Shows
Good Enough CounsellorsGrow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing Connection - with Becky WilloughbyIn 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...2025-07-2452 minGood Enough CounsellorsPrivate Practice Slowdowns: How to Get More Clients This SummerIt’s that time of year when client bookings often dip, inboxes go quiet, and self-doubt starts to creep in. But a summer slowdown in private practice doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — in fact, it’s totally normal.In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I talk about the seasonal nature of therapy work, why comparing month to month can give you a false picture, and what you can actually do when things get quiet. Whether you’re brand new to private practice or have been around for years, this episode will help you respond rath...2025-07-1719 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Get Therapy Clients Using Social Media: Part 2 - ConsistencyDo you ever feel like you’re posting into the void - wondering if anyone’s even noticing your content? In this episode, I explore how consistent posting can quietly but powerfully help you build trust, connection, and visibility over time.Drawing on personal stories (including one about Chub Rub shorts!), I’ll show you why consistency works - even when it feels like nothing’s happening. Plus, I’ll share tips for staying consistent, from batching and scheduling to repurposing your best content.The episode also includes help for your August social media posts.Takea...2025-07-1030 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Work with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse with Jeremy SachsJeremy Sachs joins me to explore how identity, masculinity, and shame shape male survivors’ healing — and what therapists need to know.In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m speaking with therapist and author Jeremy Sachs about his upcoming book, An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and their Allies: Masculinity Reconnected (Routledge, July 2025).Drawing on years of experience running recovery groups for men, boys, and trans survivors, Jeremy brings a deeply compassionate and intersectional lens to a subject often left in the shadows.We talk about how myths about mascul...2025-07-0351 minGood Enough CounsellorsWhat to Include in an Equality & Diversity Statement for TherapistsIf you want to attract more clients to your private practice, your therapist profile needs to show people that they’ll be safe with you.In this episode, we’re talking about how a simple inclusion statement can make the difference between someone reaching out — or quietly clicking away. I share a personal story about almost contacting a therapist, and why I didn’t, and explore what therapists can do to show they’re truly inclusive.I’ll walk you through why these statements matter, what often holds us back from writing them, and what you can incl...2025-06-2617 minGood Enough CounsellorsManaging Anxiety in Private Practice with Laura KnightIt'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...2025-06-1955 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Get Therapy Clients Using Social Media: Part 1 - ContentFeeling disheartened by low engagement on your posts? Wondering if it’s even worth using social media when no one seems to be watching?In this first episode of a 3 part series, we’re digging into the content side of social media for therapists in private practice — what to post, how to make it meaningful, and why even quiet followers might be paying more attention than you think.You’ll learn:Why visibility isn’t the same as validationThe 50/30/20 rule for balancing engaging, informative, and promotional contentHow stories, hashtags, emojis, and reels can gently boost your...2025-06-1226 minGood Enough CounsellorsJeanine Connor on "Adolescence" and Supporting Trans YouthIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by the brilliant Jeanine Connor -psychodynamic psychotherapist, author, and editor of the BACP Children, Young People and Families Journal. Jeanine describes the realities of working with adolescents, exploring how the Netflix series Adolescence and media stories fuel fear about young people. Having worked with transgender young people for over 20 years, Jeanine also offers her insights into working with this client group. We also chat about how to hold space for young people in therapy, laugh about memorable moments with teens, and reflect on why this work is so vital....2025-06-0549 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Write a Therapy Profile that Attracts ClientsIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, we'll explore how to craft a therapist directory profile that truly resonates with clients.Takeaways:Why most profiles get skimmed - and how to fix yoursThe key mistakes therapists make (and how to avoid them)How to show clients that you "get" themUsing clients' language to connect instantlyA simple framework to identify your niche without stressHow to write with empathy and attract the clients you love working withBy the end, you'll feel more confident and ready to write a profile that really attracts the people you're...2025-05-2920 minGood Enough CounsellorsWhy Therapists Need to Update Their Directory ProfileHas your therapy profile been gathering dust? In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes shares why writing your directory profile once and forgetting about it means you may be missing out — especially if you want to attract more of the right clients.From updating your photo to adding a short video, Josephine offers practical encouragement and simple tweaks to help your profile feel more relevant, more accurate, and more effective. You’ll also learn how to use feedback from real enquiries to refine your message — and why refreshing your profile regularly can boost your visibility on dir...2025-05-2211 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Grow and Build a Group Therapy Practice with Sharon MayIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m joined by Sharon May, founder of Kingsclere Counselling Service.Sharon shares her inspiring