Do you ever feel like grad school prepared you to be a therapist—but not to run a private practice?

In this episode, I sit down with Kate and Alyssa, who are best friends, business partners, and alumnae of my Scale Up Mastermind. These two powerhouse therapists went from subleasing offices to building a full-blown online coaching program for therapists ready to leave agency work and launch their own practice. We talk candidly about everything from figuring out their niche to building a product from scratch, all while navigating life changes like honeymoons and pregnancies. If you’ve ever felt unprepared for the business side of therapy, this one is a must-listen.

Kate and Alyssa get real about what it actually takes to launch a group coaching program while still running a full caseload. We unpack their decision to build “Sh*t They Didn’t Teach You in Grad School,” how they found their first clients, and why community is the glue that holds it all together. Whether you're in the dreaming phase or prepping your own launch, you'll learn what it takes (and what to avoid) when creating a new income stream as a therapist.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 1:13 - The overlooked business model no one teaches therapists

• 3:25 - How their casual advice to friends turned into a real offer

• 5:44 - Why group coaching helped them scale with less burnout

• 12:58 - The exact tools they use to keep therapists accountable

• 16:34 - How their custom income calculator helps therapists finally “do the math”

• 18:40 - The financial mindset shift therapists desperately need to hear

If you're a therapist tired of piecing together business advice from random corners of the internet, Kate and Alyssa’s story will show you what’s possible. Be sure to grab their free income calculator and follow them on Instagram at @shit.theydidntteachyou

Resources Mentioned:

The Scale Up Mastermind is open for enrollment for our fall 2025 cohort, click here to apply today ! https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/scale-up-mastermind

Connect with Kate and Alyssa: www.pointcounselingllc.com

Grab Their Income Calculator: https://www.pointcounselingllc.com/income-calculator-sign-up

The Private Practice Passport: https://www.pointcounselingllc.com/click-this-sh-t-coming-soon

Are you tired of putting out podcast episodes that barely move the needle — or are you sitting on a podcast idea that never quite made it past your mic? In this episode, I’m getting fired up to share what it really takes to grow your podcast in 2025, especially if you're a therapist looking to use your voice to expand your impact, attract ideal clients, and generate revenue. After three years of consistent podcasting, I'm sharing everything I’ve learned.

I’m also revealing the launch of my brand-new program, The Pod Plan, a high-touch 12-week mastermind co-led with podcasting powerhouse Joe Sanok. Whether you’re podcast-curious or ready to scale an existing show, this episode will get you thinking about growth beyond downloads and the surprising ways podcasting can open doors to opportunities, revenue, and real connection.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 2:14 – Why most therapist-hosted podcasts quietly disappear

• 4:59 – The overlooked strategy that helps you book bigger guests

• 6:28 – What to commit to before you even worry about monetizing

• 8:33 – The real reason I don’t recommend podcast “seasons”

• 10:42 – How to build loyal community around your podcast

• 12:12 – One simple shift that helps monetize your show right now

• 14:47 – What to prioritize before chasing sponsorships

• 16:28 – The vision that changed how I view podcasting forever

Ready to go all in on your podcast growth? Join me and Joe Sanok for The Pod Plan — our brand-new 12-week mastermind designed specifically for therapists ready to build a high-impact podcast. Or dip your toes in by signing up for our free podcasting masterclass on August 18th!

Resources Mentioned:

Join the Free Podcasting Masterclass

Join the Pod Plan now

Are your SEO efforts actually doing anything for your practice or are you just guessing and hoping for the best?

In this episode, I’m covering one of the most overlooked but powerful ways therapists can boost their SEO and grow their private practice: backlinks. I walk you through the exact strategies I'm using right now to climb Google rankings, drive traffic to my site, and ultimately attract more ideal clients—without spending thousands on ads or hiring a huge marketing team. Whether you’re brand new to SEO or wondering why your “optimized” site isn’t ranking, this episode will change how you approach your marketing strategy.

