Show Notes
Dr. Robert Puff is a clinical psychologist based out of Orange County, California. He’s the author of 13 books and the host of The Happiness Podcast, a highly ranked self-help podcast. In this interview, Robert discusses how he built a successful practice in one of the wealthiest counties in the US, his strategies for staying passionate about his work, and how he has adapted his business model across a thirty-year career.
Interview Highlights
[1:56] Dr. Puff talks about how he came to the field of psychology. He left home for a year without telling his family his whereabouts to explore why we’re here as human beings. This journey led him to the field of psychology.
[3:16] Dr. Puff has a long academic record (two masters degrees and a Ph.D.), and he’s been in private practice for 30 years.
[3:53] Dr. Puff has written 13 books and has hosted 4 different podcasts. He also did a TV show on the Discovery channel for a year. His current podcast, The Happiness Podcast is his favorite show, and he feels it’s his life work. He publishes it weekly.
[5:21] Dr. Puff’s books are about living a happy life. He’s written about meditation, anger, and couples’ issues. He’s working on his 14th book now.
[8:42] Dr. Puff’s client base consists of very successful wealthy people, some of the richest people in the world. The people he works with often burn out or become chemically addicted.
[14:14] Dr. Puff says he has one of the oldest websites on the planet. He used to have a radio show, and he’s always learning and developing new things. Putting his energy into his work has led to his success. He meditates for an hour and a half every day, exercises, and eats well. And he doesn’t work on Fridays. He credits this self-care for keeping him steady and not getting burned out.
[17:00] Early in his career, Dr. Puff did public speaking to promote his private practice. Eventually, he started giving radio interviews and blogging.
[19:00] Dr. Puff’s first therapy office was in Glendale, CA, and he had one patient in 6 months. He was invited to join a busy practice in Hollywood, and then another in Orange County, CA. Robert became busy enough to open his own practice in Newport News, CA and he now has several colleagues working for him. At most he sees 30 clients a week. He writes (his books and blogs) early in the day.
[23:58] Dr. Puff says the key to private practice success is being passionate about what you do. And being truthful: if you have good insights, live what you teach.
[29:00] Dr. Puff has been running the happiness podcast for 5 years. Initially, people found it via word of mouth, but now he uses social media to promote it.
[31:15] Dr. Puff’s advice to new therapists is to take care of yourself – keep improving your skills, and stay passionate.
Dr. Robert Puff – Psychologist – Orange County, California
Dr. Robert Puff is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist and host of the Happiness Podcast.
He teaches a holistic approach life. He has authored 13 books on a variety of topics, including relationships, anger management, holistic healing, and happiness. He is regularly sought by the media for his expertise on a variety of healthy living issues and has been quoted in the media over 1000 times. The Happiness Podcast is one of top self-help podcasts on iTunes and focuses on ways for all of us to find happiness. For years, Dr. Puff has been a regular blogger for Psychology Today.
Dr. Puff consults with businesses and nonprofits on a variety of topics, including personal and work relationships, depression, career success and happiness, stress and anger management, workplace stress management and meditation. He can be reached at DrPuff@cox.net or 714-337-4889 (his cell phone).
~ Dr. Robert Puff
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