Why Conventional Media Still Matters

I spill my practice building media tips in new issue of TILT Magazine

One of my favorite therapists to follow on Twitter is DeeAnna Nagel, co-founder of the Online Therapy Institute. She and co-founder Kate Anthony are well-known online therapy innovators and experts. A few months ago I was delighted when DeAnna invited to submit a feature article for their November Issue of TILT Magazine (Therapeutic Innovations In Light Of Technology) on the benefits of conventional media for practice building. Regular media interviews fave been a big factor in the continued growth of my practice Wasatch Family Therapy during an economic downturn. Here's a snippet from the article...

Several weeks ago, as I was walking out of my therapy office, my receptionist motioned for me not to leave. She was on a phone call and whispered to me, “It’s the Dr. Phil Show asking for you.” Thinking she was joking, I rolled my eyes and turned to walk toward the door. She replied, “I’m not kidding!” I told her I’d take the call. After a few days of phone and email exchanges with Dr. Phil staff, I ended up not being selected to appear as an expert on that particular episode, but the show booker said they would keep me in mind for future shows. Whether you’re a fan or Dr. Phil or not, it’s still amazing to me that a private therapist in Salt Lake City, Utah is on the radar of a national TV show.

Upon becoming a licensed therapist, my initial plans for starting and growing my practice did not include appearing on local or national television in the USA (Discovery Health, TLC, Fox News Channel), or being regularly quoted in national publications like The Wall Street Journal, Cosmopolitan, Parenting, or Women’s Health as an “expert”. However, I made a few key decisions in that first month of practice that helped me get to the point where I felt that conventional media would make a significant difference in growing a thriving practice that is reputable, effective, and trustworthy.

For therapists or any business owners who want tips on how to landing conventional media interviews and maximize your media exposure to build your practice read the entire article"Why Conventional Media Still Matters: Insights For Growing Your Practice" on pg. 22.

Why Conventional Media Still Matters

Open publication - Free publishing - More coaching

Why I Happily Woke Up At 3am Last Sunday...National Interview

I love sleep. I need sleep. Very few things can get me to happily wake up at 3:00am, especially on a Sunday morning. The only one I can think of right now is going to the hospital to have a baby. But last week, I added another reason I'd sacrifice my precious sleep---the invitation to interview live on the national Fox News Channel.

Last Wednesday I received an email from Fox and Friends Weekend inviting me to interview live on Sunday morning at 7:20am to give tips on how to stop whining. They'd seen my interview in The Wall Street Journal a week ago in the article "A Nation of Whining: Therapists Try Tough Love." I called the show booker to discuss the interview details and confirm my availability.

I quickly realized that the 7:20am interview was Eastern Time, and would be 5:20am Mountain Time, and that I would need to arrive at 4:50am. That meant I'd need to leave my home at 4:15. So, I set my clock for 3:00am to give me plenty of time to get ready. Unfortunately, I didn't get to fly to New York City for the interview, but I they did send a car to transport me to and from my house to a local studio in Salt Lake City.

After working out the logistics, I talked with the show producer about the content. I offered a few talking points and followed up with an email listing four practical tips to help viewers stop whining.

While I've done many news interviews locally, they've all been done sitting next to the interviewer. This was the first remote interview I've done. Basically, it's like a conference call while looking into a camera and responding...on live national television. It was odd to not be able to see the faces and body language of the anchors who are interviewing me. While it was out of my comfort zone, it was definitely an opportunity I didn't want to pass up!

I watched the segment when I got home on the DVR and I didn't totally cringe. It went pretty well...and I napped all afternoon.

[Video] Peek Inside A Hip Urban Psychiatry Office

Collaborative psychiatrist Kelli Hyland, MD's office space in Salt Lake City, UT is unlike most traditional medical office spaces.  What's impressive is that it is both functional and funky, and accurately reflects Kelli's collaborative style and approach to treatment. I love how Kelli has set up the waiting room to function as a personal work space and a colleague consultation room.

For additional information on Dr. Kelli Hyland's collaborative psychiatry practice in Salt Lake City visit KelliHylandMD.com.

Lights. Camera. Therapy! National TV Debut Tonight

I let a camera crew film two therapy sessions for the TV series "Secretly Pregnant" airing tonight at 10:00 PM ET/8:00 PM MT on Discovery Fit & Health. While I have a lot of TV experience I've never been this nervous about it. I think it's because I have NO idea how the therapy sessions will be edited and I don't know how much of the sessions will actually be included in the episode. Oh, and this is national TV, not local TV.