I also break down the massive shift in the therapy industry since 2021, and why your approach to marketing, especially community marketing and SEO, has to evolve in 2025 and beyond.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 6:15 - Why "my web designer did SEO" probably means… nothing

• 8:42 - The two-pronged marketing combo that practically guarantees client calls

• 11:28 - How being on one podcast can lead to five powerful backlinks

• 13:53 - A sneaky Reddit strategy no one’s talking about (but should be)

• 16:20 - How a therapist landed a feature in Vogue with her very first pitch

• 17:41 - Why .edu and .gov backlinks are secret goldmines

• 18:52 - The minimum monthly backlink goal that will move your rankings

Want a deeper dive into SEO? Join the Practice Accelerator for as low as $249 to learn how to implement SEO into your practice today: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator

Resources Mentioned:

Join the Practice Accelerator

https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Listen to Episode 178: Biggest Needle Movers for Therapy SEO with Chris Morin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-178-biggest-needle-movers-for-therapy-seo-with/id1609204764?i=1000712396233

Are therapists still thriving in private practice in this economy? In this episode, I sit down with Courtney Fyvolent, a trauma-informed EMDR and EFT specialist who successfully relocated her practice from Florida to South Carolina and built a full, private-pay caseload in the process. We talk about how she did it without relying on social media ads, what mindset shifts helped her stay the course during slow seasons, and why her clinical focus became her greatest marketing tool.

From ranking on Google through DIY SEO to forming authentic referral relationships over coffee, Courtney shares the steps that actually worked and what didn’t. If you’re a therapist wondering how to grow (or rebuild) your caseload without burning out, or if you’re craving more depth and connection in the way you work, this episode will give you both strategy and inspiration. You’ll walk away feeling empowered that yes, you can build the practice you want, even in a saturated market.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• 5:15 – The exact steps Courtney took before moving states that made all the difference

• 7:12 – The surprising key to referrals that doesn’t involve networking events or cold DMs

• 8:27 – Why intensives aren’t her biggest income driver—and what actually is

• 10:08 – What to focus on when the phone stops ringing

• 11:42 – The retention method therapists rarely talk about but desperately need

• 13:21 – The small action that gets clients calling back months (or even years) later

• 17:52 – Why your consultation call may be the real make-or-break for your business

I hope you let Courtney’s story and grounded strategy give you the clarity, confidence, and spark you need to grow your own thriving business. If you love what you hear, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with a fellow therapist who needs the reminder that success is still possible—even now.

Resources Mentioned:

Needing help to get more private pay clients right now? I have a free 1 hour masterclass where I teach the same systems that Courtney used to fill her own practice. Watch it here: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/free-webinar

Connect with Courtney: healingvalleyscounseling.com

Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle

Are you holding back from scaling your practice because you think it’s just not possible for you? In this episode, I’m diving headfirst into the three most common (and limiting) myths I hear from therapists who are ready to grow beyond the 1:1 model, but aren’t sure what’s holding them back. From fear of managing people to believing courses don’t sell anymore, I’m breaking down exactly why these outdated beliefs are blocking your potential.

If you’ve ever said, “I don’t want to manage people,” or “courses don’t work anymore,” or “it’s just not possible for me,” then this is the episode you need. You’ll walk away with a fresh mindset and a clear understanding of how scaling can fit into your unique lifestyle and values as a therapist. This isn’t just about growing your income—it’s about designing a business (and life) that feels aligned, exciting, and deeply fulfilling. Let’s bust these myths wide open and start building the future you’re dreaming about.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• 7:56 - The hidden truth behind “group practice owners don’t make money”

• 10:22 - A surprising way to profit from your very first hire

• 13:08 - Are courses really dead—or are you just missing one critical piece?

• 15:46 - Why your marketing might not be the problem (hint: it's the product)

• 17:02 - How tough economies create stronger, more strategic entrepreneurs

• 19:23 - The real belief holding you back (and how to get out of your own way)

• 22:12 - What happens when you surround yourself with the right people

If you are looking to scale your practice beyond 1-1 this year, the Scale Up Mastermind is open and accepting applications for our September cohort. I encourage you to take a look at it and if this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review.

Resources Mentioned:

Scale your practice beyond 1-1 this year with the Scale Up Mastermind

Is it really possible to build a thriving therapy practice and a fulfilling life when you’re the sole income earner? In this episode, I open up about the raw, real journey of growing my business while raising my daughter as a single mom—and what it actually takes to financially support a household alone. Whether you're navigating single-income life, are the breadwinner of your family, or simply feeling the weight of building a business with no plan B, this episode is for you.

