Scaling Therapist Podcast: More Income, More Independence, More Impact (Not More Hours)

Eradicating Shame and Healing Betrayal Trauma   In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland interviews Alaina Smith, a licensed professional counselor who is launching an online course aimed at helping people cope with betrayal trauma. The discussion covers the uniqueness of Smith's course, which integrates her personal experiences and professional expertise with a focus on Christian faith perspectives. They explore the importance of authenticity in the healing process, the reasons why such a course is necessary now, and how it aims to validate and support individuals through their trauma. Smith also discusses the symbolism behind her business names Mariposa Counseling and Mariposa Recovery Institute, illustrating her approach to transformation and healing. The episode wraps up with details on an upcoming webinar hosted by Smith titled 'The Path to Peace: Transforming Trauma from Hurting to Helping', aimed at those who have experienced trauma or are in the process of helping others through trauma. Show Highlights 00:00 Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice 00:17 Introducing Alaina Smith and Her Mission 05:13 The Power of Online Courses for Broader Impact 10:46 Alaina's Personal Connection to Betrayal Trauma 11:38 The Importance of Authenticity in Course Creation 13:12 Why Now? The Urgency of Launching the Course 15:36 The Transformative Potential of the Course 19:25 Why People Would Choose This Course Over Others 31:53 Closing Thoughts and Upcoming Webinar Announcement Learning Event April 18th, 2 pm EST The Path to Peace: Transforming Trauma from Hurting to Helping - Register Today   Benefits of Attending: Understanding Trauma: Learn about the nature of trauma and its impact on the mind and body, helping you to recognize and validate your experiences. Tools for Transformation: Gain a specific tool to help calm the chaos of trauma, allowing for clearer thinking and better decision-making. Empowerment Through Knowledge: Discover how to teach your brain that you are safe, enabling you to move from surviving to thriving. Community and Support: Connect with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Guest Resources Betrayaltobeauty.com: Connect with Alaina and find more resources for trauma  Mariposa Counseling LLC - Counseling Services in Grand Rapids, MI 49505 Mariposa Counseling LLC  on Facebook Mariposa Counseling LLC  on Instagram Mariposa Counseling on LinkedIn  More Links and Resources Build an Online Course Business with One Tool: Kajabi 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Course Navigator Download: Get your ideas out of your head and onto paper with the Course Navigator Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstu Some Links are affiliate links that benefit the author at no cost to the user. Thanks for clicking!  

Empowering Mission-Driven Helpers with Online Courses: A Deep Dive with Joey Ragona In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland invites his mentor, Joey Ragona, to discuss empowering mission-driven helpers, healers, and coaches through launching life-changing online courses and content. Ragona shares his journey from struggling to realize his mission to helping others fulfill theirs by launching courses. He emphasizes the importance of serving rather than selling, creating authentic relationships, and understanding the dream client DNA. They explore how genuine connection and understanding one's audience can lead to a fulfilling and successful online business. Alternative marketing strategies to traditional 'bro marketing' are also discussed, highlighting the importance of aligning with one's values and the power of understanding client needs and timelines. The episode encapsulates the essence of building a heart-centered business model focused on serving others and maintaining authenticity. Show Highlights 00:00 Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice: Empowering Mission-Driven Helpers 00:27 Introducing Joey Ragona: From Therapy to Empowering Entrepreneurs 02:47 The Journey of a Mission-Driven Entrepreneur 03:43 The Shift from Bro Marketing to Authentic Connections 05:53 Crafting the Dream Client Connection 24:32 The Power of Consistency and Authenticity in Business 29:20 Exploring the Dream Business and Client DNA 30:49 The Flywheel Concept: Building Momentum in Business 33:00 The Power of Consistency and Branding 33:42 Navigating the Challenges of Business Growth 34:38 Dream Client DNA: Identifying Your Ideal Client 36:03 The Journey to Finding and Serving Your Dream Client 39:00 The Importance of Authentic Connections in Business 41:21 Choosing the Right Clients for Sustainable Growth 49:57 Unpacking the Dream Client DNA and Unfunnel Strategy 57:01 Concluding Thoughts and How to Connect Further Guest Resources Strategic Business Academy - visit Joey and tell him James sent you Intro to Dream Client Training - its all about you Kajabi Dream Customer Workshop - free webinar with Joey where he serves up major value  Start a conversation with Joey: [email protected] Heart-Centered Marketing group - if you want more great value and support, check out the community group on Facebook More Links and Resources Build an Online Course Business with One Tool: Kajabi 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Course Navigator Download: Get your ideas out of your head and onto paper with the Course Navigator Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstudio  Some Links are affiliate links that benefit the author at no cost to the user. Thanks for clicking!

Strategies to have Genuine Conversations with Your Ideal Clients   Finding and Talking to Your Dream Client   This podcast episode, hosted by James Marland, focuses on empowering helpers to create online courses that change lives. James shares tips on having conversations with your ideal clients, find where they hang out online and engaging with them to understand their needs and problems. He recommends using personal networks, email lists, and Facebook groups to reach out and have meaningful conversations.    00:00 Welcome to the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast 00:30 Engaging with Your Ideal Client Online 01:09 The Power of Kajabi for Course Creators 03:30 Season 3 Focus: Creating Online Courses & Reaching Your Audience 05:17 Finding and Conversing with Your Ideal Clients 07:58 Utilizing Facebook Groups and Other Platforms for Engagement 11:25 The Importance of Real Conversations in Course Creation 16:27 Next Week's Episode Teaser & Final Thoughts   Start with the Course Navigator I can't tell you how excited I am to share this tool. It's one thing to have a vision but another to lay it down, clear and tangible, on paper. The Course Navigator is designed to do just that. It's more than just a guide; it's a beacon for your teaching journey. Click here to start your journey and Download the Course Navigator today.   Links and Resources Build an Online Course Business with One Tool: Kajabi 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Who Not How: The Formula to Achieve Bigger Goals Through Accelerating Teamwork by Dan Sullivan (Author), Dr. Benjamin Hardy (Author, Narrator) Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstu Some Links are affiliate links that benefit the author at no cost to the user. Thanks for clicking!

The Right Amount of Customer Research for Your Online Course In this episode, James Marland discusses the crucial aspect of customer research in launching successful online courses. He emphasizes that there's no specific duration to conduct customer research; it's about finding the balance to ensure your program works and can generate sales. James critiques the habit of over-preparing without release and advocates for the concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP), inspired by 'The Lean Startup'. He advises identifying your strengths, understanding your student's struggles, and having conversations to pinpoint their pain points. The goal is to effectively communicate the transformation your course offers, thus transforming potential students from their current 'storm' to a 'safe harbor'. He encourages getting started with what you have and continuously improving rather than waiting for perfection. The episode is aimed at mission-driven helpers interested in creating life-changing courses, and James also mentions his upcoming cohort for like-minded individuals. Show Highlight 00:00 Welcome to the Course Creation Journey! 00:23 The Essence of Customer Research in Course Creation 02:35 Understanding the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) Concept 03:16 Identifying Your Strengths and Understanding Your Students 04:41 The Importance of Effective Communication and Research 07:51 Taking the Leap: From Course Idea to Launch 08:19 Join the Upcoming Course Creation Cohort 09:17 Exclusive Resources for Aspiring Course Creators 09:55 Educational Disclaimer and Closing Remarks Launch a Course Cohort We are starting on March 25, 2024. We will work together to launch your course in 6 weeks. Email [email protected] if you would like more information.  If you would like a handout from episode 62, email me and tell me where you are in your course creation process. I would love to learn from your experiences. Please mention episode 62 so I can send you the right handout!  Start with the Course Navigator I can't tell you how excited I am to share this tool. It's one thing to have a vision but another to lay it down, clear and tangible, on paper. The Course Navigator is designed to do just that. It's more than just a guide; it's a beacon for your teaching journey. Click here to start your journey and Download the Course Navigator today. Links and Resources Build an Online Course Business with One Tool: Kajabi 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses   The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstu Some Links are affiliate links that benefit the author at no cost to the user. Thanks for clicking!  

Creating Impactful Online Course Titles In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, James from Course Creation Studio discusses the importance of naming online courses effectively. He introduces the third season of the podcast, which focuses on empowering mission-driven helpers to launch life-changing online courses and outlines the significance of a course title as the first point of contact with potential learners. James offers a resource titled 'Your Title Goes Here' for creating the perfect course title and shares strategies for selecting a title that captures attention, including using popular keywords, considering the audience’s language, highlighting key benefits, and ensuring the title is short, memorable, and clear. He also provides several naming conventions and formulas to help course creators come up with impactful titles. For further assistance, James invites listeners to email him for additional resources and tips on course creation. Highlights 00:00 Introduction to the Course Creation Studio 00:34 The Importance of Naming Your Online Course 01:14 The Power of a Good Course Title 03:11 Tips for Creating Engaging Course Titles 03:25 Using Google and Other Tools for Course Title Research 04:28 Understanding Your Audience and Their Language 05:40 Highlighting the Benefits of Your Course in the Title 07:52 The Importance of Clarity and Memorability in Course Titles 09:53 A Checklist for Creating Effective Course Titles 10:41 Examples of Naming Conventions for Course Titles 12:29 Conclusion and Additional Resources Start with the Course Navigator I can't tell you how excited I am to share this tool. It's one thing to have a vision but another to lay it down, clear and tangible, on paper. The Course Navigator is designed to do just that. It's more than just a guide; it's a beacon for your teaching journey. Click here to start your journey and Download the Course Navigator today. Links and Resources Build an Online Course Business with One Tool: Kajabi 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses More about naming your course: LearnWorlds More about Naming Your Course: ContentSparks Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstu Some Links are affiliate links that benefit the author at no cost to the user. Thanks for clicking!

Understanding Why People Don't Buy Your Online Course In this episode, James Marland of Course Creation Studio discusses why people are reluctant to purchase online courses. He asserts that individuals are not inherently interested in courses but seek solutions to their problems. Marland explains the concept of a 'dream client', actively seeking a solution to a problem they are passionate about solving. The episode emphasizes the need to understand potential clients' concerns and create a course to resolve those issues. Furthermore, Marland mentions a series of questions aimed at understanding the struggles of the potential client. He concludes by mentioning his one-sheet course navigator tool to help evaluate potential online courses. Highlights 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:37 Understanding Your Dream Client 02:04 The Purpose of Your Course 02:49 Why People Don't Want to Take Your Course 03:39 Identifying the Problem to Solve 05:12 The Hero's Journey and Your Role as a Guide 06:53 Questions to Identify Your Client's Pain Points 13:54 Why It's Important to Solve Your Client's Problem 14:37 Developing a Course Navigator 15:39 Conclusion and Contact Information  Start a Journey with the Course Navigator I can't tell you how excited I am to share this tool. It's one thing to have a vision but another to lay it down, clear and tangible, on paper. The Course Navigator is designed to do just that. It's more than just a guide; it's a beacon for your teaching journey. Download the Course Navigator today. Links and Resources 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Heart-Centered Marketing on YouTube: Joey is the master of marketing with your authentic self Dream Customer Workshop: This workshop is worth your time if you are wondering about how to reach the right people with your content Hero on a Mission Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstudio

Discovering and Attracting Your Dream Clients In this episode of 'Scaling Therapy Practice', host James Marland focuses on finding and attracting dream clients for online courses. He emphasizes understanding one's unique abilities and values and aligning them with the business rather than adjusting life to fit the business. He discusses the importance of the client recognizing their problem and seeking solutions actively, advising that the focus should be on attracting clients who already understand your value. He shares his values and experiences and how he uses these as pointers to identify his dream clients. He concludes that one doesn’t find the dream client instead the dream client finds you. He encourages everyone to stay genuine in their mission, and the clients will discover and align with their vision. Show Highlights 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:42 Understanding Your Unique Ability 01:29 Finding Your Dream Client 01:57 The Importance of Niching Down 02:52 The Three Keys to Identifying Your Dream Client 03:41 My Journey to Identifying My Dream Client 06:27 The Qualifiers for Your Dream Client 08:20 Understanding Your Unique Qualifiers 13:01 How to Attract Your Dream Clients 15:53 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 18:55 Show Wrap-up and Next Steps Links and Resources Kajabi: Full Featured Course Creation Host, Webpage, Marketing, Community, Email Marketing, and more  50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Heart-Centered Marketing on YouTube: Joey is the master of marketing with your authentic self Dream Customer Workshop: This workshop is worth your time if you are wondering about how to reach the right people with your content Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery - Define Your Best Self Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding 10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstudio  Some links may be affiliate links. 

The Value of Authenticity in Building Online Courses In this Scaling Therapy Practice podcast episode, James Marland from Course Creation Studio emphasizes the importance of authenticity when launching an online course. He warns against treating sales as the foundation of your online course, rather he is advocating that the course should be rooted in your unique abilities, values, and authenticity. Marlon offers practical suggestions for identifying your unique ability and strengths, including self-reflection, seeking feedback from others, and using tools like Dan Sullivan's Unique Ability Workbook. He also highlights the importance of differentiating oneself through one's unique story and experiences instead of relying heavily on sales-oriented tactics. Towards the end of the podcast, Marlon provides strategies to validate your authentic self, including participating in online forums, sharing expert insights on social media, or hosting live Q&A sessions. Highlights 00:13 Introduction to the Course Creation Studio 00:30 The Foundation of an Online Course 01:09 The Five Stages of Building an Online Course 01:46 The Importance of Time Management in Course Creation 02:39 The Power of Authenticity in Course Creation 04:09 Identifying Your Unique Ability 05:21 Leveraging Your Unique Ability 07:36 Identifying Your Unique Ability: Practical Steps 12:04 The Importance of Authenticity in Selling Your Course 19:27 Validating Your Authentic Self 20:42 Conclusion: The Power of Authenticity in Course Creation 21:50 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Links and Resources 50 Questions People Ask About Online Courses: Living Document that will be updated as Season 3 progresses Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery - Define Your Best Self Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding 10x Is Easier than 2x: How World-Class Entrepreneurs Achieve More by Doing Less The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstudio

In this episode of 'Scaling Therapy Practice,' host James Marland announces the introduction of its third season. He looks back at the past two seasons, highlighting the areas of growing practice and marketing. The third season will focus on aiding therapists in developing online courses as a means of income and reaching more people. James expresses his desire to empower mission-driven therapists to launch life-changing online courses. He describes his drive to provide therapists with tools and tips to launch these digital courses. James expects to produce 30 to 50 episodes for the third season covering various elements of launching online courses. He discusses the roadmap for the season, including interviews, courses, community groups, and more. Lastly, he shares his experiences and justifies his passion for helping people in need through this online course initiative. Highlights 00:11 Introduction and Overview of the Scaling Therapy Practice 00:43 Recap of Previous Seasons and Future Plans 01:33 The New Focus: Developing Online Courses for Therapists 02:16 Unpacking the Mission Statement 03:19 The Importance of Being Mission-Driven 04:42 The Concept of Launching and Overcoming Technological Challenges 05:59 The Power of Life-Changing Online Courses 12:32 The Roadmap for Season Three 15:41 Personal Motivation and the Impact of Online Courses 17:51 Conclusion and Invitation for Interaction Links and Resources Course Creation Studio: https://www.coursecreationstudio.com/ Course Creation Studio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coursecreationstudio/  Course Creation Studio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesisnext/ Course Creation Studio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@coursecreationstudio

