Good Enough Counsellors

40 Episodes
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By: Josephine Hughes

Do you feel overwhelmed when you look around and see what other counsellors and psychotherapists are doing in private practice? Does it leave you wondering whether you’ll ever be able to build a sustainable counselling practice of your own? The truth is, while there are lots of marketing strategies out there for therapists (which I’ll talk about), the most important thing is getting started and staying visible in your private practice. And that can feel incredibly hard when you’re faced with an empty diary, too many options, and the pressure of comparing yourself to glossy, confident-looking therapists online...

Are You Ready to Work With Trans Clients? With Josiah Twiselton
#113
Last Wednesday at 11:15 PM

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:

Allyship is more than the absence of hostility towards cientsHow therapists can unintentionally centre themselves while trying to helpThe small and often unnoticed ways therapy can feel inaccessibleWhat therapists can do if they're not sure they are "ready" to work with trans clientsHow to think honestly about competence with this client groupWhy older transgender clients...


Social Media Not Working? What to do instead
#112
04/22/2026

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...


Getting Found without the Perfect Website - with Vicky Jackson
#111
04/15/2026

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 insi...


When Comparison Knocks Your Confidence
#110
04/08/2026

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 “go...


Managing Anxiety in Private Practice with Laura Knight
#109
04/01/2026

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...


Therapists, Books, Minecraft and More
#108
03/25/2026

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.

Takeaways

Here are a few things that stood out...


Becoming Recognised for Your Niche with Julie Wales
#107
03/18/2026

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 terr...


Social Media for Private Practice (3): Why Clients Don't Follow You
#106
03/11/2026

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

If your followers are mainly therapists, it may be because your content and conversations are happening in therapist spaces...


Drowning in Admin?
#105
03/04/2026

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:

What a virtual assistan...


When Therapy Ads Get Uncomfortable
#104
02/25/2026

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:

What was the campaign trying to do?Whether it "worked" - and what that even meansAnd what can we learn from it as therapists building private practices

Takeaways:

Niching inevitably includes some people and excludes othersSecuring media attention and professional approval are not always the same thingStanding out may invite a critical reactionThink about how it might land...


From Being Found to Being Booked with Kat Love
#103
02/18/2026

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 t...


Social Media for Private Practice (2): Why Clients Don't Follow You
#102
02/11/2026

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

Why social media can feel exposing and discouraging for therapistsHow fear of judgement can make our posts so...


You're Not Behind
#101
02/04/2026

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...


100 Episodes of Good Enough
#100
01/28/2026

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 sm...


Social Media for Private Practice (1): Why Clients Don't Follow You
#99
01/21/2026

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...


A Kinder January for Counsellors with Eve Menezes Cunningham
#98
01/14/2026

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 ho...


Is Accreditation Worth It for Counsellors?
#97
01/07/2026

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 st...


Christmas Special 2025
#96
12/17/2025

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 inclus...


Selling - or Helping? How to think about therapist marketing
#95
12/10/2025

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...


Why your website isn't getting found - and what to do about it
#94
12/03/2025

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 litt...


Is AI Replacing Therapy Directories?
#93
11/26/2025

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

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

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

We explore:

why clients may not be clicking into...


Navigating Harm in Therapy: Insights from Erin Stevens
#92
11/19/2025

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 un...


Has your Practice Gone Quiet? Let's Talk about Why
#91
11/12/2025

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

Why AI can’t replace human connection in therapy—or your marketingWhat to do when directory profiles aren’t bringing steady enquiriesThree ways social media helps therapists (without being “an influencer”)How to show up in a way that feels s...


Feel the fear (but ask for help) with Gemma Anderson
#90
11/05/2025

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 episode

In this honest and encouraging conversation, Gemma talks about:

What first drew her into counselling - and the self-doubt she had to overcome.How life experience sh...


Is Email Counselling Real Therapy? With Chloe Foster
#89
10/29/2025

Email counselling is often misunderstood - some therapists worry it lacks depth, feels impersonal, or that clients simply won’t want it.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Chloe Foster, humanistic counsellor, trainer, and founder of Email Counselling Academy, to explore what email counselling really looks like in practice - and why it can be a powerful, ethical, and deeply reflective way of working.

