The Grow Your Private Practice Show

You close the laptop after your final session. The house is quiet.And even though you’ve spent all day talking, you haven’t actually connected with anyone.That quiet ache you sometimes feel? That’s loneliness. And it’s more common than counsellors admit.In this heartfelt episode, we’re talking honestly about what it’s like to work alone in private practice - the isolation, the silence, and the subtle way it can creep in.We’ll explore:Why working solo can feel so quietly disconnectingWhy needing connection doesn’t make you “less professional”Realistic ways to bring more warmth, laughter, and community into your working lifeHow to make networking feel like making friends, not marketing tortureSimple ways to stay connected whether you work online or locallyYou don’t need to overhaul your diary or become a social butterfly. Just one coffee, one chat, one small step can make a big difference.You’re a counsellor but you’re a person too. And you were never meant to do this alone.Links & Resources:Find '11 Simple Steps to Master Smalltalk' in The Vault: A library of free resources to help you grow your private practice with confidence and ease → Sign up for free

Overthinking doesn’t always feel like fear, sometimes it looks like planning, researching, or endlessly tweaking things instead of actually starting.In this episode, we’re exploring what overthinking really looks like for counsellors and coaches, how it shows up in sneaky ways, and what to do when you feel completely stuck.I’m also sharing a personal story about getting stuck in naming my own program, and the moment I finally realised I wasn’t being strategic, I was just avoiding.If you’ve been circling an idea without ever getting it off the ground, this one’s for YOU.You’ll hear:What overthinking really looks and feels likeWhy it shows up (especially for thoughtful people)Gentle, doable ways to shift into action, even if it’s just a small stepAnd if you’d like support with moving from “stuck in your head” to hitting publish on your blog, my Grow Your Blog membership is here to help.Learn more: janetravis.co.uk/framework-firstAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

You hold space for everyone else - clients, family, friends. From the outside, it looks like you’re coping. But inside? You’re tired in a way that rest doesn’t touch.In this episode, I share my own story of counsellor burnout, the subtle signs you might be missing, and a few gentle ways to support yourself when you’re running on empty. Because burnout doesn’t always look like collapse. Sometimes it looks like silence, stillness, or sighing at another message you can’t face replying to.If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you.What You’ll Hear:Subtle signs of counsellor burnoutMy personal experience during lockdown5 gentle, sensory ways to support yourselfEncouragement if you’re feeling flat, foggy, or disconnectedLinks & Resources:Explore Grow Your Blog + Framework FirstRelated episodes on burnout with amazing guests:Compassion fatigue and burnout: What therapists need to know, with Howard BaumgartenTherapist burnout: How to spot it and take action, with Charlie HydeAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

Many counsellors feel awkward about charging, or even apologetic when talking about their fees. In this episode, I share my own experiences from being told off by an electrician friend for undervaluing myself, to walking up Lincoln’s Steep Hill every week to pay for counselling when my self-esteem was at rock bottom.We’ll explore:Why so many counsellors feel guilty about moneyThe hidden cost of not raising your fees for yearsHow paying for therapy can actually be part of the healing processWhy charging fairly helps both you and your clientsIf you’ve ever struggled with the money side of private practice, this episode is here to remind you: you don’t need to apologise for charging.Resources & Links:Get Rich, Lucky Bitch by Denise Duffield-ThomasThe Grow Your Private Practice BookGet access to free resources The VaultYou might also like:Compassion fatigue and burnout: What therapists need to know, with Howard BaumgartenTherapist burnout: How to spot it and take action, with Charlie HydeShould Counsellors Offer Concessions? What to Consider Before You DecidePutting a Price on Therapy: The Importance of Getting it RightIncreasing prices the pain free way

