In this episode, I’m talking about the invisible wall that stops most therapists from turning their brilliant program ideas into actual programs. You know the one – you’ve got this amazing concept that could genuinely help people, but every time you sit down to build it, you just… stare at the screen.
Most therapists think this gap exists because they don’t know enough or aren’t qualified enough. The reality? You’re stuck because your therapeutic training – the thing that makes you incredible in the therapy room – is actually working against you when it comes to program design. We’re trained for responsive, individualised work, but programs need to be structured and predictable.
I’m walking you through why this gap feels so insurmountable, what happens to most therapists who never cross it, and the simple framework that can help you bridge from “great idea” to “something people can actually follow.” You’ll understand why having expertise isn’t enough and what you actually need to turn that knowledge into something sustainable.
HERE ARE THE 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
The gap isn’t about your qualifications – You’re not stuck because you don’t know enough. You’re stuck because you’re trying to turn expert knowledge into structured learning without a framework for how that translation actually works.
Your therapeutic training creates the problem – We’re conditioned to be responsive and comprehensive, accounting for every possible scenario. Programs need the opposite: clear, linear progression that works whether you’re there or not.
Most people either quit or overcompensate – Without a bridge across this gap, therapists either abandon their program dreams entirely or create something so complicated that no one completes it. Neither serves anyone.
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
That simple exercise I mentioned – writing down your program idea in one sentence, then asking “what’s the ONE main transformation someone gets?” – that’s actually just the first step in a bigger framework we dive deep into in the bootcamp.
Join me for the From Couch to Course Bootcamp this September 23-26. For just $37, I’ll walk you through exactly how to map, price, and structure your first ethical online program using frameworks designed specifically for how therapists think.
In four focused days, you’ll move from staring at that blank screen to having a clear roadmap for turning your expertise into something people can actually follow and complete.
Secure your spot at therapistsrising.com/bootcamp
MORE FROM DR. HAYLEY KELLY
- The Therapist Rising Incubator – For therapists ready to create their first sustainable online program with ongoing support: https://therapistsrising.com/incubator
- Follow me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly
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