Your website should be a reflection of your practice. Each site will be different, reflecting the individual way you approach counselling. We know it can be a bit daunting to get started, so here are some suggestions on how to get started.

Choosing A Template

The style and imagery of your website give future clients an impression of your approach to therapy before they've read the first sentence on your site. Choose a template that represents you. It should be visually appealing with clear, simple layout.

If you decide to post your photo, choose a bright, friendly head shot. Nothing introduces your site better than your face. (Our website editor makes it very easy for you to add a photo to your pages).

Start With A Homepage

Your first page should give potential clients an overview of your practice and services. Your first sentence should introduce your practice and location, along the lines of "I am a Gestalt therapist with a private practice in Toronto", or "I am a licensed psychologist with offices in Seattle". As you write, put yourself in the shoes of a client you’ve helped in the past, and try to explain your practice in a way that makes sense to that person, and makes them feel comfortable. You don’t have to go into excessive detail, try describing your areas of speciality and the therapeutic models you use. Be sure to include relevant keywords in the sentences you use. An easy way to do this is to use clear statements, like "I provide counselling for recovering alcoholics", or "Therapy sessions are helpful for people suffering from anxiety or depression".

Make the page Title and Heading brief but descriptive. Search engines rely heavily on page Titles, and you should include your name, title and location ("Carl Rogers, Marriage and Family Therapist in Chicago", for example). The Link Name should also be straightforward, try "My Therapy Practice", or something similar.

Some clients may be ready to give you a call right away. Make it easy for them to contact you by adding your phone number to each page, with an invitation to call you. "Our work together starts with your first phone call", for example.

Add Detailed Pages

Each additional page can describe something about your practice. Try starting with a biographical page detailing where you earned your degree, what types of work you’ve done in the past, and any other career experience that informs your therapy work.

Another page can link to articles or other resources you find useful or recommend to clients. This can be particularly useful for existing clients if you need to direct them to a particular website. Rather than having to remember and write down a complete, long website address, simply direct the client to your website and have them click on your Resources page for the link.

A case study or success story can be a heartening way for you to relate to clients. Your other pages will explain your practice, but a story will help them understand the work you will do together.

Add A Contact Page

A Contact page can include your office locations, phone number, and email address. If you prefer not to list your email address, adding a Web Contact Form lets clients send you an email without publishing your address for automated spamming programs to see. Web Contact Forms can be added to any page with one click in our website editor.