Jeremy Sachs joins me to explore how identity, masculinity, and shame shape male survivors’ healing — and what therapists need to know.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m speaking with therapist and author Jeremy Sachs about his upcoming book, An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and their Allies: Masculinity Reconnected (Routledge, July 2025).

Drawing on years of experience running recovery groups for men, boys, and trans survivors, Jeremy brings a deeply compassionate and intersectional lens to a subject often left in the shadows.

We talk about how myths about masculinity, cultural shame, and systemic failure can all affect whether survivors seek help — and how they experience it. Jeremy also shares practical reflections for therapists and allies who want to work more effectively with male clients.

⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, trauma, and the failings of healthcare and justice systems. Please listen with care.

Takeaways:

• Why Jeremy wrote this book — and how male survivors shaped each chapter
• What we mean by masculinity, and how cultural expectations harm survivors
• The role of shame, silence, and developmental trauma in male experiences
• How Black men and trans men may face unique stigma and barriers to care
• What “intersectionality” looks like in real therapeutic work
• Why disclosure is complex — and how therapists can respond with empathy
• The idea of “sexual selves” and how Western norms disconnect men from their bodies
• What transformative justice is — and why some survivors seek it outside systems
• The essential role of allyship and community in recovery

You can find Jeremy and order his book here: https://jeremysachs.com

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

If you want to attract more clients to your private practice, your therapist profile needs to show people that they’ll be safe with you.

In this episode, we’re talking about how a simple inclusion statement can make the difference between someone reaching out — or quietly clicking away. I share a personal story about almost contacting a therapist, and why I didn’t, and explore what therapists can do to show they’re truly inclusive.

I’ll walk you through why these statements matter, what often holds us back from writing them, and what you can include — even if you’re still learning.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make your practice more welcoming and visible to people from marginalised communities, this one’s for you.

Takeaways:

• Why inclusion statements help the right clients feel safe enough to reach out
• What silence on your profile might be saying (without you realising)
• Common fears therapists have about getting it wrong — and why it’s okay to start small
• Simple ideas for what to include in a statement that feels genuine
• Real-life examples of inclusive therapist websites that work

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Links referenced in this episode:

• jennifersnowcounselling.co.uk
• psychodynamictherapybirmingham.co.uk

Keywords:

inclusive therapy practices, diversity in counselling, creating an inclusive therapist profile, client safety in therapy, understanding LGBTQ+ clients, therapy growth strategies, anti-racist therapy practices, writing an inclusion statement, addressing privilege in therapy, promoting equality in therapy, therapist-client relationship dynamics, best practices for inclusive therapy

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

It's natural to be anxious when setting up and running a private practice - it's both a sign of being passionate about helping people and a reflection of the roller coaster ride of self-employment. In this episode, I'm joined by Laura Knight of See Clear Anxiety Counselling, who shares how she's learned to manage and move beyond anxiety, and how that experience now shapes the way she runs her successful practice.

Laura talks about letting go of perfectionism, staying grounded in uncertain times, and how she has built a business that works for her - all while supporting clients with anxiety too.

Whether you're in the early stages of private practice, or facing a wobble, this episode is full of calm, practical encouragement.

Takeaways:

• How to transition from a part-time to a full-time practice
• Staying steady when client numbers dip
• The value of focusing on what's within your control
• Using live videos to build trust and visibility
• How to move from anxiety to confidence as a therapist
• Financial planning to ride out the quieter sessions

Fee Calculator: access the Fee Calculator mentioned in the episode HERE

Connect with Laura Knight:

🌐 Website: https://www.seeclearcounselling.co.uk

📘 Facebook: See Clear Counselling – Anxiety Specialist

📸 Instagram: @seeclearcounselling

📧 Email: laura@seeclearcounselling.co.uk

👥 Dorset Counsellors Network: Facebook Group or email Laura to join

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords

private practice, growing private practice, counselling directory, marketing for therapists, private practice tips, online counselling, video marketing for therapists, self-care for therapists, counselling business strategies, overcoming anxiety in business, financial management for therapists, establishing a counselling practice, networking for therapists, private practice success