We’re trained to be a blank slate…

and yet we’re also trying to build connection, trust, and a sense that someone feels understood before they even reach out.

So where’s the line?

In this episode, I’m joined by Rainbow Tomes, a counsellor, coach and trainer who describes themselves as a ‘mum on a mission’.

Their work is shaped by lived experience, a strong sense of purpose, and a drive to challenge the systems that don’t always support people in the way they should.

This is a really honest conversation about personal disclosure, visibility, and what it means to be ‘human’ in this work… without losing sight of boundaries.

So if you’ve ever found yourself wondering how much of yourself to share, this one will give you plenty to think about.

What we touch on

The tension between being a ‘blank slate’ and building real connection

What personal disclosure actually looks like in practice

The difference between what you share in a session and in your marketing

Why the therapeutic relationship can’t be one-sided

Stepping into visibility (even when it feels uncomfortable)

Systemic harm, grief, and why naming things matters

🔗 Links & Resources

Rainbow specialises in disenfranchised grief and loss, supporting experiences that are often unseen, unacknowledged, and too often not talked about.

She is the host of the Talking Grief podcast, where she explores these types of conversations in more depth

She is also the founder of The Mental Health People Ltd.

She trains and coaches leaders in more relational, human-centred approaches to mental health and performance. Her work is grounded in a humanistic, integrative approach, incorporating Internal Family Systems (IFS).

Alongside this, she runs a private practice, Rise with Rainbow.

Connect with her on LinkedIn

Start here - my free and paid resources (free resources)

They’re thoughtful. Careful. Full of good intentions.

And yet… people still leave.

In this episode, I’m talking about something I see all the time, websites that are trying to say too much. Not because you’ve got it wrong, but because you care, and you want to get it right.

I share what’s really going on when someone lands on your homepage, why adding more can actually make it harder for someone to choose you, and what to shift so the right clients can actually recognise themselves.

If you’ve ever looked at your website and thought, ‘this sounds fine… but something’s not quite working’, this will help you see why.

Overview

We’re getting into:

• Why ‘more helpful’ can quietly turn into confusing
• What potential clients are actually looking for when they land on your website
• The subtle ways self-doubt shows up in your wording
• Why people leave, even when you are the right counsellor for them
• The small shift that helps someone think, ‘this sounds like me’

Links & next steps

If this episode has you looking at your homepage a bit differently, this is exactly what I help with in my Write Your Homepage sessions.

It’s a focused 90-minute session where we take what you’ve already written and shape it so the right people can actually see themselves in it, and feel ready to reach out.

There’s currently an introductory price available until 11th April.

👉 Take a look and see if it feels like the right next step

If you’re not quite ready for that, you can explore more free support here:

👉 Start Here

And if you’ve ever looked at your website and thought,

this sounds fine… but it doesn’t really sound like me,

this episode will likely hit close to home.

Because clients aren’t choosing based on qualifications alone.

They’re choosing based on something much harder to define,

but much easier to feel.

In this episode, I’m exploring what’s really going on when someone is deciding who to work with, why two counsellors who look similar on paper can create completely different reactions, and how small shifts in your wording can change everything.

If you’ve ever wondered why people land on your website and don’t reach out, this will give you a different way of looking at it.

Overview

• What clients are actually responding to when they choose a counsellor
• Why being ‘technically right’ in your wording isn’t always enough
• The subtle differences that make someone think ‘this person gets me’
• Why counselling isn’t one-size-fits-all, and why that matters in your marketing
• How your website shapes the decision before you ever speak to someone

Your next step

If you’re listening to this and thinking,

‘I don’t think my website is doing that…’

That’s exactly what I focus on in my Write Your Homepage sessions.

We look at how your words are coming across, what your ideal client is picking up on, and how to shape your homepage so it helps the right people feel understood and ready to get in touch.

👉 Find out more about Write Your Homepage

👉 Or, if you want to explore a mix of free and paid support, you can start here

If your directory profile sounds like everyone else’s, this might be why...

If your counselling directory profile isn’t bringing in enquiries, it might not be what you think.

Because often, it’s not about your qualifications…

or your experience…

or even your approach.

It’s because your profile sounds like everyone else’s.

In this episode, I’m sharing why so many counsellors end up blending in on online directories, and what’s really going on when potential clients scroll past without reaching out.

Because when someone is looking for a therapist, they’re already feeling uncertain, overwhelmed… and often a little vulnerable.

So what makes them stop and think:

👉 “This is the person for me”?

And just as importantly… what makes them keep scrolling?

We’ll explore what might be holding your profile back (even if you’ve put a lot of thought into it already)…

And I’ll walk you through a simple step you can take to start changing how your profile connects - something you can put into practice straight away.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your directory profile is really doing its job…

This is well worth a listen.

Want some extra help?

If you’re listening and thinking “I know this needs work, but I don’t know what to change”…

That’s exactly what I help with inside Directory Revival.

👉 https://www.janetravis.co.uk/directory-revival/

How you build it, how you show it, and how it helps potential clients feel comfortable enough to reach out.

But there’s another way of looking at this: one that doesn’t get talked about as much.

And it might explain why someone can read everything you write… and still not take that next step.

In this episode, I’m exploring the know, like and trust factor, but from a slightly different angle. One that fits with the realities of being a counsellor, and doesn’t rely on sharing more or stepping outside your boundaries.

If you’ve ever felt like your marketing is ‘working’ on paper but not quite leading to enquiries, this might give you a different way of understanding why.

What you’ll take away:

1. A different way of thinking about know, like and trust in your counselling marketing
2. Why connection on its own isn’t always enough
3. What people are really picking up on when they come across your website or content
4. A simple way to look at your own marketing with fresh eyes
5. Where tools like AI can help, and where they can make things feel a bit less like you

A small shift you can try:

There’s one simple question you can ask yourself after listening that can change how your marketing comes across.

I’ll talk you through it in the episode.

More info about The Armchair Test: The Armchair Test: The One Quiet Shift That Will Transform ALL Your Marketing

“Would I Feel Safe With You?” How Clients Really Choose a Counsellor

Want to go a bit deeper?

If you’d prefer to read and reflect on this in your own time, I’ve also shared a blog version of this episode.

👉 You can find that here:

[INSERT BLOG LINK]

Need support with your marketing?

Inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership, I support counsellors with the practical side of marketing — from your website to identifying your ideal client, blogging, mindset, and everything in between.

So if you’d like some guidance and support with this, you can find out more here:

https://www.janetravis.co.uk/thevault/

Follow so you don’t miss what’s next

If this is the kind of thing you’ve been thinking about, make sure you follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes.

But there’s another fear that rarely gets talked about.

What if you get too many?

In this episode, I explore a thoughtful email from therapist Laura, who is hesitant about marketing their practice - not because they don’t want clients, but because they are worried about over-committing and under-delivering.

We look at why this concern shows up for so many therapists, how it can influence your marketing decisions, and why avoiding visibility can sometimes lead to the feast-and-famine cycle in private practice.

And most importantly, we talk about what actually protects your workload and wellbeing.

Resources mentioned:

Scripts for Business Boundaries (free resource)

https://www.janetravis.co.uk/thevault/

You might also find these episodes helpful

When You Can’t Say Yes: Navigating Email Enquiries with Empathy

https://www.janetravis.co.uk/when-you-cant-say-yes-navigating-email-enquiries-with-empathy/

Demystifying the Fear of Success

https://www.janetravis.co.uk/demystifying-the-fear-of-success/

And for all my free and paid resources, START HERE

You need it to stop feeling so big.

If you’re a counsellor who keeps meaning to write but never quite gets there, this episode explores what’s really getting in the way, and how to make blogging feel doable again.

And if you’ve ever wished someone would just hand you the structure so you could get on with it, I’ll also share how Framework First Blogging Method — my £9/month mini membership — gives you a ready-to-use blogging framework on the first Monday of every month.

Because often, it’s not the writing that’s hard.

It’s figuring out how to shape it.

And for all my free and paid resources, Start Here

Do you know exactly what blog posts you’ve written?

Could you find the right one quickly if a potential client needed it?

Or does your content feel scattered, hard to see at a glance and harder to use?

In this episode, I’m talking about how to organise blog posts and keep track of your content so your blog becomes something you can actually use, not just something you keep adding to.

And I’ve created a FREE Blog Library Tracker to help you do exactly that.

Inside this episode, we explore:

1. Why blogging gets harder once you’ve written more than a handful of posts
2. What changes when you start treating your blog like a library
3. How a simple tracking system reduces friction and saves time
4. Why organising your posts isn’t admin, it’s strategy

If your blog feels more like a pile or random posts than a resource, this episode will help you bring structure to it.

Get the Free Blog Library Tracker

I’ve created a simple Blog Library Tracker you can use to organise your posts and keep everything in one place.

You’ll find it inside The Vault, my free resource library for counsellors and therapists in private practice.

👉 Access The Vault HERE

Support the Podcast

If you find this podcast helpful, you can support the show by buying me a coffee.

☕ Buy me a coffee HERE

If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

We’re not talking about laziness, discipline or “needing to try harder.” We’re talking about what really happens in the middle of a blog post - the moment where doubt creeps in, decisions multiply, and suddenly it feels easier to step away than to finish.

In this episode, I explore:

1. Why having lots of ideas isn’t the same as finishing
2. What the “middle wobble” actually is
3. How thoughtful therapists can accidentally make blogging harder than it needs to be
4. Why confidence tends to grow after you finish, not before

If you’ve got half-written drafts waiting for you, this one might feel uncomfortably familiar.

Links & Resources

Framework First – support to help you finish what you start

Buy me a coffee – if you found this helpful

Post more. Show up more. Keep going.

But what if the marketing that actually works for you doesn’t need you to be constantly ‘on’?

In this episode, I’m talking about a steadier way to get found. The kind that keeps working long after you’ve finished writing.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there’s a calmer way to build your practice — this one’s worth a listen.

You don’t need to be everywhere.

You need to be recognised.

LINKS

Check out The Framework First Blogging Method

Free and paid resources

If you found this useful and fancy fuelling the next episode, you can buy me a coffee here buymeacoffee.com/janetravis

With Chloe Foster – Email Counselling Academy

Correction: In this episode I incorrectly called Chloes business 'The Email MARKETING Academy', which was wrong. It's 'The Email COUNSELLING Academy': they work using email counselling, not email marketing.

Also, my sincere apologies to Chloe for any mistakes I made with their pronouns in the recording.

Do you think counselling has to mean sitting face-to-face (or screen-to-screen) with a client?

Well, in this episode, I’m joined by Chloe Foster (they/she), founder of the Email Counselling Academy, who shares why working by email might be the flexible, powerful alternative you didn’t know you needed.

Whether you're looking for a way to work around family life, want to support clients who open up better in writing, or you're just curious about doing therapy differently — this conversation will get you thinking.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

1. Why email counselling can be a lifeline for anxious or private clients
2. How it gives counsellors more flexibility (and fewer no-shows)
3. What actually happens in an email counselling exchange
4. Whether this style of working could suit your practice — and personality

🎧 Hit play to explore whether this quietly powerful format could be the perfect fit for you — and your clients.

About Chloe

Chloe Foster (they/she) is the founder and principal tutor at Email Counselling Academy (ECA). They also have a private practice called Sussex Rainbow Counselling, founded in 2016, where they offer email counselling as well as video and phone counselling to clients.

With a first-class degree in Education, Chloe loves teaching and training. Over their counselling career they’ve trained hundreds of counsellors to become more confident working with LGBTQ+ clients through their work with the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS), Onlinevents, The Counselling Tutor, and several universities/colleges and counselling charities.

Today, having worked as an email counsellor since 2018, Chloe enjoys sharing the skills they’ve honed with fellow counsellors through their specialist training courses in email counselling at ECA which are mapped to BACP competences for OPT and have been awarded quality check status with the NCPS.

Find her E-book — Email Counselling — An introduction for Counsellors:

You can get 30% discount using the code JANE26 (valid until 30 April 2026)

In this episode, I’m talking about why writing can feel heavy and muddled for therapists, even when you’re thoughtful, experienced, and genuinely good at your work. If blogging has ever left you questioning yourself, abandoning drafts, or wondering why it feels harder than it ‘should’, this one will likely feel familiar.

In this episode, we explore:

1. Why blogging often feels confusing, not because you can’t write, but because you’re trying to hold too much at once
2. How ‘it depends’ thinking, which works beautifully in therapy, can make writing harder
3. Why trying to speak to everyone can leave you stuck mid-post
4. How confusion can quietly turn into self-doubt
5. What helps blogging feel lighter again, without forcing yourself to push through

This is a reflective episode, designed to offer relief, reassurance, and a different way of understanding what’s really going on when blogging feels hard.

Links and next steps

1. Find out more about the Blogging Clarity Session (introductory offer available for a short time)
2. Explore more support for ethical, human marketing at janetravis.co.uk
3. Check out my FREE and paid resources HERE

If this episode resonated, you might want to follow the podcast so you don’t miss future episodes.

You already understand perfectionism. You’ve probably talked about it with clients many times.

But when it shows up in your own writing, that understanding can disappear very quickly.

In this episode, I look at perfectionism from a different angle – not as something that just makes writing harder, but as something that can stop you improving at all.

I share what happened when I first started blogging, why knowing the theory didn’t help in the moment, and the one goal that’s helped me keep going without waiting to feel ready.

If writing ever feels harder than it needs to be, this episode will make sense.

Want support while you practise, rather than pressure to get it right?

You can find out more about the Grow Your Private Practice membership

And for all my FREE and paid resources, check out my Start Here page

Because sometimes the hardest part isn’t the writing - it’s sitting with the silence afterwards.

In this episode, we’re gently lifting the curtain on what might really be happening behind the scenes when nobody comments, nobody emails, and nobody says, “Hey that helped.”

And we’ll talk about the one mindset shift that can take you from anxious, second-guessing writer… to grounded, steady voice your future clients quietly trust.

In this episode:

1. The hidden purpose of your counselling blog (that nobody tells you about)
2. Why the quiet seasons can actually be a sign something is working
3. The subtle way trust builds long before enquiries appear
4. A gentler approach to blogging that feels less pressuring and more human
5. The truth about readers who never become clients and why that’s not a failure

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Buy me a coffee - support the show with a one-off thank-you
2. Start Here page - all free and paid resources in one place
3. Grow Your Private Practice Membership - ongoing support, hands-on help with blogging, and short, doable trainings
4. Framework First - monthly blogging support for £9/month

That doubt is common and it makes sense. Blogging is often talked about as “marketing”, but there’s something more important happening underneath.

In this episode, we look at how your blog can quietly support someone who’s struggling, and help them take the first step towards counselling even before they feel ready to reach out.

