Good Enough Counsellors

Hosted by Josephine Hughes

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128

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Aug 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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August 12, 202620 min

Social Media isn't About Posting. It's About Helping

As a therapist, have you ever sat down to write a social media post and wondered what on earth to say? Or even, not started a social media page because you don't know what to do? It's easy to get caught up in the mechanics of posting, in the same way as when we're training we get caught up in the mechanics of counselling techniques. However, if you stand back from social media for a moment and focus on what people need, you often find it much easier to turn up as yourself. So rather than seeing social media as somewhere you have to perform, you can start to see it as somewhere you can help. If you're a therapist who struggles with the idea of using social media to reach prospective clients, this episode can help. In this episode: How to create content that helps people feel understood How to establish trust long before someone contacts you Why trying to sound like someone else gets in the way of attracting clients Why being real matters far more than polished content I also include ideas for social media posts for September 2026 with themes around courage, connection, creativity and balance. There's ideas for simple engagement prompts together with more educational content. The following awareness days are mentioned: Live Fearless Day – 2 September Fight Procrastination Day – 6 September Feel the Love Day – 7 September Swap Ideas Day – 10 September Day of Encouragement – 12 September Live Creative Day – 14 September Online Learning Day – 15 September World Gratitude Day - 21 September World Podcast Day - 30 September If you're interested in finding out more about your niche, please check out my courses on my website, josephinehughes.com and you can find information about longer term support through my Therapy Growth Group 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 : social media for therapists, therapist marketing, counselling private practice, private practice marketing, social media for counsellors, counselling marketing, therapist social media, attract therapy clients, how to get therapy clients, marketing for counsellors, therapist private practice, counselling business, therapist branding, social media content ideas, content ideas for therapists, private practice growth, Josephine Hughes, Good Enough Counsellors 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.

August 5, 202648 min

Afraid to Start Private Practice? With Katrina Johnson

Starting private practice can feel daunting, especially if you're wondering whether you're experienced enough, whether clients will ever find you, or whether you're making the right decision. In this episode, I talk to counsellor Katrina Johnson, who had been a therapist for 20 years before finally taking the leap into private practice. Despite her experience, she admits she was frightened to get started and worried she wasn't good enough. Today, Katrina has a thriving private practice, a waiting list and works as a supervisor. In our conversation, she shares what helped her move beyond fear, how she gradually built her client base, and why taking small, consistent steps made all the difference. Whether you're newly qualified, struggling to find agency work or simply wondering if now is the right time to start your own practice, Katrina's story is full of reassurance and practical encouragement. In this episode we discuss: Why fear and self-doubt are normal when starting private practice How Katrina took her first small steps instead of waiting until she felt ready Building confidence after taking action rather than before Growing a private practice gradually alongside employed work Using social media in a way that feels natural and authentic Why clients often choose the therapist they feel they know and trust Setting boundaries around what you share online Why consistency matters more than perfection How Therapy Growth Group supported Katrina as she built her practice Katrina's story encourages us that you don't have to feel confident before you begin to build your private practice. Episode originally appeared in February 2025 You can visit Katrina's website at kjcounselling.co.uk and her Facebook page is KJCounselling And if you're interested in Therapy Growth Group, you can read more about it at josephinehughes.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 for counsellors, starting private practice, counsellor private practice, therapist private practice, counselling private practice, how to start private practice, how to get counselling clients, attract therapy clients, therapist marketing, counsellor marketing, therapist social media, counsellor social media, imposter syndrome counsellor, self doubt therapist, fear of private practice, therapist confidence, confidence in private practice, newly qualified counsellor, counselling career, Therapy Growth Group, Josephine Hughes, Katrina Johnson, Good Enough Counsellors, counselling business, UK counsellor 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.

July 29, 202618 min

Do You Have to Be the Best to be Successful?

