The Entrepreneurial Therapist Podcast

Hosted by Danielle Swimm

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Episodes

243

Latest episode

Aug 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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September 9, 2026Episode 24320 min

EP 243: How to Get ChatGPT to Recommend Your Therapy Practice by 2027

What if the next client searching for a therapist asks ChatGPT instead of Google? In this episode, I'm breaking down why the way therapists market their private practices is changing and why getting recommended by AI could become a major part of your growth strategy. I'll explain what GEO is, how it differs from traditional SEO, and what I'm doing in my own therapy practices to make sure AI continues recommending me. I'll also share why this approach is producing results much faster than some of the traditional marketing strategies I've relied on in the past. I'm getting practical about the things therapists can start doing now, from understanding why competing practices are being recommended, to building more specific reviews, strengthening your presence across the internet, and making sure AI can actually verify that you're a real, credible professional. If you want to finish 2026 strong and enter 2027 with a marketing strategy built for where search is headed, this episode will give you a look at what I'm paying attention to right now. Topics Covered in this Episode: 1:35 - Why the old marketing timeline started feeling impossible 4:10 - The question I'm asking AI about my competitors 6:35 - What AI can reveal about why someone else gets recommended 9:05 - The subtle connection between SEO and GEO 11:30 - Why the right kind of review may matter more than you think 14:15 - What AI needs to see before it can vouch for you 16:35 - The online profiles you may be overlooking 18:30 - Why the next 90 days could change your 2027 ---------------------------------------- WORKSHOP REGISTRATION: Register for the GEO workshop on September 23rd and Sept 25th at 1PM Et here: https://www.theentrepreneurialtherapist.com/seo-workshop ------------------------------------------- Thanking Our Sponsors: 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

September 2, 2026Episode 24219 min

EP 242: How to Build a Faith-based Practice with Whitney Owens

What if your faith could shape the way you build, market, and grow your therapy practice? In this episode, I sit down with Whitney Owens, founder of Wise Practice Consulting, to talk about the unique business considerations that come with building a faith-based practice. We talk about marketing to churches, understanding how different churches approach therapy, and why relationship-building is often far more effective than a traditional sales pitch. Whitney also shares how therapists can create meaningful connections with pastors, provide value to churches, navigate dual relationships, and turn those relationships into referrals and community collaborations. We also talk about the spectrum of faith-based practices and how you can incorporate faith into your branding and practice in a way that feels authentic to you. Topics Covered in this Episode: 3:14 - The first step to connecting with churches 5:35 - Why warm introductions can change everything 8:11 - What pastors actually need from therapists 11:10 - Turning relationships into referrals and collaboration 13:30 - One creative way to become a church's go-to therapist 15:16 - Finding your place on the faith-based practice spectrum 18:05 - Building a business around both strategy and faith If you're a therapist who wants to grow a practice that reflects your values while serving your community, tune into this episode for ideas to help you think differently about networking, referrals, marketing, and what a faith-based practice can actually look like. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Whitney: https://www.wisepracticeconsulting.com/ Free Tips For Marketing and Networking with Churches: https://wisepracticeconsulting.aweb.page/p/7a89ac77-233e-4785-b25f-de5fa6860551 Listen to the Wise Practice Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@wisepracticeconsulting 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.

August 26, 2026Episode 24120 min

EP 241: Why Avoiding Hard Conversations Isn't Scaling Your Business

What if the conversations you are avoiding are actually the conversations your team needs you to have? In this episode of The Entrepreneurial Therapist, I'm tackling one of the biggest things I see holding therapists back from scaling: the fear of having hard conversations. Whether you're managing clinicians, a VA, an executive assistant, or an online business manager, avoiding uncomfortable conversations can create a culture of avoidance that ultimately limits your growth. I'm breaking down why empathy and sensitivity, while essential strengths for therapists, can sometimes make leadership harder, and why being honest with your team is actually an act of kindness. Topics Covered in this Episode: 4:32 - The mindset shift that changes how you show up as a leader 6:18 - Why your empathy might be making leadership harder 9:02 - The part of a team member's reaction that is not yours to manage 11:26 - How to build the muscle of having uncomfortable conversations 13:42 - The CEO habit that gives you a completely different view of your business 16:04 - What managing different personalities can teach you about leadership 18:03 - Why your leadership starts with the cup you are pouring from If this episode resonates with you, I'd love for you to take the conversation one step further. Send me a DM on Instagram and let me know what you're taking away from this episode, or share it to your stories and tag me. 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.

