Copywriting is both an art and a science. There’s a lot of skill, time, research, and psychology that’s behind good copy. Many therapists also consider themselves writers, which is fantastic. Being a writer is a talent that not everyone has. Just like being a therapist is not something everyone can do.

The tricky part is knowing why you should hire a copywriter. There’s a big difference between scholarly writing, book writing, content writing, and copywriting. Copywriting takes different skills than the other types of writing. This isn’t to say that other forms of writing are lesser than copywriting, they’re just different.

As a therapist, your time is precious. Even if you had the copywriting skills, which you didn’t learn in grad school, you still don’t have the time to put into writing your website, creating weekly blogs, emails, and everything else that your business needs. This is why you should hire a copywriter.

Copywriting Is Different Than Content Writing

The biggest difference between copywriting and content writing is that copywriting always has a call to action (CTA). Copywriters get people to do things. They want people to opt-in to your email list or sign up for your workshop or book a consultation call. There’s always a CTA in a piece of copy.

Content writing informs but doesn’t sell. Copywriting is also different than content marketing, which is usually free content that attracts new prospects and converts them to returning customers. [1] Copywriting gets a reader to take a specific action. 

You need content to write copy. However, content alone isn’t enough to market yourself. At the end of the day, you want people to take action.

The Difference Between Copywriting and Scholarly Writing

Copywriters do research. We try to keep the research as scholarly as possible from credible sources. Sometimes, though, you gotta reference a good blog on Psychology Today.

Obviously, scholarly writing is all research. There are formatting guidelines you have to follow, such as APA. The tone is formal. The grammar is impeccable. There are no dangling prepositions.

Copywriters write like we talk. We connect with our audience in a way that feels like we’re having a conversation with them. Copywriters also use less jargon than therapists who write scholarly articles. And the content of most pieces of copy, save a white paper, for instance, is much shorter than a scholarly article.

If you’re a therapist who writes scholarly articles, you might struggle to write your own copy. Copywriting should be easy to digest and at the end of the day, as I said before, get people to do something.

The Difference Between Copywriters and Authors

Many of you have written books. Congratulations! That takes skill, time, patience, and a whole lot of work. Copywriters put those things into practice a little differently.

Books are technically content. You’re not necessarily trying to get anyone to do anything. You want them to read your story. Books can also be examples of scholarly writing, so the same principles from the above section apply.

As an author, you have a specific style of writing. That style may not be the right fit for copywriting. It takes a village to write a book. You’ve got editors, ghostwriters, and publishers to deal with. When you hire a copywriter, you’re just dealing with one person. That copywriter learns your voice and style and writes as you. So basically, most copywriters are ghostwriters! You should hire a copywriter because you still get the benefit of your name on a good piece of copy while also freeing up your time by not having to write it.

If You’re a Writer, You Still Should Hire a Copywriter

You didn’t learn how to write copy in grad school. You probably had to write research papers and a thesis or dissertation on whatever type of psychology you studied. But you never learned what search engine optimization (SEO) is or how to use it. You definitely didn’t have to write in a way that sells something to your audience.

It’s ok if you don’t have copywriting skills. That’s why copywriters exist. I write for a lot of therapists and I find that some of them struggle to edit my work because they’re stuck in scholarly writing mode. That’s why it’s so important to read copy out loud. 

A conversational style of writing, like you find in copywriting, is hard to adopt when you’re used to writing more formally. But conversational tones speak to your audience. You don’t want dense copy, you want copy that people will digest quickly and easily.

Copywriting is also a form of marketing. I bet you didn’t learn how to market yourself as a therapist in grad school. That’s ok, I didn’t either when I was studying to be a therapist. I had to unlearn a way of writing and figure out what makes a good copywriter. I found that my talents lie in copywriting. Yours are in therapy. That’s why you should hire a copywriter so you don’t have to learn how to do a second job!

You should hire a copywriter even if you’re a writer because you don’t have time. Focus on your clients and your work-life balance and let the mental health copywriters do the heavy-lifting in the copy world.

It’s a Good Thing If You’re a Good Writer When You Hire a Copywriter

Most of the time you need to hire a copywriter because you just don’t have time to do it yourself. It actually helps if you’re a good writer. During the shared editing process, it’s important that you know how to articulate yourself. If you’re a good writer, you can fit your edits into the copy seamlessly.

You also know what you’re looking for if you’re a good writer because you understand well-written copy. You have a leg up on professionals who don’t have a strong writing background. Not that you need one to hire a copywriter. But it doesn’t hurt.

If you’re a good writer your editing process will be more efficient. You know what your voice sounds like. And you can communicate with your copywriter precisely what you do and don’t like and why. Communication is key when it comes to hiring a copywriter. 

Hiring a Copywriter

As a mental health and wellness copywriter, I pride myself on being able to write in my clients’ voices. As a former therapist, I pride myself on my overall understanding of the content I’m writing about. I also know where to find the best research.

When you work with me, you’ll get a copywriter who values your thoughts and feedback. I welcome your ideas and work collaboratively with you on your copy.

If you’re ready to take the leap and hire a mental health copywriter, contact me. I offer a 30-minute free Zoom consultation to talk about your copy needs. Let me take the burden of writing off your plate. Let’s work together to create the best copy for your therapy practice. Happy writing!

References
[1]https://copyblogger.com/content-marketing-copywriting/

Why do therapists need to know your ideal client when you write?

It’s important for you to know who your ideal client is, create an ideal client avatar, and understand the pain points of your audience. Because your audience is your ideal client. At least, it should be. 

You might not want to get too specific, and that’s understandable. A lot of therapists don’t want to box themselves in and lose out on clients. But the reality is that if you’re not super clear on who you provide services to, it’ll show. One way that’ll happen is through your writing.

Whether you’re writing website copy, a blog, emails, newsletters, or social media posts, you must know your audience. And your audience is your ideal client. You need to target the people you want to work with, and in order to do that, you need to speak directly to them.

Knowing your audience is one of the key ingredients to good copywriting. The clearer you are about who you help, the clearer your writing will be. Your website will make sense. Your blogs will resonate with people and keep them coming back for more. Your emails will make clients want to sign up for your services. Speak directly to them, and it will work. If you build it, they will come.

What Is An Ideal Client?

An ideal client is someone who ticks all the boxes for you. Do they fall into your target demographic? Are they interested in a reciprocal, therapeutic relationship? Can they afford your rates?

Ideal clients are easy to communicate with. They keep coming back and are invested in the therapeutic process. [1]

If you work with women in their 20s and 30s dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and relationship challenges, then a 40-year-old man with a substance use disorder is probably not your ideal client.

That doesn’t mean you can’t help him, and I know it’s tempting to want to take on everyone. The problem with that is that when you’re writing to your target audience, you have to write to someone specific. If you write to everyone you’re writing to no one.

