Episodes

  • 199. Finding Success in Slow Growth: A Conversation with Melvin Varghese

    199. Finding Success in Slow Growth: A Conversation with Melvin Varghese
    Jan 19 2026
    Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to grow quickly, show up on every social platform, or chase bigger numbers just for the sake of it? If so, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava welcomes back psychologist and entrepreneur Melvin Varghese for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about building a private practice (or any type of business) at a pace that aligns with your life and values. Melvin shares how he's intentionally slowed down his business growth to protect his well-being and stay grounded in what really matters: service, sustainability, and family. You'll hear how Selling the Couch grew into a successful course and podcast platform, and why Melvin chose not to scale rapidly, even when there was financial momentum. Instead, he prioritized nervous system regulation, systems, and structure that would allow him to thrive for the long haul, not just sprint for short-term gains. Daniel and Melvin also talk candidly about how personal life seasons, like parenting, caregiving, and health challenges, impact business decisions. Their honest discussion is a reminder that success doesn't have to mean constant hustle. Sometimes, it looks like doing less, more intentionally. Whether you're building a solo practice or branching into online income, you'll come away from this episode with encouragement to define success on your own terms — and the permission to grow at your own pace. This Episode Answers: 1. What does it really mean to build a lifestyle business as a therapist? Melvin breaks down how he's designed his business to support health, family, and legacy over constant hustle. He shares insights from growing Selling the Couch to $12k/month in course income and why he chose to pause and re-evaluate instead of scaling aggressively. 2. How can therapists know which marketing channels to focus on? Rather than trying to be everywhere, Melvin recommends aligning your marketing with your long-term goals. For example, if you want to speak, podcasting or YouTube can build your skills and audience. He shares how he sticks to three core channels to maintain quality and avoid burnout. 3. What's the role of nervous system regulation in business growth? Both Daniel and Melvin reflect on the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. They discuss how rituals like prayer, reflection, golf, and quiet time in nature are essential to managing stress and sustaining a business long-term. Other Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurship is not a race. Slow growth can be strategic and soul-sustaining. Having a team and systems in place doesn't eliminate stress, but it does help with sustainability. There's a natural cap to lifestyle businesses ($250k–$300k/year), and scaling beyond that requires a mindset shift. Your personal life and business are interconnected. Seasons of life should inform business strategy. You don't need to be on every social media platform. Choose what aligns with your energy and vision. Links mentioned in this episode: Selling the Couch: https://sellingthecouch.com Quiet Builder Newsletter: https://sellingthecouch.com/quietbuilder Episode 16. The Top 5 Mistakes Therapists Make When Starting a Podcast w/ Melvin Varghese Watch The Video: This Episode Is Brought To You By: RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing. Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Melvin Varghese Melvin Varghese, PhD is a licensed psychologist in Philadelphia, PA. In 2015, Dr. Varghese founded Selling The Couch, a podcast to help therapists move from clinical to online income. On the podcast, he interviews successful practitioners about how they've built their practices, social media/marketing experts, and shares lessons as he uses our clinical skills to create an online business powered by podcasting + online courses. The podcast is one of the top Career podcasts in Apple Podcasts, has been downloaded over 1.8 million times, and is heard in over 125 countries. Dr. Varghese also founded several resources for therapists transitioning from the therapist chair to online income, including a podcasting community for therapists that's supported over 240 therapist podcasters, an online course mastermind for therapists ...
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    51 mins
  • 198. Is Traditional SEO Dead for Therapists?

