therapist personal statement example

How to Write a Strong Professional Statement

Your Zencare professional statement serves as high-level overview of your practice, covering the clientele you serve, your therapeutic approach and style, and any basic information a client needs to know prior to starting therapy with you. Read on to learn how to make the most of this 3-5 paragraph written introduction.

(Don't want to deal with writing? Not to worry! You can request the Zencare team to write your professional statement .)

Professional Statement Writing Guide Click on any item to jump to that section.

1. basic guidelines.

2. Writing prompts

3. Sample template

4. Excellent examples

5. Reviewing your work

6. Advanced considerations

As you get started, here are some basic guidelines on formatting your professional statement!

• Length: We suggest writing about 250 words , with a minimum length of 100 words and a maximum length of 300 words. This tends to be a digestible amount of content for therapy seekers, and allows you to communicate just enough key information about your practice without becoming overwhelming.
• Structure: We recommend writing 3-5 paragraphs , written in the third person , in this rough outline (more detail below!): First paragraph: Describe your specialties and clientele Second paragraph: Describe your treatment approach Third paragraph: Describe your therapeutic style Fourth paragraph: Describe your relevant professional experience and any key logistic information about your practice.
• Tone: The professional statement is an opportunity for your clients to learn about you both as a professional and a person. Try to use a tone that conveys your expertise and professionalism, and include details that make you personable and relatable.

2. Sample template

Writer's block is real! We completely understand the uncertainty that can come with staring at a blank document. To make things easier for you, here's our " Professional Statement Mad Libs ."

Fill this out to get your professional statement written – and try to add some creative wording to it as well to make it unique to you! More information on each section below.

{Your full name} is a {credential}  in {neighborhood}. They work with {client demographics}. Many of {Your name}’s clients come in when {common challenges, symptoms, development points}. {Your name} is particularly passionate about serving {population}. They also have advanced training in the area of {niche specialty}.

{Your name} is trained in {approach}, which uses {describe how approach works}. In session, {Your name} focuses on {what happens in session with you}. This approach supports clients to {result of treatment}.

{Your name's} style is {describe style}. When a client first comes in, {describe therapeutic environment or how you build the treatment plan}. {Your name} is dedicated to providing a relationship that is {describe relationship}.

{Your name} received their {degrees, universities, study focus}. They gained experience at {fellowship, training institutes, previous employment} which enables them to {significance of experience}. Outside of private practice, they {personal or professional note}.

Download Your Professional Statement Guide

3. writing prompts.

As you're writing your professional statement, here are some prompts to get your creative juices flowing. Think how you'd describe your practice to a friend who wants to refer a colleague to you – how would you share each of these parts of your practice?

(1) First paragraph: Specialties and clientele

In the first paragraph, you want to immediately draw the reader in. Your first few sentences should give prospective clients a sense of "Oh, this therapist could be a great fit for me because they see clients struggling in the areas I need support with!"

The majority of therapy seekers are looking for help with general concerns, so be sure to include and allude to these if you see clients experiencing: anxiety, depression, stress, work and career, life transitions, relationship issues.

Here are some questions to help you think of your unique specialties and any niche clientele you want to market to:

• Who are the clients you work with most frequently? Who are your ideal clients?
• What are they struggling with when they enter your office?
• Why do they come to therapy with you?
• Are there any populations you are particularly well-positioned to serve?

(2) Second paragraph: Describe your treatment approach

In this paragraph, think of both the specific types of modalities that you are trained in, as well as how that translates to the client's experience. For example, you may be trained in cognitive behavioral therapy – to a client, that could mean understanding the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and learning specific skills to interrupt unhealthy patterns.

Here are some prompts for communicating your treatment approaches:

• What therapeutic orientations are you most trained in and informed by?
• What happens in a therapy session with you?
• What skills or approaches do you use to guide clients in addressing challenges?
• How are their lives, relationships, self-concept, emotional responses different after treatment?

(3) Third paragraph: Therapeutic style

This paragraph is a great opportunity to describe your therapeutic style – are you more of a listener or active in therapy? Do you provide homework? Set concrete goals and measure progress? Focus on healing through the therapeutic relationship?

Here are some prompts to get you thinking about your therapeutic style:

• What do your clients most appreciate about you? What words do they use to describe sessions?
• What kind of relationship or environment do you seek to offer to new clients? What happens in a first session with you?
• How do you think about progress in therapy?

(4) Fourth paragraph: Professional experience and logistics

In this final paragraph, describe your relevant professional experience and any key logistic information about your practice.

