Explore every episode of the podcast Good Enough Counsellors
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethical Framework 2026: A conversation with the BACP | 29 oct. 2026 | 00:54:46 | |
Has the new BACP Ethical Framework 2026 left you wondering what you’re supposed to do? In this episode, I’m joined by Nicola Blunden, BACP’s Deputy Head of Professional Standards, and Marita Morahan, who led the review of the Ethical Framework, to explore what it means for our everyday practice. We talk about why there isn’t always one answer that fits everyone, and how the framework’s decision-making questions can help us work out what is appropriate for our clients and our circumstances. We also discuss:
I found the conversation helpful in understanding how to use the framework, and I hope it helps you feel more confident about approaching it too. The Ethical Framework 2026 takes effect on 3 November 2026. This conversation explores general principles and considerations rather than providing advice for individual ethical situations. 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 BACP Ethical Framework 2026, BACP ethics, counselling ethics, ethical decision-making, clinical wills for counsellors, counselling record keeping, client notes after death, confidentiality, collaborative working, anti-oppressive practice, counselling supervision, therapist competence, social media boundaries, AI in counselling, counsellors in private practice, Nicola Blunden, Marita Morahan, Good Enough Counsellors 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. | |||
| Facebook and the New BACP Ethical Framework | 21 oct. 2026 | 00:26:44 | |
The new BACP Ethical Framework 2026 contains requirements regarding clear separation between personal and professional social media. But how practical is this for Facebook when many groups bar Facebook pages from participating? Additionally, how freely can a therapist speak in their personal capacity when much is publicly available online? These questions, together with how to protect client confidentiality on social media, are explored in today's podcast. The episode also includes post ideas for November 2026. In this episode:
This week's Good Enough Counsellors: Backstage bonus episode describes an alternative approach to using Facebook which utilises a personal account while limiting the personal information visible to the public. For practical guidance on putting these boundaries in place, please access the podcast via the Good Enough Counsellors patreon feed, which you can subscribe to here: https://patreon.com/goodenoughcounsellors (please note, use a web browser to access the standard fees, if you use the Apple Patreon app, you will be charged more) November 2026 Social Media Post Ideas for Counsellors: Throughout November: Men’s Health Awareness Month / Movember. 2–8 November: Pressures of life, linked to Talk Money Week (from 2 November) and Stress Awareness Day (5 November). 9–15 November: Kindness and remembrance, linked to Remembrance Sunday (8 November) and World Kindness Day (13 November). 16–22 November: Feeling safe to be yourself, linked to Anti-Bullying Week and Disability History Month (from 16 November), International Men’s Day (19 November) and Transgender Day of Remembrance (20 November). 23–30 November: Spending pressures and boundaries, linked to Black Friday (27 November) and Personal Space Day (30 November). 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: BACP Ethical Framework 2026, counsellors on Facebook, social media ethics, counselling boundaries, client confidentiality, ethical marketing for therapists, personal and professional boundaries, counselling private practice, Good Enough Counsellors 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. | |||
| Why Are Private Practice Therapists Vulnerable to Burnout? - with Dr Claire Plumbly | 14 oct. 2026 | 00:36:08 | |
Why are private practice therapists vulnerable to burnout, what are the signs they need to look out for - and how can they avoid it happening? In this interview, clinical psychologist and author, Dr Claire Plumbly, defines burnout and describes the warning signs that may appear in the therapeutic relationship. We discuss the factors that make therapists particularly vulnerable to burnout and what not to say to help them. Takeaways:
Dr Claire Plumbly is a clinical psychologist in private practice and the author of Burnout: How to Manage Your Nervous System Before It Manages You. You can download Claire's free burnout formulation tool here: https://burnout-blueprint.subscribepage.io/(normally retails at £6) For Claire's website including details of her book, speaking and burnout resources go to https://drclaireplumbly.com or for her therapy practice: https://plum-psychology.co.uk To access Good Enough Counsellors: Backstage and Claire's description of the 5 P's model for preventing burnout in therapy practice, please go to: https://patreon.com/goodenoughcounsellors 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: therapist burnout, burnout in private practice, counsellor burnout, preventing therapist burnout, signs of burnout, Dr Claire Plumbly, Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes, therapist wellbeing, counsellor wellbeing, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, therapist self-care, setting boundaries in private practice, perfectionism in therapists, therapist imposter syndrome, financial anxiety in private practice, sustainable private practice, running a counselling practice, private practice therapists, mental health professionals, nervous system and burnout, work life balance for therapists, therapist exhaustion 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. | |||
| Why is it so hard to ask for help? | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:30:08 | |
Why is it so hard to ask for help when we're quite happy to offer it? In this rather vulnerable episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I'm sharing something I've been thinking about for a long time and have finally plucked up the courage to do. It has been difficult to get to this point as it's brought up all sorts of feelings for me. These include whether I should be able to manage by myself, being willing to receive and to admit I need help. But what if people want to help and how, by valuing independence, am I denying people the gift of support? I'm also sharing a taster of something new I've been creating - a behind the scenes podcast. In it I take you behind the scenes of exhibiting at the BACP Private Practice Conference. I share something that can hold me back. "Perfectionism Paralysis" and how I get over it. What if you don't need to feel completely ready before you do the thing that scares you? In this episode:
Find out more about my Patreon 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: therapist self-doubt, therapist imposter syndrome, perfectionism, private practice confidence, therapist confidence, counsellor confidence, starting before you feel ready, good enough counsellors, therapist private practice, BACP Private Practice Conference, Patreon for therapists 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. | |||
| Can You Afford Your Private Practice? With Claire Ratcliffe | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:27:35 | |
Have you ever sat down and worked out how much your private practice is costing you? Sometimes it's more than you realise and this can have an impact on whether it's a business that actually supports you. Your session fees need to not only cover day to day costs such as supervision, but also allow for holidays, sickness and retirement. In this second episode with psychotherapist and supervisor, Claire Ratcliffe, we discuss how to build a sustainable practice including how to attract clients. In this episode:
The main message Claire would like you to take away is not "Charge what you're worth" but to remember your worth isn't determined by what you charge. It doesn't change if you charge £50 or £500. Instead, base your fees on what your practice, your health and your wellbeing need so that you can continue to keep doing the work. And if Claire’s comments about letting people know who you are and what you have to offer have got you thinking about your own practice, this is exactly what we’ll be working on next in Therapy Growth Group. From the week beginning 12th October, we’ll be spending four weeks looking at your niche: who you most want to help, what makes you unique and how you can communicate that so the right clients can find you. If you’d like some support to work through this alongside other therapists, you can find out more about Therapy Growth Group HERE If you'd like to find out more about Claire and her new supervision group aimed at relationship therapists, please visit her 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: private practice counselling, therapist private practice, sustainable private practice, counselling fees, therapist fees, how much should therapists charge, setting counselling fees, raising counselling fees, money mindset for therapists, cost of private practice, private practice expenses, therapist burnout, attracting therapy clients, how to get counselling clients, marketing for therapists, therapist visibility, social media for therapists, TikTok for therapists, counselling marketing, building a therapy practice, growing a private practice, private practice income, counsellor private practice UK, psychotherapist private practice, Claire Ratcliffe, Josephine Hughes, Good Enough Counsellors 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. | |||
| How to Feel More Confident Working with Couples - with Claire Ratcliffe | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:36:50 | |
Working with couples can feel very different from working with individual clients. There are two people in the room, two different perspectives and the added challenge of managing what happens between them. In this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I talk to integrative psychotherapist, couples therapist and clinical supervisor Claire Ratcliffe about how therapists can feel more confident working with couples. Claire shares that she didn't always enjoy couples work. Despite completing couples therapy training, she initially felt out of her depth and eventually removed couples counselling from her profile altogether. It was only when she found an approach that suited her, alongside specialist training and supervision, that her experience began to change. Today, couples work is something she loves. We talk about what makes couples counselling so rewarding, as well as some of the challenges therapists can face when working with more than one client in the room and how to handle them. Towards the end of our conversation, we return to something that made a huge difference to both Claire's experience and my own reflections on working with couples: supervision. Claire explains why specialist couples supervision matters and how learning alongside other therapists can help you develop your skills and feel less alone when the work feels challenging. Claire is also developing a group supervision membership for couples and relationship therapists, with opportunities to learn through case discussion and shared experience. You can find out more about Claire and her supervision offer through the links below. In this episode, we discuss:
If you've ever received an enquiry from a couple and wondered whether you're really equipped to help them, I hope this conversation reassures you that feeling out of your depth doesn't necessarily mean couples work isn't for you. Sometimes it means you need more training, more support and the opportunity to learn alongside people who understand the particular challenges of the work. About Claire Ratcliffe Claire Ratcliffe is an integrative psychotherapist, couples therapist and clinical supervisor. She works extensively with relationships, trauma and psychosexual issues and is passionate about helping other therapists develop their confidence in couples work. Claire also hosts the Healing Relationships: With Ourselves, Others & The World podcast and shares relationship education on TikTok. You can find out more about Claire and her supervision on her website, HERE Therapy Growth Group If this episode has got you thinking about the support you'd like with your own private practice, you can also find details of Therapy Growth Group below. From the week beginning 12 October, we'll be spending four weeks exploring your niche: who you most want to help, how you uniquely help them, why clients might choose you and how you can communicate that clearly to prospective clients. Therapy Growth Group includes regular live calls where you can ask questions, get feedback and connect with other therapists building their private practices. Find out more on Josephine's website, https://josephinehughes.com 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: couples counselling, couples therapy, working with couples, couples counsellor, relationship therapy, relationship counselling, therapist confidence, couples therapy training, couples therapy supervision, relationship therapist, clinical supervision, counselling supervision, private practice therapist, couples therapy skills, trauma and relationships, childhood trauma and relationships, psychosexual therapy, sex and relationships, relationship conflict, working with relationship issues, counsellor private practice, psychotherapist private practice, Good Enough Counsellors, Claire Ratcliffe, Josephine Hughes 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. | |||
| How Social Media Works Even When No One's Reading | 16 sept. 2026 | 00:26:15 | |
It can be easy to wonder if there is any point posting on social media if hardly anyone likes it or no one comments. But what if your social media is doing more work than you realise? In this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I share how having a presence on social media can help potential clients find you - even if they never actually read your posts. I share my own experience of learning just how much Meta AI knew about me from my online presence: and why this is welcome from a marketing viewpoint. We're no longer only writing for humans because AI is increasingly using information from across the internet to understand who we are, what we do and who we're able to help. You'll learn some simple ways to make it easier for AI to recommend you to clients and as this is my monthly social media episode, I also give you ideas for October. In this episode:
Links & Resources mentioned in this episode: I'm running an Onlinevents workshop, Private Practice: Who Do You Most Want to Help?, on 26 September, exploring niching and becoming clearer about the people you most want to work with. You can book more HERE I'm also working on a new resource about how therapists can improve their digital presence so they're more likely to be found and recommended through AI search. Click HERE if you'd like to hear more when it's ready. Nicola Blunden's episode Trusting What Clients Know appeared in September 2025 and explores epistemic justice. And coming up on the podcast next week, Claire Ratcliffe joins me to talk about couples counselling, followed by a second episode looking at fees and creating a financially sustainable private practice. October Social Media Ideas This year's World Mental Health Day theme of listening to lived experience gives us a starting point for thinking about what we've learnt from the people we work with and whose voices we might want to amplify. I also look at some of October's awareness dates around neurodivergence, menopause, Black History Month and LGBTQ+ experiences. There are ideas around change and transition as autumn arrives, failure and perfectionism, and some lighter opportunities for posts that simply help people get to know you. October dates listed in this episode:
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: social media for therapists, therapist marketing, counselling private practice, getting counselling clients, AI search for therapists, social media marketing, therapist visibility, private practice marketing, social media content ideas, October social media ideas 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. | |||
| Working with Eating Disorders When You're Not a Specialist - with Kel O'Neill | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:54:12 | |
What happens when you realise a client has an eating disorder, but you're not an eating disorder specialist? As therapists, we're taught not to work beyond our competence. But specialist eating disorder services are stretched, waiting lists can be long and sometimes there isn't anywhere else for a client to go. So does referring on always have to be the answer? In this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I'm joined by counsellor, trainer and researcher Kel O'Neill to talk about why eating disorders aren't only an issue for specialist therapists. Kel explains why eating disorders can be easy to miss, particularly when they aren't the reason someone originally comes to therapy. We talk about the influence of diet culture and weight loss medications, and why someone's weight doesn't necessarily tell us how unwell they are. We also explore the difficult question of competence. How do you know whether you have enough knowledge to help? What role do supervision, training and multidisciplinary working play? And how can therapists think about risk without becoming so frightened of getting something wrong that they feel unable to help at all? Kel also talks very movingly about her own lived experience and why a counsellor being willing to work with her made such an important difference to her life. We discuss:
About Kel O'Neill Kel O'Neill is a counsellor, trainer and researcher specialising in eating disorders. Alongside her private practice, she provides training and supervision for therapists and is the founder of VOXED, Voices of Experience in Eating Disorders, which brings together lived experience, clinical practice and different perspectives on eating disorder work. Find out more about Kel via her website HERE and connect with her on Instagram HERE Private Practice: Who Do You Most Want to Help?One of the things therapists often worry about is feeling they need to know everything about every possible client presentation. Becoming clearer about the people you most want to help gives you the opportunity to develop your confidence and expertise in the areas that particularly interest you. On Saturday 26 September, I'm running a live Onlinevents workshop, Private Practice: Who Do You Most Want to Help? We'll be exploring how to identify your niche and become clearer about the work you most want to do. The workshop is pay what you can, and you can book directly through Onlinevents 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: eating disorders, eating disorders counselling, eating disorder therapy, therapists and eating disorders, counsellors and eating disorders, working with eating disorders, eating disorder competence, therapist competence, eating disorder risk, eating disorder awareness, eating disorder training, private practice counselling, diet culture, body image, weight loss medications, GLP-1, therapist supervision, Good Enough Counsellors, Kel O'Neill 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. | |||
| Are Your Assumptions Stopping You from Attracting Clients? | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:11:23 | |
Have you ever decided not to tell someone about your private practice because you've assumed they won't be interested? Or perhaps hesitated because you think people won't be able to afford your fees? As therapists we can often tell ourselves that people won't want to hear about our practice and will think we're being pushy or we're too expensive. But are those assumptions really about other people - or about protecting us from anticipated rejection and disappointment? If we never tell people how we can help, we're taking away their opportunity to decide for themselves. In this short episode, we explore:
Ready to take the next step? If you'd like some practical support to become more visible and attract more of the clients you most want to help, I'd love to welcome you into Therapy Growth Group. Our 12 Action Steps programme is beginning again soon, guiding you through three months of manageable, practical actions to help you grow your private practice with confidence and without becoming someone you're not. You'll find all the details 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: therapist marketing, private practice, attracting therapy clients, counselling private practice, therapist confidence, therapy business, private practice marketing, counsellor marketing, therapist visibility, therapy clients 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. | |||
| How Clients Find, Choose and Book a Therapist | 26 août 2026 | 00:36:23 | |
Attracting therapy clients isn't just about having a great profile. Before someone books with you, they go through a series of decisions, and understanding that journey can completely change how you try to attract clients. In this episode, I'm joined by website and marketing specialist Kat Love to explore the three stages every prospective client goes through:
Together, we explore why so many therapists spend time polishing the later stages while avoiding the visibility work that helps people discover them in the first place. We also discuss how to make your website and profile work harder, reduce barriers to getting in touch, and use language that speaks to clients rather than other therapists. This episode was originally released as From Being Found to Being Booked, and I've chosen to share it again because this discussion is such an important foundation for finding clients . In this episode we discuss:
Resources mentioned
If you'd like practical support with your therapist profile, identifying your strengths, improving your marketing and attracting more of the clients you most want to help, you'll find details of Therapy Growth Group HERE Listen now: if you'd like to understand how clients move from discovering you to choosing you and finally booking that first appointment, this episode will give you a practical framework you can start using straight away. 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: how clients choose a therapist, therapy marketing, marketing for therapists, therapist profile, therapist website, therapist visibility, attract therapy clients, therapy enquiries, therapist profile writing, private practice marketing, counselling private practice, therapist website copy, Good Enough Counsellors 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. | |||
| When Kindness Comes At Your Own Expense | 19 août 2026 | 00:14:52 | |
Have you ever caught yourself saying, "I'm probably just overthinking it"? That's exactly what I said in a recent supervision session. My supervisor responded with a simple question: "Are you overthinking - or are you diminishing your feelings?" That question stayed with me. As therapists, we're often deeply compassionate people. We want to be kind, fair and understanding. But sometimes our kindness towards other people comes at the expense of ourselves. In this episode, I reflect on how easy it is to ignore our own needs because we're worried about disappointing someone else. Whether it's charging a cancellation fee, ending a session on time, saying no to a new client or making a difficult professional decision, our fear of disapproval can sometimes become louder than our own values. I also explore why consistency matters, how resentment can grow when we don't honour our own boundaries, and why listening to ourselves is an important part of ethical, sustainable practice. In this episode, we explore:
If you've ever struggled with saying no, worried about getting things wrong or found yourself putting everyone else's needs before your own, I hope this episode reminds you that your wellbeing matters too. If you'd like support from a community of therapists who understand these challenges, Therapy Growth Group offers weekly live calls, practical marketing support and a welcoming place to think things through with others in 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: therapists, counsellors, psychotherapy, private practice, therapist boundaries, people pleasing, self care, burnout prevention, compassion fatigue, professional boundaries, supervision, therapist wellbeing, values, cancellation policy, counselling podcast 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. | |||
| Social Media isn't About Posting. It's About Helping | 12 août 2026 | 00:20:12 | |
As a therapist, have you ever sat down to write a social media post and wondered what on earth to say? Or even, not started a social media page because you don't know what to do? It's easy to get caught up in the mechanics of posting, in the same way as when we're training we get caught up in the mechanics of counselling techniques. However, if you stand back from social media for a moment and focus on what people need, you often find it much easier to turn up as yourself. So rather than seeing social media as somewhere you have to perform, you can start to see it as somewhere you can help. If you're a therapist who struggles with the idea of using social media to reach prospective clients, this episode can help. In this episode:
I also include ideas for social media posts for September 2026 with themes around courage, connection, creativity and balance. There's ideas for simple engagement prompts together with more educational content. The following awareness days are mentioned:
If you're interested in finding out more about your niche, please check out my courses on my website, josephinehughes.com and you can find information about longer term support through my Therapy Growth Group 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: social media for therapists, therapist marketing, counselling private practice, private practice marketing, social media for counsellors, counselling marketing, therapist social media, attract therapy clients, how to get therapy clients, marketing for counsellors, therapist private practice, counselling business, therapist branding, social media content ideas, content ideas for therapists, private practice growth, Josephine Hughes, Good Enough Counsellors 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. | |||
| Afraid to Start Private Practice? With Katrina Johnson | 05 août 2026 | 00:48:36 | |
Starting private practice can feel daunting, especially if you're wondering whether you're experienced enough, whether clients will ever find you, or whether you're making the right decision. In this episode, I talk to counsellor Katrina Johnson, who had been a therapist for 20 years before finally taking the leap into private practice. Despite her experience, she admits she was frightened to get started and worried she wasn't good enough. Today, Katrina has a thriving private practice, a waiting list and works as a supervisor. In our conversation, she shares what helped her move beyond fear, how she gradually built her client base, and why taking small, consistent steps made all the difference. Whether you're newly qualified, struggling to find agency work or simply wondering if now is the right time to start your own practice, Katrina's story is full of reassurance and practical encouragement. In this episode we discuss:
