Experiencing a Private Practice Slowdown This Summer?
Summer slowdowns in private practice are common – but they can still feel unsettling. It’s easy to start questioning your skills, your marketing, or even whether you’re cut out for this work. But the truth is that client numbers often dip in summer, and it doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. The key is understanding these seasonal patterns and using the quieter time to your advantage.
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Why Client Numbers Often Drop in Summer
Before you panic about a quieter calendar, let’s talk about why summer slowdowns happen in therapy practices:
- Clients may be away on holiday
- They’re looking after children during school breaks or dealing with disrupted schedules
- Students may be moving between home and college or taking on temporary jobs
- Or people are simply enjoying better mental health thanks to more daylight and outdoor time.
All of these can make regular therapy sessions harder to commit to. Your quieter weeks might not reflect your skills or visibility at all – just the season.
Start by Tracking Your Numbers Over Time
One of the most helpful things you can do is start tracking your client numbers week by week. Write down the number of paid sessions you have each week, or log them in a spreadsheet if you prefer digital.
Over time, you’ll begin to see patterns – and you’ll probably notice that July – September often looks quieter than April – June. That awareness can stop you from spiralling into self-doubt and help you make more informed decisions about your business.
Don’t Panic — Use Summer Downtime to Market Yourself
While it’s tempting to retreat when you see empty spaces in your calendar, this slower time is actually a great opportunity. You can use it to improve your marketing, refresh your online presence, or explore new ways to reach potential clients.
I walk through simple, practical ways to attract new clients – including how to get more from your directory listing and why now’s the perfect time to try high-touch marketing – in the full podcast episode.
Reframe Self-Doubt and Take Gentle Action
Quiet weeks can stir up your inner critic. Thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “Why would anyone choose me?” might feel louder when your inbox isn’t pinging. That’s why it’s important to move from a state of stress to calm – what we call from sympathetic to parasympathetic – before taking action.
Start with self-care. Then, take small steps that feel manageable and aligned with your strengths. You don’t need a big campaign – just a few consistent actions in your marketing “diary time” can make a difference.
Want More Ideas?
If you’re looking for practical, low-pressure ways to attract new clients, download my free worksheet:
👉 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients
This free resource is packed with ideas you can tailor to your own style and pace.
And if you’re ready for more support, my Therapy Growth Group is open for new members this summer. Join now for access to the 12 Action Steps to Attract New Clients programme and the Find Your Next Five Clients course.
Final Thoughts: Quiet Doesn’t Mean Failure
Private practice slowdowns are a natural part of the year – not a sign of failure. With the right perspective and some gentle action, you can use this summer slowdown to reset, reconnect with your purpose, and attract the right clients for your work.