What Is An Ideal Client Avatar?

Once you’ve got a semblance of who your ideal client is, it’s time to make an avatar. This goes back to the importance of knowing your audience. If you have a clear image of who you want to work with and who you provide therapy to, you’ll be able to speak to those people.

You also need to know who you’re speaking to. If you work with kids, your ideal client may be the child but it’s the parents you’re writing to.

An ideal client avatar is a representation of what you imagine your client might be like. [2] When creating an avatar you need to think about all the things:

• Age
• Gender identity
• Sexual orientation
• Race
• Ethnicity
• Occupation
• Marriage/relationship status
• Whether or not they have children
• Why they’re seeking treatment
• What their diagnosis is
• What their main stressors are

When creating your ideal client avatar, get as specific as you can. Create a real person in your brain. See them, hear their voice, think about what they wear. It may feel silly, but it’s incredibly helpful as a therapist to know your ideal client avatar.

When you know your ideal client avatar, you can write directly to them. If you work with stressed-out moms and you know your email list is over 75% moms experiencing burnout, make sure you’re writing to them. If your ideal client is a child, make an avatar of the ideal client parent as well. When you write, you’re speaking to the parents, after all.

An ideal client avatar helps you know who you’re selling your services to. [2] Having an ideal client avatar helps you write directly to your people. If you work with people with substance use disorders, your copy is going to be very different than if you work with children with autism. 

That’s an extreme example, so let’s go with another one. Let’s say you work mostly with grief and loss and you want to target the “sandwich generation.” These are the people raising children and taking care of their parents. You’re going to reach different pain points in your writing than if your ideal clients are children and teens grieving the loss of a parent.

Finding your ideal client avatar takes some time and thought. But it’s worth it to know exactly who you’re working with because that’s who you’re talking to with your writing. And if you’re super clear, your mental health copywriter will be clear also and provide you with the product you want.

What’s the Importance of Knowing Your Audience and How Do You Get to Know Them?

Although websites and blogs and emails feel one-sided because you write them and your clients read them, they’re not. You’re in a conversation with your audience. When you hire a copywriter, your writing is always going to have a call to action (CTA). Well-written copy gets people to do something. Opt-in to your email address. Attend a workshop. Sign up for that first consultation call for therapy.

You need to know your audience and who your ideal client is if you want to get them to do something. It’s important to always target their pain points. In order to do that, you need to know what they are.

The fact that copy gets people to act is what makes it an interactive experience. You’ll get comments, likes, and shares on your blogs and social media posts. You’ll see an uptick in people signing up for your services. You may get feedback from your audience. The internet is interactive, and so is copywriting.

Yes, it’s great if you reach people outside your ideal clientele. Maybe they’ll refer a friend. But don’t be afraid of “pigeon-holing” yourself by getting specific about who you’re talking to.

When I write, I direct my copy to therapists in private practice and centers/organizations for therapy, like clinics and larger practices. I’ll write about anything, but I prefer to write for female-identifying therapists who work with people with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, substance use disorders, and relationship challenges. I struggle to write for trauma therapists and men, although I’ve done it and it’s been fine. But they’re not my ideal clients.

It doesn’t happen right away for everyone. For me, it took some trial and error to find my ideal client avatar. I paid attention to who I was attracting and who ticked all the boxes for me. I learned the importance of knowing your audience when you write.

Writing to Your Ideal Client

If you’re interested in learning more about how I can help you find and write to your ideal client, contact me. I’d be happy to talk to you about your clients’ pain points, who you want to work with, and how you want to reach them through mental health copywriting. Together we’ll find your ideal client avatar and speak to them.

References

[1]https://thrivehive.com/who-are-my-ideal-customers/

[2]https://viralsolutions.net/customer-avatar/#.YB2F1JNKhmA

When it comes to your business, your online presence is important. And there’s nothing more important to online marketing and building an online presence than SEO. There are many ways to boost your SEO and increase your visibility online. We’re going to go through a couple of those today.

As a therapist, it’s crucial that you have a strong online presence. If clients can’t find you, they won’t book your services. Sites like Psychology Today and Therapy Den are a great start, but they shouldn’t be your only marketing tool.

One surefire way to improve your SEO is to hire a mental health copywriter who knows SEO and the world of mental health well. You want to work with someone who values what you do, understands the importance of online marketing, and knows how to increase your SEO.

What is SEO?

SEO stands for Search Engine Optimization. It’s what ranks you higher in a Google search. Let’s say you’re a therapist who provides CBT for people with depression and anxiety in Atlanta, GA. When people Google “CBT therapy depression Atlanta, GA” you want to show up in that search. Copywriter Sarah Dittmeier uses an example of searching for coffee in her blog about SEO. [1] There are lots of ways to search for coffee (or therapy) and you need to know how to attract the right people.

The important thing to know about SEO is that it’s inbound marketing. Inbound marketing is a great way to drive more traffic to your website. You can convert readers to clients simply by having a strong inbound marketing strategy. This can’t be done without SEO.

How Do You Improve Your SEO?

One of the most important tools SEO copywriters use is keywords. These are the words that people type into a Google search. For example, “CBT” is a single keyword that someone might type in. The thing is, millions of searches for CBT will show up. In order to stand out, you need to use keywords that differentiate you from a crowd but that people are still searching for.

Long-tail keywords are a stronger way to improve your SEO. Your mental health copywriter knows how to use long-tail keywords in your website copy and blogs to attract the right kind of traffic. “CBT therapy for depression” is a longtail keyword. “How do I stop my dog from peeing on the rug?” is an example of a long-tail keyword phrase that’s very specific. This is the kind of thing you want to use.

In order to improve your SEO, you need to use a variety of keywords and long-tail keywords. You also need to use them organically. If you throw in the same keyword too many times, Google will pick up on that and penalize you for it. It’s called “keyword stuffing” and you don’t want to do it.

Why Does SEO Matter to Your Business?

The thing about SEO is that it’s the only way to rank in search engines. And if you’re not ranking in search engines, like Google, no one’s going to find you when they search online.

Let’s face it. Everyone finds everything on Google these days. Don’t you want to show up in a search? If you’re trying to increase your client load, you need to start boosting your SEO. Your practice is your business, and you want to see it grow.

In order to do that, I’d suggest hiring a mental health copywriter well-versed in SEO to do the heavy lifting for you. 

How to Increase Your SEO

Here are five ways to boost your SEO and increase traffic to your website:

1. Use the Phrase “What Is…”

When you’re trying to rank for competitive keywords like “CBT depression,” SEO guru Neil Patel suggests using the phrase “what is…” or “how is…” [2] “What is CBT for depression” is a lot stronger than “CBT depression.” 

One of the ways this could work is to use the phrase “what is CBT for depression?” throughout your website. This is a good opportunity to use the long-tail keyword phrase on an FAQ page, which, by the way, is an excellent place to use keywords.

2. Use the Phrase “How x works”

Just like “what is…” or “how is…” phrases, “how something works” is a strong way to rank for competitive keywords. [2] “How CBT for depression works” is going to rank you higher than “CBT for depression.” 

“How CBT for depression works” is a great phrase to use on your website. You could also write a blog about it. Consistently updated blogs boost your SEO a ton.

3. Use Keywords That Rank

I’ve already talked a lot about keywords, but that’s because they’re so important to improve your SEO. Neil Patel suggests long-tail keywords because people are searching for longer phrases and you have a better chance at ranking than shorter keywords. [3]

One of the ways to rank for keywords is to use your location. If you’re a Cognitive Behavior Therapist who treats depression and anxiety in Atlanta, GA, you want to make sure you’re using your location in your keywords. 

Think about what people are searching for. A lot of times it’ll be something like “depression therapy near me” or “anxiety therapy in Philadelphia.” These are very general phrases, and you want to make sure your keywords reflect what people are searching for. 

One way to rank for location is by registering your website with Google. You can submit your website to be indexed. When someone searches for you, you should pop up with your location information. This only works if you have an actual office, though.

4. Make Sure Your Website Is Fully Optimized

There’s a lot that goes into increasing your SEO. As any copywriter knows, the words you use are important, but it’s not just the words you see on a homepage or in a blog post. There are a lot of other elements to having a well-optimized website.

Title Tags

Title tags are the titles that pop up when you do a search. When you Google “mental health copywriter” and you find me, my title tag says “Copywriting For Mental Health Professionals- Allie Linn.” This is a very clear title tag. It tells you who I am and exactly what I do.

Title tags should concisely describe what your website is. [4] They should use keywords that you want to rank for directly in the title tag. I want you to find me when you Google “mental health copywriting,” and so I put it in my title tag.

Meta Descriptions

Meta descriptions are the sentences that show up below your title tag in a Google search. Your meta description should briefly describe what the page is using keywords. In my meta description, I make sure to use “mental health,” “copywriter,” and “therapist” because those are the main words that I want people to use to find me.

If you Google “mental health copywriter,” “mental health and wellness copywriter,” or “copywriter for therapists,” I show up on page one. That’s because I use a combination of keywords, long-tail keywords, a strong title tag, and good meta descriptions. I also write consistent and relevant blogs every week. This helps a lot.

High Enough Word Count

You don’t want your website pages to be too long, or else people won’t stay and read them, no matter how engaging they are. But you do need to have a long enough website page that Google can crawl for it and recognize it. 

Forbes says a good word count is between 600-700 words. [5] You can get away with a little less than that, but something like 300 is too “thin.” You need to have enough information on your site that people know what you do, and you also need to have enough words on your page so that Google can find you. You’re always writing for three people: the digger, the skimmer, and Google.

5. Hire a Mental Health Copywriter to Write Blogs and FAQ Pages For You

FAQ pages are fantastic places to use your keywords. You can try out the “what is…” or “how x works” on these pages. They’re great for using as many of your keywords as you’re trying to rank for (which should be about 3-5) without keyword stuffing.

Another way to boost your SEO is to write consistently updated relevant blogs. It’s not enough to have a blog and write some thoughts down. You need to write blogs that are long enough for Google to recognize (1000 words minimum). You also need to write blogs that are relevant and consistently updated. Once a week is recommended, but you can get away with every other week and still have an effect on your SEO.

If you’re looking for how to increase your SEO, look no further than a well-optimized blog written by a well-versed mental health copywriter. Your copywriter will know tricks that you may not, such as using internal and external links. [6] Internal links keep people engaged with your site because they link to other pages or blogs on your site. External links give you authority, as long as you’re linking to reputable sources. Both internal and external links affect your SEO and rank you higher.

Improve Your SEO With the Right Mental Health Copywriter

If you’re ready to boost your SEO, it’s time to hire a mental health copywriter who knows your world and the world of SEO. I’m the perfect person to take you on your SEO journey because not only am I a well-versed mental health copywriter who knows SEO, but I’m also a former therapist. You’re in good hands with me. Contact me to get started. I offer a free 30-minute consultation Zoom call to get started and see if we’re the right fit.

References

[1]https://extrashotcopy.com/blog/why-seo-is-the-key-to-online-success-for-your-business 

[2]https://neilpatel.com/blog/#p-99004 

[3]https://neilpatel.com/blog/rank-for-multiple-keywords/ 

[4]https://moz.com/learn/seo/title-tag#:~:text=A%20title%20tag%20is%20an,%2C%20SEO%2C%20and%20social%20sharing

[5]https://whiteboard-mktg.com/how-much-content-is-good-for-seo-rankings/#:~:text=Forbes%20indicates%20that%20an%20average,can%20be%20confusing%20at%20best

[6]https://www.seoclarity.net/resources/knowledgebase/why-internal-and-external-links-important-for-seo-16559/#:~:text=Internal%20links%20are%20hyperlinks%20that,page%20on%20a%20different%20website.&text=These%20types%20of%20links%20to,rankings%20in%20Google’s%20search%20algorithm

In school, you were probably taught that person-first language is the most appropriate way to talk about clients. You put the person before their diagnosis. You see both the diagnosis as well as the whole person.

There’s another way of talking about people that is equally important, and that’s identity-first language. This way of talking about people puts the diagnosis first. 

For example, using person-first language when talking about someone with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) would be to refer to the person as “a person with autism.” Identity-first language would be to say “that person is autistic.”

There’s a time and a place to use both. The most important part of talking to and about your clients is understanding how they’d like to be referenced.

Many people with autism prefer identity-first language, while the caregivers and professionals tend to use person-first language. Identity-first language when it comes to autism is about empowerment. It demonstrates that having ASD it isn’t something to be ashamed of. [1] 

Person-First vs. Identity-First Language

Person-first language is not always the answer. It’s difficult when talking about “disabilities” (a term that I hate). Sometimes a person finds power in identifying with what makes them differently-abled, such as being deaf or blind. A person in a wheelchair may or may not want to be defined by their disability. Other people, such as someone with a mental health diagnosis, may not want to be labeled by that diagnosis.

Labels are important because they help you get resources, medication, and a sense of closure. If you spend the first five years of your adult life having manic episodes but not understanding what that is and then one day a doctor says to you “you have bipolar disorder, that’s why you experience such large mood swings and sometimes feel like you’re going to jump out of your skin and other days you’re so depressed you can’t get out of bed.” If you hear that after several years of not knowing what’s wrong with you, you’ll most likely have a greater sense of peace knowing what it is. That doesn’t mean you’ll like it, it just means you can put a name to it, which is empowering.