August 19, 2026Episode 24027 min

EP 240: Stop Marketing Everywhere: What Actually Grows a Group Practice with Laurel van der Toorn

What would happen if you stopped trying to market your practice everywhere and focused only on what actually works? In this episode, I'm joined by Laurel van der Toorn, a therapist and group practice owner who has built a successful virtual, trauma-focused practice by doing less, but doing it strategically. We talk about why she chose to stay virtual, how niching around EMDR has helped bring in the right clients, and why she decided to stop focusing on social media and podcasting after looking at the numbers. Laurel also shares how she approaches SEO, backlinks, networking, email marketing, and even uses AI to help nurture referral relationships. We talk about what has actually moved the needle for her practice, what she's stopped doing, and how focusing on a few strategic efforts can protect your time while still growing your business. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:45 - The unexpected source of Laurel's best-fit clients 5:10 - Why she stopped trying to be everywhere online 7:02 - The networking system that keeps relationships going 10:18 - How she uses AI to make networking easier 14:06 - What actually makes referrals turn into clients 17:24 - The SEO strategy that helped her virtual practice grow 20:11 - How she built hundreds of backlinks If you've been wondering whether you really need to be on every platform, create endless content, or try every marketing strategy out there, tune in! Resources Mentioned: Connect with Laurel: www.laureltherapy.net 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.

August 12, 2026Episode 23919 min

EP 239: How to Prepare Yourself to Make More Money

What if the biggest thing standing between you and more money isn't your strategy at all? In this episode, I challenge the assumptions we often make about growing our businesses and invite you to ask a much deeper question: do you actually want the level of success you're working toward? I share the mindset shifts, subconscious beliefs, and practical preparations I've been working through in my own business, along with why your capacity to receive more revenue starts long before the money ever arrives. We also talk about what it really looks like to prepare for growth by strengthening your systems, learning how to manage larger amounts of money, surrounding yourself with people who can support your next level, and becoming someone who acts decisively instead of waiting until success forces you to change. Topics Covered in this Episode: 1:18 - Why wanting more money and being ready for more money are not always the same thing 3:10 - The simple question that can expose what's really holding your business back 6:22 - How to know if your business could actually handle a major increase in sales 13:08 - Why the people around you can influence how much success you're willing to create 17:05 - The habit that separates entrepreneurs who move forward from those who stay stuck 18:12 - How acting like your future self can change the way you lead your business If you're ready to stop hoping for more income and start preparing for it, you don't want to skip this episode. 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.

August 5, 2026Episode 23824 min

EP 238: How AI is Changing SEO for Therapists with Kristie Plantinga (And What Actually Works)

SEO is changing faster than ever, and what worked even a year ago might already be outdated. In this episode, I'm joined once again by SEO expert Kristie Plantinga to unpack what therapists actually need to know about ranking online in 2026. We dive into the rise of AI search, whether AI optimization (AIO) is really different from SEO, and why therapists may have more of an advantage than they realize as tools like ChatGPT and Google's AI Overviews continue to shape how potential clients find providers. We also talk about what strategies are still worth your time, what advice has become outdated, and why Google Business Profiles may now be one of the highest leverage marketing tools available. Kristie shares her thoughts on blogging in the age of AI, how to position yourself as the go to expert in your niche, and why being known for one specific thing matters more than ever. If you've been wondering where to focus your marketing efforts without wasting time on tactics that no longer work, this conversation will give you clarity and direction. Topics Covered in this Episode: 4:48 - Why ChatGPT is recommending private practices over big tech companies 10:45 - The biggest SEO priorities therapists should focus on right now 14:20 - Why your Google Business Profile may matter more than your website 16:55 - What Google actually rewards in an AI driven world 18:10 - Is blogging still worth your time in 2026? 21:00 - The search terms and specialties therapists should be targeting 23:00 - How becoming known for one thing can transform your visibility Resources Mentioned: Connect with Kristie: placedigital.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.

July 29, 2026Episode 23727 min

EP 237: BTS How I Made $8k/ in One Hour

How did a simple one hour workshop turn into an $8,000 revenue day? In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of one of the most unexpected launches I've ever had and break down exactly what happened, what I think made it successful, and what I'd do differently next time. I share why I finally stepped outside my comfort zone to talk numbers, how a spontaneous idea from a coffee shop became a profitable offer, and why understanding my audience mattered far more than having the perfect launch strategy. I also dig into the bigger lessons this experience taught me about marketing in today's AI driven landscape. We talk about creating low ticket offers that genuinely solve a pressing problem, why I trusted my instincts instead of asking for permission, how simple marketing outperformed overcomplicated strategies, and why being willing to pivot may be one of the most valuable business skills you can develop. Topics Covered in This Episode: 6:45 - The surprising ingredient that made people buy immediately 9:58 - Why I stopped asking for validation before launching new ideas 13:41 - The simple marketing strategy that outperformed my expectations 17:36 - What today's online buyers are actually looking for 20:51 - The failed workshop that completely changed my perspective 23:58 - An email from one therapist that reshaped my entire mission 25:47 - The seven hour breakdown behind an $8,000 launch If you've been wondering whether now is the right time to launch something new, simplify your offers, or adapt your business to the changing AI landscape, this episode will give you plenty to think about. If you want to purchase the $47 AIO Workshop to help your practice show up in ChatGPT and be recommended by AI, you can purchase it here . Resources Mentioned: Join the AIO Workshop: https://danielle-s-school8.teachable.com/p/seo-workshop 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.