In this episode, the hosts discuss various marketing strategies for therapists, including the importance of being authentic in social media posts, specializing in one or two social media rather than spreading oneself too thin over numerous platforms, and considering outsourcing social media management. They also highlight the role of networking at conferences, using lead magnets like webinars, courses or worksheets to provide value and build relationships, and how to use email marketing platforms to segment audiences and improve targeting. In the context of podcasts, the hosts underline the benefits of networking collaborations and maintaining focus on a specific goal or topic to build audiences effectively. They also look at how to segment markets and use tactics like Google Pixels to track potential clients across platforms. Lastly, they mention the benefits of consistency and persistence in all marketing efforts. Using these strategies, therapists can effectively market their practice, build solid relationships and reach their potential clients seamlessly. Learning Event: 7 Steps to More Clients with Lead Magnets January 25th 2 PM EST: Register Now  Unlock the Power of Lead Magnets: Discover 7 Proven Steps to Attract More Clients and Transform Your Business Growth. Join our exciting webinar to discover the magic of lead magnets in just 7 easy steps! Whether you're a solo therapist, group practice business owner, coach, or run a non-profit, this is for YOU! Learn how to draw in clients who need your services, boost your online presence, and use smart, budget-friendly marketing tricks. But hey, this isn't a quick fix or about pushy sales. It's for those who are serious about growing their business the right way, with lasting relationships and real value. Don't miss out – sign up now and start your journey to more clients and amazing business growth! Register Now! Guest Resources The Practice of Therapy webpage The Practice of Therapy podcast PsychCraft Network Resources In This Episode Laura Long Standout on Psychology Today with Laura Long Private Practice Elevation: Therapist Website Design & Online Marketing Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking The Pumpkin Plan: A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field PsychMaven - Online Education for Therapists Builder Type Assessment - What is your personality type for building your practice? PsychCraft Network Therapy Flow - Website Therapy Flow - Facebook Therapy Flow - Instagram Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio Highlights: 00:15 Introduction and Power Outage Incident 00:27 Discussion on Social Media and Authenticity 01:42 The Importance of Outsourcing Social Media Management 02:39 The Power of Authenticity in Social Media 03:14 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform 03:49 Utilizing Buffer for Social Media Management 04:52 The Benefits of Premium Buffer 06:17 Exploring Other Social Media Management Tools 06:57 Marketing Your Therapist 11:01 The Importance of Promoting Other Therapists in a Group Practice 14:02 Marketing Your Mental Health Services 18:17 The Potential of Therapists in Creating Courses 21:21 Marketing Your Therapy Services with Referrals and Word of Mouth 23:03 The Art of Networking 23:40 Building Relationships in the Community 26:00 The Power of Consistency 26:38 Exploring Podcasting as a Marketing Tool 32:30 The Role of Webinars in Marketing 37:33 Advanced Marketing Strategies 42:27 The Importance of Authenticity in Marketing 43:47 Making Your Practice Visible 46:16 Closing Remarks

Scaling Therapy Practice: Exploring SEO, Niches, and Networking Strategies for Therapists  James Marland hosts this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice alongside guest Gordon Brewer, the founder of the PsychCraft Network. The show emphasizes sustainable growth, dwelling on prior episodes about marketing mental health services. The importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is highlighted, discussing how it boosts online visibility for therapy services. The show also stresses the power of serving a niche and specializing in services, based on the book 'The Pumpkin Plan'. Lastly, the hosts talk about networking at conferences, focusing on how to gain maximum ROI from these events and tips for introverts on better connections. This discussion also indulges in the role of lead magnets in building an email list and the importance of conferences in fostering community building and networking among therapists. 00:04 Introduction to the Show 00:27 Recap of Previous Episodes 00:42 Discussion with Gordon Brewer 01:32 Deep Dive into SEO for Therapy Services 04:32 Understanding the Importance of Specific Service Pages 06:44 The Power of Lead Magnets in Marketing 10:29 Serving a Niche in Therapy Practice 10:48 Discussing the Power of Specialization 12:01 The Fear of Niching Down 12:26 The Importance of Specialization in Medical Practice 14:05 The Power of Networking at Conferences 14:40 Making Networking a Game 15:15 The Power of Networking and Building Relationships 15:49 Getting the Most Out of Conferences 16:08 Tips for Introverts at Conferences 16:39 The Power of Community at Conferences 19:17 Understanding Introverts at Conferences Learning Event: 7 Steps to More Clients with Lead Magnets January 25th 2 PM EST: Register Now  Unlock the Power of Lead Magnets: Discover 7 Proven Steps to Attract More Clients and Transform Your Business Growth. Join our exciting webinar to discover the magic of lead magnets in just 7 easy steps! Whether you're a solo therapist, group practice business owner, coach, or run a non-profit, this is for YOU! Learn how to draw in clients who need your services, boost your online presence, and use smart, budget-friendly marketing tricks. But hey, this isn't a quick fix or about pushy sales. It's for those who are serious about growing their business the right way, with lasting relationships and real value. Don't miss out – sign up now and start your journey to more clients and amazing business growth! Register Now! Guest Resources The Practice of Therapy webpage The Practice of Therapy podcast PsychCraft Network Resources In This Episode Private Practice Elevation: Therapist Website Design & Online Marketing Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking The Pumpkin Plan: A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field PsychMaven - Online Education for Therapists Builder Type Assessment - What is your personality type for building your practice? PsychCraft Network Therapy Flow - Website Therapy Flow - Facebook Therapy Flow - Instagram Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio

Enhancing Your Therapy Practice: Advanced Marketing Strategies In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, host James Marland is joined by regular guest hosts, Lisa Mustard and Steve Bisson, as well as special guest Joshua Brummel from Therapy Flow. The group discusses advanced marketing strategies designed to help grow and enhance therapy practices. Topics covered include the use of lead magnets, the implementation of retargeting ads, enhancing SEO through guest blogging, the impact of consistent, targeted newsletters, and the potential of physical marketing techniques. The conversation offers practical advice, fresh perspectives, and actionable tips towards sustainable growth in therapy practices. 00:11 Introduction and Welcome00:32 Exploring Marketing Strategies for Therapy Practice01:42 Introducing the Hosts and Special Guest03:06 Discussion on Goal Setting08:37 Introduction to Advanced Marketing Strategies13:04 Deep Dive into Lead Magnets19:10 Understanding Retargeting Ads24:59 Understanding Different Advertising Platforms25:25 Exploring Old School Marketing: Mailers26:52 Adapting Mailers for Remote Businesses27:11 Deepening Strategy with Referral Partners27:57 Using Mail as a Retargeting Campaign30:50 The Power of Newsletters32:23 Running Ads to Newsletters37:22 Advanced SEO Strategy: Guest Blogging41:45 Leveraging Time and Energy in Marketing45:08 The Importance of Specializing Content50:09 Webinar Announcement51:59 Wrapping Up the Season Learning Event: 7 Steps to More Clients with Lead Magnets January 25th 2 PM EST: Register Now Unlock the Power of Lead Magnets: Discover 7 Proven Steps to Attract More Clients and Transform Your Business Growth. Join our exciting webinar to discover the magic of lead magnets in just 7 easy steps! Whether you're a solo therapist, group practice business owner, coach, or run a non-profit, this is for YOU! Learn how to draw in clients who need your services, boost your online presence, and use smart, budget-friendly marketing tricks. But hey, this isn't a quick fix or about pushy sales. It's for those who are serious about growing their business the right way, with lasting relationships and real value. Don't miss out – sign up now and start your journey to more clients and amazing business growth! Register Now! Guest Resources Therapy Flow - Website Therapy Flow - Facebook Therapy Flow - Instagram Resources In This Episode Green Oak Accounting Donald Miller and Hero on a Mission StoryBrand 10X is Easier Than 2X Get Different: Marketing That Can’t Be Ignored! PsychMaven - Online Education for Therapists Builder Type Assessment - What is your personality type for building your practice? PsychCraft Network Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio Even More Helpful Resources Sign up for the newsletter and receive all the helpful downloads from STP season 2 including dealing with complaints, setting goals, SEO basics, and more!

Making 2024 Your Best Year Yet: Goal Setting & Achieving | Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast In this special episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast, host James Marland invites Julie Herres, an expert from Green Oak Accounting and author of 'Profit First for Therapists', to share insights on goal setting and making 2024 your best year yet. Julie emphasizes the importance of aligning business financial goals with personal aspirations and suggests utilizing SMART goals for tracking progress. Toward the end of the episode, James shares a helpful worksheet for staying on track, and Julie announces a free learning event designed to help listeners achieve their goals. The episode sheds light on the importance of clear, actionable goals and provides practical tips for goal setting, pushing towards aggressive goals, and reflecting on past achievements. Get the full show notes here and the links: https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/blog/STP53 Grab all Season 2 Downloads (including the Turning Dreams to Done Planner from this episode) here. 00:10 Introduction and Podcast Takeover Announcement 01:19 Julie Harris on Making 2024 Your Best Year Yet 03:13 The Importance of Setting Goals 04:19 Aligning Business Goals with Personal Goals 05:24 The Power of Setting Big Goals 05:48 The Concept of 10X Goals 12:46 Announcement of the Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet Workshop 14:42 Host's Reflections and Personal Goal-Setting Strategy 16:37 The Role of Guardrails in Achieving Goals 21:33 Conclusion and Thanks to Listeners Guest Information Make 2024 Your Best Year Yet Workshop - Sign up for this Jan. 3rd event GreenOak Accounting  Profit First For Therapists - Order the book and join the revolution. I listened to the Audible version which Julie does an amazing job of narrating.  Links and Resources Hero On a Mission  The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur:  The Tell-it-Like-it-is Guide to Cleaning Up in Business, Even if You Are at the End of Your Roll The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth Behind Extraordinary Results PsychMaven - Online Education for Therapists Builder Type Assessment - What is your personality type for building your practice? PsychCraft Network Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio Even More Helpful Resources Sign up for the newsletter and receive all the helpful downloads from STP season 2 including dealing with complaints, setting goals, SEO basics, and more!

Understanding Webinars for Mental Health Services and Products: Insights and Practical Tips In this episode of the 'Scaling Therapy Practice', host James Marland and guest Dawn Gabriel discuss the use of webinars in the field of psychotherapy. Guest Dr. David Hall shares his experiences and offers tips for making webinars more effective. The concept, use, and practices of webinars are explained in depth. This includes a discussion on best practices, and webinar platforms as well as the dos and don'ts of conducting a successful webinar for mental health clinicians. The episode also touches on the importance of delivering value, authentic marketing, professionalism, and more. 00:10 Introduction and Welcome 00:28 The Importance of Webinars 01:13 Interview with Dr. David Hall 01:52 Understanding Webinars 04:13 The Benefits of Running a Webinar 09:33 The Art of Creating Engaging Webinars 09:42 Common Mistakes in Webinar Creation 15:09 Choosing the Right Tools for Webinars 19:22 Conclusion and Contact Information 19:44 Introduction to Psychmaven and Other Projects 21:20 Discussion on Webinars and Marketing Services 23:21 Engaging Audience in Webinars 25:44 Buying Decisions in Webinars 31:18 Tips for Running Successful Webinars 37:18 Closing Remarks and Recommendations 39:14 Outro and Disclaimer Links and Resources PsychMaven - Online Education for Therapists Church Psychology Podcast - Check out David’s new podcast Builder Type Assessment - What is your personality type for building your practice? Descript - Audio and Video Edition Platform Kajabi - Create, host, and promote your Online Courses, now with AI tools AppSumo - tech deals Sessions - meeting and webinar hosting Webinar Ninja - webinar hosting platform PsychCraft Network - network, network, network. And Podcasting  Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio

In today’s world, stepping up your game as a therapist involves more than just honing your clinical skills. Embracing novel ways of reaching potential clients and making impactful connections is equally vital. One effective method is exploring the digital realm of podcasting.  Exploring Podcasting for Therapy Marketing In this Scaling Therapy Practice podcast episode, hosts interview experts Steve Bisson and Lisa Mustard. They emphasize the importance of being clear about the intention of starting a podcast. It could be an avenue for fun and hobbies, or it could serve as a strategic marketing tool for your therapy services. The guests also discuss the benefits of AI tools such as Descript and Kajabi for podcast production. The discussion covers networking, finding guests, and producing content – areas critical for successful podcasting. The episode highlights the value of being in a network, such as the PsychCraft Network, to support and enhance each other's podcasts. As a final point, the conversation turns to the potential of podcasting for lead generation and course instruction. Full Show Notes on the Web Page. 00:10 Introduction to the Show00:49 Exploring the Tool of the Week: Hello Audio02:16 Benefits of Private Podcasting05:02 Practical Uses of Hello Audio06:11 The Ease of Content Creation with Hello Audio11:00 The Journey into Podcasting18:08 The Role of Networking in Podcasting26:24 Podcasting as a Marketing Tool26:59 Understanding Your Audience's Needs27:35 Staying True to Your Podcast's Purpose28:24 The Importance of Intention in Podcasting28:42 The Journey of Podcasting29:09 Guest Selection and Collaboration in Podcasting31:26 The Evolution of Podcast Goals31:43 The Power of Rebranding32:23 The Reciprocity in Podcasting36:59 The Tools for Podcast Creation44:14 The Benefits of Networking and Collaboration45:02 The Unexpected Opportunities in Podcasting49:33 Final Thoughts on Podcasting Episodes Download Podcast Hosting Comparison List: Do you dream of launching a successful podcast but are unsure where to start? Fear not, aspiring podcaster! This essential features chart is your roadmap to podcasting success. Must-have features: Discover the essential recording, editing, distribution, and analytics tools every podcast needs to thrive. Level up your podcast: Explore advanced features like listener engagement tools and monetization options to take your show to the next level. Choose the perfect platform: Compare popular podcasting platforms side-by-side to find the one that fits your budget and needs. Links and Resources Hello Audio  PsychCraft Network (Affiliate Link) PsychCraft Network - discover all the podcasts of the network Descript Podcast Editing Program (Affiliate Link) Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio

Word of Mouth and Customer Service in Therapy Services In this episode of 'The Scaling Therapy Practice', host James Marland is joined by Lisa Mustard, Dawn Gabriel, and Steve Bisson to discuss 'word of mouth' marketing in therapy practices. The panel discusses the value of maintaining a good reputation in the community and offers methods of dealing with customer complaints, such as the use of the HEART method. They also talk about the power of networks, both professional and personal, in marketing therapy services. Other topics covered include handling negative reviews, the importance of authenticity, and how to take intentional actions toward sustainable business growth. Get the show notes here and the episode download of The HEART Method of responding to complaints.  00:11 Introduction and Welcoming Guests00:34 Discussion on Marketing Therapy Services00:44 Tool of the Week: Dealing with Customer Complaints01:30 Introduction to the Heart Method01:44 Panel Discussion on Handling Customer Complaints03:04 Practical Application of the Heart Method05:36 Transition to Main Topic: Word-of-Mouth Marketing05:48 Understanding Word of Mouth Marketing07:19 Panel Discussion on Generating Word of Mouth09:21 Benefits of Networking and Community Involvement14:20 Creating and Leveraging Professional Networks22:12 Community Events as a Marketing Strategy22:39 Engaging in Local Events for Brand Awareness23:30 Volunteering and Giving Back to the Community24:06 Aligning with Causes that Resonate with You24:36 Promoting Your Brand at Public Events25:28 Learning from Failed Marketing Attempts26:02 The Power of T-Shirt Marketing26:24 The Importance of Supporting Causes You Believe In27:20 Teaching and Sharing Expertise in the Community28:43 The Impact of Word of Mouth and Networking30:46 Dealing with Negative Reviews and Feedback31:20 Handling Negative Word of Mouth33:48 The Importance of Networking and Building Connections36:41 The Power of Positive Reviews and Support from Friends38:18 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Scaling Your Therapy Practice: Enhancing Impact and Growth with Laura Long Join host James Marlin and co-host Steve Biso in this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice. They have a guest conversation with Laura Long, who shares her insights about her practice - 'Your Badass Therapy'. They discuss the importance of authentic representation, focusing on serving particular groups, and the relevance of community-building in growing therapy practices. The discussion also delivers advice for practitioners considering launching a new service, with an emphasis on solving real problems and building authentic relationships with clients. Also, Laura shares a powerful quote and a must-watch YouTube video recommendation, explaining its influence on her perspective on business. Tune in for these enlightening perspectives on therapy practice!  Visit the web page for full show notes and the Dream Client Cheatsheet Download.  00:10 Introduction and Welcoming Guests00:40 Getting to Know the Guests02:24 Introducing the Topic: Marketing Your Services02:40 Tool Tip or Tech of the Week Segment03:24 Discussion on the Importance of Showing Up04:17 Transition to Main Topic: Marketing Your Services and Products05:18 Sharing Personal Experiences and Motivations09:58 Advice on Starting to Offer Services16:56 Unpacking Seth Godin's Quote17:35 The Importance of Targeting Specific Demographics18:32 The Power of Focusing on One Person's Life Change18:46 Building a Community Around Your Message19:33 The Journey of Serving One Real Problem20:00 The Bus Analogy: Taking People to Their Desired Destination23:38 Creating a Legacy Through Your Work24:17 The Role of Community-Based Marketing24:49 Sharing Success and Failure Stories25:21 The Importance of Learning from Failures27:42 The Impact of Tracking Numbers and Vanity Metrics34:21 The Legacy You Leave Behind34:32 Final Thoughts and Takeaways36:36 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Maximizing the Value of Conferences: Perspectives and Insights from Therapists & Entrepreneurs The episode explores the value of attending conferences as therapists and entrepreneurs. It features insights on getting the most from your conference attendance. The episode also discusses post-conference experiences, the importance of post-conference follow-ups, work, action plans, networking, and maintaining conference-inspired motivation. The episode concludes with the realization that the biggest value of conferences often comes from the actions and networking accomplished after the event ends. The discussion is enriched by multiple guests sharing their experiences and perspectives on networking practices and strategies for maintaining momentum after the conference. Visit the web page for full show notes and a link to the Podcast Download.  00:06 Introduction and Overview00:08 Exploring the Soul Care for Therapists Podcast01:24 Welcome to the Scaling Therapy Practice01:27 Live Reaction to the Wise Practice Summit01:51 The Value of Networking at Conferences02:49 Maximizing Your Return on Investment from Conferences03:08 The Importance of Reflection and Action After Conferences03:39 Avoiding Overwhelm and Maximizing Learning from Conferences04:33 Acknowledging Contributors and Preparing for the Episode05:15 Live Reactions and Takeaways from the Wise Practice Summit06:22 Sharing Personal Experiences and Insights from the Summit08:04 The Power of Connection and Collaboration at Conferences09:45 Reflecting on the Impact of Conferences on Personal and Business Growth11:10 The Role of Conferences in Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Embracing Growth13:23 Post-Conference Reflections and Takeaways18:05 The Importance of Post-Conference Action Planning and Networking20:55 Dealing with Post-Conference Blues and Maximizing Conference Benefits29:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Navigating the shift from Solo to Group Therapy Practice: A Discussion on Marketing Visit the Web Page for the complete show notes and a link to download questions to ask yourself when deciding to market your therapists.   The conversation on 'Scaling Therapy Practice' involves guest Allison Pigeon and hosts Steve, Lisa, and Dawn. The group discusses the transition from personal to group therapy practice, particularly focusing on the challenges and strategies of marketing a mental health practice. They highlight the importance of having a strong marketing strategy and budget, being present on online platforms, and spending money on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), having a well-structured website, and sometimes even hiring a branding consultant. The episode also emphasizes the significance of considering regional tendencies, monitoring the success of marketing strategies, and being prepared for trial and error. They recommend hiring a business consultant for best results in group practice and shared their experiences in rebranding as their businesses grew. 01:22 Introduction to the Show 01:36 Marketing Tips for Mental Health Practice 02:11 The Importance of Business Consulting 03:20 Introducing Guest: Allison Pigeon 04:30 Discussion on Marketing Strategies for Solo vs Group Practice 04:36 Experiences in Marketing Solo Practices 05:13 Transitioning from Solo to Group Practice 10:19 The Importance of Branding in Marketing 12:00 The Role of SEO and Website in Marketing 31:24 Takeaways from the Discussion 35:49 Conclusion and Contact Information

Strategies for Marketing Your Therapy Service on Social Media  In this incisive episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice", host James Marland, with esteemed colleagues Lisa Mustard and Steve Beso, shares insights on marketing therapy services using the power of social media. The discussion dives deep into the significance of having a well-crafted marketing strategy that harmonizes with the unique personality of individual therapists. Understanding Your Audience For any therapy practice looking to grow, understanding the target audience is the first step. Steve articulates the importance of appealing to a specific audience and navigates the conversation to the concept of personal branding. He states, *"[if] you start off with a question or offer a solution in your response, I think that's what's important."* He underlines the value of having a consistent theme, concluding, *"[if] you're consistent with your message...then you’re on the right track."* Harnessing Your Unique Personality When it comes to nurturing a unique personal brand for your practice, authenticity is intrinsic. Remember, people are attracted to individuals and services that resonate with them. Lisa speaks on the power of authenticity when she says, *"[if] you’re going to build a brand, you’ve got to put yourself out there…and if your stuff is good, it's shareable."* She reminds listeners that social media can be beneficial when used as a stepping stone to forge more personal connections — like growing an email list. Using Social Media Effectively for Your Therapy Services A fundamental factor in efficacious social media marketing is of a keen understanding of the platforms each practice uses. Lisa advises selecting two platforms where your target audience is mostly found, and focusing on becoming proficient at using these selected platforms. James, in agreement, believes that creating a strong unified personality can generate a robust social media presence.   The Power of Levity and Authenticity Steve shared his personal experience with making his social media content more relatable and engaging. He noticed that posts with an approach of levity, consistent with his personal brand, performed better than posts that were more clinical. Steve shares, *"[if] you use levity, creating this consistency, that’s what is important."* The Need for Consistency Both James and Lisa, underscore the importance of consistency in your posts. Lisa says that having an interactive presence on social media — providing consistent value — is what makes you memorable. Adding to this, James shared how he connected with his audience on a personal level, realizing that showcasing his love for Legos and Marvel movies made him more relatable to like-minded individuals.   In conclusion, to effectively market your mental health services and grow your therapy practice, providers should understand their audience, harness their unique personalities, use appropriate social media platforms, and maintain content consistency while incorporating a degree of levity. This strategy will help them strengthen their brand and scale their therapy practice more effectively.   Marketing Download of the Week Social Media Sel-Evaluation Worksheet Episode Resources Lisa mentioned this show: How Therapists Can Identify and Engage Their Target Audience with Rebekah Hudson Buffer - post once and let Buffer take care of the rest Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio  Highlights 00:12 Introduction and Welcoming the Co-hosts 00:37 Discussing the Importance of Social Media in Marketing Mental Health Services 00:45 Sharing Personal Experiences and Challenges 03:04 Introduction to Social Media Tools: Buffer 06:03 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth 06:17 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform 06:26 The Power of Pinterest in Marketing 10:27 The Impact of Social Media on Business 10:41 Common Mistakes to Avoid in Social Media Marketing 17:54 The Success Stories and Lessons Learned from Social Media Marketing 20:57 The Importance of Building a Personal Brand 23:25 The Role of Ads in Social Media Marketing 24:34 The Importance of Consistency and Authenticity in Social Media Marketing 42:53 The Power of Podcasting in Building a Personal Brand 48:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In the latest episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice," James Marland, MBA, delves deep into the transformative power of conferences for therapy professionals. Alongside Lisa Mustard and Dawn Gabriel, they discuss the nuances of choosing the right conference, the art of in-person networking, and innovative marketing strategies for attendees. By tuning in, listeners will gain insights into the essence of boutique vs. clinical conferences, effective marketing techniques for introverts, and the unparalleled value of face-to-face interactions. For a detailed breakdown of the discussion, be sure to view the show notes. Read the Show Notes and Get the Episode Marketing Download Here

Discovering Your Niche in Therapy Practice In the latest episode of “Scaling Therapy Practice,” James Marland, MBA, delves deep into the concept of niching down in the therapy business. Joined by co-host Steve Bisson and special guest Ira Hays, LCSW they explore the journey of finding one's niche and the importance of specialization in the therapy field. Ira Hays shares his transformative journey from working with oppositional defiant youth to specializing in school phobia and OCD. His story underscores the organic evolution of a therapist's niche, often shaped by the challenges they face and the solutions they develop. As Ira puts it, "I spent about four or five years figuring it out... that became my niche." This sentiment is echoed by James, who emphasizes the importance of patience and allowing oneself the time to gravitate towards a specialization naturally. The Power of Specialization for Mental Health Professionals The conversation shifts to the broader implications of niching down. Steve Bisson highlights the pitfalls of comparison, noting how it can be a "thief of joy." He emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's unique strengths and not measuring oneself against others. Ira adds that confidence in one's niche is built over time, stating, "The more you help... then you're like, okay, now I really have something." Confidence is built after you have the courage to move forward. James Marland underscores the importance of courage in the initial stages of finding a niche. He notes, "You gotta have courage to start and confidence comes after." This is a crucial takeaway for therapists who might be hesitant about specializing, fearing that they might limit their practice. Action Steps for Finding Your Niche When searching for your Niche, say yes: Getting exposure to new opportunities can lead you to fall in love with a service or population.  Stay Updated: Continuously educate yourself. As Ira suggests, "keep reading books... stay up to date with everything that's going on." Engage with the New Generation: Taking interns or teaching can provide fresh perspectives and keep you updated with the latest trends and theories. Practice Patience: Allow your niche to develop organically. As James advises, "Be patient with yourself, but once you find it, embrace it." Finding your Niche is a Journey for Therapists Finding one's niche in the therapy business is a journey of self-discovery, patience, and continuous learning. It's about recognizing one's unique strengths, addressing specific challenges, and offering specialized solutions. As therapists embark on this journey, they not only enhance their practice but also provide more targeted and effective care to their clients. This episode serves as a valuable guide for therapists looking to carve out their niche and make a meaningful impact in their field. Marketing Download of the Week Download the Pumpkin Plan Summary - if you don't read the book, take a look at the summary Episode Resources Center For Wellness and Hays Health and Wellness Heyes Health and Wellness Ira Hays on LinkedIn The Pumpkin Plan Web Page The Pumpkin Plan on Audible Connect with our Hosts Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way Through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists  James Marland - Course Creation Studio

Unlock the Secrets to Scaling Your Therapy Business with Lead Magnets!Dive into this enlightening episode and discover: How to effectively validate and choose topics that resonate with your audience, ensuring your online courses and resources hit the mark. The power and potential of quizzes as lead magnets, and how to tailor them for maximum engagement. Proven strategies for promoting your therapy services and courses across platforms like Pinterest and Google Ads, reaching a wider audience and boosting your practice. Don't miss out on these invaluable insights! Visit the show notes page for a step-by-step guide for creating a lead agent. 

Hey there, friends! In our world today, there's this cool thing called SEO that helps people and businesses find your mental health services. Sometimes, figuring out SEO can be a bit tricky, but don't worry! In this episode, we're chatting with some awesome folks like Daniel, Steve, Dawn, Lisa, and James. They'll share their stories, the bumps they hit along the way, and the cool tricks they learned to make SEO work for them. Common SEO Mistakes: Steve Bisson: Not using SEO initially was a significant oversight. Relying solely on social media doesn't yield long-term benefits like a robust SEO strategy does. It's essential to avoid being sold "snake oil" solutions that don't deliver genuine results. Dawn Gabriel: Initially, she built her website without considering SEO. Only later did she realize the importance of SEO and had to invest in revamping her site. Another mistake was not consistently updating her blogs, which are vital for driving traffic. Lisa Mustard: Neglecting SEO, especially after her website crashed due to malware. Balancing various roles made it challenging to prioritize SEO, but she recognizes its importance. Where a Therapist Can Find Time for SEO: James Marland: Shared a metaphor about not overloading oneself. Just like trying to overfill a garbage bag, jamming too many tasks can lead to inefficiency and frustration. Dawn Gabriel: Recommends learning the basics of SEO through webinars and then hiring professionals or training team members to handle the specifics. Current SEO Practices: Dawn Gabriel: Hired a team to overhaul her website, focusing on key service pages. She advises others to prioritize investing in a good website and then SEO. James Marland: Emphasized the importance of consistency in blogging. While one blog post might not yield immediate results, regular posting can significantly boost SEO over time. Get Your Therapy Practice Noticed on Google So, SEO isn't just a fancy word; it's like a magic key to help people find you online. Our amazing guests today showed us that learning SEO can make a big difference. It's okay if we make mistakes; what's important is that we keep trying and learning. Whether you're a pro or just curious, today's chat gives us some neat tips about the world of SEO. Always remember, in the online world, it's okay to mess up sometimes. What's cool is how we learn and get better from it! 😊 Marketing Download of the Week Getting Started with SEO Checklist - easy and high-impact tasks you can do right now to improve your SEO rankings Special Guest Daniel Fava - Private Practice Elevation  Host Sites and Resources Lisa Mustard - The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard Steve Bisson - Finding Your Way through Therapy Dawn Gabriel - Soul Care for Therapists James Marland - Course Creation Studio Links and Resources Uber Suggests - SEO Data Tracking and Keyword tool

The focus of season 2 is all about Marketing your Mental Health practice. Also, James explains a technical glitch and the joys of learning new production tech.

