It’s that time of year when client bookings often dip, inboxes go quiet, and self-doubt starts to creep in. But a summer slowdown in private practice doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong — in fact, it’s totally normal.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I talk about the seasonal nature of therapy work, why comparing month to month can give you a false picture, and what you can actually do when things get quiet. Whether you’re brand new to private practice or have been around for years, this episode will help you respond rather than panic.

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

Takeaways:

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

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

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations in Private Practice

04:01 Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Your Schedule

09:21 The Power of High-Touch Marketing

13:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Rejection

16:08 Practical Steps for Growing Your Private Practice

Keywords

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

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

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

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

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

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

Do you ever feel like you’re posting into the void - wondering if anyone’s even noticing your content? In this episode, I explore how consistent posting can quietly but powerfully help you build trust, connection, and visibility over time.

Drawing on personal stories (including one about Chub Rub shorts!), I’ll show you why consistency works - even when it feels like nothing’s happening. Plus, I’ll share tips for staying consistent, from batching and scheduling to repurposing your best content.

The episode also includes help for your August social media posts.

Takeaways:

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

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

August Social Media Awareness Days:

Family-related Days:

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

Relaxation & Summer Mood Days:

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

Pet-related Days:

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

Creative/Engagement Opportunities:

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

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

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

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords:

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

The information...

Jeremy Sachs joins me to explore how identity, masculinity, and shame shape male survivors’ healing — and what therapists need to know.

In this episode of Good Enough Counsellors, I’m speaking with therapist and author Jeremy Sachs about his upcoming book, An Intersectional Guide for Male Survivors of Sexual Abuse and their Allies: Masculinity Reconnected (Routledge, July 2025).

Drawing on years of experience running recovery groups for men, boys, and trans survivors, Jeremy brings a deeply compassionate and intersectional lens to a subject often left in the shadows.

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

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

Takeaways:

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

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

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

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

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com