Connect, Learn, Grow: Counsellors Online Couch Community
Are you a counsellor operating your own private practice in Australia? Or perhaps you’re considering starting your own counselling small business in the future. If so, then this article is for you.
Running your own practice means wearing many hats—therapist, marketer, administrator, and business owner. The key to thriving isn't doing it all alone, but finding a community that understands the journey!
I’m absolutely thrilled to launch ‘Counsellors Online Couch Community’ in 2025, a free monthly online meetup for small business owners in counselling across Australia.
This community is designed to foster meaningful connections, offer support, and create a collaborative space where we can share wins, challenges, and ideas. Whether you're just starting out in private practice or you've been running your own business for years, the online couch community will provide a place to learn from peers, gain insight into best practices, and feel less alone in the journey.
Why do we need a peer network?
While counselling is a profession built on human connection, private practice can often feel solitary. Without colleagues down the hall or a structured team, many practitioners find themselves struggling with:
Loneliness & Isolation: A lack of workplace camaraderie.
Business Challenges: Managing finances, marketing, and client acquisition.
Burnout & Self-Care: Balancing work-life boundaries while supporting clients.
Professional Development: Keeping up with industry trends and regulations.
Having a network of like-minded professionals who understand the unique struggles of private practice can be transformative.
What to expect from Counsellors Online Couch Community
Each session will have a specific theme that you will choose, allowing for focused discussions and cooperative learning. Some examples of topics may include:
Marketing for Counsellors: How to attract and retain clients ethically.
Self-Care & Burnout Prevention: Strategies for Sustainable Practice.
The Business Side of Therapy: Managing finances, pricing, and legal essentials.
Telehealth & Online Counselling: Best Practices and Tech Tips.
Building a referral network: Connecting with other professionals to expand your reach.
These monthly meetups will allow space for counsellors to share insights, ask questions, and offer support.
Who is this community for?
The Counsellors Online Couch Community is for:
✔ Private practice counsellors in Australia looking to connect with peers.
✔ Small business owners in mental health seeking support and networking.
✔ Counselling students looking to go into their own private practice.
Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, the counsellors online couch community is designed to be inclusive, welcoming, and valuable for all.
How Will the Sessions Work?
Online via Zoom: Easy to access from anywhere in Australia.
Held Monthly: Regular meetups with a rotating discussion theme.
Free to Join: No fees, just an open space for mutual support.
Interactive & Supportive: A mix of structured topics and open sharing and networking.
This isn’t another dry networking event. It’s a space to talk, learn, and grow together—without pressure or pretence.
Why Join Counsellors Online Couch Community?
Unlike professional supervision or paid memberships, this group is about genuine peer connection—a chance to talk openly with fellow counsellors without financial barriers. It’s about sharing knowledge, boosting confidence, and navigating private practice together.
Some key benefits may include:
✔ Practical insights from others in private practice.
✔ A supportive network to reduce isolation.
✔ Fresh ideas for marketing, business growth, and client engagement.
✔ Ongoing encouragement from people who ‘get it.’
✔ A safe, non-judgemental space to ask questions and share experiences.
How to Join
If you’d like to be part of the Counsellors Online Couch Community, simply click below to send your details and mention in the comments that you want to be a part of these exciting discussions. You’ll receive updates on upcoming topics, Zoom links, and exclusive resources for private practice owners.
In 2025, let’s build a stronger, more connected counselling community—together.
Shaun
