Why Fear Holds So Many Counsellors Back from Starting Private Practice
When Katrina Johnson first considered starting private practice, she felt what many therapists feel – fear.
Despite over 20 years of experience, she stayed in her job at a domestic abuse service because it felt safer. “I just thought it’s a bit safer to stay in my job,” she told me on the podcast. “It was just worrying that I wouldn’t be good enough, if I’m being honest.”
You can listen to our full conversation below, where Katrina shares her story with warmth, humour and honesty.
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Starting Private Practice During Lockdown: Katrina’s Story
How One Client Led to a New Beginning
Katrina’s journey began with a nudge from her supervisor, who asked if she could take on a client due to a conflict of interest. She said yes, and that yes changed everything. “Since I’d seen one client, I thought, well, I might as well make a logo,” she said. It all grew from there.
Taking Small Steps Without a Big Masterplan
Rather than launching with a big strategy, Katrina took small, manageable steps: a client here, a Facebook page there. She still held onto her job part-time as a safety net, unsure if the clients would come. But they did. In fact, after launching her Facebook page, she got enquiries the same day.
How Katrina Built Her Client Base Through Social Media
What Worked (and What Didn’t) on Facebook
Katrina didn’t have a grand social media plan. What worked best were the posts that felt most real. “People didn’t connect with my advice posts. They connected with me cleaning my cabin, reading a book, talking about how my plant had died.”
Her plant post got more engagement than anything else. She asked for tips, and people responded (sadly, not in time to save the plant!). It was a warm and relatable post.
Why Showing Up as Yourself Matters More Than Being Perfect
Katrina started sharing more personal glimpses of her life—her love of music, her yoga practice, her family (without naming or showing her children). The more she did, the more people reached out.
“It was just being myself. People don’t want perfect. They want someone they feel they can trust.”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a Therapist
Katrina’s Mindset Shift: Confidence Comes After Action
One of the turning points for Katrina was attending my procrastination workshop where we talked about Brené Brown and taking imperfect action. That stuck with her.
“You don’t have to wait to feel ready. Confidence comes after action, not before.”
She started saying yes to opportunities quickly – before fear had time to talk her out of it. That included this podcast, a radio interview, and sharing more about herself online.
Saying Yes Before Fear Talks You Out of It
That radio interview she almost turned down? It led to four male client enquiries the next day. Her advice? Say yes before overthinking kicks in.
Fitting Private Practice Around Family Life
Katrina’s Tips for Working School Hours and Setting Boundaries
Katrina built her practice around school drop-offs and pickups. She works one evening a week and keeps strict boundaries on her time. “If people want to work with you, they’ll make it work.”
She starts her day with a walk and a cup of tea, then sees clients in her cosy cabin. She even adjusts hours slightly in school holidays to give herself flexibility.
Why Clients Are More Flexible Than You Might Think
She used to worry about not being able to fit people in. Now she knows that with good signposting, or simply sticking to her availability, things work out. “I used to panic, but now I know if someone really wants to work with you, they’ll find a way.”
From Counsellor to Supervisor: Taking the Next Step
Why Katrina Stopped Waiting to Be “Ready Enough”
For years, Katrina held off training as a supervisor, thinking she needed to be in private practice for five years first. Her own supervisor challenged that belief.
“I had supervisors on a pedestal. I thought they had to know everything. But you don’t. You just need to be present and willing.”
Building Confidence to Expand Your Practice
She completed her supervision training and now supports other therapists – often those who have followed her page for months or years before getting in touch.
Final Advice for Therapists Starting a Private Practice
Katrina’s Top Tips: Authenticity, Consistency and Self-Belief
Katrina’s biggest advice?
- Show up as yourself. People are looking for real connection, not perfection.
- Be consistent. She posted daily when she started, but now she’s found her rhythm.
- Trust yourself. “You know more than you think. Just start.”
What to Do When Fear Tells You Not to Start
It’s okay to be scared. But that doesn’t mean you’re not ready. Katrina’s story is a reminder that fear is normal – and it doesn’t have to stop you.
“I was terrified. But I did it anyway. And it changed everything.”
If you’re feeling the fear, take a small step. Share something. Say yes. Start before you feel ready.
Katrina shared how invaluable Therapy Growth Group was in helping her take those first steps. From encouragement around marketing to tips that built her confidence, she said: “I genuinely don’t think I would have started private practice without it.”
If you’re ready to grow your therapy practice and would love support from people who get it, come and join us inside Therapy Growth Group. We’d love to have you!