Katrina Johnson candidly shares her journey into private practice and how she overcame her fears to set up and promote her practice. She and Josephine talk about how important it is to embrace vulnerability and take those first steps, even when moving into private practice feels uncertain and a bit scary. As Katrina shares how she built her client base through social media and word-of-mouth, we get a real look at what works when it comes to attracting clients in a way that feels natural. This episode is a reminder that perseverance and self-belief can make all the difference, even when doubts creep in - encouraging other therapists to take the leap into private practice with confidence.

Takeaways:

• Fear of not being good enough held Katrina back but she discovered those fears were unfounded
• Katrina has been consistent on social media and successfully attracted clients.
• A significant aspect of her success has been the willingness to share personal experiences, including her journey through pregnancy loss, which resonated with clients and fostered a sense of connection.
• Katrina emphasised the importance of setting boundaries in her practice, particularly as the Mum of young children. This allows her to maintain a balance between work and family life, which is crucial for her well-being.
• Finally, Katrina reflects on how overcoming fear and embracing opportunities, stepping outside her comfort zones, has helped her professional growth.

Keywords:

private practice, starting private practice, social media for therapists, therapist branding, marketing for therapists, self-care for therapists, therapist supervision, pregnancy loss support

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

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.

In this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors Podcast, Josephine Hughes discusses how therapists can use social media to attract more clients and grow their practice. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it’s easy to feel stuck when you’re unsure what to post. Josephine provides a simple framework to help therapists create content to connect with their audience, build trust, and drives potential clients to their practice.

If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, unsure of what to post next, this episode is for you! Josephine covers how to plan your content using themes, the importance of consistency, and how awareness dates can inspire your social media calendar. By the end of this episode, you’ll have practical tips that will help make posting on social media easier and more effective.

Whether you're a therapist just starting out on social media or you're looking for ways to refresh your strategy, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to help you attract more clients.

Takeaways:

• Social media is an invaluable tool for therapists seeking to connect with potential clients and attract referrals.
• Establishing a content framework not only alleviates the pressure of content creation but also fosters consistency in engagement with your audience.
• Incorporating awareness dates into your content strategy can provide inspiration and relevance, enhancing the emotional connection with your followers.
• By categorising posts into education, encouragement, engagement, and empowerment, therapists can effectively reach different sectors of their audience.
• Consistent posting helps build trust and familiarity, ultimately making your audience anticipate your content and rely upon your insights.
• Planning ahead by utilising awareness dates makes it easier to post and enhances your social media presence.

social media for therapists, content ideas for therapists, how to attract clients on social media, Mother's Day content ideas, social media content planning, tips for therapists on social media, therapist social media tips, private practice marketing strategies

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

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.

Suzie Jamieson, a seasoned therapist, tells Josephine Hughes about her experience following a professional complaint that shook her confidence and career. On March 25, 2021, she received an email from the BACP informing her of a complaint, thrusting her into a world of fear and shame. Despite having a flourishing practice, the complaint triggered a profound personal crisis leading to a two-year ordeal filled with emotional turmoil. Susie candidly discusses the psychological impact of the experience, detailing how the stress of the complaint permeated her life, affecting her mental health and financial stability. She discusses the vulnerability therapists face in their practices and the stigma surrounding complaints. Susie emphasises the necessity for support systems for therapists who encounter such challenges, highlighting her commitment to fostering a safe space for fellow practitioners to navigate their own crises. Her resilience shines through as she illustrates her journey toward recovery, ultimately transforming her experience into a source of empowerment and advocacy for others in the field.

Takeaways:

• Susie Jamieson's journey reveals the profound emotional impact of receiving a client complaint.
• The lengthy complaints process can leave therapists feeling isolated and questioning their professional worth.
• Creating a supportive environment for therapists who have faced complaints is crucial for healing.
• The importance of maintaining thorough documentation cannot be overstated when faced with complaints.
• Susie's experiences highlighted the need for systemic changes within professional membership bodies

therapist support, complaints process for therapists, handling client complaints, therapist burnout, therapist self-care, ethical complaints in counselling

You can find Susie at her website or on Instagram and Facebook

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

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.

Setting appropriate fees in private practice is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and ethical counselling private practice. Josephine Hughes explores the challenges therapists face regarding client attendance and the impact on income. She argues that a well-structured fee system allows therapists to absorb seasonal fluctuations and client cancellations without undue pressure. This enables counsellors to focus on their clients' well-being rather than their personal financial concerns. Throughout the episode, Josephine addresses common money blocks that can hinder therapists from charging what they’re worth, highlighting the need to recognise the value of their services. By adopting a more strategic approach to fee setting, therapists can create a practice that not only supports their financial needs but also fosters a healthy therapeutic relationship with their clients.

Takeaways:

• Setting your fees requires a business mindset to sustain your private practice effectively.
• Understanding your cancellation rates can inform more accurate fee setting strategies for clients.
• It's essential to factor in seasonal fluctuations and client cancellations when determining your fees.
• Avoid making pricing decisions based solely on what others in your area charge.
• Being confident in your value as a therapist allows you to charge appropriately for your services.
• You are not exploiting clients by charging for your services; you are providing valuable support.

