For the final episode of the year, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of talking about marketing, confidence, or growing your private practice, I’m giving you a break - and introducing you to some of the wonderful podcasters I met at the Podcast Awards this autumn.

If you’re heading out for a winter walk, hiding in the kitchen while basting the turkey, or simply wanting something fresh to listen to over the holidays, this episode brings you a handful of surprising, creative and thought-provoking podcasts to explore.

These conversations touch on inclusivity, identity, nostalgia, storytelling and creativity - all themes that matter to us as therapists. And a few of them might simply entertain you, which is just as welcome at this time of year.

In this Christmas Special, you’ll hear short interviews with creators of podcasts including:

• Pause and Rewind - powerful origin stories from changemakers working towards a more inclusive world
• Rainbow Mums and Dads - life stories from people coming out later in life while navigating family, identity and change
• Mag Hags - a funny and fascinating dive into women’s magazines from the 70s, 80s and 90s
• Past Master - a creative, AI-guided, choose-your-own-adventure history game
• Spooky Storytime - bedtime ghost stories for adults (yes, really!)
• Sonic Field - a richly told journey through the history and culture of British music festivals

It’s a celebration of stories, voices and perspectives we often don’t get to hear - and a lovely way to end Series 3 of Good Enough Counsellors.

As mentioned in the episode, you can download your free Twixmas Treats email mini-course: five tiny tasks to help you grow your private practice. You can use it between Christmas and New Year - or save it for January if that feels kinder. Download it HERE

Thank you so much for tuning in throughout 2025. Your messages, reviews and kind words mean more than you know. I’ll be back in the New Year with more conversations, guidance and encouragement to help you build a thriving, sustainable 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

Keywords: humanity, storytelling, counseling, LGBTQ+, feminism, music festivals, podcasting, empathy, inclusivity, personal narratives

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

Many therapists feel uncomfortable with marketing because it can seem like “selling yourself.” In this episode, I share how to reframe your marketing mindset and explore how to move away from the fear that your visibility is narcissistic.

I'll help you gain a clearer sense of purpose in your private practice with some reflective prompts. And you’ll hear how reconnecting with what truly matters to you makes it easier to show up online, write content, and talk about your work without feeling pushy or self-focused.

To round off the episode, you’ll get some January content ideas based on common themes clients are thinking about at the start of the year, including New Year reflections, self-love, relationships, and supporting parents.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Why marketing often feels uncomfortable for therapists

• How to shift from “selling” to “helping”

• Three reflective prompts to guide your message

• How your purpose can shape your January content

To sign up for my Christmas gift of short, client-gaining strategies, click 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

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, mindset shift, core purpose, social media, therapy, client connection, values, marketing, January content, self-reflection

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.

In this episode, Josephine talks with website designer and SEO specialist John Garewal about how clients actually find a therapist online. John shares what he discovered when he searched for a therapist himself, why websites still matter, and simple steps therapists can take to make their site easier to find - without getting technical.

When was the last time you tried to find a therapist?

If you’ve done it recently for a friend, a family member, or even out of curiosity, you’ll know how confusing it can feel - so many names, so little guidance about who to choose.

In this conversation, I'm joined by John Garewal, website designer and founder of Verum Design. John specialises in building therapist websites that don’t just look polished… they actually get found.

John shares:

• What happened when he tried to find a therapist himself (and why it took months)
• Why a well-designed website can make contacting you feel emotionally safer for clients
• Whether every therapist really needs a website
• What SEO actually means — explained without jargon
• What Google looks for when someone searches “anxiety therapist in Portsmouth”
• Why Google Business Profile matters more than most therapists realise
• Small changes that make a big difference to getting found locally
• The biggest website mistakes therapists make (especially on mobile)
• How to make your website easier to read, easier to use, and easier to act on
• Why Schema, load speed and structure matter — in simple terms
• How to help clients feel confident enough to make contact
• The three small steps John recommends to boost visibility this month

If you'd like to go deeper into SEO and therapist websites, John has shared a detailed training session inside Therapy Growth Group, including live examples, practical steps and Q&A.

To contact John, please visit Verum Design

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:

therapy, website design, SEO, mental health, online presence, client engagement, digital marketing, therapist marketing

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.