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Therapists Rising Podcast
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.
Therapists Rising Podcast
You Don’t Need Another Certification - You Need This Instead
Ever feel like your next certification might just be the thing holding you back?
If you're nodding along (or feeling personally attacked already), grab a coffee, because this episode is your loving wake-up call. Today, we're tackling the therapist's sneaky habit of certification hoarding—and why your endless pursuit of the next qualification might actually be the biggest roadblock to your success, visibility, and impact.
As therapists, we're masters of credential collection. Weekend intensives, expensive online courses, professional masterclasses—we've done it all. But beneath all those shiny certificates is usually a deeper, scarier truth: it's easier to stay safely hidden in perpetual student mode than it is to step out, get visible, and claim our space as the leaders we're meant to be.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on certification addiction, including why therapists cling to credentials, how it's really just an elaborate form of avoidance, and what you're actually hiding from (hint: it's not a lack of expertise).
We're diving deep into:
- The uncomfortable truth about why you're really chasing more certifications
- How your nervous system uses credential collecting as a safety blanket (and how to gently challenge it)
- The identity traps that keep therapists stuck in the "qualified but invisible" zone
- A practical self-assessment to see if you’re stuck in a certification loop (get ready for some "oh crap!" moments)
- Actionable steps to finally break free from perpetual learning and step into bold, messy leadership
- Why your next level is about courage, visibility, and messy action—not another fancy piece of paper
Consider this episode your official permission slip to stop hiding behind credentials and start leading from where you are right now—imperfect, brilliant, and ready.
Rate, Review & Follow on Apple Podcasts
Loving the podcast? Your reviews mean the world to me—and they help more therapists step out from behind their certifications and into their true potential.
Here’s how to support the show:
- Click here and scroll to the bottom
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Links mentioned in this episode:
- Ready to finally step out of the shadows and into your leadership? The Therapists Rising Incubator is your safe container to do just that.
- Connect with me on Instagram @dr.hayleykelly for real talk on therapist entrepreneurship, behind-the-scenes of launches, and the occasional pep talk (or puppy photo).