Walking into the gym after a long break can feel so hard.You look around and everyone seems to know what they’re doing - toned, confident, striding on machines that look more like torture devices than exercise equipment. Meanwhile, you’re tugging at your leggings, feeling out of place, and wondering if it would be easier to give up and buy a big box of Maltesers on the way home.That’s exactly how marketing your private practice can feel.You see other counsellors with slick websites, polished blogs, or big social followings and you think, “I don’t belong here.” But remember, just like in the gym, every single one of them had to start somewhere.In this episode, I’ll show you why blogging is the treadmill of marketing: reliable, adaptable, and the perfect first step to get you moving. Just like the treadmill builds stamina, strength, and confidence for everything else in the gym, blogging gives you the solid foundation you need for the rest of your marketing.You’ll learn:Why blogging is a safe, steady starting point, whether you’re brand new or experienced.How consistency builds confidence (like going from 2 minutes on the cross trainer to 30).Why you don’t need the “flashy machines” of marketing before you’ve got a solid base.How blogging supports everything else: social media, directories, networking, even workshops.So if you’ve been standing at the edge of your marketing 'gym', comparing yourself to everyone who looks like they’ve got it together, this episode is your nudge to step onto the treadmill and just get started.👉 And if blogging feels overwhelming, that’s exactly why I created Grow Your Blog. It’s designed to help you start, stay consistent, and build your confidence, whether you’ve written zero blogs or fifty. Find out more hereAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy; it means your energy is stuck.In this episode, I share why getting stuck feels so frustrating (especially when you compare yourself to other counsellors who seem to be doing it all), and how you can see it in a completely different way.You’ll discover:Why procrastination isn’t a sign of failure or laziness (phew!)The real reasons you put off tasks in your private practiceSimple, doable steps to release that stuck energy and get moving againIf you’ve ever found yourself tidying your desk, scrolling social media, or avoiding that important task, this episode will help you move forward with more ease and confidence. LinksCome and join us inside The Grow Your Private Practice membership. A safe, supportive space where you’ll find practical tools, step-by-step guidance, and a community that gets it.And if you’d like to explore more free and paid resources to help you along the way, you can start right here: janetravis.co.uk/start-here

You’ve probably been told:“You need a niche before you can start blogging.”It sounds responsible. It feels strategic.But for many counsellors? It becomes a fancy-sounding form of procrastination.In this episode, we’re busting one of the most persistent blogging myths out there, the idea that you can’t start sharing your voice until your niche is perfectly figured out.If you’ve been staring at a blinking cursor, endlessly tweaking your website or bio instead of actually writing… this one’s for you.We’ll cover:✅ Why “niche first” can quietly keep you stuck✅ What to do if you don’t feel 100% clear on your niche yet✅ How blogging can actually help you discover who you’re meant to serve✅ And the mindset shift that can finally get you writing againNOTE: This episode was created using the DragonSlayer Framework from Framework First, my monthly, low cost blog support membership where we bust unhelpful marketing myths and make blogging doable (and way less daunting) for counsellors.So if you’ve been waiting for clarity before you start… maybe this is your sign to stop waiting and start writing.🎧 Listen now — and let’s get you unstuck.Resources Mentioned:Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract ClientsOther blogs and podcast episodes:Episode 99: How having a niche has impacted my practice, with Elsie OwenEpisode 194: Blogging for Therapists: 4 Myths Holding You BackEpisode 175: Why You Don’t Need All the Answers in Your BlogAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

What if your next big breakthrough in private practice isn’t a brand-new strategy, but simply making the most of what you’ve already got?In this episode, I’m sharing 10 small-but-mighty areas to check in on. The kind of practical tweaks that can bring more ease, more focus, and yes… even more client enquiries.Most counsellors skip this kind of business reset. They keep pushing forward, adding more to their plate and end up stuck. But you don’t have to. With a little reflection (and some cushion-and-throw-style updates), you can refresh your practice without starting from scratch.We’ll explore:How to spot when your clients, systems, or boundaries need a resetWhy less social media can actually bring you better resultsThe hidden marketing assets you already have but aren’t usingHow to check whether your goals still match the life you want nowThis isn’t about doing everything. It’s about making a few focused changes that move your practice forward.🎧 Listen in and give yourself the reset you’ve been waiting for.