Katrina's story encourages us that you don't have to feel confident before you begin to build your private practice. Episode originally appeared in February 2025 You can visit Katrina's website at kjcounselling.co.uk and her Facebook page is KJCounselling And if you're interested in Therapy Growth Group, you can read more about it at josephinehughes.com 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 for counsellors, starting private practice, counsellor private practice, therapist private practice, counselling private practice, how to start private practice, how to get counselling clients, attract therapy clients, therapist marketing, counsellor marketing, therapist social media, counsellor social media, imposter syndrome counsellor, self doubt therapist, fear of private practice, therapist confidence, confidence in private practice, newly qualified counsellor, counselling career, Therapy Growth Group, Josephine Hughes, Katrina Johnson, Good Enough Counsellors, counselling business, UK counsellor The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast. | |||
| Do You Have to Be the Best to be Successful? | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
When you're trying to grow your counselling private practice, it's tempting to think you have to be the best to be successful. But maybe that belief is holding you back. In this episode, I explore an online trend of defining your service by comparing it with others. Is this a true sign of confidence or does it reveal a deeper sense of scarcity and self-doubt? And if you believe that you have to compete and be the best, what impact does this have on your confidence, your marketing and even your nervous system regulation? Perhaps the real key to attracting clients isn't trying to be better than everyone else. It's trusting that who you are is already enough to connect with the people you're most able to help. Takeaways:
Reflection: Do you believe there are enough people out there who will choose you - simply because you're you? Spend a few moments noticing your answer. If it's "I'm not sure", my resources on niching and marketing for therapists, together with Therapy Growth Group, may help you build your private practice in a way that feels authentic. If you're looking for practical marketing advice for therapists, private practic etips and support to attract more counselling clients, you'll find links to all the resources mentioned below. To find out more about my short workshops, click HERE, and for Therapy Growth Group, click HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com Keywords: therapist marketing, marketing for therapists, private practice marketing, counselling private practice, private practice therapist, how to get therapy clients, attract therapy clients, counselling business, therapist confidence, imposter syndrome therapist, therapist mindset, comparison trap, scarcity mindset, confidence in private practice, Therapy Growth Group 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. | |||
| Has AI Changed How Clients Find Therapists? | 22 juil. 2026 | 00:11:03 | |
Many therapists have been telling me that enquiries have slowed down. Some wonder whether it's the cost of living, while others are worried that AI has changed the way clients search for a therapist online. In this episode, I'm joined once again by Daragh MacLoughlin from WebHealer to explore what's really happening. Drawing on insights from thousands of therapy websites, Daragh shares what he's seeing as Google search changes. He explains why some websites are attracting more enquiries than ever, and why simply chasing SEO isn't the answer. Instead, we talk about something much more important: creating a website that is genuinely helpful to the people you most want to work with. If you've been wondering whether AI is making it harder for clients to find you, I hope this conversation will leave you feeling reassured and give you some practical ideas to strengthen your website. Takeaways:
For information on my workshops to help you get clearer on who you most want to help, please visit my website, josephinehughes.com If you're interested in building a website with WebHealer, receive a £50 discount when you use my affiliate link: GEC999. This same code will also give you a free install of Policy Diary, worth £9.99 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 website, therapist website, counselling website, AI and therapy websites, Google search for therapists, therapy website SEO, therapist marketing, private practice marketing, therapy enquiries, how clients find therapists, therapist niche, counsellor website, therapy website visibility, AI search. We are an affiliate of WebHealer and Policy Diary and may be paid commission if you buy through our link. As we are an affiliate and WebHealer and Policy Diary were created by a third party, we shall have no liability whatsoever in any circumstances to you in relation to the WebHealer and Policy Diary (including in relation to any consequential loss of any type whatsoever) other than in relation to matters for which we are not lawfully able to limit or exclude our liability 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. | |||
| Could GDPR Help You Get More Therapy Clients? Why Your Therapy Website Matters | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:37:02 | |
Your therapy website is one of the most important tools for attracting clients to your private practice. In this episode, website specialist Daragh MacLoughlin from WebHealer explains why GDPR, privacy policies and cookie notices aren't just about legal compliance. They can also help build trust with potential clients and, in Daragh's view, may even play a part in how search engines assess your website. Many therapists put GDPR to the bottom of the to do list because it feels complicated, technical and overwhelming. Daragh explains the recent changes in plain English, shares the most common mistakes therapists make, and introduces a simple way to keep your website policies up to date without becoming an expert yourself. Takeaways
Daragh MacLoughlin is Managing Director of WebHealer, one of the UK's best-known website providers for counsellors and psychotherapists. WebHealer has been helping therapists create professional websites that attract clients for more than twenty years. He is also the creator of Policy Diary, a service designed specifically for therapists to help them generate and maintain GDPR-compliant privacy policies, cookie policies and complaints procedures as regulations change. Special offer If you'd like to use Policy Diary or build your website with WebHealer, Daragh has kindly arranged an exclusive discount code for people in my community. Use GEC999 to receive:
We are an affiliate of WebHealer and Policy Diary and may be paid commission if you buy through our link. As we are an affiliate and WebHealer and Policy Diary were created by a third party, we shall have no liability whatsoever in any circumstances to you in relation to the WebHealer and Policy Diary (including in relation to any consequential loss of any type whatsoever) other than in relation to matters for which we are not lawfully able to limit or exclude our liability Coming next week: Daragh returns to the podcast to talk about one of the biggest questions therapists are asking right now: Is AI changing the way clients find us online? We explore what's happening with Google search, what makes a therapy website useful, and why helping the right people is still the best long-term strategy for attracting clients. 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 website, GDPR for therapists, therapy website GDPR, privacy policies for therapists, cookie policies, therapy website SEO, Google search for therapists, attracting therapy clients, therapy website design, counsellor website, private practice website, data protection for therapists, therapist marketing, getting therapy clients, therapist online presence, private practice growth, WebHealer, Policy Diary 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. | |||
| Permission to Take a Break | 08 juil. 2026 | 00:15:46 | |
Do you worry that potential clients will forget about you if you stop posting on social media? Summer holidays can often bring an added layer of pressure. Should you schedule posts while you're away? Is it OK to disappear for a couple of weeks? And do therapists really need to post everyday? In this episode, I explore what a healthy relationship with social media could look like, why consistency matters more than frequency, and why taking time to rest may actually be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your private practice. I also share some August awareness days that could inspire your social media content for the month. Takeaways:
