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PODCAST

Selling the Couch

Melvin Varghese, PhD

With 1.81 million+ downloads, Selling the Couch is an Apple Top Career podcast for current and future mental health private practitioners who think differently. Psychologist Melvin Varghese interviews successful therapists in private practice about how they built their businesses as well as top entrepreneurs, business/marketing, and social media experts.* You"ll learn how therapists get referrals, grow their practices, work through fears, find their enough, and stop "trading time for income."

business careers

All Episodes

44:28

416: Is Blogging Still Worth It In The AI Age?

Selling the Couch ·

2026/04/09

If you’ve been told to “just start a blog” to grow your private practice and be seen online, but you’re now wondering if AI has made that advice outdated... this episode is for you.In this conversation, I sit down with Daniel Fava from Private Practice Elevation to explore what’s actually changed with blogging, SEO, and content creation, and what still works today.In this episode, we cover:Why blogging has traditionally been such a powerful strategy for therapistsThe biggest shifts in SEO and

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18:29

415: What Actually Drives Podcast Downloads Based on...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/04/02

After 11 years, 400+ episodes, and nearly 2 million downloads, I thought I understood what drives podcast growth.Then I saw the data, and it challenged a lot of assumptions.In this episode, I break down what actually drives podcast downloads today, based on real-world insights and my own experience growing Selling the Couch into a top 0.5% podcast.Because here’s the truth:Audience size doesn’t guarantee downloadsBig-name guests aren’t the growth lever you think they areAnd visibility alone isn’t

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22:37

ENCORE: Researching and Finding an Audience for Your...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/03/26

Today’sencoreiscoveringcreatingandsellinganE-Course.SincecreatingHealthcasters,I’vedefinitelymademanymistakesthatI’mhappytosharewithyou.Statisticsshowthattheself-improvementindustryisa$10-11billionindustry,soweknowthattherearealotpeoplewhocraveknowledgeandwanttolearn.Joinmeformore!--Wanttolaunchyouronlinecourse?Ournewmembershipisopenforenrollment!FindoutmoreandjoinHavenhere

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32:54

ENCORE: How to Show Up Imperfect In Your Marketing

Selling the Couch ·

2026/03/19

If there is one thing I’ve learned as a small business owner, it’s that it takes courage to show up imperfect. We want so badly to be perfect and put together in front of our audience, but perfectionism makes us less authentic and connected. Join us to learn more about being OK with being imperfect.Samara Stone is a return guest to the podcast, and I’m thrilled to welcome her back! In addition to her work as a therapist, Samara is a branding expert who has a curated community, Be Full Grown, for

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37:00

ENCORE: Pro Tips To Improve The Quality Of Live Videos

Selling the Couch ·

2026/03/13

We use video for meetings, live sessions, live-streaming, and other content, so it’s important to have the best quality possible.Michael Rothermel is my videographer who filmed the welcome video for STC. We were part of the same faith community while Michael lived in the Philly area.Join us to learn his top tips to improve the quality of live videos.--Want to launch your online course or YouTube channel?Save your spot for our free live webinar: The Calm YouTube Flywheel here!Or check out our new

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31:45

ENCORE: How I’m Thinking About YouTube as a Podcaster...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/03/05

Since the beginning of this podcast in 2015, I’ve thought a lot about how I can use YouTube to maximize the impact of STC. I’ve pondered many questions about the sustainability of this endeavor and whether I should be creating separate content on YouTube or simply repurposing these podcast episodes on YouTube.As a result of coaching, taking courses, and obsessively (nerdily) studying YouTube, I have decided to finally leap into YouTube in 2024. In today’s session, I’ll share what went into this

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19:44

414: Why Most Online Courses Fail (Even If the...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/02/26

“If you build a great course, they’ll come.”I wish that were true.Over the past decade, both as a course creator (since 2015) and as a teacher helping therapists launch their own courses, I’ve seen something surprising:Great content alone is rarely enough.In this episode, we talk about why most online courses fail, even when the material inside is research-backed, thoughtful, and genuinely helpful.Because the truth is:Content is only one part of the equation.Completion, clarity, and connection build

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46:25

413: What They Don’t Tell Therapists About Owning a...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/02/19

Most conversations about private practice are highlight reels.But what about the parts no one posts about?In today’s episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by my friend Dr. Justin Dodson, a group practice owner in Memphis, Tennessee, for an honest, real-world conversation about what it actually takes to run (and sustain) a small business as a therapist.Justin is heading into year 6 of private practice, and I’m in year 11 with STC—so we wanted to pull back the curtain on the things therapists often

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19:24

412: How to Create a Podcast That Actually Pays Off

Selling the Couch ·

2026/02/12

Most podcasts never make a dollar.Not because the host isn’t talented.Not because their strategy is bad.But because they quit too soon, or they measure ROI the wrong way.In this episode, I break down what 11 years of podcasting (and nearly 2 million downloads) have taught me about building a podcast that actually pays off.The 3 Forms of Podcast ROI1️⃣ Trust – Deep relational credibility that compounds quietly over time2️⃣ Longevity – Most quit early; sustainable rhythm wins3️⃣ Assets – Turn episodes

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41:21

411: Making Peace with Your Becoming: Navigating...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/02/05

