What if you don't have to be “good at art” to work creatively as a therapist?

In this week’s episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I’m joined by counsellor, developer and all-round creative thinker Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar to talk about using creativity in therapy sessions, both online and face to face.

Yasmin is one of those people who is always creating ideas, tools and resources, and we explore how her neurodivergence, technical background and passion for emotional regulation have shaped the way she works with clients.

We talk about:

• why many therapists don’t think of themselves as creative
• how creative approaches can help clients express themselves differently
• using creative tools in online sessions without it feeling clunky or awkward
• emotional regulation, rejection sensitivity and neurodivergence
• the fear therapists often have around visibility and being judged
• how creativity can make psycho-education feel more accessible and engaging
• why playful doesn’t have to mean childish
• and why some ideas need time to develop and “simmer”

Yasmin also shares some of the interactive resources she’s developed for therapists and clients, including her “Sandwich of Capacity” tool inspired by the Window of Tolerance.

You can find out more about Yasmin and use her resources HERE

And if you’d like support growing your own private practice, you can find out more about my webinars and training HERE

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords: creativity in therapy, neurodivergent counselling techniques, creative tools for therapists, online therapy resources, therapy techniques for neurodivergent clients, integrating creativity in sessions, therapist visibility and marketing, building a creative practice, resources for therapists, psychological tools for emotional regulation, playful therapy activities, using art in counseling, overcoming therapist self-doubt

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

Why isn’t your therapy profile getting enquiries?

If you’ve listed yourself on directories such as Psychology Today, Counselling Directory or BACP Find a Therapist and you’re hearing very little back, this episode will help you think about what your clients need to hear in order to feel able to choose you.

In today's episode:

• the power of a good profile and how it helps your private practice
• why talking about your modality doesn't help
• the importance of taking reading age into consideration
• avoiding technical language and industry jargon
• what frightens clients away
• qualifications versus connection and relatability
• understanding client search behaviour

Already listed on a directory and it’s not bringing enquiries? Come along to my webinar on what might be missing and how to make what you're already doing more effective. Click HERE to learn more

Click HERE to learn more about Therapy Growth Group. The next Make Your Profile Work challenge takes place in June 2026.

This is a re-issue of Episode 14: Ditch the Jargon

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Keywords: counsellor, psychotherapist, private practice marketing, therapy directory, psychology today, counselling directory, therapy profile

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

As a therapist, you may be asking yourself: "Am I competent to work with trans clients?". In this interview with Josiah Twiselton of Offbeat Therapy, we explore what it really means to offer a welcoming space to transgender people.

Key Takeaways:

• Allyship is more than the absence of hostility towards cients
• How therapists can unintentionally centre themselves while trying to help
• The small and often unnoticed ways therapy can feel inaccessible
• What therapists can do if they're not sure they are "ready" to work with trans clients
• How to think honestly about competence with this client group
• Why older transgender clients may lack social support
• The challenges faced by drag performers
• Why lived experience and community matter when working with trans clients
• How recognising trans joy is as important as recognising struggles
• The current situation for transgender people in the UK

Josiah Twiselton is the founder of Offbeat Therapy where he specialises in working with older transgender people, drag performers and queer creatives. His video-based course "Trans Allyship for Counsellors" is available for purchase from his website HERE. Use the code GEC2026 to receive a 10% discount.

If you're a cis (non trans) woman who would like to show your support for inclusion, please sign the Not In Our Name women's open letter HERE. It calls attention to the real cause of violence against women and girls and enables you to say that you, as a woman, value trans inclusion.

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

KEYWORDS: trans therapy, LGBTQ+ therapy, inclusive counseling, trans joy, barriers to therapy, older trans people, trans therapist training, allyship in therapy, trans mental health, queer therapy, access to counselling, diversity in therapy, community support for trans people, mental health for trans individuals, supporting drag performers, therapy for marginalized communities

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.