Search engine optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of marketing your private practice, as it helps potential clients find you online. In this episode, Josephine Hughes demystifies SEO, breaking it down into practical tips that even those intimidated by technology can easily understand. She emphasises the importance of having a clear and relevant URL, effective keywords, and engaging content like blogs to boost your website's visibility. Additionally, she highlights that while SEO is valuable, building trust through personal connections and networking within your community is equally crucial for gaining referrals. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of how to optimize your online presence while reminding listeners that authentic relationships are key to a successful practice.

Takeaways

• SEO can be intimidating, but it's manageable.
• Understanding how search engines work is key to SEO.
• Your website's URL should reflect your services clearly.
• Using keywords effectively can improve your website ranking.
• Blogs help keep your website active and relevant.
• Alt text for images can enhance SEO.
• Internal and external links are important for SEO.
• Networking in your community builds trust and referrals.
• Personal connections are vital for gaining client trust.
• SEO is just one aspect of a comprehensive marketing strategy.

Keywords

SEO, search engine optimization, counselling, marketing, private practice, online visibility, networking, trust, keywords, website optimization

Chapters:

• 00:14 - Understanding Online Counselling and SEO
• 02:37 - Understanding Search Engine Optimization
• 14:50 - Advanced SEO Strategies and Resources
• 21:38 - Building Trust Through Community Engagement
• 24:53 - Building Connections and Community

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes talks about quick and practical marketing tweaks you can make to your directory profile, website, and social media presence to attract more clients during the busy pre-Christmas period. If you've got a gap in your calendar, why not use it to audit your marketing materials? Josephine walks you through three key areas to focus on:

1. Your Directory Profile – Learn how to make your profile stand out with a compelling headline, clear and impactful sentences, and relevant keywords to catch the eye of potential clients, especially those facing seasonal struggles.
2. Your Website – Josephine shares tips for enhancing your 'About Me' section to connect with clients on a personal level and ensuring your services page clearly communicates what clients can expect from therapy.
3. Your Social Media – From ensuring your bio speaks to your ideal clients, to publishing posts about seasonal struggles (hello, Christmas stress!), this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you reach more clients on your social platforms.

By the end of the episode, you'll be ready to implement small but effective changes that could bring a big impact, just like they did for Sara, who landed eight new clients in a fortnight. Tune in to get your marketing ready for the festive season and beyond!

1. Audit Your Directory Profile: Your headline is crucial! Be specific about the clients you help and use keywords that resonate with people’s current struggles, like "difficult family relationships" during the festive season. Also, ask someone else to check if your profile makes sense to non-counsellors
2. Revamp Your 'About Me' Page: Your bio should highlight your personality and experience in a way that speaks directly to potential clients’ concerns. Remember, it’s not about you—it's about how you can help them.
3. Make Your Website Clear and User-Friendly: Is it obvious what you do and how clients can benefit from working with you? And don't forget that all-important call to action—make it easy for people to reach out!
4. Social Media Bio Optimisation: Make sure your social media bio includes key details like your location, the issues you work with, and a link to your website. It's all about getting found by the right people.
5. Don't Forget to Post About Your Availability: It’s easy to forget to let people know you're taking clients, but a simple post about available spots can create a sense of urgency and get those enquiries rolling in!

Keywords

counselling marketing, attract clients, directory profile tips, private practice growth, therapy website optimization, client inquiries, festive period counselling, social media for therapists, therapy growth group, mental health marketing strategies, counselling niche identification, effective therapy bios, client connection strategies, keywords for therapists, therapy marketing audit, increase client bookings, counselling services promotion, therapist visibility online, engaging therapy content, holiday season mental health support

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

Does the thought of social media fill you with dread? Navigating social media can be particularly daunting for introverts, but in this episode, Josephine Hughes offers practical strategies for using social media platforms effectively while remaining true to oneself. The episode also contains creative ideas for December social media posts, highlighting ways to engage with followers during the holiday season while addressing the challenges many face during this time. Therapists are offered advice on how to maintain consistent posting over busy periods.