    198. Is Traditional SEO Dead for Therapists?
    Jan 5 2026
    In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, you'll discover how the evolving world of SEO and AI is changing the way therapy practices grow online. Daniel Fava sits down with Chris Morin of Moonraker AI to explore actionable SEO strategies, the future of search, and how to prepare your private practice website for the age of AI-powered discovery. Therapists are often overwhelmed by conflicting SEO advice and unsure how to adapt to the fast-changing world of online search. Many feel stuck using outdated tactics or relying on blog content that takes too long to approve and publish. This episode demystifies what's working now in SEO and how therapists can keep their websites relevant, visible, and converting. You might think blog posts are the backbone of a strong SEO strategy. But Chris and Daniel discuss why blog content may no longer be the best place to focus your energy, and what to prioritize instead to rank higher and connect with your ideal clients. Today Daniel is talking with Chris Morin, the founder of Moonraker AI, an SEO agency that helps therapists build visibility and client trust through smart, user-focused online strategies. Chris brings years of experience, a personal connection to mental health work, and a wealth of insight into the future of search. This Episode Answers… 1. What are the most important elements of modern SEO for therapy websites? Chris breaks down the pillars of effective SEO today: fast, secure websites; clear site structure with specialty, modality, and location pages; and a focus on relevance over keyword stuffing. He explains how Google rewards clarity and penalizes outdated tactics. 2. How is AI changing the way people find therapists online? AI-generated answers and voice search are reshaping how people search for help. Chris explains how modular, conversational content (like expanded FAQs) can help your website appear in AI-generated results, even if you're not on page one of Google. 3. Should therapists still prioritize blogging for SEO? Not necessarily. Both Daniel and Chris talk about why blog posts aren't the silver bullet they used to be, and how homepage optimization, clear service pages, and press mentions can have a greater impact on SEO and conversion. Other Key Takeaways: Clear, structured content is essential: one service per page, with a focused keyword. Over-optimized pages may now hurt your rankings. Aligning your website with your Google Business Profile is more important than ever. Apple Maps and Bing Places are critical for visibility (not just Google Maps). Press releases and consistent citations build trust with search engines. AI chatbots (like Moonraker's Engage) may soon replace contact forms, boosting conversion. Therapists must embrace a conversational, user-centered tone online to connect and convert. Links mentioned in this episode: Moonraker Website Get an SEO Assessment for your website Watch The Video: This Episode Is Brought To You By: RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing. Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Chris Moran Before marketing, I was a massage therapist for over 15 years, providing chair massage to local businesses. That work connected me to countless wellness providers and I had the opportunity to experience firsthand their deep desire to be of service in a world that desperately needs healing. I also witnessed how so many amazing practitioners struggle to connect with the clients who need their services the most. A highly intuitive group, many feel that digital marketing is overwhelming, causing them to avoid the necessary steps to establish an online presence. My goal is to help therapists and wellness providers boost their online visibility and connect with their ideal clients so they can build the practice of their dreams. About Daniel Fava Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing. Daniel ...
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    58 mins
  • 197. What Do Practice Owners Need to Know About Billing to Be Successful?

    197. What Do Practice Owners Need to Know About Billing to Be Successful?
    Dec 22 2025
    Is it possible to grow a thriving therapy practice while taking insurance? If you've ever wondered whether insurance billing is worth the headache, or how to do it right, this episode is for you. Today's guest, Jeremy Zug, co-founder of Practice Solutions, breaks down what private practice owners need to know about billing in order to be successful. With over a decade in the healthcare industry and a team that manages billing for thousands of providers, Jeremy brings clarity and strategy to a topic that overwhelms a lot of therapists. Whether you're solo and private pay or growing a group practice, you'll walk away with fresh insights, helpful mindset shifts, and even a few small changes that could dramatically improve your revenue. This episode answers... 1. Do I need to take insurance to grow my therapy practice? Not necessarily — but if you do, it needs to be intentional. Jeremy shares that some of the most successful practices limit themselves to one commercial payer and one government payer (like Medicaid or Medicare). This approach reduces administrative overwhelm and allows you to stay aligned with your clinical mission. Trying to accept every insurance plan in your area can actually slow your growth, especially as your practice scales. Instead, focus on which payers make the most sense based on your long-term goals, who you serve, and what the reimbursement rates look like in your region. Insurance can absolutely support practice growth, especially when it's chosen strategically. 2. When should I outsource my billing — and when should I bring it back in-house? Outsourcing makes the most sense when your caseload is full. That's usually around 25 to 30 active clients. At that point, billing becomes a time-consuming task that pulls you away from clinical work or team leadership. Jeremy recommends outsourcing to save time and reduce stress, which ultimately helps you grow faster. But once your practice reaches about $2.5 to $3 million in revenue, it may be time to bring billing back in-house with a full-time hire. At that stage, having someone on your team who's dedicated to billing can help you scale more efficiently. It's not a one-time decision. It's about matching your billing approach to your practice's size and complexity. 3. How can I improve my billing process and increase revenue? Even small tweaks to your billing workflow can make a big difference. Jeremy explains how simply reordering certain steps, like reviewing payment posting before resubmitting claims, can dramatically reduce denials and speed up revenue. Many practices waste time by resubmitting the same flawed claims without resolving the underlying issue. He also stresses the importance of reviewing your insurance aging report regularly, which shows you what claims are still unpaid and where you might be losing money. Billing isn't just about submitting claims; it's about building a system that supports healthy cash flow. The more visibility and control you have over your billing process, the more financially stable your practice becomes. In This Episode, You'll Also Learn: Why less is more when it comes to insurance plans How your geography and demographics should shape your billing strategy The six key steps of billing, and which one to do before submitting claims When to outsource billing (and when to take it back in-house) How to use insurance aging reports to track lost revenue Why clean billing processes can boost staff retention The right way to negotiate insurance rates using data Real examples of practices recovering thousands of dollars Links mentioned in this episode: Practice Solutions Website Insurance Rate Increase Request Watch The Video: This Episode Is Brought To You By: RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing. Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Jeremy Zug Jeremy Zug has over a decade of experience in the healthcare industry. Jeremy is known for his expertise in insurance billing, and frequently writes and speaks on topics that support mental health professionals in achieving financial health and operational excellence. He co-founded Practice Solutions with his wife Kathryn in 2017, relying on their combined knowledge from private practices they had ...
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    38 mins
  • 196. Are You Wasting Money on Google Ads? Here's How to Fix It