• Think about the credentials, training, and work experiences you've gained. What trainings or experiences outside of private practice most influence your therapeutic framework?
• This is a good place to include any logistical information about your practice that can help clients access care. How, when, where do you currently offer sessions? For example: do you offering remote therapy? Do you have an office close to public transit and/or with lots of parking space? Do you have a therapy dog that accompanies sessions?

Here are some examples you can reference as you get started!

Example one

Marian Cooper is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in Queens, NY, who works with individuals across the lifespan, with a focus on professional women. Many of her clients have found great success in their careers or academically, but struggle to feel connected in their relationships or at peace in their daily lives. Marian is particularly sensitive to clients facing moments of transition, like a move to the city, job loss, or breakup, when the delicate balance can seem to tremble, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and self-doubt can emerge.

Marian’s approach is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, so that they can begin to make targeted change. She works to help clients understand their physical response to external stressors, and begin to problem-solve ways to introduce moments of calm, to choose to respond rather than react in the face of change.

Marian is focused on ensuring that her clients see real progress: her style is interactive, non-judgmental, and positions clients as the experts on where they are now, and where they want to go. A trauma-informed therapist, Marian is sensitive to the influence of past experiences on present challenges, and works closely with clients to reframe the narrative of their life in a way that increases self-confidence and compassion.

Marian’s first priority in starting with a new client is ensuring that they feel safe, heard, and like an equal partner in the therapeutic process. As a seasoned telehealth provider, she offers the convenience of remote sessions to help make therapy a core component of your self-care calendar.

Example two

Dr. Melba Nicholson Sullivan is a licensed clinical-community psychologist committed to promoting individual and collective resilience. Her clients are big thinkers, dreamers, and decision makers who sometimes find themselves held back by painful experiences of the past. Dr. Nicholson Sullivan treats old wounds with curiosity, creativity, and compassion, creating an opportunity for clients to move with greater freedom into their bright future.

Many of Dr. Nicholson Sullivan’s clients navigate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression that have become overwhelming, and impact how they show up at work and in relationships. She works with clients to explore core beliefs about themselves, others, and the systems they exist within, co-creating practical strategies tailored to each client and their life journey.

Dr. Nicholson Sullivan’s therapeutic approach is rooted in mindfulness and human rights. She draws from her training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), and executive coaching strategies in order to expand clients’ internal and external resources for healing, rest, and joy.

Dr. Nicholson Sullivan is committed to maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive practice, which serves as a safe harbor for people who identify as LGBTQIA and people of the global majority. In addition to her Midtown office, Dr. Nicholson Sullivan offers the flexibility of remote therapy sessions, and welcomes new clients to her online practice.

Example three

Dr. Todd Kray is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with a private practice in Manhattan’s Flatiron District, where he welcomes both individual adults and couples who are seeking to create change in their lives. Many of his clients bring in emotional pain, whether the symptoms of anxiety and depression are taking a daily toll, relationships feel unbalanced and disconnected, or stress and self-criticism are impacting performance at work. Together, he supports clients to pull back the layers of present challenges in order to release painful past experiences and re-engage with their careers, their loved ones, and themselves in more meaningful ways.  

Therapy sessions with Dr. Kray integrate both insight-oriented and skills-based approaches. He gently challenges clients to explore the root cause of their symptoms, gaining new awareness into their emotional and relationship patterns. At the same time, he focuses on practical strategies, with an emphasis on relaxation and meditation practices, to help clients feel better in the here and now.

Having served as a consultant at local hospitals, Dr. Kray is uniquely skilled in working with those experiencing chronic pain, chronic illness, and other serious medical illnesses. He brings a special awareness to the healing power of the mind-body connection, and his office serves as a safe harbor to freely process pain and find relief.

Dr. Kray is committed to maintaining an inclusive practice. With a background in the arts, he is particularly sensitive to the creative process, and welcomes a wide range of creative professionals, freelancers, executives, parents, and young adults to his practice.

5. Reviewing your work!

Once your professional statement is written, here are some things to look out for and avoid :

• Therapy jargon
• Acronyms and abbreviations
• Rhetorical questions
• Vagueries, clichés, and anything that is unspecific to your practice
• Long lists of every diagnosis you would see or training experience that you've had
• More than one sentence on your speaking, writing, teaching, or other activities outside of private practice
• Quotes from other people

Get the next email on managing your private practice!

A writer at heart? Here are some tips for the advanced marketer!

