The Grow Your Private Practice Show

If you’re a counsellor in private practice, chances are you’ve wrangled with some money issues in your time. And the truth is, this isn’t something you can work on and get rid of because they keep appearing in different ways and under different circumstances.There is no denying it, issues around money mindset issues can hold you back - in more ways than may first appear. So in this episode, I have the fabulous Cathy Towers here for a chat. Cathy is a counsellor and psychotherapist, a speaker and workshop facilitator, a DJ and improv leader - so she wears many hats, But the hat she’s wearing today is that of a money mentor because Cathy has been working with counsellors on this topic for years. So take a listen as we explore the deeper and more complex impact money issues can have both on ourselves, our clients, and our business. In this episode we explore:The traps we can fall into around money and charging clientsThe importance of valuing ourselvesThe impact of free on the counselling relationshipThe hidden costs of being in private practiceAbout Cathy TowersCathy has been running workshops on Your Relationship with Money and Charging for Time for ten years.  She speaks at the BACP regularly and offers consultation on money issues.She also jointly runs workshops on Business Therapy, dealing with the challenges, struggles, and sticky issues for private practice creatively by "putting your relationship with your business on the couch".  After many years of hiding her light, she is now a fierce voice for confidence and communication, with a radio show on Phonic FM called Speaking Out.Connect with Cathy on LinkedIn - just search Cathy TowersCathy's resources:Blog 'That debate about free sessions'Calculator for therapists Jane's blog ‘Should you offer counselling clients a free first session?'Links to followEpisode 36: How being a people pleaser can affect your private practice - and what to do about itEpisode 33: What to do if your client didn’t show up for their second therapy sessionEpisode 32: 5 Easy ways to give back to charity (without reducing your fees or working for free) with Sophia GiblinEpisode 31: Increasing prices the pain-free wayEpisode 23: How to avoid the feast and famine cycle in your private practice

If you want to greatly increase your chances of success in private practice then this podcast episode is the one for you.Because  I share with you my top 10 keys that will lay the foundations for a successful business that works for you and your clients. In this podcast episode we explore the importance of:Starting before you're readyWhy action is the antidote to fearManaging failure Understanding your self sabotageMoney mindsetHow there's always going to be something new to learnThe benefits of having a nicheNetworkingHow you are absolutely good enoughYour business, your rulesSo, if you're waiting for everything to be perfect or feeling scared about telling a group of people what it is you do then sit back and take note.  This podcast will show you that you have it within you to grow a successful business on your terms.Links to followEpisode 53: Why having a niche is essential in 2021Episode 7: Using introvert superpowers to attract more clients, with Fifi Mason

Having a niche is important when you are a counsellor or therapist because it has a positive impact on you, your income and your clients outcomes - including whether they even contact a counsellor in the first place.  It’s a topic I have a lot of experience in and I’ve seen just how beneficial it can be.  and something that affects not just us as business owners, but also our clients.But I know and understand the reasons why we might be fearful of niching down, namely:You worry you will push potential clients away, or End up doing the same type of work over and over againIf you feel like that, well you certainly aren’t alone. But those fears are unfounded and in this episode, I explain why the absolute opposite is true. Come and join me in this podcast episode as we explore:Why in the modern age, niching is essential to get noticedHow to stop the scattergun effect of trying to attract everyoneWhy a targeted approach will attract more potential clientsHow having a niche won’t limit the issues that you work withHow niching helps potential clients take that step into getting the help they needLinks to followRefresh Challenge

Starting in private practice can be expensive, but it really doesn’t have to be. In fact, the good news is there are many, many ways to start your private practice branding on a budget. I ‘bootstrapped’ my business, and so did Laura Pearman, todays guest expert. And in this podcast we look at how to get started without spending a fortune.Laura is a brand strategist and international photographer and she knows a thing or two about how to stand out in the crowd in a busy market, and she shares some absolute gems that I know you’re going to love. AND Laura has offered listeners a very special opportunity to work with her at a 50% reduction, so to take advantage of that very generous offer, the link is belowIn this episode we explore:Why you shouldn’t spend a lot on when you’re starting outHow to make the most professionals services when the time is rightStarting with a MVP (Minimum Viable Product)The importance of a good headshotTop tips for taking a stand out selfieHow to share personal photos on instagram if you don’t like being on cameraHow to choose the right photographer for youAnd as an extra special treat, Laura has exclusively offered you a great opportunity that might interest you.  About Laura PearmanLaura is a brand strategist and international photographer. She lives in Tyne & Wear with The Viking and Suki the Cat, and lives her life as a modern-day vintage pinup.She helps ambitious business owners turn up the volume on their businesses withbrand strategy, creative direction and brand photography.And she is also a passionate feminist.She is the host of #MwahTV on YouTubeAnd you can watch her episode ‘How Much Money Should You Spend on Your Brand? Why You Should NEVER Spend Big on Your First Brand’ HERE Connect with her on Instagram Check out her website at  www.laurapearman.comTo apply & find out more about her special Branding Offer of 50% off, click here

Do you ever feel that you need a certificate for every counselling subject that comes up and that if you don't, you are somehow failing as a counsellor or letting your clients down?If so, take a listen because in this podcast I explore the continuous pull for CPD training.I'll be looking at:How the drive to continuously take CPD has been affected during lockdownWhy it could be problematicHow it can impact on Imposter SyndromeWhat you can do insteadSo if you’re spending every waking minute learning, and are starting to feel confused and overwhelmed then take a listen. (And remember, in the Grow Your Private Practice membership, all the training includes a CPD certificate))Links to follow:Episode 16: How to silence your inner criticEpisode 19: How to use CPD for personal, professional and business growth, with guest John WilsonBlog: Shall I get another qualification before starting in private practice?