    196. Are You Wasting Money on Google Ads? Here's How to Fix It
    Dec 8 2025
    If you've ever tried Google Ads and felt like you were just lighting your money on fire, you're not alone. This week, Daniel sits down with John Sanders, founder of RevKey—a digital advertising agency that works exclusively with therapists and mental health professionals—to unpack why so many private practices struggle to make Google Ads work, and what you can do differently. In their conversation, John and Daniel dig into the most common reasons therapists waste money on paid ads. And it often starts with your private practice's website. If your site isn't designed to engage visitors and guide them toward action, your ad spend will likely fall flat. John shares how generic service pages, weak content, and outdated design can tank your results—even if you're paying top dollar for clicks. They also explore why therapists need to be wary of Google's automated campaign recommendations. What's best for Google's revenue isn't always best for your practice. John explains how his team disables default settings that typically waste money and instead builds tightly targeted campaigns focused on real conversions—not just traffic. This episode also covers the strategic role Google Ads can play for growing group practices. Whether you're launching a new service or need to quickly fill a clinician's caseload, ads can help bridge the gap while your SEO builds momentum. And with the right tracking and targeting—like setting income levels or geographic focus—you can get more value from every click. If you've been burned by ads before or are thinking about using them to grow your practice, this episode will help you avoid common mistakes and make smarter, more strategic decisions. What You'll Learn in This Episode 1. Why do so many therapists waste money on Google Ads? Many therapists dive into Google Ads without a clear strategy or a website that's designed to convert. Often, the problem isn't the ads themselves—it's that clicks are being sent to generic service pages or poorly designed sites that don't guide visitors toward taking action. Another big issue is relying on Google's default settings, which prioritize Google's revenue over your results. John shares how to avoid these common traps and make sure every dollar is working toward bringing in actual clients. 2. How can I tell if my website is helping or hurting my ad performance? Your website is a critical part of your ad strategy—because if it doesn't connect with your ideal client or clearly guide them toward booking, even the best ad won't convert. John explains how to evaluate time-on-site metrics, user experience, and page content to know whether your site is supporting your ad goals. In competitive markets, the margin for error is smaller, so having engaging, specific, and fast-loading pages is key. 3. When should I use Google Ads vs. investing in SEO? John and Daniel break down how SEO and Google Ads can work together strategically. SEO is a long-term game—it can take months to see results—but it's incredibly valuable for sustainable growth. Ads, on the other hand, can generate leads quickly, which is especially useful when launching new services or hiring new clinicians. The key is understanding your goals and timeline, so you can decide when to run ads, when to focus on organic traffic, and when to do both. Links mentioned in this episode: Previous Episode with John: 41. Everything You Need to Know About Google Ads for Therapists with John Sanders Revkey.com Watch The Video: This Episode Is Brought To You By: RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing. Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About John Sanders John Sanders is the founder of RevKey, a digital advertising agency that exclusively helps therapists and mental health professionals grow their practices using Google Ads. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing this audience—especially in regulated, HIPAA-sensitive environments—John built RevKey to be the go-to partner for private practices that want measurable results, not marketing fluff. What began as a solo operation in 2018 has grown into a thriving team of ten, all united by a belief in clarity, simplicity, and transparency in digital marketing. John's insights are trusted by leading ...
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    45 mins
  • 195. How To Create an Engaging Homepage for Your Private Practice Website

    195. How To Create an Engaging Homepage for Your Private Practice Website
    Nov 24 2025

    Your homepage isn't just a digital introduction to your private practice — it's one of the most powerful tools you have to build trust and convert visitors into clients.

