Good Enough Counsellors

Do you find it difficult to post on social media - perhaps you’re always double and triple checking what you say?  Maybe you worry about what others will think or you compare yourself to other private practice counsellors who seem much more knowledgeable than you.  In this week’s episode, Josephine Hughes discusses the impact of imposter syndrome on private practice therapists and their social media marketing and how to combat it.  The second part of the episode includes ideas for posts in November 2024.

In today’s episode:

• How to tell if you’re affected by imposter syndrome in your marketing
• How imposter syndrome affects your willingness to post
• Why self-doubt can be helpful in your marketing
• What to do about criticism on social media and how to counter shame
• How focusing on your clients’ needs can help
• The importance of relatability and authenticity

Get practical ideas for using the following awareness events:

• Movember and Men’s Health Awareness Month
• Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Months
• Anti-Bullying and Self-Care Weeks
• Stress Awareness Day 
• White Ribbon Day

Keywords

imposter syndrome, social media, self-doubt, vulnerability, mental health, awareness events, public humiliation, personal growth, sharing experiences, community support

Chapters

00:00 The Impact of Public Humiliation

02:00 Understanding Imposter Syndrome

06:14 The Value of Self-Doubt

09:53 Embracing Vulnerability and Criticism

14:04 Learning from Failure

16:06 Social Media Strategies for November

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.

If traditional counselling isn't working for you, what are the alternatives? Join Josephine Hughes and Katie Bowers as they discuss Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). They discuss the challenges Katie faced in her early counselling experiences, her eventual shift to EFT, and how it has helped her and her clients process trauma and anxiety. The conversation highlights the importance of mindfulness, the nervous system's role in emotional regulation, and the practical applications of EFT in everyday life. Katie shares her personal experiences with EFT, illustrating its effectiveness in managing anxiety and building confidence, particularly for mothers navigating life transitions. The episode concludes with insights into the science behind EFT and its growing recognition in the therapeutic community.

In today's episode:

• How EFT combines mindfulness and compassion for healing
• How EFT offers a practical approach to emotional regulation
• Using EFT in everyday situations to manage anxiety and calm the brain's response to stress
• Katie's story of how EFT helped her more than traditional counselling techniques

You can find Katie at her website, on Instagram, Facebook and in her Mums Seeking More Facebook group.

Katie trained here.

Chapters

00:00 The Healing Power of EFT

01:38 Katie's Journey into Counseling

04:56 Transitioning from Traditional Counseling to EFT

07:48 Discovering EFT and Its Impact

09:15 Understanding EFT: Mechanisms and Benefits

11:12 Real-Life Applications of EFT

17:30 Building Confidence Through EFT

22:30 Working with Clients: Focus on Mums

23:57 EFT vs Traditional Counselling

25:18 The Science Behind EFT

30:15 The Process of Unpacking Trauma

39:01 Conclusion and Resources

Keywords

EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques, trauma, counselling, mental health, mindfulness, nervous system, self-help, therapy, personal growth

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.

How can you get clients to book in once they've looked at your Psychology Today or Counselling Directory profile? In this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, Josephine Hughes discusses the importance of building trust with potential clients in therapy. She explores client concerns about booking sessions and the effectiveness of video content in establishing a therapist's credibility. Josephine also addresses common fears around creating video content and encourages therapists to embrace visibility as a means to attract clients.

In this episode:

• Why clients may feel nervous about paying in advance
• How directories provide a sense of safety for clients
• The ways that blogs and videos can showcase expertise and attract clients
• Why video marketing is crucial for engagement
• Reassurance that authenticity is more important than a polished production
• The ways that video can address client concerns effectively
• What to consider when using video on your website
• How using YouTube can also enhance discoverability

Keywords

therapy, marketing, client trust, video marketing, counselling, online presence, therapist visibility, social media, client engagement, mental health

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Client Concerns

03:04 Building Trust Through Marketing

05:52 The Power of Video Marketing

09:49 Overcoming Video Anxiety

17:03 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement

Click HERE to join the 2024 Live Feed Challenge

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.

Are you struggling to get started? Discover how to overcome your stuckness by exploring why starting new projects can feel impossible and how you can break through your inertia. Whether you're planning a private practice, group therapy sessions, or an online course, host Josephine Hughes dives deep into an understanding of what's holding you back.

