Afraid to Start Private Practice? With Katrina Johnson

Starting private practice can feel daunting, especially if you're wondering whether you're experienced enough, whether clients will ever find you, or whether you're making the right decision.

In this episode, I talk to counsellor Katrina Johnson, who had been a therapist for 20 years before finally taking the leap into private practice. Despite her experience, she admits she was frightened to get started and worried she wasn't good enough.

Today, Katrina has a thriving private practice, a waiting list and works as a supervisor. In our conversation, she shares what helped her move beyond fear, how she gradually built her client base, and why taking small, consistent steps made all the difference.

Whether you're newly qualified, struggling to find agency work or simply wondering if now is the right time to start your own practice, Katrina's story is full of reassurance and practical encouragement.

In this episode we discuss:Why fear and self-doubt are normal when starting private practiceHow Katrina took her first small steps instead of waiting until she felt readyBuilding confidence after taking action rather than beforeGrowing a private practice gradually alongside employed workUsing social media in a way that feels natural and authenticWhy clients often choose the therapist they feel they know and trustSetting boundaries around what you share onlineWhy consistency matters more than perfectionHow Therapy Growth Group supported Katrina as she built her practice

Katrina's story encourages us that you don't have to feel confident before you begin to build your private practice.

Episode originally appeared in February 2025

You can visit Katrina's website at kjcounselling.co.uk and her Facebook page is KJCounselling

And if you're interested in Therapy Growth Group, you can read more about it at josephinehughes.com

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook