What does it really mean to trust what your clients tell you — especially when their experiences challenge what you’ve been taught, or don’t fit into traditional therapy frameworks?

In this episode, I’m joined by pluralistic therapist, trainer, and writer Nicola Blunden to explore how power, voice, and identity can shape conversations — and why developing an awareness of epistemic injustice matters for all of us.

We talk about:

• what epistemic injustice is — and how it can show up in therapy
• the impact of therapist assumptions around diagnosis and identity
• how to co-create therapy with clients who experience themselves as having multiple parts (sometimes diagnosed as Dissociative Identity Disorder)
• the fear therapists can feel about “getting it wrong”
• and how to begin doing the work without retreating into guilt or defensiveness

Nicola also shares reflections from her upcoming book around co-producing knowledge in pluralistic therapy, and invites us to consider what it means to work with clients — not over them.

This is a rich and thought-provoking conversation about power, trust, and staying open to what clients know about themselves.

You can reach Nicola via her website 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

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

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.

Many therapists show up consistently on social media — sharing tips, encouragement, and reflections — but miss the one type of post that actually brings enquiries.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I share the simple reminder from my coach that helped me get new clients straight away. It’s something most therapists know deep down, but we often avoid because it feels uncomfortable: telling people clearly what we offer.

You’ll learn why this “sales post” mistake is so common, how to reframe it as an act of service, and simple ways to make it a regular part of your marketing.

And at the end of the episode, you'll hear about October awareness dates that you can use for creating posts that get enquiries.

Takeaways:

• The question my coach asked that stopped me in my tracks
• Why therapists often avoid posting about their services
• How new followers see you differently from long-term ones
• A simple way to batch and schedule posts that bring enquiries
• October themes and awareness days you can use for inspiration

If you’d like more support with your marketing, come and join me in Therapy Growth Group, where we’re starting the next round of my 12 Action Steps to Attract New Clients. These are simple, 15-minute weekly actions designed to help you build your practice without overwhelm.

Inside the group, you’ll also get:

• Live weekly coaching calls
• A supportive therapist community
• A full list of social media ideas for every day of the month

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

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 today's episode, I’m joined by trauma therapist, supervisor, and trainer Maaike Beech. With over 18 years of experience in the field, Maaike shares her personal journey into trauma work and the vital lessons she's learned along the way - from understanding why talking about trauma doesn’t always lead to healing, to how we can create the safety clients need before any processing begins.

We explore the real risks of re-traumatising clients, what makes trauma therapy different from general talking therapy, and how therapists can protect their own well-being when doing such emotionally intense work.

What we cover in this episode:

• Why traditional talking therapy isn't always enough for trauma
• The most common misconceptions therapists have about trauma work
• What to do when your clients don't seem to be improving
• How to build safety before trauma processing
• How trauma lives in the nervous system - and why that matters
• Self-care strategies for trauma therapists

If you've ever felt unsure about working with trauma - or worried you're not doing it "right - this episode is here to reassure and resource you. Maaike speaks with such compassion and her insights are grounded in both expertise and lived experience.

Maaike is an experienced trauma therapist, supervisor and trainer. She runs the Beech Trauma Academy where she teaches her Therapeutic Safety and Trauma foundation diploma. Learn more 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.

Many new counsellors worry they aren’t “sorted enough” to be a good therapist. But what if being real about your struggles is actually what helps you connect most with clients?

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Samantha Lee, counsellor, trainer, and creator of the Me, Myself & I inner child course. Sam shares how she moved past the myth of the perfect therapist and built a successful private practice by showing up authentically – both with clients and on social media.

We talk about:

• Why the idea of the “perfect therapist” is a damaging myth – and how embracing your humanity makes you more relatable.
• How to use social media as a therapist without being boring or “too professional.” Sam explains how sharing her poetry grew her following and helped clients feel safe.
• Inner child work for therapists and clients – why it’s powerful, and how it helps us understand our reactions and build resilience.
• What private practice success really looks like. Sam explains why you don’t have to see 20+ clients a week to be a successful counsellor, and how to pace yourself without burning out.
• Self-care for therapists – including practical ways Sam looked after herself while managing family life, grief, and building her practice.

Sam’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to be perfect to be a good therapist. By being open and authentic, you can build deeper client relationships, attract followers who resonate with you, and create a private practice that works for your life.

Find Samantha HERE on Facebook, and for her course and further details, HERE on her website.

If this conversation has resonated with you, please share it with another therapist or leave a review on your podcast app - it helps more therapists find Good Enough Counsellors

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.

When you’re building a counselling private practice, there are times when it feels hard to keep going - especially when the clients aren’t coming in as quickly as you’d hoped.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to draw on your resilience so you can keep moving forward, even in challenging times.

Takeaways:

• Why past challenges can become a source of strength in your business
• How to reconnect with the deeper reasons you became a counsellor
• Practical ways to keep yourself motivated when marketing feels slow to work
• The role of community and support in sustaining your energy and confidence

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit a quiet patch, this episode will help you find your footing again and remind you why your work matters - both to your clients and to you.

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

counselling, practice development, challenges, resilience, motivation, support, private practice

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 if you don’t believe you can be a private practice therapist? In this episode, Fi Hewkin shares her journey from doubting her abilities to building a successful therapy practice. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, making your profile sound like you, and why there’s room for everyone - even in a crowded market.

When Fi Hewkin first considered becoming a therapist, she was convinced she couldn’t do it. Growing up being told she wasn’t academic, leaving school with three O-levels, and believing she’d never be “professional enough,” private practice felt out of reach.