August Content Ideas: 8 August – Happiness Happens Day. A chance to encourage clients to notice small moments of joy and connection. 15 August – Relaxation Day. An opportunity to discuss rest, burnout and nervous system regulation. 16 August – Authenticity Day. Perfect for exploring authenticity, masking, people pleasing and finding your own voice. 21 August – Internet Self-Care Day. A useful prompt to discuss comparison, healthy digital boundaries and creating a more positive relationship with social media. Who Do You Want To Help? Exploring Niching is next taking place on Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm. Other dates will also be available. Check out my website to book: 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 You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com FAQs Do therapists need to post on social media every day? No. Consistency is usually more important than frequency. A thoughtful post once a week is often more effective than posting every day without a clear purpose. Should therapists post on social media while they're on holiday? Only if they want to. Some therapists schedule posts in advance, while others prefer to take a complete break. The important thing is choosing an approach that supports your wellbeing. Will people forget about me if I stop posting? Most people are far more focused on their own lives than on whether you've posted this week. A short break from social media is unlikely to have a significant impact on your private practice. Keywords: social media boundaries, managing social media on holiday, social media tips for therapists, out of office notice, social media scheduling, authenticity in social media, Internet Self Care Day, social media comparison, private practice growth, social media for therapists, taking breaks from social media, intentional social media posting, client relationships and social media, social media habits, mental health and social media, social media engagement strategies, planning social media content, self-care for therapists 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. | |||
| Neuro-Affirming Practice with Louise Lucas | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:48:04 | |
What does a neuro-affirming practice look like in the therapy room? As awareness of neurodivergence grows, many therapists want to work in ways that better support their neurodivergent clients. But moving beyond theory and knowing how to apply neuro-affirming practice in real life can feel challenging. In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm delighted to welcome back Louise Lucas who described how she'd discovered her own autism and ADHD in episode 7, and how this had transformed her personal life and practice. Since then she's continued to develop her Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model and has written a book: A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients. In this conversation, Louise explains how her own experiences shaped her work and why neuro-affirming practice is about far more than understanding a diagnosis. We explore how therapists can help clients move from shame and self-criticism towards self-understanding, compassion and a sustainable wellbeing. Takeaways:
About Louise Lucas Louise Lucas is a therapist, supervisor and trainer specialising in neurodivergent wellbeing and neuro-affirming practice. She developed the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model to help therapists and clients better understand regulation, self-compassion and sustainable wellbeing. Her new book, A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients, is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in September 2026. You can find out more at Louise's website curiosityspot.co.uk Links:Find out about Therapy Growth Group or join to participate in the Make Your Profile Work Sprint 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. | |||
| Feeling Lost After Counselling Training? | 24 juin 2026 | 00:15:33 | |
You spend years working towards a qualification. But after the structure of assignments and placements - and the company of tutors and fellow students - comes to an end, it can leave you wondering what comes next. Should you look for employment, start a private practice or something else? In this episode, I share my own experience of finishing counselling training, share why this stage can feel unsettling - and most importantly, how you can move forward without needing to have everything worked out in advance. Takeaways:
Remember: you don't need to have everything worked out in advance. You don't need the full plan. You just need the next step. Training: to help you get started in finding clients, I have some short training webinars coming up. You can find out more about them 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. | |||
| Will AI Replace Therapists? With Ken Kelly | 17 juin 2026 | 00:53:13 | |
Many therapists are concerned about the rise of AI and whether it will replace therapy altogether. In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm joined by Ken Kelly, author of Ethical AI Practice. Ken believes that while AI has an important role to play in private practice, it can never replace the human connection at the heart of therapy. We explore the ethical boundaries, how therapists can use AI safely and the ways it can help us with tasks such as content creation, research and policy writing. Takeaways:
Resources:
Want help finding your professional voice? Many therapists know they're different but struggle to explain what makes them distinctive to potential clients. Inside Therapy Growth Group, I help counsellors and psychotherapists identify their niche, communicate their strengths, write profiles and websites that sound like them, and market their practice without feeling pushy or salesy. Find out more 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: counselling, AI in therapy, ethical AI practice, mental health technology, private practice tips, client confidentiality, AI for therapists, digital mental health, AI and mental health, counselling ethics, AI in psychotherapy, content generation for therapists 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. | |||
| Scared to Post Online? | 10 juin 2026 | 00:27:12 | |
Social media can be a great way to connect with potential clients but it can also be a place that is filled with hostility. This stops many therapists from either setting up a page or from posting on it. Some of the worries I've heard about from therapists include saying "the wrong thing", being publicly corrected, receiving criticism and being subject to a "pile on". So in this first of a series of episodes around social media boundaries, I explore how you can make your therapy page feel safer for you to use. Drawing on my own experience of managing online communities and navigating difficult interactions, I share how you can protect your wellbeing and those of your followers - so that you can feel more confident to reach people via your page. Takeaways
I also share some ideas for social media posts for July 2026, including themes around body image, friendship, loneliness, grief and summer family life. For information about my training courses, please click HERE and you can find out more information about Therapy Growth Group 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. | |||
| Genetics, Grief and Therapy with Uruj Anjum | 03 juin 2026 | 00:37:54 | |
What happens when someone receives a genetic diagnosis? In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm joined by Uruj Anjum of Saina Therapy. Before training as a psychotherapist, Uruj spent nine years working within NHS genetics services, supporting individuals and families navigating conditions such as Huntington's disease and other complex inherited disorders. She now specialises in working with clients affected by genetic diagnoses, reproductive decision-making, grief, loss and family dynamics. We talk about what therapists need to know when supporting clients living with genetic uncertainty, and how genetics may be lying behind presenting issues such as anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties and identity struggles. Takeaways:
You can connect with Uruj via her website saiynatherapy.co.uk and on instagram @saiynatherapy Looking for Support with Your Private Practice?If listening to Uruj's story has got you thinking about your own niche, your marketing or how to attract more of the right clients, I'd love to help. I run workshops, training and coaching for counsellors in private practice, helping you communicate clearly with potential clients and build a practice that works for you. Find out more here: 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 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: genetic counselling, therapy for genetic conditions, mental health and genetics, emotional impact of genetic diagnoses, family dynamics in genetic counselling, genetic testing and therapy, attachment theory and genetics, anticipatory grief in genetic conditions, supporting clients with genetic diagnoses, carrier guilt in genetics, navigating genetic testing decisions, anxiety and genetic diagnoses, therapeutic approaches to genetic issues, stigma around genetic conditions, building confidence in genetic counselling. 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. | |||
| Starting Small Still Counts | 27 mai 2026 | 00:17:41 | |
