Communicate Your Process Clearly
Once you understand a client’s goals, it’s crucial to explain how you’ll help them get there. Many therapists make the common mistake of overlooking this step, assuming clients already understand what therapy entails. But the reality is, most clients don’t know what to expect.
Be specific about your methods and how they align with their goals. For example:
- “We’ll start with an assessment to better understand your experience. From there, we’ll focus on building coping strategies to help manage your anxiety.”
- “I use a combination of CBT and mindfulness techniques to help clients feel more in control of their emotions.”
Clients are more likely to commit when they understand what the process looks like and how it will benefit them.
Note: This is a huge growth area for most therapists, and the ones who have the most trouble with this are the ones who do not have a clear roadmap and process for change. If you think of yourself as an “eclectic therapist” you’re going to struggle with having a coherent process to follow, much less communicate. If this is hitting home, consider committing to a unifying theory of change that meets the needs of your ideal clients. For example, if you want to work with a non-clinical coaching population, get certified as a coach.
Address Concerns Proactively
Many clients come to consultations with unspoken concerns. They might wonder if therapy is worth the time or money, or they might be unsure about your approach. Invite them to voice these concerns by asking:
- “Do you have any questions about how this process works?”
- “Are there any hesitations you’d like to discuss before we move forward?”
By creating space for these conversations, you build trust and show that you’re invested in their experience. Plus, addressing objections upfront makes it easier for clients to commit.
Build Trust Through Small Details
Therapy client engagement isn’t just about big-picture strategies; it’s also about the little things. Showing up on time, following up promptly, and remembering small details about your clients can make a world of difference. These actions communicate professionalism and care, which are the foundation of trust.
For example:
- Send a welcome email before the first session with information on what to expect.
- Follow up after the consultation with a thank-you note and helpful resources.
- Ensure your communication is warm, clear, and timely.
The Power of Follow-Up
Not every prospective client will book immediately, and that’s okay. What matters is how you handle the follow-up. Responsiveness as a therapist is crucial. A simple email or phone call can keep the connection alive and show clients that you genuinely care.
Here’s an example:
- “Thank you for taking the time to meet with me! I’m attaching a resource we discussed during our call. Let me know if you have any questions or if you’d like to schedule a session.”
This small gesture keeps you top-of-mind and increases the likelihood that they’ll choose to work with you.
Reflect and Grow
Engaging therapy clients is an ongoing process that requires reflection and adaptation. If something isn’t working—whether it’s your website, consultation process, or follow-up strategy—take the time to evaluate and make changes. Seek feedback from mentors or colleagues, and don’t be afraid to experiment with new approaches.
Remember, building a thriving practice isn’t just about being a great therapist; it’s about helping clients see the value you bring to their lives. By prioritizing engagement, you’re not only growing your practice but also ensuring that your clients receive the support they need to thrive.
Ready to Level Up?
Your clients need more than what conventional therapy alone can offer. The reality? “Coaches” without formal training are scooping up the opportunities you’re missing. Let’s change that. In my free “What Every Therapist Must Know About Coaching” Masterclass, you’ll discover how to integrate evidence-based coaching techniques to not only stand out in a crowded field but also enhance your therapy practice. Coaching tools can help you empower clients to achieve goals faster, deepen their engagement, and create lasting change—all while staying true to your professional integrity.
👉 Join the Masterclass Now and take your practice to the next level! Let’s make 2025 your breakthrough year.
Also, let’s connect on LinkedIn! I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you might have about starting a private practice or integrating coaching into your offerings.
xoxo
Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby
P.S. Know a fellow therapist who could use these tips? Share this article with them or post it in your professional community. Let’s grow and thrive together. 🌟
Resources
Holdsworth, E., Bowen, E., Brown, S., & Howat, D. (2014). Client engagement in psychotherapeutic treatment and associations with client characteristics, therapist characteristics, and treatment factors. Clinical psychology review, 34(5), 428-450. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735814000968
Elkin, I., Falconnier, L., Smith, Y., Canada, K. E., Henderson, E., Brown, E. R., & Mckay, B. M. (2014). Therapist responsiveness and patient engagement in therapy. Psychotherapy Research, 24(1), 52-66. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503307.2013.820855
Fitzpatrick, M. R., Janzen, J., Chamodraka, M., Gamberg, S., & Blake, E. (2009). Client relationship incidents in early therapy: Doorways to collaborative engagement. Psychotherapy Research, 19(6), 654-665. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10503300902878235