July 22, 2026Episode 23626 min

EP 236: How to Implement Profit First with Andrea Rotondo

Money stress doesn't have to be the price of running a successful therapy practice. In this episode, I sit down with Profit First expert and therapist bookkeeper Andrea Rotondo to talk about one of the most overlooked parts of private practice: creating a financial system that gives you clarity instead of constant anxiety. We unpack how the Profit First framework works specifically for therapists, why simply looking at your bank balance can be misleading, and how organizing your money with intention can help you prepare for taxes, annual expenses, payroll, vacations, and future growth without the last minute panic. We also discuss the difference between paying yourself and earning true profit as a business owner, why even starting with just 1% can make a meaningful difference, and how building healthy financial systems can create more freedom, confidence, and sustainability in both your business and your personal life. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:18 - Why so many therapists avoid their finances and what it may be costing them 6:08 - The real meaning behind the Profit First philosophy and why it is not about putting money before people 10:45 - The simple bank account system that can completely change how you view your business finances 14:32 - How often you should move money and why timing matters more than you think 17:42 - The financial habit that can help you finally feel in control of your practice 20:12 - Why your profit account should never be confused with your paycheck 21:58 - The surprisingly simple way to start implementing Profit First without overwhelming yourself 24:08 - How quarterly profit distributions can become one of the most rewarding parts of owning a practice Resources Mentioned: Andrea's Website: https://www.liquidcentsbookkeeping.com/ Connect with Andrea on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrearotondo1/ Connect with Andrea on IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrea.rotondo/ 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.

July 15, 2026Episode 23525 min

EP 235: Q2 Review: Business Growth, Personal Challenges, and My Biggest Takeaways

The biggest wins in business don't always tell the whole story. In this quarter two review, I'm pulling back the curtain on what the last three months actually looked like behind the scenes, from hosting my first retreat and traveling to multiple business events to refining my Scale Up Mastermind, experimenting with Instagram ads, and preparing for new opportunities. I'm sharing what paid off, what I'd approach differently, and why moving quickly, even when things aren't perfect, became my theme for the quarter. I'm also opening up about the personal challenges that existed alongside those business milestones. I talk about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, navigating family addiction, the toll of compartmentalizing difficult emotions, and why I'm prioritizing nervous system regulation over simply chasing more growth. Topics Covered in this Episode: 2:10 - Why "move fast and break things" became my guiding philosophy for Q2 5:45 - The behind the scenes changes I'm making to my Scale Up Mastermind 10:30 - What taking my daughter to a business conference unexpectedly taught me about success 14:55 - The biggest lessons from hosting my very first in person retreat 18:20 What was happening behind the scenes while business appeared to be thriving 21:05 - Why I'm investing in EMDR and focusing on nervous system regulation this summer 23:10 - My early results with Instagram ads and what's changing in my marketing strategy 24:40 - The mindset I'm taking into the second half of the year 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.

July 8, 2026Episode 23426 min

EP 234: How to Become a Paid Speaker as a Therapist with Gabrielle Juliano-Villani

Ready to get paid to speak? In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest Gabrielle Juliano-Villani to talk about one of the most overlooked ways therapists can diversify their income and expand their impact through paid speaking. We unpack what it actually takes to build a speaking career, how speaking can become much more than conference keynotes, and why podcasts, workshops, trainings, retreats, and social media all play a role in creating visibility. Gabrielle also shares her own journey from scaling and selling a seven figure group practice to building a business centered around consulting, retreats, education, and speaking. Topics Covered in this Episode: 6:48 - The surprising first step Gabrielle took despite being terrified of public speaking 10:12 - How one trip to Italy completely changed her approach to speaking 14:05 - The networking mindset that creates speaking opportunities without feeling salesy 17:28 - The contract details most first time speakers never think to ask about 20:01 Why saying yes to the "right" unpaid opportunity can lead to thousands in paid work 22:16 - The habits Gabrielle uses to become a stronger speaker every time she steps on stage 24:09 - What therapists need to know before turning speaking into a sustainable revenue stream 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. Resources Mentioned: Connect with Gabrielle on IG: instagram.com/gjvconsulting Gabrielle's Website: gabriellejulianovillani.com Medicare Consulting: medicareconsultingfortherapists.com Gabrielle's Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/createanabundantgrouppractice Therapists Guide to Income Streams: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com/therapists-guide-to-income-streams/ Courage to Speak Webinar: https://gabriellejulianovillani.com/courage-to-speak-webinar 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.