Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026? [episode 82]
![Header graphics for Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026? [episode 82]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/65380a8806f21d6d1e048c01/94f3daf2-6135-44c2-9a10-b355c197ba96/Kelly+Ep.+82+header_hyper-niching.png)
Listen to Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026? on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Your player of choice
Let’s clear something up right now: hyper-niching is NOT dead.
In fact, there has never been a better time to get crystal clear on who you serve!
With all the noise online, the rise of AI, and more therapists entering the space, clarity is your competitive advantage.
Niching down isn’t limiting. It’s POWERFUL. It positions you as the go-to expert, instead of just another generalist!
If you want private-pay clients, you HAVE to niche down - period.
People don’t pay $200-$250+ per session for a “general therapist.”
They pay for someone who deeply understands them. They want someone who understands their specific struggles and their “flavor” of anxiety.
If you’re speaking to everyone, you’re speaking to no one. It will always feel like you’re paddling upstream if you’re not niched with your messaging!
In today's episode, I'm diving into hyper-niching and why it’s not “dead” in 2026.
Niching isn’t about excluding people - it’s about building clarity and trust.
And no, niching doesn’t mean you become robotic or one-dimensional.
You’re still a human with interests, personality, and layers. You should be sharing your iced coffee, workouts, travel dreams, and chaotic mom moments!
The key is that the majority of your content connects BACK to your ideal client. Show instead of tell, and speak to their core struggle.
Let the rest come through naturally in your stories, storytelling, values, and personality.
Your niche can evolve as YOU evolve (mine definitely has), but clarity will always win.
Hyper-niches aren’t over - they’re essential, and more needed than ever!
If this feels scary or confusing, we walk through this step by step inside PPA and my VIP community. I’d love to support you and give you feedback where you need it!
In this episode, Is Hyper-Niching Dead in 2026?, I cover:
Why hyper-niching is more important than ever for private-pay therapists
How a clear niche attracts dream clients + major opportunities
How to show your full personality without confusing your audience
What being “too-niched” looks like + how to refine your messaging without being robotic
Resources & Links:
⭐️ Reel Example #1
⭐️ Reel Example #2
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane - use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide
Related Episodes:
More about the Business of Therapy podcast:
Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”
Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.
Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!
Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.
These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.
Make sure to hit follow/subscribe so you never miss an episode!
