Good Enough Counsellors

Hosted by Josephine Hughes

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119

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Jun 2026

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About the show

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.

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June 10, 202627 min

Scared to Post Online?

Social media can be a great way to connect with potential clients but it can also be a place that is filled with hostility. This stops many therapists from either setting up a page or from posting on it.Some of the worries I've heard about from therapists include saying "the wrong thing", being publicly corrected, receiving criticism and being subject to a "pile on". So in this first of a series of episodes around social media boundaries, I explore how you can make your therapy page feel safer for you to use.Drawing on my own experience of managing online communities and navigating difficult interactions, I share how you can protect your wellbeing and those of your followers - so that you can feel more confident to reach people via your page.TakeawaysWhy social media platforms thrive on outrageWhat to do when a comment or interaction leaves you feeling shamed and upsetWhy it's important to regulate before respondingCreating boundaries around comments, messages and engagementDeciding on what atmosphere you want for your pageWhy some interactions don't deserve a responseChoosing spaces that are the right fit for youHow boundaries can help you feel more comfortable and confident onlineI also share some ideas for social media posts for July 2026, including themes around body image, friendship, loneliness, grief and summer family life.For information about my training courses, please click HERE and you can find out more information about Therapy Growth Group HERESetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.

June 3, 202637 min

Genetics, Grief and Therapy with Uruj Anjum

What happens when someone receives a genetic diagnosis? In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm joined by Uruj Anjum of Saina Therapy.Before training as a psychotherapist, Uruj spent nine years working within NHS genetics services, supporting individuals and families navigating conditions such as Huntington's disease and other complex inherited disorders. She now specialises in working with clients affected by genetic diagnoses, reproductive decision-making, grief, loss and family dynamics.We talk about what therapists need to know when supporting clients living with genetic uncertainty, and how genetics may be lying behind presenting issues such as anxiety, grief, relationship difficulties and identity struggles.Takeaways:The emotional impact of genetic diagnosis on individuals, couples and familiesAnticipatory grief and living with uncertaintyCarrier guilt and the complex emotions that can follow a diagnosisHow attachment patterns can influence the way people respond to genetic testing and diagnosisThe impact of inherited conditions on relationships and family dynamicsReproductive decision-making and termination for medical reasonsSupporting clients affected by genetic conditions in the therapy roomHow therapists can work confidently with clients affected by genetic diagnoses without needing specialist medical expertiseYou can connect with Uruj via her website saiynatherapy.co.uk and on instagram @saiynatherapyLooking for Support with Your Private Practice?If listening to Uruj's story has got you thinking about your own niche, your marketing or how to attract more of the right clients, I'd love to help.I run workshops, training and coaching for counsellors in private practice, helping you communicate clearly with potential clients and build a practice that works for you.Find out more here: josephinehughes.comSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: genetic counselling, therapy for genetic conditions, mental health and genetics, emotional impact of genetic diagnoses, family dynamics in genetic counselling, genetic testing and therapy, attachment theory and genetics, anticipatory grief in genetic conditions, supporting clients with genetic diagnoses, carrier guilt in genetics, navigating genetic testing decisions, anxiety and genetic diagnoses, therapeutic approaches to genetic issues, stigma around genetic conditions, building confidence in genetic counselling.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.

May 27, 202617 min

Starting Small Still Counts

It’s tempting to look at other therapists, coaches or creators and think:“It’s easier for them because they’re bigger.”But what we often forget is that every established business once started small.In this solo episode, I reflect on the early days of my own private practice and Therapy Growth Group as we approach its sixth birthday. I talk about fear, comparison, visibility and the courage it takes to keep showing up when you’re still finding your feet.Because behind every “overnight success” are usually years of small steps, awkward beginnings and learning as you go.I also explore why helping just one person still matters, why growth can actually be easier to manage when it happens gradually, and how success often looks very different from what we imagine.Whether you’re just starting out in private practice or feeling discouraged because your audience, client list or confidence still feels small, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going.In this episode:Why comparing yourself to more established therapists can stop you taking actionWhat people don’t see behind business growthThe importance of courage over confidenceWhy helping one person still countsHow consistency builds confidence over timeWhy starting small can actually help you grow sustainablyThe ripple effects that can happen when you keep goingI also share:The story behind starting Therapy Growth GroupWhat six years in business has taught meWhy I still feel fear even nowTraining mentioned in this episode:Five Ways to Attract New ClientsExploring Your NicheAsk Me AnythingYou can find details of all current training here:https://josephinehughes.as.me/trainingIf this episode encouraged you, I’d love it if you shared it with another therapist who needs reminding that starting small still counts.Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: private practice growth, starting a counselling business, success in therapy practice, building confidence as a therapist, therapy marketing strategies, finding your niche in therapy, private practice challenges, therapist training and development, encouraging small businesses, client attraction strategies, therapy visibility, successful counselling practicesThe 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.

May 20, 202647 min

Using Facebook to Promote Your Private Practice with Annie Jones

In this episode, I'm joined by Annie Jones from Rayleigh Marketing to talk about why Facebook is a useful tool to promote your private practice.We explore how local Facebook groups, recommendations, consistency, and good quality content can help therapists become more visible without needing to post every day or share your entire personal life online.In this episode:why Facebook still works for local businessesthe importance of recommendations and local groupshow often you really need to postplanning content without burning outwhy consistency matters more than quantityideas for therapists who dislike having their photo takensimple ways to make posts more engagingmistakes small businesses often make on social mediaFacebook ads, hashtags, keywords, and location tagshow to stay visible without becoming overwhelmedYou can connect with Annie on Facebook HERE, Instagram HERE and find out more about her club HEREFor more information about Josephine's training courses, please click here: https://josephinehughes.as.me/trainingSocial Media Ideas for June 2026:Pride Month and Stillbirth & Neonatal Death Awareness Month7th: Tourettes Awareness8th: Carers Week15th Loneliness Awareness Week (listen to ep 64 on using AI for social media for a deep dive into ideas)18th: Autistic Pride27th: PTSD AwarenessSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: Facebook for small businesses, recommendations on Facebook, social media tips for therapists, local Facebook groups, social media visibility, social media content planning, engagement on Facebook, client recommendations, Facebook advertising for therapists, marketing for private practice, Facebook engagement techniquesThe 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.

