Therapists Rising Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

If you've ever headed into a break thinking "I'll finally catch up on everything," only to feel guilty the entire time—this episode is for you. Dr. Hayley Kelly breaks down why the pressure to be productive over holidays backfires, and gives you a practical framework to actually rest (or maintain minimal momentum) without the guilt.

This is the final Therapists Rising episode before a two-week break, and it couldn't be more timely. For therapists in Australia staring down six weeks of school holidays—or anyone facing year-end break pressure—Hayley shares the exact decision-making tool that helps you choose between full rest or minimal maintenance, and actually feel good about your choice. No fluff, no "just be kind to yourself" advice. This is a teachable framework you can use immediately.

HERE ARE THE KEY INSIGHTS:

1️⃣ The Capacity Audit – Learn how to accurately assess what's actually available to you during a break (spoiler: it's about one-fifth of what you think). Hayley walks you through the exact questions to ask yourself about time, nervous system capacity, and competing demands—so you're working with reality, not fantasy.

2️⃣ The Inertia Calculation – The framework for deciding whether to maintain minimal momentum or take full rest. You'll learn the specific criteria for each path, why there's no universal right answer, and how to make the choice that fits YOUR reality right now.

3️⃣ Implementation Strategies – If you choose minimal maintenance: how to define your minimum, reality-check the time required (double your estimate!), match it to actual capacity, and set a ceiling so it doesn't creep into becoming your whole break. If you choose full rest: how to do a clean stop, set boundaries, and use the "That's for January-me" mantra.

4️⃣ The Guilt Release Protocol – The missing piece that makes either choice actually work. Learn how to acknowledge guilt when it shows up (it will), return to your decision, and practice releasing pressure throughout the break—not as a one-time event, but as an ongoing practice.

YOU'LL ALSO HEAR:

• Why breaks don't expand capacity—they change it
• The chronic underestimation problem therapists have with time and tasks
• Why we overestimate available time and underestimate how long things take (recipe for self-loathing)
• The timeline reality check: actual vs. fantasy timelines for building a business
• How pressure sneaks in quietly and compounds over the break
• Why rest is not falling behind—it's what makes everything else possible
• What January looks like when you actually rest versus dragging guilt forward

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Therapists Rising:

• The Incubator: therapistsrising.com/incubator
• Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

If this episode gave you a framework to approach your break without pressure—or helped you give yourself permission to actually rest—please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Your reviews help more therapists find these conversations.

See you in the new year. Rest well.

If you've ever felt unsafe speaking up, shrunk your practice to avoid regulatory scrutiny, or wondered if the system designed to protect you is actually harming you—this conversation will validate everything you've been feeling but haven't said out loud.

I'm speaking with Dr. Julie Sladden, a medical doctor, writer, and advocate who walked away from clinical practice, handed in her medical license, and became one of Australia's most vocal advocates for practitioner wellbeing and regulatory reform. You might know her from The Spectator, The Daily Declaration, and as co-founder of Australians for Science and Freedom.

HERE ARE THE KEY INSIGHTS:

1️⃣ The Public Protection Paradox – By silencing and harming doctors, regulatory bodies effectively harm the public. When practitioners are too afraid to speak or are strategically planning their exit from clinical work, patients lose. Workforce wellbeing isn't separate from patient care—it's the foundation of it.

2️⃣ The Line in the Sand – Julie shares the moment she realized she couldn't stay silent. She had three choices: walk away quietly, continue practicing and hope she didn't get caught, or close her practice publicly and speak out. She chose the latter, despite the financial devastation (her family income halved overnight) and fear of regulatory retaliation.

3️⃣ The Culture of Fear – We dive into how practitioners are shrinking their practices, deregistering entirely, and self-censoring out of fear. Julie shares why she ultimately surrendered her medical license—she realized AHPRA would likely come after her, and she didn't have capacity to fight that battle while doing advocacy work.

4️⃣ Finding Your Tribe & Rebuilding Healthcare – Julie discusses the critical importance of community. After mandates were announced, she connected with 500 practitioners who were thinking the same way. She also shares her vision for a better system: grassroots health education, protecting social connections, and shifting from sick care to true preventative care.

RESOURCES:
* Australians for Science and Freedom: scienceandfreedom.org
* The Collective Waitlist: therapistsrising.com/collective
* Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly

A NOTE FROM HAYLEY:

This episode might be controversial. I knew that going in. But I believe we're at a point where the cost of silence is higher than the cost of speaking up. Practitioners are burnt out, shutting down, deregistering, and strategically planning their exits from clinical work. That's not a retention problem—that's a system problem.

You don't have to agree with every position Julie holds. I don't either. But this conversation isn't about ideology. It's about the system we're all practicing inside, the weight it places on us, and what it costs to work within structures that often feel opaque, punitive, and misaligned with actual care.