In today's episode

• How feeling overwhelmed, lacking confidence, and not knowing where to start are common challenges that can prevent people from getting started on projects.
• Breaking tasks down into smaller steps and seeking support and guidance can help overcome these challenges.
• Acknowledging and overcoming fears of judgment and rejection is important for moving forward with projects.
• Prioritising projects, making time for them, and taking small actions can lead to progress and success.
• Every step taken brings one closer to achieving their goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Struggling to Get Started

02:05 Challenge 1: Feeling Overwhelmed and Unsure

06:01 Challenge 2: Lack of Time

08:51 Challenge 3: Fear of Judgment and Rejection

10:45 Digging Deeper: What's Really Stopping You?

14:04 Conclusion: Taking Steps Towards Your Dreams

Keywords

getting started, challenges, overwhelm, confidence, fear of judgment, fear of rejection, taking action, breaking tasks down, seeking support, prioritising, small steps, private practice, counsellors

Live Feed Challenge

Join Josephine's Live Video Feed Challenge Facebook group 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.

Does the thought of not knowing enough about social media and technology put you off even trying to have a social media page? You're not alone. Listen to this episode to learn how much technical knowledge is actually needed and how you can still have an effective feed with minimal technical ability. The episode also contains post ideas for the month of October.

In this episode:

• You don't have to be tech-savvy to use social media effectively as a therapist.
• Using personal photos and sharing meaningful experiences can be a powerful way to connect with potential clients.
• Canva is a user-friendly tool for creating graphics and visuals for social media posts.
• October offers various themes and awareness months/weeks that therapists can use to create engaging and relevant content, including ADHD Awareness Week, Halloween and autumn as a metaphor for change
• Mixing up the types of social media posts, including information, topical, and interactive posts, can help build a following and establish trust with potential clients.
• Advice on how many posts to share each week

Keywords

social media, therapist, fear, confidence, technical skills, communication, potential clients, October, awareness months, awareness weeks, themes, season, holidays

Chapters

00:00 Overcoming the Fear of Using Social Media

03:02 The Power of Social Media and Reaching Potential Clients

09:43 Ideas for Social Media Posts in October

12:47 Using Seasonal Themes and Metaphors

14:16 Creating Engaging and Varied Social Media Posts

15:42 Taking Action and Getting Started

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.

Are you a counsellor intimidated by the idea of making a video for listings such as Psychology Today or Counselling Directory? Before you scroll by, listen to how videos can help you reach more clients and learn how to make a professional 15 second video.

In this episode:

• Why incorporating video can transform your online presence and attract more clients
• Common concerns and how to overcome them - yes, even that fear of seeing yourself on screen!
• Practical tips for crafting a 15-second clip that encapsulates who you are and what you offer
• Whether you need any special equipment

Keywords

video creation, directory profile, connection with clients, 15-second video, tips for making a video, therapist on video, video marketing, SEO for therapists, Psychology Today, Counselling Directory

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Importance of Video Creation

02:32 Benefits of Using a Video in Your Directory Profile

07:56 Tips for Making a Meaningful 15-Second Video

12:42 Creating a Good Video with a Smartphone

15:06 Overcoming Self-Consciousness and Making a Connection

If you'd like to join the Live Video Challenge for Counsellors, you can do so HERE. Go on, give it a go!

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.

How can you use email counselling and how does asynchronous therapy work? Join Chloe Foster to hear all about how you can make your practice more flexible and accessible with email counselling. Chloe specialises in helping LGBTQ clients and she shares more about their therapeutic work together with a discussion on the importance of checking pronouns.

In this episode:

• How choosing a niche, such as working with the LGBTQ community, can help attract clients who are specifically looking for a counsellor who understands their unique experiences.
• The importance of asking clients about their pronouns and creating a safe and accepting environment for LGBTQ individuals.
• How raising prices helped both to manage Chloe's client load and create space to develop other income streams.
• How email counselling provides flexibility for both counsellors and clients, and how asynchronous therapy eases the mental load on the therapist
• The importance of effective training for email counselling to set clear boundaries, ensure effective communication and minimise misunderstandings.