Identification and Language

I used to work with children and teenagers with ASD. One day we did an exercise where I made “stations” around the room that had different activities. There were puzzles, worksheets, and an article about ASD to read. I’ll never forget when one of my boys, about 14 years old, said out loud as he was reading the article “Oh, so THAT’s why I am the way I am!” Suddenly the pieces fell into place for him and for the first time in his life he understood why he struggled with certain things. 

Because many people with ASD identify as autistic, it’s important to ask how they prefer to be referenced. Many clinicians may think that person-first language is the only way to go, but there are certain groups of people, such as those with ASD, that prefer identity-first language. It’s similar to people who are deaf or blind. You would never say “a person that is deaf.”

Identity-first language, in this case, identifies the person by their disability, but it also makes them feel empowered. Deaf is not all they are, but it is a big part of them that they identify with. “I am deaf” vs. “I am a person with deafness” is the difference between identity-first and person-first language.

It all comes down to a personal preference, but it is recommended that mental health professionals use person-first language unless otherwise directed. It’s difficult to know, though, what’s the right answer. Is someone an alcoholic or are they a person with an alcohol problem? [2]

The National Institute of Mental Health uses person-first language when writing about things like bipolar disorder [3]. Many people with bipolar disorder prefer person-first language over saying “I’m bipolar.” The difference here is that bipolar disorder is a disease and ASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder. There is room to say that you are autistic, but I would never say that someone is bipolar.

Similarly, one person told me that although they have Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They would never say that they are ADD because it isn’t their identity, while other people might find power in using identity-first language to describe themselves this way.

Ingraining in the Training

As a therapist, you were probably trained to use person-first language when speaking about your clients. I know I was. My teachers made sure we always used person-first language in class and in our writing. And it is important to do so. But you must also take into consideration identity-first language and how empowering it is for those who use it.

Not everyone with ASD will call themselves autistic. The world might, though. This is why it’s important to ask someone with any diagnosis how they would like to be referred to. One person with ADHD might HATE being called ADD and another person may make that part of their identity.

Of course, in the case of something like ADHD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), people throw around these terms incorrectly all the time. How often do you hear someone say “I’m so ADD” to refer to their difficulty focusing or “I’m OCD” to refer to being particular about certain things. Some of these people might actually have ADHD or OCD and are using identity-first language, but a lot of the time they’re people misusing the terms.

However, you would never throw those terms around lightly when speaking to your clients or colleagues. And it’s important to make sure that you don’t do that in your writing either. Whether using identity-first or person-first language, make sure it’s appropriate to the person or people you’re writing about.

This is a good time to think about topics to write about. Maybe you’re passionate about empowering people with ASD to use identity-first language and want to write about that. Go for it! Or maybe you care a lot about people with bipolar disorder not being marginalized and labeled by their diagnosis. Write about that! 

I hope you use these ideas as a springboard for your writing. I want you to walk away from reading this having a greater understanding of best practices when talking about (and to) your clients. Hold your colleagues responsible just as much as you hold yourself responsible.

Using Language Correctly

In order to make sure you’re using the correct language when speaking about clients and potential clients, work with a skilled mental health copywriter. In particular, you could work with this copywriter, who both has a diagnosis and was once a therapist. 

I understand the importance of using identity-first and person-first language better than most. I’m confident I can help you write about people in a way that empowers them without marginalizing or pathologizing them. 

If you’re ready to take the leap and work with that type of copywriter, contact me to set up a call to discuss how I can help you use your words for good.

References

[1]https://news.northeastern.edu/2018/07/12/unpacking-the-debate-over-person-first-vs-identity-first-language-in-the-autism-community/ 

[2]https://ncdj.org/style-guide/ 

[3]https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-disorder/index.shtml 

You know that the way you talk about and to your clients is important. Most therapists I know refer to the people they treat as “clients” as opposed to “patients.” This is because it takes away the pathology. If you’re called a patient that might imply that there’s something wrong with you.

The same principle applies when talking about your clients. How do you refer to them? Is your client autistic or are they a person with autism? If they’re a person with autism, you’re using person-first language. 

It’s important to use person-first language as a mental health professional. Person-first language puts the person before their diagnosis. It removes the pathology of having a mental health diagnosis.

Notice I didn’t say “mental illness.” While some people may identify as having a mental illness, I prefer to say “mental health diagnosis.” Again, illness pathologizes. Another way you could phrase it is to say “mental health challenges.” 

The Power of Words

The way we talk about people matters. There are words that used to be in the DSM (Diagnostic  Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) that are no longer appropriate to use, such as the word “retarded.” In 2013, the diagnosis of “mental retardation” in the DSM was changed to “intellectual disability.” [1] I’m sure you’ve heard people say “that’s retarded” when what they really mean is “that’s dumb” or “that’s stupid.” It’s like when people say “that’s so gay.” 

You would never say these things. I know that! But how many times have you said “so-and-so is schizophrenic” or “she’s bipolar” or “he’s autistic”? 

You may not even realize you did it. It’s the way people talk.

Sometimes, you may have clients who don’t use person-first language. They may say “I’m autistic” and that’s their choice. Do everything you can to make sure that you’re not the reason they aren’t using person-first language. Maybe they identify as autistic, and that’s fine. But if they’re saying “I’m autistic” rather than “I have autism” it may be a learned phrase and not one that’s actually true to them. Imposing the word “autistic” onto someone takes away their opportunity to identify as anything else.

Using Person-First Language 

What is person-first language in the realm of mental health?

Well, we live in a society that unfortunately categorizes mental illness as a disability. I prefer the words “differently-abled” to “disabled,” as I’m sure many of you do too. But unfortunately, the word “disability” is something that people in our society think they understand, and so that’s the word I’ll use for the sake of clarity. 

Labels are necessary in order to receive services, but they hurt the people who are labeled as “disabled” or “mentally ill.” As you know, someone can’t be treated if they don’t have a diagnosis. Diagnoses help people understand the challenges they face, for sure. But they also put people in a box that’s difficult to open once placed inside it.

Person-first language puts the person in question before the disability or mental health challenge. [2] The thing is, you can see both the person and the disability without the disability becoming tied to the person’s identity. This way, the person isn’t defined by their disability.

Why Should Mental Health Professionals Use Person-First Language?

We’ve already established that calling someone with schizophrenia “schizophrenic” identifies them by their mental health diagnosis rather than by who they are as a person. Frankly, it’s dehumanizing. You would never say to a client “you are schizophrenic.”

But it’s also important to realize how you talk about your clients to your peers. It’s very easy to lose person-first language, especially if you work with people more familiar with a medical model, like in a psychiatric hospital. I

n the hospital, clients are patients. They’re identified by their diagnoses and not by who they are. Maybe not to you, but to the system as a whole, someone in a psychiatric hospital is a sick patient with a disability and a mental illness.