If even our most capable, thoughtful practitioners are planning their exit, something needs to change. And change starts with conversation.

Thank you for listening with curiosity, compassion, and courage.

SUBSCRIBE & REVIEW:

If this episode showed you what's possible when you give yourself permission to build differently—or inspired you to rethink what scaling could look like in your practice—please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode, I'm sitting down with Professor Nick Titov—a giant in digital mental health and founder of MindSpot, Australia's leading digital psychology service that has reached over 250,000 Australians.

If you've ever wondered whether therapy has to look the way it's always looked, this conversation will shake up everything you thought you knew.

Nick isn't just innovating patient care—he's challenging the profession to wake up and adapt. We're living through a seismic shift. Consumer behaviour is changing. The workforce is shrinking. AI is here. And if therapists don't get a seat at the table, we risk becoming irrelevant.

This episode is for every therapist who's felt trapped by the traditional model, burnt out by one-to-one limitations, or curious about what the future holds.

Here's what we cover:

• Why digital mental health isn't just for "low-level" cases—and how MindSpot serves complex clients who have nowhere else to turn
• The assumptions Nick's team demolished: that therapy requires face-to-face contact, that therapists need decades of experience, that you must treat depression before anxiety
• How MindSpot Academy is training the next generation in digital-first care—and why universities aren't keeping up
• The threat (and opportunity) of AI—and what therapists must do now to demonstrate our value
• Nick's "2,815 days left" philosophy and his mission to get prevention into the cultural consciousness
• Why workforce upskilling can't wait—and how to future-proof your career

3 Powerful Takeaways:

1. Innovation doesn't wait for permission. Nick built the evidence, proved it worked, and created a national service helping hundreds of thousands. If you're waiting for the system to change, you'll be left behind.

2. Your value proposition is up for negotiation. AI delivers psychoeducation. Apps track symptoms. What can you do that technology can't? Get clear on your value—or risk obsolescence.

3. The future is blended, scalable, and prevention-focused. One-to-one therapy will always have a place—but it can't be the only model. Master multiple modalities: digital tools, teletherapy, group programs.

💻 Resources & Links:

🌐 MindSpot: https://www.mindspot.org.au
📱 Connect with Nick on LinkedIn
📩 Join the Incubator Waitlist: therapistsrising.com/incubator

More From Dr. Hayley Kelly:

Follow on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly
For insights on therapist innovation and building sustainable practices.

⭐ Subscribe, Rate & Review:

 If this episode helped you see the future more clearly—or gave you permission to challenge the old rules—please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your words help us reach more therapists ready to adapt, innovate, and rise. 

Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising!

Do you find yourself chasing new ideas all the time, only to leave them unfinished? If you’re a therapist looking to expand your practice, you might be battling a case of “too-many-idea-itis.” But there’s a simple antidote: F.O.C.U.S., or “Follow One Course Until Success.Are you caught up in “too-many-idea-itis”? If you’re constantly dreaming up new programs, courses, and membership ideas (and starting half of them!), you’re not alone. This “condition” may sound like a childhood diagnosis from Doc McStuffins, but it’s very real for therapists expanding their practices. Luckily, I’ve got the antidote: F.O.C.U.S., or “Follow One Course Until Success.”

In today’s episode, I’m sharing the journey of discovering F.O.C.U.S. and why it’s been life-changing. We’ll explore why therapists often fall into idea overload and how a little science and a lot of focus can help you finally see results. Plus, I’ll share some tough lessons I’ve learned firsthand from my own “too-many-idea-itis,” and how you can use F.O.C.U.S. to avoid the same pitfalls.

Whether you’re just getting started with your first online program or juggling several projects, this episode will help you ditch the overwhelm and commit to one powerful path to success.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• What “too-many-idea-itis” is (and why Doc McStuffins may be onto something with these names)
• The dopamine hit from new ideas, and why it can leave us with a pile of unfinished projects
• The myth of multitasking, backed by research from Stanford and Dr. Daniel Levitin
• How to protect your limited energy as a therapist and invest it in one high-impact project
• Steps to follow the F.O.C.U.S. strategy and start seeing real results in your business

If you’re ready to say goodbye to idea overload and embrace a focused, productive path, this episode is for you!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you’re enjoying the Therapists Rising podcast, please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps me support more therapists and entrepreneurs—just like you—on their journey to creating impactful and sustainable businesses. Simply head to Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” I’d love to know what resonated with you most!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! I’m adding bonus episodes, and by following, you’ll be the first to know.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Therapists Rising Website
• Dr. Hayley Kelly’s Instagram
• Explore more episodes of the Therapists Rising podcast here

Have you ever dreamt of running a retreat with your dream clients, in an exotic location, and creating a life-changing experience? You’re not alone—so many therapists are drawn to the idea of hosting retreats. But, before you dive in, let’s have an honest conversation about the realities of running retreats.