In this episode, she shares how, despite years of self-doubt, she slowly built her confidence - and her private practice. From that first directory profile that didn’t sound like her, to embracing her authentic self (complete with pink hair and DMs), Fi’s story is an honest and encouraging look at what it really takes to succeed.

We talk about:

• How Fi shifted from “I can’t do this” to running a thriving practice
• Why making her profile sound like her changed everything
• The importance of authenticity in therapy marketing
• Overcoming the fear of charging clients and raising fees
• Balancing a busy client load and recognising personal limits
• Practical marketing steps Fi used to get clients (and what she avoids!)
• How running a low-cost community project keeps her grounded

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not good enough to make this work,” this conversation is for you.

Find Fi at her website or her Facebook page

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 Good Enough Counsellors, we’re diving into the third “C” of social media success for therapists: Community.

It’s tempting to think of social media as just another marketing tool, but for many people, it’s a lifeline - a place to feel seen, connected, and understood. And as therapists, we have a unique opportunity to create that safe space online.

Takeaways:

• Why community is one of the most powerful ways to attract therapy clients
• How giving (not numbers) is the heart of community-building
• The mindset shift that helps you get past the “cringe factor” of sharing your work
• Why showing your real, imperfect self builds trust and connection
• How engaging with others (even in small ways) helps grow your reach
• The importance of not broadcasting, but building relationships online
• Post ideas for September 2025

September Awareness Days:

World Suicide Prevention Day – Wednesday, 10th September 2025

National Inclusion Week – Monday, 15th to Sunday, 21st September 2025

Buy a Book Day – Sunday, 7th September 2025

Live Creative Day & Colouring Day – Sunday, 14th September 2025

World Gratitude Day – Sunday, 21st September 2025

Fight Procrastination Day – Saturday, 6th September 2025

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 happens when a CBT therapist with ADHD decides to rewrite the rules on mindfulness? In this episode, I’m joined by Liezl Laidlaw of Rewire Therapy — a therapist who combines mindfulness, CBT and personal insight to support ADHD clients in ways that actually work.

We talk honestly about how traditional approaches can fall short, and how small shifts in language, structure and permission can make a huge difference.

Whether you’re a therapist who works with ADHD clients, or someone who struggles to make mindfulness or CBT work for you — this episode is packed with ideas to explore.

Takeaways:

• Why traditional mindfulness often fails ADHD clients — and how to adapt it
• How CBT can be made more ADHD-friendly (and why “homework” might be a trigger)
• The power of curiosity and play in therapeutic work with neurodivergent clients
• How to gently bring mindfulness into therapy — even with resistant clients
• Why therapists might benefit from mindfulness themselves, especially between sessions

Connect with Liezl and find out about her course at Rewire Therapy

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:

ADHD, CBT, mindfulness, neurodivergence, therapy, self-compassion, private practice, mental health, therapy growth, menopause, emotional well-being, neurodivergent therapists, neurodivergent clients

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 Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Becky Willoughby of Willow Therapy Tring to explore a gentler way of growing a successful therapy practice — by focusing on connection, community, and care.

Becky shares how she’s built a thriving practice by focusing on connection — not sales tactics. We talk about her court-appointed work with children and families, how creative, somatic, and energetic approaches shape her sessions, and why her therapy space plays such a key role. She also reflects on slowing down in the second half of life to avoid burnout and stay true to her values.

• How Becky built a thriving private practice without hard sales tactics
• The power of nurturing relationships and community connections
• Using social media for genuine connection, not constant selling
• Why having a warm, welcoming therapy space makes such a difference
• Insight into Becky’s court-appointed work with children and families during divorce
• How creative, somatic, and energetic approaches support deeper therapeutic work
• The role of sensory elements, like touch and environment, in helping clients feel safe
• Why word of mouth and a good website are still Becky’s strongest referral sources
• The value of slowing down in the second half of life to avoid burnout
• Simple tips for becoming more visible as a therapist in a way that feels authentic

If you're looking for a gentle approach to build your private practice - rather than chasing algorithms - this episode is for you.

Find Becky here: Willow Therapy Tring and on Facebook and Instagram

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, counselling, aromatherapy, somatic therapy, social media, therapy space, client empowerment, self-care, personal growth, authenticity, slow living, family therapy, child therapy, therapist advice, burnout prevention, therapy practice

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 that time of year when client bookings often dip, inboxes go quiet, and self-doubt starts to creep in. But a summer slowdown in private practice doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — in fact, it’s totally normal.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I talk about the seasonal nature of therapy work, why comparing month to month can give you a false picture, and what you can actually do when things get quiet. Whether you’re brand new to private practice or have been around for years, this episode will help you respond rather than panic.

We'll explore how to use summer downtime to your advantage, tackle those tricky inner critic thoughts, and get practical about marketing — without needing to be salesy.

Takeaways:

• Why summer slowdowns are common and how to spot seasonal patterns in your practice
• How to track your client numbers meaningfully
• Simple actions you can take right now to attract more clients — many of them free
• Why high-touch marketing often works faster than relying on directories or SEO alone
• How to reframe self-doubt and use your time well when you’re feeling discouraged
• Gentle encouragement to try reaching out, even when it feels scary

Originally released in summer 2024, this episode still holds true — and seasonal fluctuations means it may be relevant to you this month. You may also like to listen to the Companion episode, number 25 on Creative Solutions to Slowdowns.

The Find Your Next Five Clients course mentioned in the episode is still available to members of Therapy Growth Group.

And if this episode helped you, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a fellow therapist. It really helps more people find the show.

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.