How did I get on national TV?

One word: Google. Several months ago I got a call from a NY based casting company who had found my practice information online, saw that I had TV experience, and that I specialized in working with women's emotional health and relationships. They asked if I’d be willing to do some pro bono therapy on camera with a Salt Lake City woman for a women’s health documentary show about women who are hiding their pregnancies. I agreed and the next day a producer, crew, and new client “Jen” came to Wasatch Family Therapy to film the first of 2 sessions for the show.

Sneak peak behind the scenes

Here's a peek behind the scenes with the crew "invading" my therapy office to set up lights and cameras before a session.

Mixed emotions

The therapist part of me is having a hard time thinking about the rich emotional experiences of two therapy session that will not be included in tonight's episode. The vain part of me hopes I look OK on camera. The entrepreneur in me is thrilled about the national exposure for my therapy clinic. The social worker/therapist in me loves that I had the opportunity to do pro bono work and help an amazing woman navigate an extremely difficult time in her life, and that her story will inspire other women who've suffered the loss of an infant to reach out for support.

Would you let a camera crew film one of your therapy session? Surprisingly, after a while I forgot that the crew was even there and I was really able to tune in to and connect with “Jen."

More about "Jen's" touching story

After delivering a stillborn baby nine months ago, Jen now finds herself pregnant again and scheduled to deliver on the anniversary of her baby's death. Feeling alone with no friends to support her during her loss, she fears going through loss again. (health.discovery.com)

Still therapy even with cameras

Luckily, from the moment I met "Jen," we clicked, and were able to develop a rapport and quickly get to the heart of her pain. Working with "Jen" was a professional highlight for me and reminded me why I love being a therapist. To be allowed in to the most tender parts of a client's heart and the most difficult times in client's life is an honor.

Therapist Roll Call: Join The Private Practice Facebook List

Thanks for your fantastic response to my roll call for private practice therapist using Twitter! Therapists from all around the globe have joined the list. I'll will continue to add therapists to the list so feel free to join anytime by commenting on that post.

I wanted to do the same thing for Facebook Business pages to help you connect to other like-mined therapists to share resources, ideas, practice building tools, and referrals. Only licensed mental health therapists will be listed.

Here's what you need to do to join the Facebook List...

Post a comment below and include the following information:

1. Facebook page name &  page link (Facebook business page, not personal profile)
2. your name & credential
3. your city & state
4. specialty areas

As the comments come in I’ll post comments and paste your info in the body of this post below to make it easy to click through and "like" the Facebook pages listed.  I look forward to connecting with you. Feel free to forward to colleagues.

Therapist Facebook Page List

Wasatch Family Therapy & Julie Hanks LCSW, Julie Hanks, LCSW, Salt Lake City, UT, women’s mental emotional health, emotionally focused couples therapy, family and parenting, private practice consulting, media contributor

Timeless Solutions Counseling Services ,Tiffany C. Huggins, MEd,NCC,LPC, Charlotte, NC, Specializing in loss and grief issues, Depression, Stress/Anxiety and Life Transitions for children, adults, and older adults.

Drops Of Change , Jo-Anne Mac Millan BA Hons., MA, Limerick City, Republic of Ireland, Humanistic & Integrative Psychotherapist

Maplewood Counseling New Jersey, Debra Feinberg, LCSW, Maplewood, NJ, Anxiety or Fears, Relationships, Parenting, Gay and Lesbian Issues, Multicultural Counseling

A Peaceful Balance, Jennifer Bois-Slattery, LCMHC, MLADC, ICAADC, Nashua, NH, trauma, gender identity counseling, substance abuse, adolescent issues, clinical supervision

Synchronicity Counseling & Wellness, Boise, ID, Kama Hiner, LPC, Nichole Jordan, LCPC, Denae Barowsky, LPC, Marci Danielson, LAMFT, Kristine Kirsch, LPC, Arlene Winkle, LMSW, We are a small group private practive with 6 counselors working with children through adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, custody, LGBT, parenting, EMDR, Sexual issues

Kim Wright LCSW, Kim Wright, LCSW LGBTQQI-friendly, eclectic approach, mostly works from a Cognitive Behavioral / Solution-Focused, aged 15+, who seek treatment to recover from Anxiety, Depression, Sexuality issues/disorders, Psychosis, and Relational/Couples therapy

