The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast

Hosted by Danielle Swimm

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Episodes

232

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Are you a therapist looking for a one-stop shop for practice building and personal development? Then you're in the right place! Your host, Danielle Swimm, believes that therapists are meant to live full, abundant lives and create businesses along the way. We talk all things mindset, marketing and systems for today's entrepreneurial therapist. Danielle and her guests will share behind the scenes of mistakes they've made and lessons learned along the way. The episodes are raw and real, reminding you that even when times are hard, you can still achieve your own version of success. You will leave each episode feeling motivated and inspired each week to build the practice and life of your dreams. If you're a therapist who likes to listen to Lewis Howes, Rachel Rodgers or Rachel Hollis, you'll feel right at home here. Let's get started! Launching 23 Feb 2022

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June 10, 2026Episode 23030 min

EP 230: I Hosted My First Retreat for Therapists

In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of hosting my very first in-person retreat for entrepreneurial therapists and share what actually happened, what surprised me most, and why this experience impacted me far beyond the business results. From choosing the location and designing the attendee experience to navigating fears about logistics, finances, and leadership, I walk you through the realities of bringing a retreat from idea to execution. I also share exactly what we covered during our three days together, including identity work, business strategy, SEO, social media, hot seats, breathwork, and community building. Topics Covered in this Episode: 4:12 - Why I chose a local destination over a more ambitious retreat location 8:47 - The fear that almost stopped me from hosting the event altogether 12:35 - What creating the right energetic environment actually looked like 16:18 - The business workshop topics that generated the biggest conversations 18:54 - Why we spent time inside attendees' Google Search Console accounts 21:41 - The unexpected retreat experience that brought nearly everyone to tears 25:07 - The power of hot seats and what therapists were really struggling with 28:12 - The lesson about leadership, community, and calling that I'll carry into future retreats If you're interested in joining me for the next retreat in Spring 2027, be sure to get on the interest list. Resources Mentioned: Get on the retreat interest list for 2027: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/retreat Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

June 3, 2026Episode 22930 min

EP 229: How to Deal with a Crisis in Private Practice with Maria Winters

What happens when a client says, "I don't want to be here anymore," and you're the only clinician in the room? In this important conversation, I sit down with therapist and former ER mental health clinician Maria Winters to discuss one of the most challenging situations therapists can face: assessing and responding to suicidal ideation in private practice. Drawing from 12 years of experience in emergency psychiatry, Maria shares what therapists often misunderstand about suicide risk, why asking direct questions matters, and how to distinguish between suicidal thoughts and an active crisis. We talk through intent, plans, access to means, substance use, emergency petitions, hospitalization decisions, and what actually happens after a client arrives at the emergency room. This episode is especially relevant for therapists in private practice, group practice owners, and clinicians who want to feel more confident navigating high-risk situations. We also discuss common fears around liability, when to involve crisis response teams or law enforcement, and why ongoing training in suicide assessment is something every therapist should prioritize. Whether you're a seasoned clinician or early in your career, this conversation offers practical insight into having life-saving conversations with greater confidence and clinical clarity. Topics Covered in this Episode: 3:35 - Why many clients never disclose suicidal thoughts unless they're directly asked 6:45 - The critical difference between suicidal ideation, intent, and planning 9:10 - What therapists often misunderstand about when hospitalization is actually necessary 12:50 - How ER clinicians evaluate risk once a client arrives at the hospital 27:05 - What therapists should know about HIPAA during psychiatric emergencies If this episode gave you a new perspective or helped you feel more prepared as a clinician, I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a colleague. These conversations help us become more confident, ethical, and effective therapists, and your support helps bring them to more clinicians who need them. Note: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis please call 988 or go to your local emergency room. For more resources on how to get help please check out https://988helpline.org/ Resources Mentioned: Maria's Website: www.thecoachingtherapist.com Connect with Maria on Instagram: coaching_therapist Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