May 13, 202633 min

Working Creatively with Therapy Clients with Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar

What if you don't have to be “good at art” to work creatively as a therapist?In this week’s episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I’m joined by counsellor, developer and all-round creative thinker Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar to talk about using creativity in therapy sessions, both online and face to face.Yasmin is one of those people who is always creating ideas, tools and resources, and we explore how her neurodivergence, technical background and passion for emotional regulation have shaped the way she works with clients.We talk about:why many therapists don’t think of themselves as creativehow creative approaches can help clients express themselves differentlyusing creative tools in online sessions without it feeling clunky or awkwardemotional regulation, rejection sensitivity and neurodivergencethe fear therapists often have around visibility and being judgedhow creativity can make psycho-education feel more accessible and engagingwhy playful doesn’t have to mean childishand why some ideas need time to develop and “simmer”Yasmin also shares some of the interactive resources she’s developed for therapists and clients, including her “Sandwich of Capacity” tool inspired by the Window of Tolerance.You can find out more about Yasmin and use her resources HEREAnd if you’d like support growing your own private practice, you can find out more about my webinars and training HERESetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: creativity in therapy, neurodivergent counselling techniques, creative tools for therapists, online therapy resources, therapy techniques for neurodivergent clients, integrating creativity in sessions, therapist visibility and marketing, building a creative practice, resources for therapists, psychological tools for emotional regulation, playful therapy activities, using art in counseling, overcoming therapist self-doubtThe 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.

May 6, 202616 min

Why Your Therapy Profile Isn't Getting Enquiries

Why isn’t your therapy profile getting enquiries?If you’ve listed yourself on directories such as Psychology Today, Counselling Directory or BACP Find a Therapist and you’re hearing very little back, this episode will help you think about what your clients need to hear in order to feel able to choose you.In today's episode:the power of a good profile and how it helps your private practicewhy talking about your modality doesn't helpthe importance of taking reading age into considerationavoiding technical language and industry jargonwhat frightens clients awayqualifications versus connection and relatabilityunderstanding client search behaviourAlready listed on a directory and it’s not bringing enquiries? Come along to my webinar on what might be missing and how to make what you're already doing more effective. Click HERE to learn moreClick HERE to learn more about Therapy Growth Group. The next Make Your Profile Work challenge takes place in June 2026.This is a re-issue of Episode 14: Ditch the JargonSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: counsellor, psychotherapist, private practice marketing, therapy directory, psychology today, counselling directory, therapy profileThe 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.

April 29, 202647 min

Are You Ready to Work With Trans Clients? With Josiah Twiselton

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 may lack social supportThe challenges faced by drag performersWhy lived experience and community matter when working with trans clientsHow recognising trans joy is as important as recognising strugglesThe current situation for transgender people in the UKJosiah Twiselton is the founder of Offbeat Therapy where he specialises in working with older transgender people, drag performers and queer creatives. His video-based course "Trans Allyship for Counsellors" is available for purchase from his website HERE. Use the code GEC2026 to receive a 10% discount.If you're a cis (non trans) woman who would like to show your support for inclusion, please sign the Not In Our Name women's open letter HERE. It calls attention to the real cause of violence against women and girls and enables you to say that you, as a woman, value trans inclusion.Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKEYWORDS: trans therapy, LGBTQ+ therapy, inclusive counseling, trans joy, barriers to therapy, older trans people, trans therapist training, allyship in therapy, trans mental health, queer therapy, access to counselling, diversity in therapy, community support for trans people, mental health for trans individuals, supporting drag performers, therapy for marginalized communitiesThe 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.

April 22, 202624 min

Social Media Not Working? What to do instead

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 way you expect?I talk about:Why low engagement doesn’t mean your content isn’t helpingThe “silent followers” who may be reading without interactingHow clients can find you through search, not just likesWhy niching can reduce likes but increase relevanceHow to stay consistent when it feels like nothing is happeningA simple shift that helped me move from comparison back to purposeMay Social Media Ideas for TherapistsLooking for simple content ideas this month? Key dates to consider:Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (4th–10th May)Mental Health Awareness Week (11th–17th May) – this year’s theme is ActionBlack Inclusion Week and Trans+ History WeekDementia Awareness Week and World MS DayFor lighter, engaging posts:World Laughter Day (3rd May)International Tea Day (21st May)International Hug a Cat Day (30th May)You don’t need to cover everything. Choose what fits your work and your clients, and use these as simple ways to stay visible and connect.In this episode, I mention a previous episode with Becky Willoughby of Willow Therapy Tring. It's episode 75: Grow Your Therapy Practice by Nurturing ConnectionFor more information about Therapy Growth Group, please click HERESetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: social media engagement, private practice marketing, therapist social media tips, social media algorithms, online presence for therapists, social media consistency, overcoming social media comparison, connecting with clients online, content creation for therapists, measuring social media success, mental health content ideas, social media for therapistsThe 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.

April 15, 202656 min

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 HEREYou can find details of Therapy Growth Group HERE

April 8, 202619 min

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 yourselfTherapy Growth GroupIf 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 situationYou can read more about it HERESetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comKeywords: 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