Soul Tenders, Wendy Bencosme, PhD, Maureen Leigh, MFT, Carol Bennett, MFT, Brandon Guin, MFT, Jan Salvay, MFT, Arcadia, CA, Divorce & Support Group, Anxiety, Grief/Loss, Depression, EMDR, Somatic, Sexual Abuse, Trauma, Parenting, Domestic Violence, Anger Management, Dreams Group, Teens, Couples/Marital Therapy

Pam Dyson, MA, LPC, RPT, St. Louis, MO, Parent coaching, play therapy for children 3-12 years of age

Bruce Nystrom, PhD, Wichita Kansas, specializing in psychological assessment (clinical, forensic, employment, disability, medical) along with stress management, habit control (smoking, weight control, medication compliance), and sex offender treatment

Birmingham Counseling for Women and Girls, Sara Levitsky, LMSW, Birmingham, MI, women and girls of all ages, depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, relationship problems, school/peer issues, parenting support

Cathy Hanville, LCSW, Albany, CA, Trauma, PTSD, EMDR, anxiety, depression, and gender identity

Julie Fanning LCSW, West Dundee, IL, anxiety, mood disorder, early adults and midlife

Carrie Christiansen, LPC, Lenexa, KS, young adults and adolescents with concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, and relationship issues

Kelli Hyland, M.D., Salt Lake City, Utah, Whole-person, individualized, collaborative approach to medication management (& psychotherapy) for adults with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD.

Segal Psychotherapy, LLC, MA, LAMFT, GLBTQ Friendly Therapist helping couples and individuals recover from infidelity, sex and porn addiction, and sexual abuse and sexual trauma.

Julie Jeske, MS, NCC – registered intern working toward my LPC,  Portland, OR, individual, couples and groups, sexuality, intimacy and relationships, women's Live Your Best Life Group

Jason A. Tompkins, LCSW, Tampa, Florida, survivors of suicide, couples, teenagers, Support Group for Adults with Asperger's Syndrome

Integrity Psych Heidi McKenzie, Psy.D, Monroeville, PA, clinical psychologist, anxiety disorders with adults

Miranda Palmer, LMFT, Modesto, CA,  Trauma Therapist doing specialty work with EMDR and other trauma treatment strategies

Lisa J. Johnson, LMFT, Albuquerque, NM, relationships, all forms of families; married, cohabitating, single parent, or blended families,  parents and friends of lesbians and gays and gay parents

Kelly Higdon, MFT, Laguna Hills, CA, women in divorce, anger issues, twenty and thirty something issues

Deborah Owens, Philadelphia, PA, adults and couples, specializing in marriage and couples counseling, anxiety, and recovery

AKCCOnline J. Kip Matthews, PhD, Athens, GA, Consulting, Mind-Body Health, Diversity Issues, Continuing Education Programming, Psycho-Educational Workshops, and College Student Mental Health

Joel D. Carnazzo, Psy.D., Chicago, IL, Substance Abuse, Depression, Anxiety, CBT, Motivational Interviewing

Good Medicine Healing Community, Kimberly O. Sieber, Ph.D., PLLC, Salt Lake City, UT, evidence-based psychological interventions and scientifically-validated spiritual practices aimed at facilitating mental, physical, and spiritual health, and treating chronic pain, medical and neurological conditions, anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD, and other stress-related illnesses

Terry Moore, LICSW Omaha, NE, hypnosis in psychotherapy, advanced training and experience in the behavior therapy to treat OCD

AZ Body-Mind Counseling Art Matthews, MA LPC, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, AZ, Stress, Anxiety, Panic, Depression, Grief/Loss, Divorce/Uncoupling Recovery, GLBT population

Seasons of Healing Counseling Services Cary Collins, MEd., LPC, Charlotte, NC, life transitions and those experiencing pain (physical/emotional/spiritual) find balance and well-being in mind/body/spirit.I also facilitate groups in SoulCollage(R)

Lucia Cassar Psychologist/Psychoanalist, teenagers, adults and elderly

A Peaceful Life Counseling Services Kat Mindenhall, LCSW, Lakewood, Colorado, cognitive Behavioral, solution focused, and mindfulness therapy for depression/anxiety, parenting, families and couples

Shari Cohn, LCSW, CSAT Madison, Wisconsin, Sex Therapy; Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity; Internet Porn & Cybersex Addiction; Partners, Spouses, Families of Sex Addicts; Survivors of Abuse, Assault, Trauma; PTSD; EMDR; Sexual Difficulties of Abuse, Trauma Survivors; Depression; Anxiety; Individual, Couples, Marriage Counseling