May 27, 2026Episode 22824 min

EP 228: The Top 3 Marketing Strategies I'm Focused on Right Now

Everyone is chasing AI right now, but what if the biggest marketing opportunities for therapists are hiding in plain sight? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on the three marketing strategies I'm personally doubling down on this summer and why I believe they are going to shape the future of private practice growth. From using AI to scale content creation without losing your authentic voice, to building relationships that actually lead to long term referrals and opportunities, I'm sharing exactly where I'm spending my time, energy, and investment right now. Topics Covered in this Episode: 4:12 - Why the "work less, make more" messaging might actually be hurting entrepreneurs 9:48 - Why AI content fails for most therapists 12:35 - How I'm training AI to sound more human and authentic 15:02 - The networking strategy that still builds seven figure practices 17:40 - The mindset challenge I want every therapist to try this summer 20:11 - What ChatGPT is already recommending behind the scenes 21:46 - The tiny SEO mistake most therapist websites are making 23:08 - Why backlinks may matter more than ever in the age of AI search Come connect with me on Instagram to let me know which of these three strategies you're most excited to try first. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

May 20, 2026Episode 22729 min

EP 227: How Robyn Isman Built a Membership Through Grief

Building a successful business while navigating grief, burnout, and uncertainty is not something we talk about enough. In this episode, I sit down with therapist, creator, and founder of Parenting the Anxious Child, Robyn Isman, for an honest conversation about what it actually looks like to grow a business during one of the hardest seasons of life. We talk about building an audience from scratch, creating digital offers as a therapist, scaling beyond one to one work, and the emotional reality of entrepreneurship that social media rarely shows. Robyn opens up about growing her platform while caring for her mother during the final months of her life, the identity shifts that come with becoming a creator, and why "passive income" is rarely passive. Topics Covered in This Episode: 11:08 - The emotional cost of building an audience online 15:27 - Why Robyn's membership did not feel as "passive" as she expected 18:44 - The difference between one to one work and one to many offers 21:36 - The mindset shift that completely changed how she views launches 24:18 - Why experienced therapists still feel imposter syndrome when starting something new 26:40 - The advice every therapist entrepreneur needs to hear before scaling Whether you are dreaming about launching your first offer, building multiple income streams, or simply trying to hold onto yourself while building something meaningful, this episode will make you feel far less alone. Resources Mentioned: Listen to Do Less Parenting: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/do-less-parenting/id1832833211 Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle

May 13, 2026Episode 22627 min

EP 226: Q&A: Burnout, Business Growth, and the Future of Therapy Practices

This week, I'm opening up about attending a high level business retreat in Los Angeles and the surprising lessons that followed me home. From crying on the plane over mom guilt to sitting in rooms full of wildly successful female founders, I share the mindset shifts, burnout realizations, and behind the scenes truths about entrepreneurship that rarely make it onto Instagram. We talk about why protecting your time and energy is no longer optional, what successful women are actually prioritizing behind closed doors, and why implementation matters so much more than endless learning. Topics Covered in This Episode: 1:30 - The emotional reality of leaving family behind for business growth opportunities and navigating the guilt that comes with it 5:00 - The burnout realization that only became obvious after stepping away from work for a few days 8:15 - Why implementation matters more than endlessly consuming courses, trainings, and information 11:45 - What high level female founders prioritize differently when it comes to schedules, boundaries, and energy 15:20 - The truth about hard work, freedom, and what successful entrepreneurs are actually doing behind closed doors 17:40 - Why community and accountability are becoming more valuable than information in the age of AI 19:10 - The biggest reason therapists are struggling to get intakes in 2026 and what marketing strategies are working now 24:00 - Additional revenue opportunities for therapists including intensives, EAPs, and scalable income streams Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