You’ll hear about:

1. why people wait so long to ask for help
2. how simple, honest writing builds trust
3. the everyday feelings clients carry but rarely talk about
4. how your blog becomes part of the work you already do

Your words don’t have to be perfect.

They just need to help someone feel a little less alone.

And that’s often what gives them the confidence to say, “I think I’m ready.”

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Episode 226: ‘Would I Feel Safe With You?’ How Clients Really Choose a Counsellor
2. Episode 225: ‘The Armchair Test: The One Quiet Shift That Will Transform ALL Your Marketing’
3. Framework First - monthly blogging support for £9/month
4. Grow Your Private Practice Membership - ongoing support, hands-on help with blogging, and short, doable trainings
5. Start Here page - all free and paid resources in one place

So what is currently working?

In this episode, I’m talking about the quieter, more sustainable strategies that are actually helping counsellors stay visible and build trust in 2026.

After nearly 20 years of doing this, I’ve seen trends rise and fall. And I’ve also seen what holds steady, what keeps working even when the platforms, algorithms, or advice all change.

Whether you’re feeling a bit jaded with social media, wondering where your time’s best spent, or just want to feel clearer about your next steps, this one’s for you.

In this episode:

1. Why social media feels harder now (and why that’s not your fault)
2. What does still work for counsellors in 2026
3. How to use strategies like blogging, Google Business Profile, and guesting effectively
4. Why consistency matters more than doing everything
5. How to make space for visibility that feels grounded, not overwhelming

Mentioned in this episode:

1. Buy me a coffee - support the show with a one-off thank-you
2. Start Here page - all free and paid resources in one place
3. Episode 230 - deep dive into Google Business Profile
4. Grow Your Private Practice Membership - ongoing support, hands-on help with blogging, and short, doable trainings
5. Framework First - monthly blogging support for £9/month
6. The Directory Revival - 1:1 support you to improve your directory listings so they lead to real client enquiries.
7. Episode 225: The Armchair Test: The One Quiet Shift That Will Transform All Your Marketing
8. Episode 226: “Would I Feel Safe With You?” How Clients Really Choose a Counsellor
9. Episode 216: Do Counsellors Really Need a Niche to Start Blogging?
10. Episode 185: Are You Getting Clients from Your Online Directory Listing?

In this episode, I’m sharing a simple, free, and often-overlooked way for counsellors to get found by more of the right clients without needing a website or being all over social media.

You'll learn:

• What Google Business Profile is and why it works
• How to set it up quickly and easily
• What kind of posts to add (no pressure, no perfection required)
• How it helps even if you work online
• And how this one quiet action can help you build trust and visibility without the overwhelm

Whether you're just starting out or looking for a gentler way to grow your private practice, this is a great place to begin

🎧 Listen now and take your first step towards being found - calmly, sustainably, and in a way that works for you.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 52: How to start your private practice branding on a budget with Laura Pearman
• Grow Your Private Practice Membership: Includes Quick Wins - short, practical training videos to help you take action without overwhelm (including setting up your Google Business Profile)
• Framework First £9/month: Your one small, supportive step towards easier, more consistent blogging as a counsellor without staring at a blank screen
• Explore more free and paid resources, START HERE

In this episode, I'm joined by my brilliant friend and fellow therapist Sarah (aka The Binge Eating Therapist) as we get honest about how we each approach content creation — and how different those approaches are.

We’ve both been creating weekly content for year with blogs, podcasts, YouTube, and in this chat, we’re pulling back the curtain on:

• What actually helps us stay consistent (even when motivation dips)
• How we work with our personalities, not against them
• The real benefits of creating content beyond just “marketing”
• Why you don’t need a Trello board, a ring light, or perfect confidence to start
• And the surprising ways content has helped us grow as therapists and people, too

Whether you’re thinking about starting a blog, podcast, YouTube channel, or just want to share more consistently, this episode is here to remind you:

There’s no one “right” way to do this. You get to make it yours.

About Sarah

Sarah Dosanjh is a psychotherapist and author of the bestselling book I Can’t Stop Eating. After her own recovery from binge eating disorder she has gone on to specialise in helping others do the same. She has appeared on various media outlets such as BBC breakfast, Sky’s Roundtable and BBC Radio One, as well as amassing over 3 million views on YouTube.

Connect with Sarah:

• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Life After Diets Podcast

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 225: The Armchair Test: The One Quiet Shift That Will Transform All Your Marketing
• Episode 226: “Would I Feel Safe With You?” How Clients Really Choose a Counsellor
• Framework First £9/month - Your one small step to easier blogging for counsellors
• And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

Because today, we’re not talking strategy or content plans. We’re talking about you - the human behind the posts. The one quietly trying to make it work while wondering if you're getting it all wrong.

In this open letter, I’m sharing a personal message to the part of you that’s second-guessing, doubting, and wondering if you're cut out for all this “visibility” stuff.

Spoiler: You are.

We’ll talk about:

• Why it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed by marketing
• What most counsellors get wrong about visibility (and how to shift it)
• The emotional side of showing up, even when it’s scary
• And why small, consistent action is more powerful than you think

If you’ve ever felt like the only one struggling to “get it right,” this episode is your gentle reminder that you’re not alone, and that slow doesn’t mean stuck.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Definition of courage (because it’s surprisingly reassuring): https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage
• Framework First £9/month - Your one small step to easier blogging for counsellors
• Janetravis.co.uk/starthere

In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on the slow, quiet build that nobody talks about but every thriving private practice is built on.

If you’ve ever wondered why other counsellors seem to be racing ahead while you’re still trying to find your rhythm, you’re not alone. And no, you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, you might be closer than you think.

Inside this episode, we explore:

• Why the early stages of marketing feel so painfully slow
• The surprising truth about the momentum you’re already building
• How tiny, almost forgettable actions start working together beneath the surface
• Why consistency beats confidence every time
• The real reason you freeze and how to unstick yourself gently
• Five simple, doable seeds you can plant this week

If you need a little encouragement, a little direction, and a big sister voice reminding you that you absolutely can do this - this episode is for you.

Come and feel a bit lighter about it all.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Counsellor Business Reset
• Feel Awkward Marketing Yourself? Here’s How to Make It Easier
• Grow Your Private Practice Membership - Quick Wins, support, and everything you need to build a thriving practice
• Framework First £9/month - A monthly blog framework so you always know exactly what to write

Over the years I’ve had messages from therapists saying the podcast has been their companion on dog walks, in the car, or when they’re feeling stuck and need a nudge. If the show has been that for you and you’d like to support it, you can now Buy Me a Coffee.

It helps keep the lights on and the episodes flowing, one brew at a time.

👉 Buy Me a Coffee

You’re not alone and you’re not seeing what clients actually look for.

Because when someone is scrolling through counsellor profiles, they’re asking one quiet question: “Would I feel safe with you?”

That’s The Armchair Test and it matters far more than perfect blogs, fancy qualifications or polished bios.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why safety - not perfection - is what helps clients choose
• The hidden fears that keep counsellors quiet
• The small human moment in my own writing that made clients choose me
• How a single honest paragraph can help someone imagine sitting with you and breathing easier

Links and resources:

• Join the ‘Framework First Blogging Method’ (£9/month) - Get step-by-step help writing blogs that connect and convert, even if writing doesn’t come naturally.
• Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership – Ongoing support, training, and encouragement to grow your practice with confidence and ease.
• Explore more free and paid resources, START HERE
• Connect with me on Instagram, LinkedIn or email jane@janetravis.co.uk

Over the years I’ve had messages from therapists saying the podcast has been their companion on dog walks, in the car, or when they’re feeling stuck and need a nudge. If the show has been that for you and you’d like to support it, you can now Buy Me a Coffee.

It helps keep the lights on and the episodes flowing, one flat white at a time.

👉 Buy Me a Coffee

“Will I feel okay with you?”

“Can I tell you something hard and not feel judged?”

That’s what I call The Armchair Test, and once you understand how it works, you’ll never look at blogging (or marketing) the same way again.

In this episode, we explore:

• The real reason blogging builds client trust
• Why marketing isn’t about selling yourself
• What your clients are actually thinking when they find your website or directory profile
• The quiet power your blog has to help someone feel just a little safer

Mentioned in this episode:

• Join the ‘Framework First Blogging Method’ - Get step-by-step help writing blogs that connect and convert, even if writing doesn’t come naturally.
• Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership – Get ongoing support, training, and encouragement to grow your private practice with confidence.
• For more of my free and paid resources, START HERE
• Listen or read to: From ‘I can’t write’ to published author, with guest expert Zoe Clements

Over the years I’ve had messages from therapists saying the podcast has been their companion on dog walks, in the car, or when they’re feeling stuck and need a nudge. If the show has been that for you and you’d like to support it, you can now Buy Me a Coffee.

It helps keep the lights on and the episodes flowing, one brew at a time.

👉 Buy Me a Coffee

So what’s going on?

In this episode, we’re exploring the hidden trap many counsellors fall into — using learning as a way to feel productive when marketing feels uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever thought,

“Once I’ve done this next training, then I’ll work on my marketing…” this one’s for you.

We’ll unpack:

• Why your love of learning might be keeping you stuck
• The real reason you’re not getting counselling clients (and it’s not your qualifications)
• How clients actually choose a therapist and what they really need to hear from you
• The difference between CPD that helps your practice grow and CPD that keeps you hiding
• Gentle, simple ways to start showing up and getting found without being loud, fake or salesy

You don’t need another certificate.

You need clarity, connection, and confidence in your marketing and this episode will help you start right where you are.

Links & Resources

• Directory Revival - turn your directory listing into a client magnet
• Framework First - a gentle, structured way to blog without overwhelm
• Start Here - free resources to help you attract more counselling clients, even if marketing makes you squirm a bit
• Connect on Instagram or LinkedIn

As a counsellor, you want to share ideas that genuinely help people but when every blog and social post seems to repeat the same advice, it’s easy to worry that your writing won’t stand out.

In this episode, we’re talking about how to make your counselling blogs feel fresh, human, and authentic even when you’re writing about familiar topics.

You’ll learn how to go deeper than surface-level “tips,” write in a way that connects, and use your real voice to build trust with the people who need you most.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:

• Why “tired” wellness advice isn’t bad - it’s just overused
• How to write about familiar ideas in a way that still feels meaningful
• The small storytelling tweaks that make your words land
• Why your personal reflections matter more than being original
• Five simple ways to bring warmth and connection into your writing

Links & Resources

• Join the Grow Your Private Practice Membership – get support, structure, and guidance to help you get found by the right clients through ethical marketing and blogging.
• Find the full blog version of this episode: How to Share More Meaningful Ideas (Without Sounding Like Everyone Else)
• Amish Hour
• Connect on Instagram or LinkedIn

And even though you’ve spent all day talking, you haven’t actually connected with anyone.

That quiet ache you sometimes feel? That’s loneliness. And it’s more common than counsellors admit.

In this heartfelt episode, we’re talking honestly about what it’s like to work alone in private practice - the isolation, the silence, and the subtle way it can creep in.

We’ll explore:

• Why working solo can feel so quietly disconnecting
• Why needing connection doesn’t make you “less professional”
• Realistic ways to bring more warmth, laughter, and community into your working life
• How to make networking feel like making friends, not marketing torture
• Simple ways to stay connected whether you work online or locally

You don’t need to overhaul your diary or become a social butterfly. Just one coffee, one chat, one small step can make a big difference.

You’re a counsellor but you’re a person too. And you were never meant to do this alone.

Links & Resources:

Find '11 Simple Steps to Master Smalltalk' in The Vault: A library of free resources to help you grow your private practice with confidence and ease → Sign up for free

In this episode, we’re exploring what overthinking really looks like for counsellors and coaches, how it shows up in sneaky ways, and what to do when you feel completely stuck.

I’m also sharing a personal story about getting stuck in naming my own program, and the moment I finally realised I wasn’t being strategic, I was just avoiding.

If you’ve been circling an idea without ever getting it off the ground, this one’s for YOU.

You’ll hear:

• What overthinking really looks and feels like
• Why it shows up (especially for thoughtful people)
• Gentle, doable ways to shift into action, even if it’s just a small step

And if you’d like support with moving from “stuck in your head” to hitting publish on your blog, my Grow Your Blog membership is here to help.

Learn more: janetravis.co.uk/framework-first

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

In this episode, I share my own story of counsellor burnout, the subtle signs you might be missing, and a few gentle ways to support yourself when you’re running on empty. 

Because burnout doesn’t always look like collapse. Sometimes it looks like silence, stillness, or sighing at another message you can’t face replying to.

If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Hear:

• Subtle signs of counsellor burnout
• My personal experience during lockdown
• 5 gentle, sensory ways to support yourself
• Encouragement if you’re feeling flat, foggy, or disconnected

Links & Resources:

• Explore Grow Your Blog + Framework First
• Related episodes on burnout with amazing guests:
• Compassion fatigue and burnout: What therapists need to know, with Howard Baumgarten
• Therapist burnout: How to spot it and take action, with Charlie Hyde
• And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

We’ll explore:

• Why so many counsellors feel guilty about money
• The hidden cost of not raising your fees for years
• How paying for therapy can actually be part of the healing process
• Why charging fairly helps both you and your clients

If you’ve ever struggled with the money side of private practice, this episode is here to remind you: you don’t need to apologise for charging.

Resources & Links:

• Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-Thomas
• The Grow Your Private Practice Book
• Get access to free resources The Vault

You might also like:

• Compassion fatigue and burnout: What therapists need to know, with Howard Baumgarten
• Therapist burnout: How to spot it and take action, with Charlie Hyde
• Should Counsellors Offer Concessions? What to Consider Before You Decide
• Putting a Price on Therapy: The Importance of Getting it Right
• Increasing prices the pain free way

You look around and everyone seems to know what they’re doing - toned, confident, striding on machines that look more like torture devices than exercise equipment.

Meanwhile, you’re tugging at your leggings, feeling out of place, and wondering if it would be easier to give up and buy a big box of Maltesers on the way home.

That’s exactly how marketing your private practice can feel.

You see other counsellors with slick websites, polished blogs, or big social followings and you think, “I don’t belong here.”

But remember, just like in the gym, every single one of them had to start somewhere.

In this episode, I’ll show you why blogging is the treadmill of marketing: reliable, adaptable, and the perfect first step to get you moving.

Just like the treadmill builds stamina, strength, and confidence for everything else in the gym, blogging gives you the solid foundation you need for the rest of your marketing.

You’ll learn:

• Why blogging is a safe, steady starting point, whether you’re brand new or experienced.
• How consistency builds confidence (like going from 2 minutes on the cross trainer to 30).
• Why you don’t need the “flashy machines” of marketing before you’ve got a solid base.
• How blogging supports everything else: social media, directories, networking, even workshops.