You know better, though. I know you treat your clients with respect. Part of that is how you talk about them to other clinicians and to their family and friends.

Writing About Mental Health Using Person-First Language

When you hire a copywriter to write for you, make sure they understand the importance of person-first language. This is where hiring a mental health copywriter who used to be a therapist, like me, is handy. Your copywriter should understand what person-first language is and they should use it when they write for you.

The way you write about mental health is important. If I was a potential client visiting your website and saw that you didn’t use person-first or trauma-informed language, I’d click away and move on to someone else. 

As a therapist, you know that establishing trust is one of the hardest and most crucial parts of the therapeutic relationship. Person-first language is one way to do that. Online, when words are all there is, make every word count. 

Person-First Language in Mental Health Copywriting

Copywriters like catchy phrases. They want to help you stand out and get people to sign up for your services or your email list or your workshop. Phrases and words that grab people’s attention are great. But what’s not great is doing so at the sake of someone else.

If you want to work with a mental health copywriter who understands the importance of using person-first language, contact me. Let me help you make sure your copy is not just catchy, but kind. Together, let’s demonstrate how to talk about people in a dignified, therapeutic way.

References

[1]https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/08/01/2013-18552/change-in-terminology-mental-retardation-to-intellectual-disability 

[2]https://www.cmaj.ca/content/184/18/E935

When you work with a copywriter for a while, you really get to know each other. You want a copywriter who knows your voice, who understands your preferences in style and formatting, who communicates well, and who gets you.

Just like in life, some people hit it off right away. Others take time to nurture and grow into a good working relationship.

Your mental health copywriter should: 

• Understand the world of mental health
• Be a good writer
• Communicate clearly
• Be clear about what you can expect when you work with them
• Be invested in you and your work
• Do the research needed to write for you and your vision
• Leave you feeling like you’re in good hands

You’re paying a lot of money for someone else to write your words. You need to make sure you’re working with the right person.

How Do You Know If You’ve Got the Right Copywriter?

As a therapist, you understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship. Your client needs to feel safe with you. It’s no different when you’re working with a copywriter, except this time, you’re the client.

The relationship between a copywriter and their client is the most important part of the process. If you don’t feel comfortable with your copywriter, you’ve got the wrong one. You should feel seen, heard, and understood, just like you want your clients to feel. Even though it’s not therapy, the same rules apply.

If you walk away from a brainstorming session feeling jazzed about your next series of blogs, you’ve got the right copywriter. If you get off a Zoom call with your copywriter that was focused on your website copy and think: “Did they get everything they needed? What if they don’t get it right?” and they don’t deliver, then you need to find a new mental health copywriter. Sometimes you’e just got to trust your instincts.

The relationship should feel easy after a little while. In the beginning, you’re still getting to know one another. That first discovery call is like going on a first date. But after your third date or so you should have a good feel of the person and know whether or not you like them. Do you want to commit to a relationship with this person? That’s how you know.

How Should Communication Work?

Personally, I like to spend time on a few Zoom calls with my clients. My monthly retainer clients and I talk once a month to gear up for the next month of blogs and newsletters.

When I write for someone’s website I spend time with them on a Zoom call going through all the things they want to see on their website. It needs to sound like you, which is hard to do. That’s one of the reasons good copywriters are expensive- they bring so much value to the table.

After a couple of months, I find that my clients and I get into a good rhythm. They don’t need to explain their process or framework to me every time, I already know it. The more we’re on the same page, the less time they have to spend editing my work. The process gets faster and smoother.

You build a rapport over time by having face time with each other and communicating openly and regularly. I’m always clear about how payment works, what my process is like, and what they can expect from me. There are no surprises. 

It’s also important that your copywriter understands your process. I’m a very organized person and sometimes can be very literal. But I have some clients who are more easy-going, go-with-the-flow types. Strong communication is key in these cases so that everyone is on the same page. At the end of the day, the client needs to be happy with the work.

With my clients who I’ve been working with the longest, we’ve gotten to a point where we both get off a call feeling happy, accomplished, and we trust that we’re on the same page. I believe in open communication. I always ask my clients if I can email them with questions if something comes up while I’m researching and writing. 

It’s essential that you know each other’s communication styles. Some people don’t like a lot of emails and would rather hop on quick calls, and others don’t mind emails back and forth and then one long call to discuss everything all at once.

It’s not just important for your copywriter to know how they work, but you need to know how you work. Sometimes, no matter how good the writer is, the relationship will never work out because your styles of working are just too different.

It’s also important to set boundaries. While I always err on the side of more communication, I don’t want to be taking calls every other day. I don’t give my phone number out unless it’s absolutely necessary. One time my internet went down and I had to do our scheduled call by phone. That’s an extenuating circumstance. Otherwise, I communicate by email and schedule calls at least 2 days in advance, unless there’s an emergency and we need to hop on a call right away, which rarely ever happens.

Something else to think about when it comes to your relationship with your copywriter is: do you feel taken care of? You’re spending money on yourself, which is amazing and hard. You understand the value of investing in yourself and your business. But you want to make sure you’re being taken care of. Is your copywriter offering good customer service? Do they meet deadlines? Do they listen to you? Do they take their work seriously?

A good relationship with your copywriter starts from the discovery call. It’s a chance for you to get a feel for each other. You find out what your copywriter is like and if you like them, and your copywriter is doing the same. 

It’s not necessary to work with someone you would be friends with outside of the working relationship. But you do need to respect each other. You need to listen to your copywriter and trust in their expertise, and your copywriter needs to listen to you and make your vision come to life. Communication is the most important aspect of that relationship.

Working Together to Build a Strong Relationship

When you work with me, you not only get well-written copy, you get strong communication. I listen to you and make you feel seen and heard. Check out my testimonials to see that my clients feel that way too.

If you’re ready to build a relationship with a mental health copywriter who values your time and ideas, contact me to schedule a time to talk. Let’s build a strong working relationship together that makes you feel jazzed at the end of our sessions. Happy relationship-building!

If you haven’t already done it, now is the time to create a marketing strategy for your mental health practice for the new year. The beginning of January is a great time to set goals for your practice, including financial goals. And what better way to reach your financial goals than to ramp up your marketing?

If you’re thinking “how am I going to make any money if I spend it on marketing?” my response is: have you ever heard the phrase “it takes money to make money?” Marketing is an investment. There’s no doubt about that. But if you don’t market your practice you probably won’t meet your financial goals.

So before we get too deep into this, I have some questions for you. What do you want to accomplish this year with your business? What do you hope to get out of your marketing? 

As you know by now, I’m a copywriter. I help therapists like you market themselves through writing. As a mental health professional, you don’t have time to spend on marketing. That’s why you hire someone like me, an expert mental health copywriter.

