Selling the Couch

How do you know if your idea for an online course is a good one? Today’s session kicks off a three-part series about online courses and how to build a sustainable online course as a therapist. The most common question I get is about ideas for online courses. If you’ve thought about launching an online course but have some hesitancy, this episode will be helpful for you. I remember going through the dilemma of choosing course ideas and wondering which ones are good. It was overwhelming, but I found a way to determine if a course idea is good, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned. You’ll Learn:The best course ideas aren’t invented but are discovered in the questions your people are already asking.Three anchors for validating a good course idea:Your audience is already dropping clues.Pay attention to how you are seen as an expert.If someone asks you the same question three times or more, that’s a signal.Validate before you build.Don’t spend time creating slides without validating your idea.Put together a poll or Google form to get feedback. (Fathom.video is a helpful resource!)Don’t chase what’s trending; choose what’s enduring.Ask, “Will this course idea still be relevant 10-15 years from now?”Use AI tools to gather information.If you’re looking for a great free resource about your online course, check out our Course Creator Starter Kit.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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

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 GuestLinda Murphy, MEd, MA, LMHCLinda Murphy is a group practice owner in Florida, and she’s a member of the STC Online Course Mastermind group for therapists. Linda is the founder of the Banana Man Society and the Relationship and Divorce Counseling Center. She developed her idea to create a course for dealing with a difficult person because she saw that topic come up often for her clients, and she realized over time that there had to be a better way to distill and share information beyond 1:1 therapy. She created “Banana Man” as a metaphor for dealing with a difficult person–and the Banana Man Society was born. In this session, Linda gives an open, honest look at her course creation journey, along with insights into how she refined her idea. She shares tips and strategies she has learned that might be helpful to others in the course creation process. WebsiteYou’ll Learn:How to embrace the mindset of connection, support, and collaborationHow Linda realized in her first career, as a teacher, that connection is more important than contentHow Linda developed the idea for her online courseThe origins of Banana Man as a metaphor for options in dealing with difficult peopleWhy Linda created an animated video of the Banana Man story (through the STC Mastermind group)Linda’s best tips for others about creating a successful online course:Lean into who you are and be authentic.Market yourself and be creative with social media.Where Linda sees her course going in the future with a specifically targeted nicheLinda’s thoughts about the impact and benefits of the STC Online Course Mastermind group 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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

