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

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

Topics Covered in this Episode:

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

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

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

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

• 23:57 – The surprising post that went viral

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

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

Resources Mentioned:

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

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

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

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

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

What does showing up online really mean for you as a therapist? In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that’s rarely discussed but absolutely crucial—your safety as a therapist in the digital age. As the first generation of mental health professionals navigating public visibility through social media, podcasts, and SEO, we face risks that influencers, travel bloggers, and even accountants simply don’t. I’ll share personal stories, cautionary advice, and actionable steps to help you grow your online presence while protecting your well-being, family, and private life.

This isn’t about fear-mongering—it's about being informed and intentional. If you’re growing your practice, dreaming of expanding your reach, or just starting to show up online, this is an essential episode that blends heart and strategy.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 3:54 - Why therapists must reject influencer-style advice

• 4:32 - How certain diagnoses create risk when visibility increases

• 6:45 - The protection you lose when leaving agency work

• 8:30 - Simple tools to scrub your private info from Google

• 10:20 - The power and paradox of being SEO-savvy

• 11:12 - One rule Danielle follows about video content at home

• 12:29 - The deeply personal decision about sharing your kids online

• 15:40 - What an elevator ride with a high-level speaker taught her about real-life risks

If this episode opened your eyes to the hidden risks of online visibility—or if it simply reminded you to take that next safety step—don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with a fellow therapist, hit subscribe, and leave a quick review so more professionals can hear this message.

Resources Mentioned:

Grab Your Free AI Marketing Guide: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide

Do you ever wonder if ranking on Google is still worth your time and effort as a therapist in private practice? In this episode, I sit down with SEO expert Chris Morin to unpack the realities of SEO in today’s fast-evolving digital world. We dive deep into the strategies that actually move the needle—so you’re not just writing blogs for the sake of it but actually bringing in more ideal clients.

Chris shares his extensive experience helping therapists across the country improve their online presence, get found by the right people, and ultimately, build thriving practices. We talk about AI content creation, the dos and don’ts of blogging, the importance of backlinks, and so much more. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by SEO or unsure where to start, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s get into it!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 3:05 – Why a consistent content strategy is the biggest needle mover in SEO right now

• 5:20 – How to create pages that rank high for specific issues, modalities, and locations

• 8:30 – The most common mistakes therapists make with their website structure

• 11:53 – How to prompt AI to create high-quality, unique content (and avoid regurgitated garbage)

• 16:00 – Why aiming for 1,500-2,000 words per blog post is the sweet spot for ranking

• 19:06 – The secret to internal linking that boosts your SEO and guides visitors where you want them to go

• 22:34 – Backlinking strategies that actually work (without getting spammy)

• 26:50 – The role of Google reviews in building trust—and the ethical gray area therapists face

For more support wtih SEO join the Practice Accelerator for an in-depth training with Chris from Moonraker.AI. You can find out more information here: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Chris: https://moonraker.ai

What if this summer could be the secret weapon to your most successful fall launch ever? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I’m using the summer months to supercharge my content strategy, nurture my audience, and build momentum for my upcoming launches. If you’re a therapist-entrepreneur juggling Instagram, email marketing, or even just the idea of getting your message out there, this episode is for you.

I share my behind-the-scenes plan for making the most of the slower summer months, from boosting Instagram growth with high-quality posts to refining my email newsletter strategy. Plus, I talk about how to tap into that summer energy to nurture your audience without selling anything—and why that’s essential for a thriving launch come September. Get ready to feel inspired, motivated, and equipped with the actionable steps you need to hit the ground running this fall!

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 3:45 - The two golden windows for successful launches that most people overlook

• 6:34 - How to turn your audience into content bingers this summer

• 7:43 - Why going viral on Instagram isn’t always about the numbers

• 9:06 - The one strategy that’s helping me attract the right followers

• 11:35 - The secret spreadsheet I use to analyze Instagram data

• 13:02 - Why stories matter more than the algorithm—and how to make them binge-worthy

• 14:09 - How a single boosted post can supercharge your email list

• 16:54 - The one question to ask yourself before diving into your fall launch
  

Resources Mentioned:

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

Are you ready to scale your therapy business but overwhelmed by the idea of hiring support?

In this episode, I sit down with Leesha Woolery of Simply Supported to answer the most common questions therapists face when they’re ready to stop doing everything themselves and bring on a virtual assistant (VA) or online business manager (OBM). We break down the differences between the two roles, when to hire, how to hire, and what red flags to look out for. If you're running a successful private practice and dreaming of expanding into online programs, this conversation is your roadmap to getting the support you need without burning out.

Leesha shares the exact systems she sets up for her clients, the real costs of hiring help (hint: it’s more accessible than you think), and how to build trust with your audience in today’s skeptical online space. Whether you're launching your first digital product or just tired of juggling content, emails, and tech on your own, this episode is full of tangible insights that will leave you feeling clear and confident about your next steps.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 5:11 — The unexpected difference between a VA, an executive assistant, and an OBM (and which one actually saves your sanity)

• 6:44 — The major green flag to look for when interviewing support staff—and the red one most people miss

• 11:16 — Why email marketing still matters—and how a good OBM can completely change the game

• 12:54 — The secret to building trust in a skeptical online market (hint: it’s not flashy funnels)

• 15:05 — Why nurturing your list 80% of the time is more effective than constant selling

• 17:21 — Do you really need to make six figures before hiring help? Leesha’s answer might surprise you

• 20:48 — How SOPs (standard operating procedures) make your business feel way less chaotic

• 21:02 — A free resource to help you hire with confidence—complete with interview tips and job post templates

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel less intimidated by the hiring process and more equipped to bring in the support your business truly needs. If you’re a therapist ready to grow without burning out, this conversation is your starting point.