So let’s go back to my earlier questions about what you want to accomplish and what you hope to get out of your marketing. How can copywriting help you get there?

Copywriting Strategy is an Important Part of Your Marketing Plan

I recommend breaking the year up into quarters. From there you can come up with your financial goals and your client goals. Ask yourself:

• What’s the ideal number of hours you want to work? 
• How many clients do you want to see a week? 
• How much money do you want to make?

Once you’ve figured that part out, it’s time to find the right mental health copywriter. They’ll work with you to create your mental health marketing plan and copywriting strategy. Some things you might come up with are schedules for blogs and social media posts, new email sequences to welcome people to your email list, and your newsletters.

Each of you is going to need something different, but I always like to start in the same place. I find out what your goals are, who your ideal client is, and what your budget is. From there we create a copywriting marketing plan. This includes deciding how many blogs you’ll post a month, how often you’ll send out your newsletter, and how many emails you want in your automated sequence.

Have a Marketing Strategy Plan That Includes Hiring a Mental Health Copywriter

If you’re a therapist in private practice, you may not think you need to market yourself. You’d be wrong. How are you going to get new clients if you’re not putting yourself out there? 

Your blogs should include search engine optimization (SEO) that helps boost your ranking in a Google search. Your mental health copywriter knows how to optimize your blogs for this purpose.

Maybe you need to revamp your website as part of your marketing strategy for the new year. Your mental health copywriter will be able to SEO-optimize the copy on your website to help rank you higher in Google searches.

You don’t need to spend all your money on a marketing firm. Hire a copywriter who can do the work for you. Copywriters take the time off your hands that you don’t have to spend on writing and marketing. They save you money when it comes to hiring a person to do your marketing because you’re not paying an employee.

When you have a copywriter that you know and trust, the rest is easy. Once you work with a copywriter for a few months you start to get to know each other. Your copywriter knows your voice. They know where you like your commas and the types of phrases you like to use. They also know how you like to work.

When I say the rest is easy, I don’t mean the work. Marketing and copywriting are hard work. But the relationship between you and your copywriter makes it feel easy. 

Another bonus to working with a mental health copywriter is that they help you clarify your thoughts and marketing plan. I get feedback all the time from my clients saying that I’ve helped them have a better idea of what they’re trying to say. Working with a mental health copywriter on your marketing strategy can be a clarifying experience for you. It might even help you better understand what types of clients you want to work with. It’ll also help you understand your process better. You’ll begin to realize how you want to come across to the world.

Types of Mental Health Marketing Strategy Plans

I already touched upon some of these, but there are lots of ways you can work with a mental health copywriter. Copywriters write lots of different types of copy that will help market you. A few types are:

• Email marketing campaigns
• Social media ads
• Social media posts
• SEO-optimized blogs
• SEO-optimized website copy
• Strong Psychology Today profiles 

Let’s start with email marketing campaigns. You’ll want to start or grow your email list with a strong opt-in that includes some kind of “freebie” that your audience gets once they sign up for your email list. Every time someone signs up for your email list they’ll get an automated email sequence, usually a total of 3-5 emails that they receive over the course of 5-7 days.

These automated email sequences are great for establishing a relationship with your audience. Once you’ve got that list, you’ll need to send out regular newsletters. Newsletters are a great way to continue to build and strengthen your relationship with your audience. Some of my clients prefer monthly newsletters while others prefer weekly or bi-weekly. It all depends on your marketing goals and what you and your copywriter came up with for your marketing strategy.

As a therapist, you might not want to use social media ads as part of your mental health marketing plan, and that’s ok. They’re not completely necessary for what you do. But social media posts are. Social media is another way to build a relationship with your audience. You need to post regularly and consistently.

Outsourcing your social media posting to your mental health copywriter is a great way to stick to the marketing plan without taking up too much of your time.

Blogs should be another part of your mental health marketing plan. These also need to be updated regularly. Your mental health copywriter will optimize your blogs for SEO purposes. They’ll work with you to bring your ideas to life.

Speaking of SEO, I mentioned SEO-optimized website copy. Kudos to you for writing your website yourself. But I’ll bet it’s not optimized for SEO because you didn’t know how to do that. Hence the reason it’s important to hire a mental health copywriter who knows their stuff when it comes to SEO. SEO is a huge part of a strong marketing plan.

I also mentioned Psychology Today profiles. This is a big part of your mental health marketing plan because Psychology Today is where a lot of people find you. When I’m searching for therapists on Psychology Today, if the profile isn’t well-written, I peace out and move on. It doesn’t matter how good of a therapist you are, if your profile isn’t well-written people are less likely to choose you. That’s just the way it is.

Getting Started in the New Year With a Strong Marketing Plan

If you’re ready to start creating a marketing plan for the new year with a mental health copywriter, send me a message, and let’s see how we can work together. Contact me today to get started. Happy marketing!

Holidays are hard for many people for a variety of reasons under normal circumstances. But 2020 has not been a year of normal circumstances. Your readers may be going through the holiday blues. They may be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). How can you help your readers manage the holiday blues in 2020?

As you know, regularly posted blogs provide clients and potential clients with online resources. You can use your powers of writing for good by addressing the holiday blues. But what are the holiday blues?

VeryWellMind defines the holiday blues as “Feelings of sadness that last throughout the holiday season—especially during the months of November and December.” [1] They can be connected to SAD, but usually only last through December. SAD can last from fall through the winter.

The holiday blues aren’t about feeling sad that the holidays are over. They’re about all of the emotions that come with the holidays. Maybe your readers have lost loved ones. They could be lonely and without plans. They might feel like they’re supposed to be merry and cheerful and into the holiday spirit but just can’t muster up those feelings.

Whatever it is, you can help. And you can do it through your writing in addition to the mental health services you provide.

Here are five ways to help your readers manage the holiday blues in 2020.

1. Practice a Healthy Diet and Exercise

We all know exercise is good for us. Overeating is bad. Yet it’s easy to fall into the trap of sitting on the couch with a pint of ice cream and a bag of potato chips when we’re feeling down.

Instead, encourage your readers to spend 20-30 minutes a day exercising. They can take a brisk walk if they’re not big into exercising, but they should get moving and release those mood-boosting endorphins. 

Overeating is easy to do when we’re feeling down. Especially if we have time off and we’re bored. But binge-eating doesn’t make us feel better at any point except for in the moment. In fact, overeating causes feelings of guilt that add to the complicated emotions connected to the holiday blues.

Your writing can reflect healthy ways to manage diet and exercise during the holidays. 