In this deeply honest and practical conversation, I’m joined by fellow clinician and creative coach TJ Walsh as we explore what it means to evolve your brand in real time — especially when your identity as a therapist is shifting.TJ introduces a simple but powerful framework:Push. Pull. Propel.It’s a guide for navigating professional discomfort, emerging desires, and the momentum that comes from integrating both.We talk about:* Why branding is worked out in real time* Letting go of perfectionism and

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20:40

410: Why Many Therapists Quietly Reject Social Media...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/01/29

In today’s episode, I’m diving into a topic many therapists and thoughtful professionals wrestle with: the pressure to be seen on social media, and what it means to opt out.Over the past decade of building Selling the Couch, I’ve had a front-row seat to both the power and the cost of online visibility. And lately, I’ve been asking myself: What does success look like without the performance? What if we chose privacy over performance, resonance over reach?In this episode, I share 3 core insights I’ve

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39:40

409: How to Use AI for Content Creation—Without...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/01/25

AI can be an incredible tool to save time, boost creativity, and streamline your content, but how do you use it without losing your authentic voice?In this episode, I’m joined by Dan Cumberland, founder of Dan Cumberland Labs, to explore how therapists, coaches, and small business owners can use AI tools like ChatGPT or Claude without sounding robotic or generic.We cover:* Common therapist concerns about using AI* How to treat AI as a collaborator (not a replacement)* The POWER Framework: How to get

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25:01

408: If I Were in Grad School Again: 5 Career Shifts...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/01/15

Whether you're in grad school for psychology, counseling, social work—or mentoring someone who is—this episode is for you.After 20+ years in the mental health field and over a decade running Selling the Couch, I'm sharing 5 things I wish I had done during grad school to set up a more sustainable, meaningful, and flexible career.I also share one bonus tip that’s been the most important for long-term success (especially if you want to avoid burnout and build a career that supports your life, not

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34:04

407: How to Build Emotional Fitness as a Therapist...

Selling the Couch ·

2026/01/08

What is emotional fitness, and why is it more important than ever for therapists, helpers, and quiet leaders?In this episode of Selling the Couch, I’m joined by psychologist and author Dr. Emily Anhalt to explore how we can strengthen our emotional muscles to prevent burnout, set boundaries, and lead with compassion (without losing ourselves in the process).We break down:The difference between emotional intelligence and emotional fitnessThe 7 traits of emotionally fit peopleThe early warning signs

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32:44

406: How to AI-Proof Your Online Course as a Therapist

Selling the Couch ·

2026/01/01

Melvin kicks off Season 11 of Selling the Couch with a powerful and timely conversation on how therapists and online educators can AI-proof their online courses in 2026 and beyond.If you’re worried that AI tools might replace the need for your course, this episode will help you rethink that fear, and give you a framework to build something deeply human, emotionally intelligent, and resilient.Learn the 3 keys to future-proofing your course:Sustainable Community – Build connection that lasts beyond

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32:29

ENCORE: Charging Premium Prices For Your Online...

Selling the Couch ·

2025/12/18

Today’s show is a coaching call about online courses and the imposter syndrome that sneaks in with fear and doubt. Join us to learn more!Our Featured Guest for today’s coaching call:Nikki Sewell, LCSWNikki was ready to get her pilot students into her course, but she has encountered a lot of fear around charging her worth for her grief course for therapists. Nikki built a successful private practice focusing on the niche of grief counseling, motivated by losing her father to suicide during her grad

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44:20

ENCORE: Mental Roadblocks Of Going From Clinician To...

Selling the Couch ·

2025/12/11

Many clinicians are left wondering if their best work lies in the clinical field or the coaching/consulting arena. I’ve felt this dilemma myself, pondering how to balance my interests, endeavors, and the evolution of family life. I realized that I couldn’t sustain multiple paths, and I made the hard decision to give up my clinical work. If you are struggling along those same lines, I hope today’s show gives you insights, clarity, and encouragement. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestAngela

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31:31

ENCORE: 3 Tips To Become An Awesome Storyteller Online

Selling the Couch ·

2025/12/04

Today’s topic is a fascinating one for me. As therapists, we are wired for stories, but telling an effective story online is a struggle for many of us. Fortunately for us, my guest has wisdom and tips to share to help us become awesome storytellers. Join us to learn more!Our Featured GuestKieran DrewKieran Drew lives in Leeds, England, and is my writing coach for Twitter. In an interesting career twist, he was a dentist who left behind his stressful, work-filled life to become a

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28:15

ENCORE: The 10 Biggest Mistakes I Made As An Online...

Selling the Couch ·

2025/11/27

I’ve been focused on building a life around my family and self-care rather than fitting those things around a career. I’ve learned that there is much wisdom in slowing down and not keeping up a crazy pace. One thing that has helped me accomplish these goals is creating an online course. Even though I’m super grateful and blown away by the success, I made a lot of mistakes along the way. Join me as I share my insights and lessons learned.You’ll Learn:The 10 biggest mistakes I made as an online course

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34:53

ENCORE: Where Should I Focus My Online Course Marketing?

Selling the Couch ·

2025/11/20

Our Featured Guest for today’s call: Heather McKenzie, LCMHCSHeather McKenzie came through Online Course School as a beta student back in the fall of 2021. Online Course School is a live, eight-week experience that takes your online course from a simple idea all the way through the development stages so that you are ready to record. Heather created a course specifically focused on anxiety that can be found at Dial Down Anxiety. Like most of us who create an online course, she faced a common struggle

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409 results

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