journey from working alone in a single upstairs room on her family farm to building a thriving group practice of 14 therapists. We talk about the moment she took the leap to expand (far earlier than she expected), and how she weathered the pandemic just as her practice had begun to grow.But this episode is about more than business. Sharon opens up about imposter syndrome, trusting her gut, and how her values help he...2025-05-1553 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow Therapists Can Use AI for Social Media ContentIn this Social Media Monthly episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine explores how therapists can use AI (like ChatGPT) to make content creation easier, faster, and more authentic. She shares her personal experience of using artificial intelligence for idea generation, writing help, hooks, post repurposing, alt text, and even image creation. Josephine also shares cautions about how to use AI without losing your authentic voice. Finally, she gives practical examples of how to use AI tools for upcoming June social media dates, including Loneliness Awareness Week.Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by social media or just curious ab...2025-05-0835 minGood Enough CounsellorsOverwhelmed by Private Practice?Feeling completely overwhelmed by private practice? Whether you’re just getting started or stuck with marketing your existing therapy practice, this episode is your gentle nudge to take action - one tiny step at a time.Josephine shares her own story of paralysis when starting out, and how the idea of a minimum viable product helped her move forward without needing everything to be perfect. You'll learn how to break down daunting tasks, how to get motivated with small wins, and why starting scrappy is better than not starting at all.Takeaways:Why overwhelm ha...2025-04-2425 minGood Enough CounsellorsHeather Dale on What Therapists Get Wrong About EthicsIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes is joined by Heather Dale - an experienced therapist, supervisor, and writer - to explore the often misunderstood world of counselling ethics. With over 40 years of practice and a BACP Fellowship under her belt, Heather brings warmth, clarity, and a touch of humour to topics that many find daunting.Together, Josephine and Heather unravel what truly makes an ethical dilemma, why ethics might just be sexier than you think, and how to navigate common challenges - like supervision issues, gifting clients, confidentiality after death, and encountering clients in...2025-04-1752 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Make Social Media Easier for TherapistsIn this month’s Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I’m taking my own advice - yes, really! With a busy week supporting therapists in the Therapy Growth Group, I didn’t have time to prep a brand new episode, so I’ve reused some golden content from a previous episode on social media planning.This episode is perfect for you if you're a therapist who struggles with planning content or posting consistently. Whether you're a meticulous scheduler or more of a "post as the mood takes you" type, there's something here for you.Plus, I’ll share:2025-04-1021 minGood Enough CounsellorsWhy Clients ghost therapists (and what to do about it)Have you ever had a client just… disappear? No explanation, no cancellation - just silence? Being ghosted as a therapist can be frustrating, confusing, and even a little painful. It’s easy to start wondering: did I do something wrong?In this episode, I share my own experience of being ghosted by a client - and why I assumed the worst instead of considering other possibilities. We’ll explore why therapy clients ghost, how self-doubt and imposter syndrome can creep in, and why it’s especially hard for neurodivergent therapists with Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).We’ll al...2025-03-2720 minGood Enough CounsellorsWhat is equine assisted therapy? With Alex GullandHave you ever wondered how horses can play a role in therapy? In this fascinating episode, Josephine Hughes is joined by Alex Gulland, an equine therapist who works with clients alongside horses to support emotional healing and personal growth. Alex shares how equine therapy works, who it’s best suited for, and why the presence of horses can help people in ways that traditional therapy might not. Whether you're a therapist curious about equine-assisted work or someone interested in alternative approaches to healing, this episode will give you insights into the unique connection between humans and horses.Ta...2025-03-2044 minGood Enough CounsellorsPosting without fear: social media for therapistsAre you holding back from posting on social media because of self-doubt?Do you ever wonder, Who do I think I am to be posting this? You’re not alone. Many therapists struggle with the fear of seeming self-promotional, not knowing enough, or being judged. In this episode of The Good Enough Counsellors Podcast, I’ll help you reframe your approach to social media so it feels less about you and more about helping others. I’ll also walk you through practical strategies to shift your mindset, overcome perfectionism, and start posting with confidence.In the se...2025-03-1330 minGood Enough CounsellorsRunning a Private Practice with Chronic Illness - Elizabeth TurpIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes talks with therapist Elizabeth Turp about the realities of running a private practice while managing a chronic illness. Elizabeth shares her personal journey, the unique challenges therapists with energy-limiting conditions face, and how she’s adapted her practice to prioritise well-being. We discuss the importance of boundaries, pricing, pacing, and self-care - without the guilt. This episode will also help those therapists who have caring responsibilities alongside their private practice - and contains insights into well-being and handling world news.Takeaways:The challenges of private practice with a...2025-03-0655 minGood Enough CounsellorsHow to Grow Your Private Practice with Word of Mouth ReferralsMany therapists think of networking as formal business events, awkward small