When you're trying to grow your counselling private practice, it's tempting to think you have to be the best to be successful. But maybe that belief is holding you back. In this episode, I explore an online trend of defining your service by comparing it with others. Is this a true sign of confidence or does it reveal a deeper sense of scarcity and self-doubt? And if you believe that you have to compete and be the best, what impact does this have on your confidence, your marketing and even your nervous system regulation? Perhaps the real key to attracting clients isn't trying to be better than everyone else. It's trusting that who you are is already enough to connect with the people you're most able to help. Takeaways : Why believing you have to be the best is part of a scarcity mindset How comparison can undermine your confidence and marketing The difference between the "best" therapist and the "best-fit" therapist How being more yourself, rather than trying to impress everyone, can help you attract the clients who resonate with you Why your uniqueness is one of your greatest strengths in private practice Reflection : Do you believe there are enough people out there who will choose you - simply because you're you? Spend a few moments noticing your answer. If it's "I'm not sure", my resources on niching and marketing for therapists, together with Therapy Growth Group, may help you build your private practice in a way that feels authentic. If you're looking for practical marketing advice for therapists, private practic etips and support to attract more counselling clients, you'll find links to all the resources mentioned below. To find out more about my short workshops, click HERE , and for Therapy Growth Group, click 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: therapist marketing, marketing for therapists, private practice marketing, counselling private practice, private practice therapist, how to get therapy clients, attract therapy clients, counselling business, therapist confidence, imposter syndrome therapist, therapist mindset, comparison trap, scarcity mindset, confidence in private practice, Therapy Growth Group 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.

July 22, 202611 min

Has AI Changed How Clients Find Therapists?

Many therapists have been telling me that enquiries have slowed down. Some wonder whether it's the cost of living, while others are worried that AI has changed the way clients search for a therapist online. In this episode, I'm joined once again by Daragh MacLoughlin from WebHealer to explore what's really happening. Drawing on insights from thousands of therapy websites, Daragh shares what he's seeing as Google search changes. He explains why some websites are attracting more enquiries than ever, and why simply chasing SEO isn't the answer. Instead, we talk about something much more important: creating a website that is genuinely helpful to the people you most want to work with. If you've been wondering whether AI is making it harder for clients to find you, I hope this conversation will leave you feeling reassured and give you some practical ideas to strengthen your website. Takeaways : Why therapists may be seeing fewer enquiries and why AI isn't necessarily the whole story. How Google search is changing and what that means for therapy websites. Why creating a genuinely useful website is becoming more important than ever. The connection between knowing your niche and writing a website that attracts the right clients. Why helping people get to know you is still one of the most powerful ways to build trust online. Practical ways to improve your website without becoming an SEO expert. For information on my workshops to help you get clearer on who you most want to help, please visit my website, josephinehughes.com If you're interested in building a website with WebHealer , receive a £50 discount when you use my affiliate link: GEC999 . This same code will also give you a free install of Policy Diary , worth £9.99 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: therapy website, therapist website, counselling website, AI and therapy websites, Google search for therapists, therapy website SEO, therapist marketing, private practice marketing, therapy enquiries, how clients find therapists, therapist niche, counsellor website, therapy website visibility, AI search. We are an affiliate of WebHealer and Policy Diary and may be paid commission if you buy through our link. As we are an affiliate and WebHealer and Policy Diary were created by a third party, we shall have no liability whatsoever in any circumstances to you in relation to the WebHealer and Policy Diary (including in relation to any consequential loss of any type whatsoever) other than in relation to matters for which we are not lawfully able to limit or exclude our liability 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.