Jodie Gale MA Psychotherapy Northern Beaches, Sydney, Australia, eating disorders, addiction, infertility and alternative parenting paths, life crisis, relationships, anxiety and depression

Fran DiDomenicis, Ph.D. at East Bay Counseling Walnut Creek, CA, Mindfulness Based treatment for Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, and Chronic Pain; Marriage and Relationship Counseling

Jennifer Bois-Slattery, LCMHC,MLADC, ICAADC Nashua, NH, USA: Specialties, trauma, gender identity counseling, substance abuse, adolescent issues, clinical supervision

Dr. Ranjan Patel  brief-term counseling for rapid symptom reduction, and longer-term psychotherapy for deeper exploration, tailor-made treatment for your unique needs, specialties include: anxiety; depression; chronic pain/illness; mindfulness training, relationship issues–in individual and/or couples

Sharon Martin, LCSW San Jose, CA: specialize in mood disorders, anxiety, substance abuse, grief & loss, infertility & pregnancy loss, CBT

Tammy Fletcher, M.A., LMFT San Diego, CA: Medical issues: chronic pain/illness, new diagnosis, disability. Couples therapy, individual and family therapy, depression, anxiety, trauma. Fluent in American Sign Language – deaf and hard of hearing clients welcome

Melissa Wright, MA, LPC, RPT, Kansas City, MO Northland:  children ages 3 and up as well as adults and families who need services due to trauma, life transitions and mental health needs

Demyan Rossouw Cape Town, South Africa: Cognitive Behavioural Coaching & Facilitation, Gen-Y Coaching & Mentoring HIV Coaching, Creativity Coaching

Tanya L. Hilber, PsyD San Diego, CA: middle-age transitions for women and children with trauma, individual issues with a practical, psychodynamic approach that includes finding balance in life

DragonMuse Coaching & Facilitation Demyan Rossouw, Cape Town – South Africa: Cognitive Behavioural Coaching & Facilitation, Gen-Y Coaching & Mentoring, HIV Coaching, Creativity Coaching.

Metis Counseling Kansas City, MO Northland: Work with children ages 3 and up as well as adults and families who need services due to trauma, life transitions and mental health needs.

Rinske Goettsch MA, MBACP Counsellor, I see adults, elderly and couples for short and long term therapy. I specialise in relationship issues in a humanistic and creative way.

The Online Counselling Service Faith Moyo, Accredited Psychological Therapist, 24 Hour Online and Telephone Therapy. Access the worldwide service 7 days a week via secure Email, Instant Chat, VoIP, Webcam and Telephone.

Child's Play Services Andalusia, Alabama: Registered Play Therapist and National Certified Counselor. I specialize in child, adolescent, and family issues.

Erika T. Kendrick, LPC Montclair, NJ: specialize in depression, grief & loss, and domestic violence.

Regina Bright MS, LMHC Mary Esther, Florida: Individual, group, and family therapy for children and adults, developmental and emotional problems including depression, anxiety, stress, as well as unresolved issues resulting from childhood, delinquent and “at risk” adolescents and their families

Child, Parent & Family Institute Nitika T. Bey MSW, LSW, Pennsylvania and New York: Long Term and Short Term Solutions Focused Counseling (STSF)

Mind & Body Journal with Karen Gorrin Karen Gorrin, MA, LMHC Olive Tree Healing Arts Bellevue, Washington: Helping busy professionals find ease and wellbeing. Integrative Psychotherapy, Corporate Wellness, Mind and Body Workshops and Retreats.

Tracy Tucker, LCSW Arlington Heights, IL: My mission is to empower clients and assist them in achieving their personal goals for a healthy, successful life.

Ed Santana, MA, Psychotherapist, Toronto, Ontario: Psychotherapy, Counselling, and Therapy for Individuals and Couples.

Life Designs of Miami by Roberta Gallagher South Miami, Florida: My major focus is working with couples in crises due to betrayal i.e. infidelity: emotional, physical, online, phone.

Kate Elrod MS, LPC-S Austin, TX: Adults, Depression, Anxiety, Self Esteem, Past Abuse/Trauma, Life Transitions.

(Your info will go here...this list is ongoing to add your comment any time. Please summarize your services in one sentence instead of posting a comprehensive list. Thanks!)