Keywords

email counseling, LGBTQ community, niche, pronouns, training, pricing, client load, email counselling, flexibility, pricing, boundaries, training, recorded courses

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and the Potential of Email Counselling

06:18 Choosing a Niche: Working with the LGBTQ Community

11:33 Creating a Safe and Accepting Environment: Asking About Pronouns

15:14 The Importance of Understanding and Accepting Transgender Individuals

20:10 Developing Resources: Enhancing the Value of a Counselling Practice

23:25 Setting Pricing and Boundaries: Maintaining a Sustainable Practice

24:24 Raising Prices in Private Practice

26:29 The Benefits of Email Counselling

32:06 Exploring Email Counselling

36:54 Developing Email Counselling Training

46:29 Embracing New Approaches in Counselling

Download Chloe's free guide on Email Counselling and check out the website 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.

What can you do if you're experiencing a slowdown in client enquiries and bookings? First, check your statistics to make sure what's actually happening. Next, see what you can do to improve your existing marketing. If you're fully utilising your current advertising spend, what other approaches can you take to promote your private practice? This practical episode helps you to identify ideas of how you can reach more potential clients.

In today's episode:

• Comparing your client numbers over time can help you recognise seasonal fluctuations and alleviate doubts about your practice's success.
• Use the summer slowdown to focus on marketing efforts and attract new clients.
• High-touch marketing, such as word-of-mouth referrals, can be effective in reaching potential clients.
• Overcoming self-doubt and fear of rejection is crucial in taking action to address gaps in your schedule.
• Take practical steps, such as utilising marketing strategies and seeking support from peers, to grow your private practice.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations in Private Practice

04:01 Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Your Schedule

09:21 The Power of High-Touch Marketing

13:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Rejection

16:08 Practical Steps for Growing Your Private Practice

Keywords

private practice, slowdown, client numbers, seasonal fluctuations, marketing, client gaps in schedule, high-touch marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, summer slump, growing private practice

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.

What do you do when you're faced with endings, cancellations and decreased client enquiries in your private practice?  How can you handle the inevitable fear that arises? The fight, flight and fear responses are explored, together with practical advice on what to do.

In this episode:

• Understanding how fight, flight and freeze manifest themselves in your practice
• How fear stifles creativity which is essential for marketing
• What neuroscience teaches about rest and creativity
• Practical tips for boosting creativity
• How to organise time for marketing initiatives

Chapters:

00:00 Dealing with Reduced Client Numbers

02:09 Understanding and Managing the Fight, Flight, and Freeze Responses

05:01 The Role of Creativity in Marketing and Overcoming Fear

09:25 Rest and Allowing the Brain to Make Connections

13:11 Practical Tips for Marketing and Growing a Private Practice

16:01 The Importance of Self-Care in Marketing and Attracting Clients

Keywords:

reduced client numbers, private practice, fear, panic, fight response, flight response, freeze response, creativity, marketing, rest, brain connections, practical tips, self-care

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.

What can you do to manage your social media presence over breaks and holidays? Listen to Josephine's struggles with turning off social media, the fear of missing out on clients and what to do about it. In the second half of the episode, Josephine provides ideas for social media posts in September, focusing on themes such as fresh starts, transitions, and awareness days.

In this episode:

• Taking breaks from social media is important for mental health and well-being.
• Scarcity thinking can lead to anxiety about missing out on clients, but it's important to acknowledge that there is plenty of support available.
• Setting boundaries and modelling self-care is essential for maintaining a healthy social media presence.
• Social media ideas for the month of September

Learn how to use the following social media dates:

• World Suicide Prevention Day (10th)
• Youth Mental Health Day (19th) – Theme: #ControlTheScroll
• Sexual Health Awareness Week (11th)
• Bisexuality Awareness Week & Bi Visibility Day (23rd)

Celebrate quirky days such as Ginger Cat Appreciation Day (1st), Read a Book Day (6th), Blame Someone Else Day (13th), Batman Day (21st), Ask a Stupid Question Day (28th).

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:11 Struggles with Taking Breaks from Social Media

03:39 Overcoming Scarcity Thinking and Setting Boundaries

06:07 Managing Social Media Presence During Holidays

10:24 Ideas for Social Media Posts in September

16:34 Conclusion

Keywords

social media, breaks, holidays, scarcity thinking, self-care, boundaries, fresh starts, transitions, awareness days

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.