Private Practice Slowdowns: How to Get More Clients This Summer

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 practiceHow to track your client numbers meaningfullySimple actions you can take right now to attract more clients — many of them freeWhy high-touch marketing often works faster than relying on directories or SEO aloneHow to reframe self-doubt and use your time well when you’re feeling discouragedGentle encouragement to try reaching out, even when it feels scaryOriginally 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.Chapters00:00 Navigating Seasonal Fluctuations in Private Practice04:01 Strategies for Addressing Gaps in Your Schedule09:21 The Power of High-Touch Marketing13:13 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Fear of Rejection16:08 Practical Steps for Growing Your Private PracticeKeywordsprivate practice, slowdown, client numbers, seasonal fluctuations, marketing, client gaps in schedule, high-touch marketing, word-of-mouth referrals, summer slump, growing private practiceSetting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERENeed ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HEREYou can also find me here:The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook GroupJosephine Hughes on FacebookJosephine Hughes on YouTubeMy website: josephinehughes.comThe 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.