So if you’ve been standing at the edge of your marketing 'gym', comparing yourself to everyone who looks like they’ve got it together, this episode is your nudge to step onto the treadmill and just get started.

👉 And if blogging feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why I created Grow Your Blog. It’s designed to help you start, stay consistent, and build your confidence, whether you’ve written zero blogs or fifty. Find out more here

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

Over the years I’ve had messages from therapists saying the podcast has been their companion on dog walks, in the car, or when they’re feeling stuck and need a nudge. If the show has been that for you and you’d like to support it, you can now Buy Me a Coffee.

It helps keep the lights on and the episodes flowing, one brew at a time.

👉 Buy Me a Coffee

In this episode, I share why getting stuck feels so frustrating (especially when you compare yourself to other counsellors who seem to be doing it all), and how you can see it in a completely different way.

You’ll discover:

• Why procrastination isn’t a sign of failure or laziness (phew!)
• The real reasons you put off tasks in your private practice
• Simple, doable steps to release that stuck energy and get moving again

If you’ve ever found yourself tidying your desk, scrolling social media, or avoiding that important task, this episode will help you move forward with more ease and confidence.

Links

Come and join us inside The Grow Your Private Practice membership. A safe, supportive space where you’ll find practical tools, step-by-step guidance, and a community that gets it.

And if you’d like to explore more free and paid resources to help you along the way, you can start right here: janetravis.co.uk/start-here

“You need a niche before you can start blogging.”

It sounds responsible. It feels strategic.

But for many counsellors? It becomes a fancy-sounding form of procrastination.

In this episode, we’re busting one of the most persistent blogging myths out there, the idea that you can’t start sharing your voice until your niche is perfectly figured out.

If you’ve been staring at a blinking cursor, endlessly tweaking your website or bio instead of actually writing… this one’s for you.

We’ll cover:

✅ Why “niche first” can quietly keep you stuck

✅ What to do if you don’t feel 100% clear on your niche yet

✅ How blogging can actually help you discover who you’re meant to serve

✅ And the mindset shift that can finally get you writing again

NOTE: This episode was created using the DragonSlayer Framework from Framework First, my monthly, low cost blog support membership where we bust unhelpful marketing myths and make blogging doable (and way less daunting) for counsellors.

So if you’ve been waiting for clarity before you start… maybe this is your sign to stop waiting and start writing.

🎧 Listen now — and let’s get you unstuck.

Resources Mentioned:

Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease

→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract Clients

Other blogs and podcast episodes:

• Episode 99: How having a niche has impacted my practice, with Elsie Owen
• Episode 194: Blogging for Therapists: 4 Myths Holding You Back
• Episode 175: Why You Don’t Need All the Answers in Your Blog

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

In this episode, I’m sharing 10 small-but-mighty areas to check in on. The kind of practical tweaks that can bring more ease, more focus, and yes… even more client enquiries.

Most counsellors skip this kind of business reset. They keep pushing forward, adding more to their plate and end up stuck.

But you don’t have to. With a little reflection (and some cushion-and-throw-style updates), you can refresh your practice without starting from scratch.

We’ll explore:

• How to spot when your clients, systems, or boundaries need a reset
• Why less social media can actually bring you better results
• The hidden marketing assets you already have but aren’t using
• How to check whether your goals still match the life you want now

This isn’t about doing everything. It’s about making a few focused changes that move your practice forward.

🎧 Listen in and give yourself the reset you’ve been waiting for.

Many counsellors fall into the research trap, thinking more information will make blogging easier. But what if that habit is actually slowing you down and watering down your voice?

In this episode, I’m sharing how counsellors should approach blog research in a simpler, more sustainable way so you can stop second-guessing and start writing with more ease and confidence.

🎧 Hit play to learn a more effective way to blog and find out if this is the writing habit that’s quietly draining you.

---------------------------------

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease

→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract Clients

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

In this episode, I share:

• The reality about blog post length for counsellors
• Why word count isn’t the most important thing when you’re starting out
• 5 practical ways to make blogging quicker, easier, and far less overwhelming

Whether you’re new to blogging or ready to improve your private practice marketing, you’ll leave this episode with the confidence to publish without worrying about “perfect” length.

---------------------------------

Links and Resources Mentioned:

Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease

→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract Clients

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

In this episode, I talk about the invisible “shoulds” we carry, especially around marketing and how they quietly eat up your time, energy, and confidence.

We’ll look at some of the most common ones counsellors follow (often without realising), and I’ll share how to replace them with something that actually works for you.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Why “being professional” doesn’t mean being bland
• What consistency can really look like for counsellors (no daily posts needed)
• The link between personal disclosure and building trust
• What to do if you don’t have a niche yet
• Why swearing might just be your secret marketing weapon (thank you, Beccy Upton)
• How to save time and still show up without the burnout

---------------------------------

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Framework First Blogging Method

A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease

→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract Clients

Listen to Becca Upton’s Episode

Authentic marketing for counsellors who’d rather be themselves

→ Authentic Marketing for Therapists Who’d Rather Be Themselves, with Becca Upton - Grow Your Private Practice, with Jane Travis

Further Reading on Personal Disclosure & Storytelling:

• Personal Disclosure in Marketing – Part 1
• Personal Disclosure in Marketing – Part 2
• The Power of Storytelling in Your Blog

Want to blog with less pressure?

Check out my two-part blog series on redefining consistency for counsellors.

• The reality of consistency, with Sarah Dosanjh
• Unlocking YouTube’s Potential for Therapists, with Sarah Dosanjh - Grow Your Private Practice, with Jane Travis

And for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

But suddenly you’re deep-cleaning the fridge, questioning your niche, and wondering if you should just start a podcast instead.

Why is it so hard to actually start writing?

In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, we’re talking about how to get into a state of writing flow – where the words come easier, your inner critic quiets down, and blogging doesn’t feel like such a slog.

You’ll hear:

• Why writing feels so hard (and no, it’s not because you’re bad at it)
• The real reasons therapists get stuck or spiral
• How to set up your writing environment to support your brain
• The mindset shift that makes a massive difference
• What a “shitty first draft” is and why you need one
• A simple tool (coming soon!) to help you start faster and write with more ease

Whether blogging’s been sitting on your to-do list for weeks or you’re stuck overthinking every word, this episode will help you finally find your rhythm.

---------------------------------

🌱 Want help making blogging easier?

Introducing Framework First Blogging Method

This is a low-cost (£9/month), offer designed for therapists and counsellors who want to write faster and get found by more of the right clients.

Or come join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership, where we write together in real-time and ditch the perfectionism for good.

For more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

Formal. Polished. Slightly robotic.

Why does “Professional Mode” take over the second you start typing?

In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, we’re talking about why so many counsellors struggle to sound like themselves when they write, and how to change that.

You’ll hear:

• Why “lecture mode” happens (and why it’s not your fault)
• How formal writing accidentally creates distance and disconnect
• Simple ways to make your blog sound more human, not like a handout
• The tiny tweaks that help clients feel seen, not scolded
• 5 quick fixes for turning down your Therapist Voice

Whether you’re just starting your blog or feel stuck in formal-speak, this episode will help you write with more warmth, more trust, and more you.

---------------------------------

Want help sounding more like you in your content?

Check out The Framework First Blogging Method. Your low cost (£9/month), low-pressure mini-membership for counsellors who want to publish one meaningful, client-connecting blog post each month without the writer's block or drama.

Join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership.

Or check out my free and paid resources

In this refreshingly honest chat, I break down why marketing isn’t just a “nice to have” in private practice, it’s essential. But don’t worry, there’s no jargon or pushy tactics here. Just real talk about why visibility matters, how to make marketing a regular part of your week (without burning out), and the mindset shift that changes everything.

You’ll discover:

• Why “if I build it, they will come” doesn’t work for therapy practices
• The surprising non-sleazy truth about ethical marketing
• A practical approach to finding your marketing rhythm
• The biggest mindset mistake that keeps therapists stuck and invisible
• How one therapist filled her diary without being everywhere online

Plus, I share the small-but-mighty move you can make this week to attract more of the right clients with way less faff.

Ready to treat marketing like the lifeblood of your business (in a way that feels good)? Let’s get into it.

__________________

Resources mentioned in this episode:

'How to attract clients by helping, not selling' – Free inside The Vault

'How To Avoid the Feast And Famine Cycle in Your Private Practice'

'Why your private practice should NOT be on every social media platform'

'How to Get Found by Your Ideal Therapy Clients'

👉 Want help with your therapy directory listing?

Check out The Directory Revival - my 1:1 service to help you attract more of the right clients, with less stress.

Do you offer a concession? A sliding scale? Say yes and quietly resent it – or say no and feel guilty?

In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, I dive into one of the most emotionally loaded decisions counsellors face: whether or not to offer concessions in private practice.

No judgment. No one-size-fits-all answer. Just a proper, honest conversation about the messy middle ground between compassion, sustainability, and valuing your time.

We’ll cover:

• What “concessions” actually mean, and how they differ from pro bono or reduced rates
• Why so many counsellors feel torn about lowering their fees
• Real-world ways to offer concessions without getting taken for granted
• Whether clients still value therapy if they pay less (and what to watch for)
• The role money mindset plays in how you feel about charging
• My own journey with offering concessions, and what I did.

Whether you currently offer reduced fees or not, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and make a choice that feels right for you – not just your clients.

✨ Related episodes:

The Hidden Impact of Money Issues in Private Practice, with Cathy Towers

Should You Offer Therapy Clients a Free First Session?

🌱 Want support with boundaries, pricing and private practice marketing?

Come join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership

You’re not alone.

In this episode, I’m joined by social media manager and Instagram expert Sally Birks, who shares how to repurpose your content in a way that feels simple, aligned, and human – not robotic or repetitive.

We talk about how to:

• Turn one piece of content into several without it sounding the same
• Avoid the common mindset blocks that keep therapists stuck in content overwhelm
• Show up consistently on Instagram without burning out
• Make peace with reusing your own brilliant ideas (because yes, you absolutely can!)

Whether you’re new to repurposing or you’ve tried it before and felt stuck, this episode will give you permission to do it your way – and a whole new way to think about your existing content.

About Sally

Sally Birks is a CPD-certified social media manager and strategist who helps founders turn their content into consistent clients. Through her signature blend of magnetic messaging, strategic content planning, and done-for-you management, Sally empowers business owners to sustainably grow their businesses without burning out or spending all day on Canva.

After leaving a stable career to travel solo, build a remote business, and live abroad, Sally now brings real-world experience, empathy, and clarity to her work. She’s passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time, amplify their expertise, and build brands that generate revenue even when they’re offline

Connect with Sally:

Instagram @SocialsBySally

Website Sally Birks

And you can work with Sally Birks HERE

🎧 Listen now to learn how to make your marketing feel lighter and less time-consuming.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to fake it or force it to get found by more clients.

In this episode, I’m talking about how blogging can be a calm, confidence-building way to market your private practice, especially if visibility makes you want to hide under a blanket.

We’ll explore how blogging:

• Plays to your strengths as an introverted counsellor
• Helps you get found without having to be constantly ‘on’
• Builds trust and connection – without burning you out
• Can make marketing feel more natural (and less like you’re “doing it wrong”)

So if the thought of producing videos for social media makes you break out in hives, but you do want to grow your practice in a way that feels good, this one’s for you.

__________________

More help for you

Check out episode 7, where I chat with Fifi Mason about using introvert superpowers to attract more clients. And she should know, she's both an introvert AND works with introverts!

👉 Listen to 'Using Introvert Superpowers to Attract More Clients, with Fifi Mason'

Check out the Framework First Blogging Method: A new low-pressure mini-membership for counsellors who want to publish one meaningful, client-connecting blog post each month without the writer's block or drama.

The Vault – my free library full of practical, counselling-friendly blogging (and other) resources. 👉 Get instant access to The Vault

Need more support? Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for monthly blogging workshops, prompts, Q&A calls, and a warm community that gets it. 👉 Click here to join us

In this honest conversation, I’m joined by Laura Robinson, a marketing mentor and copywriter who’s grown a thriving practice while parenting neurodivergent kids, managing chronic health challenges, and tuning out hustle-culture noise.

Laura shares her Suit Yourself First philosophy: where your business and marketing flex around you, not the other way around.

We talk about:

• How to keep your therapy practice going when energy is low
• What comfy marketing really means, and why it works
• Letting go of the “shoulds” that keep you stuck
• That infamous moment someone told Laura she was “upper limiting”
• Real self-care that isn’t just bubble baths and candles

If you're a counsellor navigating work and real life - grief, burnout, overwhelm, or just general messiness- this episode offers validation, calm, and a new way forward.

Expect honesty, humour, and the reassurance you didn’t know you needed.

About Laura

Laura is an online marketing mentor and experienced digital copywriter.

Over the last 10 years, she has helped hundreds of business owners create and sell 1-1 services, courses, memberships, and group programs. 

She’s taught thousands of people around the world through the copywriting training she created for international business organisations including Female Entrepreneur Association, Enterprise Nation, and Membership Academy. 

She is also the author of the Comfy Business Playbook, and the creator of the Comfy Business Newsletter for people who want a business that flexes around their other life challenges, priorities, and adventures. 

She champions a Suit Yourself First approach to marketing, where decisions are based on what the business owner wants, rather than guessing the preferences of a hypothetical ideal client.

Links & Resources:

• Get Laura’s free Comfy Business Playbook and check out her other free and paid resources: https://worditude.co.uk/podcast/
• Visit Laura’s website: worditude.co.uk

Want more support? Check out my free and paid offers, including my brand new FREE resource: www.janetravis.co.uk/start-here/

Hit play and let Laura show you that there’s no one right way to build a business – especially when life gets messy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What to include (and what to leave out) on your FAQ page
• How to answer common questions with clarity and empathy
• Mistakes counsellors often make and how to avoid them
• Why your FAQ page should evolve with your practice
• A free workshop + worksheet inside The Vault to help you take action

Think of your FAQ page as more than a formality. It's a quiet conversation with someone who’s nervous but hopeful. This episode will help you turn that moment into a meaningful connection.

Access your free FAQ page resources inside The Vault: https://janetravis.co.uk/thevault

🎧 Tune in now to start writing an FAQ page that works for you and speaks to your future clients.

Key Highlights:

• How Becca went from playing it safe to fully embracing her true style
• The surprising ways swearing (yep, you read that right!) can build trust with clients
• Tips for counsellors to ditch the fluff and find their niche
• Why authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a powerful marketing tool

Join us for an honest, down-to-earth chat about what it really means to market yourself as a counsellor today.

About Becca Upton

Becca is The No BS Therapist - straight-talking, sweary, and realistic. She supports overthinkers and chronic worriers in their 20s and 30s to quiet their mind and enjoy life without the anxiety and mind racing. Her work includes counselling, a membership of no BS guided audios, and talks and training.