However, this year there are bound to be less feasts and opportunities for overeating at gatherings as people stay in their homes rather than get together with friends and family, as in years past. So encourage your readers in your blogs to come up with an exercise and diet plan and find a way to stick to it. This doesn’t have to be about New Year’s resolutions either. In fact, it shouldn’t be. We’re all hoping 2021 will be a better year, but you don’t want to set up your readers for disappointment and mismanaged expectations.

2. Help Your Readers Manage Their Alcohol Consumption

It’s become very easy to have a drink every day during this time of quarantine and isolation. Soon one drink becomes 3 and then before you know it you’ve drank an entire bottle of wine in one night. Or more.

This represents your average Joe. But add the holiday blues into the mix and that can mean trouble. When you’re trying to manage the holiday blues in 2020, it’s very easy to over-do it on the alcohol.

Most likely you work with clients who struggle with alcohol issues. You know how to help them manage their relationship with alcohol. How can you do that through your writing?

Blogs are, once again, a great way to provide resources to clients and potential clients. Maybe there are people out there struggling with managing the holiday blues in 2020. They find your blog. You offer insight into how to manage alcohol consumption during the holidays. Your blog addresses the importance of limiting alcohol consumption when you’re managing the holiday blues. Just like that, you’ve provided someone with resources they might otherwise not have when dealing with the holiday blues in 2020.

3. Encourage Your Readers to Give Themselves a Break

This year has caused a lot more stress than a typical year. It’s important for your readers to take time for themselves while managing the holiday blues. But this year, it’s even more important to cut themselves some slack. How do they give themselves a break?

When managing the holiday blues in 2020, we all need a break. The holidays offer some much needed downtime. However, when you’re dealing with the holiday blues, downtime might be difficult to deal with.

You can encourage your readers to find things to do that bring them joy. Read a good book. Watch a movie or TV series they enjoy. Do a puzzle. Bake.

These are all things that can be done alone in the house. Obviously it would be great if your readers lived with others and weren’t completely alone, but the 2020 reality is that many people are by themselves. This is hard under normal circumstances. When you add the holidays into the equation and mix it with the difficult year that is 2020, finding things to do that spark joy while alone is hard.

You can absolutely provide your readers with resources to find ways to take time for themselves. Give examples of things to do, including some of the things I mentioned before. Your work involves helping your clients manage stress, anxiety, and depression. You’re good at coming up with healthy ways to manage stress and I have no doubt you’ll be able to come up with ways to manage the holiday blues in 2020.

4. Address Isolation

2020 has created a time of isolation the likes of which we have never seen. With people being forced to stay in their homes, many people are more lonely than ever. Add the holiday blues to that equation and you’re looking at a recipe for worsened depression, fear, stress, and anxiety.

Similar to encouraging your readers to take time for themselves, it’s important to find ways to manage the holiday blues during 2020 while feeling isolated. Your readers are looking to you for guidance.

Provide resources to help combat isolation. Write about how it feels to be isolated during the holidays in 2020. Many people aren’t getting to see their friends and family this holiday season due to COVID-19. For some this may be a relief, but for many it’s devastating. 

Talk about isolation and depression. Talk about SAD. Talk about what your readers can do to manage the isolation they feel along with the holiday blues in 2020.

5. Help Your Readers Set Realistic Expectations

The holidays are all about managing expectations under normal circumstances. But in 2020 our expectations need more management than usual. It’s important for your readers to set realistic expectations about what their holidays will look like. How do they manage the holidays blues in 2020 while feeling isolated and alone?

This is the time to provide resources through blogs and emails to help your readers navigate the expectation game. The American Psychological Association breaks down tips to manage expectations during the holidays [2]:

• Be proactive
• Keep things in perspective
• Remember what’s important
• Take time for yourself

That article was written three years ago so it doesn’t take into account the holiday blues in 2020, but it does act as a springboard for some ideas for resources for your readers. Pick a topic (or all of them) to write about to provide the resources your readers need this holiday season.

Manage Your Own Expectation This Holiday Season

Managing the holiday blues in 2020 is about managing our expectations. As much as you want your readers to manage their expectations, it’s important to manage your own. The truth is, you can’t do it alone. 

Hire a mental health copywriter who understands your struggles and can help you get rid of the burden of writing these resources for your reader.

If you’re ready to take the next step, contact me to set up a call to discuss your copywriting needs. Let’s figure out together how we can help your readers manage the holiday blues in 2020.

References:

[1]https://www.verywellmind.com/holiday-blues-4771716

[2]https://www.apa.org/topics/stress-managing-expectations 

As a therapist, you try to approach your work from a trauma-informed lens. This means that you provide a safe space where clients can trust you. You are transparent and set clear boundaries and expectations. You collaborate with your clients and empower them to use their voice and make choices.

Trauma-informed care in therapy is crucial. Most people have experienced trauma of some kind. The key in trauma-informed care is to approach each of your clients as if they have experienced trauma.

The language that you use with your clients is important. Trauma-informed language includes using words that don’t trigger your clients. In fact, the word “trigger” can be triggering, for lack of a better word. It’s tied to shooting a gun, and many people have been victims of gun violence.

You know this. You practice trauma-informed care and trauma-informed language all the time in therapy. But what about when you write?

It’s incredibly important when writing about mental health that you use trauma-informed language. The reason is that it’s not just about how you talk to your clients. It’s important to use trauma-informed language when speaking with your colleagues. You also want to make sure that the language on your website and in your blogs and emails is trauma-informed.

What’s the key to making sure this is the case? Hire a mental health copywriter who understands trauma-informed language and care. Better yet, hire a mental health copywriter who is also a mental health professional who has practiced trauma-informed care.

What Is Trauma-Informed Language?

By this point you’ve acknowledged that you need a mental health copywriter because you don’t have time to write your website, blogs, newsletters, emails, and everything else that markets your business. But you want to make sure that your copywriter understands trauma-informed language.

There are a few ways to use trauma informed language in your writing:

1. Avoid aggressive and objectifying language

You know better than anyone that aggressive and objectifying language is an obvious no-no. Your trauma-informed language should make your readers feel safe, not attacked.

2. Be careful when talking about violence and abuse

When writing about difficult subjects, it’s important to be careful about how you talk about violence and abuse. While these are key topics in therapy, they can be very difficult to read about and must be written with care. Don’t get graphic or specific, unless absolutely necessary. And if it is necessary, write a disclaimer. It’s ok to use the words “abuse” and “assault,” but make sure they are handled with care. Don’t go into specifics unless you have to.

3. Addressing self-harm and suicidal ideation 

Self-harm and suicidal ideation are two other topics that can be difficult to write about. An important rule in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) groups is that when talking about self-harm or suicidal ideation, you can say that you had those thoughts or that you self-harmed. You’re not allowed to talk about the details. That won’t always work if you’re writing about these topics. But if you do write about self-harm and suicidal ideation, keep it trauma-informed. Provide resources people can use if they are feeling suicidal or contemplating self-harm.