It’s tempting to look at other therapists, coaches or creators and think: “It’s easier for them because they’re bigger.” But what we often forget is that every established business once started small. In this solo episode, I reflect on the early days of my own private practice and Therapy Growth Group as we approach its sixth birthday. I talk about fear, comparison, visibility and the courage it takes to keep showing up when you’re still finding your feet. Because behind every “overnight success” are usually years of small steps, awkward beginnings and learning as you go. I also explore why helping just one person still matters, why growth can actually be easier to manage when it happens gradually, and how success often looks very different from what we imagine. Whether you’re just starting out in private practice or feeling discouraged because your audience, client list or confidence still feels small, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going. In this episode:
I also share:
Training mentioned in this episode:
You can find details of all current training here: https://josephinehughes.as.me/training If this episode encouraged you, I’d love it if you shared it with another therapist who needs reminding that starting small still counts. 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: private practice growth, starting a counselling business, success in therapy practice, building confidence as a therapist, therapy marketing strategies, finding your niche in therapy, private practice challenges, therapist training and development, encouraging small businesses, client attraction strategies, therapy visibility, successful counselling practices 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. | |||
| Using Facebook to Promote Your Private Practice with Annie Jones | 20 mai 2026 | 00:47:49 | |
In this episode, I'm joined by Annie Jones from Rayleigh Marketing to talk about why Facebook is a useful tool to promote your private practice. We explore how local Facebook groups, recommendations, consistency, and good quality content can help therapists become more visible without needing to post every day or share your entire personal life online. In this episode:
You can connect with Annie on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE and find out more about her club HERE For more information about Josephine's training courses, please click here: https://josephinehughes.as.me/training Social Media Ideas for June 2026: Pride Month and Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Awareness Month 7th: Tourettes Awareness 8th: Carers Week 15th Loneliness Awareness Week (listen to ep 64 on using AI for social media for a deep dive into ideas) 18th: Autistic Pride 27th: PTSD Awareness 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: Facebook for small businesses, recommendations on Facebook, social media tips for therapists, local Facebook groups, social media visibility, social media content planning, engagement on Facebook, client recommendations, Facebook advertising for therapists, marketing for private practice, Facebook engagement techniques 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. | |||
| Working Creatively with Therapy Clients with Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar | 13 mai 2026 | 00:33:46 | |
What if you don't have to be “good at art” to work creatively as a therapist? In this week’s episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I’m joined by counsellor, developer and all-round creative thinker Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar to talk about using creativity in therapy sessions, both online and face to face. Yasmin is one of those people who is always creating ideas, tools and resources, and we explore how her neurodivergence, technical background and passion for emotional regulation have shaped the way she works with clients. We talk about:
Yasmin also shares some of the interactive resources she’s developed for therapists and clients, including her “Sandwich of Capacity” tool inspired by the Window of Tolerance. You can find out more about Yasmin and use her resources HERE And if you’d like support growing your own private practice, you can find out more about my webinars and training 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: creativity in therapy, neurodivergent counselling techniques, creative tools for therapists, online therapy resources, therapy techniques for neurodivergent clients, integrating creativity in sessions, therapist visibility and marketing, building a creative practice, resources for therapists, psychological tools for emotional regulation, playful therapy activities, using art in counseling, overcoming therapist self-doubt 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. | |||
| Why Your Therapy Profile Isn't Getting Enquiries | 06 mai 2026 | 00:16:53 | |
Why isn’t your therapy profile getting enquiries? If you’ve listed yourself on directories such as Psychology Today, Counselling Directory or BACP Find a Therapist and you’re hearing very little back, this episode will help you think about what your clients need to hear in order to feel able to choose you. In today's episode:
Already listed on a directory and it’s not bringing enquiries? Come along to my webinar on what might be missing and how to make what you're already doing more effective. Click HERE to learn more Click HERE to learn more about Therapy Growth Group. The next Make Your Profile Work challenge takes place in June 2026. This is a re-issue of Episode 14: Ditch the Jargon 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: counsellor, psychotherapist, private practice marketing, therapy directory, psychology today, counselling directory, therapy profile 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. | |||
| Are You Ready to Work With Trans Clients? With Josiah Twiselton | 29 avr. 2026 | 00:47:38 | |
As a therapist, you may be asking yourself: "Am I competent to work with trans clients?". In this interview with Josiah Twiselton of Offbeat Therapy, we explore what it really means to offer a welcoming space to transgender people. Key Takeaways:
Josiah Twiselton is the founder of Offbeat Therapy where he specialises in working with older transgender people, drag performers and queer creatives. His video-based course "Trans Allyship for Counsellors" is available for purchase from his website HERE. Use the code GEC2026 to receive a 10% discount. If you're a cis (non trans) woman who would like to show your support for inclusion, please sign the Not In Our Name women's open letter HERE. It calls attention to the real cause of violence against women and girls and enables you to say that you, as a woman, value trans inclusion. 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: trans therapy, LGBTQ+ therapy, inclusive counseling, trans joy, barriers to therapy, older trans people, trans therapist training, allyship in therapy, trans mental health, queer therapy, access to counselling, diversity in therapy, community support for trans people, mental health for trans individuals, supporting drag performers, therapy for marginalized communities 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. | |||
| Social Media Not Working? What to do instead | 22 avr. 2026 | 00:24:55 | |
If you’ve ever posted on social media and felt like you were talking into the void, this episode is for you. So many therapists tell me they feel discouraged when their posts don’t get likes or comments, or when they see others getting much more engagement. It can make you question whether it’s worth continuing at all. In this episode, I’m not suggesting you stop using social media. Instead, I’m sharing a different way to think about it. Because what if your posts are working - but just not in the way you expect? I talk about:
May Social Media Ideas for Therapists Looking for simple content ideas this month? Key dates to consider:
For lighter, engaging posts:
You don’t need to cover everything. Choose what fits your work and your clients, and use these as simple ways to stay visible and connect. In this episode, I mention a previous episode with Becky Willoughby of Willow Therapy Tring. It's episode 75: Grow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing Connection For more information about Therapy Growth Group, please click HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com Keywords: social media engagement, private practice marketing, therapist social media tips, social media algorithms, online presence for therapists, social media consistency, overcoming social media comparison, connecting with clients online, content creation for therapists, measuring social media success, mental health content ideas, social media for therapists 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. | |||
| Getting Found without the Perfect Website - with Vicky Jackson | 15 avr. 2026 | 00:56:39 | |
Do you really need a website to start attracting therapy clients? In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Vicky Jackson, website designer and founder of TukTuk Creative. Vicky shares a refreshing perspective that many therapists will find reassuring: you don’t necessarily need a website straight away. We explore what actually helps potential clients find and choose you, from the power of networking and word of mouth referrals to the importance of building trust through your authentic voice. Vicky also brings her personal experience of searching for a therapist, offering valuable insight into how clients make their decisions. If you’ve been feeling pressured to have everything in place before putting yourself out there, this conversation is a gentle reminder that getting found is often about simple foundations rather than perfection. Takeaways:
Connect with Vicky on her website HERE or via LinkedIn HERE You can find details of Therapy Growth Group HERE | |||
| When Comparison Knocks Your Confidence | 08 avr. 2026 | 00:19:17 | |
Have you ever found yourself comparing what you do to someone else… and felt your confidence dip? In this episode, I share a recent moment where I came across an offer that looked similar to mine but at a much lower price - and how it knocked my confidence more than I expected. More importantly, I talk about what helped me move through that comparison and come back to a more grounded, fair way of looking at myself and my work. If you’ve ever questioned your fees, your value, or whether you’re “good enough” compared to other therapists, this episode will really resonate. In This Episode, I Talk About:
Therapy Growth Group If you’re looking for support to grow your private practice, Therapy Growth Group offers:
You can read more about it 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: overcoming comparison, private practice success, pricing therapy services, therapist marketing strategies, confidence in counselling, undervaluing yourself, support for therapists, growing a therapy business, therapy growth group, managing self-doubt, finding your niche as a therapist, unique selling points for counsellors, building client relationships, therapist visibility | |||
| Managing Anxiety in Private Practice with Laura Knight | 01 avr. 2026 | 00:55:57 | |
This gorgeous episode with Laura has helped so many people that I've decided to share it again. It's natural to be anxious when setting up and running a private practice - it's both a sign of being passionate about helping people and a reflection of the roller coaster ride of self-employment. In this episode, I'm joined by Laura Knight of See Clear Anxiety Counselling, who shares how she's learned to manage and move beyond anxiety, and how that experience now shapes the way she runs her successful practice. Laura talks about letting go of perfectionism, staying grounded in uncertain times, and how she has built a business that works for her - all while supporting clients with anxiety too. Whether you're in the early stages of private practice, or facing a wobble, this episode is full of calm, practical encouragement. Takeaways:
Fee Calculator: access the Fee Calculator mentioned in the episode HERE Connect with Laura Knight: 🌐 Website: https://www.seeclearcounselling.co.uk 📘 Facebook: See Clear Counselling – Anxiety Specialist 📸 Instagram: @seeclearcounselling 📧 Email: laura@seeclearcounselling.co.uk 👥 Dorset Counsellors Network: Facebook Group or email Laura to join 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 private practice, growing private practice, counselling directory, marketing for therapists, private practice tips, online counselling, video marketing for therapists, self-care for therapists, counselling business strategies, overcoming anxiety in business, financial management for therapists, establishing a counselling practice, networking for therapists, private practice success | |||
| Therapists, Books, Minecraft and More | 26 mars 2026 | 00:26:03 | |
What happens when you go to a conference and focus on having conversations rather than “networking”? In this episode, I’m sharing a few of the chats I had throughout the day - from books therapists are reading, to a research resource I didn’t realise I already had access to, through to creative ways of working (including Minecraft in therapy). It’s a mix of ideas, reflections and practical insights that might give you something new to think about in your own practice. TakeawaysHere are a few things that stood out to me:
Speaker Information PCCS Books 🌐 pccs-books.co.uk Kel O'Neill 🌐 counsellingandtraining.co.uk Place2Be 📧 qualify@place2be.org.uk Ellie Finch 🌐 playmodeacademy.org WriteUpp 🌐 writeupp.com 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 tips, networking for counsellors, continuing professional development, BACP membership benefits, accessing psychology journals, therapy resources, counselling and social media, eating disorders awareness, working with children and young people, creative therapy tools, Minecraft in therapy, neurodiversity and counselling, body image issues in youth, trauma-informed therapy, practice management systems, research in psychotherapy, digital resources for counsellors, building a counselling practice 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. | |||
| Becoming Recognised for Your Niche with Julie Wales | 19 mars 2026 | 00:43:18 | |
In this episode, I'm joined by counsellor Julie Wales who has become known for her work with neurodiverse couples. You don’t need to have everything figured out from the beginning and Julie’s story is a reminder that your niche can develop over time, often by following what you care about and noticing the people who are already coming to you for help. We talk about the role of blogging, networking and community and how small, consistent steps can help you grow a practice that feels aligned with who you are - even if you are terrified when you first start. This is a really encouraging episode if you’ve ever wondered how to:
Takeaways:
You can find Julie and her work here: https://juliewalescounselling.co.uk Julie shares blogs, resources and information about her work with individuals, couples and families, including her support group for women. 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: counselling niche, therapist niche, private practice counselling, how to find your niche as a therapist, neurodiverse couples therapy, how to get counselling clients, 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. | |||
| Social Media for Private Practice (3): Why Clients Don't Follow You | 12 mars 2026 | 00:21:04 | |
In this final episode of my mini series on why clients don't follow you on social media, I discuss the importance of being clearer about who you're trying to reach and what you want to be known for. When you consistently talk about a specific area of work, people begin to recognise you for it. That recognition builds trust, helps clients find you, and can even lead to speaking opportunities, referrals, and wider reach. Takeaways
In the episode I also suggest a few themes you could explore this month: Stress and overload – April is Stress Awareness Month, a good opportunity to talk about burnout and workplace stress. Identity and visibility – With Autism Acceptance Day and Lesbian Visibility Week, you might explore masking, identity, and inclusive therapy spaces. Connection and companionship – April is also National Pet Month, which opens conversations about loneliness, comfort, and grief for pets. You can listen to Liezl talk about her work in Episode 76 and access her website HERE If you’d like support identifying your niche and communicating clearly to the clients you want to work with, you can find out more about Therapy Growth Group in the link below. 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 marketing, social media for therapists, overcoming imposter syndrome in therapy, therapist referral networks, marketing for mental health professionals, branding for therapists, themes for therapy content creation 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. | |||
| Drowning in Admin? | 05 mars 2026 | 00:44:17 | |
f you’re replying to emails late at night, chasing invoices between sessions, or taking your laptop on holiday “just in case”, it might feel like admin is taking over your life. For private practice therapists, enquiries, invoicing, cancellations, GDPR, practice management systems, and Making Tax Digital can eat into the time that you'd much rather be using for seeing clients. In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Bunch of Psych VA to explore how virtual assistants for therapists can help lighten that admin load. We talk about:
If admin is creeping into your evenings and weekends, this conversation will help you decide what support could look like for you. About Anna: Anna Bunch is the founder of Psych VA, a UK based virtual assistant agency supporting therapists and psychologists in private practice. Her team helps with admin, inbox and diary management, invoicing, insurance work, and practice management systems, helping clinics run smoothly and sustainably. You can find Anna HERE at her website, where you can book an appointment or contact her for her time tracker tool. 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: private practice support, virtual assistant for therapists, therapist work-life balance, outsourcing therapy tasks, efficient client management, therapy growth strategies, practice management systems, therapist burnout prevention, administrative support for therapists 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. | |||
| When Therapy Ads Get Uncomfortable | 26 févr. 2026 | 00:25:08 | |