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 successfully done this? Being successful in creating CEU courses requires innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit. Join us for informative insights from today’s guest!Our Featured GuestMatthew BierdsMatt Bierds, from Duke City Counseling, is a licensed professional counselor, course creator, and professional speaker who does in-person and virtual counseling and LPC supervision in Texas and New Mexico. As far back as ten years ago, Matt realized that the world of online education was expanding, and he recognized the potential for LPCs in the field of online courses. After jumping into this arena, Matt went through a “failing forward” phase before making a few tweaks and creating a course for LPC supervisors. In today’s session, Matt shares the lessons learned along his fascinating journey and the mistakes and successes that have brought him to where he is today. Matt's WebsiteYou’ll Learn:Matt’s wisdom: “I learned the hard way that selling general continuing education courses online is pointless and a waste of time and money.”The value in pivoting and niching down when something isn’t workingDiscovering the sweet spot: How Matt created a course designed for a specific person in a specific situationCourse creation is successful when you see the need and solve the pain point.Matt’s path to building trust and cultivating repeat customersThe progression and development of Matt’s 40-hour course and 6-hour refresher coursesThe challenges in maintaining compliance and navigating changes in licensing requirementsCourse creation challenges: creating content and incorporating more video interaction and student engagementMatt’s biggest mistakes and successes in marketing his coursesResources: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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Here we are, all set for the final episode of 2024. We will fill the next few weeks with replays of popular episodes and be back in 2025 with exciting new episodes. During this hiatus, I’ll be using these “Walden months,” as I call them, for extra rest and taking time to work on specific projects, like my online course. If you are considering launching an online course, today’s episode is for you! I’ve learned a lot over the last 9 years as a course creator, and I’m sharing an honest look at my biggest lessons learned and what I would tell anyone on this course creation path. You’ll Learn: 5 things I want to share about launching an online course:Focus on what you already know and love to teach. (Stay within your niche!)Hear my thoughts on course creation and AI.Start small and build slowly. (Think about your “value ladder.”)Think about recurring offers related to your course.Validation is non-negotiable. (Validate your course idea before you proceed.)Download the free Course Creator Starter Kit. Embrace the tech, but don’t let it overwhelm you. Start with “good enough,” and upgrade your sound, lighting, and camera when you can.Hear my recommendations for basic tech for someone just starting out in course creation. Take a “defaulting to action” perspective rather than waiting for perfectionism. Build your audience early.Don’t wait until your course launch to build your email list.Use social media and discovery platforms. Use these affiliate links for more information: Teachable, ConvertKit, and CartraResources: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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s topic is at the heart of the Quiet Builder philosophy. The question is, “How do we design a business that supports our lives, not swallows it?” This becomes increasingly important as the world grows more uncertain and our responsibilities grow daily. This episode is for anyone building a business that fits into real life, and not the other way around.You’ll Learn:My pandemic story of stepping back and reassessing my business3 anchors for building a life-first business in an uncertain world:Design for margin, not maximum.Clarity comes from creating margin, not hustling.Designing for margin is how we stay well enough to serve others.Build products that don’t require your constant presence.Design for asymmetry, where value isn’t tied to one-to-one time.A life-first business scales impact, not just hours.Plan around what you can’t plan for.Your business should be designed to absorb disruption, not collapse under it.Strategies that work for me are “Walden months,” a hard growth ceiling on STC, and allowing maximum flexibility to travel when loved ones need extra help. To sum up today’s topic: “A resilient business doesn’t break when life happens; it bends with grace.”Need help in this area? Check out 50 Free ChatGPT Prompts for Quiet Builders on our website.Sign up here for our new newsletter, The Quiet Builder, that comes out twice monthly. Free Resources for Quiet Builders, Podcasters, and Course CreatorsValidate Your Online Course IdeaGet our free 7-day email course for therapistssellingthecouch.com/coursekitStart Podcasting as a Thought LeaderWatch our free workshop on using podcasting to build authority sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshopThe Quiet Builder NewsletterA $97/year premium newsletter for thoughtful therapists, founders, and leaders sellingthecouch.com/quietbuilderMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session focuses on therapy work with men who struggle with “nice guy syndrome.” If you aren’t familiar with the term or wonder how that niche works in a private practice, join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestJonathan Rudiger, PsyDJonathan Rudiger is a licensed psychologist who lives and works in the Nashville, TN, area. He was one of my clinical supervisors when I was at Vanderbilt, and he’s become a dear friend and mentor who helped shape me into who I am today. Besides his time at Vanderbilt, he has spent a number of years working at the VA and in various capacities in private practice. One of his areas of focus is with clients with “nice guy syndrome,” and he’s sharing about his work in this conversation. We will take a look at this unusual niche through a clinical lens and a business perspective. We wrap up with common mistakes therapists make when working with men who present as “nice guys” but are actually in a lot of pain. LinkedIn (Website coming soon!)You’ll Learn:Jonathan’s path to finding a niche and designing a private practice around itCharacteristics of the “nice guy syndrome” and typical patterns in relationshipsIssues inherent in “nice guy syndrome” include low self-esteem, shame, fear of rejection, and a fundamental dishonesty with themselves.Niching down defines the best space for your work and the place with the least chance of burnout.Going from a clinical explanation to real-world language in marketing (Storytelling is key!)Framing psychotherapy with storytelling empowers people to tell their stories.Common mistakes therapists make when working with “nice guy syndrome” clients:They assume that the nice demeanor means things are okay.Neglecting the role of shameResources: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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session covers strategies for setting boundaries, managing client expectations, and raising rates. All of these tasks can be uncomfortable for clinicians, but we have expert tips for adjusting your mindset and understanding your value. Join us for more!Our Featured GuestMelody WildingMelody Wilding, LMSW, has been in the coaching space for the past few years, doing amazing work through speaking engagements, workshops, and coaching. She recently wrote Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. “Managing up” refers to the process of navigating relationships and improving trust with people who have more power than you. We all want to lead well, but there are many opportunities to learn and improve in our leadership. Melody helps us discover how to set boundaries around our availability and tackle the uncomfortable process of raising rates. She shares the necessary mindset shifts to make in advocating for our value while keeping relationships intact, which is one of the most delicate situations for most clinicians. Website and BookYou’ll Learn:The clinician’s role in setting boundaries while providing customer serviceImportance of understanding power dynamics as a clinicianPractical strategies for managing client expectations with clarityKey conversation elements to “manage up,” beginning with alignmentWhy hesitancy is normal around raising rates: How to have “the money conversation”Difference in the value you’ve already provided vs. the potential ROI going forwardClear communication regarding raising your ratesMindset shifts to empower you to raise your ratesCreativity in adding value for clients without increasing your live time with themResources: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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

