Do you feel overwhelmed when you look around and see what all the other counsellors and psychotherapists are doing out there? Does it make you wonder if you'll ...
Suzie Jamieson, a seasoned therapist, tells Josephine Hughes about her experience following a professional complaint that shook her confidence and career. On March 25, 2021, she received an email from the BACP informing her of a complaint, thrusting her into a world of fear and shame. Despite having a flourishing practice, the complaint triggered a profound personal crisis leading to a two-year ordeal filled with emotional turmoil. Susie candidly discusses the psychological impact of the experience, detailing how the stress of the complaint permeated her life, affecting her mental health and financial stability. She discusses the vulnerability therapists face in their practices and the stigma surrounding complaints. Susie emphasises the necessity for support systems for therapists who encounter such challenges, highlighting her commitment to fostering a safe space for fellow practitioners to navigate their own crises. Her resilience shines through as she illustrates her journey toward recovery, ultimately transforming her experience into a source of empowerment and advocacy for others in the field.Takeaways: Susie Jamieson's journey reveals the profound emotional impact of receiving a client complaint. The lengthy complaints process can leave therapists feeling isolated and questioning their professional worth. Creating a supportive environment for therapists who have faced complaints is crucial for healing. The importance of maintaining thorough documentation cannot be overstated when faced with complaints. Susie's experiences highlighted the need for systemic changes within professional membership bodiestherapist support, complaints process for therapists, handling client complaints, therapist burnout, therapist self-care, ethical complaints in counsellingYou can find Susie at her website or on Instagram and FacebookSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.
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42:59
Are You Charging Enough as a Therapist?
Setting appropriate fees in private practice is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and ethical counselling private practice. Josephine Hughes explores the challenges therapists face regarding client attendance and the impact on income. She argues that a well-structured fee system allows therapists to absorb seasonal fluctuations and client cancellations without undue pressure. This enables counsellors to focus on their clients' well-being rather than their personal financial concerns. Throughout the episode, Josephine addresses common money blocks that can hinder therapists from charging what they’re worth, highlighting the need to recognise the value of their services. By adopting a more strategic approach to fee setting, therapists can create a practice that not only supports their financial needs but also fosters a healthy therapeutic relationship with their clients.Takeaways: Setting your fees requires a business mindset to sustain your private practice effectively. Understanding your cancellation rates can inform more accurate fee setting strategies for clients. It's essential to factor in seasonal fluctuations and client cancellations when determining your fees. Avoid making pricing decisions based solely on what others in your area charge. Being confident in your value as a therapist allows you to charge appropriately for your services. You are not exploiting clients by charging for your services; you are providing valuable support. Keywordsprivate practice, counselling fees, client attendance, cancellation policy, therapist income, fee setting, therapy pricing, client no-shows, counselling marketing, self-care for therapists, therapist profit margin, client appointment managementSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.
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36:55
Thriving in Private Practice with Caz Binstead
Caz Binstead joins Josephine Hughes to discuss the interplay between ethics and business in private practice counselling. They explore the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by private practitioners, especially in the current landscape where nearly 70% of therapists are working in private practice. Caz emphasises that ethical practices are not just about client care but also about creating a sustainable business model that supports therapists' well-being and professional growth. The conversation touches on the isolation many therapists experience, the necessity of solid contracts, and the role of social media in fostering connections among practitioners. With insights into the changing demographics of the profession and practical advice for managing burnout, this episode offers valuable guidance for both new and established counsellors navigating the complexities of private practice.Takeaways: The importance of being real in private practice marketing to connect with clients effectively. Isolation in private practice can lead to burnout, emphasising the need for community support. The role of ethical considerations in balancing therapeutic work with business boundaries. Social media can connect therapists but also has potential downsides that should be acknowledged. Pricing strategies in private practice should reflect experience and sustainability for practitioners. private practice, therapy marketing, relational ethics, burnout in therapists, therapist community, supervision for therapists, Therapist Connect, counselling profession, ethical practice, therapy resources, private practice toolkit, therapy business, client retention, therapy fees, therapist isolation, professional development in therapyCaz Binstead and Nicholas Sarantakis are authors of: Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice, part of the Ethics in Action series published in 2024 by Routledge. You can find Caz on her website HERE.To find out more about Therapy Growth Group, please click HERESetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.
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50:03
Confident Social Media Marketing for Counsellors
Finding clarity in your purpose for social media is essential for effective marketing, especially as we enter a new year. Josephine Hughes discusses the importance of understanding your "why" behind your social media presence and how it can guide your content strategy. She emphasizes three key points: clarity, consistency, and character, which are vital for resonating with your audience and attracting clients. By defining who you're trying to reach and establishing measurable goals, you can create a more impactful social media presence. Additionally, Josephine shares practical ideas for content in February, leveraging awareness days to connect with potential clients and showcase your unique approach.Takeaways: Establishing clarity in your social media goals can enhance your overall marketing strategy. Consistency in posting helps maintain visibility and builds trust with your audience over time. Character in your social media presence fosters authentic connections with potential clients. Utilising awareness days allows you to create relevant and engaging content for your audience. Understanding who you're trying to reach can guide your content creation effectively. Measuring your progress against specific goals, rather than likes, helps maintain motivation. Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.
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25:27
The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Creating Practice Success
January is not the ideal time for new beginnings; instead, it's a period for rest and reflection, as Helen Calvert passionately argues in her interview with Josephine Hughes. She challenges the conventional "new year, new you" mindset, highlighting the importance of aligning personal growth with the natural rhythms of the year, suggesting that spring is the true season for renewal. Helen shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how her autism has shaped her experiences and perspectives on life, work, and parenting. Helen and Josephine discuss the significance of creating a supportive and compassionate environment for oneself as a business owner, emphasising the need to be the boss you'd want to work for. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their individuality, recognise that multiple solutions available for different challenges, and prioritise joy and kindness in their lives.Takeaways:January is a time for reflection and planning, not for pushing ourselves to start new things.The start of the year should align with natural cycles; spring is a better time for new beginnings.Being excessively kind to ourselves is essential for maintaining our well-being as business owners.Coaching and therapy can help us unravel the expectations we place on ourselves.It's important to recognize that every experience we have is not unique; others have gone through similar struggles.Establishing clear expectations for ourselves as both boss and employee can lead to a healthier work-life balance.Keywords:self-care, new year resolutions, January motivation, business coaching, neurodivergence, autistic burnout, personal growth, work-life balance, task management, understanding autism, self-employment tipsYou can find Helen HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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 overwhelmed when you look around and see what all the other counsellors and psychotherapists are doing out there? Does it make you wonder if you'll ever be able to make your dreams of working as a therapist come true?
The truth is, while there are lots of strategies out there that can help (which I'll tell you about), the most important thing is for you to get going on your practice and your marketing. But I know how hard that can feel when you're faced with so many options, an empty diary, and all these glossy, slick, instagrammable therapists you're competing with.
So join me on the Good Enough Counsellors podcast where you'll get the support and encouragement you need to get going - and get growing - in your private practice.
Josephine Hughes is a BACP Accredited Counsellor who helps other counsellors to get clients.
Ireland