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Leesha: http://simplysupported.co/contact

Free AI Guide on Getting More Private Pay Clients for Therapists: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide

How can you use the slower summer season to supercharge your marketing and set yourself up for success the rest of the year?

In this episode of The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast, I’m diving into my top marketing hacks for summer 2025—because let’s be honest, when business slows down, it’s the perfect time to create content that really moves the needle. I’m walking you through exactly how I’m revamping my content strategy, using tools like Instagram’s new Edits app, and leveraging platforms like Reddit to get inspired and build visibility. If you’re looking to grow your audience, repurpose past viral posts, or finally make sense of your content insights, this episode is for you.

I’m also sharing how I boost my energy and creativity during the summer months, balance life as a therapist mom, and stay plugged into the latest trends that actually matter. Tune in and let this episode be your roadmap to creating smarter, not harder, this summer.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 1:49 – Why summer is the best time to focus on content creation and top-of-funnel growth

• 3:26 – How to use Instagram’s Edits app for organizing ideas, finding trends, and boosting creativity

• 6:53 – What’s changed with Instagram in 2025 and how smaller accounts are being prioritized

• 8:20 – The content strategy I’m using based on insights—not trends—for real growth

• 9:42 – The power of tweaking past viral content for massive new reach

• 12:18 – Why repurposing should be a bigger part of your weekly strategy

• 13:31 – How to use Trial Reels to reach a brand-new audience without spending a dime

• 18:40 – A clever way to use Reddit to fuel content ideas and drive traffic to your offers

Let this episode inspire you to make the most of your summer marketing momentum!

Resources Mentioned:

Free AI Guide on Getting More Private Pay Clients for Therapists: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/guide

What would you do if your world turned upside down overnight—and you still had a business to run?

In this episode, I sit down with Kristin Mervich, a therapist, mom of two (with one on the way), and coaching powerhouse who opens up about her son’s recent cancer diagnosis and how it completely upended her life. Kristin shares, with incredible grace and clarity, how she navigated running a group practice, growing a coaching business, and staying emotionally grounded while managing her son’s stage 4 neuroblastoma treatment. We talk about the raw moments of fear and uncertainty, the logistical chaos of life in and out of hospitals, and the mindset shifts that allowed Kristen to keep her business not just alive, but thriving.

This episode will deeply inspire and challenge the way you think about balance, growth, and showing up when life hits hard.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• 4:02 - The moment Kristin’s life—and business—pivoted overnight

• 8:31 - Why she didn’t tell her clients the full story right away—and what she did instead

• 13:55 - How her son’s diagnosis forced her to become the business owner she always wanted to be

• 17:00 - The mindset mantra that helped her keep going when everything felt like too much

• 19:17 - The “levers” she pulled to maintain income while drastically reducing her caseload

• 21:25 - The #1 mistake she sees therapists make in their marketing (and how to fix it)

• 23:37 - How she now works just two days a week—and still leads a growing practice

• 26:06 - The surprising truth about asking for help (and what therapists often get wrong about it)

If Kristin’s story resonated with you, be sure to follow her on Instagram at @therapreneurmother. You can also grab her free guide, Part-Time Hours with Full-Time Pay: The Private Practice Mom’s Playbook—a must-read if you're looking to work less while still making a sustainable income. To learn more about her clinical work, visit her group practice site, Outsmarting Anxiety & OCD. And if you're a therapist looking to build or grow your own private practice, check out my signature program, the Practice Accelerator, for expert guidance, structure, and support.

Resources Mentioned:

Check out the Practice Accelerator: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator

Connect with Kristin on IG: @therapreneurmotherm

Grab Kristin’s Free Guide: https://therapreneurmother.kit.com/playbookfreebie

Visit Kristin’s Group Practice Website: https://outsmartingocd.com/

What if the very things you think are holding you back are actually redirecting you toward your biggest breakthroughs?

In this episode, I open up about what’s truly been challenging for me in 2025 - from personal grief and unpredictable childcare to draining relationships and autoimmune flare-ups. I’m sharing what’s made work hard, what’s made healing harder, and what’s helped me push forward anyway. This is one of those raw, real behind-the-scenes episodes I love to do, not because they’re polished, but because they’re honest. If you’ve ever felt like your dreams are too “delusional” or that life is just throwing too much at once - this is for you. I’m also sharing what’s propelled me forward this year: the power of mindset, the clarity of boundaries, and why I believe being delusional is a strategy, not a flaw.

Whether you’re navigating grief, burnout, or building a business while raising kids, I hope this episode helps you feel seen — and reminds you that you can still succeed, even in the messiest seasons.

Topics Covered in this Episode:

• 2:13 - The behind-the-scenes struggle that cut my work time down to 2.5 hours a day

• 4:56 - How one major loss reshaped my entire approach to motherhood and business

• 6:16 - Why some people drain your energy and what to do about it

• 9:02 - The boundary shift that changed how I protect my energy

• 13:17 - The phone setting that will help you stay focused

• 17:01 - A mindset technique beat fear and reclaim energy

• 21:00 - Why “being delusional” might be the smartest move you make this year

Resources Mentioned:

Accelerate the Growth of Your Practice: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/practice-accelerator