Takeaways:

• Introverts can find social media overwhelming, but it can be a valuable tool for sharing thoughtful ideas.
• Social media allows introverts to connect meaningfully with their audience without compromising their privacy.
• Creating a professional social media presence can help attract clients who resonate with your reflective nature.
• Quality over quantity is crucial for introverts; thoughtful posts can engage and connect deeply with others.
• Introverts can use social media to build a supportive community around shared values and interests.
• December offers unique opportunities for introverts to create engaging content while remaining true to themselves.

Keywords

introverts, social media, client attraction, authenticity, self-expression, mental health, December engagement, thoughtful posts, community building, privacy

Chapters:

• 02:30 - Intro to Social Media for Introverts
• 02:00 - The Dilemma of Sharing on Social Media
• 04:21 - The Power of Thoughtful Reflection
• 13:39 - Creating Community, Not Performance
• 18:44 - Using Social Media for December Engagement
• 21:04 - Navigating Holiday Challenges for Clients
• 27:42 - Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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, Josephine Hughes reflects on her experience at the Independent Podcast Awards, sharing insights on achieving dreams, the importance of community, and the unique role of counsellors. She emphasizes that success is attainable by being true to oneself, taking small steps, and seeking support from others. The conversation highlights the need for therapists to promote their services and the impact they can have on clients' lives.

Takeaways

• The warmth of connection can profoundly impact individuals.
• Achieving dreams is possible through determination and authenticity.
• Organisational skills are not a prerequisite for success.
• Mindset plays a crucial role in finding opportunities in therapy.
• Taking small, manageable steps can lead to significant progress.
• Community support is vital for personal and professional growth.
• Counsellors hold a special place in their clients' hearts.
• Networking can open doors to new opportunities.
• It's important to communicate the value of private practice therapy.
• Every step taken brings you closer to your goals.

Keywords

Independent Podcast Awards, counselling, private practice, achieving goals, community support, mindset, therapy, personal growth, networking, podcasting

Chapters:

• 00:01 - Introduction to the Awards Night
• 00:40 - The Impact of Connection
• 00:51 - Dreams and Goals: A Personal Journey
• 01:12 - Networking and New Opportunities
• 03:09 - The Importance of Small Steps
• 03:54 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear
• 08:53 - Learning from Others: Jo's Story
• 10:00 - Reframing Mindsets: The Power of Belief
• 11:49 - The Need for Awareness in Therapy
• 23:20 - Finding Support and Community
• 25:36 - Closing Thoughts and Encouragement
• 25:59 - Outro and Further Resources

The podcasts mentioned in the episode are Gloriously Unready, Jo's Art History Podcast, and It's a Continent

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.

Have you ever recommended breathing techniques to clients to help them manage panic attacks, trauma or anxiety? Have you considered how breathing may be able to help clients who feel angry? And if so, are you aware that some breathing techniques may be unsuitable depending on the client's existing breathing patterns?

In this podcast episode, Josephine Hughes interviews Nicola Pott, a trained counsellor and EFT practitioner with a background in physiotherapy. Nicola emphasises the importance of understanding individual breathing patterns to effectively manage anxiety, panic attacks, and anger. She shares her experiences with clients, illustrating how breath work can empower individuals to regain control over their symptoms and foster emotional healing. The conversation also highlights the significance of integrating somatic approaches into therapy, as Nicola explains how she tailors her techniques based on the physiological needs of her clients. Additionally, she introduces her training program, "Breathing for Calm," aimed at equipping other therapists with the knowledge and skills to safely implement breath work in their practices.

Takeaways:

• Breath work can help reduce anxiety and panic attacks by correcting over breathing patterns.
• Counsellors benefit from understanding physiological aspects of breathing to assist clients better.
• Different breath work techniques should be tailored to individual client needs for maximum effectiveness.
• Medical precautions are essential when using breath work, especially for pregnancy and stroke survivors.
• Nicola integrates her physiotherapy knowledge with counselling to adopt a somatic approach.
• Teaching clients about their breathing patterns empowers them to manage panic symptoms effectively.

