Niching: Is it for me?
Niching a private practice can be one of the scariest things for therapists as it means working with one type of client regularly. But when you niche your private practice, you gain many benefits.
Let me explain.
When you niche your private practice you:
- Become known for working with a specific client population.
- Create marketing copy that creates connection and feels authentic.
- Stand out among other therapists who have not yet niched as clients know you are the best person to help them.
- Build referral partners as referral partners are clear about who you serve.
If you don’t know who you serve, how will your prospective clients or referral partners know?
When therapists start a private practice, there is often an internal struggle to work with everyone. However, there are only so many 1-1 counselling spaces available in your schedule on any given day or week. When you niche your private practice and you work with a specific client population consistently, you become familiar with the approaches, techniques and resources that are best for your clients and this helps build confidence.
But the best news is that you can change your niche at anytime!
In private practice, you’re the boss. You serve who you want to serve. You work the hours you want to work. And you can change your niche whenever you want.
But how do you find your niche?
Ask yourself the following questions and write them down:
- What client struggles or populations do I like to work with?
- What client struggles or populations am I most passionate about?
- Which client struggles or populations can I see myself working with for the next 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years? (even though you can change this at any time)
- Could this be my private practice niche?
Finding a niche that you are passionate about can improve your work-life balance, build confidence and create consistent client referrals into your private practice.