If you find yourself opening just one more tab before writing a blog post, this episode is for you.Many counsellors fall into the research trap, thinking more information will make blogging easier. But what if that habit is actually slowing you down and watering down your voice?In this episode, I’m sharing how counsellors should approach blog research in a simpler, more sustainable way so you can stop second-guessing and start writing with more ease and confidence.🎧 Hit play to learn a more effective way to blog and find out if this is the writing habit that’s quietly draining you.---------------------------------Links and Resources Mentioned:Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract ClientsAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

If you’ve ever avoided hitting publish because your blog felt “too short,” you’re not alone. Many counsellors get stuck on word count, but focusing on blog length too soon can actually stop you from getting found by clients.In this episode, I share:The reality about blog post length for counsellorsWhy word count isn’t the most important thing when you’re starting out5 practical ways to make blogging quicker, easier, and far less overwhelmingWhether you’re new to blogging or ready to improve your private practice marketing, you’ll leave this episode with the confidence to publish without worrying about “perfect” length.---------------------------------Links and Resources Mentioned:Framework First Blogging Method - A low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract ClientsAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

What does giving up ironing have to do with counsellor marketing? More than you’d think!In this episode, I talk about the invisible “shoulds” we carry, especially around marketing and how they quietly eat up your time, energy, and confidence.We’ll look at some of the most common ones counsellors follow (often without realising), and I’ll share how to replace them with something that actually works for you.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Why “being professional” doesn’t mean being blandWhat consistency can really look like for counsellors (no daily posts needed)The link between personal disclosure and building trustWhat to do if you don’t have a niche yetWhy swearing might just be your secret marketing weapon (thank you, Beccy Upton)How to save time and still show up without the burnout---------------------------------Links & Resources Mentioned:Framework First Blogging MethodA low-cost, step-by-step method for blogging once a month with ease→ Blogging for Counsellors | Monthly Writing System to Attract ClientsListen to Becca Upton’s EpisodeAuthentic marketing for counsellors who’d rather be themselves→ Authentic Marketing for Therapists Who’d Rather Be Themselves, with Becca Upton - Grow Your Private Practice, with Jane TravisFurther Reading on Personal Disclosure & Storytelling:Personal Disclosure in Marketing – Part 1Personal Disclosure in Marketing – Part 2The Power of Storytelling in Your BlogWant to blog with less pressure?Check out my two-part blog series on redefining consistency for counsellors.The reality of consistency, with Sarah DosanjhUnlocking YouTube’s Potential for Therapists, with Sarah Dosanjh - Grow Your Private Practice, with Jane TravisAnd for more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

You sit down to write a blog with a helpful idea in mind…But suddenly you’re deep-cleaning the fridge, questioning your niche, and wondering if you should just start a podcast instead.Why is it so hard to actually start writing?In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, we’re talking about how to get into a state of writing flow – where the words come easier, your inner critic quiets down, and blogging doesn’t feel like such a slog.You’ll hear:Why writing feels so hard (and no, it’s not because you’re bad at it)The real reasons therapists get stuck or spiralHow to set up your writing environment to support your brainThe mindset shift that makes a massive differenceWhat a “shitty first draft” is and why you need oneA simple tool (coming soon!) to help you start faster and write with more easeWhether blogging’s been sitting on your to-do list for weeks or you’re stuck overthinking every word, this episode will help you finally find your rhythm.---------------------------------🌱 Want help making blogging easier?Introducing Framework First Blogging Method This is a low-cost (£9/month), offer designed for therapists and counsellors who want to write faster and get found by more of the right clients.Or come join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership, where we write together in real-time and ditch the perfectionism for good.For more of my free and paid resources CLICK HERE

You sit down to write a blog post with a warm, helpful idea in your heart… and suddenly it sounds like a CPD presentation.Formal. Polished. Slightly robotic.Why does “Professional Mode” take over the second you start typing?In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, we’re talking about why so many counsellors struggle to sound like themselves when they write, and how to change that.You’ll hear:Why “lecture mode” happens (and why it’s not your fault)How formal writing accidentally creates distance and disconnectSimple ways to make your blog sound more human, not like a handoutThe tiny tweaks that help clients feel seen, not scolded5 quick fixes for turning down your Therapist VoiceWhether you’re just starting your blog or feel stuck in formal-speak, this episode will help you write with more warmth, more trust, and more you.---------------------------------Want help sounding more like you in your content?Check out The Framework First Blogging Method. Your low cost (£9/month), low-pressure mini-membership for counsellors who want to publish one meaningful, client-connecting blog post each month without the writer's block or drama.Join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership.Or check out my free and paid resources

