Selling the Couch

Do therapist websites still matter in the age of AI? With platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, Google AI Search, social media, and online directories changing how people search for support, many therapists are wondering: Is it even worth investing in a website anymore? In this episode, Mel sits down with Sarah Gershon of Strong Roots Web Design to explore why therapist websites may actually matter more...

Are therapists quietly leaving social media… on purpose? In today’s episode, we explore a growing shift: not burnout, but intentional withdrawal from platforms that promise connection... but often create fragmentation. If you’ve ever felt conflicted about social media— needing it for visibility but feeling drained by it —this conversation will hit close to home. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why...

What does it actually look like to market your work… without losing your humanity? In today’s episode of Selling the Couch , I’m joined by Shayna Vance Roman to explore a powerful and often overlooked idea: human-centric marketing—and how to apply it in a way that feels grounded, ethical, and aligned. If you’ve ever felt uncomfortable with marketing… overwhelmed by social media… or unsure how to g...

Is AI actually giving us more freedom… or just more to do? In this episode, I reflect on something I’ve been noticing lately, both in my own life and in conversations with other business owners: Even though AI makes it easier to write, create, and move faster… many of us aren’t using that time to slow down. In this episode, we explore: Why AI doesn’t actually create freedom (and what it creates in...

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start a blog” to grow your private practice and be seen online, but you’re now wondering if AI has made that advice outdated...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...

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...

Today’s encore is covering creating and selling an E-Course. Since creating Healthcasters, I’ve definitely made many mistakes that I’m happy to share with you. Statistics show that the self-improvement industry is a $10-11 billion industry, so we know that there are a lot people who crave knowledge and want to learn. Join me for more! -- Want to launch your online course? Our new membership is ope...

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...

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 YouTu...

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 h...

“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 hel...

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 privat...

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 ROI 1️⃣ Trust – Deep relational credibility that...

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 fro...

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...

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 conc...

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-t...

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...

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. Lea...

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, LCSW Nikki 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 prac...

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...

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 Guest Kieran Drew Kieran Drew lives in Leeds, England, and is my writing coach for Twitter. In an interesting care...

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...

Our Featured Guest for today’s call: Heather McKenzie, LCMHCS Heather 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 ca...

Today’s episode takes a closer look at a major passion of mine: online courses. Let’s talk about the important questions to ask–and answer–before launching an online course. Join me! You’ll Learn: How online courses can help fill in the gap for those who need mental health services 7 Questions to Ask Before Launching an Online Course: Have people paid me one-on-one for this course idea? Can I see...