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. 2D AGO

    Getting Found without the Perfect Website - with Vicky Jackson

    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: You don’t have to do everything at once. Simple steps like networking and referrals can be powerful starting points.A website is most effective when strong foundations are already in place, such as clarity about who you'd most like to work with.Authenticity builds trust. Clients are more likely to reach out when they feel they have a sense of who you are.Word of mouth remains one of the most effective ways to attract new clients.Progress over perfection is often the key to building a sustainable private practice. Connect with Vicky on her website HERE or via LinkedIn HERE You can find details of Therapy Growth Group HERE

    57 min

  2. APR 8

    When Comparison Knocks Your Confidence

    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:How comparison knocks your confidenceWhy we often compare things that aren’t actually the sameThe difference between low-cost offers and higher-support spacesWhy private practice isn’t a zero-sum gameHow comparison shows up in pricing, niching, and visibilityWhy talking about your work isn’t “selling”How to be fairer and kinder to yourself Therapy Growth Group If you’re looking for support to grow your private practice, Therapy Growth Group offers: Regular live calls and Ask Me Anything sessionsSupport with profiles, blogs, and social mediaA small, committed community of therapistsOngoing guidance tailored to your situation 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

    19 min

  3. APR 1

    Managing Anxiety in Private Practice with Laura Knight

    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: How to transition from a part-time to a full-time practiceStaying steady when client numbers dipThe value of focusing on what's within your controlUsing live videos to build trust and visibilityHow to move from anxiety to confidence as a therapistFinancial planning to ride out the quieter sessions 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

    56 min

  4. MAR 25

    Therapists, Books, Minecraft and More

    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: You may already have access to research resources without realisingNetworking can be as simple as having some interesting conversationsBooks are reflecting a shift towards lived experience and identity in therapyCreative tools like Minecraft can open up new ways of working, especially with neurodivergent clientsWorking with children often asks something a bit different of usHaving the right systems in place can free up more time for the work you actually want to be doingPractice management systems take data security very seriously 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.

    26 min

  5. MAR 18

    Becoming Recognised for Your Niche with Julie Wales

    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: find your nichegrow your confidence over timeattract clients without feeling salesyor become more visible in a way that feels natural Takeaways: How blogging can help clients find youThe impact of updating your website and speaking clearly to your nicheBuilding a private practice through networking and relationshipsThe value of community and support when building a practiceWhy you don't have to feel like an expert to become recognised for your niche 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.

    43 min

  6. MAR 11

    Social Media for Private Practice (3): Why Clients Don't Follow You

    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. TakeawaysIf your followers are mainly therapists, it may be because your content and conversations are happening in therapist spaces.Authority isn’t about being the expert in someone’s life. It simply means being recognised for a particular area of work.Being specific helps people remember you and makes it easier for the right clients to find you.Repeating the themes you want to be known for builds recognition over time. 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.

    21 min

  7. MAR 4

    Drowning in Admin?

    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 assistant actually does in a therapy practiceManaging client enquiries and follow upsSupport with invoicing and insurance companiesGetting set up with practice management systems such as WriteUppMaking Tax Digital and accounting software like XeroConfidentiality and GDPR when outsourcing adminHow to know when it might be time to get help 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.

    44 min

  8. FEB 25

    When Therapy Ads Get Uncomfortable

    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 with clientsA critical reaction does not automatically mean failure 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

    25 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
    111
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Josephine Hughes
  • Show Website
    Good Enough Counsellors

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