Keywords

private practice, counselling fees, client attendance, cancellation policy, therapist income, fee setting, therapy pricing, client no-shows, counselling marketing, self-care for therapists, therapist profit margin, client appointment management

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

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.

Caz Binstead joins Josephine Hughes to discuss the interplay between ethics and business in private practice counselling. They explore the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by private practitioners, especially in the current landscape where nearly 70% of therapists are working in private practice. Caz emphasises that ethical practices are not just about client care but also about creating a sustainable business model that supports therapists' well-being and professional growth. The conversation touches on the isolation many therapists experience, the necessity of solid contracts, and the role of social media in fostering connections among practitioners. With insights into the changing demographics of the profession and practical advice for managing burnout, this episode offers valuable guidance for both new and established counsellors navigating the complexities of private practice.

Takeaways:

• The importance of being real in private practice marketing to connect with clients effectively.
• Isolation in private practice can lead to burnout, emphasising the need for community support.
• The role of ethical considerations in balancing therapeutic work with business boundaries.
• Social media can connect therapists but also has potential downsides that should be acknowledged.
• Pricing strategies in private practice should reflect experience and sustainability for practitioners.

private practice, therapy marketing, relational ethics, burnout in therapists, therapist community, supervision for therapists, Therapist Connect, counselling profession, ethical practice, therapy resources, private practice toolkit, therapy business, client retention, therapy fees, therapist isolation, professional development in therapy

Caz Binstead and Nicholas Sarantakis are authors of: Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice, part of the Ethics in Action series published in 2024 by Routledge. You can find Caz on her website HERE.

To find out more about Therapy Growth Group, please click HERE

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

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.

Finding clarity in your purpose for social media is essential for effective marketing, especially as we enter a new year. Josephine Hughes discusses the importance of understanding your "why" behind your social media presence and how it can guide your content strategy. She emphasizes three key points: clarity, consistency, and character, which are vital for resonating with your audience and attracting clients. By defining who you're trying to reach and establishing measurable goals, you can create a more impactful social media presence. Additionally, Josephine shares practical ideas for content in February, leveraging awareness days to connect with potential clients and showcase your unique approach.

Takeaways:

• Establishing clarity in your social media goals can enhance your overall marketing strategy.
• Consistency in posting helps maintain visibility and builds trust with your audience over time.
• Character in your social media presence fosters authentic connections with potential clients.
• Utilising awareness days allows you to create relevant and engaging content for your audience.
• Understanding who you're trying to reach can guide your content creation effectively.
• Measuring your progress against specific goals, rather than likes, helps maintain motivation.

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

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.

January is not the ideal time for new beginnings; instead, it's a period for rest and reflection, as Helen Calvert passionately argues in her interview with Josephine Hughes. She challenges the conventional "new year, new you" mindset, highlighting the importance of aligning personal growth with the natural rhythms of the year, suggesting that spring is the true season for renewal. Helen shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how her autism has shaped her experiences and perspectives on life, work, and parenting. Helen and Josephine discuss the significance of creating a supportive and compassionate environment for oneself as a business owner, emphasising the need to be the boss you'd want to work for. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their individuality, recognise that multiple solutions available for different challenges, and prioritise joy and kindness in their lives.

Takeaways:

• January is a time for reflection and planning, not for pushing ourselves to start new things.
• The start of the year should align with natural cycles; spring is a better time for new beginnings.
• Being excessively kind to ourselves is essential for maintaining our well-being as business owners.
• Coaching and therapy can help us unravel the expectations we place on ourselves.
• It's important to recognize that every experience we have is not unique; others have gone through similar struggles.
• Establishing clear expectations for ourselves as both boss and employee can lead to a healthier work-life balance.

Keywords:

self-care, new year resolutions, January motivation, business coaching, neurodivergence, autistic burnout, personal growth, work-life balance, task management, understanding autism, self-employment tips

You can find Helen HERE

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

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.

In this episode, Josephine Hughes emphasises the importance of self-belief and the unique experiences that shape who we are. She addresses the common struggle many face in receiving praise and appreciation, often rooted in past experiences and negative self-perception.

The discussion encourages listeners to recognise their uniqueness and the value of their life experiences, even those that have been challenging. Ultimately, it inspires a shift in perspective, urging listeners to embrace their potential and the gifts they can offer to others, particularly in the realm of counselling

Takeaways:

• Many people struggle with self-belief, especially when starting new endeavours, which can hinder progress.
• Receiving praise can evoke cognitive dissonance for those who feel undeserving of appreciation.
• Life experiences, even the difficult ones, contribute to our uniqueness and can empower us.
• Counsellors can use their challenges to connect with clients on a deeper level.
• Fear of rejection is a natural response that can prevent us from reaching our potential.
• Embracing our unique qualities and experiences can help us become better helpers and healers.

Keywords:

counselling, neurodiversity, private practice, self-acceptance, counsellor training, dyslexia in therapy, support for therapists

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

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.