In this episode, Josephine Hughes interviews Tracey Carlisle about her inspiring journey from secure employment to establishing a fulfilling counselling private practice. Faced with frustration and the fear of returning to a job she didn't enjoy, Tracey found the courage to make a significant change in her life. She decided to take the leap into full-time private practice, realising that all her hard work and training were leading her to this moment. Tracey highlights the importance of mindset and taking action, emphasising that waiting for everything to be perfect can hold you back. Now thriving in her practice, she reflects on the support she received and encourages others to trust themselves and take that first step towards their dreams.

Takeaways:

• Planning your exit from a full-time job can ease the transition to private practice.
• Building a client base can start with word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family.
• Establishing clear boundaries with clients from the start can prevent awkward situations later.
• Tracey found that taking small steps towards private practice ultimately made a significant impact on her journey.
• Realising that "if not now, then when" gave Tracey the motivation she needed to take the leap into full-time practice

To take advantage of Josephine's special Therapy Growth Group offer, please click HERE to register and pay.

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.

This final episode of series one of the Good Enough Counsellors Podcast focuses on embracing imperfection and taking bold steps towards personal and professional growth. Josephine Hughes reflects on her journey and the insights gained from various guests, highlighting the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in building a successful private practice. With inspiring stories from guests like Tracy Carlisle and Emma Radway Bright, listeners are encouraged to take leaps of faith, recognising that progress, not perfection, is the key to success. Josephine emphasises the significance of self-compassion and celebrating small achievements as essential components of growth. As she wraps up the series, she looks forward to returning in 2025 with more engaging content and interviews to support your private practice growth.

Takeaways:

• Consistency is key; producing content regularly helps to grow your audience and practice.
• Embrace who you are; authenticity attracts clients and fosters meaningful connections in therapy.
• It's important to acknowledge your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem.
• Taking leaps of faith can lead to growth and unexpected opportunities in your career.
• Self-compassion is essential; recognise that feeling like an imposter is a normal part of the journey.
• Defining your own version of success can help you avoid harmful comparisons with others.

Keywords:

private practice, self-care for therapists, building a private practice, overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing imperfection, therapy growth, coaching for counsellors, neurodiversity in therapy, counselling success stories, therapist self-compassion, finding your niche, private practice tips

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 worth continuing to post on social media during busy times, even when you're not seeing results? Josephine Hughes shares her insights on how maintaining a consistent presence can build trust and familiarity with potential clients, ultimately leading to better engagement and client enquiries. She discusses practical strategies for creating content efficiently and provides ideas for January using relevant themes and awareness days.

Takeaways:

• Consistency is crucial for building trust and engagement on social media platforms.
• Batch creating content can save time, especially during busy periods like December.
• Repurposing old posts and content is a smart strategy to maintain visibility.
• Using social media schedulers can streamline your posting process and keep you organised.
• New Year's resolutions provides engagement opportunities as does the topic of Divorce Month
• Remember to focus on self-love and mental health topics such as Blue Monday and Parents Mental Health Day during the challenging winter months.

Keywords:

social media, consistency, engagement, content creation, therapy, mental health, new year resolutions, self-love, social media strategy, client engagement

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.

The festive season often brings challenges for counsellors in private practice. These include client cancellations, fluctuating appointment numbers and the associated reduction in income. In this episode Josephine Hughes encourages therapists to take proactive steps in managing their schedules, finances and communicating boundaries so that they can look after themselves as well as their clients.

Takeaways:

• As you approach the festive season, be intentional and prepared for client changes.
• It's essential to communicate your availability and cancellation policies to clients ahead of time.
• Taking time off during December will help your well-being and client care.
• Plan how to manage an influx of clients after the holiday season effectively.
• Consider adjusting your fees to accommodate time off and ensure steady income.
• Remember that self-care during busy periods is vital for long-term sustainability in your practice.

Keywords:

counselling, private practice, client management, self-care, festive season, cancellations, financial planning, communication, boundaries, mental health

Chapters:

• 00:11 - The Lesson of Hoodwinked
• 03:09 - Planning for the Holiday Season
• 06:52 - Preparing for Time Off and Financial Management
• 13:56 - Managing Client Influx and Self-Care
• 21:15 - Planning for Client Communication
• 23:40 - The Importance of Self-Care in Therapy Practice

To access the Fee Calculator Tool, please 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: 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 today’s episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, Josephine Hughes talks with Michael Toller, psychotherapist and creator of the Clinical Will App, about why every therapist needs a clinical will. Michael shares his journey of developing the app to help therapists protect their clients’ privacy and ensure ethical practice in case something unexpected happens. We dive into what a clinical will is, how it works, and why it’s essential for all solo practitioners to have one in place.

Takeaways:

• What a Clinical Will is: A clinical will is a process that ensures clients are cared for if a therapist is suddenly unable to continue working, whether due to illness or death.
• Why Therapists Need One: It’s crucial for therapists to have a clinical will in place to protect their clients’ confidentiality and ensure proper handling of their cases in the event of an emergency.
• How the Clinical Will App Works: Michael explains how the app securely stores client contact details and makes it easy for a trusted person (clinical trustee) to access this information if needed.
• Setting Up Your Clinical Will: Learn how easy it is to use the Clinical Will App and why regular updates are important to keep your information current.
• The Importance of Choosing the Right Trustee: The episode discusses the importance of appointing a qualified clinical trustee and the role they play in ensuring your wishes are carried out ethically and professionally.
• Additional Ethical Considerations: Michael discusses the broader need for therapists to demonstrate their ethical practice, and how technology can support this goal.

Keywords:

psychotherapy, coaching, neuropsychoanalysis, private practice, clinical will, client information, clinical trustees, Clinical Will app, clinical wills, therapists, counsellors, trustees, passwords, logins, cost structure, security measures, client data, technology, ethical practice

Find the clinical will app HERE and Michael on LinkedIn HERE

For more information about Therapy Growth Group, 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: 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...

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.