• Instagram: @the_no_bullshit_therapist
• Facebook: The No BS Therapist: Becca Upton
• Website: beccauptontherapy.co.uk
• No BS Audio Membership: £5-7 guided audio membership

Hit play and get inspired to share your real self with the world!

The whole idea of “attracting clients” can feel… off. Like you’re tap dancing for attention, competing with other counsellors, and constantly performing.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to.

Today, I’m sharing a small but powerful mindset shift that can make marketing feel easier and more aligned with your values. No convincing, no manipulation, no performance.

Let’s talk about shifting from attracting clients to simply getting found by the people who already need you.

What We’ll Cover:

💛 Why “attracting clients” feels so uncomfortable for therapists

💛 The common fears around visibility and marketing

💛 The subtle manipulation in traditional marketing and why it doesn’t sit well

💛 How shifting to getting found by therapy clients changes everything

💛 Real-life examples to help you feel the difference

💛 Simple, practical ways to start getting found without feeling salesy or pushy

💛 Why blogging is a perfect fit for therapists wanting to build trust and visibility

Key Takeaways:

✅ You’re already enough, you don’t have to prove or perform

✅ Getting found is about trust, not tactics

✅ Visibility fear is real, but you can show up in a way that feels safe and authentic

✅ Marketing doesn’t have to be manipulative; it can be a gentle, human way to serve and connect

Connect with Me:

If this episode sparked something for you, I’d love to hear about it!

Send me a DM on Instagram @growyourprivatepractice or email me at jane@janetravis.co.uk.

If you’re ready to start getting found but not sure how, reach out. I’m here to help.

And if you'd like to checkout my free and paid resources, take a look at my Start Here page

Listen & Subscribe:

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to follow the podcast so you never miss a new one. And if you’re feeling generous, a review or share with a friend means the world!

In this episode, I sit down with Creative Arts Counsellor, Julie Kuhn to explore a different way of journaling.. one that uses colour, movement, and playful marks instead of words.

We talk about how creative journaling can help you (and your clients) reconnect with yourself, let go of perfectionism, and process emotions in a way that feels freeing and pressure-free.

And if in the Grow Your Private Practice membership, keep an eye out. Julie will soon be running a creative journaling workshop where we’ll explore this together.

About Julie Kuhn:

Julie Kuhn is a Creative Arts Counsellor who blends traditional therapeutic approaches with creativity, nature, and expressive journaling to help people step into their true selves. She works with individuals who are ready to break free from people-pleasing, rebuild confidence, and reconnect with who they really are gently but powerfully.

She runs monthly workshops inside the Creative Counsellors membership and has contributed to Creative Counselling with Adults (The Creative Counselling Collection).

With a deep belief that healing doesn’t have to happen in neat sentences, Julie’s work centres around playful, out-of-the-box techniques that support self-awareness, emotional expression, and personal growth.

Creative journaling is at the heart of her practice, offering a pressure-free, empowering way to process emotions when words alone aren’t enough.

Julie regularly shares her expertise through monthly workshops inside the Creative Counsellors membership, inspiring therapists to explore creativity in their own work.

She has also contributed two creative interventions to Creative Counselling with Adults, part of The Creative Counselling Collection curated by Tanja Sharpe.

Whether she’s holding space for clients or guiding fellow therapists, Julie invites people to rediscover their voice, creativity, and inner strength, one playful mark at a time.

Connect with Julie:

Instagram: @counsellorjules

Website: Counselling For You Cornwall

LinkedIn: Julie Kuhn creative arts counsellor

Grab Julies FREE Journaling Workbook HERE

For details of Julies monthly creative art journalling workshops with the Creative Counsellors membership, click HERE

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice Membership

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

The Complete Support Package: Ready to take your practice to the next level? Let's make it happen together!

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

Now? We’ve hit 200.

In this special episode, I’m sharing the honest, behind-the-scenes lessons podcasting has taught me about confidence, creativity, and growing a private practice.

Whether you’re thinking of starting something new or scared to take the next step.. this one’s for you.

Plus, I’m celebrating 200 episodes and 7 years of Grow Your Private Practice with a special anniversary offer: join the membership for just £7 for your first month.

Listen in, feel inspired, and maybe… treat your next idea as an experiment too.

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice Membership - £7 for your first month (offer ends 5pm 9th May 2025)!

This is what's happening in May;

• My brand new masterclass: Blogging to Attract More Clients
• 2x ‘Get It Done’ co-working hours 
• Personalised support during our live Q&A calls
• A full training library on mindset, content, marketing & more
• A supportive community that gets it

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

The Complete Support Package: Ready to take your practice to the next level? Let's make it happen together!

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

In this special anniversary episode, I’m sharing the 7 biggest lessons I’ve learned from 7 years of helping counsellors grow their private practices.

These are the lessons that make marketing feel simpler, more human, and way less overwhelming.. the ones that help you take action (even when it feels scary), build confidence, and start getting found by more of the right clients.

Whether you’re just starting out or feeling stuck in a rut, this episode will help you reconnect with what matters most.

🎉 And to celebrate the 7th anniversary of the Grow Your Private Practice membership, you can join for just £7 until 9th May 2025.

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice Membership - £7 for your first month!

This is what's happening in May;

• My brand new masterclass: Blogging to Attract More Clients
• 2 ‘Get It Done’ co-working hours 
• Personalised support during our live Q&A calls
• A full training library on mindset, content, marketing & more
• A supportive community that gets it

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

The Complete Support Package: Ready to take your practice to the next level? Let's make it happen together!

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

You’re not alone.

In this episode, I'll share a simple, low-pressure habit that’s helping therapists break the procrastination cycle and finally take consistent action: the Get It Done Hour.

It’s one hour, one task, and no faff – a gentle but powerful way to build momentum without burnout.

You’ll learn why it works, how to start your own Get It Done habit, and 10 simple marketing tasks you can tackle in your next session.

Links to follow

Focusmate

The Complete Support Package

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for support, systems and accountability

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

Yes… me too sometimes.

In this episode, we explore how to turn down the volume on THAT voice and start tuning into your inner cheerleader instead.

The one who reminds you that you’re already enough, that you’ve done hard things before, and that you can do brave things, even if you're doing them scared.

You’ll learn practical ways to reconnect with encouragement, build confidence, and feel more supported especially when you’re stepping outside your comfort zone.

Links to follow

The Complete Support Package

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for support, systems and accountability

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

Tune in for insights that can help you attract more clients without adding to your workload to find time to market your private practice.

Spoiler: it’s often not about time at all.

If marketing feels heavy, overwhelming or just something you keep putting off, this one’s for you.

Let’s shift the story you’re telling yourself, and take back your power.

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for support, systems and accountability

Explore 1:1 services to get unstuck:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

You’ve probably recommended mindfulness to clients, but are you giving yourself that same care?

In this episode, I’m joined by counsellor and mindfulness teacher Karen Lafferty for a grounded, practical chat about how mindfulness can support you in both your work and your wellbeing.

This isn’t about clearing your mind or lighting incense. It’s about simple ways to feel more present, less frazzled, and more able to show up for yourself as well as your clients.

Whether you’re mindfulness-curious, cautious, or already on the path, this episode will help you slow down, breathe, and remember that you’re allowed to take up space too.

Who is Karen Lafferty?

Karen is a BACP Accredited online counsellor and supervisor, dedicated to guiding individuals through grief and other life transitions. 

With a person-centred, integrative approach, she fosters a compassionate and safe space for clients to explore their emotions and develop personalised strategies for healing and growth. 

As a BAMBA Registered Mindfulness Teacher, Karen is qualified to teach mindfulness practices, including the Mindfulness Association’s Mindfulness Based Living Course. 

Her commitment to creating a nurturing environment empowers clients to navigate their unique paths towards well-being and transformation.

Links to follow

Free gift + course from Karen:

• Get your free mindfulness meditation
• Find out more about Karen’s courses

Connect with Karen:

• Website
• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

Other links mentioned:

• Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness – David Treleaven
• The Mindfulness Association

Need support with blogging or marketing your private practice?

🌱 Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for monthly support, guidance, and community that helps you show up and get found (without burning out or selling your soul).

Or browse all my free and paid resources: START HERE

In this episode, we’re busting 4 common blogging myths that hold counsellors back.

From “I can’t write” to “no one reads blogs anymore,” I’ll walk you through what’s actually true and how to blog with more confidence, clarity, and connection.

Whether you’ve dabbled in blogging or are just getting started, this episode will help you stop second-guessing yourself and start writing in a way that feels good and gets results.

Links to follow

Ep 169: The Therapist's Guide to Blogging for Practice Growth

Ep 40: From 'I Can't Write' to Published Author with Zoe Clements

Polly Clover’s post on whether people still read blogs

Check out the Framework First Blogging Method: Stop overthinking and start writing blogs that bring clients to your door. All for just £9 a month.

Inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership, I help counsellors blog with confidence so they have fewer “why do I even bother?” moments. Check here for more details

Explore 1:1 Services:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

Like you’re standing in the middle of a crowded room, waving your arms, and shouting, “Pick me! Pick me!”

And that just feels soooooo wrong.

But here’s the thing - you don’t have to “sell yourself” at all. There’s a small but powerful tweak that makes marketing way easier.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

✨ Why marketing feels so icky for counselling

✨ The simple shift that makes it feel natural

✨ How blogging can help you market with less stress

✨ Why this approach works (and why you shouldn’t stop there)

Marketing doesn’t have to be painful. Let’s make it work for you, not against you.

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership

Explore 1:1 Services:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

It makes sense. You’re an ethical counsellor, and counselling isn’t a quick fix. But the problem is that potential clients need some reassurance before they take that first step.

They’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, maybe even hopeless. They want to believe counselling can help, but they’re not sure. And if your marketing is vague or filled with clinical jargon, they’ll move on.

So, if you struggle to put into words how counselling helps (without overpromising), listen in.

Links to follow

My previous blog 'Can you help your therapy clients (and do they know it)'

My book coach Dale Darley

Buy my book

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership

Explore 1:1 Services:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back

And if you're looking for additional resources, check START HERE

You're not alone.

Many counsellors struggle with this, often brushing off compliments from clients with, "Oh, but you did all the work!"

But avoiding the 'E' word could be holding you back.

It impacts your confidence, makes it harder to attract clients, and ultimately affects your income.

So if you’ve been holding back from stepping into your expertise, this episode is for YOU.

Let's get you seen, valued, and fully booked.

Links to follow

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership

Explore 1:1 Services:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to attract more clients.

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back. These services light me up, and I love seeing the transformation in my clients.

And for all my free and paid resources START HERE

In this episode, I’m joined by seasoned storyteller and journalist Jackie Wilson to explore how storytelling can transform your marketing, helping you create deep and lasting connections with your audience.

Jackie is the founder of BrickHouse, a content creation company, and has over 30 years of experience as a journalist, writer, and media trainer across three continents. She’s spent the last decade helping business owners harness the power of storytelling to stand out and connect with their audience.

Connect with Jackie

Brick-House.UK

Facebook

LinkedIn

Instagram

Links to follow

Read more about storytelling in blogs: The Power of Storytelling in Your Blog

Need help with blogging for your private practice? Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for support, ideas, and guidance to make content creation easier and more effective

For all my free and paid resources, START HERE

Well, you’re not alone. But the good news is, you don’t need to do everything: you just need to focus on doing a little better than yesterday.

In this episode, I share a simple but powerful mindset shift for counsellors that will help you let go of overwhelm, take meaningful action, and finally start seeing progress.

If you’re tired of feeling stuck, this is for you!

Links to follow

Uzoma, improving her home by 1% every day

How to stop comparing yourself to other therapists

How to stay productive, even on low energy days

For all my free and paid resources START HERE

In this episode, I break down exactly how I use (and don’t use) ChatGPT in my content creation process.

AI is a fantastic tool but it can’t replace you. Your personality, experience, and warmth are what make your blogs connect with potential clients.

So let’s talk about how to use ChatGPT the right way as a sidekick, not a substitute.

Links to follow

Join us in the Grow Your Private Practice membership and up your blogging game so you get found by more of your ideal clients.

For all my free and paid resources www.janetravis.co.uk/starthere

And check out my blog 'The power of storytelling in your blog'

Whether it’s changing your niche, adjusting your hours, or exploring new ways to work, the possibilities are endless.

In this episode, I share how adapting your private practice can reignite your passion, boost your well-being, and open doors to new opportunities.

I also share the recent pivots I’ve made in my own business to lean into what I love most - helping counsellors to master blogging and writing.

You’re in control, and your practice can evolve to reflect your needs and passions.

Links to follow

Episode 165: Is Walk and Talk Therapy Right for Your Practice? with Eileen Fisher

Join the GYPP Membership: www.growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Explore 1:1 Services:

Directory Revival: I’ll help you tweak your directory profile to get found by more clients.

Get Focused, Take Action: Dive deep into your niche, website copy, or anything else holding you back. These services light me up, and I love seeing the transformation in my clients.

And to find out more of my free and paid resources: www.janetravis.co.uk/starthere

In this episode, I’ll share practical tips to help you stand out, attract clients, and make your profile work harder using my 3 C’s test: Connection, Conversational, and Competent.

Plus, I’ll introduce my new 1:1 service, The Directory Revival, designed to help you turn your directory listing into a client magnet.

If your listing isn’t delivering, don’t miss this episode!

Links to follow

Get your profile working hard for you with The Directory Revival

Episode 154: Counsellor or Clone? Breaking Through the Monotony of Online Directories

Episode 68:  Therapist Directories: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Episode 13: A Deep Dive Into Online Directories for Therapists

And for more of my free and paid resources: janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Subscribe for more tips to grow your private practice and make your marketing work for you!

In this podcast(and blog), we’re diving into how to create a business that truly works for YOU, so you can start thriving on your own terms.

So if you want to build a private practice that works for YOU, let’s go!

Links to follow

Ep 181 From Blank Slate to Authentic Voice: Why Your Marketing Needs to Show Who You Are, with Caz Binstead

The Artists Way, by Julia Cameron

750words.com

Simon Sinek, Start With Why

Ep 177 How you can MASSIVELY increase your confidence as a therapist

Ep 169 The Therapist’s Guide to Blogging for Practice Growth

Free and paid resources

Well of course you do, no one wants that! But these fears can make your stomach churn and hold you back because despite your best efforts, mistakes happen. 

I’ve had my fair share, like last week when I accidentally published the unedited podcast episode.

Let’s just say it wasn’t my finest hour. 

So today, I’m sharing what happened, how I handled it, and why making mistakes in public isn’t as scary as it seems.

So if fear stops you from marketing your counselling business, this episode is for you.