July 15, 202637 min

Could GDPR Help You Get More Therapy Clients? Why Your Therapy Website Matters

Your therapy website is one of the most important tools for attracting clients to your private practice. In this episode, website specialist Daragh MacLoughlin from WebHealer explains why GDPR, privacy policies and cookie notices aren't just about legal compliance. They can also help build trust with potential clients and, in Daragh's view, may even play a part in how search engines assess your website. Many therapists put GDPR to the bottom of the to do list because it feels complicated, technical and overwhelming. Daragh explains the recent changes in plain English, shares the most common mistakes therapists make, and introduces a simple way to keep your website policies up to date without becoming an expert yourself. Takeaways Why every therapist in private practice needs up to date website privacy policies. The recent changes to UK GDPR that affect therapy websites. What cookie policies are and why they matter. Why handling client data well is about more than legal compliance. How good website policies can help build trust with potential clients. Why Daragh believes having the right website foundations may also help your visibility in Google search. Simple ways to make sure your therapy website stays up to date as regulations change. Daragh MacLoughlin is Managing Director of WebHealer , one of the UK's best-known website providers for counsellors and psychotherapists. WebHealer has been helping therapists create professional websites that attract clients for more than twenty years. He is also the creator of Policy Diary , a service designed specifically for therapists to help them generate and maintain GDPR-compliant privacy policies, cookie policies and complaints procedures as regulations change. Special offer If you'd like to use Policy Diary or build your website with WebHealer, Daragh has kindly arranged an exclusive discount code for people in my community. Use GEC999 to receive: Free installation of Policy Diary (worth £9.99 ). £50 off a new WebHealer website. We are an affiliate of WebHealer and Policy Diary and may be paid commission if you buy through our link. As we are an affiliate and WebHealer and Policy Diary were created by a third party, we shall have no liability whatsoever in any circumstances to you in relation to the WebHealer and Policy Diary (including in relation to any consequential loss of any type whatsoever) other than in relation to matters for which we are not lawfully able to limit or exclude our liability Coming next week: Daragh returns to the podcast to talk about one of the biggest questions therapists are asking right now: Is AI changing the way clients find us online? We explore what's happening with Google search, what makes a therapy website useful, and why helping the right people is still the best long-term strategy for attracting clients. 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 : therapy website, GDPR for therapists, therapy website GDPR, privacy policies for therapists, cookie policies, therapy website SEO, Google search for therapists, attracting therapy clients, therapy website design, counsellor website, private practice website, data protection for therapists, therapist marketing, getting therapy clients, therapist online presence, private practice growth, WebHealer, Policy Diary 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.

July 8, 202615 min

Permission to Take a Break

Do you worry that potential clients will forget about you if you stop posting on social media? Summer holidays can often bring an added layer of pressure. Should you schedule posts while you're away? Is it OK to disappear for a couple of weeks? And do therapists really need to post everyday? In this episode, I explore what a healthy relationship with social media could look like, why consistency matters more than frequency, and why taking time to rest may actually be one of the best things you can do for yourself and your private practice. I also share some August awareness days that could inspire your social media content for the month. Takeaways : Why consistency matters more than frequency What to do with your social media while you're on holiday Whether people notice if you stop posting Creating healthier boundaries with social media The importance of authenticity in your marketing Why rest isn't something you have to earn August Content Ideas: 8 August – Happiness Happens Day. A chance to encourage clients to notice small moments of joy and connection. 15 August – Relaxation Day. An opportunity to discuss rest, burnout and nervous system regulation. 16 August – Authenticity Day. Perfect for exploring authenticity, masking, people pleasing and finding your own voice. 21 August – Internet Self-Care Day. A useful prompt to discuss comparison, healthy digital boundaries and creating a more positive relationship with social media. Who Do You Want To Help? Exploring Niching is next taking place on Tuesday 14th July at 7.30pm. Other dates will also be available. Check out my website to book: 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 You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com FAQs Do therapists need to post on social media every day? No. Consistency is usually more important than frequency. A thoughtful post once a week is often more effective than posting every day without a clear purpose. Should therapists post on social media while they're on holiday? Only if they want to. Some therapists schedule posts in advance, while others prefer to take a complete break. The important thing is choosing an approach that supports your wellbeing. Will people forget about me if I stop posting? Most people are far more focused on their own lives than on whether you've posted this week. A short break from social media is unlikely to have a significant impact on your private practice. Keywords: social media boundaries, managing social media on holiday, social media tips for therapists, out of office notice, social media scheduling, authenticity in social media, Internet Self Care Day, social media comparison, private practice growth, social media for therapists, taking breaks from social media, intentional social media posting, client relationships and social media, social media habits, mental health and social media, social media engagement strategies, planning social media content, self-care 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.