General vs. specialized practices

There are two ways you might about how your Zencare professional statement is focused:

• General: For providers who may have specific interests, but are open to seeing clients outside of one demographic or diagnosis. This is the option we recommend for most providers, due to the nature of how therapist directories work: it’s helpful to appeal to the broadest base of potential clients, so that you can capture the attention of a wide pool and tailor your conversations to them as they proceed through the intake process. Read more on the case against specialization . For a more general professional statement, think about the structure of your professional statement as an inverted pyramid : start broad, covering information that will be relevant to most therapy seekers, and becoming increasingly narrow as you read through, highlighting details that speak to your current  and unique interests towards the end of the statement.
• Specialized : For providers who are experts within a highly specific niche, and only want new referrals for clients within that niche (ie providers who only see couples or only individuals recovering from eating disorders) . Note, choosing this path may mean a below average referral volume , since your profile may not appeal to the majority of therapy-seekers, but also less time fielding inquiries from clients who are not within your scope of practice. In tandem with other marketing strategies (offline networking; a well-rounded online presence), a specialized statement can be a good way to deepen your reach within the niche. In particular, know that through your word-of-mouth efforts, when a new prospective client is given your name, it’s highly likely they’ll still Google your practice to learn more and assess if it’s a fit for them. When they are seeking support for a specialized challenge, it’s helpful for you to be positioned as the clear expert in the field. so f ocus on your niche from the opening sentence , and make sure each paragraph ties back to it. What are the trainings you've taken that make you the expert in this niche? What skills or approaches do you use to address it? What does progress within this area look like?

Reviewing your profile as a whole

Remember that your professional statement is only one piece of a whole puzzle, and should it be considered within the context of the rest of your profile.

In particular, make sure that the areas you focus on in your professional statement are also captured within your Specialties, General expertise, Treatment approaches, and Clientele: these are the sections that determine what filters your practice appears under from the search page.

These sections should also be consistent with what you write in the professional statement to avoid any potential client confusion (for example, if your professional statement reads that you work with "adults of all ages," clientele should probably not include "Children").

Lastly, remember that you don't have to fit everything in your professional statement if it's covered elsewhere on the profile! For example, if a complete list of your previous employment is visible under Work and Education, you only need to mention the most important experiences in your statement.

Still stuck? If you're left starting at a blinking cursor on a blank page, we're here to help. Request the Zencare team to write your professional statement .

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Sample Counseling Psychology Personal Statement (NYU Steinhardt)

by Talha Omer, MBA, M.Eng., Harvard & Cornell Grad

In personal statement samples by field.

The following personal statement is written by an applicant who got accepted to Masters’s program at NYU Steinhardt School in Counseling Psychology. Read this essay to understand what a top personal statement in Counseling Psychology should look like.

Sample Personal Statement in Counseling Psychology

Growing up in Poland, I had internalized the stigma attached to Psychology and Psychotherapy. I was famous in my circle of friends as “the understanding one,” but I had developed a bitter taste for formally studying Psychology. Therefore, I opted for a more socially acceptable high school major – Computer Science.

But I wanted to learn about human behavior. Turning my back on the subject of my intellectual curiosity alienated me from myself. As expected, I scored miserably in high school. However, I did not give up just yet and went on to enroll in an IT program at the University of Warsaw.

Despite trying to ignite a passion for the discipline, I was inevitably headed toward disaster. A day before my first-year exams, I stared dispassionately at my book. I felt helpless and broke down into tears. At that moment, I realized I needed help from a mental health professional.

But I didn’t seek help because of two reasons. Firstly, hearing that only the crazy go for psychotherapy all my life, I could not muster the courage to deal with that label. Secondly, I only knew of Clinical Psychologists and Psychiatrists, and I did not want to be diagnosed or medicated.

Then I mustered the courage to cross the inner hurdles that kept me from studying Psychology. I wanted to gain insights into my emotional imbalances and tried to help myself by learning to help others. After that, I convinced my parents and changed my undergraduate central to Psychology.

This opened new doors that led me to a journey of growth and self-discovery. I met some wonderful people and began excelling in my studies. I was unanimously voted as the class representative in my second semester. Improved psychosocial support and self-efficacy began to work magic on my sense of self-worth.

Experiencing a shift from clutter to clarity, I felt a newfound affiliation with those in need. I heard about  Chayn  Poland through social media and started volunteering for it. While working at  Chayn , I was a part of an online community that created a resource portal to inform and help victims of domestic violence in Poland. It was an excellent opportunity to transmit the knowledge of the psychological aftermath of abuse to those who could benefit from it. I’m channeling the same spirit at my current job at  Social Welfare, Academics, and Training for Poland . Lending my hand in research about the psychological impact of militancy and war on the youth of Ukraine allows me to play my role in helping those in need.

Through my introduction to counseling and the humanistic model in my  Perspectives in Psychology  class, I saw the framework I could use to pursue the field of Psychology. Moreover, I realized that the humanistic school stood for the same values I had innately developed – holism; the importance of an individual’s experience, and the belief that all humans have an actualizing tendency.

Coincidentally, one of my close friends had joined a certificate course in  Humanistic Counseling  at Therapy Mission, Warsaw. I enrolled in the next session to test my interest in the subject. As part of the course, I completed 85 hours of group therapy and an equal number of lectures. I learned basic counseling skills, person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, and transactional analysis. Being in the group was truly transformational. As group therapy generally does, the group started to represent my unconscious perception of the world for me. Some of my group members represented specific figures from the past who I had unresolved issues with. I had the privilege of working on those issues through hot-seat exercises and psychodrama enactments. Being heard changed my relationship with myself. I learned to nurture myself and develop an inner resource, which would help me cope with future distresses more intelligently. I’m currently enrolled in a diploma in  Integrated Counseling .

Stepping out of my comfort zone gave me the strength to explore further. Hence, last summer, I decided to go to Kenya for an internship through AIESEC at  Living Positive Kenya . Among other experiences, the training allowed me to practice the skills I had acquired at Therapy Mission. I facilitated a psychosocial support group of women who had HIV/AIDS. My primary strategy was to create a safe space for women to express themselves. In that space, a woman could express her thoughts, and the group would provide her unconditional presence. Though the feedback was encouraging, I realized I needed more advanced training to deal with similar issues back home. I based my conclusion on the general resistance with which the idea of therapy is met in Poland.

My strength is that I come from a place where people are skeptical about counseling. However, I understand Poland’s dire need for counseling and have experienced its value first-hand. Therefore, I want to reach out and counsel as many people as possible. Having crawled from a pit of emotional darkness towards light puts me in the position to hold someone’s hand while they do the same. Now, all I need is extra muscle.

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PERSONAL STATEMENT EXAMPLE Psychotherapy and Counselling: Practices and Principles Personal Statement

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Psychotherapy and Counselling: Practices and Principles Personal Statement

I have always desired to understand feelings, behaviour and the human mind; always been driven toward solving the questions that start with why. However, after leading many spontaneous counselling sessions with friends, witnessing the empowering feeling it brings to simply aid someone find a way forward, instead, I also became driven toward solving the questions that start with how. I would deem it a privilege to take the time with someone to answer how they can move forward from their situation and how they can deal with whatever hand life has dealt them, as well as being able to diagnose any conditions before initiating treatment. All of these feelings have led me to aspire toward the rewarding career path of becoming a therapist or counsellor and I believe this degree would lay down the foundations I would need for this to happen. Following on from this, I would strive towards a Master’s degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy to get closer to my chosen career and enhance my undergraduate skills.

Upon volunteering with Scropton Riding for the Disabled Centre, I was able to witness the psychological impacts living with disabilities had, such as the extra sense of fear implemented in everything both the children and parents did. But on the other hand, I saw the psychological benefits the horsemanship brought to the children, even just for a small time, as they were able to express their enjoyment for an activity the same as an able-bodied child simply through laughter and smiling. As well as this, I have also participated in shadowing a health visitor, in this I saw new mothers suffering from postnatal depression but also struggling to understand the normality of this condition. From studying sociology I learnt society places many stigmas upon psychological conditions such as postnatal depression through a lack of understanding about it; I was able to apply this knowledge and analysis when observing how the mothers suffering deemed themselves as inadequate. All of this experience inspired me further toward working to help people overcome psychological conditions which inhibit their way of life and relationships with those around them. I have recently begun learning about “Straightness training” with my own horse; this is used to enhance an understanding of the psychology behind why horses act a certain way and help to find solutions. This has enabled me to witness an alternative approach to interpreting behaviour, but in a way in which the participant is not able to communicate or explain through speech. Because of this, I have been able to further develop skills in observing feelings and emotions, which I feel would greatly benefit me when doing so with humans in counselling practice.

I have studied sociology at both GCSE and A-level and from this, I have learnt invaluable skills in analysis of society as a whole, however, this has only motivated me more to learn about the individuals that make up this society. I feel studying about psychology or psychotherapy would allow me to do this through understanding not only different conditions but also the motives behind people’s actions. I have also developed the skill of being able to use studies made by sociologists in my essay writing. My essay writing skills and structuring have also developed through A-Level English Literature, as well as my analysis skills developed further through A-Level history.

