• How to Stay Motivated in Private Practice When It's Tough
    Aug 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 business
    • How to reconnect with the deeper reasons you became a counsellor
    • Practical ways to keep yourself motivated when marketing feels slow to work
    • The role of community and support in sustaining your energy and confidence

    Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hit a quiet patch, this episode will help you find your footing again and remind you why your work matters - both to your clients and to you.

    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

    counselling, practice development, challenges, resilience, motivation, support, private 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.

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    15 mins
  • From No Self-Belief to a Thriving Private Practice: Fi’s Story
    Aug 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.

    In this episode, she shares how, despite years of self-doubt, she slowly built her confidence - and her private practice. From that first directory profile that didn’t sound like her, to embracing her authentic self (complete with pink hair and DMs), Fi’s story is an honest and encouraging look at what it really takes to succeed.

    We talk about:

    • How Fi shifted from “I can’t do this” to running a thriving practice
    • Why making her profile sound like her changed everything
    • The importance of authenticity in therapy marketing
    • Overcoming the fear of charging clients and raising fees
    • Balancing a busy client load and recognising personal limits
    • Practical marketing steps Fi used to get clients (and what she avoids!)
    • How running a low-cost community project keeps her grounded

    If you’ve ever thought, “I’m not good enough to make this work,” this conversation is for you.

    Find Fi at her website or her Facebook page

    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.

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    47 mins
  • How to Get Therapy Clients Using Social Media, Part 3: Community
    Aug 6 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 clients
    • How giving (not numbers) is the heart of community-building
    • The mindset shift that helps you get past the “cringe factor” of sharing your work
    • Why showing your real, imperfect self builds trust and connection
    • How engaging with others (even in small ways) helps grow your reach
    • The importance of not broadcasting, but building relationships online
    • Post ideas for September 2025

    September Awareness Days:

    World Suicide Prevention Day – Wednesday, 10th September 2025

    National Inclusion Week – Monday, 15th to Sunday, 21st September 2025

    Buy a Book Day – Sunday, 7th September 2025

    Live Creative Day & Colouring Day – Sunday, 14th September 2025

    World Gratitude Day – Sunday, 21st September 2025

    Fight Procrastination Day – Saturday, 6th September 2025

    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.

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    45 mins
  • ADHD Meets Mindfulness & CBT - with Liezl Laidlaw
    Jul 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 ideas to explore.

    Takeaways:

    • Why traditional mindfulness often fails ADHD clients — and how to adapt it
    • How CBT can be made more ADHD-friendly (and why “homework” might be a trigger)
    • The power of curiosity and play in therapeutic work with neurodivergent clients
    • How to gently bring mindfulness into therapy — even with resistant clients
    • Why therapists might benefit from mindfulness themselves, especially between sessions

    Connect with Liezl and find out about her course at Rewire Therapy

    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:

    ADHD, CBT, mindfulness, neurodivergence, therapy, self-compassion, private practice, mental health, therapy growth, menopause, emotional well-being, neurodivergent therapists, neurodivergent clients

    The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

    Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

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    54 mins
  • Grow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing Connection - with Becky Willoughby
    Jul 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 her values.

    Takeaways:
    • How Becky built a thriving private practice without hard sales tactics
    • The power of nurturing relationships and community connections
    • Using social media for genuine connection, not constant selling
    • Why having a warm, welcoming therapy space makes such a difference
    • Insight into Becky’s court-appointed work with children and families during divorce
    • How creative, somatic, and energetic approaches support deeper therapeutic work
    • The role of sensory elements, like touch and environment, in helping clients feel safe
    • Why word of mouth and a good website are still Becky’s strongest referral sources
    • The value of slowing down in the second half of life to avoid burnout
    • Simple tips for becoming more visible as a therapist in a way that feels authentic

    If you're looking for a gentle approach to build your private practice - rather than chasing algorithms - this episode is for you.

    Find Becky here: Willow Therapy Tring and on Facebook and Instagram

    Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

    Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

    You can also find me here:

    The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

    Josephine Hughes on Facebook

    Josephine Hughes on YouTube

    My website: josephinehughes.com

    Keywords:

    private practice, counselling, aromatherapy, somatic therapy, social media, therapy space, client empowerment, self-care, personal growth, authenticity, slow living, family therapy, child therapy, therapist advice, burnout prevention, therapy 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.

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    53 mins
  • Private Practice Slowdowns: How to Get More Clients This Summer
    Jul 16 2025

    It’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 rather than panic.