Scaling Your Therapy Practice with Financial Expertise in the Hiring Process: A Conversation with Carla Titus In this enlightening episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice," host James Marland, MBA, sits down with the insightful financial strategist, Carla Titus. With a knack for demystifying the financial intricacies of running a therapy practice, Carla shares her expertise to help practitioners navigate the complex path of scaling their businesses without losing sight of their core values. Unveiling the Hidden Costs of Hiring As you venture into expanding your therapy practice, understanding the unplanned expenses that come with hiring is crucial. Carla Titus sheds light on the often overlooked aspects such as the owner's time spent on recruiting and the financial resources channeled into advertising job postings. She emphasizes the importance of having a structured onboarding process to save time and resources. "You might even spend some money advertising the job posting on LinkedIn or recruiter.com... You still need to onboard and train them. That takes time and effort," Carla notes. Navigating Revenue Streams and Operational Costs Carla takes us through the journey of comprehending the various revenue streams and the costs associated with delivering services. She highlights the significance of understanding gross margins and how to effectively manage operational expenses. "We start with [revenue] because that is really what's available before we start thinking about the cost that it takes us to have a team or a practice," Carla explains. This section provides a deep dive into financial planning, helping practitioners maintain a healthy balance between revenue generation and expenditure. Proactive Planning: The Key to Successful Scaling Scaling your practice requires a well-thought-out plan that considers potential gaps in the existing team and the roles that need to be filled. Carla advocates for proactive planning to avoid financial strain and ensure a smooth transition during expansion. "By taking a moment to think about that proactively, now you have so much more clarity on when and how many you are going to hire," she remarks. This proactive approach helps avoid financial surprises and fosters clarity in business expansion strategies. Tips for Ensuring Financial Stability During Scaling Carla shares invaluable tips for maintaining financial stability during the scaling process. She emphasizes the importance of having a substantial cash runway to cover the initial months when new hires are yet to fully contribute to the business. Moreover, she encourages practitioners to secure a line of credit in advance to avoid financial strain during scaling. "Don't be reactive. Think ahead. Get that line of credit in place if you need it, or as a safety net," Carla advises. A Step Towards a Profitable and Sustainable Practice In this episode, Carla Titus has equipped therapy practitioners with the knowledge and tools to scale their practices successfully. From unveiling the hidden costs of hiring to emphasizing proactive financial planning, Carla's insights are a beacon of light in the complex journey of scaling a therapy practice. As you step into the world of expansion, keep these nuggets of wisdom at hand to build a profitable and sustainable business that stays true to its values.  Seven Savvy financial tips extracted that can be immensely helpful when preparing to hire in a therapy practice: Understand the Unplanned Expenses: Be aware of the hidden costs associated with hiring, including your time spent on interviewing and recruiting, and potential advertising costs for job postings. Structured Onboarding Process: Develop a structured onboarding process to efficiently integrate new hires into your practice, saving both time and resources. Comprehensive Financial Planning: Start with a clear understanding of your revenue streams and operational costs. This will help in planning and projecting the future financial landscape of your practice. Proactive Hiring Plan: Identify the gaps in your existing team and plan your hires accordingly. Consider the roles, salary expectations, and additional costs like technology fees that come with new hires. Cash Flow Management: Ensure that you have a sufficient cash runway to cover the initial months when new hires are not fully contributing to the business. This helps in avoiding financial strain and maintaining a healthy cash balance. Marketing Strategy: If your practice has a strong marketing system attracting a significant number of ideal patients, and you are at full capacity with your current team, it might be time to consider expanding your team to meet the growing demand. Secure a Line of Credit in Advance: Consider securing a line of credit before you start scaling to avoid financial crunches during the expansion phase. This proactive approach helps in maintaining financial stability and avoiding reactive decisions during scaling. Checklist for pre-hiring your n

In this enlightening episode of the "Scaling Therapy Practice" podcast, hosted by the adept James Marland, we are joined by the dynamic Brooke Borup, a maestro in business automation and delegation. Brooke, the proud owner of "My Clone Solution," shares her decade-long journey in aiding small business owners to scale and streamline their operations. As someone who has revolutionized the concept of time management in business, Brooke brings a wealth of knowledge to our listeners, especially those keen on elevating their therapy practices to new heights. The Essence of Automation and Delegation for a Therapy Practice Brooke emphasizes the significance of automation and delegation in business. She encourages business owners to utilize available tools to eliminate redundant tasks, thereby freeing up time to focus on core business aspects. "We have been helping small business owners scale... that includes automation and delegation," shares Brooke, highlighting the core mission of her company, My Clone Solution. The Right Tools for Success James shares a personal anecdote highlighting the importance of having the right tools at one's disposal. He relates his experiences with hard drive limitations and how upgrading his equipment facilitated smoother operations. "Get good equipment... have the right equipment for the job," advises James, a vital tip for those in the therapy field looking to scale their practices. Building a Sustainable Therapy Practice with Effective Delegation The conversation shifts to the topic of delegation, a critical component in scaling a business. Brooke shares her expertise on how to effectively delegate tasks, emphasizing the need to identify tasks that do not necessarily require the owner's attention. "We plan for automation, there are delegation tasks that happen... but they don't necessarily need to be done by you, the owner," Brooke elucidates, shedding light on the nuances of effective delegation. Creating a Supportive Work Environment James and Brooke discuss the importance of fostering a work environment where employees feel connected to the company's mission and vision. James notes, "They're going to want to do those things for you... they just feel so connected with the company and the mission and what you're trying to do." Leadership and Trust in Delegation The discussion delves into the leadership aspect of business management. Brooke talks about helping leaders trust the systems they have in place and avoid micromanagement, fostering a healthy work environment. "How do you help leaders get out of their own way?... trust the system that's going to work out," James queries, bringing attention to a common dilemma faced by business leaders. Systems and Automation Prepare You for Employee Turnover Brooke highlights the importance of being prepared for employee turnover by having well-documented training materials and processes in place. "You don't have to worry about turnover because you already have all the training already there," Brooke assures, offering a solution to a common concern among business owners. Tips for using Automation and Deligation to Run Your Therapy Practice Understanding Unique Aspects of Your Practice: Before you start delegating tasks, understand what makes your practice unique and what keeps clients coming back. This understanding will help in streamlining processes and maintaining the quality of service even after delegation. Documentation and Planning: Document all the processes and tasks involved in your practice. This documentation will serve as a guide for new employees and will help in creating automated systems where tasks can be initiated with simple triggers like a tag or a word input in your software. Creating Job Descriptions Based on Tasks: As you identify the tasks that can be delegated, create job descriptions based on these tasks. Initially, you might be handling all these tasks, but documenting them will help you understand the time required and the nature of the tasks, facilitating the creation of a job description for future hires. Training and Onboarding: Develop training materials and processes to onboard new employees. This preparation will help in reducing the time spent on training new employees and will ensure a smoother transition when there is employee turnover. Utilizing Technology for Delegation: Utilize project management tools and other software to facilitate delegation. Depending on the nature of your business and the team structure, choose tools that suit your needs. Creating a Supportive Environment: Create an environment where employees feel connected to the company's mission and vision. This connection will foster loyalty and enhance productivity. Preparing for Employee Turnover: Be prepared for employee turnover by having well-documented training materials and processes in place. This preparation will ensure that the transition is smooth and the new employees can pick up the tasks without much hassle Understanding the Im

Unlocking Success through Audience Building Introduction Welcome to another enlightening episode where your host, James Marland, sits down with the multi-talented Joe Sanok, a seasoned therapist, podcast consultant, and acclaimed author. This dynamic duo dives deep into the art of cultivating audiences - a cornerstone for thriving in the entrepreneurial landscape. Whether you're launching a product, initiating an online course, or more, understanding your audience is key. Let’s explore! Quotes from the Episode "If you actually want to be serious about making money and impacting the world, going through the audience building first is the way that you ensure that you're making something." - Joe Sanok [00:21:03] "Nobody likes to be sold to, but everyone likes to buy." - Joe Sanok [00:31:16] "It's the customer's journey... people who engage in growing and spend money on themselves to grow, they get a big return on it." - James Marland [00:35:22] "There's something really special about doing hard things together." - James Marland [00:39:18] The Foundation of Success - Audience Building Cultivating the Right Audience Before Launch In this segment, Joe Sanok passionately underscores the importance of fostering an audience before rolling out a product or service. He vividly illustrates the pitfalls of trying to establish an audience post-launch, emphasizing the loss of potential engagement and investment. The Unseen Risk of Not Having a Pre-established Audience Join James and Joe as they shed light on the hazards of overlooking audience development before launching a product. The duo elucidates how this common mistake often results in mismatched products and squandered resources. The Three P's Process - A Roadmap to Audience Engagement Understanding Your Audience with The Three P's Discover the remarkable 'Three P's Process' with Joe as he guides you on how to adeptly identify and cater to your audience's needs. Delve into the methodology that involves insightful interviews with a representative segment of your target audience to pinpoint their pains, product, and pricing expectations. Leveraging the Three P's for Business Insight Joe further elaborates on how this hands-on process can gift you with profound insights into your audience's genuine needs and preferences, setting the stage for creating a product that truly resonates. Harnessing Authentic Sales & Community Building Recognizing and Addressing Engagement Hurdles Listen as Joe candidly shares the persistent challenges he faces in encouraging therapists to engage with email sign-ups and free resources, offering insights into overcoming these initial hurdles for a successful venture. The Positive Ripple Effects of Coaching Join the conversation about the significant impact of coaching and consulting on a business’s trajectory. Joe shares personal anecdotes on how investment in coaching sculpted his business outlook and strategy, yielding remarkable returns. Elevate Your Game with the Audience Building Academy A Sneak Peek into the Audience Building Academy Get introduced to the promising Audience Building Academy, a structured six-month initiative crafted meticulously to steer entrepreneurs toward building substantial and engaged audiences. Discover the exciting facets of this program and how to become part of the upcoming cohort. Setting the Stage for Media Engagement Learn about the comprehensive approach of the Academy in helping you carve your niche, devise an email course, and position yourself effectively for top media coverage, with a structured infrastructure as the backbone of your strategy. Conclusion As we wrap up this insightful session, it's evident that nurturing an audience is the golden key to entrepreneurial victory. Joe Sanok, with his rich experiences and the blossoming Next Level Practice community, exemplifies the boundless potential that lies in mastering audience engagement and fostering vibrant communities. Next Steps to Amplify Your Journey Prioritize Audience Building: Focus on nurturing an audience aligned with your vision. Implement the Three P's Process: Engage your target audience to understand and cater to their needs adeptly. Adopt Authentic Sales Strategies: Build trust and foster a genuine connection with your audience. Invest in Expert Guidance: Consider coaching to glean vital insights and perspectives to boost your business growth. Community Engagement: Immerse yourself in communities that resonate with your niche for valuable support and growth opportunities. Explore the Audience Building Academy: Consider enrolling in this comprehensive program to fine-tune your audience engagement strategies. SEO Webinar With Danie Fava Link to SEO BC Live sales page   Links and Resources Download the Journal Page to help you take action towards the life you want to live Validate My Course Topic Idea Descript Audio and Video editor - edit a video with the transcript, it is like magic PsychMaven - Online Training for Thera

Welcome to another episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice" with your host, James Marland, MBA. Today, we have a special guest, Alyssa Avant, a Christian virtual assistant who specializes in assisting authors, speakers, and coaches. Alyssa's journey into the world of virtual assistance began over a decade ago when she was a stay-at-home mom looking for ways to work from home and make an income. Her path led her to ghostwriting, which eventually evolved into providing a range of services to her clients.  About Alyssa Avant Alyssa Avant is a virtual assistant to Christian authors, coaches, and speakers. Alyssa has 15-plus years of experience working with online professionals and business owners. She has helped many authors and to build their online presence from the ground up. As a published author and speaker, she knows what it takes to be successful. She is married to her husband Greg and is mom to three teenagers.  Question 1: Are You Willing to Let Go of Control?  One of the key points Alyssa discusses is the importance of being willing to let go of control when hiring a virtual assistant. Many therapists and business owners are used to handling everything themselves, but growth often requires delegation. Recognizing when and what to delegate can be challenging, but it's essential for scaling your practice effectively. Question 2: What Do You Not Enjoy Doing?  Alyssa emphasizes the significance of identifying tasks you don't enjoy, even if you're capable of handling them. Delegating these tasks to a virtual assistant can free up your time and reduce stress. She suggests looking at the tasks you procrastinate on the most as a starting point for delegation. Question 3: How Much Is Your Time Worth?  Determining the value of your time is crucial when considering hiring a virtual assistant. While you might be concerned about the cost of outsourcing, comparing the cost to the potential income you can generate during that time can provide valuable perspective. Recognize that your time is a valuable resource that should be used wisely. Question 4: What Is Your Communication Style?  Alyssa highlights the importance of aligning your communication style with your virtual assistant. Clear and effective communication is essential for a successful partnership. Discussing expectations regarding communication frequency and preferred methods can help avoid misunderstandings and build trust. Question 5: How Often Do You Wish to Communicate?  Finally, Alyssa stresses that agreeing on the frequency of communication is vital. Some people prefer regular check-ins, while others may opt for less frequent updates. Finding a communication rhythm that works for both you and your virtual assistant can lead to a more productive and efficient working relationship. A Virtual Assistant is a Game-Changer for Your Therapy Practice In conclusion, hiring a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for scaling your therapy practice. However, it's essential to consider these five questions and understand your needs and preferences before making this important decision. By doing so, you can ensure a successful partnership that allows you to focus on what you do best while delegating tasks that others can handle efficiently. If you'd like to explore this topic further and access additional resources, you can find Alyssa Avant's handout on these questions on her website at Alyssa Avant and Company. Additionally, you can connect with Alyssa on Facebook (Alyssa Avant and Company) and Instagram (Christian Business Advantage). Also, take a listen to her Podcast The Christian Business Advantage. Grab her free resource Top-five questions to ask yourself before hiring a virtual assistant. The episode we mentioned in the show is “Top Three Email Service Providers I Recommend.”  Thank you for tuning in to "Scaling Therapy Practice," where we provide valuable insights and strategies to help you grow your therapy practice while maintaining your values and profitability. SEO Webinar With Danie Fava Link to Webinar Registration Link to SEO BC Live sales page    Links and Resources Validate My Course Topic Idea Descript Audio and Video editor - edit a video with the transcript, its like magic PsychMaven - Online Training for Therapists Beginner’s Guide for Creating Knowledge Income - Passive Income Course for Therapists Join the discussion group on Facebook for Assistants, Automation, and AI for Mental Health Providers Builder Type Assessment - Grow without the grind Assana Project Management Tool Trello Project Management Tool Zapier - Scale success with automation Fathom - AI note-taker  Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected]

Scaling Your Therapy Practice With Good Policy | STP37 Welcome to another episode of Scaling Therapy Practice! I'm your host, James Marland, and today we have a fantastic topic lined up for you. Joining us today is David Hall, a seasoned therapist and practice owner who's here to share valuable insights on how to scale your therapy practice with good policy. We'll be diving into three key policies that can significantly impact the efficiency and success of your practice. Let's get started! The No-Show Policy David emphasizes the importance of having a no-show policy in place. As he points out, "One of the policies that I hear a lot is a no-show policy." This policy helps manage client attendance and ensures that your practice remains financially sustainable. Whether it's a cash-based practice or involves insurance, the no-show policy holds clients accountable for their appointments, preventing frequent cancellations. David mentions that some practices overbook to account for no-shows, but he also introduces the idea of a more lenient approach for students and those dealing with unforeseen circumstances. Same Day Appointment Policy David highlights the value of having a same-day appointment policy in place. While some clients might request same-day appointments due to urgency, David explains why his practice doesn't offer them. He states, "If someone has that level of urgency, is our setting appropriate for them?" This policy serves as a filter to ensure that clients in crisis receive the most suitable level of care. By directing them to more intensive programs or higher levels of care, the practice maintains a focus on delivering quality treatment. Note Policy David delves into the significance of maintaining a strict note policy. He acknowledges that keeping up with notes can be challenging but stresses its importance due to legal, ethical, and financial reasons. David's practice enforces a policy where notes must be caught up by the end of every week and completely up to date by the end of the month. He explains that this policy isn't meant to be punitive but rather to ensure accountability, legality, and efficient financial management. Action Steps Here are the action steps you can take based on today's episode: Implement Clear Policies: Establish well-defined no-shows, and same-day appointments, and note policies that align with your practice's goals and client needs. Communicate Policies: Clearly communicate these policies to your clients during intake, on your website, and through your initial interactions. Transparency is key. Ensure Compliance: Regularly monitor and enforce these policies to maintain practice efficiency, financial stability, and high-quality care. Scale Your Therapy Practice with Good Policies Today, we had the privilege of learning from David Hall about three essential policies that can greatly impact the success of your therapy practice. The no-show policy holds clients accountable, the same-day appointment policy filters clients to appropriate care levels, and the note policy ensures legal, ethical, and financial integrity. Remember, by implementing these policies, you're not only creating a structured framework for your practice but also prioritizing client care and overall practice success. Thank you for tuning in to Scaling Therapy Practice, and we look forward to sharing more insights in our next episode! Links and Resources Validate My Course Topic Idea Descript Audio and Video editor - edit a video with the transcript, it is like magic PsychMaven - Online Training for Therapists Beginner’s Guide for Creating Knowledge Income - Passive Income Course for Therapists Join the discussion group on Facebook for Assistants, Automation, and AI for Mental Health Providers Builder Type Assessment - Grow without the grind Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected]