Links to follow

For more of my free and paid resources janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership and get the tools, support, and confidence you need to attract your ideal clients.

I’ll share my personal experiences, the red flags to watch for, and actionable tips to attract your ideal clients instead.

If you’ve ever felt drained or doubted your skills after a session, this episode will help you identify why and show you how to create a thriving practice filled with clients you love working with.

Links to follow

Episode 177: How You Can MASSIVELY Increase Your Confidence as a Therapist

Episode 181: From Blank Slate to Authentic Voice: Why Your Marketing Needs to Show Who You Are, with Caz Binstead

For more of my free and paid resources: janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips to grow your private practice with ease!

In this episode, I sit down with Caz Binstead to explore why authenticity is essential in modern marketing and how you can move away from the outdated ‘blank slate’ model.

Together, we discuss practical ways to let your personality shine through while maintaining professionalism.

If you’ve ever wondered how to attract clients who truly resonate with you, this episode is a must-listen.

What We Cover:

• Why the ‘blank slate’ model creates barriers instead of trust
• How thoughtful self-disclosure can make your marketing more effective
• The ripple effects of showing up authentically for you and your clients
• Breaking stereotypes in the counselling profession
• Real-world examples of marketing that feels genuine and impactful

About Caz Binstead:

Caz Binstead is a counsellor, supervisor, and author with extensive experience in helping counsellors build ethical, authentic practices. From co-leading #TherapistsConnect to publishing her book Relational Ethics in Psychotherapy and Counselling Private Practice: Solidarity, Compassion, Justice, Caz is a passionate advocate for relational marketing and thriving private practices.

Resources:

• Caz’s book on Amazon
• Follow Caz on Instagram
• Learn more about Caz’s work

Links to follow

Our previous podcast How clear boundaries help you grow your private practice, with Caz Binstead

For my free and paid offers CLICK HERE

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by marketing, struggled with mindset issues, or wondered if private practice is really sustainable, this episode is for you.

Links to follow

Blog: Why There’s No Better Time to Be a Therapist

Episode 114: 8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time

For more of my free and paid resources: janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical marketing tips and strategies to grow your private practice!

That’s why, in this episode, I’m sharing 5 Christmas blog topics you can write to help your readers navigate the challenges the season can bring.

From coping with loneliness to managing tricky family dynamics, these blog ideas will not only provide valuable support to your audience but can also boost your visibility and the best bit? You can repurpose them every single year!

So let’s get cracking on how you can create helpful, evergreen Christmas content for your private practice.

Links to follow

Last week's podcast The Power of Storytelling in Your Blog

Join us in the Grow Your Private Practice membership and up your blogging game so you get found by more of your ideal clients.

For all my free and paid resources www.janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Learn why stories create connection, build trust, and make your content more relatable.

Discover tips on using everyday experiences and examples to make your blog engaging and memorable.

Perfect for counsellors looking to connect with readers on a deeper level.

Links to follow

The training I did at The Berne Institute

Running On Empty by Jonice Webb PhD

Zoe Clements' book 'But I should be fine'

Zoe Clements' blog Learn How To Say No

Why You Don’t Need All the Answers in Your Blog by Jane Travis

When saying no isn't enough by Jane Travis

Why eating like a toddler will help you to lose weight by Jane Travis

Need more help with storytelling or blogging? Join our monthly Content Creation Cafe in the Grow Your Private Practice membership for tips, Q&A, and workshops to boost your blogging skills.

Check out my free and paid resources

So, if you're ready to build genuine confidence, not just in your skills but in the clients you work with, stay tuned.

Because today, I’m sharing why choosing to work with clients and issues you truly resonate with can be a game-changer. No more “fake it till you make it”; instead, let’s dive into how to grow your confidence authentically.

Links to follow

For more of my free and paid resources janetravis.co.uk/starthere

My adoption therapist Caroline Spiers

How to use CPD for personal, professional and business growth, with guest John Wilson

If you’re feeling stuck or just need a little marketing push, these ideas will help you get noticed by more clients.

I also offer a service called The Directory Revival, where I review your profile and provide actionable feedback to help you attract more clients. CLICK HERE to find out more and book.

Links to follow

Related Episodes:

Ep 154: Counsellor or Clone? Breaking Through the Monotony of Online Directories

Ep 68: Therapist Directories: The good, the bad and the ugly

Ep 13: A deep dive into online directories for therapists

Ep 83: 10 tips to make your profile pic stand out

For more of my free and paid resources janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Want to dive deeper into marketing strategies that work? Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership today!

Don’t forget to subscribe for more practical marketing tips to help grow your practice!

If so, you're not alone! In this episode, I’m busting the myth that you need to have all the answers to write a successful blog. I'll share why embracing imperfection is actually more beneficial and how it helps you connect with your audience in a meaningful way.

Whether you're a seasoned blogger or just starting, this episode will show you how to confidently write from a place of curiosity, honesty, and authenticity.

Get ready to let go of the pressure of perfection and start creating content that resonates with your readers!

Links to follow

Saying No to People: When Saying No Isn't Enough

Denise Duffield-Thomas on Being a Contributor, Not a Guru

For my free and paid resources janetravis.co.uk/starthere

And surprisingly, it's not as straightforward as it sounds.

So if you think you have to write an epic, all-singing, all-dancing, 2,000-word blog to get noticed, stick around, because today, we’re breaking down why, when it comes to blogs, length isn’t everything; it’s what you do with it that counts!

(Sorry, I'm such a child!!)

So, how long should a blog post be?

Links to follow

For my free and paid resources janetravis.co.uk/starthere

But sometimes, without even realising it, we can unwittingly send the wrong message or make it more difficult for clients to connect with us, which results in us effectively pushing clients away.

Not good, right?

So, let's take a look at how counsellors accidentally push clients away and, of course, what to do instead.

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If you’re not sure how to get into the heads of your ideal clients, I have some good news for you…

This October, the Grow Your Private Practice membership reopens, and I’m so excited to welcome new members! Whether you’re just starting out with marketing or feeling stuck and overwhelmed, Grow Your Private Practice can help you take the next step with confidence.

How Will Grow Your Private Practice Help You?

- The Quarterly Action Plan: Get a clear, step-by-step plan for what to do next—no more feeling lost or overwhelmed. October’s QAP is on 8th October, ready to get you off to the best start.

- The Content Creation Cafe: monthly workshop to take action to get your blogs and social media written and out there, working hard for you.

- Pick My Brain: Monthly Q&A, and your chance to speak directly with me to get questions answered and remove those blocks that are holding you back.

- The Course Library: a comprehensive library with courses, workshops, challenges, etc to boost your skills

Why Take Action Now?

If you’ve been telling yourself you’ll do it later, consider this your friendly nudge, because October is the perfect time to take action and start building the practice you’ve always dreamed of. End the year on a high note, and make October the month you move from planning to doing.

For more details and to join CLICK HERE

Links to follow

Get Rich Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield Thomas

Ep 25: Top 4 Mistakes That Make Your Therapist Website Copy Ineffective

Ep 3: Drop the Psychobabble, Get More Clients

Ep 34: Can You Help Your Clients – and Do They Know It?

Blog: Can You Help Your Therapy Clients?

For all my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

In today’s post, I’m diving into a conversation with Sarah Dosanjh, who has experienced first-hand the tangible results of content marketing through both her YouTube channel, with 45K subscribers, and co-hosting the 'Life After Diets' podcast.

Sarah’s story shows how producing content opens doors you didn’t even know were there.

So, if you’re curious about what producing content can do for you, take a listen as we explore the tangible benefits content creation has brought to her private practice and how it could do the same for yours.

Who is Sarah Dosanjh?

Sarah Dosanjh is a psychotherapist and author of the book I Can’t Stop Eating. After her own recovery from binge eating disorder she has gone on to specialise in helping others do the same.

She has appeared on various media outlets such as BBC breakfast, Sky’s Roundtable and BBC Radio One, and amassing over 2 million views on YouTube.

Sarah's resources

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist/

Life After Diets podcast: https://thebingeeatingtherapist.com/life-after-diets-podcast/

Website: www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

Links to follow

For my free and paid offers CLICK HERE

Join the membership and get started on your blogging journey CLICK HERE

Well, this is your lucky day because we have successful YouTuber Sarah Dosanjh, AKA ‘The Binge Eating Therapist’ to share some of her substantial knowledge and experience.

Sarah grew her channel to 45,000+ subscribers by niching down and embracing her authentic voice.

In this podcast, we dive into Sarah’s journey—from her initial fears about narrowing her focus to the surprising success of connecting with her audience through video. 

Whether you’re curious about content creation, YouTube monetisation, or simply how to manage criticism online, Sarah’s insights are invaluable for counsellors looking to grow their practice.

Let’s explore how you can do the same in this, the first of a 2 part interview.

Who is Sarah Dosanjh?

Sarah Dosanjh is a psychotherapist and author of the book I Can’t Stop Eating. After her own recovery from binge eating disorder she has gone on to specialise in helping others do the same. She has appeared on various media outlets such as BBC breakfast, Sky’s Roundtable and BBC Radio One, as well as amassing over 2 million views on YouTube.

Sarah's resources

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheBingeEatingTherapist

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_binge_eating_therapist/

Life After Diets podcast: https://thebingeeatingtherapist.com/life-after-diets-podcast/

Website: www.thebingeeatingtherapist.com

Sarah's book I Can't Stop Eating is available on Amazon

Links to follow

And in the meantime check out Sarahs guest podcasts: 

The‌ ‌reality‌ ‌of‌ ‌consistency‌, ‌with‌ ‌Sarah‌ ‌Dosanjh‌

How having a niche diversified my business, with guest expert Sarah Dosanjh

Making Videos for Social Media: A Therapist’s Guide

For my free and paid offers CLICK HERE

Or you’re about to post on social media and that voice shows up again and says ‘why on earth would people take any notice of you, you’ve got nothing interesting to say’

Yup, that's your imposter syndrome lying to you again

Boy it hurts and yes, it can hold you back. But here’s the thing - it doesn't have to. Stick around as we explore managing imposter syndrome as a counsellor, and I share 8 Ways to Silence the Inner Critic

Links to Follow:

____________________

Join the 'Attract Therapy Clients by Blogging (Even if Writing Isn’t Your Thing)' event with Onlinevents

Grab this episodes free resource: 20 Affirmations to silence imposter syndrome

For all my free and paid resources go to janetravis.co.uk/starthere

But with so much noise and competing advice out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when it comes to marketing.

The good news? You don’t need to become a marketing guru to make an impact.

One of the most effective and ethical ways to attract clients and establish your credibility is through blogging.

Blogging allows you to share your knowledge, connect with potential clients, and build trust all while staying true to your values as a counsellor.

Whether you’re new to blogging or looking to refine your strategy, this guide will show you how to create content that not only resonates with your audience but also drives growth for your practice.

Ready to see how blogging can be a game-changer for your counselling practice? Let’s dive in.

Links to follow:

'Attract Therapy Clients by Blogging (Even if Writing Isn’t Your Thing)' is run with Onlinevents and is an hour a day over 17th, 18th and 19th September.

This event is on a Pay What You Want basis, making price not a barrier to growth.

For more details and to book go to janetravis.co.uk/blogforclients

____________________

For all my free and paid resources go to janetravis.co.uk/starthere

I’ve talked a lot about the importance of consistency AND the power of taking breaks when you run a private practice

And I’ve also talked about the importance of self care and the need to change, grow and develop. 

So today I’m sharing why, after 168 consistent weekly episodes, I’ve decided to hit pause on the podcast.

Links

FREE and paid resources

And there's this gnawing anxiety about whether your counselling practice will weather the storm of the cost of living crisis. Fun times, right? 

But before we decide to hibernate until spring, I've been toying with an idea. Let's call it the 'work diet.' It's about doing a Marie Kondo on our professional lives, keeping only what truly 'sparks joy'—or, you know, actually benefits our practice—and ditching the rest. Because maybe, just maybe, simplifying is the secret to not just surviving but thriving right now.

So in this episode I share 5 simple ways to conserve your valuable energy for both you and your practice.

There’s no denying it, video has become increasingly important in marketing. So if you’re thinking of utilising the power for your own practice but don’t know where to start this is for you.

_____________________________

If you don't use video on your marketing, could it be that you…

• Maybe you have a fear of visibility?
• Perhaps a fear of being trolled?
• Maybe you’re not sure what to say?
• Or maybe the tech scares you?

If you answered yes to any - or all of those, this is the episode for you, because we are exploring making videos for social media and I’m delighted to have therapist and YouTuber Sarah Dosanjh here as my guest. 

Sarah wrote the book ‘I can’t stop eating’ and co-hosts the podcast ‘Life After Diets’. 

But she has her own successful YouTube channel ‘The Binge Eating Therapist’ since 2019, and as such knows a thing or two about using video.

Today Sarah shares some advice about

• How to get started
• Managing fears around visibility
• What tech you will need
• Some practical tips about editing

So take a listen - I think you’re going to like this one!

_______________

See, I told you she’s great! And I’m feeling so motivated, in Q2 (April - June) I am going to focus on starting to produce video and get more comfortable with it. 

There, I said it out loud. So are you going to join me? Hop on over to my socials and let me know.

So if you’ve been thinking about dipping your toe into video, I hope this has inspired you to take the plunge too. 

About Sarah Dosanjh

Sarah Dosanjh is a TA psychotherapist and author of the book ‘I Can't Stop Eating’. She is passionate about helping those struggling with binge eating and/or body image to find peace and freedom around food.

And if you are in or around Bournemouth or are happy to travel there, Sarah is offering to help you 1:1 to get started. 

So if that sounds good to you, or you want to check out her YouTube channel, podcast, book, training or anything else, check out her 'How I Can Help' page

Sarah has  been a guest on my podcast before - so check out ep 81, ‘The Reality of Consistency’, and ep 37, ‘How Having a Niche Diversified My Business’.

...And just a note, the lapel mic Sarah talked about is no longer on Amazon, so look for a lapel mic that connects directly to your phone

So today I’m going to explore walk and talk counselling with counsellor Eileen Fisher.

We’ll take a look at her experience of offering this type of counselling so you can consider whether it’s something you want to offer in your own practice - or even for your own counselling. 

We talk about:

• How she got into walk and talk counselling
• The benefits of walk and talk counselling
• Is this more useful for a certain type of person?
• How do you choose where to walk
• Should you charge more for walk and talk counselling?
• How do you approach safety?
• How to handle confidentiality?
• Can I do this if I’m in an urban area?
• What about insurance?
• How to handle bad weather
• Introducing creativity

Eileen has such a calm and reassuring voice, I could talk to her all day.

So over to you, is this something you’d be interested in doing?

Well if you are and you’d like a chat with Eileen, she offers a power hour where you can get together and get your questions answered.