In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the good, the bad, and everything no one tells you about running a retreat. I’ll also be sharing some key signs to look out for in your business to know if a retreat is the right fit for you.

Whether you’re dreaming about a retreat, or you’ve already started planning one, this episode is packed with the insights you need to make the best decision for your business.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why retreats are so appealing to therapists and the common goals many have for running one
• The incredible impact and connection retreats offer, and why they can be so transformational for clients
• The logistical and financial challenges therapists don’t often see coming (and how to avoid them)
• The legal, ethical, and emotional complexities you need to be prepared for
• 5 key signs that your business is ready for a retreat (and how to know if it’s not)

If you’ve been thinking about adding retreats to your business model, make sure to tune in for this deep dive into the world of retreats and what it really takes to run one successfully.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

If you’re enjoying the Therapists Rising podcast, I’d love for you to rate and review the show! This helps me support more therapists and entrepreneurs—just like you—on their journey to building sustainable businesses. Simply head to Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! I’m adding bonus episodes, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Therapists Rising Website
• Dr. Hayley Kelly’s Instagram
• Explore more episodes of the Therapists Rising podcast here

You’ve been running your business solo, handling every task yourself—but now you’re ready to take the next big step: building a team. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my hiring journey in a special “Unmasked Monthly Musing” episode.

From the first hire to learning how to let go of control, I’m sharing all the behind-the-scenes details of what worked, what didn’t, and the lessons I wish I’d known sooner. Whether you’re making your first hire or looking to scale your team, this episode is packed with real, actionable insights to help you grow your business with confidence.

In this episode, I talk about:

• (3:12) Why I transitioned from working with contractors to employees and how that decision impacted my business
• (6:45) How I figured out my best first hire (spoiler: it was a game-changer!)
• (10:17) The pros and cons of working with contractors vs. hiring employees
• (14:33) The unexpected bumps and challenges I faced with a paid team
• (18:25) What I would do differently to better support my team and my own growth as a leader
• (22:10) My top tips for hiring your first team member

If you’re an entrepreneur ready to grow your team and scale your business, this episode is for you! I’m sharing what I’ve learned about hiring, leadership, and why it’s okay to make mistakes as you grow.

Click here to listen!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Therapists Rising!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more therapists and entrepreneurs like you. Head to Apple Podcasts, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t already, follow the podcast! I’m adding bonus episodes and, if you’re not following, you might miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Connect with me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly
• Listen to past episodes of Therapists Rising here therapistsrising.com/podcast

You’ve been hearing all the buzz about AI and how it can revolutionize businesses, but as a therapist building an online program, you’re wondering—how does this apply to me? Well, today’s episode is exactly what you need! I’m not exaggerating when I say this episode could be a game-changer for how you create, grow, and scale your online program.

I’ve brought in an expert who’s been teaching AI to online businesses—Rick Mulready. He’s here to walk us through how therapists can use AI to simplify their business, free up more time, and focus on what matters most—helping people. Trust me, if you’ve been overwhelmed by the thought of AI, this conversation will break it all down and make it easy to understand.

Whether you’re just getting started or already have an online program, you’ll find practical, easy-to-implement strategies to help you use AI to make your business more efficient and streamlined.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• How AI can save you time by repurposing your content into multiple formats (like blog posts, emails, and social media updates) in minutes
• The best AI tools to create lead magnets, structure online programs, and engage your audience without needing a tech background
• How to use AI to identify your audience’s pain points and tailor your content to their needs
• Why you don’t need to be a tech expert to integrate AI into your business (even if you’re a solo entrepreneur)
• How AI can help you create a month’s worth of Instagram posts in under 30 minutes

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to leverage AI to save time, increase your productivity, and grow your online program with ease.

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts "I love Dr. Hayley and the Therapist Rising Podcast." <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more therapists — just like you — move toward the thriving practice and life they desire. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow now!

Links Mentioned in This Episode:

- Rick Mulready's website
- Visit Rick's YouTube channel
- Join Rick's free school Skool community

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed by social media marketing as a therapist, today’s episode is exactly what you need to hear!

Social media can feel like a tricky space, especially when you're used to getting most of your clients through word-of-mouth or referrals. But here's the truth: social media is an incredibly powerful tool that can help you grow your online program and reach new audiences, without feeling like you're selling your soul.

In this episode, I’m diving into some of the most common social media marketing questions I’ve received from therapists who are building online programs. Whether you’re wondering if you really need to show your face on camera, how big your following needs to be to make sales, or if social media is even necessary when you already have referral pathways—this episode has you covered.

Here’s a peek at what we’ll be talking about:

(2:45) Do I need separate social media accounts for my therapy practice and my online program?
I break down the pros and cons, especially considering ethical boundaries and managing client expectations. I'll give you actionable tips for managing both without feeling overwhelmed.