4. Be mindful of word choice 

Something else to consider when writing with trauma-informed language is the actual words you use. I mentioned the word “trigger” earlier, but there are others. Try not to tell someone to “take a stab” at something, for example. [1] Be aware of the language you use and your word choice.

5. Don’t be judgmental

Another way to use trauma-informed language in your writing is not to be judgmental. Even though a blog or social media post isn’t therapy, you’re speaking to a vulnerable audience. You wouldn’t pass judgment on your clients in session, so don’t do it in your writing.

6. Avoid command statements

Trauma-informed language can also take the form of statements that provide the reader with options rather than telling them what to do. I’m currently using command statements throughout this blog because I want you to do something very specific. But if you’re speaking to readers that are clients or potential clients, give them options. “If you feel comfortable…” or “when you’re ready…” are great places to start.

Writing For Your Audience Using Trauma-Informed Language

Whether your audience is your clients or other mental health professionals, the same rules apply when it comes to language. If you wouldn’t say it to your clients, don’t say it in your writing. Clients are reading what you write, and we all know the power of the written word.

The same goes for writing for other mental health professionals. Model what trauma-informed language looks like in the written form. Be a leader in using trauma-informed language. Use social media, including LinkedIn, to set an example of how to be trauma-informed in your language. 

If you know your audience, your language will reflect that. So be aware of who your readers are. If you’re writing LinkedIn posts, you’re probably writing to other therapists. Blogs on your website are most likely geared towards clients and potential clients, although not always. Other mental health professionals may be finding your writing and learning from you. Be a thought leader. Be a role-model in the way you speak. But trauma-informed.

Trauma-Informed Language For All

I can’t stress enough that the words you use matter. Because trauma-informed care assumes that every client has experienced some sort of trauma, be aware of how you speak to them, both online and in-person. 

Just as you would in your practice, make your writing a safe space for your readers. Establish trust. Build a rapport. You absolutely can do this through your writing, especially if you’re using social media to connect with clients or potential clients. Actually, you can do this if you’re hoping to connect with other mental health professionals, too. 

Find the Right Mental Health Copywriter

An important piece to the puzzle of trauma-informed language in your writing is having the right copywriter. You want to make sure your copywriter understands what trauma-informed care and trauma-informed language is. Ideally, you hire someone like me who is also a trauma-informed therapist. 

If you’re ready to take the next step and talk about how I can help you, contact me to set up a free discovery call. We’ll talk about how we can use trauma-informed language in your writing. 

Happy writing!

Resources

[1]http://www.nationalcenterdvtraumamh.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/NCDVTMH-TI-Writing-Guide-FINAL-Aug27.pdf 

What do therapists in private practice and copywriters have in common?

We both work in a vacuum, with the exception of working with our clients. Having your own private practice is an amazing achievement. You worked your butt off to get licensed, start a business, find clients, and manage it all yourself. Like copywriters, you are your own boss. You also don’t have any coworkers.

Similarly, copywriters work in their own little bubbles. We sit at our desks all day writing, in my case, for you. We don’t have anyone to bounce ideas off of. I talk to my clients every so often, usually once a month for retainer clients and then discovery calls and one-off projects as they come up. It’s a very lonely job.

I know you can relate. So how do you find your squad? Who do you talk to about your work? How are you networking with other therapists?

Finding a Community Within the Mental Health Profession

One of the first places to start is to make sure you’re in supervision. Your supervisor is your first lifeline to being able to talk about your work. 

There’s also group supervision, which I, as a former therapist, highly recommend. In group supervision, I learned so much from my peers. It’s a safe space to talk about the challenges and wins that come up in your practice. I 100% recommend finding a group to join. 

Both types of supervision cost money. But there are lots of ways to network with mental health professionals that are free. 

Social media is fantastic for this. Make a LinkedIn profile. Get an Instagram handle. Join Facebook groups specifically for therapists. Network your buns off with other therapists!

Facebook groups are particularly helpful ways to network with other mental health professionals. You get to ask the group questions and engage in conversations with therapists from all over the world. There are lots of different types of Facebook groups for therapists, so go out and find some to network with other mental health professionals.

The key to social media networking is engagement. You need to comment on people’s posts, send direct messages, and follow other like-minded therapists. Many of them will follow you back and you can share each other’s posts. Online networking with therapists, boom!

Finding a Community Within the World of Copywriting

Networking with copywriters isn’t any different than networking with mental health professionals. Personally, I’m on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. I’m part of a few copywriting-specific Facebook group. In these groups, I ask questions and comment on other people’s posts. By doing this, I’ve made connections with other copywriters.

I got to a point where I was tired of working alone, so I reached out to some of the people in these groups. There are five copywriters that I talk to on a regular basis. We do FaceTime and Zoom calls and send texts and Facebook messages. When I’m having a hard time with a piece I’m writing or just need another set of eyes on it, I’ll send it to one of my copywriter gals. 

Through the Facebook groups, in particular, I found my copywriting squad. Networking for copywriters is just as important as networking for mental health professionals. 

The thing is, I didn’t wait for people to come to me. I reached out to each of my copywriting gals individually. Each one of them brings something different to the table. Most of my copywriting friends write in different niches than I do, so it’s nice to get perspectives from people who are outside the world of mental health. I have one friend who writes in the mental health niche and we meet occasionally to talk about the challenges and rewards of what we do. 

It’s an invaluable resource to have these copywriting buddies in my corner. I made a point to network with other copywriters from the beginning of my career because I knew it would be important for my work. The same goes for you.

How I Network With Mental Health Professionals

As a copywriter who writes for mental health professionals, it’s incredibly important that I network. Developing a relationship with a potential client is crucial. Yes, I send out cold emails, and sometimes that works, but it’s harder to develop a relationship in an email. 

I use social media to cultivate relationships. I connect with therapists on LinkedIn. I comment on their posts and send them messages asking about their work. Maybe you’ve heard from me. If not, send me a message, and let’s connect!

Instagram is a great place to network with mental health professionals because you can comment on posts and also send direct messages in a less formal way than on LinkedIn. 

I’m also part of several Facebook groups for therapists. Since I am also a therapist, I can join these groups and make connections with other therapists. Being a mental health professional myself makes it a lot easier to network with other mental health professionals. 

However, to my fellow copywriters, you don’t need to be in the profession of the people you write for to connect. And remember, it’s just as important to network with other copywriters than it is to network with potential clients.

Networking With Mental Health Professionals AND Copywriters

Your takeaway from this blog is two-fold. First, I want you to get out there and find your squad of mental health professionals that support you. Second, I want you to network with copywriters. Find us on social media (we’re probably already finding you) and connect.

If you’re ready to connect with me and take your marketing to the next level, contact me and set up a 30-minute call. Happy networking!