Hello, and welcome to Counselor Weekly!

Thanks again for being part of the community!

Until I have an official sponsor, looks like I'm the sponsor!

It’s live!

Find Your Supervisor is finally live! Just click HERE, or the photo above and it will take you right to the site. If you are an LPC Supervisor in Texas (sorry, starting in Texas only and will look at options for other states down the road), or a potential Supervisee looking for a Supervisor, this is the place for you! It's a directory for LPC Supervisors to market their services by listing their information so that potential Supervisees can connect with them and hopefully find a perfect match! If you have any questions, click REPLY to this email and I can answer any questions you have. Thanks again for allowing me this personal promotion! 🙏

So let's get to it!

Today is 7/19/23 and it's National Hot Dog Day! Not that I ever need an excuse to eat a hot dog…

Here's the short and skinny of today's newsletter:

• Quote of the Day

• Interesting Articles

• Deep Dive: Marketing Your Practice

• Cat Photo

Quote of the Day

And now some interesting articles:

Counseling Case Study

Article regarding a case of failing to implement a safety plan for a client designated as a “danger to self/others” with access to firearms in the home.

Financial Success In Your Practice

Here’s a short guide by Alma that helps identify the business entity that may be right for you, liability insurance needs, and financial records / tax filing info.

FDA Issues Draft Guidance For Clinical Studies On Psychedelics

Is this the next evolution in “medicating” mental illness?

Deep Dive: Marketing Your Practice

Marketing a counseling practice involves creating a strong online and offline presence to attract potential clients and build trust in your services. Here are some effective strategies to help you market your counseling practice:

1. Define your target audience: Determine the specific group of people you want to help, such as couples, individuals dealing with anxiety, or teenagers with depression. Tailor your marketing efforts to address their unique needs.

2. Develop a professional website: Your website serves as the primary online representation of your practice. Make sure it's well-designed, easy to navigate, and includes essential information about your services, credentials, specialization, and contact details. Consider including testimonials or success stories from previous clients.

3. Utilize search engine optimization (SEO): Optimize your website and content to rank higher on search engine results pages. Use relevant keywords related to counseling and your specific specialties to increase your online visibility.

4. Content marketing: Create valuable and informative content, such as blog posts, articles, and videos, that address common mental health issues or offer practical advice. Share this content on your website and social media platforms to establish yourself as an expert in your field.

5. Social media presence: Be active on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Share helpful content, engage with your audience, and participate in relevant discussions to increase your visibility and attract potential clients. NOTE: make sure you’re adhering to your ethical guidelines regarding social media.

6. Local business listings: Ensure your counseling practice is listed accurately on Google My Business and other local directories. This will improve your chances of being found by people searching for counseling services in your area.

7. Networking and referrals: Build relationships with other mental health professionals, doctors, and community organizations. They can refer clients to your practice and vice versa. Attending relevant events and conferences can also help you expand your network.

8. Offer workshops and seminars: Organize workshops, webinars, or seminars on mental health topics that interest your target audience. This not only provides valuable information but also helps establish you as an authority in your field.

9. Online advertising: Consider using pay-per-click (PPC) advertising on platforms like Google Ads or social media to reach a wider audience quickly. Set a budget and target your ads to specific demographics and locations.

10. Email marketing: Collect email addresses from interested parties and past clients and use email marketing to stay in touch. Send newsletters, updates about your practice, and helpful resources to nurture relationships and keep your practice top of mind.

11. Offer a free consultation: Provide a complimentary initial session or consultation to potential clients. This allows them to get to know you, understand your approach, and decide if your counseling style aligns with their needs.

12. Monitor and measure: Keep track of your marketing efforts to see what's working and what's not. Use website analytics and social media insights to understand your audience's behavior and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Remember, building a successful counseling practice takes time and consistency. Be patient, and keep refining your marketing efforts as you gain more experience and feedback from your clients. Always prioritize ethics, professionalism, and confidentiality in your marketing and counseling practices.

And, Finally the Cat Picture

Hot Dog Cat! By my son, Cole.