Starting private practice can feel daunting, especially if you're wondering whether you're experienced enough, whether clients will ever find you, or whether you're making the right decision.
In this episode, I talk to counsellor Katrina Johnson, who had been a therapist for 20 years before finally taking the leap into private practice. Despite her experience, she admits she was frightened to get started and worried she wasn't good enough.
Today, Katrina has a thriving private practice, a waiting list and works as a supervisor. In our conversation, she shares what helped her move beyond fear, how she gradually built her client base, and why taking small, consistent steps made all the difference.
Whether you're newly qualified, struggling to find agency work or simply wondering if now is the right time to start your own practice, Katrina's story is full of reassurance and practical encouragement.
In this episode we discuss:
- Why fear and self-doubt are normal when starting private practice
- How Katrina took her first small steps instead of waiting until she felt ready
- Building confidence after taking action rather than before
- Growing a private practice gradually alongside employed work
- Using social media in a way that feels natural and authentic
- Why clients often choose the therapist they feel they know and trust
- Setting boundaries around what you share online
- Why consistency matters more than perfection
- How Therapy Growth Group supported Katrina as she built her practice
Katrina's story encourages us that you don't have to feel confident before you begin to build your private practice.
Episode originally appeared in February 2025
You can visit Katrina's website at kjcounselling.co.uk and her Facebook page is KJCounselling
And if you're interested in Therapy Growth Group, you can read more about it at josephinehughes.com
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
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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.