Can you get therapy clients from social media? It’s a great question and one I see a lot.So today I’m taking a deep dive into this to talk about how social media helps you attract more counselling clients. I’ll be looking at:The clients journey into therapyThe role social media playsHow you can increase the chances of standing out and connecting with the readerIf you struggle with using social media to attract more clients, then I’ve got your back. In the Grow Your Private Practice membership, you’ll find the Social Media Made Simple course to walk you through the whole thing, as well as lots of resources to make the whole process more straightforward.Just click the button below to find out more and join. Links to follow:The Refresh 5-Day ChallengeEpisode 2: The clients journey into therapyEpisode 8: What is social media engagement, and why you need to know

This week's podcast comes from a question that one of my listeners sent to me:“Being a younger, newer therapist in private practice, I often worry how my clients will perceive my age and expertise. I have had a few clients switch to older counsellors, though some genuinely like having a younger counsellor who can relate.”It raises the question of what’s the most important thing to consider when working with a client.  For me it’s all about connection, having a solid therapeutic relationship.But what if you are very different from your client, how can you make that connection so as not to alienate them? Is it important to be similar in some shape or form as your client, perhaps in age, sex, background, and does it matter?Should you consider your niche to take advantage of your personal attributes, interests and qualities?There could be a simple answer and it could be waiting for inside this podcast.   In this episode we explore:The importance of having a strong therapeutic relationship with clients Why someone might not connect with youHow to use anything about you to your advantage in private practice to help your clientsLinks to followEpisode 3: Drop the psychobabble, get more clients

In this week's podcast episode I had the pleasure of talking to Yasmin Shaheen Zaffar, from Redkite Therapy.  Yasmin has a unique approach when it comes to using her creative skills and business mind to help her clients and promote her business brand. Learn how Yasmin actively seeks out different channels to raise awareness around the therapy she offers and her business as she strives to take therapy and therapy language and make it more consumer-friendly.In this episode we explore:Overcoming adversityThe Angry TentCreativityLet’s Shop Shouting day 6th November 2021How to get into the pressCrowdfundingYasmin is a super hard-working woman who will no doubt inspire you during this podcast.  A valuable listen that will give you new ideas to try in your own business.About YasminYasmin is an integrative counsellor in private practice. She is the regional Leeds ambassador for The Creative Counsellors Club and is passionate about creative counselling.She has developed a number of therapy tools including The Angry Tent, The Anxiety Tent, The R.U.D Process, The Empty Chair Cards and online programs including Lets Stop Shouting and SHED Stress. She is also the founder of Lets Stop Shouting Awareness day which happens on Saturday November 6th 2021.She has a free Facebook group called ‘My CC Toolkit’ and shares tips on working safely online and weekly online creative interventions.Links to follow:To join Yasmins Facebook group, download free resources and find online games please go to the following link https://watotoplay.com/janetravis/Follow #journorequests for PR opportunitiesSupport National Let’s Stop Shouting Day using #letsstopshouting21

Do you ever have those days when one minute, you feel like you can take on the world and accomplish almost anything and then the next, you have about as much energy and enthusiasm as a grumpy teenager? These changes in our mood and energy directly impact our productivity at home, at work, and in life in general and usually result in us rating our day as good or bad.But what if I suggested that you change that language and instead of labelling your day’s productivity as good or bad that you refer to it as ebb and flow?A GYPP member kindly contacted me to suggest the topic of this week’s podcast, How to Stay Productive, Even on Low Energy Days.  She commented, “you once sent me a blog about ebb and flow energy, and it’s been invaluable to me at times when my motivation has been low and my imposter syndrome high”.Naomi Dunford wrote this particular blog from ittybiz in 2017, and in it, she takes a behind-the-scenes look at why bad days happen.  She highlights the importance of recognising your energy levels so that you can achieve realistic tasks during both these cycles to make the most of your day.In this podcast, I share practical tips that I have found beneficial to make the most of my ebb and flow that I hope will be invaluable to you too.We can’t meet every day with the same amount of energy, but trust that you will get things done and do what works for you.Links to follow:Naomi’s original blog ‘How To Stay Amazingly Productive On Low Energy Days’ Episode 12: Your business, your rules.

It’s my 4th anniversary, and this week I reflect on my business journey and the many lessons I’ve learned.  And - spoiler alert - they are probably things you’ve struggled with too. So take a listen and learn from my mistakes.In this episode we explore:The benefits of bootstrappingMaking good business investmentsEmbracing changeBoundaries, burnout and letting go of responsibilityBeing bullied by imposter syndromeLinks to followEpisode 39: What should I name my therapy business?Episode 12: Your business, your rulesEpisode 24: Managing your diary with time blockingTherapy Rebrand