Why Most Online Programs Need a Community - And How to Create One That Doesn’t Drain You
You’ve built your course. Your modules are mapped, your portal’s prepped, your curriculum is solid.And then someone asks: “So… where’s the community space?”Cue the existential spiral.Because as a therapist, “community” doesn’t just mean “extra feature.” It means emotional responsibility. Boundary navigation. And the very real possibility that you’ll end up holding space you never consented to.But here’s the truth most business coaches skip:When done well, a community component can dramatically improve your program’s completion rates, referrals, and student transformation—without draining you.In this episode, we’re unpacking the therapist-specific risks of community spaces, the must-have boundaries most course creators miss, and the systems that make a group feel alive without requiring you to be on call 24/7.This isn’t just about connection. It’s about creating containers that hold your students—and hold you, too.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why adding a community component often improves completion, retention, and referrals (And how connection helps your students regulate and actually finish the program.) The therapist-specific risks no one warns you about (Scope creep, overgiving, and “holding the group” without consent.)What platform options work best—and which ones to avoid (Yes, Facebook is easy. But is it actually right for your people?)How to set up your community without it taking over your life (Batching, rituals, alumni leaders, and clear boundaries.)The #1 mistake most course creators make with community spaces (And how to fix it with one simple shift.)This episode is for you if:→ You’re building an online program and wondering if you “need” a Facebook group → You’ve already got a group, but it’s become… complicated → You want your students to feel supported—but not at your expense → You’re looking for sustainable, ethical ways to boost engagement → You’re ready to create a space that works for everyone involved—including youLinks & Resources Mentioned: Want to build a high-impact online course as a therapist—with or without a community component? Check out the Therapists Rising Incubator—your go-to for building ethical, profitable programs that actually get results.Come debrief this episode with me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykellyRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsIf this episode helped you feel clearer, safer, or more confident—I’d love to hear it.Your reviews help us reach more therapists who are building bold, sustainable businesses on their terms.Here’s how to support the show: ✔️ Click here and tap to rate with five stars 📝 Write a quick review—what resonated most? 🔔 Hit Follow so you never miss an episode on ethical business growth and online program creationLet’s build course communities that actually feel like community—not like another thing to survive.
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28:29
Passive Income or Pipe Dream? The Truth About Evergreen vs. Live Courses for Therapists
It starts off sounding perfect.Create a course once. Let it sell itself. Finally step off the therapy treadmill and wake up to payment notifications instead of a full caseload.But what no one tells you? Most therapists who try that route end up with a silent checkout page and a whole lot of self-doubt.If you’ve ever wondered why your course isn’t selling - or whether this whole “passive income” thing is even real for someone like you - this episode is for you.We’re digging into the truth behind evergreen courses, passive income promises, and why live launches are still the best starting point for most therapists.You don’t need more funnel jargon. You need real talk about what works, what doesn’t, and how to build something that actually fits your energy, ethics, and capacity.This isn’t about playing small.It’s about building smart.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. Why passive income isn’t as passive as you’ve been led to believe (Especially for therapists navigating real human needs, not just digital products.)2. What “evergreen” really means—and where it often falls short (Clarity over hype. Always.)3. The hidden pitfalls of evergreening too soon (Because scaling a leaky offer just makes the leaks louder.)4. The emotional weight of delivery models—and how they impact your work (This goes way beyond logistics. It’s about connection, meaning, and nervous system safety.)5. How to choose a model that fits your current season—not someone else’s strategy (You’re not behind. You’re building something that lasts.)This episode is for you if:You’re tired of trading time for money and want a smarter way forwardYou’re curious about evergreen but don’t want to screw it upYou’ve launched before… and it didn’t quite landYou want to grow, but only in ways that feel sustainable and alignedYou’re ready for honest business strategy that doesn’t require burning out to succeedLinks & Resources Mentioned:Want to create your first profitable online program as a therapist? Check out the Therapists Rising Incubator — the go-to program for building ethical, sustainable, high-impact courses. Come hang out or ask follow-up questions on Instagram @dr.hayleykellyRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsIf this episode gave you something to think about, I’d love to hear it. Your reviews help other therapists find the show—and remind me that these honest conversations matter.Here’s how to support the show: ✔️ Click here, tap to rate with five stars 📝 Write a quick review and share what stuck with you 🔔 Hit Follow so you don’t miss the follow-up episode on how to go evergreen (without frying your nervous system)Let’s build businesses that work for us—not the other way around.
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27:15
Should You Start a Facebook Group to Grow Your Audience? Here’s What I’d Tell Any Therapist
So… someone told you to start a Facebook group to grow your audience.And you did it.You picked a cute name. Made a welcome post. Maybe even went live (sweating bullets but pretending it was chill).And then… crickets.Or worse - an entire digital ghost town of lurkers, silent members, and zero sales.If that’s you - this episode is your permission slip and your reality check.Because while Facebook groups are pitched as a must-have lead generation strategy in the online business world, for therapists? It’s a lot more complicated.We’re breaking down the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly messy reality of using Facebook groups to grow your audience - especially if you’re a therapist juggling ethical guidelines, role confusion, and a nervous system that does not want another place to be “on” all the time.This is not about burning it all down.This is about deciding - strategically, ethically, and energetically - if a Facebook group actually fits your business ecosystem.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:1. The actual benefits of Facebook groups as a lead gen tool (Yes, there are upsides—but only when done with clear intention.)2. Why groups often become energy leaks instead of marketing assets (And how to avoid becoming a free consultant for 500 people who never buy.)3. The ethical and legal risks no one tells therapists about (Because duty of care and role confusion don’t disappear just because it’s “free content.”)4. What to ask yourself before starting a group (Clarity on purpose, boundaries, and your capacity is everything.)5. How to make peace with not starting one—and what to do instead (You’re not behind. You’re just building with integrity.)This episode is a must-listen if:You’re thinking about launching a Facebook group and want to sanity-check it firstYou’ve already started one… and it’s slowly draining your soulYou’re a therapist navigating ethical grey zones and craving clearer boundariesYou’re looking for audience growth strategies that don’t burn you outLinks & Resources Mentioned:Want help building a sustainable, therapist-aligned business? Learn more about the Therapists Rising Incubator program hereCome say hi (or vent about your ghost group) on Instagram: @dr.hayleykellyRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsIf this episode hit home, I’d love to hear it. Your reviews help us reach more therapists who are ready to rise, reimagine, and rebuild something powerful.Here’s how to support the show: ✔️ Head over to the podcast here and tap to rate with five stars 📝 Write a quick review and tell me what landed 🔔 Hit Follow so you never miss an episodeLet’s rise together—and create businesses that are impactful, ethical, and actually feel good to run.