And as she mentioned, if you are in the Greater Manchester area, you could even have your chat while on a walk - how cool is that? CLICK HERE to learn about walk and talk therapy for therapists

About Eileen Fisher

Eileen is a TA therapist who works with adults in Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

Her practice is a mix of online, face-to-face and walking clients. She sees clients face-to-face at her office in Wilmslow and walks with people at nearby locations.

She started walking with people in 2018, and now walking therapy is integral to her practice.

Eileen now offers walking therapy training to therapists interested in working with clients in this way. If you'd like to learn more visit Eileen Fisher Therapy HERE

I hope you found this podcast as interesting as I did, and if you decide to offer walking therapy, I'd love to know!

And remember to hit subscribe so you don't miss a episode.

So to get things moving, I’m going to talk about the benefits of setting intentions.

We’ll look at the difference between an intention and a goal, why an intention might be a better choice for you and how to decide what yours is.

I’ll also share some of my own intentions for 2024.

Sounds good? Ok, lets gets stuck in and take a look at your 2024 private practice roadmap!

Links

3 Differences Between Goals and Intentions  https://theempowermentdynamic.com/3-differences-between-goals-and-intentions-2  

The Private Practice Success Roadmap LIVE

I am delivering the Private Practice Success Roadmap LIVE over the first 6 months of 2024.

We look at:

• You and what you want from your practice - because self care is vital (your business, your rules)
• Your clients, and understanding their wants and needs
• Your website - how to turn it into a powerful tool to attract your dream clients
• Being relatable by producing content to connect with your dream clients
• Using socials to attract and engage with your dream clients
• Mindset, and learning how to stop self-sabotaging

This gives you all you need to get clear and confident with your marketing - and remember, we are looking at what’s right FOR YOU - there is no one size fits all answer.

And the beauty of delivering this live is you’re not alone! You’ll do doing this along with a supportive community

I’ll be delivering it in small, manageable steps which will stop that nasty overwhelm AND you’ll get that accountability, which will keep you motivated.

Also, because it's being delivered live, you will be able to ask all your questions as we go along, both in the member community and in monthly dedicated Pick My Brain calls.

Can’t make the calls live? Don't worry, everything will be recorded so you can catch up at a time thats convenient for you.

Oh, and you get a CPD certificate for all training you complete.

I’m buzzing about this, because yes, it’ll be great for you, but also I’ll be there with you, and that’s what I love doing most of all. Delivering live workshops, getting to know members and helping them grow their confidence - and hearing about their successes is why I do this.

This is a live programme is led by me personally and will give you all you need to get clear and confident on your marketing message, but there will even be occasional guest experts to come and share their wisdom.

This change came about because I knew I needed to get intentional about how I spent my time, and because I had to make the most of the time I have available in order to practice really fundamental self care.

So, if you’ve reached the end of 2023 and feel frustrated that you didn’t get as much done as you’d hoped, this is for you.

Or if you’ve lost your mojo and feel dissatisfied, this is for you.

Or if you’ve been getting overwhelmed by how long your to-do list is, this is for you.

Beat the price increase

Oh, and also the price for the membership is increasing. If you join now on an annual membership it's £450, which includes 2 months free, so you save £90.

Or you can pay monthly, which is £45 a month.

The price is increasing on 10th Jan and will be £50 a month or £500 for the year, which saves you a not to shabby £100

So if you’ve been on the fence about joining, this is literally the best time to do it,

Oh, and if you’re not really sure, join and take a look around. If you join and realise its not for you, no problem, just email me and I’ll repay you in full, no questions asked. It’s a no brainer really because there is no risk.

You can find out more and join at Grow Your Private Practice

So how can you extend all that goodwill to include yourself?

Because you deserve all the good stuff too!

So in this episode, we check out how to get some real counsellor self-care this Christmas.

We look at

• The importance of self care for counsellors
• 5 ways to nurture yourself over Christmas
• The importance of personal development
• How you do life is how you do business

So this year, make sure Santa has you on his 'nice' list, and take it easy.

Links

2 part self care blog mini series 'Therapist Self Care: Why it’s vital for you and your clients', and 'Real Therapist Self Care: 22 Practical Ways to Increase Self Care'. 

How being a people-pleaser can affect your private practice – and what to do about it

They may have autism, ADHD, be dyslexic or a combination of these things.

Today I have Carly Radford with me, who shares her experience of running a private practice while having autism and ADHD.

This includes her diagnosis experience, misconceptions about autism, and the challenges of masking and hiding in the neurodiverse (ND) community.

She also delves into managing autistic burnout, the significance of a conducive work environment, and hurdles in organisation, time management, and productivity.

Additionally, Carly offers tips for those at the beginning of their neurodivergent self-discovery and neurodivergent business owners, emphasising the importance of self-compassion and embracing sensitivity for a more authentic existence.

I learned such a lot from our talk, and something that particularly resonated with me was how she manages autistic burnout, and this has changed my own working practices. I often have a critical voice buzzing around in my head telling me I’m lazy and suchlike, so I found how she prioritises her needs inspirational - thank you Carly. 

In the new year (2024), Carly is running an adult late-identified autistic group with another counsellor and is planning to speak more about the above topics on her social media channels.

To follow her work you can find her on Instagram, so go and say hi! : @the_sensitivity_therapist and tiktok: @sensitivity_therapist

About Carly Radford.

Carly is an integrative psychotherapist who predominately works with trauma, anxiety, high-achievers and more increasingly, neurodivergence.

She is passionate about working with these difficulties through the lens of highly-sensitive nervous systems, cultivating self-compassion and embracing our sensitivity to lead to more authentic ways of being in the world.

Carly has a particular interest in supporting those at the the start of their neurodivergent self-discovery and in working with neurodivergent business owners, so if that sounds like you, drop her a line at info@luminarytherapies.com 

________________________________

This is the last of the Neurodivergent Voices in Therapy mini series, and I hope you’ve found it useful. I certainly have.

I feel so honoured to have had such inspirational people here sharing their experiences.

I’d like to thank Carly Radford, Chris Oxborrow, Eve Menezes Cunningham and Tracy Clark for talking with me. I’ve learned lot - and especially around my own self care needs. 

So go check them out on social media and say hi 😀

Thanks for listening to The Grow Your Private Practice Show. If you've found value in this content, I’d be really grateful if you could share this podcast with your counsellor colleagues and friends. 

Word of mouth is a powerful way to spread the word and help me reach more counsellors who could benefit from this content. 

So take a moment to tell your friends about the show and invite them to tune in. You never know how much of an impact you can make! Thank you for your support, and let's continue to grow together.

This week I am talking with Tracy Clark about running a practice with dyslexia.

I’ve known Tracy for some time: she used to be a member of the Grow Your Private Practice membership, and I couldn't be happier to have her as a guest in the Neurodivergent Voices in Therapy series.

Tracy is a neurodivergent counsellor who supports and works alongside neurodiverse young people, adults and couples. 

Today we talk about:

• The impact of a dyslexia diagnosis
• The benefits of self-disclosure
• Dyslexia and running a business
• The importance of trusting your intuition and trusting the process
• The need for robust self-care
• Positives of dyslexia in the therapy room

About Tracy Clark

Tracy says:

"I am a neurodivergent counsellor who supports and works alongside neurodiverse young people, adults and couples. 

Within my working week I can be found working 2 days a week in a charity in the central belt of Scotland and the rest of the week in my private practice. I am also a supervisor of trainee counsellors as well as qualified counsellors. 

My interest in working alongside neurodivergent individuals comes from both a personal perspective as well as a professional capacity, also as a supervisor being able to support other counsellors.

I have also delivered workshops in this area, as well as being invited to chat with the lovely Jane Travis now twice on this topic, which is very close to my heart. 

More awareness, more conversations means embracing the amazing uniqueness of human beings. 

For some downtime and self-care I also offer doodle workshops check out the links for more information, as well as workshops with CTUK (Counsellors Together UK) or Onlinevents."

Links

Connect with Tracy on LinkedIn

Website

How making a typo changed Tracys business

How can I help you? Here are my free and paid resources

In this series, I had the pleasure of speaking with 4 amazing therapists about how their neurodivergence impacts them as private practitioners. 

We explore what it’s like to run a practice when you have autism, ADHD, dyslexia or a combination of those things. 

So if you are neurodivergent, or know people that are, this is for you.

________________

I'm delighted to say that this week I have Eve Menezes Cunningham with me.

I’ve known Eve for some time, she was also in the Grow Your Private Practice membership, and I can tell you she is one of the kindest people you will ever have the good fortune to meet.

And I am delighted to have her as a guest in the Neurodivergent Voices in Therapy series.

Eve specialises in all things self-care (she describes it as ‘ Self-care for connecting with and taking better care of your highest, wisest, truest, wildest, most joyful, brilliant and miraculous Self - how cool is that?!)

I could talk with Eve for hours, because we are quite different in our outlook - Eve is a very spiritual person, and I’m not spiritual at all, so I always learn so much a lot from her.

She is an author, therapist, supervisor, master NLP practitioner, advanced EFT practitioner, experienced yoga teacher, and more (read 'About Eve below).

Self-care and ADHD

In this podcast, we chat about:

• Self-care and people-pleasing within the therapist community
• The benefits of self-knowledge
• ‘Addictive personality’ Vs impulse control
• The importance of rest
• The benefits of Yoga Nidra

...and more. 

About Eve Menezes Cunningham

Eve is a very busy person! She is the author of 365 Ways to Feel Better: Self-care Ideas for Embodied Wellbeing.  She also runs Feel Better Every Day (aka selfcarecoaching.net).

Integrating a wide range of therapies, coaching and supervision, she specialises in all things self care especially around trauma, anxiety, stress, sleep issues and finding more purpose, meaning and joy.

Eve offers free resources via selfcarecoaching.net and runs the Extra Embodied (Wellbeing with Eve) online membership (evemc.substack.com) with exclusive content live coaching calls each week helping people integrate self care practices into their daily lives.

Eve’s work incorporates traditional talk therapy and coaching as well as somatic (body based) and energy approaches for a holistic approach.

She is a British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) Senior Accredited Supervisor and Past Chair of BACP Coaching, an Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) Accredited supervisor and counsellor, EFT International Accredited Mentor and Advanced EFT Practitioner, a Yoga Professionals UK Experienced Yoga Teacher and NLP Master Practitioner.

She has been on the editorial team for Rapport, ANLP’s NLP journal, since 2007. Eve’s work been featured in titles including Psychologies, Therapy Today, Coaching Today, the FT, Guardian, Evening Standard, Metro, Telegraph and Daily Mail.

A member of IACP's editorial committee, she edited the Summer 2022 edition of the Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy.

Based in Westport, on the west coast of Ireland, Eve works online and by telephone with clients and supervisees across the UK and Ireland with some nature based outdoor sessions in Westport.

So go and say hi to her!

In this mini-series, I had the pleasure of speaking with 4 amazing therapists about how their neurodivergence impacts them as private practitioners. 

We explore what it’s like to run a practice when you are affected by autism, ADHD, dyslexia or a combination of those things. 

In the first of this mini-series, I’m delighted to have Chris Oxborrow with me, and we talk about some of her experiences of running a practice with ADHD.

We look at how to manage some challenges being neurodivergent may bring, and also what positive aspects they have.

We explore:

• What even IS neurodivergence
• Getting a diagnosis
• What is ADHD Tax?
• Fault Vs repair
• Masking: internally and externally
• The need to practice self-compassion

About Chris Oxborrow

Chris describes herself as a neurodivergent Psychotherapist who specialises in working predominantly with high-achieving personalities, but also with neurodivergent clients and those navigating menopause (sometimes all 3!). 

She supports clients to discover their authentic sense of themselves and how their needs can be met with more compassion and self-acceptance. 

From Jan 2024 she will also be working as a Menopause and HRT Educator, supporting clients to discover how they want to manage their menopausal experience and how to access appropriate HRT-related health care.

Check out Chris's website Beyond Counselling and you can contact her at 

chrisoxborrow@beyondcounselling.org

Answering a question from Neil, we I explore how complex this question is, and share some tips.

Links:

Podcast episodes mentioned:

Ep 154 Counsellor or Clone: Breaking Through the Monotony of Online Directories

Ep 156: How to stop comparing yourself with other therapists

And some podcasts to help with time management:

Ep 24 Managing Your Diary With Time Blocking

Ep 56 How to achieve more in less time 

Ep 114 How to Make the Most of your Time and Get Things Done

And for more on how I can help you grow your practice janetravis.co.uk/starthere

If you're scratching your head or even if you're guilty of doing it (we've all been there 😉), my latest podcast episode is a MUST-LISTEN!

I sat down with Instagram expert Sally Birks @socialbysally who shed light on the implications of hitting 'post' and then disappearing. We explored:

1️⃣ Why consistent engagement is KEY to growing your private practice.

2️⃣ What happens when you don’t respond to comments.

3️⃣ How to get started, and what to post

4️⃣ Simple strategies to stay present and connect authentically.

If you're serious about making the most of your online presence but are unsure how to get started, this episode is golden.

And as a practice owner, this can also impact the success of your business. 

So what can you do if comparisons are knocking your confidence? How can you stop comparing yourself to other therapists?

In this podcast I share:

• Why most comparisons aren't helpful
• A situation when they are
• And a practical exercise for you to boost your self-esteem

So take a look at why it's not usually helpful, and how to stop comparing yourself to other therapists 

Links:

Check out my free and paid resources here janetravis.co.uk/starthere

Maybe you're at capacity, or their issue is outside your competence, or something else.

To be honest, I think probably most people don't, but you could be missing a trick. By having a system, it reduces stress, saves time and serves that client better.

So today, I explore what to do when you can't say yes to enquiries so you can make the process easier for you, and more professional and helpful for the client.

Links

To access my free and paid resources, CLICK HERE

In this episode, I share some ideas about how to inject your personality into your bio, so it's easier for your dream clients to reach you.

All without any worries about personal disclosure

Links

Grow Your Private Practice membership

Free resources

But that’s not very useful when you’re trying to work out what to do! 

So let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons involved to help you make your choice about whether to offer therapy clients a free first session

Links:

7 Steps to turning an enquiry into a booking

CLICK HERE to see all my free and paid resources

So today, I’m doing a September reset and sharing with 6 ways to refresh your private practice so you start the last quarter with a bang. 

And today, we look at mindset, because if you're a therapist and you want a successful private practice, then your mindset is vital.

But what do I even mean by mindset?

Why is it so important?

And how can you go about improving yours?

In this episode, I explore why your mindset is vital if you want a successful practice.

I also share some questions for reflection and tips for improving yours.

And check out some of my other podcasts about mindset below.

Links to follow

NOTE I said in the podcast I'd share links to my podcasts on mindset, but I hadn't realised there were so many! I've recorded 112 episodes and probably 30% are to do with mindset in some way because it's so important.

