Why 'I Don't Want to Be Salesy' Is Keeping You From Serving

In this episode, I'm tackling one of the biggest fears holding therapists back from building sustainable online practices: the terror of being "too salesy."

If you've ever frozen at the end of a webinar, mumbled through your offer, or avoided pitching your program altogether because you're worried about pressuring people who've already been through so much — this episode is for you.

Here's the truth: Your fear of being salesy isn't actually about sales. It's about identity, worth, and deeply ingrained beliefs about what it means to be a "good" therapist. And until you unpack those beliefs and make some critical identity shifts, no amount of perfect pitch scripts or marketing tactics will make you feel comfortable making offers.

So today, we're going deep. We're talking about the mistaken beliefs sabotaging your ability to serve, the five identity shifts that transform selling from a threat into an act of service, and the practical framework for making offers that feel aligned, authentic, and effective.

Whether you're a therapist launching your first online program, a coach struggling to convert webinar attendees, or a clinician who knows you need to make offers but feels gross every time you try — this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Here's what we cover in this episode:

• The mistaken beliefs keeping you stuck — including why you think making an offer equals manipulation (spoiler: it doesn't), why you're waiting for people to chase you down instead of leading them forward, and why you think talking about your program "takes away" from the value you're giving.
• The four identity shifts that change everything — from Healer to Guide, Helper to Advocate, Clinician to Creator, Transactional to Transformational, and Rule-Follower to Ethical Innovator. These aren't just mindset tweaks — they're fundamental rewirings of how you see yourself and your role.
• What you're not seeing when you don't make offers — the real consequence of staying silent about your programs, and how your fear of being pushy is actually denying people the agency to choose their own path forward.
• The reframe that makes pitching feel like service — including the coaching questions that reveal whether you have a sales problem or a conviction problem, and why treating your webinar attendees differently than you'd treat your best friend is costing you (and them) transformation.
• The 5-step framework for making offers that convert — from getting clear on your conviction first, to setting up the pitch at the beginning, using consent at offer time, making it about them (not you), and trusting them to decide for themselves.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

📩 Join the Incubator Waitlist: Be the first to know when doors open for therapists ready to create their first online program that actually converts — therapistsrising.com/incubator

More From Dr. Hayley Kelly:

📱 Follow me on Instagram: @dr.hayleykelly
For daily insights on therapist innovation, building sustainable online practices, and making offers that feel good.

🌐 Visit the website: therapistsrising.com

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If this episode helped you see your fear of selling in a new light — or gave you permission to finally make that offer with confidence — please take a moment to subscribe and leave a review. Your words help us reach more therapists ready to build practices that don't burn them out.

Thanks for tuning in to Therapists Rising. Now go make that offer like you MEAN it. See you in the next episode!