(6:50) Can I grow my online program without relying on social media?
Spoiler alert: Yes, but you’re missing out on a massive opportunity! I'll explain why social media complements your existing referral pathways and helps you scale your message to a broader audience.

(12:30) The pros and cons of faceless marketing
Not ready to show your face on camera? I discuss why face-to-camera content is a powerful tool for building trust and connections, and share easy ways to start small if you’re feeling nervous about visibility.

(19:05) How many followers do I need to make sales?
I debunk the myth that you need thousands of followers to make sales and explain why engagement matters so much more than numbers. Plus, I’ll share practical strategies for increasing engagement and nurturing your existing audience.

If you’ve been wondering how to make social media work for you in a way that feels aligned with your values and your therapeutic mission, this episode is a must-listen!

Listen in, and don’t forget to share this episode with another therapist who might be struggling with social media marketing!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

“I love Dr. Hayley and Therapists Rising!” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more therapists—just like you—grow their online programs and reach more people. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

If you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast! I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes, and if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Instagram – Follow me for more tips and behind-the-scenes content!

Creating an online program as a therapist can feel like juggling client sessions, ethical considerations, and tech challenges all at once. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on our recent Incubator launch and share valuable lessons that every therapist venturing into the online space needs to hear. Whether you're an experienced online educator or just starting to explore digital possibilities for your practice, these insights will help you navigate the unique challenges therapists face when expanding beyond the therapy room.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or uncertain about taking your therapy skills online, this episode is your lifeline! I reveal the powerful lessons and mindset shifts that helped us overcome unexpected hurdles and achieve remarkable growth in serving therapists like you. These aren't your typical business tips, but I promise they'll be your secret weapons for boosting your confidence and embracing the journey of becoming a therapist-entrepreneur.

Therapists who can adapt to challenges and continuously improve their online offerings are the ones who will thrive in the digital space while maintaining their clinical integrity. You deserve to be one of those practitioners! You'll walk away from this episode ready to face the unexpected, optimize your content for fellow therapists, and create more value for your clients and colleagues alike.

Today, I talk about:

• (2:20) The unexpected health challenge that threatened to derail our launch (and how we modeled self-care for our community)
• (7:30) Why streamlining our content led to better engagement and results for busy therapists
• (13:40) The power of perceived value and how a simple $49 upgrade transformed our launch and increased participant commitment
• (19:50) The importance of a strong pre-launch strategy and how it grew our email list of therapists by thousands
• (25:15) Why continuous improvement and post-launch debriefs are crucial for long-term success in the online therapy education space

Listen in, and be sure to share this message with a fellow therapist who's considering expanding their impact through online programs!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"I love Dr. Hayley and Therapists Rising." <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more therapists — just like you — move toward expanding your impact and creating additional income streams beyond one-on-one therapy. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes tailored for therapists entering the online space, and if you're not following, there's a good chance you'll miss out. Follow now!

Links mentioned in this episode:

• The Incubator Program for Therapists
• Therapists Rising Instagram
• Freebie: The Ultimate Guide for Therapists to Create and Sell a Profitable & Impactful Online Program
• Freebie: ChatGPT Prompts to Help Therapists Create an Online 
  Program [from Scratch] Quickly and Easily.
• Want to create (or level up) a freebie/lead magnet of your own? This episode deep dives into how to create a great opt-in that will grow your email list by thousands! Tune in here to Episode 108 

Are you a therapist struggling with the financial side of your practice? This episode is your guide to gaining financial confidence and creating a thriving business!

In this episode, I sit down with financial expert Amanda Thompson to discuss the unique financial challenges we therapists face and how to overcome them. We dive deep into:

• (2:15) Amanda's journey as a financial planner and her mission to financially empower business owners
• (6:30) The changing landscape of the financial planning industry and its impact on us as therapists
• (10:45) Common financial mistakes we make as therapists and how to avoid them
• (15:20) Reframing our relationship with money as helping professionals
• (20:30) The importance of aligning our financial goals with our personal values
• (26:45) Diversifying income streams and the future of our therapy practices
• (35:10) Tips for becoming our own CFO (Confident, Focused, and On top of our finances)
• (41:25) The most rewarding aspects of financial planning and creating a lasting legacy

Whether you're just starting your private practice or looking to optimize your existing business, this episode provides valuable insights on how we can build financial confidence and create sustainable success.

Ready to take control of your finances? Check out Amanda's book "Financially Fit Women" on Amazon or via her website endurancefinancial.com.au

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts

"Dr. Hayley Kelly delivers the real deal on business growth for therapists!" <-- If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps more therapists find this valuable content.

To rate and review: Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with 5 stars, and select "Write a Review." Let me know what resonated most with you in this episode!

Also, make sure to follow the podcast so you don't miss any of my future episodes!