July 1, 202648 min

Neuro-Affirming Practice with Louise Lucas

What does a neuro-affirming practice look like in the therapy room? As awareness of neurodivergence grows, many therapists want to work in ways that better support their neurodivergent clients. But moving beyond theory and knowing how to apply neuro-affirming practice in real life can feel challenging. In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm delighted to welcome back Louise Lucas who described how she'd discovered her own autism and ADHD in episode 7, and how this had transformed her personal life and practice. Since then she's continued to develop her Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model and has written a book: A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients. In this conversation, Louise explains how her own experiences shaped her work and why neuro-affirming practice is about far more than understanding a diagnosis. We explore how therapists can help clients move from shame and self-criticism towards self-understanding, compassion and a sustainable wellbeing. Takeaways: What neuro-affirming practice means in everyday therapy The Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model and the Two Spirals Why knowledge, understanding and acceptance all matter Understanding "spiky profiles" Why context is essential when working with neurodivergent clients Helping clients move from shame to self-compassion Supporting regulation through basic needs and sustainable self-care What every therapist should understand about working with neurodivergent clients About Louise Lucas Louise Lucas is a therapist, supervisor and trainer specialising in neurodivergent wellbeing and neuro-affirming practice. She developed the Neurodivergent Wellbeing Model to help therapists and clients better understand regulation, self-compassion and sustainable wellbeing. Her new book, A Therapeutic Workbook for Supporting the Wellbeing of Neurodivergent Clients , is published by Jessica Kingsley Publishers in September 2026. You can find out more at Louise's website curiosityspot.co.uk Links: Find out about Therapy Growth Group or join to participate in the Make Your Profile Work Sprint HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

June 24, 202615 min

Feeling Lost After Counselling Training?

You spend years working towards a qualification. But after the structure of assignments and placements - and the company of tutors and fellow students - comes to an end, it can leave you wondering what comes next. Should you look for employment, start a private practice or something else? In this episode, I share my own experience of finishing counselling training, share why this stage can feel unsettling - and most importantly, how you can move forward without needing to have everything worked out in advance. Takeaways : The loss of structure that newly qualified counsellors experience and how that impacts them How self-doubt can show up after qualification Why you don't need the whole plan before you begin The importance of support, supervision and community Taking the next step towards setting up in private practice Remember: you don't need to have everything worked out in advance. You don't need the full plan. You just need the next step. Training: to help you get started in finding clients, I have some short training webinars coming up. You can find out more about them HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

June 17, 202653 min

Will AI Replace Therapists? With Ken Kelly

Many therapists are concerned about the rise of AI and whether it will replace therapy altogether. In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I'm joined by Ken Kelly, author of Ethical AI Practice. Ken believes that while AI has an important role to play in private practice, it can never replace the human connection at the heart of therapy. We explore the ethical boundaries, how therapists can use AI safely and the ways it can help us with tasks such as content creation, research and policy writing. Takeaways : How to protect client information when using AI How to assess different AI tools from an ethical perspective How AI can support therapists in private practice Using AI to create blogs and posts while still using your own voice The "reverse interview" exercise for writing your website copy and profiles The ways that clients are already using AI The future of counselling in an AI world Resources: perplexity.ai wisprflow.ai Ethical AI Practice by Ken Kelly, available here: ethicalaipractice.com Want help finding your professional voice? Many therapists know they're different but struggle to explain what makes them distinctive to potential clients. Inside Therapy Growth Group, I help counsellors and psychotherapists identify their niche, communicate their strengths, write profiles and websites that sound like them, and market their practice without feeling pushy or salesy. Find out more 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 : counselling, AI in therapy, ethical AI practice, mental health technology, private practice tips, client confidentiality, AI for therapists, digital mental health, AI and mental health, counselling ethics, AI in psychotherapy, content generation 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.

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. Takeaways Why social media platforms thrive on outrage What to do when a comment or interaction leaves you feeling shamed and upset Why it's important to regulate before responding Creating boundaries around comments, messages and engagement Deciding on what atmosphere you want for your page Why some interactions don't deserve a response Choosing spaces that are the right fit for you How boundaries can help you feel more comfortable and confident online I 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 HERE Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE You can also find me here: The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group Josephine Hughes on Facebook Josephine Hughes on YouTube My website: josephinehughes.com The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast. Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.