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 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.

Is it true that you have to be "sorted" to be a counsellor? Josephine interviews Samantha Lee about her journey into private practice counselling and how she uses inner child therapy. Samantha shares her initial struggles and insecurities as a counsellor and how she overcame them. She discusses her experience with building a business page and finding her authentic voice through poetry and describes the importance of inner child work. The interview ends with a plea to therapists to consider what constitutes a "successful" private practice and how this is individual based on your circumstances.

In this episode:

• Samantha's transition to being in private practice
• Being open and honest about struggles and insecurities as a counsellor can help clients feel more comfortable and understood.
• Inner child work can be a powerful tool in counselling, helping clients understand and heal from past experiences
• Why therapists find it helpful to do their own inner child work before using it with clients
• Building a private practice takes time and involves various stages and elements that need to be worked through gradually.
• Success in private practice is not determined by the number of clients or working full-time, but by adapting the practice to suit individual needs and maintaining self-care.
• Self-care and setting boundaries are crucial for therapists to avoid burnout and maintain their well-being.
• Having multiple income streams, such as courses, can provide stability and support during challenging times.
• It is important to prioritise long-term goals and consider how the private practice will be managed in the future.

Keywords

counselling, therapist, inner child, struggles, authenticity, vulnerability, continuous professional development, learning, inner child work, personal growth, courses, private practice, self-care, boundaries

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Struggles as a Counsellor

04:04 Finding Authenticity Through Poetry

11:36 The Power of Inner Child Work

15:55 Embracing Vulnerability as a Counsellor

25:27 The Importance of Continuous Professional Development

26:28 The Power of Inner Child Work in Therapy

27:54 Creating Courses Based on Personal Experience

33:44 Challenges and Adaptation in Building a Private Practice

35:04 Self-Care and Setting Boundaries for Therapists

36:01 The Role of Multiple Income Streams in Private Practice

37:51 Prioritising Long-Term Goals in Private Practice

43:30 Self-Love and Being Your Own Number One Fan

45:25 Physical Health and Self-Care for Therapists

47:47 Avoiding Comparison and Pressure in Private Practice

You can find Samantha's website and details of her course HERE and on Facebook at Samantha Lee Counselling

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.

Did you know it takes just a tenth of a second to form an opinion based on someone's appearance, making your profile picture crucial in attracting potential clients? Our brains process images faster than text so how you appear is just - if not more - important than what you say. By taking some care over your photo, you'll be able to communicate important therapist qualities such as competence, warmth and professionalism.

In today's episode:

• Why photos work so well in selecting counsellors from a directory
• Communicating your values through your photo
• Advice if publishing an online photo goes against your culture's values
• Tips for taking a good photo
• Choosing the right clothes for your photo
• How to afford a professional headshot
• Tips for using your own phone or camera

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Your Profile Picture

02:01 Communicating Qualities Through Your Photo

04:23 Tips for Taking a Good Profile Photo

08:45 Choosing the Right Clothing for Your Photo

12:09 Considerations for a Professional Headshot

13:33 Taking a Good Photo with Your Phone or Camera

Keywords

profile picture, therapist photo, online presence, first impression, competence, warmth, empathy, approachability, head and shoulders, plain background, good lighting, clothing choice, professional headshot

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 feel anxious about being visible online? If you do, you're not alone. However, potential clients find photos and videos a helpful way to relate to therapists and lack of visibility may be hampering your marketing efforts. So this episode delves into how you can feel more comfortable with being on camera and how embracing your authentic self can help you connect with clients.

In today's episode:

• how perfectionism and imposter syndrome can hold you back but how making mistakes can actually inspire others and create connection
• why focusing on the message is more important than your appearance
• what the "Spotlight Effect" is and how it can help you feel more comfortable
• why self-consciousness isn't a bad thing

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Fear of Being Seen

01:09 The Importance of Visual Content

04:54 Self-Consciousness: A Social Skill

07:30 Shifting Focus from Appearance to Value

08:30 Embracing Imperfections

13:20 Self-Compassion and Being Authentic

15:12 Closing Remarks

Keywords

camera shyness, anxiety, therapists, online presence, trust, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-compassion, authenticity

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.