So I recommend browsing through my previous podcasts to see the mindset episodes.

And for more resources, both free and paid, click here -> janetravis.co.uk/starthere

The fear of success is sneaky. Without you even being aware it's there, it causes you to self-sabotage and put a spoke in the wheel of your success and hold you back. 

How frustrating is that?

So today I'll be demystifying the fear of success, and sharing 7 ways to stop getting in your own way.

Links To Follow

The Grow Your Private Practice membership

If you need help growing your private practice, check out my free and paid resources here

Episode 112 Why Your Mindset is Vital if you Want a Successful Practice

But it's not just about attracting more clients, it's also about YOU and how to build your business to suit your own needs. 

And part of that is managing mindset issues and practising robust self-care, something that can end up too far down the to-do list. 

So today, I'm sharing one of the most popular episodes with you, an open letter to therapists with mental health issues.

So this is for you if you struggle with your own mental health issues.

As a therapist, you know how difficult life can be and how prevalent mental health issues are.

But in the recent past, on top of these existing issues, we've all had to process some frankly major world issues - the pandemic, war, climate chaos, financial insecurity... a whole lot of unpredictability and fear.

That's a lot to cope with. And as a therapist, you aren't immune to it. 

So how can you cope as a therapist running a private practice when struggling with your own mental health issues? 

Links

If you need help growing your private practice, check out my free and paid resources here

So today, I'm sharing one of the most popular episodes with you, all about how to enjoy the marketing process.

So this is for you if marketing feels like a chore you keep putting off, like it's something you are forced to do to attract clients, but you wish you didn't have to.

Maybe you HATE the thought of having to ‘sell’ yourself, or the thought of being visible brings you out in a rash?

Well if that sounds familiar, this episode is for you because it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Forcing yourself to do something you hate is NOT the way to do something well. It's possible to enjoy your marketing, and when you enjoy your marketing, you do it more, get better at it and as a result, it’s more effective. 

Which means more clients, better outcomes and increased income.

So you not only enjoy your marketing but naturally get the results you want. 

Don’t believe me - then listen up, and I'll show you how.

Links

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Not sure who your dream clients are and how to attract them? Check out this 3 part mini-series 'How to attract your dream clients' 

2 podcasts with Fifi Mason about marketing as an introvert Visibility: Shifting the focus and Using introvert superpowers to attract more clients

FREE Guide: Attract more clients by helping instead of selling

Check out my resources to help therapists to attract more clients HERE

Part 1: Build Your Dream Practice looks at how the first and most important thing to consider when you want to attract dream clients and that is YOU - what is your dream? what do YOU want? What drives you? Where does your passion lie? 

Part 2: The Empathy Exercise: How to Read your Dream Clients Mind introduces you to the empathy exercise, a deceptively exercise I devised in order to read the minds of your dream clients and work out how they feel, what are their fears and worries? What keeps them up at night? And what their hopes and dreams are - what are they aiming for?

So here we are at part 3 and I share with you practical ways to use The Empathy Exercise in order to stand out and attract those clients. 

Discover how The Empathy Exercise can work wonders for your private practice by creating compelling copy for your website, directory, blog, and social media.

When it comes to marketing your private practice - or any business for that matter - it's crucial to have an understanding of your clients: What are their fears, worries and issues? What are their hopes and dreams?

And importantly, what do they want from therapy?

Because when you know this, you can create marketing materials - your website, social media, blogs etc - that will attract them as clients. 

But how do you do that?

Well in this episode I introduce you to The Empathy Exercise, and how it will help you to read your clients mind. 

Links to follow

Is CPD impacting your Imposter Syndrome?

How to use CPD for personal, professional and business growth, with guest John Wilson

And to get started, it might surprise you that when it comes to attracting your dream clients, it all starts with YOU. 

What do YOU want? What are your desires, needs, interests, and passions? 

Because you are building a business, and the beauty of that is you can turn this into your dream business, where you work with your dream clients, and work in the ways you believe, you work the hours that suit you, and you run it how YOU choose.

This can take some getting used to if you aren't used to it, especially if you’re used to having a boss telling you what to do. 

But growing your practice into something that suits you is what makes all the work worth it. It's fulfilling and will make you feel content and satisfied. It’s life-changing.

So let’s explore you. 

Links

For free resources and other goodies, go to janetravis.co.uk/start-here

Check out and join the Grow Your Private Practice membership

Well in this episode, we’re going to have a super simple 6-month review to help you see where you are now, where you want to be in 6 months' time, and how to make that happen.

Links

How to navigate a crisis in your private practice

Grab your free resources here

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership

And what makes it worse is the crappy stuff tends to come in clusters. 

Navigating slow periods in your private practice?

In this episode, I share 7 things to do in a quiet spell

Links

How to Avoid the Feast and Famine in Your Private Practice

The Grow Your Private Practice Membership

The Grow Your Private Practice Book

In this episode, we delve into this intriguing topic that often puzzles therapists.

So join me and explore putting a price on therapy and look at why your fees matter in ways you may not have already thought of, including the importance of avoiding the 'budget therapist' label, and learned about Goldilocks pricing.

Links to follow

Discover my FREE resources at janetravis.co.uk/start-here

Get The Grow Your Private Practice Book

Join the membership growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Ep 66 Do you feel guilty charging for therapy?  https://www.janetravis.co.uk/do-you-feel-guilty-about-charging-for-therapy/Ep 55: The hidden impact of money issues in private practice, with Cathy Towers 

https://www.janetravis.co.uk/the-hidden-impact-of-money-issues-in-private-practice-with-cathy-towers/

Ep 135 Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Navigating the Cost of Living Crisis in Private Practice, with Miranda Palmer  https://www.janetravis.co.uk/navigating-the-cost-of-living-crisis-in-private-practice-with-miranda-palmer/

 Ep 137 The Value of Therapy: How Words Impact Your Attitude Towards Charging Clients [With Examples]  https://www.janetravis.co.uk/charging-clients/

But once I became qualified, I realised how uncomfortable it felt to do the marketing necessary to attract clients. 

How could I promote myself whilst staying within personal disclosure boundaries?

How could I be visible without it compromising my client work?

And now that my business is all about helping other therapists to grow their practice, I am aware of them going through exactly the same difficulties.

So today, I chat with Lindsey Bryan-Podvin about these conflicts that arise and we talk about how therapy training can hold you back as a private practitioner - and what you can do to market yourself effectively while not crossing any ethical boundaries. 

In this episode, we cover:

• How our training as therapists makes it difficult to trust ourselves 
• How our training makes it hard to feel comfortable marketing ourselves
• Tips to cultivate self-trust in and out of the therapy room
• How a niche (and my seedling niche) can help attract the kind of clients and issues that you feel passionately about
• What you can do to market yourself effectively while not crossing any ethical boundaries.
• How to be visible without compromising your client work
• The importance of the Therapeutic Alliance

I hope this opens up an area to explore, because the more comfortable you are with marketing, the more successful that marketing will be. 

About Lindsay Bryan-Podvin

Lindsay Bryan-Podvin (she/her) is a biracial financial therapist and wellness expert, speaker, and author of the book "The Financial Anxiety Solution." 

She’s a practising LMSW since 2012, and she uses a shame-free approach to help people get their minds and money in balance by focusing on the intersection of money and mental health. 

While financial literacy is important, she champions the belief that money is rooted in emotions and impacted by the systems around us. 

She has a degree in sociology and a Master’s in Social Work with certificates in Financial Social Work and Financial Therapy. 

She lives with her partner and their dog on the occupied land of the Anishinaabe also known as Michigan.

So go say hi to her on Instagram HERE

Links:

Listen to our previous podcast episode 103 How to cope with financial anxiety, with Lindsay Bryan-Podvin  

Episode 37: How having a niche diversified my business, with guest expert Sarah Dosanjh

And if you need some extra help attracting clients and marketing your practice, check out the Grow Your Private Practice membership and see how it will help you.

So if you are ready for your first website, or you already have a website and now realise it's not quite what you need, this is for you. 

In this episode, I chat with website and digital marketing consultant Theo Ruby about building and developing your therapy website.

We discuss, amongst other things:

• The importance of owning your own website
• Dealing with web designers
• The necessity for regular updates
• Keeping it simple
• The importance of content marketing for therapists (blogs, videos and podcasts)
• Mobile responsiveness
• Changing web platforms
• Dropping the perfectionism
• The importance of SEO
• What if I break my website!?
• How much will it cost?
• Google Analytics
• What pages do you need on your website?

Links to follow

You'll find Theo Ruby HERE

Theo’s Digital Marketing Glossary

My podcast ‘Demystifying Marketing Terms’

‘From I can’t write to published author’ with Zoe Clements

6 reasons you must have a website with Sarah Gershone

5 commonly held website myths that could be holding you back, with Sarah Gershone

And 4 mistakes that make your website copy ineffective, with Kat Love  

Your Website Blueprint is part of the Grow Your Private Practice membership

And now here you are, ready to take action.

But somehow the excitement has transformed and now you feel overwhelmed, intimidated and apprehensive. That tingle of excitement has morphed into more of a 'did I accidentally sit on a bed of stinging nettles' sensation. 

This isn't what you ordered! 

So if any of that sounds familiar, here is my open letter to new counsellors and therapists...

Links

Advice from counsellors for therapists starting in private practice

Do you feel in control and confident?

OR maybe you lack confidence and don’t really know how to handle it?

Well if you identify more with the second scenario, this episode if for you, because today we’re going to talk about taking initial phone calls from potential clients to increase the chance that they make an appointment and become your client.

So here are 7 steps to turning an enquiry into a booking so you know EXACTLY what to say. 

Links:

Voicemail For Therapists: 6 ways to improve your message and hang on to that client

Watch the Therapy Rebrand webinar

8 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time and Get More Done

Why smooth on boarding helps the therapy process, with Kim Simmons

Grow Your Private Practice membership

Because podcasting is massive.

And since the pandemic, 40% more people listen - so that’s around 19.1 million in the UK, and globally a massive 464.7 million.

That’s mindblowing! 

I started my own podcast on 8th July 2020 and this is episode 137 - with the majority being weekly until January this year when unfortunately my dad became ill and died, so I've reduced it to fortnightly for a while.

And I’ve seen how it’s benefited my business in many ways. 

Not only that, it’s fun to do! I’ve interviewed some amazing guests, including todays guest Phil from My Podcast Assistant, who is my podcast editor. 

So if you’ve ever considered starting a podcast and like the thought of helping people whilst also growing your business - and increasing your income, then this is your lucky day. 

We chat about:

• The benefits of podcasting
• How to choose your topic
• What format to use
• A brief talk about tech 

So if you’ve been toying with the idea, you’re going to love this

About Philip Brett King

Phil says:

“My goal is to help people sound amazing online!

25 years ago I was singing and fronting a Rock band, playing gigs in some of London's best live venues. But eventually wound up marketing for associated newspapers and having to hang up my bass guitar and microphone... and trying to fit into society.

However, life threw me a curveball in 2016 and I found the crazy underworld of voiceover and started growing a side hustle as a Voice Actor.

Two years later an ultimatum from my job pushed me to hand in my resignation and go headfirst into becoming a full-time freelance voice actor; recording my voice for top brands around the world..and I haven't looked back!

But it didn't stop there. 2019 brought the pandemic and podcasting really started to take off. Also, everyone started working online using Zoom, but they didn't sound too good.

So I started my brand My Podcast Assistant utilising my years of experience as a musician and voice actor to help others create great-sounding podcasts and to sound amazing online.”

Check Phil out at My Podcast Assistant  

Say Hi on Instagram HERE 

Grab his free resources and take the ‘Podcast Equipment Quiz’ HERE

And grab one of my own freebies HERE

I think for many therapists, dealing with the money side of having clients can feel tricky - and I know it was for me.

So if that sounds familiar to you, listen up because in this episode I’m going to share a ridiculously simple change that transformed how I feel about charging clients.

Check out my FREE resources HERE

If you found this episode helpful, remember to subscribe and leave a review. A cheeky 5 stars would be amazing, thank you

Perhaps you need to increase your fee in order to manage your own rising expenses, but worry about putting people off?

If so, you are not alone. However, today I have the amazing Miranda Palmer with me talking about thriving, not just surviving: navigating the cost of living crisis in private practice. 

We discuss:

• The importance of fully recognising and valuing what you do
• Looking at the bigger picture within your practice so you grow and maintain a business to meet your needs
• Managing feelings of guilt
• Keeping yourself emotionally well to avoid burnout
• The benefits for you personally and professionally of self-development work

And a reminder that after the last few years, the reality is that there are more people today that need mental healthcare than ever before.

About Miranda Palmer

Miranda Palmer, LMFT, loves helping therapists bridge the gap between what it takes to be a great therapist who gets great clinical outcomes and what it takes to run a successful therapy practice. She has helped thousands of therapists from around the world make the mindset shifts that allow a more effortless application of marketing strategies that grow a private practice that is not just financially sustainable, but that gets great clinical outcomes.

Miranda and her business partner Kelly Higdon, also a licenced therapist founded ZynnyMe, to empower private practice owners to serve at their highest and best, improve clinical outcomes through business planning, and to break the statistic that mental health clinicians are the worst paid Masters’ degree.  

Kelly and Miranda provide coaching and training through their Private Practice Community, the Business School Bootcamp for Therapists, and educational webinars, and have helped thousands of clinicians from around the world. 

LINKS TO FOLLOW

Learn more about Business School for Therapists: news.zynnyme.com/business-school/

Website: zynnyme.com

Blog: zynnyme.com/blog

Facebook: facebook.com/kellyandmiranda

Instagram: instagram.com/zynnyme/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/2456942/

Check out more episodes of the Starting a Counseling Practice Success Stories podcast on these platforms:

Apple Podcasts

Google Podcasts

Spotify

Book: Therapist Burnout: Your Guide to Recovery and a Joyful, Sustainable Private Practice

Maybe that sounds like a strange question, but it's important to consider because if you don’t truly understand what their needs are, how will you know what to say in your marketing to attract them?

So let's explore this fundamental marketing principle of features vs benefits and discover what's the difference, and why you need to know.

And if you need help understanding what to say on your website and other marketing, come and join the Grow Your Private Practice membership, and remove the guesswork. www.growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

If you haven't had a chance to listen, basically, I invited you to explore how you can enjoy your marketing, and make the process easier for you. 

But I realised there's something in my own business that goes against this, so I’ve decided to make a change. 

So what changes have I made and why?

And how can you simplify your own businesses too?

