Reason 4 why therapists have a hard time making their own websites

Reason 4: The Inability to Talk About Oneself Appropriately & Accurately

Many therapists struggle with self-promotion due to conflating professional humility with not hyping themselves up. There is a  specific kind of person who becomes a counselor, therapist, or social worker. Many people would never want to listen to others’ sadness or try to solve problems all day. (The kind of person who becomes a clinical psychologist is a bit different. Oftentimes these people are men and/or are motivated by the prestige and identity of a doctoral degree, and seek higher pay). 

Therapists care a lot about people and are inquisitive toward others even outside of work. Sometimes they decentralize themselves in relationships. They are “helper” archetypes and many were parentalized children. 

Therapist training often teaches humility- cultural and otherwise- because of an ethical imperative to center the experience of an Other. Skills include focusing on the client’s needs and compartmentalizing one’s own, among other things. These circumstances can make it difficult for some therapists to talk about themselves without feeling like they are being self-centered or egoistic. In order to gain clients, a therapist needs to confidently showcase their own expertise and accomplishments with surety. 

Some therapists are concerned about appearing conceited. There can be a concern that self-promotion will be perceived as arrogance rather than confidence.

Other therapists suffer form Imposter Syndrome. Even highly skilled therapists can experience this, leading them to doubt their own abilities and shy away from marketing themselves effectively. This is rooted in countertransference. Therapy for self-esteem and confidence, plus effective supervision, can help individuals overcome these issues.

However, until these issues are resolved, therapists need someone else to speak about them – get their ideal clients & begin working together. This is why hiring a copywriter is super important. Not only do marketing professionals know how to write effectively, but they don’t struggle to see the strengths in therapists, who are doing truly remarkable work.

Copywriters do not underplay or undermine the skills & personality traits that are essential to being a good listener, empathetic, or thoughtful. (These are strengths not all people enjoy!) They also don’t let those skills get in the way of their writing.

It can even be a struggle for therapists (or anyone!) to get over this mental obstacle: allowing someone else to write about them.

Sometimes this is for fear they will be inaccurately represented by being “blown up”. But, because many therapists lack realistic views of themselves. The truth is, they are amazing, and they deserve to be proud of their work. They’ve become competent, ethical, critical thinkers who continue to further their education and knowledge every year. That takes a LOT of hard work.

The bottom line is, if you’re struggling to move forward with your website, it shows you’re very thoughtful. Don’t let that strength become a liability. Get unstuck. Hire someone else to write about you!