STP 36 | Scaling Your Therapy Practice by Mastering Decision Fatigue Hey there, lovely listeners! Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. I'm your host, James Marland, joined by the ever-insightful Dr. David Hall. Today, we're diving headfirst into a topic that's all too familiar in our modern lives – decision fatigue. So, grab your favorite beverage, cozy up, and let's get into it! Tech Tips and Early Tasks Kicking things off, we've got our weekly tool, tech, or tip segment, where we share nifty little tricks to make life a tad easier. James brings up a genius Google Calendar hack – did you know you can create tasks and checklists right there? Yep, a total game-changer! James chimes in, adding that this tip has him feeling more organized and on top of his tasks. It's like having your to-dos give you a friendly nudge right when you need it. Decision Fatigue: The Hidden Culprit But wait, let's jump into the juicy topic of the day – decision fatigue. David and James dissect this modern-day woe, highlighting how our lives, thanks to technology and its intricacies, require us to make an astronomical number of decisions daily. Ever feel mentally exhausted by the evening? That's decision fatigue rearing its pesky head. David goes on to illustrate this by comparing it to our ancestors' simpler lives and routine diets. Signs of Decision Fatigue James cleverly asks, "So, what are the signs of decision fatigue?" David and James exchange experiences, revealing that frustration, procrastination, and making hasty decisions are common indicators. When your mental gas tank is running low, your ability to think things through falters, leading to subpar choices. Tips to Combat Decision Fatigue Now, it's time to unveil the strategies to conquer decision fatigue! David drops golden nuggets of wisdom that could simplify your life in remarkable ways. First up, automate. By setting routines and processes on autopilot, you free up mental space for more important decisions. As David mentions, Steve Jobs' iconic black turtleneck was a symbol of his attempt to streamline his choices. Pre-Plan for Success Secondly, pre-plan. Your brain is freshest in the morning, so make those crucial decisions early. James notes the connection to schoolchildren – they tend to be more disciplined during school hours because they've already used up their decision-making energy. David adds that he pre-plans meals to avoid the tempting late-night snacking frenzy, and it's totally relatable! Embrace Simplification Finally, David drops the mic with the third tip – simplify and declutter. He likens our natural tendency to accumulate stuff to cluttering our mental space. Embracing simplicity isn't a one-time act but an ongoing process. Both hosts agree that this is easier said than done, but it's oh-so-liberating when you're able to let go of unnecessary baggage. Taking Control of Your Choices To regain control over your choices and ward off the looming specter of decision fatigue, a proactive approach is key. Start by automating recurring tasks and routines, freeing up mental space for more critical decisions. Set up reminders, delegate where possible, and implement tools that streamline your daily life. Next, capitalize on your brain's peak performance in the morning by pre-planning important choices early in the day. Map out your meals, schedule creative sessions, and establish a clear roadmap for the day ahead. Lastly, embrace the power of simplification – regularly assess your commitments, possessions, and subscriptions. Weed out the unnecessary to create an environment that fosters mental clarity and minimizes the constant drain of decision-making. Remember, these steps aren't just one-time solutions; they're ongoing practices that can significantly alleviate decision fatigue and empower you to lead a more purposeful, streamlined life. Before we wrap up, let's roll out some practical action steps from today's insightful chat: Automate: Identify tasks or decisions you can put on autopilot, like setting up routines or using handy tools like Google Calendar tasks. Pre-Plan: Make important decisions early in the day when your brain is at its peak performance. This could be meal planning, workout routines, or even scheduling creative time. Simplify: Regularly assess your surroundings, commitments, and subscriptions. What can you declutter from your life to make room for more mental clarity and energy? And there you have it, our whirlwind journey through decision fatigue and how to conquer it like the rockstars you are! Remember, folks, life doesn't have to be complicated – take those small steps towards a simpler, more empowered you. Stay tuned for more awesome content coming your way on the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. Until next time, keep making those smart choices!   Links and Resources Validate My Course Topic Idea The Elephant and the Rider Descript Audio and Video editor -

Introduction: Is Passive Income a Lie? In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast, hosts James Marland and David Hall dive deep into the concept of passive income. They tackle the question: Is passive income really a lie? It's a term that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it truly mean? James Marland sets the stage by highlighting the allure of passive income, stating that "Everybody wants passive income." But is it as effortless as it sounds? Defining Passive Income vs. Active Income David Hall, a seasoned therapist, and entrepreneur, breaks down the distinction between passive income and active income. Active income, he explains, involves a direct exchange of time for money, such as hourly paid services like psychotherapy, supervision, or consulting. These activities require his presence and time investment, making it a straightforward active income model. David's hourly rates for his services are substantial, showcasing the direct correlation between his time and income. Leveraging Time: Building the Passive Income Machine When exploring passive income, David introduces the notion of "invested income" rather than passive income. He emphasizes that while passive income may not be an absolute reality, it's possible to create a leveraged system that reduces the effort required over time. He uses the analogy of building a machine—a pulley system—where you invest effort upfront to reap greater rewards later. The key is understanding that you won't eliminate work entirely, but you can make it more efficient and less demanding. The Myth of the Easy Button James and David address the common misconception that passive income is an easy way to generate money without any effort. They stress that this idea is a hook that draws people in, but the reality is quite different. Instead, they propose focusing on the concept of invested income, where you strategically put in the work to develop systems that yield higher returns over time. James likens it to the "get rich slow" method, emphasizing the importance of providing consistent value to your audience. Building Strong Relationships: The Key to Invested Income David and James underscore the significance of building relationships and nurturing your audience. They discuss the value of email lists, highlighting that the size of your audience plays a pivotal role in the success of your invested income endeavors. While many people are hesitant to join yet another email list, David stresses that providing consistent value is key. When people find value in what you offer, they're more likely to engage and even become paying customers. Taking the First Steps: Tips for Creating Invested Income As the conversation wraps up, David offers practical advice for therapists looking to scale their practice with invested income: Set Realistic Expectations: Recognize that invested income requires effort and work, but it can lead to greater rewards over time. Know Your Why: Understand your motivations for creating invested income. What are you trying to accomplish, and what do you want the machine you're building to do? Choose Your Leveraging Strategy: Determine the best approach for your invested income journey. Whether it's building a group practice, creating online courses, or offering information products, choose a path that aligns with your skills and interests. Build Relationships: Focus on building strong relationships with your audience. Provide consistent value, nurture connections, and create a sense of community. Embrace Your Style: Recognize your work style and preferences. Whether you're a consistent blogger or a batch creator, find an approach that works for you and aligns with your strengths. In conclusion, while the idea of true "passive income" might be a bit of a misnomer, the concept of invested income provides a clear path for therapists to scale their practices and generate higher returns over time. By building relationships, providing value, and strategically leveraging their expertise, therapists can create a powerful and efficient machine that ultimately yields greater financial rewards. Key Takeaways: Passive income isn't truly passive; it's more accurately described as invested income, where you strategically put in effort to build systems that yield higher returns over time. Building strong relationships with your audience is essential for success in invested income ventures, such as online courses or information products. Understand your motivations and choose the right leveraging strategy that aligns with your skills and preferences. Focus on consistent value creation and nurturing connections to create a sense of community and engagement. Remember, the road to financial success involves effort and investment, but by taking strategic steps and embracing your unique style, you can create a powerful machine that generates significant returns for your therapy practice. So, is passive income a lie? It depends on your perspective, but invested i

Introduction Welcome back to The Scaling Therapy Practice with James Marland! In this episode, James interviews a special guest, Leo Debroeck, who shares valuable insights about the Counselor's Choice Award and other effective ways to scale your therapy practice. Get ready to learn about making your practice more distinguished, increasing revenue through continuing education courses, and the importance of taking action. Leo DeBroeck is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Child Mental Health Specialist in Washington State. He is the president and founder of Counselor's Choice Award, LLC which reviews and promotes scientifically validated counseling products, therapeutic tools, and books. He has written several children's therapy books, which are self-published and available on Amazon.com, for use in therapy settings addressing grief, self-confidence, addiction, neglect, abuse, and others. He also has a difficult time summarizing himself in 3-5 sentences for James to read as an introduction. Starting with a Mantra Leo Debroeck started the Counselor's Choice Award after realizing that he can be the one to make a difference in the field of therapy. He explains, "There's always somebody saying, 'Oh, somebody should go take care of that. Somebody should write therapy books.' I said, 'Yeah, somebody' and then I started doing it. Now I'm seven books later." Making Therapy Tools and Products Legit Leo and his coworkers saw a need for an improved system to vet therapy tools and products, so they created the Counselor's Choice Award. Their goal is to ensure that all products and tools advertised are legitimate and reviewed by licensed mental health therapists. Leo explains, "We base all of our work on the scientific model, like how an academic journal peer-review works." Three Key Ways to Scale Your Practice The Counselor's Choice Award offers three major ways to help therapists scale their practice: 1. Recognition for Therapy Products and Tools Therapists can submit their therapy products, books, or tools for review, and if approved, receive the Counselor's Choice Award logo to showcase their recognition. Leo emphasizes, "We want to recognize therapists who are running a good practice and meeting certain standards." 2. Providing Continuing Education Credits Leo and his team have started offering free continuing education credits for approved courses. This enables therapists to create online courses, which can be an additional revenue stream and allow them to share their expertise with a broader audience. 3. Improving Group and Private Practices The Counselor's Choice Award can help private practices and group practices become more distinguished and reputable by meeting specific criteria. This recognition can attract more clients and therapists to join their team. Why Wait? Take Action Today! Leo advises therapists not to wait for someone else to take action. He shares, "If you're trying to grow your practice, I'm a therapist looking at what place to join after I've gotten my license. I'm gonna be looking for one that's also more distinguished, one that's got some kind of recognition besides just that we're licensed." Action Steps: Apply for Counselor's Choice Award: Submit your therapy products, books, or tools for recognition. It's free to apply, and the process is straightforward. Create Continuing Education Courses: Make the most of your expertise by creating online courses for therapists. It's an additional revenue stream and a way to help others in the profession. Don't Wait, Take Action: Instead of waiting for someone else to do something, be the one to make a difference. Don't hesitate to implement your ideas and help improve the field of therapy. Links and Resources 3 Mistakes Therapists make when hiring a virtual assistant - Wise Practice Podcast Counselors Choice Award Counselors Choice Award - Free and Paid Courses Counselors Choice Award on Facebook Counselors Choice Award on Instagram Counselors Choice Award on Twitter The Receptionist Books by Leo Debroeck on Amazon PsychMaven - Online Training for Therapists Beginner’s Guide for Creating Knowledge Income - Passive Income Course for Therapists Join the discussion group on Facebook for Assistants, Automation, and AI for Mental Health Providers Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected]

Scaling Your Therapy Practice with Writing a Book In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, host James Marland welcomes special guest Stefani M Cohen, LCSW, who has written a book on overcoming the fear of dogs. Stefani, a licensed clinical social worker, discovered a surprising number of people, especially children, are afraid of dogs. She shares how she turned her passion for helping people conquer their fear into a book that could reach a broader audience. The Surprising Journey to Writing the Book Stefani's journey to writing the book started when her daughter expressed a sudden fear of dogs. After successfully helping her daughter overcome her fear through exposure therapy, Stefani realized she could help others as well. She began using her therapy dog, Mugsy, to assist clients in overcoming their fear of dogs, and her practice started to grow. Stefani's desire to help more people and share her expertise led her to write the book. Overcoming Challenges in the Writing Process Writing the book wasn't without its challenges. Stefani found herself facing numerous decisions about the content, format, and publishing process. She decided on hybrid publishing and collaborated with a publisher that gave her book a personal touch. While the writing process had its ups and downs, Stefani's determination and willingness to try new things kept her moving forward. Understanding Fear of Dogs and the Human-Animal Bond Stefani highlights the importance of teaching kids how to read dog behavior and understand when a dog is happy, scared, or overexcited. This knowledge empowers kids to feel safer around dogs, reducing their fear and promoting positive interactions. Stefani emphasizes the significant benefits of overcoming the fear of dogs, including the positive impact on mental health and relationships. The human-animal bond can be a transformative experience, promoting personal growth and overall well-being. Tips for Aspiring Authors and Therapists Stefani's advice to aspiring authors and therapists is to overcome any doubts and take action. She encourages them to start writing and not wait for the perfect moment. Embrace the "just do it" mindset and share your valuable insights with the world. Stefani advises embracing a growth mindset, learning from failures, and not taking rejection personally. Instead of doubling down on unsuccessful efforts, read the data and make adjustments accordingly. It's essential to detach yourself from the outcomes and focus on continual improvement. Tips for Therapists Writing Books Just Do It: Don't wait for the perfect moment or let self-doubt hold you back. If you have valuable knowledge or expertise to share, start writing and take the leap. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Approach your writing journey with a growth mindset. View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow, rather than taking setbacks personally. Be open to making adjustments and keep trying new things. Accountability and Deadlines: Set deadlines and be accountable to yourself or others to stay on track during the writing process. Having someone to hold you accountable can help you stay focused and motivated.. Avoid Perfectionism: Strive for excellence, but don't get hung up on perfectionism. Understand that "good enough is good enough" and allow yourself to make progress without getting caught in the trap of seeking perfection. Be Adaptable and Decisive: Writing a book involves numerous decisions. Be willing to adapt and make choices as you move forward. Don't hesitate to seek help or guidance when needed. Write What You're Passionate About: Write about a topic that you are passionate about and genuinely care about. Your passion will come through in your writing and resonate with your readers. Seek Feedback: Share your work with others and seek feedback. Feedback can provide valuable insights and help you improve your writing. Celebrate Your Progress: Acknowledge your achievements along the way. Writing a book is a significant undertaking, and celebrating your progress can keep you motivated and excited about the journey. Links and Resources Email Stefani: [email protected] Overcoming The Fear of Dogs www.Stefanicohen.com Get her book on Amazon Book Publishing Services: Gatekeeper Press Make a Copy of the SOP Spreadsheet for Virtual Assistants PsychMaven - Online Training for Therapists Beginner’s Guide for Creating Knowledge Income - Passive Income Course for Therapists Join the discussion group on Facebook for Assistants, Automation, and AI for Mental Health Providers Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] The Therapy Show with Lisa Mustard