The BACP No More Stiff Upper Lip campaign has generated significant national coverage - and strong reactions within the therapy profession. Rather than asking whether the campaign was “good” or “bad”, I’m exploring something slightly different:
Takeaways:
This episode discusses the BACP No More Stiff Upper Lip campaign, therapy marketing, and niching in private practice. 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, women over 50, mental wellbeing, BACP campaign, No More Stiff Upper Lip, mental health awareness, therapy for women, public conversation about therapy, media coverage for therapy, counselling for women | |||
| From Being Found to Being Booked with Kat Love | 19 févr. 2026 | 00:36:23 | |
How do you move from being found online to actually being booked by the right clients? In this episode, website and marketing specialist Kat Love breaks down the three stages of marketing for therapists, from visibility and awareness, to consideration, to making it easy for clients to take the next step. We talk about why marketing for therapists often feels overwhelming, how to reduce friction on your website so enquiries come more easily, how to avoid “psychobabble” that pushes potential clients away, and how to build ethical social proof without compromising your values. By the end of the episode, you'll understand which stage of your marketing needs attention and how to move from being found to being booked in a way that feels grounded and realistic. Takeaways
You can find Kat at their website: https://katlove.com If the psychobabble section has you rethinking your website or directory profile, you can find support in Therapy Growth Group where we regularly work on profiles, niching and clear messaging so that potential clients understand exactly how you help. 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: marketing for therapists, private practice growth, therapist websites, referral networks, content marketing for therapists, SEO for therapy practices, ethical marketing, client testimonials, psychobabble in therapy, visibility in marketing, awareness stage marketing, consideration stage marketing, building a client base 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. | |||
| Social Media for Private Practice (2): Why Clients Don't Follow You | 12 févr. 2026 | 00:24:16 | |
This episode continues last month’s discussion on why clients don’t always follow therapists on social media. In Part 1, I talked about how professional language can unintentionally create distance between therapists and potential clients. In this episode, I zoom out a little. Because it’s not just about the words we use - it’s about how people experience our content emotionally. Clients don’t follow therapists because they’re impressed. They follow when they feel understood. Takeaways
I also share examples from my own experience, including how story-based posts help people relate to you rather than feeling talked at. At the end of the episode, I also share four simple themes you could use for March, based on upcoming awareness days:
And a reminder that in Therapy Growth Group, we're about to embark on Find Your Focus, including the Make Your Profile Work intensive week. This will help you shape your social media and blog posts to speak to the people you most want to reach. 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: social media, therapists, client engagement, authenticity, emotional connection, content ideas, March themes, overcoming challenges, building trust, managing responses 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. | |||
| You're Not Behind | 05 févr. 2026 | 00:51:26 | |
In this episode, I’m joined by Claire Hendrickson, a neurodivergent therapist who has built her private practice in a way that truly works for her. Rather than rushing, pushing, or following someone else’s formula, Claire has grown her practice at her own pace, listening to her nervous system and respecting her capacity. Over time, her steady and compassionate approach has led to a busy, sustainable practice. We talk openly about what it means to do private practice differently, especially if you’re neurodivergent, carry complex identity experiences, or feel pressure to be further ahead than you are. This conversation is for anyone who quietly worries they’re behind, doing it wrong, or taking too long. In this episode, we explore:
You can find Claire via her 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 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. | |||
| 100 Episodes of Good Enough | 29 janv. 2026 | 00:34:48 | |
This 100th episode is a pause to reflect on what happens when you keep going, even when you don’t feel ready. In conversation with Natasha, who has edited the podcast from the very beginning, I look back over how The Good Enough Counsellors podcast grew from small, tentative steps into something that now reaches therapists around the world. But more importantly, we talk about what this journey can teach us about private practice, confidence, visibility, and the legacy we leave through our work. This episode is about the power of ordinary stories, trusting that small actions add up, and recognising that the work you do as a therapist can ripple out far beyond what you see day to day. We reflect on the power of everyday people doing meaningful work, and why showing up, imperfectly, really does make a difference. In this episode, we cover
Mentioned in this episode:
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 podcast, therapy, growth, confidence, storytelling, community, mental health, private practice, diversity, inspiration 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. | |||
| Social Media for Private Practice (1): Why Clients Don't Follow You | 22 janv. 2026 | 00:18:14 | |
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. In this episode, I cover:
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:
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. | |||
| A Kinder January for Counsellors with Eve Menezes Cunningham | 15 janv. 2026 | 00:54:22 | |
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. In This Episode
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 information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast. | |||
| Is Accreditation Worth It for Counsellors? | 08 janv. 2026 | 00:22:36 | |
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. In this episode, I cover:
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. | |||
| Christmas Special 2025 | 18 déc. 2025 | 00:32:50 | |
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:
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. A little festive treat for youAs 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 for listeningThank 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 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. | |||
| Selling - or Helping? How to think about therapist marketing | 11 déc. 2025 | 00:21:51 | |
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. | |||
| Why your website isn't getting found - and what to do about it | 04 déc. 2025 | 00:45:26 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Is AI Replacing Therapy Directories? | 27 nov. 2025 | 00:18:56 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Navigating Harm in Therapy: Insights from Erin Stevens | 20 nov. 2025 | 00:56:14 | |
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:
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. | |||
| Has your Practice Gone Quiet? Let's Talk about Why | 13 nov. 2025 | 00:25:51 | |
Have your enquiries been slowing down? In this episode Josephine explores the question of whether AI is taking over from directories and what therapists can do about it. She shares a practical, human-first answer - why visibility still matters, how to show up without shouting, and simple December content ideas you can use right away. You’ll learn
Mentioned in this episode: Ep 24: Social Media Toolkit Ep 75: Grow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing Connection with Becky Willoughby Ep 86: Safe Self-Disclosure on Social Media Ep 89: Is Email Counselling Real Therapy with Chloe Foster 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: AI, therapy, marketing, social media, visibility, trust, engagement, December content, therapist practices, client connection 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. | |||
| Feel the fear (but ask for help) with Gemma Anderson | 06 nov. 2025 | 00:48:20 | |
When counsellor Gemma Anderson started her training, she never imagined it would lead to a thriving private practice. A teenage mum who once worked as a cleaner, Gemma shares how she built a successful practice without a website or social media - just through her counselling directory profiles and a down-to-earth approach. Her advice? Feel the fear and do it anyway – but ask for help. About this episodeIn this honest and encouraging conversation, Gemma talks about:
Gemma’s story is a reminder that there isn’t just one way to build a counselling practice. You don’t need a slick website or constant social media posts - just a clear, authentic presence and the courage to keep going. You can read Gemma's profile 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. | |||