Can I be an Introverted Therapist AND a Consultant or Speaker?
Let’s talk about the thing you’ve been thinking about for a while.
You know your therapy skills translate beyond the treatment room. You know schools, organizations, churches, even other professionals, can benefit from your insight. You’ve probably even been asked to do a training or speak on a panel. But every time you consider stepping into that lane more intentionally, one thing stops you:
You don’t want to be “that” person.
The one constantly posting online. The one chasing speaking gigs like a motivational road warrior. The one “on” all the time.
If you’ve ever said, “I’m not built for that,” you’re not alone.
But here’s what I want you to hear: You don’t have to change your personality to increase your impact, or your income.
In fact, your introversion might be your greatest advantage when it comes to consulting and speaking.
The Truth About Introverts & Visibility
Let’s clear something up: Being introverted doesn’t mean you’re shy or antisocial. It means you recharge by going inward, reflecting deeply, and often prefer meaningful one-on-one or small group conversations over large crowds.
Sound like you? Great. This is actually who I am too.
That kind of internal awareness makes you an ideal consultant. It also makes you a deeply resonant speaker, when you’re given the space to prepare and present with intention.
The problem is, you’ve likely only seen extroverted models of what “visibility” looks like. Think charismatic TED Talkers, fast-talking workshop facilitators, or high-energy Instagram therapists. They’ve convinced you that if you want a career outside of the office that you’re going to have to wear yourself out by doing it their way.
But visibility isn’t about being loud. It’s about being clear, consistent, and credible. Let’s get into how you can do that your way.
Step 1:Redefine Visibility on Your Own Terms
You don’t have to go live on Instagram every day to build a consulting or speaking arm in your practice. In fact, some of the most powerful visibility moves you can make happen asynchronously:
Contributing an article to a local nonprofit or medical association.
Recording a 20-minute workshop you can license and re-use.
Hosting a private roundtable for an organization’s leadership team.
These activities let you share your thought leadership without draining your energy.
And more importantly, they allow you to attract the kinds of clients who are looking for substance, not flash. Organizations don’t want “performers.” They want professionals who know what they’re doing and can communicate it clearly…and that is YOU.
Step 2: Lean Into Your Natural Strengths
Introverts are typically:
Excellent listeners
Detail-oriented
Reflective and insightful
Skilled at observing dynamics others miss
These aren’t just “nice to have” traits in the consulting and speaking world, they’re essential. Especially in fields like education, healthcare, customer service and mental health, where emotional nuance and unspoken culture can make or break an intervention.
In a room of 50 staff members, the person who quietly notices what’s not being said, then names it with compassion and clarity? That person has the most influence.
Step 3: Design Revenue Around Your Energy
It’s easy to assume that adding consulting or speaking means traveling nonstop, pitching yourself constantly, or booking weekly trainings. That’s ego-driven design. It centers on appearing important, not sustaining impact.
Instead, design your new revenue stream around your energy.
Here’s how:
Offer consulting packages where you do a 90-minute deep dive once per quarter (with follow-up via email, Voxer or video).
Host two executive coaching intensives per month.
Deliver one keynote per season with licensing options for re-use.
Create curriculum that supports your live work so you don’t have to repeat yourself endlessly.
For example: Imagine a six-figure training contract that includes partnering with three school systems. You delivere one 3-hour session a month and licensed a video series for follow-up.
Zero cold calls. Zero reels. Just steady revenue based on work she already loved.
You Don’t Have to Change Who You Are to Change How You Earn
Consulting and speaking are not about turning yourself into a brand mascot or motivational performer. They’re about sharing your expertise in ways that stretch your income—not your sanity.
You already have the skillset. You already have the stories. What you need is a strategy that works for who you are now, not who you think you need to become.
If you’re curious about how to start—or scale—consulting or speaking as an introverted therapist, let’s talk.
Book your strategy session now and let’s co-create a plan that fits your values, your voice, and your vision.