How do you know if your idea for an online course is a good one? Today’s session kicks off a three-part series about online courses and how to build a sustainable online course as a therapist. The most common question I get is about ideas for online courses. If you’ve thought about launching an online course but have some hesitancy, this episode will be helpful for you. I remember going through the dilemma of choosing course ideas and wondering which ones are good. It was overwhelming, but I found a way to determine if a course idea is good, and I’m sharing what I’ve learned. You’ll Learn:The best course ideas aren’t invented but are discovered in the questions your people are already asking.Three anchors for validating a good course idea:Your audience is already dropping clues.Pay attention to how you are seen as an expert.If someone asks you the same question three times or more, that’s a signal.Validate before you build.Don’t spend time creating slides without validating your idea.Put together a poll or Google form to get feedback. (Fathom.video is a helpful resource!)Don’t chase what’s trending; choose what’s enduring.Ask, “Will this course idea still be relevant 10-15 years from now?”Use AI tools to gather information.If you’re looking for a great free resource about your online course, check out our Course Creator Starter Kit.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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Are you a clinician in private practice who has considered taking insurance–but you just aren’t sure? Maybe you already take insurance, but are overwhelmed with navigating denials and rejections. Either way, today’s session is packed with helpful information and strategic tips. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestJeremy ZugJeremy Zug is a partner at Practice Solutions, which offers support and insurance billing for therapists and private practices. Their mission is to partner with and empower providers to focus on patient care by removing the burden of billing. Jeremy shares information about denials and rejections, the difference between the two, and how to fix them. He also shares the top three reasons for denials and rejections. We are thrilled to welcome Jeremy as a returning guest to STC!Practice Solutions You’ll Learn:What is a denial?The tricky layers of denialsWhat is a rejection? (This is better than a denial and is usually fixable in a short amount of time.)Assessing your risk tolerance (low, medium, or high?)Fact: Some insurance companies are easier to work with than others. (Check their denial rates!)Insurance companies’ tactics to “control the spend”Jeremy’s advice about denials and appeals, especially for solo practitionersThe top three reasons for denials: duplicate claim and service, coordination of benefits, and “denied for medical necessity”The top three reasons for rejections: credentialing issues, patient demographics, and “modifier inconsistent with place of service”The top actions therapists can take to fix denials and rejections: track them, look for a pattern/cause, and manage your insurance mixtureAn overview of Practice Solutions and their services (book, billing, and billing department support) Use this link for 20% off any of their services for STC listeners! 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.If you are a seasoned therapist who wants to move from clinical to online course income, we have a specific mastermind for you. We meet together to build, grow, and scale our online courses. You can learn more at https://sellingthecouch.com/mastermind.Mentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.

Today’s session revolves around the phrase “quiet builder.” We are discussing the concept behind this phrase, as well as why this mindset is so vitally important in this day of political uncertainty, escalating AI technology, etc. You may wonder how you can build something meaningful without being loud, fast, and constantly online, and I honestly think about this concept very often. When I started Selling the Couch in 2015, I knew that I didn’t want to build my business like everyone else; my definition of success differs from what society pressures us to do to be successful as entrepreneurs. I wanted to embody a more holistic definition of success and well-being, and my purpose remains much bigger than simply building a successful business. Join me as we explore the idea of being a quiet builder.You’ll Learn:3 Marks of a Quiet Builder:Quiet builders create from depth, not noise.They focus on long-form content.Quiet builders design their businesses around their lives, not the other way around. They ask, “How do I build something I won’t resent 5-10 years from now?”Building with “margin” has become my goal.Quiet builders play the long game.They focus on timeless principles, like service, trust, and consistency as they look to cultivate a legacy.For building a values-driven, life-first business that goes against hustle culture messaging, join our new premium newsletter that is published twice monthly. Learn more about The Quiet Builder Newsletter. Resources:Want to launch your online course?Please check out our free 7-Day Course Creator Starter Kit for Therapists at https://sellingthecouch.com/coursekit.Want to launch your podcast?Please check out our free podcasting workshop called from Therapist To Thought Leader: Why Podcasting Could Be Your Next Big Move at https://sellingthecouch.com/podcastingworkshopMentioned in this episode:Try Alma!Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE—an exclusive offer for STC listeners.