Episode 147: Redefining Success, Healing Through Business, and Sustainable Online Growth with Melvin Varghese, PhD
What if your business could be a source of healing—not just hustle?
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the joy of talking with Dr. Melvin Varghese—licensed psychologist, host of the Selling the Couch podcast, and founder of one of the most thoughtful, heart-centered online business communities for therapists.
Melvin is someone I deeply adm...
Episode 147: Redefining Success, Healing Through Business, and Sustainable Online Growth with Melvin Varghese, PhD
What if your business could be a source of healing—not just hustle?
In this episode of The Innovative Therapist Podcast, I had the joy of talking with Dr. Melvin Varghese—licensed psychologist, host of the Selling the Couch podcast, and founder of one of the most thoughtful, heart-centered online business communities for therapists.
Melvin is someone I deeply admire—not only because he’s built a wildly successful podcast and sustainable business—but because he’s done it with integrity, intention, and a whole lot of wisdom. We went deep in this honest, funny, and eye-opening conversation about what it really takes to build a business that supports your life (and doesn’t deplete it).
We talked about so much, including:
- Melvin’s journey from group practice to online entrepreneur
- The 4:30 AM recordings that started his podcasting journey
- Burnout, hair loss (!), and what it taught him about sustainability
- The internal work required to charge what you’re worth
- How podcasting helped him reconnect with younger parts of himself
- How he built a business that fits around family, health, and deep work
- AI, creativity, and the future of online business for therapists
- The courage it takes to slow down and trust your own pace
From Private Practice to Podcasting Pioneer
Melvin didn’t jump into online business overnight. After years of juggling group practice, community mental health, and part-time clinical work, a snowstorm in Philly changed everything—he lost 21 client hours in one week and began wondering: Is there another way?
Inspired by mentors like Pat Flynn and driven by a desire for more time freedom, Melvin launched Selling the Couch in 2015 – using an ironing board in his home for some of the early interview episodes. His early episodes were recorded before sunrise and edited by hand between client sessions. Slowly and strategically, he built a podcast that now reaches listeners in over 120 countries and has surpassed 1.8 million downloads.
“I wanted to design a career around my family and health instead of fitting my family and health around a career.”
What Made His Business Work
Unlike many therapists who try to leap into online business and end up burned out (🙋♀️), Melvin took a long-game approach.
He shares how:
- He gradually reduced clinical hours over 5+ years
- He built trust through consistent content before ever selling
- He picked a course topic that had real demand
- He iterated slowly, letting his offers evolve
- He prioritized heart and community over flashy marketing
Healing Old Messages About Worth
We also explored the deeper internal work of entrepreneurship—especially for those of us raised in systems or cultures where “working harder” was equated with worth. As the child of Indian immigrants, Melvin shares how he had to unlearn deeply held messages about laziness, productivity, and success.
“If I wasn’t grinding myself to the bone, I felt like I was dishonoring my parents’ sacrifices.”
Through years of personal therapy, brainspotting, and reflection, he’s found a new rhythm—one grounded in self-trust, presence, and purpose.
Designing a Life Around What Matters Most
Today, Melvin works a Monday–Thursday schedule filled with focused deep work, daily hikes, learning blocks, and time with his daughter. Fridays are for rest, restoration, and a weekly trip to the wellness spa. It didn’t happen overnight—but it did happen by design.
“Most people are trying to build their lives around their careers. I wanted to build my career around my life.”
For Therapists Ready to Do Business Differently
If you’ve ever felt like online business wasn’t for you—or that it had to mean compromise, hustle, or slick marketing—you’ll want to listen to this one.
Melvin’s story is proof that you can build a business with heart, rest, integrity, and purpose—and that it’s never too late to redefine what success means to you.
🌐 Learn more about Melvin’s work: sellingthecouch.com
💼 Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn
Want More Support & Connection?
💡 Join my email list for therapist resources, creative community, and upcoming retreats! [Sign up here]
Disclaimer:
This blog and podcast are for informational and educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical or mental health advice and are not a substitute for professional consultation or treatment.
