Deep-Dive: Visibility
Harry, you can have your invisibility cloak back...
I head to the waiting room in the clinically-lit corridor, ready to collect my NHS client. I have no idea what they look like, but I know their name. They sit there anxiously with no idea who I am or what I’m like. They have been on the waiting list for months leading up to this moment. A psychotherapist called “Natasha” is going to call out their name and their therapy journey is going to begin…
I work in an NHS Talking Therapies service. Clients are assessed, usually over the phone, and they are allocated to a waiting list depending on their presenting problem. Assessors follow the Stepped Care Model (see fig. 1) to help make their decision. I help clients at Step 3 using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Waiting times vary; I’ve heard of the shortest wait being 8 weeks, and the longest wait being 3 years!
As CBT therapists, we are generally expected to see a minimum of 20 clients per week. In the course of my NHS career, I have been allocated to work with at least 1000 people. That is crazy to write actually! 1000 people reaching the top of the waiting list at the same time I had a slot open up in my diary. Complete chance. Serendipity? A discussion for another day!
When I started work in private practice, it was a complete change for me to put myself out there. To put myself out there and be chosen as a therapist by a client. All of a sudden I was very conscious of how invisible I had been. I have darkened the door of many NHS clinic rooms, and one stint in a church hall side-room! Clients receive their appointment letters and duly rock up to the correct location to start therapy with their mystery therapist.
Rapport building
My first job as an NHS therapist to start building rapport, this sets the foundation for the therapeutic relationship. A vital ingredient in the success of therapy. Genuine warm smiles. Empathy. Melting away any fears or concerns. Establishing our roles. Sharing a joke. Managing expectations. Instilling hope. Asking them “how did you find the session today?” and they usually answer “better than I thought it was going to be”. Relief. On both sides. Syncing up our diaries. Until next time. Take care.
Rapport building still happens in private practice of course, but the clients need to choose you first. How do they choose you? They have to know you exist before they can even contemplate considering you to become their therapist.
Making my existence known
There are several ways to make your existence known as a therapist:
A directory e.g. Psychology Today, BABCP Directory, or Counselling Directory.
Substack (ooh Inception)
Easy peasy, right? Well for some therapists and counsellors it is easy. For me, it was a process. To be honest, it is an ongoing process. What’s the big deal? I hear you ask.
Fear of being visible
Here are some thoughts and assumptions I had when I first peeked out into private practice.
I need to be professional at all times
People will judge me
Am I skilled enough to charge people money?
Usually clients know nothing about me!
How am I going to attract clients? There are zillions of therapists online
What if my employer doesn’t like my self-promotion?
People need to see professional photos of me? I’ve only got selfies!
Know, Like, Trust
The biggest one I have had to wrestle with is doing things to help people like me and trust me. This gradually happens with NHS clients, they accept I am their therapist, and we move in the direction of their goals. Start therapy first, get to know me second.
I am very proud of the therapeutic relationships I’ve developed with clients over the years. I have also had clients come back to the service and specifically request to work with me, which I take as a massive compliment.
Let’s not forget, most of my NHS therapy work is in person. My private practice is online. How can people start to like me and trust me online?
Some recommended ways are:
Show your face
Show your personality
Record videos of yourself
Showcase your expertise via content (e.g. Instagram, blogs)
Highlight your values
Be consistent
Share testimonials
Identifiable branding
Share behind-the-scenes information
Engage on social media
Share your story
How am I overcoming my fear of being visible?
A great question.
I have accepted it is necessary. In a sea of therapists, how can you stand out if you are not visible? Answer is: you can’t and you won’t.
I use photographs online which I am comfortable with. Most of the time they are selfies, but they show my face so they do the job! One day I’ll splash out on some professional photos.
I go at my own pace. If you told me I had to show up on Instagram stories every day I would say “hell, no!” I am visible on my terms and I will not be rushed.
I put myself out there. I have recorded podcasts. I regularly start conversations with people in their DMs. I joined Substack. I share content on Instagram. I’ve joined online communities. I hype myself (thanks,
). Next month, I am going to London to record video content. OMG.I share details about myself which I am comfortable with. I am a mum. I like MAFS and Love is Blind. I have experienced bereavement. It’s a dream come true to be a therapist. I love teal. Instagram stresses me out. I’d love to do a TED talk.
What’s it like to have clients choose to work with me and pay me?
It feels like a win every time. I am grateful for the trust clients put in me. Sometimes they are basing their decision to work with me on my training, my availability, a recommendation, a relatable Instagram post, a testimonial or a blog. One client heard me on a podcast and told me “you sounded like you knew what you were talking about” - I will take that. Sometimes, it’s a mixture of everything! A beautiful unknown alchemy.
Final thoughts
I have definitely come a long way in the last year. I’m more comfortable than I was, with some way to go for the good of my business. My feeling at the moment is that having video content of me online will be a significant milestone in my visibility journey. Stay tuned.
Community Q:
What are your thoughts about being visible online? I’d love to hear your thoughts and tips below…
My links:
To check out my content on Instagram:
To check out my website and work with me:
To subscribe to my Substack: