Introduction
What does it really take for therapists to build a meaningful presence on social media — and can platforms like Instagram actually help grow a private practice?
In this episode of the Let’s Talk About It Podcast by SafeTalk, host Shavkat sits down with Kamila and Yun, two practising therapists who actively use social media as part of their professional work. The conversation explores how they started posting online, what has worked in building visibility, and how therapists can approach social media in a way that remains ethical and sustainable.
Rather than focusing on “growth hacks,” the discussion centres on real experiences from practising therapists navigating both clinical work and online presence.
Guest Introduction
Kamila is a licensed counsellor with experience in both group and private practice. She runs an Instagram page focused on mental health education and often shares reflections related to therapy themes and behind-the-scenes aspects of clinical work.
Yun is a licensed and registered counsellor currently running her own private practice. She shares her journey of building a therapy practice through short-form content, documenting real experiences from starting and managing her work independently.
Key Discussion Points
1. From Burnout, Career Shifts, and Finding Therapy as a Profession
Both guests shared non-linear journeys into counselling, including career shifts from consulting and recruitment into mental health work. Their paths highlight how therapy is often a second or evolving career choice rather than a direct path.
2. Why Therapists Start Posting on Social Media
Social media use began for different reasons: one guest started to build client visibility for a new private practice, while the other initially used it for awareness and education before returning to it later for practice growth.
3. Instagram as the Main Platform (and Why Others Are Secondary)
Instagram became the primary platform due to familiarity, existing audience, and more consistent engagement compared to TikTok or LinkedIn. Other platforms were explored but deprioritised due to time constraints and inconsistent results.
4. Does Social Media Actually Bring Clients?
Social media does contribute to client inquiries, but indirectly. Most engagement comes through specific posts that resonate emotionally, leading users to DM, click links, or later book sessions. However, word-of-mouth referrals remain a stronger conversion channel.
5. What Type of Content Works for Therapists
Content that performs well tends to fall into:
- Relatable psychoeducation (specific emotional or relational themes)
- Niche topics that validate lived experiences
- Behind-the-scenes “life of a therapist” content
Highly specific or emotionally resonant posts tend to generate the strongest engagement.
6. Ethics, Boundaries, and What Therapists Must Be Careful About
A major part of the discussion focused on ethics: avoiding client identification, maintaining confidentiality, and ensuring that content does not unintentionally affect the therapeutic relationship or client perception of safety.
Conclusion
Social media can support therapists in building visibility and trust, but it requires clear boundaries, consistency, and ethical awareness. Kamila and Yun’s experiences show that there is no single formula — only principles that help maintain professionalism while staying present online.
Listen to the Full Episode
🎙️ The Let’s Talk About It Podcast by SafeTalk dives into mental health topics that aren’t often discussed. Join us for candid conversations with experts and individuals with lived experiences.
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