Chloe explains:

What email counselling actually involves - the structure, boundaries, and timing that make it safe and professionalHow counsellors use their skills in written form...


The Roller Coaster of Private Practice - and how to cope with it
#88
10/22/2025

Do you ever feel like running your private practice is a bit of a roller coaster?

One week you’re full with enquiries and new bookings - and the next, it’s all cancellations and endings.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine explores the emotional and practical ups and downs of private practice, and why consistency in marketing is key to creating a steadier ride.

There’s no magic wand for building a sustainable business, but there is a way to make it feel easier. Josephine shares how to make marketing a habi...


What are you? Therapy for Mixed Race Clients with Dr Yvon Guest
#87
10/15/2025

In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I chat with Dr. Yvon Guest - therapist, speaker, trainer, and contributor to Black Identities, White Therapy - about the often-overlooked experiences of mixed and multiracial clients in therapy.

Yvon shares her own journey into this work, the invisibility many clients feel in therapeutic spaces, and the impact of growing up in families and communities where identity is constantly questioned. From internalised racism to the pressure to choose a side, and the emotional exhaustion of navigating a world full of assumptions - this episode explores what therapists need to know, and...


Safe Self-Disclosure on Social Media for Therapists
#86
10/08/2025

Self-disclosure is something many therapists are taught to avoid in the therapy room - so no wonder it feels confusing when it comes to social media. Should you share personal details? Is it unprofessional to post a photo of yourself? What if other therapists judge you?

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I unpack the fear of self-disclosure on social media and how to approach it safely. I share some of my own experiences - from being terrified teaching peers for the first time, to hitting “publish” on a podcast that felt very personal - and how...


Building Private Practice as an Autistic Therapist with Kroy Ryder
#85
10/01/2025

This week, I’m chatting to Kroy Ryder, an autistic therapist who shares his story of training, self-discovery, and building a private practice that works because of who he is - not in spite of it.

Kroy is open, honest, and full of gentle humour as he talks about everything from being the quiet boy who watched from the sidelines, to finally realising he didn’t need to mask or fit in to be a good therapist.

If you’ve ever wondered whether being neurodivergent might hold you back in private practice - or you’re just...


Do Therapists Need to Be Experts to Niche? Corrected Episode
#84
09/29/2025

** NOW WITH THE CORRECT AUDIO**

If you tried to listen to the podcast issued on 25th September 2025, you'll have heard a repeat of Nicola Blunden's episode (thankfully, it was a good one). This is the corrected episode about niching.

Many therapists hold back from choosing a niche because of one big worry: “I’m not an expert, so how can I specialise?”

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine challenges the myth that you need years of expertise before you can choose a niche. She shares her own story of how her niche...


Do Therapists Need to be Experts to Niche?
09/24/2025

Many therapists hold back from choosing a niche because of one big worry: “I’m not an expert, so how can I specialise?”

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine challenges the myth that you need years of expertise before you can choose a niche. She shares her own story of how her niche “found her,” explains why expertise grows through focus and experience, and offers gentle encouragement for anyone feeling “too ordinary” to stand out.

You’ll hear:

Why “I need to be an expert first” is one of the biggest myths about nichingHow you...


Trusting What Clients Know with Nicola Blunden
#83
09/17/2025

What does it really mean to trust what your clients tell you — especially when their experiences challenge what you’ve been taught, or don’t fit into traditional therapy frameworks?

In this episode, I’m joined by pluralistic therapist, trainer, and writer Nicola Blunden to explore how power, voice, and identity can shape conversations — and why developing an awareness of epistemic injustice matters for all of us.

We talk about:

what epistemic injustice is — and how it can show up in therapythe impact of therapist assumptions around diagnosis and identityhow to co-create therapy with clients who...


The Social Media Mistake That's Costing You Clients
#82
09/10/2025

Many therapists show up consistently on social media — sharing tips, encouragement, and reflections — but miss the one type of post that actually brings enquiries.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I share the simple reminder from my coach that helped me get new clients straight away. It’s something most therapists know deep down, but we often avoid because it feels uncomfortable: telling people clearly what we offer.

You’ll learn why this “sales post” mistake is so common, how to reframe it as an act of service, and simple ways to make it a regular pa...


How to Work Safely with Trauma Clients - with Maaike Beech
#81
09/03/2025

In today's episode, I’m joined by trauma therapist, supervisor, and trainer Maaike Beech. With over 18 years of experience in the field, Maaike shares her personal journey into trauma work and the vital lessons she's learned along the way - from understanding why talking about trauma doesn’t always lead to healing, to how we can create the safety clients need before any processing begins.

We explore the real risks of re-traumatising clients, what makes trauma therapy different from general talking therapy, and how therapists can protect their own well-being when doing such emotionally intense work.

Wh...


The Myth of the Perfect Therapist with Samantha Lee
#80
08/27/2025

Many new counsellors worry they aren’t “sorted enough” to be a good therapist. But what if being real about your struggles is actually what helps you connect most with clients?

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Samantha Lee, counsellor, trainer, and creator of the Me, Myself & I inner child course. Sam shares how she moved past the myth of the perfect therapist and built a successful private practice by showing up authentically – both with clients and on social media.

We talk about:

Why the idea of the “perfect therapist” i...


How to Stay Motivated in Private Practice When It's Tough
#79
08/20/2025

When you’re building a counselling private practice, there are times when it feels hard to keep going - especially when the clients aren’t coming in as quickly as you’d hoped.

In this episode, I’m sharing how to draw on your resilience so you can keep moving forward, even in challenging times.

Takeaways:

Why past challenges can become a source of strength in your businessHow to reconnect with the deeper reasons you became a counsellorPractical ways to keep yourself motivated when marketing feels slow to workThe role of community and support in susta...


From No Self-Belief to a Thriving Private Practice: Fi’s Story
#78
08/13/2025

What if you don’t believe you can be a private practice therapist? In this episode, Fi Hewkin shares her journey from doubting her abilities to building a successful therapy practice. We talk about overcoming imposter syndrome, making your profile sound like you, and why there’s room for everyone - even in a crowded market.

When Fi Hewkin first considered becoming a therapist, she was convinced she couldn’t do it. Growing up being told she wasn’t academic, leaving school with three O-levels, and believing she’d never be “professional enough,” private practice felt out of reach.

<...


How to Get Therapy Clients Using Social Media, Part 3: Community
#77
08/06/2025

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, we’re diving into the third “C” of social media success for therapists: Community.

It’s tempting to think of social media as just another marketing tool, but for many people, it’s a lifeline - a place to feel seen, connected, and understood. And as therapists, we have a unique opportunity to create that safe space online.

Takeaways:

Why community is one of the most powerful ways to attract therapy clientsHow giving (not numbers) is the heart of community-buildingThe mindset shift that helps you get past the “cring...


ADHD Meets Mindfulness & CBT - with Liezl Laidlaw
#76
07/30/2025

What happens when a CBT therapist with ADHD decides to rewrite the rules on mindfulness? In this episode, I’m joined by Liezl Laidlaw of Rewire Therapy — a therapist who combines mindfulness, CBT and personal insight to support ADHD clients in ways that actually work.

We talk honestly about how traditional approaches can fall short, and how small shifts in language, structure and permission can make a huge difference.

Whether you’re a therapist who works with ADHD clients, or someone who struggles to make mindfulness or CBT work for you — this episode is packed with ide...


Grow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing Connection - with Becky Willoughby
#75
07/23/2025

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Becky Willoughby of Willow Therapy Tring to explore a gentler way of growing a successful therapy practice — by focusing on connection, community, and care.

Becky shares how she’s built a thriving practice by focusing on connection — not sales tactics. We talk about her court-appointed work with children and families, how creative, somatic, and energetic approaches shape her sessions, and why her therapy space plays such a key role. She also reflects on slowing down in the second half of life to avoid burnout and stay true to...