May 6, 2026Episode 22521 min

EP 225: Helping Therapists in Crisis with Jeanine Rousso

Everything changes when therapists finally have a safety net. In this episode, I sit down with Jeanine Rousso, founder of the Therapist Resource Network, to talk about a resource I truly believe every therapist needs to know about. We dive into the reality so many clinicians are quietly facing financial instability, burnout, and what happens when life throws something unexpected your way. I share why this conversation matters so deeply to me and how having support in those hardest seasons can change everything about how we show up in our work and our lives. Jeanine opens up about the personal experiences and industry gaps that led her to build a nonprofit dedicated to supporting therapists through crises, from natural disasters to personal emergencies. We talk about the realities of therapist income, the emotional weight of this profession, and what it actually looks like to receive support when you need it most. If you have ever wondered what happens when a therapist needs help, how to prepare your practice for the unexpected, or how we can advocate for more sustainable careers in this field, this episode is one you will not want to miss. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:15 - The moment that sparked the idea for a therapist support network 5:40 - What most therapists are silently struggling with right now 8:10 - The truth about therapist income and why it is a bigger issue than you think 11:25 - What actually happens when a therapist faces a crisis 13:50 - How these emergency grants work and who qualifies 16:05 - The hidden emotional toll of burnout and isolation in this field 18:20 - What needs to change for therapists to feel truly supported If this conversation resonates with you, I encourage you to share this episode with a fellow therapist who might need it. You never know who is going through something behind the scenes. And if you are looking to build a more sustainable, supported, and empowered career as a therapist, make sure you subscribe and stay connected. There is so much more ahead. Resources Mentioned: Therapy Resource Network: www.therapistresourcenetwork.org Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

April 29, 2026Episode 22420 min

EP 224: When You Want to Burn It All Down in Your Luteal Phase

If you've ever hit a point where you just want to burn it all down, this episode is going to feel like someone finally understands what you've been experiencing. I walk you through what's really happening during the luteal phase when your business suddenly feels heavy, frustrating, or completely out of alignment. I share why that urge to quit, burn it down, or disappear isn't random or dramatic, but often a powerful signal pointing to deeper structural issues in your business and the way it's currently relying on you. I also coach you through how to navigate those intense days without making impulsive decisions you might regret later. We explore how hormones amplify what's already there, how burnout and over-functioning show up in sneaky ways, and how to start building a business that doesn't collapse every 30 days. If you've ever questioned yourself, your capacity, or your business during this phase, this episode will help you separate truth from temporary emotion and start making more supportive, sustainable shifts. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:10 - Why the urge to "burn it all down" isn't actually the problem 4:25 - The hidden business structure issue most women overlook 6:40 - What your luteal phase is trying to reveal to you 9:15 - The difference between intuition and hormonal amplification 11:30 - Signs your business is relying too heavily on you 13:50 - How burnout quietly builds across your cycle 16:05 - A simple way to respond instead of react in the moment 18:20 - The long-term shift that changes everything If this episode hits home, don't just listen and move on. Save it, come back to it during your next luteal phase, and start noticing what patterns are repeating for you. Then take one small step toward building a business that actually supports you through every phase, not just the easy ones. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

April 22, 2026Episode 22329 min

EP 223: How to Improve Conversions Through Your Website with Liz Zhou

Stop chasing algorithms and start building a marketing engine that actually works for you. In this episode, I sit down with Liz Zhou, therapist turned website designer and copywriter, to unpack what's really driving client inquiries in 2026. We dive into why SEO is more than just a buzzword and how your website serves as the foundation of your entire marketing ecosystem. I explore the often-overlooked gap between getting traffic and actually converting that traffic into paying clients, and Liz shares how therapists can create websites that not only rank but resonate. We also get real about the highs and lows of social media growth, including Liz's experience going viral and the burnout that followed. I ask the questions so many of you are wondering: Do you actually need Instagram to grow your practice? What happens if you step away? And how can you create a more sustainable, long-term marketing strategy that doesn't rely on constant posting? From niching down and refining your messaging to designing a neurodivergent-friendly website that speaks clearly to your ideal client, this episode will challenge the way you think about marketing your practice. Topics Covered in this Episode: 3:12 - Why SEO is the true foundation of sustainable marketing 6:45 - The hidden reason your website isn't converting clients 10:28 - What really happens when you go viral as a therapist 14:02 - The burnout behind social media growth no one talks about 17:36 - How to step away from Instagram without losing inquiries 20:11 - The three pillars every high-converting website needs 23:07 - Subtle copywriting shifts that instantly make your site stand out 25:40 - How to design a website that works for different types of brains If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or burnt out trying to keep up with marketing trends, this episode will open your eyes to a more grounded and effective approach. Tune in and start building a marketing system that supports your practice instead of draining it. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Liz: https://www.lizamay.com/ Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