talk, and the pressure to "sell" themselves. But in reality, networking is already happening - often in ways therapists don’t even recognise.In this episode of The Good Enough Counsellors Podcast, Josephine Hughes explores how therapists can use word-of-mouth referrals to grow their private practice, without feeling uncomfortable or inauthentic.Takeaways:Why networking isn’t just about business meetings and professional groupsHow therapists are already part of networks they can tap intoThe power of professional connections (including online spaces like Facebook groups)How...2025-02-2725 minGood Enough CounsellorsKatrina Johnson on Fear and Private PracticeKatrina Johnson candidly shares her journey into private practice and how she overcame her fears to set up and promote her practice. She and Josephine talk about how important it is to embrace vulnerability and take those first steps, even when moving into private practice feels uncertain and a bit scary. As Katrina shares how she built her client base through social media and word-of-mouth, we get a real look at what works when it comes to attracting clients in a way that feels natural. This episode is a reminder that perseverance and self-belief can make all the difference...2025-02-2048 minGood Enough CounsellorsAttract More Therapy Clients Using Social MediaIn this episode of the Good Enough Counsellors Podcast, Josephine Hughes discusses how therapists can use social media to attract more clients and grow their practice. Social media can be a powerful tool, but it’s easy to feel stuck when you’re unsure what to post. Josephine provides a simple framework to help therapists create content to connect with their audience, build trust, and drives potential clients to their practice.If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a blank screen, unsure of what to post next, this episode is for you! Josephine covers how to plan y...2025-02-1318 minGood Enough CounsellorsSusie Jamieson on Surviving Therapist ComplaintsSuzie Jamieson, a seasoned therapist, tells Josephine Hughes about her experience following a professional complaint that shook her confidence and career. On March 25, 2021, she received an email from the BACP informing her of a complaint, thrusting her into a world of fear and shame. Despite having a flourishing practice, the complaint triggered a profound personal crisis leading to a two-year ordeal filled with emotional turmoil. Susie candidly discusses the psychological impact of the experience, detailing how the stress of the complaint permeated her life, affecting her mental health and financial stability. She discusses the vulnerability therapists face in their...2025-02-0642 minGood Enough CounsellorsAre You Charging Enough as a Therapist?Setting appropriate fees in private practice is crucial for maintaining a sustainable and ethical counselling private practice. Josephine Hughes explores the challenges therapists face regarding client attendance and the impact on income. She argues that a well-structured fee system allows therapists to absorb seasonal fluctuations and client cancellations without undue pressure. This enables counsellors to focus on their clients' well-being rather than their personal financial concerns. Throughout the episode, Josephine addresses common money blocks that can hinder therapists from charging what they’re worth, highlighting the need to recognise the value of their services. By adopting a more strategic ap...2025-01-3036 minGood Enough CounsellorsThriving in Private Practice with Caz BinsteadCaz Binstead joins Josephine Hughes to discuss the interplay between ethics and business in private practice counselling. They explore the importance of understanding the unique challenges faced by private practitioners, especially in the current landscape where nearly 70% of therapists are working in private practice. Caz emphasises that ethical practices are not just about client care but also about creating a sustainable business model that supports therapists' well-being and professional growth. The conversation touches on the isolation many therapists experience, the necessity of solid contracts, and the role of social media in fostering connections among practitioners. With insights into the...2025-01-2350 minGood Enough CounsellorsConfident Social Media Marketing for CounsellorsFinding clarity in your purpose for social media is essential for effective marketing, especially as we enter a new year. Josephine Hughes discusses the importance of understanding your "why" behind your social media presence and how it can guide your content strategy. She emphasizes three key points: clarity, consistency, and character, which are vital for resonating with your audience and attracting clients. By defining who you're trying to reach and establishing measurable goals, you can create a more impactful social media presence. Additionally, Josephine shares practical ideas for content in February, leveraging awareness days to connect with potential clients...2025-01-1625 minGood Enough CounsellorsThe No-Bullsh*t Guide to Creating Practice SuccessJanuary is not the ideal time for new beginnings; instead, it's a period for rest and reflection, as Helen Calvert passionately argues in her interview with Josephine Hughes. She challenges the conventional "new year, new you" mindset, highlighting the importance of aligning personal growth with the natural rhythms of the year, suggesting that spring is the true season for renewal. Helen shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how her autism has shaped her experiences and perspectives on life, work, and parenting. Helen and Josephine discuss the significance of creating a supportive and compassionate environment for oneself as a business...2025-01-0951 minGood Enough CounsellorsFrom Self-Doubt to Self-Love: A Journey for CounsellorsIn this episode, Josephine Hughes emphasises the importance of self-belief and the unique experiences that shape who we are. She addresses the common struggle many face in receiving praise and appreciation, often rooted in past experiences and negative self-perception. The discussion encourages listeners to recognise their uniqueness and the value of their life experiences, even those that have been challenging. Ultimately, it inspires a shift in perspective, urging listeners to embrace their potential and the gifts they can offer to others, particularly in the realm of counsellingTakeaways: Many people struggle with self-belief, especially...2025-01-0215 min