Welcome to the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast. In this episode, James Marland and David Hall dive into the topic of delegation, sharing valuable insights and practical tips for entrepreneurs and practice owners. They discuss the importance of clear communication, defining outcomes, and managing expectations when delegating.  The Decision-Making Delegation Framework for Therapists Marland discusses a delegation-making framework from Mike Michalowicz's program, "Run Like Clockwork." He highlights the importance of three key elements: permission, information, and outcome. To make effective decisions, one needs permission within their roles, the right information, and the confidence to do what's best. Marland emphasizes that if any of these elements are missing, it's essential to communicate with the person assigning the work and seek clarification or guidance. Defining Clear Outcomes David Hall expresses his concerns about defining clear outcomes when delegating tasks, especially for those who struggle with organization. He shares his frustration with disorganization and the need to measure the impact of delegating tasks effectively. Hall acknowledges that as therapists, many tend to be intuitive feelers rather than objective measures. However, he highlights the importance of setting measurable outcomes and engaging in a discipline of clear communication to avoid disappointment. The Role of Clarity and Check-Ins James Marland emphasizes the significance of clarity and early check-ins when delegating tasks. Providing clear instructions, and defining the finished product, timeframe, and required resources can help virtual assistants or team members understand the expectations. Marland also suggests scheduling early check-ins to provide feedback and ensure that the delegated tasks align with your desired outcome. These check-ins allow for course correction and prevent potential disappointments. Delegate the Outcome  One key aspect of effective delegation is ensuring that your direct reports and virtual assistants understand the desired outcome, rather than just the assigned tasks. By clearly communicating the outcome you wish to achieve, you provide them with a sense of purpose and direction. When individuals understand the bigger picture and the ultimate goal, they can contribute more meaningfully and creatively to the process. This approach encourages them to think critically and take ownership of their work, going beyond simply completing tasks. It empowers them to make informed decisions and find innovative solutions that align with the desired outcome. Ultimately, helping your team members understand the outcome fosters a sense of shared purpose and motivates them to strive for excellence in their work. The Forest, Not Just the Trees When it comes to delegation, it's essential to keep the bigger picture in mind. David Hall uses the metaphor of the forest and the trees to explain this concept. He emphasizes that the outcome or the gestalt of the situation is more critical than individual tasks. David says, "It's not about a collection of trees; it's about the forest." By shifting our focus to the experiential outcome for clients, therapists can create a more meaningful and holistic therapeutic process. Understanding the Gestalt David explains that therapists often have a natural inclination towards the bigger picture, as they are more intuitive and focused on the overall outcome. This allows them to think beyond the individual pieces and consider the client's experience as a whole. He advises fellow therapists to lean on their strengths and think about the experiential outcome they want their clients to have. The goal is the Outcome James Marland adds to the discussion, emphasizing that the ultimate goal is the outcome, not the specific method or task. He states, "The goal is not the method; the goal is the outcome." James believes that different clients require different approaches, and therapists need to adapt their methods to each individual. This flexibility allows therapists to maintain a strong therapeutic alliance and facilitate positive change. Effective Delegation and Trust Delegating tasks is a crucial aspect of scaling your therapy practice, but it requires trust between the therapist and the individual to whom tasks are assigned. James explains the importance of trust and the need for regular check-ins to ensure that tasks are completed correctly. Trust and Verify Delegated Tasks James suggests adopting a "trust but verify" approach when delegating tasks. Once a therapist has established trust with their assistant, they can have less frequent check-ins. However, it's vital to maintain a certain level of verification to ensure tasks are being accomplished effectively. James recommends checking in regularly during the initial stages and gradually reducing the frequency as trust is established. Ownership and Responsibility is Key to Delegation Ownership plays a significant role in effecti

Welcome to Scaling Therapy Practice Episode 31 of our podcast, where we dive into the world of delegation and its impact on productivity. In this episode, we explore the delegation process from the perspective of a therapist or supervisor, discussing the steps involved and how to overcome common challenges. Join us as we uncover practical strategies for effective delegation and maintaining a healthy working relationship with a virtual assistant. Understanding the Normalcy of Feelings: Therapists Struggle with Delegation Too It's important to acknowledge that feeling uncertain or hesitant about delegation is perfectly normal. As a therapist or supervisor, it's natural to have concerns about wasting time, being perceived as the "bad guy," or encountering difficulties in communication. Recognize that these feelings are valid and shared by many. As James Marland, our guest, suggests, "You don't wanna waste time. You have trouble being the bad guy. You get mad. Some of those difficult conversations are hard." It's essential to address these concerns head-on and find ways to overcome them. However, the key to having more time is to push work down in the organization so you can do the things only you can do.  The Delegation Framework: James Marland shares an effective framework for decision-making when delegating tasks to a virtual assistant. The framework consists of three crucial elements: permission, information, and confidence. First, ensure that the virtual assistant has the necessary permission to make decisions within their role. This may involve setting boundaries and providing access to accounts, tools, or technology. Second, equip them with the right information to make informed decisions. Clear communication and documentation are key here. Finally, focus on building the virtual assistant's confidence in their decision-making abilities. Encourage them to ask questions, seek clarification, and propose solutions.  Accountability and Follow-up: The Foundation for Better Delegation To instill the delegation framework effectively, it's crucial for therapists and supervisors to hold their virtual assistants accountable. Make sure they know that they need to be following the decision-making framework. Your direct reports need to be able to walk themselves through the delegation and ask themselves what am I missing? Am I missing permission, information, or confidence? Emphasize the ongoing nature of this framework and make it clear that they should use it whenever they encounter obstacles. Encourage them to identify themselves which element (permission, information, or confidence) they are missing and ask for the necessary support. By involving virtual assistants in the decision-making process, they gain confidence, learn your decision-making preferences, and reduce your decision overload.  Permission - Therapists Empowering Their Virtual Assistants David and James highlight the significance of giving virtual assistants permission to ask for clarification or guidance. It is often difficult for assistants to ask questions because they feel like they will bother their manager or that the manager will chastise them for their lack of ability to proceed. The therapist needs to make it safe for their direct report to bring up gaps in permission, information, or confidence. This open communication fosters a collaborative environment and allows the virtual assistant to feel empowered in their role. As David states, "The goal is not that they ask you every time this problem comes up. In the process of asking, they develop a new competency to know that they have permission or how to access permission." Asking for Permission and Inquiring for Clarity Virtual assistants should feel comfortable seeking permission or clarification when faced with uncertainties. David and James encourage providing a framework that allows virtual assistants to ask for guidance without feeling inadequate. James adds, "Give them a way to say, 'I think this is what I should do, but I've never done this before, and I just want your eyeballs on this to make sure that I'm making the right decision.'" Establishing Boundaries and Rules Clear boundaries and rules are essential in the delegation process. Both parties should understand the scope of work and the limitations of the virtual assistant's role. James emphasizes, "Having clear boundaries and then a way to come to you when things go outside the boundaries is key. And not to make anybody feel bad, like don't make them feel bad that they're coming to you, and you don't feel bad that they didn't know. It's just your way to figure out the rules, the permissions." Information - Providing Clear Instructions The second element discussed is information. David and James stress the importance of ensuring virtual assistants have all the necessary information to successfully complete a task. They use the example of ordering pens to illustrate the significance of clarity. Clear Instructions and

Welcome to another episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice"! In this episode, James Marland and David Hall dive into the topic of hiring and making good hiring decisions. They discuss their own experiences and challenges when it comes to hiring the right people for their therapy practices. Join them as they explore the dynamics of objectivity, optimism, and confirmation bias in the hiring process. Get ready to gain valuable insights into finding the best fit for your team and avoiding common pitfalls. Let's dive in! The Illusion of Gut Instinct When Making Hiring Decisions Trusting Your Gut James Marland reflects on his past hiring practices, where he relied heavily on his gut instinct. He believed that his experience in interviewing and working in mental health gave him the ability to discern the truth from lies. Trusting his gut was a very bad way to make hiring decisions. We want to like people. Our job is to hire people, which means we overlook red flags in the hiring process.  David Hall adds that the “trusting your gut” approach lacks objectivity and can be influenced by personal biases. He states, "Intimacy and objectivity are mutually exclusive. The closer you are to something, the less objective you become." The Danger of Personal Bias When Making Hiring Decisions David Hall shares his own experience of being overly optimistic and trying to see potential in candidates who were not qualified for the job. He highlights the importance of maintaining objectivity in the hiring process, even though therapists are trained to believe in people's ability to grow and change. James Marland agrees, noting that confirmation bias can blind hiring managers to red flags and lead them to make poor hiring decisions. Using an analogy of planting a tree, James Marland emphasizes the importance of finding candidates for your therapy office who not only have the right skills and personality but also fit well within the specific environment of the therapy practice. He points out that sometimes a great candidate may not thrive in a particular setting, and it is crucial to recognize this early on. Candidates need to match the “soil” in your office for them to thrive.  Warning, Don’t Hire Just to Fill Your Open Therapist Positions David Hall reveals his personal goal of reaching a specific number of clinicians in his practice and quitting the hiring process altogether. He explains that he often brings candidates in for interviews with the hope of solving the problem of filling positions. However, he acknowledges that this mindset can lead to confirmation bias and a tendency to overlook potential issues. He also shares his experience with job posting boards, emphasizing the importance of word-of-mouth recommendations for finding quality candidates. Balancing Objectivity and Personal Investment When Hiring for Your Therapy Office There is a real challenge with maintaining objectivity while being personally invested in the hiring process. The role of a hiring manager can blur the lines between job performance and personal reflection. David Hall shares his compromise, where he focuses on finding a solution to his hiring needs rather than viewing it solely as his job. This mindset helps him separate personal investment from the objective evaluation of candidates. What makes this challenge even harder is the shortage of therapists. Hiring can be a time-consuming and challenging process, particularly when there is a shortage of quality candidates. A way to add some objectivity is to get a recommendation from a trusted person in the industry. Exploring alternative methods, such as word-of-mouth recommendations and networking, to attract the right individuals. It is important to resist the illusion that posting a job will automatically attract the perfect fit. Instead, focus on finding the best among the available options. Creating a Stellar Team for Your Therapy Practice Building a successful therapy practice requires more than just excellent clinical skills. It also involves assembling a team of talented individuals who share your vision and dedication to providing exceptional client care. But hiring the right people can be a challenge, and making poor hiring decisions can lead to personal and professional pain. In this episode, James Marland and David Hall discuss their experiences with hiring and share valuable insights on scaling a therapy practice by hiring A-players. When to Say No to Hiring Someone for Your Therapy Office Making hiring decisions can be emotionally challenging, especially when personal connections come into play. David Hall reflects on the pain he has experienced due to poor business partnerships and hires that didn't work out. He emphasizes the importance of objectivity and the consequences of allowing personal bias to cloud judgment. David shares a story where he turned down a candidate for a job but later learned that they had found success elsewhere. This experience brought him consolation, as he r

In this episode of The Scaling Therapy Practice, James Marland and David Hall discuss the topic of hiring a virtual assistant. James, having worked for a virtual assistant company for three years and having interviewed and hired numerous virtual assistants, shares his expertise on the subject. The conversation revolves around the challenges of hiring a virtual assistant, setting expectations, and managing workflow. Throughout the discussion, valuable insights and tips are shared to help listeners navigate the process of hiring a virtual assistant effectively. Therapists and therapy practice business owners face numerous challenges that can overwhelm their schedules and mental capacities. However, by harnessing the power of virtual assistants, these individuals can offload tasks, free up mental space, and focus on what truly matters for their business growth. In this blog post, we will explore the insights shared by David Hall, an experienced entrepreneur, on the potential of virtual assistants and the desired features of a virtual assistant course or package.  Click here to be taken to the show notes with links and other resources. https://courses.coursecreationstudio.com/blog/STP29

Welcome to another episode of "The Scaling Therapy Practice" podcast with your hosts, James Marland and Dr. David Hall! In today's episode, we dive into the exciting world of Continuing Education (CE) courses and how they can benefit therapists looking to expand their practice. David shares his experience with researching and creating profitable CEU courses.  Offering Continuing Education (CE) Courses Expanding your therapy practice through CE courses is an excellent way to provide ongoing learning opportunities for mental health professionals. James and Dr. Hall emphasize the potential of online CE courses, which have a natural pricing limit due to the number of required credits. These courses often require around 40 hours of renewal every two years, allowing therapists to stay up-to-date in their field. To scale CE offerings, creating larger courses and catering to specialty topics can attract a wider audience of professionals seeking advanced knowledge. Visit The Companion Blog Page for LInks and Detailed Show Notes

Welcome to another episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, where we dive deep into topics that help you grow your business and find inspiration. In today's episode, we have a special guest, Whitney Owens, who is an expert in organizing conferences. We'll explore the world of conferences and discover how they can refresh your soul and scale up your business. So, let's jump right in! The Magic of Bringing Amazing People Together Conferences have a unique power to bring people together and create unforgettable experiences. As Whitney shares, "Amazing things happen when you get amazing people together." It's not just about the knowledge and information exchanged; it's about the connections and relationships formed. Whitney's love for in-person interactions and her extroverted nature led her to the world of conferences. She reminisces about the joy she felt when planning her wedding, not only because of the marriage but also because she wanted to throw a big party. It was a chance to gather all her loved ones in one place, creating a special and memorable event. This desire to bring people together translated into her passion for organizing conferences. Creating Lasting Connections at Therapist Conferences Conferences provide a platform for like-minded individuals to connect and grow together. Whitney shares a heartwarming story of a group of friends who met at her summit and formed a deep bond. They would never have crossed paths if it weren't for that conference. These connections are invaluable, opening doors to new ideas, business growth, and personal development. It's not all about the Lectures at a Therapist Conference Aside from the professional benefits, conferences offer opportunities for fun and exploration. Whitney emphasizes the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone and having a good time. She recalls her experience in Nashville, where she got to enjoy line dancing, dine at local restaurants, and go on refreshing jogs. These experiences outside the office setting allow for relaxation, inspiration, and the chance to create lasting memories. Overcoming Fears and Challenges While conferences hold immense potential for growth and connection, they also come with their fair share of fears and challenges. Whitney candidly shares her apprehensions and how she works to overcome them. The Fear of Finances  Money is a common fear when it comes to organizing conferences. As the scale of the event grows, so does the financial commitment. Whitney acknowledges this fear and the pressure of breaking even while wanting to offer an exceptional experience without exorbitant ticket prices. However, she remains optimistic and driven to make her conferences both financially viable and rewarding for attendees. Mastering Logistics  For someone like Whitney, who is a logistics-oriented person, ensuring everything runs smoothly is a significant concern. From securing venues to handling accreditations, numerous moving parts need careful coordination. Whitney discusses the challenges of obtaining continuing education accreditations for her conference and the fear of potential denials. Despite the complexities, she remains determined to navigate this aspect and deliver a seamless experience to attendees. Lessons from Past Therapist Conferences Whitney's first conference provided valuable insights that she carried forward to improve subsequent events. Engaging Speakers and Uniqueness  One key takeaway is the importance of engaging speakers who bring unique perspectives. Whitney ensures her conferences stand out by incorporating a blend of clinical and business components, catering to the specific needs of Christian therapists who want to build their practices. By offering a distinct experience, she sets her conference apart from others in the industry. Embracing Fun and Creativity  Whitney believes in infusing her events with fun and creativity. She challenges the notion that being a Christian means a life devoid of enjoyment. By incorporating enjoyable activities and innovative elements into her conferences, she aims to show attendees that they can excel in their work while having fun and maintaining their faith. Make Something Amazing Happen Harnessing the Power of Conferences Conferences offer a unique blend of learning, networking, and personal growth. Whitney's experiences as a conference organizer emphasize the power of bringing people together, overcoming fears, and creating unique and memorable experiences. By attending conferences, you can expand your horizons, forge valuable connections, and step out of your comfort zone. Action Steps: Research conferences related to your industry or interests and make plans to attend one that aligns with your goals. Actively engage with fellow attendees and speakers at conferences. Seek out conversations, share ideas, and nurture relationships that can support your personal and professional growth. Embrace the adventure and push through your fears. Recognize