Links

The membership Grow Your Private Practice

Podcast episodes mentioned:

Episode 58 'Directories, the good, the bad and the ugly'

Episode 5 '6 steps to turning an enquiry into a booking'

Episode 22 'Demystifying the fear of success and 7 ways to stop getting in your own way'

Episode 112 'Why your mindset is vital if you want a successful practice'

Episode 116 'What content can therapists create to attract more clients,' with the authors of Content Fortress Martin and Lyndsay

Episode 89 '6 reasons why you MUST have a website', with Sarah Gershone

Episode 42 'Why your private practice shouldn't be on every social media platform'

My editor Phil, from My Podcast Assistant

Maybe you HATE the thought of having to ‘sell’ yourself, or the thought of being visible brings you out in a rash?

Well if that sounds familiar, this episode is for you because it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Forcing yourself to do something you hate is NOT the way to do something well. It's possible to enjoy your marketing, and when you enjoy your marketing, you do it more, get better at it and as a result, it’s more effective. 

Which means more clients, better outcomes and increased income.

So you not only enjoy your marketing but naturally get the results you want. 

Don’t believe me - then listen up, and I'll show you how.

Links

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Not sure who your dream clients are and how to attract them? Check out this 3 part mini-series 'How to attract your dream clients' 

2 podcasts with Fifi Mason about marketing as an introvert Visibility: Shifting the focus and Using introvert superpowers to attract more clients

FREE Guide: Attract more clients by helping instead of selling

Check out my resources to help therapists to attract more clients HERE

Well, I've just experienced this personally and today I want to share what I've learned.

We are going to look at this from the perspective of both having a client in crisis and you having a personal situation. 

And there's a trigger warning as I’ll talk briefly about bereavement today. 

Before I start, I want to let you know I’m not coming at this subject from the point of view of a supervisor offering advice, more from the human perspective.

______________

If you’ve been thinking about joining the membership but didn't know about the price increase so missed out, I have some good news for you…

I'm delaying the price increase for the membership.

Join before 8pm UK time on 31st January 2023, you can join at the previous low monthly fee of £35. 

The price will increase again on 1st February to £45 a month - which still represents great value, but if you want to grow your practice this year, it makes sense to join now. 

And you can save even more by taking an annual membership as you will get 2 months free. 

So why join the membership? 

Because you will get focus, direction and support. I will help you cut through the noise so you can focus on the things that will really make a difference so you attract more clients more easily.

The membership will reduce the confusion and overwhelm so you can take the steps needed to move your practice forward.

So if you want to grow your practice but are unsure what exactly to do, come and join us. 

And remember, if you join and realise it’s not right for you within 14 days, just let me know and I will refund you, no problem. So theres no risk. 

Check it out and join at Grow Your Private Practice

However, I like the SPIRIT of New Year's resolutions.

I’m a big fan of personal development. There are always things in our lives that we can learn or improve to enrich ourselves or your therapy practice. Ways to make it work better for both you and for your clients.

So with this in mind, here are 5 empowering new year resolutions for therapists that are both realistic and will help you (and your practice) grow. 

Links:

The Grow Your Private Practice Membership

Episode 95, The simple trick to overcome imposter syndrome

Episode 24, Managing your diary with time blocking https://www.janetravis.co.uk/managing-your-diary-with-time-blocking/

Here's my letter, and as I've been (mainly) good this year, I have my fingers crossed he will grant my wish because my wish is to do with you, a wonderful therapist.

Take a listen - what would you add?

Links:

Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership before 8pm 3rd January 2023 to beat the price increase. Click here --> Grow Your Private Practice

So you might have wondered if the membership is a good choice for you - what it includes, what to expect and how will it help YOU

So today, I’m going to share with you 5 reasons why the Grow Your Private Practice membership is NOT right for you so you can make an informed choice about whether to join.

Links to follow

Join the membership growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Episode 116 What content can therapists create to attract more clients?

However, I struggle with seriously bad imposter syndrome. I never produce anything without that mean, evil voice sneering at me and saying no one would want to listen to me and that I’m not good enough in a hundred different ways. 

It’s exhausting.

So how did I overcome imposter syndrome and publish a book, and how can YOU stop imposter syndrome from holding you back?

I’ll tell you.

Links

My book coach Dale Darley

Episode 1: Action is the antidote to fear

Buy the Grow Your Private Practice book

But on top of existing issues has been the pandemic, war, climate chaos, financial insecurity... and a whole lot of unpredictability and fear.

That's a lot to cope with.

So how can you cope as a therapist running a private practice when struggling with your own mental health issues? 

If you are struggling, you are most definitely not alone.

Here is an open letter to therapists with mental health issues.

If that sounds like you, then you're going to LOVE this!

Because I'm going to share a quick social media post that will help you to connect with followers. 

So take a look at this simple to produce and effective introduction post that you can use today.

Links to follow

FREE download: 37 social media 'hooks' to stop the scroll

The Grow Your Private Practice membership

Did that attract your attention? Well, that’s because I started this podcast with a hook - something to attract your attention and encourage you to read on. 

Because social media is a brilliant - and free -  way to attract clients, but people need to SEE what you write in order for it to make an impact and grow your practice. 

And here’s the thing: It’s a busy world out there. People are busy. And people are lazy too. 

So if your want people to read what you’ve written on social media - or video, or blogs or anything for that matter then you have to get their attention, and you have to get it quickly. 

You have to ‘stop the scroll’

So take a listen, and see for yourself how easy it can be.

FREE Guide

And if you want to get started today, you can grab my FREE download '37 social media 'hooks' to stop the scroll'.

Frustrating, right?

But the internet is a very busy place, and people on the internet are a bit - well, lazy! It’s not enough to just write a blog - it needs to entice readers in and spark curiosity.

If it isn't attractive and easy to read, people will click away.

So if you want your blog to get more readers, take a listen as I share 8 fool-proof formatting tips to get more people to read your blog post.

And if you want to learn how to blog, or up your blogging game, join us in the Grow Your Private Practice membership.

Unlike the fear of failure, which is clear and obvious, the fear of success is confusing. I mean, you WANT to be successful, right?

But the fear of success is sneaky, and without you even being aware it's there, it causes you to self-sabotage and put a spoke in the wheel of your success and hold you back. 

How frustrating is that?

So today I'll be demystifying the fear of success, and sharing 7 ways to stop getting in your own way.

Links To Follow

The Grow Your Private Practice membership

FREE guide: Your Clients Journey Into Therapy

Episode 112 Why Your Mindset is Vital if you Want a Successful Practice

So make this process as easy and welcoming for people as possible.

Here are 6 ways to improve your message and hang on to that client.

Links to follow:

Ep 78 ‘Why smooth onboarding helps the therapy process, with Kim Simmons'

Minds crisis page

Grow Your Private Practice

The Grow Your Private Practice book

No, me neither. 

So if you are feeling unmotivated and lethargic, check out this short Highlights Reel series sharing the most popular podcasts I've produced about self-care.

In this, the last of the series I share 10 simple ways to get motivated to your private practice - because let's face it, we all need a little help sometimes.

And if you need some extra help, come and join us in the Grow Your Private Practice membership and let's make a real difference

But boy, it’s hard work. Listening to what clients are saying, watching for what they aren't saying, noticing body language and silences, and bearing witness to pain and cruelty they have experienced.

It’s hard work at the best of times, but we’ve just been through a devastating few years. As a therapist, you are there for your clients and holding space for them, AND dealing with everything that’s happening in your own life.

So yes, there has been a relentless amount of change and stress we’re all experiencing.

This episode is a must listen, because I have a guest expert that is not only a therapist and author, he gives talks about compassion fatigue and burnout.

Howard Baumgarten is a Therapist with his own practice in Lakewood, Colorado and who has vast experience of helping counsellors both grow their practice and take better care of themselves.

He’s an author - he wrote Private Practice Essentials

A podcaster - check out Psych Biz where he produces shows with friend of the show Sarah Gershone.

And he’s a public speaker and wellness trainer too covering topics such as Compassion Fatigue, Burnout Prevention, Resilience, Stress Management, and Conflict Resolution.

So he wears a lot of different hats.

In this podcast he talks about:

• The addictive nature of doing more
• Moving into the process of self-care
• The difference between burnout and compassion fatigue

He says ‘Untreated compassion fatigue will almost certainly lead to burnout. And prolonged burnout can lead to depression'.

This is serious stuff.

Take a listen, and look after yourself.

About Howard Baumgarten

Howard Baumgarten is a Licensed Professional Counselor, author, consultant, speaker, wellness and small business-training expert, and owner of a mental health private practice in Lakewood, Colorado.

He is the founder of Smart Practice Central, a healthcare business-building platform that values intelligent, ethical, and clinically minded practice development, and provides clinical practice business consultation and training to private practices and healthcare agencies.

Howard has lectured throughout the US on the integration of mental health, wellness and business, focusing on practice development, working within managed care systems, the impacts of the Affordable Care Act on mental health care, and work/life balance.

He is the author of Private Practice Essentials published in 2017.

In 2003, he developed and implemented the first practice building business curriculum in a graduate level-counselling program in the country at the University of Colorado, where he taught this curriculum for twelve years.

Howard routinely consults and trains businesses and organizations across a variety of industries in work/life wellness, including managing stress, building resilience, creating balance, burnout prevention, teamwork, conflict resolution and other topics.

He has been quoted for his work with physicians and healthcare professionals around burnout prevention in Medical Economics Journal.

He is the former Director of Network Relations for Westside Behavioral Care, Inc., a clinical group practice he helped build into one of Colorado’s largest outpatient behavioral health practices.

Howard’s work has led him toward a passion for researching and understanding compassion and human resilience, thus creating his practice model of “Integrative Resilience Theory,” an approach to change and growth in which cultivating compassion is a key component.

When not counselling, lecturing, teaching, researching, writing, presenting or consulting, you can find Howard hiking on a mountain top, skiing downhill, running on a trail, travelling, and spending time with his friends and family.

Listen to his podcast Psych Biz where he produces shows with friend of the show Sarah Gershone.

Connect with Howard on LinkedIn HERE

And let’s not mince words, because as much as you love your job, this can be a heavy weight to bear. 

There has been a relentless amount of change and stress we’re all experiencing. So I wanted to share some resources to help you. 

So I’m sharing 4 of the most popular self-care podcasts I’ve published. 

Last week in episode 117, I shared how to stay productive, even on low energy days - so if you are anything like me and have high energy days and get loads done, and also low energy days where it feels like you’re walking through treacle, take a listen. It is also available in blog form if you prefer reading, so just go to janetravis. co.uk/117

This week, I’m re-sharing a hugely popular podcast with guest Charlie Hyde.

We discuss how burnout is something that can creep up on you, so it's important to know what some of the signs are so you can protect yourself.

And we share our own experiences of burnout along with some practical tips and ideas to protect ourselves.

We discuss choices, how to recognise our needs and give ourselves permission to do whatever it is that’s needed, without guilt. 

So if you feel exhausted, take a listen 

About Charlie Hyde

Charlie is a Consultant recovering from Burnout; her YouTube channel and blog, Today Years Old is the phoenix from the ashes of Burnout. On these, she talks about how you can overcome Burnout, how to get back onto the career bandwagon after Burnout and how you can spot the signs to avoid it in the future. 

She’s always open to chat and you can reach her through LinkedIn.

Connect with Charlie

Today Years Old

My interview with Charlie on stress awareness day

LinkedIn

The cost of living crisis and eye-watering energy price increases have impacted all but a minority.

Politically - well, where do I even start!

National and international politics have been (and still are) - let’s say ‘unsettled’. In the UK, we’ve been rocked by Scandals in government that lead to a change of leader and 2 days after she takes the job, the queen dies.

I liked the queen, but no matter what your views are on the monarchy, this represents a big change when, to be honest, I suspect many of us are just wanting to just relax into something comforting and familiar. 

So many things have happened, so many significant changes. And you will have your own story too, as we all do. 

Highlights Reel

So I’ve put together 4 of the most popular podcasts I’ve produced to do with self-care to help you at this time. A couple from me and a couple from guests, so there should be something that will be interesting for you.

And in this first one, I share with you a podcast that’s practical, sharing how to stay productive, even on low-energy days. 

So if you have days when everything just feels too much like hard work, take a listen. It could revolutionise the way you work. 

Here's how to stay productive, even on low-energy days

Links to follow:

Naomi Dunfords original blog How to stay amazingly productive even on low energy days

Episode 12, Your business, your rules

Grow Your Private Practice Membership

Sounds good. But how do you know what that is? What blogs can you produce to attract clients?

Though actually, it’s more than that. The question really is ‘How can you attract the right clients for you?’.

Because you don’t want just any client. Can you imagine if all the clients you attracted had an issue that you just didn’t like working with?

No, you want to enjoy the work you do, feel fulfilled, work with issues you feel passionately about and use the modalities you love. You want clients that are a good fit for you because that means your clients are more likely to really engage with the process and ultimately get the transformation they want in order to move on with their lives. It’s a win/win situation

And the way to do that is through the content you produce.

In this episode, I have 2 of the best blogging experts around - Martin Huntbach and Lyndsay Cambridge, co-authors of Content Fortress.

The tagline on the book is ‘A simple content strategy to help you attract customers you’ll love to work with’.

And I have to say, I have enjoyed blogging for years, but I picked up some real gems from this call. So if you already write or are thinking about starting, this episode is for you.

We talk about

• What to focus on when you’re just getting started blogging,
• What content won’t work well for therapists,
• How blogging regularly will boost your practice
• And how it will elevate you in a crowded market

Who are Martin and Lyndsay?

They are authors of the best-selling book Content Fortress and directors of Jammy Digital - an award-winning agency that helps entrepreneurs get more sales from their websites.

While running their web design agency, Martin and Lyndsay discovered how to use content to get more leads and sales. But having experienced just how difficult it is to balance running a business and family life, Martin and Lyndsay learnt how to use content to attract higher-paying, better clients who were eager to work with them.

They now dedicate their time to helping other business owners do the same.

Episodes about bogging:

Episode 75: How to brainstorm ideas for blogs and social mediq

Episode 73: Letting go of perfectionism when blogging

Episode 69: 9 Tips to get more readers on your blogs

Episode 17: 10 reasons why blogging will attract more counselling clients

But:

• Why have I made this decision?
• Why is it controversial?
• And what should you consider about your fees?

In this episode, I explore whether you should increase, reduce or freeze your prices during the financial crisis.

And I share why I decided to freeze the membership fee.

So if you're unsure what your pricing policy should be at this time, take a listen.

Links To Follow:

Join the membership growyourprivatepractice.co.uk

Ep 114: Help! I don't have time to do my marketing

Ep 70: 'Therapist burnout and how to spot it and take action’ with Charlie Hyde

Ep 58: Compassion fatigue and burnout: what therapists need to know' with Howard Baumgarten

Ep 32: 5 easy ways to give back to charity (without reducing your fees or working for free)' with Sophia Giblin