In this episode of the Wise Practice podcast, Whitney Owens sits down with Laura Long, licensed marriage and family therapist, clinical supervisor, and business coach at yourbadasstherapypractice.com. Laura's off-the-cuff coaching style, sense of humor, and ability to keep it real has helped therapists become better business owners and grow their practices without losing their minds. In this episode, Whitney and Laura discuss how to unleash your inner badass and build a thriving practice.

Overcoming fear and unleashing your inner badass

Laura's approach to coaching is all about helping therapists overcome their fears and unleash their inner badass. She believes that building a successful practice should be fun, not stressful. According to Laura, one of the biggest challenges therapists face is their own fear. They are afraid of putting themselves out there, of being judged, and of failing. Laura encourages therapists to embrace their fears and use them as a motivator. She says, "When you feel that fear, that's when you know you're on the right track."

Laura also emphasizes the importance of being authentic and true to yourself. She says, "You have to figure out what feels good to you, what feels right, what feels authentic. And then you have to go after that. Because if you're not being authentic, people can smell it a mile away."

The power of in-person retreats and conferences

In-person retreats and conferences can be a game-changer for therapists looking to grow their practices and build relationships with their peers. Laura believes that smaller, more intimate conferences are the way to go. She says, "What I realized in going to those huge conferences with thousands of people there, I felt sort of like a number. I didn't actually take advantage of the networking opportunities. When I started going to these smaller conferences led by our own peers and colleagues, I found out I can still get my CCEs and form these amazing connections with people. That was a total game changer and I'm never going back."

In-person retreats are another great way to connect with other therapists and build relationships. Laura says, "The power of in-person retreats is that you get to really know people on a deeper level. You get to spend time with them, you get to see them in different environments, you get to really bond with them. And those relationships can go so far, not only professionally, but personally."

Marketing and customer service for therapists

Laura's approach to marketing and customer service is all about challenging the status quo. She believes that therapists need to stop following the same tired old marketing strategies and start doing things differently. One of the ways she suggests doing this is by creating a strong brand identity. She says, "Your brand is the way you show up in the world. It's what people think of when they think of you. And it's what sets you apart from everybody else."

Another way to stand out from the crowd is to provide exceptional customer service. Laura believes that therapists need to focus on building relationships with their clients and going above and beyond to meet their needs. She says, "It's not just about providing therapy. It's about providing an experience. It's about making your clients feel heard and seen and valued."

How to Create an Amazing Psychology Today Profile that Attracts Your Ideal Client

When it comes to creating a Psychology Today profile, there are a few key things to keep in mind. In a conversation between Whitney and Laura, Laura shares her three-step process for making a great profile that will help you stand out to potential clients.

Use a Quality Headshot

The first thing that people notice when they are on Psychology Today looking for a counselor is the profile picture. As Laura notes, "I don't think it's based so much on what you look like. I think it's more about the quality of the image you use." Therefore, it's important to have a clear, professional-looking headshot that accurately represents you and your brand. A blurry selfie in your car with the seat belt on is “not a good look.” How do you want to show up in the therapy room?  Make sure the background is appropriate, dress professionally, and ensure the image is of high quality. This will help clients see you as a professional and feel more comfortable booking an appointment with you.

Craft an Attention-Grabbing Opening

When potential clients are scrolling through profiles, they're likely to pay attention to the first one to two sentences of your profile. As Laura says, "What you say in those first two sentences is going to make the difference between me clicking on your profile or clicking on the person underneath you." Therefore, it's important to use your prime real estate wisely. Instead of using generic phrases like "life is hard," think about who your target audience is and craft a message that speaks to them specifically. Use language that will draw them in and make them feel seen.

Show Your Personality

Finally, it's important to let your personality and uniqueness shine through in your profile. The last paragraph might be a good time for the faith-based therapist to highlight their integration style. As Laura notes, "People want to work with someone they feel they know, like, and trust." Don't be afraid to inject some of your own personality and style into your profile. Share a bit about yourself and your approach to therapy. This will help potential clients feel more comfortable and confident in booking an appointment with you.

Links and Resources

• Your Badass Therapy Practice

• FREE, 4-part video e-course on crafting a Psychology Today profile that effortlessly converts prospects into clients

• Whitney Owens on Instagram

• Wise Practice Facebook Community Group

• Visit Whitney Owens Consulting

• Email your questions to Whitney