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.

Do you ever feel like you’re posting into the void - wondering if anyone’s even noticing your content? In this episode, I explore how consistent posting can quietly but powerfully help you build trust, connection, and visibility over time.

Drawing on personal stories (including one about Chub Rub shorts!), I’ll show you why consistency works - even when it feels like nothing’s happening. Plus, I’ll share tips for staying consistent, from batching and scheduling to repurposing your best content.

The episode also includes help for your August social media posts.

Takeaways:

• Why consistent posting helps build trust with potential clients
• How social media works like the therapy relationship: show up regularly
• Simple ways to make consistency easier (even if you're busy)
• Why repurposing content is smart, not lazy
• How long-term visibility pays off, even years later

If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated with your posting, this episode will help you reconnect with why it matters - and how to make it work for you.

August Social Media Awareness Days:

Family-related Days:

• A-Level Results Day (UK): Thursday 14th August 2025
• GCSE Results Day (UK): Thursday 21st August 2025
• International Youth Day: Tuesday 12th August 2025
• Sisters Day: Sunday 3rd August 2025 (First Sunday in August)
• Gay Uncle Day: Saturday 10th August 2025 (Second Saturday in August)
• Son and Daughter Day: Monday 11th August 2025
• Middle Child Day: Tuesday 12th August 2025

Relaxation & Summer Mood Days:

• Lazy Day: Sunday 10th August 2025
• Relaxation Day: Friday 15th August 2025
• National Beach Day: Saturday 30th August 2025

Pet-related Days:

• International Cat Day: Friday 8th August 2025
• Spoil Your Dog Day: Sunday 10th August 2025
• Black Cat Appreciation Day: Sunday 17th August 2025

Creative/Engagement Opportunities:

• World Photography Day: Tuesday 19th August 2025
• World Photography Week: 12th–26th August 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

Keywords:

social media marketing, consistency in marketing, building visibility online, private practice growth, social media for therapists, content creation strategies, marketing for counsellors, effective posting strategies, social media algorithms, engagement on social media, creating a social media schedule, batching social media posts, marketing for mental health professionals, therapist marketing tips

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.

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: [email protected]

👥 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

Feeling disheartened by low engagement on your posts? Wondering if it’s even worth using social media when no one seems to be watching?

In this first episode of a 3 part series, we’re digging into the content side of social media for therapists in private practice — what to post, how to make it meaningful, and why even quiet followers might be paying more attention than you think.

You’ll learn:

• Why visibility isn’t the same as validation
• The 50/30/20 rule for balancing engaging, informative, and promotional content
• How stories, hashtags, emojis, and reels can gently boost your reach
• What your page insights can teach you (even if they feel discouraging)

And if you're looking for ideas about what to post over the summer months, this episode also includes campaign ideas using awareness events, such as:

• Bereaved Parents Month
• National Picnic Month
• World Listening Day
• International Self-Care Day
• Non Binary People's Awareness Week

This episode is full of practical tips — and a whole lot of reassurance.

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

social media for therapists, content creation tips, engaging social media posts, growing private practice, therapy marketing strategies, social media engagement, building an online presence, mental health content ideas, posting on social media, therapist social media tips, summer campaign ideas, therapy growth group

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by the brilliant Jeanine Connor -psychodynamic psychotherapist, author, and editor of the BACP Children, Young People and Families Journal. Jeanine describes the realities of working with adolescents, exploring how the Netflix series Adolescence and media stories fuel fear about young people. Having worked with transgender young people for over 20 years, Jeanine also offers her insights into working with this client group. We also chat about how to hold space for young people in therapy, laugh about memorable moments with teens, and reflect on why this work is so vital.

Takeaways:

• Where the Netflix TV series Adolescence went wrong
• Why banning smartphones misses the point
• What the discussion on boys and the Manosphere forgets
• How Gen Z’s views on gender and sexuality challenge old assumptions
• Supporting young people’s mental health in a world of constant change
• Why trans youth need respect and affirmation, not fear and bans

You can find Jeanine via her website: jeanineconnor.com or on LinkedIn.

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:

transgender issues, LGBTQ youth, Gen Z perspectives, adolescent mental health, manosphere, psychotherapy for young people, Adolescence, gender identity exploration, supporting transgender youth, parental guidance for LGBTQ issues, youth and technology, therapy for teenagers, understanding modern adolescence

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.