Have you ever looked at your social media and felt disappointed because it seems that you're mainly followed by therapists?

In this month's social media episode, I'm exploring the question of why clients don't always follow us, even when we're sharing thoughtful, reflective content. Is it really the problem we think it is, and what can we do about it?

We look at how fear of visibility, professional language, and wanting to get things “right” can influence how you post and the impact that has on making connections with clients. I also explore what clients are actually looking for when they follow therapists on social media, and why warmth and feeling understood matter far more than sounding impressive or knowledgeable.

This episode lays the groundwork for the next couple of monthly social media episodes, where I’ll continue to unpack this topic and look more closely at what helps clients feel safe enough to follow you, and how trust builds over time.

• Why therapists in private practice often attract other therapists on social media
• Why this is a completely normal stage
• How fear of visibility and judgement affects what we share
• The difference between therapist-facing and client-facing content
• Why clients follow therapists who help them feel understood
• Why there’s nothing “wrong” with your content - it just may not be shaped for clients yet

I also share four simple, client-focused themes you can use in February to help your social media speak more directly to the general public:

• Talking about feelings and reaching out for support (Time to Talk Day, Children’s Mental Health Week)
• Love, loneliness, and the ways we connect (Valentine’s Day, Singles Awareness Day, Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week)
• Identity, inclusion, and feeling safe (LGBTQ+ History Month, Stand Up to Bullying Day)
• Nourishing your wellbeing (Boost Your Self-Esteem Month, Eating Disorders Awareness Week)

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

January can bring a lot of pressure for counsellors and therapists, with worries about enquiries, a sense of falling behind, and rising self-criticism. This can feel even more intense for neurodivergent counsellors and those who are highly sensitive to pressure.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Eve Menezes Cunningham to explore a kinder way of moving through January, especially for counsellors in private practice.

Eve draws on therapy, yoga therapy, coaching and writing to offer a deeply compassionate, embodied approach to wellbeing. We talk about self-compassion, nervous system care, and how understanding ourselves, including neurodivergence and survival responses, can reduce shame and self-criticism.

Eve shares her accessible, cat-based way of explaining polyvagal theory (purr, hiss, hide), helping counsellors notice what state they’re in and respond with kindness rather than judgement.

We also explore why boundaries can feel so uncomfortable to set, particularly for people who learned early on to please others in order to feel safe, and why holding yourself with compassion after setting a boundary is just as important as the boundary itself.

We finish with Eve’s gentle invitation for January: to treat yourself as you would a beloved, precious creature, with curiosity, patience and care, rather than seeing yourself as a problem to fix.

1. Why January often feels hard for counsellors and therapists
2. Pressure, anxiety and self-criticism in private practice
3. Self-compassion and being kinder to yourself
4. Neurodivergence and nervous system awareness
5. Polyvagal theory explained through cats (purr, hiss, hide)
6. Why boundaries feel difficult and how to support yourself
7. A gentle, realistic approach to January without pressure

Eve Menezes Cunningham is a therapist, supervisor, podcast host and former Editor-in-Chief of the Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She has a monthly column in Platinum and her book 365 Ways to Feel Better is widely available. You can find Eve and her resources at https://selfcarecoaching.net.

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for...

Accreditation is something many counsellors quietly wonder about, often alongside self-doubt, comparison, and pressure about where they think they should be in their career.

With changes linked to the SCoPEd framework and the end of the transition period approaching, more counsellors are asking whether accreditation is worth the time, effort, and emotional energy it requires.

In this episode, I take an honest and grounded look at accreditation. I talk about what accreditation actually means, why some counsellors choose to go for it, what the process involves, and how to decide whether it’s the right step for you. I also explore why choosing not to become accredited can be just as valid.

This episode is for counsellors who want clarity rather than pressure, and reassurance rather than rules.

• What professional accreditation really means for counsellors
• The difference between being qualified and being accredited
• Why accreditation is being talked about more right now
• Reasons some counsellors choose to become accredited
• Accreditation as a personal and professional milestone
• What the accreditation process typically involves
• Common fears, including academic writing worries and imposter syndrome
• How to decide whether accreditation is right for you
• Why choosing not to become accredited is a valid option

If you'd like to join the BACP & NCPS Accreditation Support with Good Enough Counsellors Facebook group, you can do so HERE

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

For the final episode of the year, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of talking about marketing, confidence, or growing your private practice, I’m giving you a break - and introducing you to some of the wonderful podcasters I met at the Podcast Awards this autumn.

If you’re heading out for a winter walk, hiding in the kitchen while basting the turkey, or simply wanting something fresh to listen to over the holidays, this episode brings you a handful of surprising, creative and thought-provoking podcasts to explore.

These conversations touch on inclusivity, identity, nostalgia, storytelling and creativity - all themes that matter to us as therapists. And a few of them might simply entertain you, which is just as welcome at this time of year.

In this Christmas Special, you’ll hear short interviews with creators of podcasts including:

• Pause and Rewind - powerful origin stories from changemakers working towards a more inclusive world
• Rainbow Mums and Dads - life stories from people coming out later in life while navigating family, identity and change
• Mag Hags - a funny and fascinating dive into women’s magazines from the 70s, 80s and 90s
• Past Master - a creative, AI-guided, choose-your-own-adventure history game
• Spooky Storytime - bedtime ghost stories for adults (yes, really!)
• Sonic Field - a richly told journey through the history and culture of British music festivals

It’s a celebration of stories, voices and perspectives we often don’t get to hear - and a lovely way to end Series 3 of Good Enough Counsellors.

