As a therapist on Helpspace, your profile is your gateway to connecting with potential clients and showcasing your expertise. To make a positive and lasting impression, it's essential to create an engaging profile that resonates with your audience.

In this article, we'll explore three crucial elements that can significantly enhance your profile's appeal: a friendly professional photo of head and shoulders, clear information about your offerings and client benefits, and avoiding jargon that may alienate potential clients.

A friendly professional photo: Your first impression

Your profile photo is the first thing potential clients will see when they visit your page. A friendly and professional head-and-shoulders photo can make a powerful first impression. A warm smile and approachable demeanour can help clients feel at ease and confident about reaching out to you for help.

We recommend using an image taken and edited by a professional photographer. If you do decide to take the picture yourself, however, please follow this checklist.

Profile picture checklist:

  • Choose a neutral background, without lights or windows.
  • Make sure your head is centered.
  • Leave equal space left of the head, and right of the head.
  • Leave a smaller space above the head. Do not crop the top of the head.
  • Lowest 20% is the 'shoulder-zone' (see example image above)
  • Make eye-contact with the camera.
  • Ensure the photo reflects your genuine personality and approachability

Information about your offerings and client benefits: Communicating value

Clearly communicate what services you offer and the benefits clients can expect from working with you. Use language that is easily understandable and relatable, avoiding technical jargon that might be unfamiliar to potential clients. By highlighting how your expertise can improve their well-being, clients will be more compelled to engage with your profile.

Tips for clear information

  • Describe your therapeutic services in simple terms, emphasising how they can address clients' needs and challenges.
  • Focus on the positive outcomes clients can gain from your therapy, such as improved coping skills, enhanced relationships, and increased well-being.
  • Use client-centric language to show empathy and understanding, making potential clients feel valued and supported.

Text content

  • Connecting with the reader, by making it about them (i.e. start with 'You', not, 'I'). "You may feel that...", etc.
  • Offer hope, and help, e.g. "We can address even difficult issues together, in a safe space."
  • Finish with a Call-to-Action, e.g. "View my profile to find out more."
  • Avoid professional jargon, qualifications, accreditations, etc. (this is included elsewhere).
  • Avoid writing about yourself. E.g. "I am a Gestalt Therapist that...", etc. Instead, focus on what you can offer the reader, e.g. "I can help you to overcome...", etc.
  • Above all, use a spell checker, as spelling mistakes will be an 'automatic pass' for many users. We recommend this one - also available as a browser extension (for Chrome and Firefox): https://languagetool.org/

Avoiding jargon: Speak the language of your clients

While you may be well-versed in professional jargon related to therapy, remember that your potential clients may not be familiar with these terms. Avoid using technical language that may confuse or intimidate them. Instead, strive to communicate in plain, accessible language that your clients can easily grasp.

Tips for avoiding jargon

  • Put yourself in your clients' shoes and consider how they would understand your description of services.
  • Use analogies or real-life examples to explain complex concepts in simpler terms.
  • Keep your language warm, welcoming, and relatable, fostering a sense of connection with potential clients.

Crafting an engaging profile on Helpspace is essential to attracting potential clients and building meaningful therapeutic relationships. By incorporating a friendly professional photo, clear information about your offerings and client benefits, and avoiding jargon, you create an approachable and relatable profile that resonates with your audience.

Remember, your profile is an opportunity to showcase your unique expertise and demonstrate your commitment to helping clients achieve their goals.

An engaging profile sets the stage for meaningful connections, fostering a positive and successful therapeutic journey for both you and your clients.