I’m pulling back the curtain on what it's been like to go from grieving, scrappy survival mode to buying my first home, while scaling a practice with purpose. We’ll talk about mindset shifts, strategic systems, and how to stay grounded in faith and self-trust when the stakes are high. If you’ve ever wondered how single-income earners make it all work behind the scenes—or how you can—this episode is filled with lessons, inspiration, and real-life tools to keep going.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• 7:42 – A personal story that proves manifestation takes time—and patience

• 10:40 – The 3 qualities every single income earner must develop

• 11:56 – 5-minute habit that will keep your finances on track

• 13:05 – A belief about money that could quietly be sabotaging your success

• 14:22 – The spiritual habit that helps me co-create income

• 15:46 – Why white space may be the most profitable thing on your calendar

• 19:31 – The ego trap that silently drains your business and joy

If you are looking to scale your practice beyond 1-1 this year, the Scale Up Mastermind is open and accepting applications for our September cohort. I encourage you to take a look at it and if this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to hit subscribe and leave a review.

Resources Mentioned:

Scale your practice beyond 1-1 this year with the Scale Up Mastermind

Is private practice dead in 2025—or are there just new rules to succeed? In this episode, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Leah Clionsky, founder of a thriving 17-therapist group practice, who shares exactly how her practice just hit its best revenue month ever—up 35% year-over-year—despite widespread uncertainty in the industry. We dig deep into what she's seeing in the market, how she identifies early warning signs before referrals drop, and the bold marketing moves she’s made to stay ahead of the curve.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 6:28 - Why “Is private practice is dead?” is the wrong question

• 8:13 - The reason premium fee models may be recession-proof

• 10:01 - The exact marketing strategies that helped her grow 35% this year

• 11:22 - How community collaboration (not competition) fuels growth

• 12:39 - The surprising content platform she chose instead of Instagram

• 15:01 - Why most Google Ads don’t work and what makes hers succeed

• 17:08 - How informal masterminds turned into a major business advantage

Be sure to check out the links below to sign up for Leah’s "Worth It" newsletter and follow her new podcast, The Educated Parent. And if you're not already following along, come hang out with me on Instagram @entrepreneurialtherapist—let’s keep building practices that thrive, even in uncertain times.

Resources Mentioned:

Listen to The Educated Parent Podcast: https://educated-parent.captivate.fm/listen

Connect with Leah: www.thrivingchildcenter.com

Join Leah’s “Worth It” Newsletter: https://psychologist-practice-consulting.kit.com/profile/practice-consulting

What really goes into building a business that lasts without burning out or selling your soul to social media? In today’s episode, I’m joined by Sam Vander Wielen, legal educator, entrepreneur, and author of When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy. We dig into the messy middle of entrepreneurship and what it actually looks like to create a signature offer that sells, build an email list from scratch, and stay legally protected while scaling with integrity.

Sam shares how she built a wildly successful business from two simple products, the strategic ways she grows her email list, and the mindset shifts that have kept her grounded through it all. If you’re tired of chasing the algorithm and ready to create something that works long-term, this is the episode for you.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 3:54 – Why email is your “homework” and social media is just “play”

• 14:27 – The easy fix to get people to want your newsletter

• 17:37 – The “infinity loop” of attracting, nurturing, and converting

• 20:28 – A clever, free playlist strategy Sam uses to grow her list

• 23:57 – The surprising post that went viral

• 26:18 – The one foundational piece that protects your energy and builds revenue

If you loved this episode, be sure to grab Sam’s book When I Start My Business, I’ll Be Happy. Don’t forget to subscribe to the Entrepreneurial Therapist podcast so you never miss an episode, and leave a review if today’s chat gave you clarity or confidence to take your next step.

Resources Mentioned:

AI Free Marketing Guide to Get More Private Pay Clients: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide

Grab a copy of Sam’s Book: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/book/

Check out Sam’s Podcast: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/podcast/

Connect with Same: https://www.samvanderwielen.com/

Follow Sam on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samvanderwielen/