Keywords

breathwork, counselling, anxiety, panic attacks, anger management, emotional freedom technique, somatic approach, physiotherapy, mental health, trauma, breathwork, therapy, training, counseling, EFT, trauma, anxiety, private practice, insurance, client care

Chapters:

• 00:40 - Introduction to Breath Work and Its Benefits
• 01:29 - Nicola's Journey into Counselling
• 05:20 - Understanding Breathing Patterns and Panic Attacks
• 08:08 - Empowering Clients Through Breath Work
• 18:43 - Integrating Breath Work for Trauma and Anger Management
• 12:57 - Case Study: Amy's Transformation Through Breath Work
• 27:20 - Developing Effective Breath Work Techniques
• 27:38 - Training Others in Breath Work
• 49:42 - Conclusion: The Future of Breath Work in Therapy

You can find details of Nicola's Breathing for Calm course HERE and if you'd like to read more about Nicola's therapy practice, click 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:

Embracing a growth mindset is crucial for overcoming self-doubt and navigating challenges, as highlighted by Josephine Hughes in this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast.

She emphasises the importance of viewing experiences as opportunities for learning rather than assessments of personal worth. Josephine shares her recent journey of stepping out of her comfort zone by hiring a business coach, which initially sparked doubts but ultimately reinforced her decision. Throughout the podcast, she encourages therapists to approach new endeavours with a playful attitude, drawing on personal anecdotes to illustrate how playfulness can alleviate anxiety and enhance creativity. By connecting with one's core values and maintaining a supportive network, individuals can cultivate resilience and confidence in their professional journeys.

Takeaways:

• Seeing challenges as opportunities to learn fosters a growth mindset and resilience.
• Criticism does not define your worth; it's a chance to embrace growth and learning.
• Embracing a playful attitude can lead to more enjoyable and successful experiences.
• We are often more likely to take risks when we believe in our ability to grow.
• Our past experiences and values should guide us, rather than external judgments.
• Investing in coaching or personal development is essential to our growth and success.
• Think about the value of therapy or coaching in terms of years of investment rather than an hourly rate

Keywords:

growth mindset, business coaching, overcoming self-doubt, marketing for therapists, playfulness in learning, personal development, investing in yourself, therapy growth group, private practice success, fear of judgment, embracing challenges, coping with criticism, self-improvement strategies, nurturing creativity, building confidence, effective decision-making, accountability in business, learning from failure, fostering resilience, therapist support network

Chapters:

• 00:38 - Introduction to Growth Mindset
• 00:48 - The Challenge of Big Decisions
• 03:40 - Embracing Playfulness in New Experiences
• 10:19 - The Power of a Growth Mindset
• 13:26 - Learning from Mistakes: A Personal Journey
• 14:43 - Finding Your North Star
• 22:13 - Investing in Yourself and Your Future
• 27:01 - Conclusion: Embrace the Journey

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...

Have you ever sat in front of blank computer screen, stuck about how to describe yourself in a directory profile entry? You doubt whether you've got anything unique to offer and worry you'll mislead clients if you claim any special expertise. In this episode, Josephine Hughes discusses how imposter syndrome hinders therapists from writing effective profiles, and offers practical tips to make directories appeal to potential clients. By embracing their experiences and asserting their value, therapists can create profiles that truly connect with potential clients and reflect their authentic selves.

In today's episode:

• How imposter syndrome often leads therapists to feel unworthy and hesitant to market themselves effectively.
• The impact of sharing your personal journey as a therapist to build trust with potential clients.
• Whether niching down in your practice is appropriate at the start of your private practice career
• The dangers of mimicking other therapists' profiles because authenticity is crucial for connecting with clients.
• How to state you can help clients without feeling pushy or salesy.
• A reframe about the purpose of your profile and how that helps with imposter syndrome.

Keywords

Impostor Syndrome, therapists, directory profiles, self-doubt, qualifications, niching, client connection, marketing, therapy, personal branding, psychology today, counselling directory

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Impostor Syndrome in Therapy Marketing

04:06 The Impact of Qualifications on Client Perception

07:58 Overcoming the Fear of Niching

10:53 Claiming Your Expertise and Value

14:50 Practical Tips for Writing Your Profile

To access Josephine's Make Your Profile Work training, please click HERE to join Therapy Growth Group

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 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.