    We'll explore how to use summer downtime to your advantage, tackle those tricky inner critic thoughts, and get practical about marketing — without needing to be salesy.

    Takeaways:

    • Why summer slowdowns are common and how to spot seasonal patterns in your practice
    • How to track your client numbers meaningfully
    • Simple actions you can take right now to attract more clients — many of them free
    • Why high-touch marketing often works faster than relying on directories or SEO alone
    • How to reframe self-doubt and use your time well when you’re feeling discouraged
    • Gentle encouragement to try reaching out, even when it feels scary

    Originally released in summer 2024, this episode still holds true — and seasonal fluctuations means it may be relevant to you this month. You may also like to listen to the Companion episode, number 25 on Creative Solutions to Slowdowns.

    The Find Your Next Five Clients course mentioned in the episode is still available to members of Therapy Growth Group.

    And if this episode helped you, please consider leaving a review or sharing it with a fellow therapist. It really helps more people find the show.

    Chapters

    00:00 Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations in Private Practice

    04:01 Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Your Schedule

    09:21 The Power of High-Touch Marketing

    13:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Rejection

    16:08 Practical Steps for Growing Your Private Practice

    Keywords

    private practice, slowdown, client numbers, seasonal fluctuations, marketing, client gaps in schedule, high-touch marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, summer slump, growing 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

    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.

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    19 mins
  • How to Get Therapy Clients Using Social Media: Part 2 - Consistency
    Jul 9 2025

    Do 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.

    Takeaways:

    • Why consistent posting helps build trust with potential clients
    • How social media works like the therapy relationship: show up regularly
    • Simple ways to make consistency easier (even if you're busy)
    • Why repurposing content is smart, not lazy
    • How long-term visibility pays off, even years later

    If you’ve been struggling to stay motivated with your posting, this episode will help you reconnect with why it matters - and how to make it work for you.

    August Social Media Awareness Days:

    Family-related Days:

    • A-Level Results Day (UK): Thursday 14th August 2025
    • GCSE Results Day (UK): Thursday 21st August 2025
    • International Youth Day: Tuesday 12th August 2025
    • Sisters Day: Sunday 3rd August 2025 (First Sunday in August)
    • Gay Uncle Day: Saturday 10th August 2025 (Second Saturday in August)
    • Son and Daughter Day: Monday 11th August 2025
    • Middle Child Day: Tuesday 12th August 2025

    Relaxation & Summer Mood Days:

    • Lazy Day: Sunday 10th August 2025
    • Relaxation Day: Friday 15th August 2025
    • National Beach Day: Saturday 30th August 2025

    Pet-related Days:

    • International Cat Day: Friday 8th August 2025
    • Spoil Your Dog Day: Sunday 10th August 2025
    • Black Cat Appreciation Day: Sunday 17th August 2025

    Creative/Engagement Opportunities:

    • World Photography Day: Tuesday 19th August 2025
    • World Photography Week: 12th–26th August 2025

    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 marketing, consistency in marketing, building visibility online, private practice growth, social media for therapists, content creation strategies, marketing for counsellors, effective posting strategies, social media algorithms, engagement on social media, creating a social media schedule, batching social media posts, marketing for mental health professionals, therapist marketing tips

    The information...

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    30 mins
  • How to Work with Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse with Jeremy Sachs
    Jul 2 2025

    Jeremy 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 masculinity, cultural shame, and systemic failure can all affect whether survivors seek help — and how they experience it. Jeremy also shares practical reflections for therapists and allies who want to work more effectively with male clients.

    ⚠️ Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual abuse, trauma, and the failings of healthcare and justice systems. Please listen with care.

    Takeaways:

    • Why Jeremy wrote this book — and how male survivors shaped each chapter
    • What we mean by masculinity, and how cultural expectations harm survivors
    • The role of shame, silence, and developmental trauma in male experiences
    • How Black men and trans men may face unique stigma and barriers to care
    • What “intersectionality” looks like in real therapeutic work
    • Why disclosure is complex — and how therapists can respond with empathy
    • The idea of “sexual selves” and how Western norms disconnect men from their bodies
    • What transformative justice is — and why some survivors seek it outside systems
    • The essential role of allyship and community in recovery

    You can find Jeremy and order his book here: https://jeremysachs.com

    Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

    Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

    You can also find me here:

    The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

    Josephine Hughes on Facebook

    Josephine Hughes on YouTube

    My website: josephinehughes.com

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    51 mins