• 00:00 – Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • 01:07 – Understanding the Core Concepts of IFS
  • 06:03 – The Role of the Therapist in IFS
  • 08:55 – Challenges and Insights in IFS Therapy
  • 19:48 – Outcome Research and Broader Applications
  • 25:12 – Legacy Burdens and Cultural Impact
  • 29:14 – Resources and Training for Therapists
  • 33:47 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Secrets to Therapy Client Engagement

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Secrets to Therapy Client Engagement

Let me ask you something: What if being the best therapist in the world isn’t enough to have a successful therapy practice? Wait, hold on! Before you click away in frustration, let me explain why that’s actually great news.

I’ve worked with so many brilliant therapists—people with the training, the skills, the experience, and the heart to truly help therapy clients transform their lives. But here’s the kicker: Even the most skilled therapist can struggle with therapy client engagement. Even when they connect with prospective new clients, they struggle to help them understand the value of working with them. And it’s not because they’re bad at what they do. It’s because they haven’t developed this critical therapist skill set yet.

I know what you’re probably thinking: “Lisa, please don’t tell me I have to sell myself. That’s not why I became a therapist.” And trust me, I get it. Self-promotion can feel like a dirty word in our field. But that is not what I’m talking about. Nobody likes a slimy, pushy sales person. You’re not that and you never will be. But here’s the truth: If you want people to work with you, you’ve got to help them understand why you are the right therapist for them (if that is authentically true).

That’s exactly what we dove into on the latest episode of my podcast, Love, Happiness, and Success for Therapists. Today, I’m breaking it all down for you in this article. Let’s talk about the secrets to therapy client engagement so you can build a thriving private therapy practice and make a real impact in the lives of those you serve.

Understanding the Engagement Challenge

In agency settings, therapists don’t have to think much about engagement. Clients are typically assigned, and there’s little competition for their attention. But private practice is a different story. Prospective clients now have the freedom to choose who they work with, and the options can feel endless.

Here’s the truth: Engagement starts long before a client walks through your door (or logs into your Zoom room). It begins with how you present yourself to the world—on your website, in your online profiles, and in the way you communicate. If you’re not proactively connecting with potential clients, someone else will.

Create a Strong First Impression

Your first interaction with a prospective client sets the tone for the entire therapeutic relationship. And no, I’m not just talking about the first session—I mean any point of contact. Here are a few ways to make a strong impression:

  • Optimize Your Online Presence: Your website should clearly communicate who you are, what you do, and who you serve. Include a professional photo, a personal introduction, and easy-to-navigate information about your services.
  • Show Your Expertise: Share blog posts, videos, or podcasts that demonstrate your knowledge and build trust. For example, if you specialize in anxiety, a short video on grounding techniques can position you as an expert.
  • Make Contact Easy: Ensure your contact information is visible and your booking process is straightforward. Offer a free consultation or discovery call to help clients feel comfortable reaching out.

If you need some support in attracting new clients, check out my article on how to get more therapy clients.

Focus on Client Goals, Not Just Problems

Therapy is inherently problem-focused, but the initial conversation shouldn’t feel that way. When you first meet with a prospective client, resist the urge to dive into their challenges. Instead, ask questions that center on their goals:

  • “What’s the change you’d like to see in your life?”
  • “What will be different for you when our work together is done?”

By shifting the focus from pain points to possibilities, you’re helping clients envision the positive outcomes they can achieve with your support. This approach not only builds hope but also frames therapy as a collaborative and goal-oriented process.

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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

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