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where people keep coming to you for advice on a particular topic? Maybe you're amazing at organizing your office, hiring employees, or filling up your therapist schedule with clients. Well, if that's the case, you might have thought about adding a professional consulting service to your practice. In this article, we'll dive into the process of adding a consulting service to your practice. Let's get started! 🚀 Getting Started: Discovering Your Expertise David started offering consulting services for free when people noticed his skills in certain areas. He would have friendly chats with colleagues and give them advice on things like marketing and organizing an office. As he realized the value of his knowledge, he started creating trainings and courses. Eventually, he began offering paid consulting services when people asked for personalized help. However, David learned the importance of pricing his services correctly and being careful when choosing clients who had already taken his courses. 🎯 Identifying Your Expertise When thinking about adding consulting to your practice, it's essential to figure out your area of expertise. As David Hall says, "What do you know that will be helpful?" Think about your skills, knowledge, and what people trust you in. Avoid being too general in your pitch because it won't reach your preferred clients. Narrow down your offering to a specific skill set or talent that you can teach or help others improve. 💲 Pricing Your Consulting Services Determining the price for your consulting services can be a tricky task. David Hall emphasizes the importance of understanding your target audience and their ability to pay. Think about your audience's background, experience, and the positive changes you can bring to them. Adjust your pricing to make sure it's reasonable and appealing to your ideal clients. 🎯 Connecting with Your Audience When considering consulting, it's crucial to narrow down your expertise and define your target audience. David emphasizes that a vague and general pitch won't attract the right clients. Instead, focus on what you're credible in and what will be helpful to your audience. Consulting should be based on a specific skill or knowledge base that provides value to people. If you don't have an exciting offer, you may not be ready for consulting yet. After finding your consulting niche, it's important to connect with your target audience. Figure out where and how they look for information or professional guidance. Use platforms like social media, professional networks, and industry events to establish your presence and build trust. By understanding your audience's needs and effectively reaching them, you increase your chances of success. ✅ Pros and Cons of Adding Consulting to Your Practice Consulting offers many benefits and brings a different kind of energy compared to therapy. David Hall points out two significant advantages: the ability to charge higher rates and reduced emotional strain. Consulting allows you to leverage your expertise and charge accordingly, giving you the potential for higher income. Moreover, the emotional energy required for consulting is often less intense than that of therapy, making it a refreshing addition to your practice. 💲 Charging Higher Rates for Your Consulting Service Depending on your knowledge and target audience, you can charge much more for consulting services compared to therapy. By evaluating the positive changes you offer and understanding your clients' desired outcomes, you can determine a pricing structure that reflects the value you provide. This flexibility in pricing allows you to maximize your earning potential. 🌟 Reduced Emotional Strain Unlike therapy, consulting typically involves working with clients seeking guidance and expertise instead of dealing with emotional distress. This difference can ease the emotional strain associated with therapy. However, it's important to remember that each client interaction may still require empathy and understanding, even if the focus is on professional development. 💡 Actionable Tips for Starting a Consulting Service To successfully launch your consulting service, keep the following tips in mind: 1️⃣ Identify your area of expertise: Determine what you know a lot about and what people often ask for your advice on. 2️⃣ Define your target audience: Understand who your ideal clients are and how you can help them. Customize your services to meet their specific needs. 3️⃣ Develop a compelling offer: Create a unique value proposition that sets you apart from other consultants in your field. Clearly communicate the benefits clients can expect from working with you. 4️⃣ Price your services strategically: Consider the positive changes you provide and the time it takes to achieve them. Set your prices accordingly, taking into account your target audience's ability to pay. 5️⃣ Market yourself effectively: Use various marketing channels to reach yo

Welcome to this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice, where we delve into the fascinating world of scaling as a solo practitioner. In today's discussion, James Marland and David Hall explore the journey of starting as a solo therapist and the reasons why many therapists choose this path. We'll uncover the benefits and challenges of running a solo practice and provide valuable insights on how to make the most of this exciting phase. So sit back, relax, and join us on this enlightening exploration of growth as a solo practitioner. Why Start as a Solo Practitioner? Autonomy and Decision-Making for the Solo Practice One of the main reasons therapists choose to start a solo practice is the sense of autonomy it offers. Being your boss means you have the freedom to make decisions about how you want to run your practice. David shares his experience of wanting to wear jeans to work and realizing that as his boss, he gets to set the dress code. Similarly, a friend of his enjoyed having the freedom to decide on the decor of her office space. Being in a solo practice allows therapists to align their work environment and style with their preferences, providing a greater sense of control and satisfaction. Potential for Increased Income for the Solo Practice Another appealing aspect of solo practice is the potential for increased income. Compared to working for a group practice or agency, therapists can keep a higher proportion of their client fees in a solo practice. However, it's important to be aware that the income numbers can sometimes be misleading. Running a practice also comes with its costs, such as overhead expenses, marketing, and maintaining a steady flow of clients. David emphasizes the importance of considering these factors and managing the financial aspects of a solo practice effectively. Simplicity and Greater Solitude for the Solo Practice For some therapists, the simplicity and solitude of a solo practice are appealing. James mentions how therapists in agencies often feel overwhelmed with mandated paperwork, strict schedules, and bonus structures. In a solo practice, therapists have the freedom to choose how many clients they see and can focus more on the therapeutic work rather than bureaucratic requirements. Some individuals prefer the peace of working alone and enjoy the absence of team-building events or company parties that are common in larger organizations. Challenges of Solo Practice Financial Responsibilities and Costs While the potential for increased income exists in a solo practice, therapists also bear the responsibility of covering all the costs. These costs can include office space rent, utilities, insurance, marketing expenses, and electronic health record systems. David shares his early experience of using his cell phone as the office phone, doing notes by hand, and managing physical files. However, modern solo practices can utilize electronic health record systems, which streamline billing and documentation processes. It's important for therapists to carefully consider and plan for the financial responsibilities associated with running a solo practice. Marketing and Generating Referrals One of the challenges of a solo practice is generating a steady stream of clients. Unlike working in a group practice or agency where referrals may be provided, solo practitioners need to actively market themselves and build their referral networks. David highlights the importance of having a good referral network and establishing relationships with other professionals in the community. Building a strong online presence, creating a professional website, and engaging in community outreach can also contribute to attracting clients to a solo practice. Managing Expenses and Administrative Tasks Running a solo practice involves taking care of various administrative tasks, including billing, record-keeping, maintaining malpractice insurance, and managing advertising efforts. The transition from paper-based systems to electronic health record (EHR) systems has made certain aspects more streamlined, but it also represents additional expenses. As one therapist mentioned, "And now telehealth is something that's, and so there's, I bring that up because there's a lot more that makes it simpler now, right? But it also represents expenses." To effectively manage these expenses, solo practitioners must have a clear understanding of their financial responsibilities. This includes maintaining a monthly budget for EHR systems, malpractice insurance, advertising, and other necessary expenses. Additionally, solo practitioners should consider quarterly estimated tax payments to avoid penalties and ensure they have set aside sufficient funds for taxes. Isolation and Emotional Toll for the Solo Provider Solo practice can sometimes be isolating and lonely, especially when faced with ethical or legal dilemmas. Having a supportive community or network can provide a sense of solidarity and emotional support. As one therapist n

Welcome back to the Scaling Therapy Practice podcast! In this episode, James Marland and Dr. David Hall discuss the importance of having a niche in therapy and delve into the specific niche of addiction counseling. They kick off the episode with a tech tip, sharing their podcast recommendations. Tech Tip of the Week: Dr. David Hall recommends "The Art of Online Business" podcast hosted by Rick Maretti. He praises Rick's down-to-earth approach and willingness to share his mistakes and lessons learned. The specific episode he mentions is titled "Six Mind-Blowing AI Tools That Will Save You a Ton of Time." James Marland adds that he was inspired by the podcast to create a mini-course on using AI for various purposes, such as creating quizzes, emails, and scripts. Struggling with Guilt and Finding Work-Life Balance: James opens up about his struggles with guilt when it comes to balancing work and family time. He shares how setting deadlines and goals sometimes leads to feelings of guilt when he can't meet them. He emphasizes the importance of finding realistic work-life balance and reframing negative thoughts. James encourages therapists to understand that it's okay to take time off and have focused work time without feeling guilty. The Power of Niches: Dr. David Hall introduces the concept of niches in therapy, explaining that niches can be based on population, procedure, or specific problems. He emphasizes the significance of having a niche to build a reputation and connect with ideal clients. James Marland adds that having a niche allows therapists to serve specific clients and effectively communicate that they are the right fit for them. They both agree that niches provide a sense of focus and purpose in therapy practice. Why Addiction Counseling is a Valuable Niche: Dr. David Hall highlights the increasing demand for addiction counseling. He explains that addiction counseling has expanded beyond traditional substance use addiction to include areas such as sex addiction, food addiction, gambling addiction, and even technology addiction. Dr. Hall mentions the Washington State program called "Restart" that specifically addresses video game addiction. He concludes that addiction counseling is a valuable niche due to its relevance and the diverse client base it attracts. Addiction work offers therapists a unique and fulfilling career path that can be both interesting and financially rewarding. Dr. Hall shares an example of a friend who started his journey by joining a wilderness experiential addiction program in Utah. Through this experience, he gained valuable expertise, got licensed, and built a successful career. Dr. Hall emphasizes that addiction work doesn't have to be a lifelong commitment; it can be a stepping stone towards a positive career pathway. He states, "You can have an nitche. It doesn't have to be your forever niche. It just needs to be interesting enough." This flexibility allows therapists to explore different avenues and find their niche within addiction work. The Cost of Addiction and the Need for Treatment Addiction is not only costly for individuals but also for the community and the state. Shoplifting, for example, is a common activity among people struggling with addiction. The refund process for stolen items involves returning the purchase price and sales tax, resulting in significant financial losses for the state. Senator Briggs, a conservative advocate for addiction treatment, emphasized the billions of dollars addiction costs Tennessee, emphasizing the public health aspect of the issue. Addiction's Impact on Functioning and the Job Market Addiction deeply affects individuals' ability to function in their lives, jobs, and relationships. Young adults and college students often find themselves unable to live independently or hold down a job due to addiction. The consequences extend beyond individuals to their families and society at large. Addiction treatment has become a significant industry, providing numerous job opportunities for addiction specialists. Programmatic addiction treatment, including outpatient, intensive outpatient, day treatment, and residential programs, offers a more flexible job market. These programs often hire therapists without independent licensure, as long as they have the required education and qualifications. In contrast, outpatient offices that bill insurance based on individual providers may have more restrictions for non-licensed therapists. Education and Credentials in Addiction Counseling While specific degrees and certifications exist for addiction counseling, it is not necessary to have them to work in the field. Most states have certifications or licensure for drug and alcohol providers that require less education than traditional counseling licenses. However, having a master's degree in mental health counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical social work, or psychology allows therapists to work with addiction. Additional addiction coursework

Welcome back to the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast! In this episode, we tackle the importance of establishing financial boundaries with clients and implementing effective policies and procedures. Money conversations can be uncomfortable, but they are crucial for creating a thriving therapy practice. Join us as we explore the reasons behind financial boundaries and share practical tips for a smoother financial process. Why Set Up Boundaries? Setting financial boundaries with clients serves multiple purposes. It not only helps scale your practice but also frees up mental space to focus on therapy. As David Hall emphasizes, "It helps scale, which is what we're about in this company." Well-defined policies, procedures, and boundaries streamline financial processes, prevent exploitation, and protect therapists from future difficulties. James Marland adds, "Having these policies makes the policies the bad guy, not the therapist." Financial Boundaries: Protecting Yourself and Your Future Implementing financial boundaries safeguards therapists against potential exploitation and ensures a smoother workflow. Being kind to your future self, as David Hall suggests, means thinking ahead and making life easier down the line. By addressing uncomfortable financial conversations head-on, therapists avoid creating more work for themselves. James Marland uses an insightful metaphor, "If you've got to eat a frog, go on and get it done." Promptly and effectively dealing with financial boundaries prevents problems from piling up, allowing therapists to focus on their main objective—providing therapy. Establishing Financial Boundaries Examples To make financial interactions smoother and more efficient, we provide practical tips for therapists: 1. Collect Credit Card Information at Registration By obtaining clients' credit card details during registration, therapists can avoid missed copayments or declined payments. As David Hall suggests, using modern electronic healthcare record systems securely saves credit card information, streamlining the payment process. However, it's crucial to ensure clients have an easy way to update their credit card information if needed. 2. Charge for Paperwork Implementing a policy to charge for paperwork allows therapists to account for their time spent outside of therapy sessions. David Hall emphasizes the importance of having a written policy to inform clients and manage expectations. By establishing a fee structure for paperwork, therapists can avoid the frustration of unpaid administrative work. The Value of Time In therapy practices, therapists' time is valuable, but so is everyone else's. It's important to account for everyone's work time and avoid elitism. Having a clear cancellation policy in place ensures that time is not wasted. As David Hall's cancellation policy includes, a 24-hour notice is required for cancellations. Failure to provide sufficient notice results in a 50% session fee charge. Extending grace can be done while still maintaining a hard policy. Relationship Building A clear cancellation policy helps build a healthy relationship between therapists and clients. It demonstrates that the therapist values their time while setting expectations and boundaries, which are essential in building trust. As a client, being responsible and respectful of the therapist's time is essential. Give notice as soon as possible for cancellations and be mindful of the policy in place. As a therapist, having a clear cancellation policy is crucial for maintaining professionalism and building trust with clients. The Challenge of Communication Managing outstanding balances in therapy practices can be a sensitive issue, especially when dealing with clients who have their parents' credit card on file. Direct communication with parents may not always be possible, requiring careful navigation and effective communication with the client. Having a well-defined policy regarding outstanding balances is crucial to set expectations and preventing confusion and misunderstandings. Ensuring Accountability Managing outstanding balances involves ensuring accountability within the practice. Therapists are typically paid based on money received, not money billed. This creates an incentive to stay on top of collecting payments and monitoring outstanding balances. David Hall highlights the importance of therapists diligently noting if they have collected payment to catch any discrepancies or lapses in billing. Creating an Effective System Establishing an efficient system for managing outstanding balances is vital. Conducting a monthly audit of the books helps catch any outstanding balances, ensuring open lines of communication between practice management and therapists. Timely detection of outstanding balances prevents financial complications and maintains a healthy practice. Review your current financial policies and procedures with clients. Consider implementing a system to collect credit card information at reg

In this episode of Scaling Therapy Practice, James Marland and Dr. David Hall discuss adding a testing psychologist to one's practice. A testing psychologist is a licensed psychologist who specializes in administering, interpreting, and writing reports on psychological tests. This role is unique to psychology, as it requires extensive training and qualifications to perform. The hosts talk about how adding a testing psychologist to one's practice can help provide valuable services to clients, particularly in areas such as EAPs and disability testing. Read More on the blog along with links and pros and cons