Good Enough CounsellorsBuilding a Successful Private Practice with Tracey CarlisleIn this episode, Josephine Hughes interviews Tracey Carlisle about her inspiring journey from secure employment to establishing a fulfilling counselling private practice. Faced with frustration and the fear of returning to a job she didn't enjoy, Tracey found the courage to make a significant change in her life. She decided to take the leap into full-time private practice, realising that all her hard work and training were leading her to this moment. Tracey highlights the importance of mindset and taking action, emphasising that waiting for everything to be perfect can hold you back. Now thriving in her practice, she...2024-12-2624 minGood Enough CounsellorsPrivate Practice Success StoriesThis final episode of series one of the Good Enough Counsellors Podcast focuses on embracing imperfection and taking bold steps towards personal and professional growth. Josephine Hughes reflects on her journey and the insights gained from various guests, highlighting the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in building a successful private practice. With inspiring stories from guests like Tracy Carlisle and Emma Radway Bright, listeners are encouraged to take leaps of faith, recognising that progress, not perfection, is the key to success. Josephine emphasises the significance of self-compassion and celebrating small achievements as essential components of growth...2024-12-1928 minGood Enough CounsellorsSocial Media Strategies for December and JanuaryIs it worth continuing to post on social media during busy times, even when you're not seeing results? Josephine Hughes shares her insights on how maintaining a consistent presence can build trust and familiarity with potential clients, ultimately leading to better engagement and client enquiries. She discusses practical strategies for creating content efficiently and provides ideas for January using relevant themes and awareness days.Takeaways: Consistency is crucial for building trust and engagement on social media platforms. Batch creating content can save time, especially during busy periods like December. Repurposing old posts and content is a...2024-12-1219 minGood Enough CounsellorsManaging Cancellations and Income during DecemberThe festive season often brings challenges for counsellors in private practice. These include client cancellations, fluctuating appointment numbers and the associated reduction in income. In this episode Josephine Hughes encourages therapists to take proactive steps in managing their schedules, finances and communicating boundaries so that they can look after themselves as well as their clients. Takeaways:As you approach the festive season, be intentional and prepared for client changes.It's essential to communicate your availability and cancellation policies to clients ahead of time.Taking time off during December will help your well-being and client care.Plan...2024-12-0527 min
Good Enough CounsellorsHow to Set Up a Clinical Will for Therapists with Michael TollerIn today’s episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, Josephine Hughes talks with Michael Toller, psychotherapist and creator of the Clinical Will App, about why every therapist needs a clinical will. Michael shares his journey of developing the app to help therapists protect their clients’ privacy and ensure ethical practice in case something unexpected happens. We dive into what a clinical will is, how it works, and why it’s essential for all solo practitioners to have one in place.Takeaways:What a Clinical Will is: A clinical will is a process that ensures clients are ca...2024-11-2852 minGood Enough CounsellorsSimple SEO to Attract More Counselling ClientsSearch engine optimization (SEO) is an essential aspect of marketing your private practice, as it helps potential clients find you online. In this episode, Josephine Hughes demystifies SEO, breaking it down into practical tips that even those intimidated by technology can easily understand. She emphasises the importance of having a clear and relevant URL, effective keywords, and engaging content like blogs to boost your website's visibility. Additionally, she highlights that while SEO is valuable, building trust through personal connections and networking within your community is equally crucial for gaining referrals. This episode offers a comprehensive overview of how to...2024-11-2130 minGood Enough Counsellors3 Simple Tweaks to Boost Your Client EnquiriesIn this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, Josephine Hughes talks about quick and practical marketing tweaks you can make to your directory profile, website, and social media presence to attract more clients during the busy pre-Christmas period. If you've got a gap in your calendar, why not use it to audit your marketing materials? Josephine walks you through three key areas to focus on:Your Directory Profile – Learn how to make your profile stand out with a compelling headline, clear and impactful sentences, and relevant keywords to catch the eye of potential clients, especially those facing seasonal struggles.Yo...2024-11-1425 minGood Enough CounsellorsSocial Media Toolkit for IntrovertsDoes the thought of social media fill you with dread? Navigating social media can be particularly daunting for introverts, but in this episode, Josephine Hughes offers practical strategies for using social media platforms effectively while remaining true to oneself. The episode also contains creative ideas for December social media posts, highlighting ways to engage with followers during the holiday season while addressing the challenges many face during this time. Therapists are offered advice on how to maintain consistent posting over busy periods.Takeaways: Introverts can find social media overwhelming, but it can be a valuable tool...2024-11-0728 min