As mentioned in the episode, you can download your free Twixmas Treats email mini-course: five tiny tasks to help you grow your private practice. You can use it between Christmas and New Year - or save it for January if that feels kinder. Download it HERE

Thank you so much for tuning in throughout 2025. Your messages, reviews and kind words mean more than you know. I’ll be back in the New Year with more conversations, guidance and encouragement to help you build a thriving, sustainable private practice.

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords: humanity, storytelling, counseling, LGBTQ+, feminism, music festivals, podcasting, empathy, inclusivity, personal narratives

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as

Many therapists feel uncomfortable with marketing because it can seem like “selling yourself.” In this episode, I share how to reframe your marketing mindset and explore how to move away from the fear that your visibility is narcissistic.

I'll help you gain a clearer sense of purpose in your private practice with some reflective prompts. And you’ll hear how reconnecting with what truly matters to you makes it easier to show up online, write content, and talk about your work without feeling pushy or self-focused.

To round off the episode, you’ll get some January content ideas based on common themes clients are thinking about at the start of the year, including New Year reflections, self-love, relationships, and supporting parents.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why marketing often feels uncomfortable for therapists

• How to shift from “selling” to “helping”

• Three reflective prompts to guide your message

• How your purpose can shape your January content

To sign up for my Christmas gift of short, client-gaining strategies, click HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

Keywords

private practice, mindset shift, core purpose, social media, therapy, client connection, values, marketing, January content, self-reflection

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

In this episode, Josephine talks with website designer and SEO specialist John Garewal about how clients actually find a therapist online. John shares what he discovered when he searched for a therapist himself, why websites still matter, and simple steps therapists can take to make their site easier to find - without getting technical.

When was the last time you tried to find a therapist?

If you’ve done it recently for a friend, a family member, or even out of curiosity, you’ll know how confusing it can feel - so many names, so little guidance about who to choose.

In this conversation, I'm joined by John Garewal, website designer and founder of Verum Design. John specialises in building therapist websites that don’t just look polished… they actually get found.

John shares:

• What happened when he tried to find a therapist himself (and why it took months)
• Why a well-designed website can make contacting you feel emotionally safer for clients
• Whether every therapist really needs a website
• What SEO actually means — explained without jargon
• What Google looks for when someone searches “anxiety therapist in Portsmouth”
• Why Google Business Profile matters more than most therapists realise
• Small changes that make a big difference to getting found locally
• The biggest website mistakes therapists make (especially on mobile)
• How to make your website easier to read, easier to use, and easier to act on
• Why Schema, load speed and structure matter — in simple terms
• How to help clients feel confident enough to make contact
• The three small steps John recommends to boost visibility this month

If you'd like to go deeper into SEO and therapist websites, John has shared a detailed training session inside Therapy Growth Group, including live examples, practical steps and Q&A.

To contact John, please visit Verum Design

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

Keywords:

therapy, website design, SEO, mental health, online presence, client engagement, digital marketing, therapist marketing

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

More and more people are turning to AI tools like ChatGPT or asking their phones for answers instead of typing into Google. And clients are no different. Some are already saying things like, “I found you via ChatGPT.”

So what does this mean for therapists who rely on directories, Google My Business or their websites to be found?

In this episode, I look at how AI is changing the way people search - and what you can do to stay visible as things evolve.

We explore:

• why clients may not be clicking into directories as often
• how AI pulls answers from websites, blogs and social media
• what “Answer Engine Optimisation” (AEO) actually means
• simple steps therapists can take to make their content more findable
• quick wins for your website, from image compression to structure
• why blogging and fresh content help both SEO and AI discoverability
• how small actions now can keep you visible even as search keeps shifting

And if you’d like help creating content that works for both clients and search engines, I’ve got support for you inside Therapy Growth Group. There’s training on blogging, ideas to help you get started, and regular guidance to help you build a practice that people can actually find. At the time of recording, the Black Friday offer is still available.

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords:

content creation, frequently asked questions, conversational search, AI interaction, natural language processing, therapy directories

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

Therapy is meant to be a place of healing - but what happens when it causes harm instead?

In this powerful episode, I’m joined by therapist, supervisor and trainer Erin Stevens, who specialises in working with people who have experienced harm in previous therapy. Together we explore how harm in therapy can happen - even when we have good intentions - and what we can do as therapists to reduce the risk, respond to rupture, and create safer therapeutic spaces.

We talk about the role of power and boundaries, why cultural misattunement often goes unacknowledged, and how shame can block honest reflection in supervision. Erin also shares their own story of being harmed in therapy and what helped them come back to the profession with compassion and clarity.

Whether you’ve ever worried you might be getting it wrong - or just want to understand this issue more deeply - this conversation is for you.

Takeaways:

• What “harm in therapy” really means - and why it’s so often missed
• How boundary confusion and power imbalances can erode trust
• The emotional labour of marginalised clients
• Why naming harm doesn’t make you a bad therapist
• How to use supervision as a place of growth, not shame
• Practical steps for making your practice safer and more accountable

Erin Stevens (she/they) is a therapist, supervisor, writer and trainer based in West Yorkshire. Erin specialises in working with people who have been harmed in previous therapy and is passionate about raising awareness of the increased risk of harm for clients with marginalised identities. They offer therapy, consultation and training and you can visit their website HERE

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords:

therapy, harm, mental health, boundaries, cultural misattunement, supervision, client experience, therapist experience, power dynamics, prevention

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.