April 15, 2026Episode 22229 min

EP 222: Quarter 1 Review: Content, Launches and What Worked

What happens when massive growth finally hits… and you're more exhausted than excited? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and walking you through a completely unfiltered behind-the-scenes look at my Quarter 1 experience… what worked, what surprised me, and what stretched me more than I expected. From multiple launches in a 90-day sprint to navigating real-life challenges happening at the exact same time, I'm sharing the honest reality of what it takes to grow a business quickly without burning out. I also dive into the strategies, mindset shifts, and unexpected wins that shaped this quarter… from selling out my first-ever in-person retreat with ease, to refining my approach to launches, to experimenting with Instagram growth in a way that actually moved the needle. Along the way, I'm asking bigger questions about what it really takes to scale sustainably, especially as a woman balancing business, life, and everything in between. If you've ever wondered how to grow without sacrificing yourself in the process, or how to navigate momentum when life doesn't slow down, this episode will give you a whole new perspective. Topics Covered in This Episode: 2:15 - Why rapid growth can feel just as challenging as slow seasons 6:40 - The surprising launch that completely changed my perspective on selling 11:20 - What actually limits your ability to scale (hint: it's not strategy) 15:05 - A major mindset shift around capacity that most people overlook 18:30 - Behind-the-scenes of a launch that almost didn't happen 22:10 - How I grew my audience (without going viral) 24:45 - What real life interruptions taught me about resilience in business 27:30 - The intentional shift I'm making in Quarter 2 and why it matters If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to stay connected and keep learning alongside me. Make sure you're subscribed so you don't miss what's coming next, especially as I head into Quarter 2 with a completely different focus and bring you along for the journey. Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures.

April 8, 2026Episode 22121 min

EP 221: Google Ads for Therapists with Christi Underwood (Part 2)

In part two of my conversation with Christi Underwood, we move beyond the basics and dive into what really matters once your ads are live. I walk through the exact metrics you should be paying attention to, how to tell if your ads are worth the investment, and the subtle signs that something needs to shift before you waste more money. We also get honest about the realities of tracking in today's privacy-first world, what to do when conversions feel unclear, and how to think about your ad strategy as your practice grows and evolves. From understanding clicks, impressions, and conversion rates to knowing when to refresh or pause your ads entirely, this episode will help you stop guessing and start making confident, data-driven decisions about your marketing. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:10 - The first metric I always check to quickly gauge ad performance 4:35 - The "good" daily click range most therapists should aim for 6:20 - Why conversions are harder to track now and what to do instead 9:15 - The hidden tradeoff between better tracking and better user experience 12:05 - How keyword costs fluctuate and what that means for your budget 14:40 - What impression share actually tells you about your visibility 17:25 - When to pause, refresh, or completely rebuild your ads 19:10 - A simple rule of thumb for setting a sustainable ad budget Resources Mentioned: Find out more about Alma here: helloalma.com/danielle Take 50% off your first 3 months of Simple Practice + a 7 day free trial using the link: simplepractice.com/danielle Fill Up Therapists: $0-$60k If you are needing more private pay clients in your practice in 2026, the Practice Accelerator is the perfect fit for you. Use the code ALLIN as a podcast listener to get $100 off at checkout. Scale Up Therapists: $60-$200k+ Group practice owners, content creators and therapists scaling beyond 1-1. Apply here for the next round of Scale Up Mastermind where I help therapists create additional revenue streams and scale to multi six and seven figures. Christi's Website: clevercatalystllc.com Connect with Christi on IG @theclevercatalyst