Why Therapy is Political with Tracy Vadakumchery

Heard Business School

There needs to be accountability for low pay, burnout, and blaming of therapists.

And for long-term sustainability in the field, we need to set boundaries and realistic expectations.

Tracy Vadakumchery, LMHC, also known as “The Bad Indian Therapist,” is known for her bold approach to therapy and systemic change.

In this episode, host Michael Fulwiler and Tracy unpack why therapy is political. She also shares the importance of self-disclosure in therapy, tackling healthcare inequities, and sustainable business practices.

Plus, her story is not just about therapy but about pushing boundaries, setting realistic goals, and finding innovative ways to make a meaningful impact.

Listen to learn how to overcome systemic challenges with resilience and innovation.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The limitations of being a "blank slate" therapist and the importance of sharing personality, beliefs, and attitudes with clients.
• The specific challenges and strategies for therapists in private practice.
• The systemic issues affecting therapists, such as low pay, burnout, and performative activism.

Connect with the guest:

• Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracy-vadakumchery-lmhc-lpcc-550327101/
• Check out Tracy’s website: https://thebadindiantherapist.com/
• Follow Tracy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebadindiantherapist/
• Watch Tracy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebadindiantherapist?lang=en

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Tracy Vadakumchery

(02:04) Tracy shares her journey of getting her Masters at Columbia

(04:36) How Tracy got on the path to creating her private practice

(09:58) Tracy talks about why therapists are underpaid and why it’s easy for them to get burnt out

(15:33) The importance of setting boundaries as a therapist

(21:29) Tracy shares why group practices put a bad taste in her mouth about private practices

(27:50) Identifying your worth as a therapist and knowing how much to charge

(33:29) How to find your niche

(37:13) What being a “bad Indian” means

(40:36) Tracy’s experience as a younger therapist in the field

(44:07) The mental health industrial complex and therapy

(46:34) Challenges Tracy is facing today in her business

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.