Good Enough Counsellors

Josephine Hughes
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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. The Good Enough Counsellors podcast is for UK counsellors and psychotherapists in private practice who want to get clients, grow their confidence, and build a practice that feels ethical, realistic, and sustainable — without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Josephine Hughes, a BACP Accredited Counsellor, and I help counsellors in private practice with marketing, visibility, and confidence so they can grow their practice in a way that feels like them.

  1. 5D AGO

    Social Media for Private Practice (2): Why Clients Don't Follow You

    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. TakeawaysWhy social media can feel exposing and discouraging for therapistsHow fear of judgement can make our posts sound careful or stiltedWhy tone matters just as much as languageHow small moments of appropriate self-disclosure can build connectionWhy clients often follow for a while before making contactHow consistency over time helps people decide whether they feel safe with you 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: Safety, harm, and being believedIdentity, visibility, and inclusionRest, regulation, and wellbeingCare, connection, and unseen roles 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

    24 min

  2. FEB 5

    You're Not Behind

    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:What it looks like to build a private practice at your own paceHow working with your nervous system supports growthThe pressure therapists feel to rush or meet external expectationsNavigating recognition and visibility when you’re neurodivergentClaire also shares her experience as a member of Therapy Growth Group, and how having gentle, accessible support helped her move forward without overwhelming herself. 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.

    51 min

  3. JAN 29

    100 Episodes of Good Enough

    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 coverWhat 100 episodes has taught me about starting before you feel readyWhy small, consistent steps matter in private practiceThe importance of letting people know how they can work with youHow sharing your voice can help build confidence and connectionLessons from guest conversations about anxiety, self doubt, and diversityWhy hearing marginalised voices matters in therapy and beyondThe idea of legacy, and how everyday work can have a wider impactHow therapists can trust that what they do really does matter Mentioned in this episode: Gloriously Unready, my earlier podcast projectThe Lost Sun Society, Natasha's fiction podcastTherapy Growth Group, my membership for counsellors 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 podcast, therapy, growth, confidence, storytelling, community, mental health, private practice, diversity, inspiration The information contained in Good...

    35 min

  4. JAN 22

    Social Media for Private Practice (1): Why Clients Don't Follow You

    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:Why therapists in private practice often attract other therapists on social mediaWhy this is a completely normal stageHow fear of visibility and judgement affects what we shareThe difference between therapist-facing and client-facing contentWhy clients follow therapists who help them feel understoodWhy there’s nothing “wrong” with your content - it just may not be shaped for clients yet I also share four simple, client-focused themes you can use in February to help your social media speak more directly to the general public: Talking about feelings and reaching out for support (Time to Talk Day, Children’s Mental Health Week)Love, loneliness, and the ways we connect (Valentine’s Day, Singles Awareness Day, Aromantic Spectrum Awareness Week)Identity, inclusion, and feeling safe (LGBTQ+ History Month, Stand Up to Bullying Day)Nourishing your wellbeing (Boost Your Self-Esteem Month, Eating Disorders Awareness Week) You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

    18 min

  5. JAN 15

    A Kinder January for Counsellors with Eve Menezes Cunningham

    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 EpisodeWhy January often feels hard for counsellors and therapistsPressure, anxiety and self-criticism in private practiceSelf-compassion and being kinder to yourselfNeurodivergence and nervous system awarenessPolyvagal theory explained through cats (purr, hiss, hide)Why boundaries feel difficult and how to support yourselfA gentle, realistic approach to January without pressure Eve Menezes Cunningham is a therapist, supervisor, podcast host and former Editor-in-Chief of the Irish Journal of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She has a monthly column in Platinum and her book 365 Ways to Feel Better is widely available. You can find Eve and her resources at https://selfcarecoaching.net. Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for...

    54 min

  6. JAN 8

    Is Accreditation Worth It for Counsellors?

    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:What professional accreditation really means for counsellorsThe difference between being qualified and being accreditedWhy accreditation is being talked about more right nowReasons some counsellors choose to become accreditedAccreditation as a personal and professional milestoneWhat the accreditation process typically involvesCommon fears, including academic writing worries and imposter syndromeHow to decide whether accreditation is right for youWhy choosing not to become accredited is a valid option If you'd like to join the BACP & NCPS Accreditation Support with Good Enough Counsellors Facebook group, you can do so HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

    23 min
  7. Christmas Special 2025

    12/18/2025

    Christmas Special 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 inclusivity, identity, nostalgia, storytelling and creativity - all themes that matter to us as therapists. And a few of them might simply entertain you, which is just as welcome at this time of year. In this Christmas Special, you’ll hear short interviews with creators of podcasts including: Pause and Rewind - powerful origin stories from changemakers working towards a more inclusive worldRainbow Mums and Dads - life stories from people coming out later in life while navigating family, identity and changeMag Hags - a funny and fascinating dive into women’s magazines from the 70s, 80s and 90sPast Master - a creative, AI-guided, choose-your-own-adventure history gameSpooky Storytime - bedtime ghost stories for adults (yes, really!)Sonic Field - a richly told journey through the history and culture of British music festivals It’s a celebration of stories, voices and perspectives we often don’t get to hear - and a lovely way to end Series 3 of Good Enough Counsellors. 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

    33 min

  8. 12/11/2025

    Selling - or Helping? How to think about therapist marketing

    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.

    22 min
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About

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. The Good Enough Counsellors podcast is for UK counsellors and psychotherapists in private practice who want to get clients, grow their confidence, and build a practice that feels ethical, realistic, and sustainable — without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Josephine Hughes, a BACP Accredited Counsellor, and I help counsellors in private practice with marketing, visibility, and confidence so they can grow their practice in a way that feels like them.

Information

  • Creator
    Josephine Hughes
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    102
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Josephine Hughes
  • Show Website
    Good Enough Counsellors

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