    In this solo episode, Daniel shares his top tips for creating a homepage that doesn't just look good, but actually works hard for your business.

    He breaks down exactly what makes a homepage successful, from layout and copy to emotional connection and mobile performance.

    If you're redesigning your website or wondering why your homepage isn't pulling its weight, this episode will help you focus on what really matters.

    You'll learn how to speak directly to your ideal client, keep your design clean and purposeful, and use emotionally resonant language that invites visitors to go deeper.

    Daniel also shares practical tips for showcasing services, streamlining calls to action, and optimizing for speed and mobile responsiveness.

    Whether you're building a site from scratch or want to improve what you already have, these tips will help your homepage stand out and support your business goals.

    If your homepage isn't pulling its weight, this episode will give you the clarity you need to make it your most strategic page.

    Listen now and start transforming your homepage into a growth engine for your practice.

    Questions This Episode Answers How important is my homepage really, and why does it matter more than I think?

    Your homepage is often the very first impression potential clients have of your practice, and it sets the tone for their entire experience. A strong homepage quickly builds trust and helps people know they're in the right place.

    How do I write a headline that helps visitors instantly know they're in the right place?

    A great headline says who you help and what you help them with in simple, specific language. When someone sees their own experience reflected right away, they're far more likely to keep scrolling.

    What's the right way to use calls to action so visitors know exactly what to do next?

    Your homepage should guide visitors toward one clear next step, like scheduling a consultation. When you avoid giving too many choices and make your main CTA stand out, people are much more likely to follow through.

    Why do mobile-friendliness and speed matter so much for user experience and SEO?

    Most people visit sites on their phones, and if your homepage loads slowly or feels clunky, they'll bounce instantly. A fast, mobile-friendly site not only keeps visitors engaged but also boosts your chances of showing up higher on Google.

    This Episode Is Brought To You By

    RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing.

    Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation

    Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.

    Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

    About Daniel Fava

    Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.

    Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.
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    29 mins
  • 194. Stop Losing Leads: 3 Ways a CRM Can Transform Your Private Practice

    194. Stop Losing Leads: 3 Ways a CRM Can Transform Your Private Practice
    Nov 11 2025

    If you've ever felt frustrated by missed client inquiries or uncertain about whether your marketing is actually working, you're not alone.

    Many practice owners rely on spreadsheets, sticky notes, and scattered inboxes to manage new leads — and the result is lost revenue, inconsistent follow-up, and plenty of sleepless nights.

    In today's episode, I'm joined by Brent Stutzman, founder of TheraSaaS, a HIPAA-compliant CRM built specifically for therapists in private practice.

    Brent brings years of experience helping practices scale through smarter marketing systems, and he's here to share how a CRM can completely transform your sales and marketing process.

    You'll learn how to bring all your leads, communications, and marketing efforts into one central place, so nothing falls through the cracks and you can make confident, data-informed decisions about your practice's growth.

    In this episode, you'll learn:

    • The three levels of CRM implementation that save hours each week and boost conversions

    • How to track exactly where your best clients come from — and why a 50/50 Google-to-referral ratio signals a healthy practice

    • The difference between a CRM and your EHR, and why they're not interchangeable

    • Why consistent, value-based follow-up sets your practice apart from the competition

    • Simple automation ideas to respond faster, build trust, and stay connected with potential clients

    Links mentioned in this episode:

    • TheraSaaS: therasaas.com

    • 157. How to Position Yourself As the #1 Trusted Practice In Your Community Brent Stutzman

    Watch The Video:

    This Episode Is Brought To You By:

    RevKey specializes in Google Ads management for therapists, expertly connecting you with your ideal clients. They focus on getting quality referrals that keep your team busy and your practice growing.

    Visit RevKey.com/podcasts for a free Google Ads consultation



    Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.

    Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

    About Brent Stutzman

    After helping his wife successfully launch her counseling practice in 2016, Brent Stutzman saw a need to help other practice owners build powerful sales funnels to grow their brand and practices. Since then he's launched over 12 private pay practices across the country, a CRM software for therapists called TheraSaaS, and an eCourse called Private Pay Practice Program.

    His mission is to help 30,000 private practice owners launch, grow, or scale their practices by 2030.

    He's a former Storybrand Guide and lives in Chicagoland with his wife of 21 years, and their 4 beautiful children.

    About Daniel Fava

    Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.

    Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.
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    54 mins
  • 193. 11 Things Our SEO Team Wishes Every Therapist Knew About SEO - 10 6 25 12.18 PM

    193. 11 Things Our SEO Team Wishes Every Therapist Knew About SEO - 10 6 25 12.18 PM
    Oct 28 2025
    If you've ever felt unsure about what SEO really is — or why your website isn't getting the traffic or clients you expected — this episode is for you. Daniel pulls back the curtain on the most common misunderstandings therapists have about SEO and shares what's actually working in today's digital landscape. This episode was born out of behind-the-scenes conversations with our Lead SEO Specialist — and the real, recurring questions and roadblocks we see come up with our clients. Whether it's confusion about how SEO works, frustration over slow results, or the instinct to write your website like a clinical bio, we get it. We've been there with so many therapists, and we wanted to create an episode that clears the air and sets the record straight. In this conversation, Daniel unpacks the top things we wish every therapist understood about SEO — so you can stop second-guessing the process and start seeing how strategy, clarity, and patience lead to real growth. The Key Takeaways: Therapists fall under the YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) category, which means Google holds your website to a higher standard. Building E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) is crucial. Your homepage — especially the hero section — should speak directly to your ideal client, not just talk about your practice or credentials. Clinical language often creates distance, unless your audience specifically needs that. Everyday, emotionally resonant language is far more effective. Clients are looking for connection and relief, not a resume. Show them you understand their pain and can help them feel better. Effective SEO isn't a guessing game — it's built on strategy, structure, and research. Following a defined plan gets results. SEO is not the same as running Google Ads. It's a long game, and results build over time — not overnight. Your site might include copy that doesn't sound exactly like you — and that's okay. We're balancing voice with visibility. Nothing in our SEO work is arbitrary. Every tweak and piece of content is intentional and goal-driven. Before you can convert visitors to clients, you have to show up in search results. Visibility comes first. Think of SEO as a marathon, not a sprint. Momentum builds with consistency and time. With the rise of AI and changing search behaviors, SEO today is more like search engineering — blending human psychology and technical strategy. Links mentioned in this episode: 176. Our Top Predictions for SEO in 2025: What Therapists Need to Know What are YMYL websites? How does Google evaluate these? SEO Assessments for Private Practice Schedule a 15-minute Clarity Call This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Daniel Fava Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing. Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.
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    36 mins
  • 192. Leading with Curiosity: How to Influence Your Team Without Micromanaging

    192. Leading with Curiosity: How to Influence Your Team Without Micromanaging
    Oct 8 2025
    In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, we're joined by Michael Diettrich-Chastain, founder of Arc Integrated — a leadership development consultancy that helps teams and leaders around the world create cultures of engagement, sustainability, and purpose. Michael brings a unique background that blends psychology, therapy, and organizational development. He's worked in everything from community mental health to corporate coaching and now supports leaders in shaping healthier workplace dynamics. His insights have been featured in Time, Entrepreneur, and The Washington Post, and his bestselling book Changes explores how individuals and teams can navigate growth more effectively. Whether you're a group practice owner, leading a small team, or simply looking to strengthen your leadership mindset, this episode will give you practical frameworks to improve communication, foster autonomy, and influence your team without micromanaging. Michael shares why curiosity — not control — is the key to effective leadership, and how asking the right questions can shift your entire team culture. In This Episode, You'll learn: How to influence your team's behavior through inquiry rather than command Why understanding communication styles (like DISC) can prevent conflict and boost collaboration Simple questions to start meetings with intention and end them with clarity A 3-step framework for performance reviews and post-mortems (great for handling breakdowns without blame) How to balance autonomy and accountability with tools like the Success Path and Communication Map Why your response to failure is one of the most defining elements of your practice's culture Michael also shares some incredible free resources, including a quick leadership quiz and an invite to his annual leadership retreat in Costa Rica. Links from this episode: Arc Integrated Take the Leadership Quiz Conscious Leader Quest Retreat Watch The Video: Take Me to YouTube This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Michael Diettrich Chastain Michael Diettrich Chastain is an author, speaker, professional coach and consultant dedicated to peak performance. Michael is an expert on peak performance in the workplace and is passionate about helping leaders and teams create company cultures of engagement, sustainability, and purpose. He is the founder of Arc Integrated, a leadership development consultancy serving teams and leaders around the globe. Michael is widely regarded by the various CEO's and leaders he has worked with as the "go to resource" for helping to transform the company cultures in which he works. His writing has been featured in Time, Money, Entrepreneur and The Washington Post and his first book (Changes) which was released in 2019 became an instant best seller in multiple categories. Michael's mission is to help create and maintain purpose driven organizations that elevate the consciousness of all involved. About Daniel Fava Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing. Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.
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    46 mins