Today’s session is all about brainspotting, a powerful and fascinating psychotherapy technique that I have personally found to be helpful. Specifically, we discuss the technique as it is used to help performance athletes. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Thad Frye, LCSW Thad Frye is a licensed clinical social worker in Boulder, CO. As a certified brainspotting consultant, Thad has gone through multiple levels of training in this therapy technique. In our conversation, Thad explains why ...

Feb 15, 202440 min

356: 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 ...

Feb 08, 202427 min

355: 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 lea...

Feb 01, 202438 min

354: Why Every Course Creator Should Start A Podcast

If you have ever considered creating an online course, or if you are already a course creator, you have probably thought a lot about marketing that course. The challenge is how to be thoughtful and creative in marketing your course, which becomes a separate income stream for your business. Starting a podcast is one of the best ways to market your course while creating a solid, compound income stream, and we are talking strategy today as I share what I’ve learned through my experience. Join us! Y...

Jan 25, 202420 min

353: Setting Up An Email Series To Market Your Practice

Are you using an email sequence in your practice? In today’s session, we are exploring the question of why more clinicians don’t create email sequences, which I believe is a smart and logical move. I have found that most of our STC sales come via our email list, and not through social media platforms. I’ve learned the hard lessons about this topic, so I hope this conversation will help you avoid some of my mistakes in this area. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Avivit Fisher Avivit Fish...

Jan 18, 202442 min

352: When An Idea For An Online Course Comes From Therapy Sessions

Many therapists have created online courses or have thought about creating an online course. It’s one of the best ways to increase your visibility, establish your expertise, and expand your audience and impact in the world. The course creation journey is not an easy one, and it’s full of challenges and ups and downs. Join us for a transparent look at the process from today’s guest! Our Featured Guest Linda Murphy, MEd, MA, LMHC Linda Murphy is a group practice owner in Florida, and she’s a membe...

Jan 11, 202439 min

351: How to (Correctly) Pitch Podcasts with Dustin Riechmann

Today’s session is a conversation about how to navigate guest appearances on podcasts. Whether you have future aspirations to launch a podcast or desire to grow your visibility by appearing on podcasts, this will be a helpful session for you! Podcasting offers possibilities for interesting connections and unimaginable opportunities. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Dustin Riechmann Dustin Riechmann is a new friend with whom I connected on LinkedIn. From an engineering background, Dustin...

Jan 04, 202432 min

ENCORE: How To Increase Fees With Existing Clients

Today’s topic is one that many clinicians have navigated, are navigating, or will navigate in the future. It’s the idea of increasing fees with existing clients. I’ve seen this topic come up repeatedly in online groups for therapists, and I know it brings anxiety and confusion. Let’s dig into it together! Our Featured Guests Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer Kelly Higdon and Miranda Palmer are therapists, private practice owners, and the founders of ZynnyMe, where they teach and train therapists t...

Dec 28, 202337 min

ENCORE: Writing A Children's Book

Have you ever considered writing a children’s book? I’ll admit that I’ve thought about it, and it might be a new endeavor in my future. Writing a children’s book takes creativity and planning, and much perseverance is required to navigate the publishing process. Join me as I talk to a longtime friend who has been through the process and published two children’s books. Our Featured Guest Amy Jivani Amy is a childhood friend of mine who has become a children’s book author. Her latest book, Meera’s...

Dec 21, 202332 min

ENCORE: Owning A Therapy Building During The Pandemic

What would it be like to own and run your own group therapy practice--including the building? And to complicate matters, what if the whole endeavor is getting off the ground during a global pandemic? It might sound crazy, but you’ll hear the details from today’s guest who is making it all happen after facing down all the obstacles. Join us! Our Featured Guest Karen Grayson, PhD, LPC Dr. Karen Grayson had a vision a few years ago of owning a therapy practice building, so she followed through with...

Dec 14, 202340 min

ENCORE: Long-Haul COVID-19 and Private Practice

Today’s show is about navigating long-haul COVID symptoms and life as a private practitioner. I wanted to have a non-academic conversation about this intriguing topic from a real-life perspective. Join us to learn more! Our Featured Guest Robert Cox, MA, LPC, NCC Robert Cox is a private practitioner in Kentucky. He contracted COVID back in December. After a few weeks, he noticed that his symptoms improved a little but then continued. You’ll hear Robert’s story of his long-haul COVID symptoms and...

Dec 07, 202336 min
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