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22:22
Why Your Online Program Isn’t Selling (And How to Fix It Fast)
So… you launched your online program.You crafted the sales page. You sent the emails. You even hit publish while whispering “this better work” under your breath.And then… crickets.Maybe your friend signed up. Maybe your mum said she’s proud. But internally? It felt like failure.If that’s you—pause right here. Because this episode is your loving intervention and your practical roadmap to get things back on track.We’re breaking down the 5 real reasons your online program isn’t selling (no fluff, no shame) and giving you a rebuild plan that’s strategic, grounded, and therapist-friendly.This is not about hustling harder.This is about learning how to market with clarity, connection, and integrity.What You’ll Learn In This Episode:1️⃣ The top 5 mistakes therapists make when launching their first (or third) online program (Yes, even the most heart-centered, overqualified, spreadsheet-loving ones.)2️⃣ Why having no audience is more dangerous than having the wrong niche (And how to start building trust before your next launch.)3️⃣ How to create a program people actually want to buy (Hint: It’s not about your modules—it’s about their midnight Google searches.)4️⃣ What a proper sales path looks like for high-trust buyers (So you can stop dropping links and start guiding decisions.)5️⃣ The “launch detox” steps that don’t just fix your funnel—but your nervous system, too (Let’s be real: this is tender work. Your body deserves support!)This episode is a must-listen if: → You’ve launched a program that didn’t sell and want to understand why → You’re about to build something and want to avoid painful missteps → You’re a therapist trying to be more visible without burning out → You’re ready to swap self-doubt for actual strategyLinks & Resources Mentioned:Ready to build a focused, high-impact online program? Learn more about the Therapists Rising Incubator program here Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for more course creation tips and behind-the-scenes insightsRate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsIf this episode hit home, I’d love to hear about it! Your reviews help us reach more therapists who are ready to rise above burnout and build something powerful.Here’s how to support the show:Click here, scroll to the bottom, and tap to rate with five starsSelect “Write a Review” and share what you loved mostHit that Follow button so you never miss a dose of clarity and communityLet’s rise together—and create online programs that transform lives without burning you out in the process.
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35:35
How to Choose the Right Social Media Platform (Without Burning Out or Selling Out)
Somewhere between your fifth Canva graphic and your third platform login of the day, you started wondering…“Is this what it takes to be seen?”Because apparently, if you’re not on Instagram and TikTok and LinkedIn and Threads — you're falling behind. Or invisible. Or both.But here’s the thing:For therapists, “visibility” isn’t just about reach. It’s about safety.And when the business world screams “just show up more,” your nervous system whispers, “at what cost?”This episode is your loving intervention — and a radical permission slip to stop spreading yourself thin and start showing up in a way that actually feels good (and works).What You’ll Get (Other than a Visibility Detox):1️⃣ Why choosing one platform can actually make you more successful — not less (Hint: Alignment converts better than exhaustion.)2️⃣ The hidden reasons visibility feels so vulnerable for therapists (It’s not resistance — it’s your body asking for protection.)3️⃣ A practical 3-question framework to choose the right platform for you (And yes, ignoring TikTok is a valid business strategy.)Your Integration Homework (Don’t Skip This)Open your Notes app, grab a journal, or voice memo your future self — and ask:Where are your people already looking for support?What kind of content energizes you instead of draining you?What could you actually sustain for 30 days — without hating your life?Wanna Take This Further?Tag me or DM me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly and tell me: What platform feels most like home for your message? Let’s reimagine visibility as a form of leadership — not self-sacrifice.🎧 If You Liked This Episode…Subscribe. Leave a review here. Share it with the therapist friend who’s currently stuck between Reels burnout and “just one more freebie.”Visibility isn’t a performance.It’s a practice.And you get to do it your way.
Welcome to the Therapists Rising Podcast, where we share real, raw, and behind-the-scenes stories and lessons from Therapists who are thinking outside the traditional clinical box and choosing to do things differently in their careers. I’m your host, Dr. Hayley Kelly, and I myself have made the journey from a very experienced, but burnt out and unhappy, Clinical Therapist - to a successful entrepreneur who runs a business she loves, is thriving financially, and working and living life on her own terms. Join me, and be inspired, as I speak with other Therapists who too are broadening their horizons, and experiencing more abundance, joy, and fulfilment than ever before. Together we will laugh, soak up priceless wisdom and take actionable steps, to help you transition from clinical practice to non-clinical offerings, and diversify and amplify your income - all while honouring your wellbeing and having a work-life balance. If you’re ready to be inspired and take action on your dreams, then you’re in the right place, friend. This is the Therapists Rising Podcast.
New Zealand