How to make memes with Nicole Arzt
My interview guest this week is Nicole Arzt, LMFT. Nicole is the creator of the popular Psychotherapy Memes Instagram account and bestselling author of Sometimes Therapy is Awkward. She works in private practice in Orange County, CA.
I spoke to Nicole about how she got into the meme game, where she gets inspiration, and what she’s learned along the way. Enjoy!
What's the story behind the Psychotherapy Memes Instagram account?
In full transparency, there isn't much of an exciting story! I wanted a way to express and offload some dark humor about this field without it "tainting" my professional career. The memes quickly gained traction.
Apparently, many people related to the same emotions I often felt about the field. With that said, I remained anonymous for two years on the platform and only revealed my name once I published a book last December.
How do you get inspiration for memes?
I can't explain it, but they just come to me. I know that isn't the most helpful insight, but it's my truth!
Some of my favorite meme accounts on Instagram are @mentalhealthfunnies, @waitimthetherapist, @thechaotictherapist, @therapist.memes.fordramaqueens, @wittysocialworker, and @yourtherapymemes.
How do you make them?
I mostly screenshot tweets I make on Twitter or use Mematic and other images I find to make the GIF ones.
What's your favorite meme you've made?
I don't really have a favorite. Different ones resonate with me at different points, so I suppose I like them all! Here are some of my most popular memes that have each been shared over 100,000 times.
Have you made money from Psychotherapy Memes?
Yes, Psychotherapy Memes has given me the invaluable gift of an incredibly supportive and engaged audience. This page has offered me a platform for my practice and other professional endeavors.
I've been offered various speaking engagements, partnerships, sponsorships, writing gigs, and other paid opportunities. I doubt that my debut book would have been this successful had I not had such a fierce and loyal following behind me. Similarly, I feel confident in pursuing future opportunities because I feel I have made a valuable name for myself as a professional therapist and well-known mental health advocate.
Thank you to Nicole for sharing with us. Follow Psychotherapy Memes on Instagram, order her book, and visit her website.