 Starting a private practice can be daunting, but with the right mindset, it can become a successful business. In this conversation, James Marland interviews Gordon Brewer, a licensed marriage and family therapist and the owner of Kingsport Counseling Associates in Tennessee. Brewer talks about his journey from starting a counseling ministry in his church to owning a successful group practice. In this blog post, we will highlight the key takeaways from the conversation. The Journey to Private Practice Brewer began his journey by starting a counseling ministry in his church, where he saw the need to provide counseling services to his community. As he became more invested in providing care, he decided to open a private practice. At first, he was seeing clients part-time while working at an agency. He used some office space at his church to see his clients and eventually moved to his own office space. "Ultimately I just wanted to provide care to people. And I don't think that most people would care whether it's a nonprofit or not within the context of this." - Gordon Brewer The Transition to a Group Practice Brewer eventually transitioned to a group practice when he saw that he had reached his maximum client capacity. He wanted to provide more opportunities for other clinicians to work alongside him and also increase the services offered to clients. He started his group practice by bringing in other clinicians, and they shared the cost of renting an office space. As the practice grew, Brewer hired an admin person to handle intakes, phone calls, and billing. "I was reaching kind of the maximum number of clients that I wanted to see, and then also I was just looking at from a profit..." - Gordon Brewer Challenges Faced Growing A Group Therapy Practice Starting a private practice comes with its set of challenges, and Brewer faced his fair share. One of the challenges he faced was the lack of knowledge about running a business. He had to learn how to manage his finances and handle the administrative tasks that came with owning a private practice. Another challenge he faced was managing his time between seeing clients, managing his practice, and his personal life. "I think just learning about the business side of things was a challenge for me, just figuring out how to manage the finances and all of that sort of stuff." - Gordon Brewer And then a Podcast for Therapists  Podcasting has been a growing medium over the years, and many have found ways to monetize their podcasts. James suggests using affiliate marketing, where the host talks about a product and receives a commission if a listener buys it. Additionally, creating a community of like-minded individuals can increase engagement and income. James notes, "when you have an audience, there's ways to reach out to people, and you're creating thePsychCraft Network with a community of people that are willing to help each other...the community's a really good community." Learning from Mistakes when Growing a Private Practice Gordon emphasizes the importance of trying new things and learning from mistakes. He shares his approach to starting new projects: "I'm gonna build the airplane as I fly...that's how we learn anything. We have to be willing to make mistakes and learn from our mistakes." However, he also notes that it's essential to be persistent and consistent in your efforts. Overcoming Imposter Syndrome One of the challenges of starting something new is feeling like an imposter. Gordon shares his experience with imposter syndrome and how it can hold you back. James suggests being open to learning and seeking validation from others. "Being able to validate from your audience or from people that are involved...okay, is this a good idea or not? Or is this something that resonates with you or not? And so being able to think about things in that way, that mindset is really critical." Advice for Beginners When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting, James emphasizes the importance of consistency, patience, and having a positive mindset. "You have to be persistent and consistent with what you do. You have to just kinda keep at it...being able to listen to others...being able to think about things in that way, that mindset is really critical." Gordon adds that it's essential to be open to learning and making mistakes, but also recognize when something isn't working and be willing to pivot. Links and Resources Google Workspace for Therapists Listen to The Practice of Therapy The Practice of Therapy Courses Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] PsychMaven - Find more resources here Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind  Quotes to Help the Growing Therapist Practice Owner "Persistency and consistency are key to growing any business." - Gordon Brewer "Put things into action and be willing to make mistakes and learn from them." - Gordon Brewer

In this episode of "Scaling Therapy Practice", James Marland interviews Julie Herres, the founder of Green Oak Accounting and the author of "Profit First for Therapists". Julie is an expert in profit first who has helped hundreds of private practice owners gain financial freedom. Links and Resources for Therapists Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] PsychMaven - Find more resources here Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind  Profit First For Therapists Facebook Group Julie Herres on Instagram: @julie.herres Therapy for Your Money Podcast - check out their free Return on Investment tool Profit First for Therapist Pre-order: Free Profit First Assessment OneTab Chrome Extension Watch the Video on YouTube Green Oak Accounting   The Profit-First System for Therapists According to Julie, the Profit First system is a simple but effective way of managing your finances. It involves separating your money into multiple small plates or bank accounts. Each account is allocated for a specific purpose, such as taxes, operating expenses, and profit. “Profit First is not just a block of money in the bank account, but real numbers on taxes, profit, and operation expenses,” says James. By following the Profit First system, you ensure that your practice always remains profitable. The system helps you to be disciplined with your finances and to make informed decisions based on real data. An Introduction to the Profit First System According to the book Profit First, here are the steps for implementing a Profit First system for a small business: Set up multiple bank accounts: Open multiple bank accounts and label them according to their purposes, such as Income, Profit, Owner's Pay, Taxes, and Operating Expenses. Allocate funds to each account: After each deposit, allocate a percentage of that money to each account based on predetermined targets. For example, allocate 5% of the total to Profit, 50% to Operating Expenses, 15% to Taxes, and so on. Use the Profit account: Use the Profit account to pay yourself first and reward yourself for your hard work. Take a portion of the money in the Profit account and use it for something that brings you joy or invest it back into the business. Adjust the allocation percentages: After a few months, adjust the allocation percentages based on your actual revenue and expenses to make sure that you are on track to meet your goals. Monitor your finances: Regularly monitor your bank accounts and make adjustments as needed. Use financial reports and cash flow projections to make informed decisions about your business. By following these steps, small business owners can gain a better understanding of their finances and take control of their profitability. Implementing a Profit First system can help them avoid the common pitfalls of poor cash flow management and set them on a path toward financial success. The Importance of Small Plates for Your Therapy Business One of the key concepts of the Profit First system is using small plates or bank accounts. Julie explains that small plates help you to avoid Parkinson's Law, which states that your demand tends to increase to meet the supply that is available. "When you see a bunch of money, you're like, okay, we have plenty of money let's go we can spend something, right?" says Julie. "But that doesn't take into account your tax payment, maybe rent is due next week, or payroll's in six days." By using small plates, you can allocate funds for specific purposes and avoid overspending. You can also plan ahead for upcoming expenses, such as taxes and rent, and ensure that you have enough funds to cover them. Specializing in Mental Health Industry Julie's company, Green Oak Accounting, specializes in serving the mental health industry. According to Julie, specializing in a particular industry allows you to provide better service to your clients. "Our clients are great at accounting, they're great at tax prep, but they don't know your industry the way that we do," says Julie. By working exclusively with mental health practitioners, Julie's team has developed expertise in the unique financial needs of the mental health industry. They can provide tailored advice and help clients make informed financial decisions based on real data. Every Practice Deserves to be Profitable Julie's book, "Profit First for Therapists", is a guide to help mental health practitioners implement the Profit First system in their practice. "Every practice deserves to be profitable," says Julie. The book provides step-by-step instructions and practical advice to help practitioners take control of their finances and ensure that their practice is always profitable. It also includes helpful tools and templates to make the process easier. Links and Resources for Therapists Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] PsychMaven - F

In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice, David Hall, a therapist and practice owner, discusses the topic of employee turnover in a group practice. James Marland, the host, asks him to share his experience with the issue. Hall talks about his history of turnover in his counseling practice and how it impacted his scaling plan. He discusses the effects it had on him and how he felt when two people quit unexpectedly. He shares that he had a closer relationship with one of the two employees, and looking back, he was not surprised that this person left. The unexpected departure made him question his plan for scaling and how he should deal with employee turnover. The Effects of Employee Turnover on a Manager Hall's experience with employee turnover in his counseling practice led to the realization that it can be challenging to handle, both emotionally and operationally. The two employees' unexpected departures caught him off guard and made him feel like he was throwing hand grenades behind them. He shares, "I felt like somebody was leaving and kind of throwing hand grenades behind them as they went." The situation was personal, and Hall found it hard to separate business from the personal aspects. He discusses how managers can become emotionally involved in their employees' lives and take it personally when employees leave. He shares, "as the manager, as the people who are responsible for this, I think some of the feelings in there and taking it personal make it much harder than just, oh. You know, uh, they're making a business decision to leave." Effects of Employee Turnover on Scaling Plan Hall's experience with employee turnover impacted his scaling plan. He had a plan to grow his practice to a certain size, and the two employees' unexpected departures disrupted his plan. He was forced to question his plan for scaling and how he should handle employee turnover. He shares, "It interrupted my plan, and I didn't want it to happen." Hall realized that employee turnover could disrupt his plans, and he needed to have a plan in place to manage it. It's important to note, we often do not have plans in place until something bad or unforeseen happens. The therapy practice owner that anticipates turnover and who has a plan before this happens will be able to weather the storm of turnover better than the practice owner who is surprised.  Tips for Managing Employee Turnover Hall shares some tips for managing employee turnover in a group practice. First, he recommends having a plan for managing employee turnover. This plan should include a transition plan for departing employees, ensuring the transition is smooth and not disruptive to the practice. Second, he suggests having a policy in place for exit interviews, which should be conducted in a professional and respectful manner. Third, he recommends setting expectations for employees' roles, responsibilities, and performance to reduce employee dissatisfaction and turnover. Lastly, he emphasizes that managers need to remember that turnover is a natural part of running a business, and they should not take it personally. Employee turnover is an inevitable part of running a business. As a manager, it is essential to have a plan for managing employee turnover, as it can be emotionally and operationally challenging. The experience of employee turnover can disrupt a manager's plan for scaling, and it is vital to have a plan in place to manage it. A transition plan, an exit interview policy, setting expectations for employee roles and responsibilities, and remembering that turnover is a natural part of running a business are some of the tips that can help manage employee turnover. Resources and Links Psychraft Network Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] PsychMaven - Find more resources here Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind  Scribe How - Make Easy Guides for people to use and follow Action Steps: Have a plan for managing employee turnover, including a transition plan for departing employees. Establish an exit interview policy that is conducted in a professional and respectful manner. Set clear expectations for employees' roles, responsibilities, and performance. Remember that turnover is a natural part of running a business and try not to take it personally.

Hosts James Marland and Dr. David Hall start by discussing a story of disappointment.  "The Online Course Show with Jacque Hopkins" podcast and its latest episode featuring Matt Ronins. Ronins has an online course on book writing that made over $3 million in sales in 2022. However, the conversation pivots to how Ronins' success did not come easy, and he shares his experience of not selling a single copy of his course the first time he launched it. This is a significant example of dealing with disappointment, which is the main topic of the episode. Dealing with Disappointment in Scaling When things do not go as expected, it can lead to disappointment. This is especially true when scaling a business or a practice. Marland and Hall discuss the reality of disappointment and how to deal with it effectively. The Reality of Disappointment Disappointment is a natural part of any journey. It is essential to understand that setbacks and failures are part of the process. Hall shares Ronins' story to highlight how disappointment is a common occurrence in business. He explains that it took time and effort for Ronins to achieve his success. The first launch of his course was a failure, only one person purchased it, and that person later requested a refund. This was hugely deflating for Ronins, but he persisted and eventually made over $3 million in sales in 2022. Dealing with Disappointment Effectively It is essential to reframe the experience and learn from it. Use disappointment as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Marland and Hall emphasize the importance of reframing the experience of disappointment. Instead of dwelling on the negative, it is crucial to focus on the lessons learned and use them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Hall gives an example of how he reframed his experience of a canceled speaking engagement. He used it as an opportunity to develop new skills and create better presentations.  Have a Support System Having a support system can help manage the negative emotions associated with disappointment. It is essential to surround oneself with people who understand the journey and can provide encouragement and guidance. Hall emphasizes the importance of having a support system during difficult times. Having people who understand the journey can provide a sense of comfort and understanding. They can also offer encouragement and guidance. Take Care of Yourself Taking care of oneself is crucial to managing disappointment effectively. Practicing self-care techniques, such as exercise or meditation, can help reduce stress and negative emotions. Marland highlights the significance of taking care of oneself during challenging times. Practicing self-care techniques such as exercise or meditation can help reduce stress and negative emotions. In conclusion, disappointment is a natural part of any journey, and it is essential to understand that setbacks and failures are part of the process. By reframing the experience and learning from it, one can use disappointment as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Having a support system and practicing self-care techniques can help manage the negative emotions associated with disappointment. Remember, it is okay to feel disappointed, but it is crucial to learn from it and keep moving forward. Links and Resources The Therapy Show With Lisa Mustard Psychraft Network Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] PsychMaven - Find more resources here Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind The Online Course Show Yeti Blue Microphone Crucial Conversations

In this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast, the hosts James Marland and David Hall discuss the concept of scaling a therapy practice. The conversation centers around when to stop scaling and what limits to set for a practice. David shares his experience of having between 17-18 therapists in his practice and deciding not to expand to another location. He emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and goals for scaling.  Links and Resources Email James to talk about questions or problems about scaling: [email protected] 6 Steps of Launching a Profitable Online Course - download and webinar PsychMaven - Find more resources here Builder Type Assessment - grow without the grind 9 Tasks AI can help you with right now  Setting Limits on Scaling According to David, there is a limit to how much a practice can scale, and there is a stopping point. He suggests that it is essential to set goals and boundaries while scaling. He explains, “people don't have to become a group practice or a multi-site practice or all those things. There is a limit to where you want to scale, a stopping point.” The hosts talk about how some therapists believe they can grow their practice indefinitely. However, having a plan and setting limits can be crucial for sustainable growth. The Three Problems in Running a Practice James and David also discuss the three primary problems that therapists encounter while running a practice. David credits his friend and consultant, Jay Ostrowski, with the concept. Jay said, "When you're going to practice counseling, psychotherapy, you always have one of three problems, sometimes two problems, but you always have at least one of these problems because they're three; not enough therapists, not enough clients, not enough space." David explains that space becomes an issue when running a physical practice. On the other hand, virtual practices face different dynamics.  Space and Building Limitations The hosts also discuss the crucial decision of selecting a building for a practice. David shares his experience of starting a psychiatry practice before starting a counseling group. He credits Jay Ostrowski, a consultant and telehealth expert, with helping him think through the decision of selecting a building for his practice. Because of that advice, David chose the problem of “not enough space” as the issue he would choose to manage. Choosing the problem you can live with is crucial for deciding on the right building for a practice. Culture in Virtual Workspaces Lastly, the hosts discuss the importance of culture in virtual workspaces. They reference a recent episode with Daniel Fava, where he talks about the culture in virtual workspaces. David shares his experience of having one remote worker in his practice. While having remote workers can be helpful, maintaining the right culture can be challenging.  In conclusion, this episode of the Scaling Therapy Practice Podcast offers valuable insights into scaling a therapy practice. David emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and goals when scaling, and the hosts discuss the three primary problems that therapists face when running a practice. The discussion also covers the importance of selecting the right building and maintaining the right culture in virtual workspaces.  Scale-Up Steps Set clear goals and boundaries when scaling your practice. It's essential to have a plan and know when to stop scaling. Determine the maximum capacity that you can handle and make sure to set limits. Consider the three primary problems that therapists face when running a practice: not enough therapists, not enough clients, and not enough space. Addressing these issues will help you manage your practice more effectively. When selecting a building for your practice, consider the problem that you can live with. For example, if space is an issue, choose a building that can accommodate your needs. Consulting with an expert can help you make the right decision. Culture is crucial in workspaces. Make sure to maintain the right culture, even when you have remote workers. Encourage open communication and collaboration, and foster a positive work environment.