If marketing makes you want to hide under a blanket, this episode is for you.In this refreshingly honest chat, I break down why marketing isn’t just a “nice to have” in private practice, it’s essential. But don’t worry, there’s no jargon or pushy tactics here. Just real talk about why visibility matters, how to make marketing a regular part of your week (without burning out), and the mindset shift that changes everything.You’ll discover:Why “if I build it, they will come” doesn’t work for therapy practicesThe surprising non-sleazy truth about ethical marketingA practical approach to finding your marketing rhythmThe biggest mindset mistake that keeps therapists stuck and invisibleHow one therapist filled her diary without being everywhere onlinePlus, I share the small-but-mighty move you can make this week to attract more of the right clients with way less faff.Ready to treat marketing like the lifeblood of your business (in a way that feels good)? Let’s get into it.__________________Resources mentioned in this episode:'How to attract clients by helping, not selling' – Free inside The Vault'How To Avoid the Feast And Famine Cycle in Your Private Practice''Why your private practice should NOT be on every social media platform''How to Get Found by Your Ideal Therapy Clients'👉 Want help with your therapy directory listing?Check out The Directory Revival - my 1:1 service to help you attract more of the right clients, with less stress.

You became a counsellor to help people, but what happens when someone says they can’t afford your full fee?Do you offer a concession? A sliding scale? Say yes and quietly resent it – or say no and feel guilty?In this episode of the Grow Your Private Practice Show, I dive into one of the most emotionally loaded decisions counsellors face: whether or not to offer concessions in private practice. No judgment. No one-size-fits-all answer. Just a proper, honest conversation about the messy middle ground between compassion, sustainability, and valuing your time.We’ll cover:What “concessions” actually mean, and how they differ from pro bono or reduced ratesWhy so many counsellors feel torn about lowering their feesReal-world ways to offer concessions without getting taken for grantedWhether clients still value therapy if they pay less (and what to watch for)The role money mindset plays in how you feel about chargingMy own journey with offering concessions, and what I did.Whether you currently offer reduced fees or not, this episode will help you reflect, reset, and make a choice that feels right for you – not just your clients.✨ Related episodes:The Hidden Impact of Money Issues in Private Practice, with Cathy TowersShould You Offer Therapy Clients a Free First Session?🌱 Want support with boundaries, pricing and private practice marketing?Come join us inside the Grow Your Private Practice membership

Repurposing your content is supposed to make marketing easier… but does it ever feel like more work?You’re not alone.In this episode, I’m joined by social media manager and Instagram expert Sally Birks, who shares how to repurpose your content in a way that feels simple, aligned, and human – not robotic or repetitive.We talk about how to:Turn one piece of content into several without it sounding the sameAvoid the common mindset blocks that keep therapists stuck in content overwhelmShow up consistently on Instagram without burning outMake peace with reusing your own brilliant ideas (because yes, you absolutely can!)Whether you’re new to repurposing or you’ve tried it before and felt stuck, this episode will give you permission to do it your way – and a whole new way to think about your existing content.About SallySally Birks is a CPD-certified social media manager and strategist who helps founders turn their content into consistent clients. Through her signature blend of magnetic messaging, strategic content planning, and done-for-you management, Sally empowers business owners to sustainably grow their businesses without burning out or spending all day on Canva.After leaving a stable career to travel solo, build a remote business, and live abroad, Sally now brings real-world experience, empathy, and clarity to her work. She’s passionate about helping business owners reclaim their time, amplify their expertise, and build brands that generate revenue even when they’re offlineConnect with Sally:Instagram @SocialsBySallyWebsite Sally BirksAnd you can work with Sally Birks HERE🎧 Listen now to learn how to make your marketing feel lighter and less time-consuming.

Ever feel like marketing is made for loud, confident people – and definitely not for introverts like you?You’re not alone. And you don’t have to fake it or force it to get found by more clients.In this episode, I’m talking about how blogging can be a calm, confidence-building way to market your private practice, especially if visibility makes you want to hide under a blanket.We’ll explore how blogging:Plays to your strengths as an introverted counsellorHelps you get found without having to be constantly ‘on’Builds trust and connection – without burning you outCan make marketing feel more natural (and less like you’re “doing it wrong”)So if the thought of producing videos for social media makes you break out in hives, but you do want to grow your practice in a way that feels good, this one’s for you.__________________More help for youCheck out episode 7, where I chat with Fifi Mason about using introvert superpowers to attract more clients. And she should know, she's both an introvert AND works with introverts!👉 Listen to 'Using Introvert Superpowers to Attract More Clients, with Fifi Mason' Check out the Framework First Blogging Method: A new low-pressure mini-membership for counsellors who want to publish one meaningful, client-connecting blog post each month without the writer's block or drama.The Vault – my free library full of practical, counselling-friendly blogging (and other) resources. 👉 Get instant access to The VaultNeed more support? Join the Grow Your Private Practice membership for monthly blogging workshops, prompts, Q&A calls, and a warm community that gets it. 👉 Click here to join us

Running a business as a counsellor is never simple, but what about when life throws you even more to carry?In this honest conversation, I’m joined by Laura Robinson, a marketing mentor and copywriter who’s grown a thriving practice while parenting neurodivergent kids, managing chronic health challenges, and tuning out hustle-culture noise.Laura shares her Suit Yourself First philosophy: where your business and marketing flex around you, not the other way around.We talk about:How to keep your therapy practice going when energy is lowWhat comfy marketing really means, and why it worksLetting go of the “shoulds” that keep you stuckThat infamous moment someone told Laura she was “upper limiting”Real self-care that isn’t just bubble baths and candlesIf you're a counsellor navigating work and real life - grief, burnout, overwhelm, or just general messiness- this episode offers validation, calm, and a new way forward.Expect honesty, humour, and the reassurance you didn’t know you needed.About LauraLaura is an online marketing mentor and experienced digital copywriter.Over the last 10 years, she has helped hundreds of business owners create and sell 1-1 services, courses, memberships, and group programs. She’s taught thousands of people around the world through the copywriting training she created for international business organisations including Female Entrepreneur Association, Enterprise Nation, and Membership Academy. She is also the author of the Comfy Business Playbook, and the creator of the Comfy Business Newsletter for people who want a business that flexes around their other life challenges, priorities, and adventures. She champions a Suit Yourself First approach to marketing, where decisions are based on what the business owner wants, rather than guessing the preferences of a hypothetical ideal client.Links & Resources:Get Laura’s free Comfy Business Playbook and check out her other free and paid resources: https://worditude.co.uk/podcast/Visit Laura’s website: worditude.co.ukWant more support? Check out my free and paid offers, including my brand new FREE resource: www.janetravis.co.uk/start-here/ Hit play and let Laura show you that there’s no one right way to build a business – especially when life gets messy.

Feeling unsure about what to write on your FAQ page? This episode of The Grow Your Private Practice Show reveals how to make your FAQ page warm and welcoming, which helps potential counselling clients feel informed, reassured, and ready to book.In this episode, you’ll learn:What to include (and what to leave out) on your FAQ pageHow to answer common questions with clarity and empathyMistakes counsellors often make and how to avoid themWhy your FAQ page should evolve with your practiceA free workshop + worksheet inside The Vault to help you take actionThink of your FAQ page as more than a formality. It's a quiet conversation with someone who’s nervous but hopeful. This episode will help you turn that moment into a meaningful connection.Access your free FAQ page resources inside The Vault: https://janetravis.co.uk/thevault🎧 Tune in now to start writing an FAQ page that works for you and speaks to your future clients.

Feeling stuck in the world of therapy marketing? Wondering how to stand out without feeling fake? In this episode, we sit down with Becca Upton, the no-BS therapist, to chat about how she turned her authentic voice into her biggest business asset.Key Highlights:How Becca went from playing it safe to fully embracing her true styleThe surprising ways swearing (yep, you read that right!) can build trust with clientsTips for counsellors to ditch the fluff and find their nicheWhy authenticity isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a powerful marketing toolJoin us for an honest, down-to-earth chat about what it really means to market yourself as a counsellor today.About Becca UptonBecca is The No BS Therapist - straight-talking, sweary, and realistic. She supports overthinkers and chronic worriers in their 20s and 30s to quiet their mind and enjoy life without the anxiety and mind racing. Her work includes counselling, a membership of no BS guided audios, and talks and training.Instagram: @the_no_bullshit_therapistFacebook: The No BS Therapist: Becca UptonWebsite: beccauptontherapy.co.ukNo BS Audio Membership: £5-7 guided audio membershipHit play and get inspired to share your real self with the world!