Why Therapists Need a Blog: 5 Great Reasons to Start Yours Today
With the abundance of captivating podcasts and eye-catching videos all over the web, it might seem like blogs are a bit of a thing of the past. But far from being outdated, regular blog posts can be one of the most potent tools to expand your mental health practice.
Recent Hubspot research showed businesses that blog see 55% more visitors than those that don’t. In addition, 82% of consumers feel more positive about a brand after reading that brand’s content. For mental health professionals, this is precisely the kind of online presence that you want to attract potential clients.
If you need a little more convincing, here are 5 reasons why starting and maintaining a blog is great for growth.
Be a Master of Mental Health
When facing my own mental health challenges, I recall disappointment when discovering I’d have to wait 6 months to see a psychologist and even longer for a psychiatrist. My doctor gave me a little information about the anxiety disorder she diagnosed me with, so I turned to mental health professionals who had a blog. It was comforting to not only read about treatment options that might work for me but also that it was written by someone who would actually be delivering treatment.
As a mental health professional, you carry a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Blogging provides a unique opportunity to showcase that knowledge to a wider audience, many of whom might one day become clients. By sharing well-researched articles and informative content, you can build authority and establish credibility in your field.
Not only does this educate and inform, but it also instills confidence in people, who are searching for or waiting to see a therapist.
Using blogs for information also gave me an idea of what therapists might specialise in what area of mental health, and ultimately chose one that had an interest in anxiety. Use that to your advantage too. Blogging can help you refine your focus and help you find your niche.
Bust Them Myths
Mental health is a field often mired in myths and misconceptions. The people I work with in the mental health space often come to the service following a diagnosis. They are often grappling to sort fact from fiction about what to expect. Maybe they weren’t given much information or they were too overwhelmed to take it all in.
A few examples of mental illness myths that spring to mind are the assumption that a mental illness diagnosis is lifelong, or that it is caused by personal weakness. As far as specifics go, people have said they were led to believe a diagnosis of a personality disorder is incurable, and that people diagnosed with schizophrenia are no longer able to work. None are true, but the myths are often perpetuated through the skewing of media stories to capture a particular angle.
As an expert in the field, your blog can offer a platform to debunk these myths and provide accurate and valuable information. By educating the public on mental health issues, you not only empower individuals but also contribute to a more informed and compassionate society.
Shake off the Stigma
Stigma. I loathe that word and it’s because it is still so prevalent in 2023. People with a mental health diagnosis are often afraid to be open about it. I’ve come across so many people who feel this way. They fear that their manager will find a way to make them redundant, or that their co-workers will avoid them like the plague. So they keep their cards close, put on a brave face, and soldier on.
It doesn’t help with the way mental illness is often portrayed in the media. If there is a violent crime, and there is a diagnosis of a mental illness, that’s what is highlighted.
But your blog can help. Mental health professionals can play a vital role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues. Through blogging, you can foster open conversations, share personal stories, and make mental health discussions more inclusive.
Your blog can help normalise mental health struggles and inspire those in need to seek help without fear of judgment.
The Human Side of Healing
In my mental health work, part of my role is to support people through strategic sharing of my own experience of mental health challenges. I have seen how it fosters a connection and quickly creates trust. Mental health professionals who have courageously shared their personal struggles in their blogs can see the way their vulnerability has transformed how their clients perceive them – not just as experts but as compassionate, empathetic individuals who relate to their pain.
While it's crucial to maintain professional boundaries and respect confidentiality, sharing personal insights and stories can make you more relatable and approachable to your readers.
SEO Magic
Blogging brings the potential of SEO (search engine optimization) into play. By optimizing your content, you can make it more visible to those searching for information related to mental health. This can significantly increase your reach and impact.
Google loves quality content so ensure yours is well written and researched. The Google gods will thank you with better search rankings. It won’t happen overnight but keep up the blogging and you’ll see results.
The right strategies can boost your online presence, helping you reach more individuals who may benefit from your expertise. It’s a fact that most people don’t look further than the first page of the search results. Your blog will ensure you aren’t left behind.
Blogging is not just about writing words on a screen; it's about making a positive impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Your knowledge, experience, and compassion can reach and change lives.
For tips on how to create a great blog see here!
If time is tight, contact me for expert assistance in crafting impactful blog content tailored to your practice. Let's raise your voice and reach those in need.