I feel I would be most suitable for this course as I am able to display compassion and sympathy but also critical thinking toward a subject I am greatly passionate about. Many people wonder why someone would choose to work in an environment infiltrated with misery; however, I have reached the realisation that the ever-changing world we live in is indisputable and as opposed to dwelling on the unfortunate events, it is essential that focus is placed upon the recovery. Quite simply, I believe the perfect opportunity to make any positive change is only granted through being surrounded by what was once misery.

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• Oct 5, 2021

How to Write Your Psychology Today Profile: Make Your Client The Hero

Updated: Aug 31, 2023

Struggling to find the right words for your therapist profile? Use this guide.

You have 250 words to prove your worth as a therapist. If you don’t do it right, your entire future as a clinician could be in jeopardy. Go!

That’s quite an exaggeration, but I know plenty of people who feel this way about writing their online therapy profiles. Not to worry—help is here.

Want to skip ahead? Get this free worksheet with prompts and a sample profile, or learn how you can hire me to do it for you.

A Psychology Today profile is used by many therapists to advertise their services. This listing is the largest directory of mental health professionals in the world.

It’s an opportunity to market yourself in a place where people are actively seeking you out. It can also be challenging to compete with a wall of other profiles.

This article covers the basics of writing your profile and includes examples of how you can connect with your ideal clients and start expanding your practice.

Article Highlights

Guiding prompts, sample profile, leverage your listing, get marketing help.

Part of the struggle is that most therapists weren’t English majors as undergrads. Who knew so much writing would be involved in having a private practice?

With my therapy and journalism background, I help therapists write or edit their profiles while maintaining their own sincerity and personality. Here’s the secret sauce I use to attract attention and get calls.

This method is based on the popular Storybrand marketing strategy by Donald Miller. I particularly like his book Marketing Made Simple. Experts around the world use this process, which I'll touch more on below. I’ve adapted this practice for writing Psychology Today profiles.

To illustrate how I put these together, let’s consider Sally’s case. She’s been trying to write her profile for weeks, but has been putting it off. Finally frustrated enough, she asks for help.

First, here’s a little background about her.

Sally recently completed her licensure and is opening a private practice. Sally has the following qualifications:

Top of her graduate class

Completed two practicums in family counseling and is trained in The Gottman Method

Worked three years at a counseling center with individuals, couples, and families

She has the following interests:

Working with young couples dealing with the growing pains

Helping couples learn to deal with conflict and resentment

Helping families going through grief or trauma

Sally has these motivations:

She enjoys seeing couples make breakthroughs

She particularly likes to work with couples who’ve been together or married five years or less

She likes to provide evidence-based therapies like The Gottman Method

Knowing this information, I would ask Sally the following questions to help her develop her profile. I’ve included her answers as well.

Q . What are the most common problems your clients come in with, or what do you imagine they will be struggling with?

A. They’ve been trying to avoid conflict and fighting in their relationship, but eventually blow up at each other. This has become a pattern. They fear the relationship won’t work anymore.

Q. How do you help with this problem?

A. I teach them about resentment and how to work through conflicts in a healthy way. They will learn how to talk to each other differently. They will learn to enjoy each other again.

Q. How will your client feel, or what will they experience, when your services help them?

A . They will have a closer relationship. They will stop arguing all the time and understand how healthy, successful relationships work.

Q. What is your own clinical personality like? Are you fun and creative, energetic, blunt, etc.?

A. I’m told I have a calming effect. I can stay calm during a very difficult session and provide comfort.

With this targeted information, I can help Sally develop her profile. We need to work the relevant information into a limited space while structuring the content in a way that attracts clients and doesn’t have them moving on to the next profile.

It might seem counterintuitive, but this is not the place to list all of your credentials, degrees, and qualifications. For one thing, the space is too limited for that. And for another, people respond to how you can help them with their problems, and how your service will make them feel.

Instead, paint a picture of your potential customer’s story, before and after they make use of what you offer. Set your client up as the hero of the story, and yourself as the guide.

Set your client up as the hero of the story, and yourself as the guide.

With this Storybrand process in mind, here’s how I generally structure therapist profiles.

1. First Paragraph: See Your Clients

What are they going through and why? Normalize/validate the experience without minimizing it. Show where they’re starting, and where they’ll go.

2. Second Paragraph: Touch on How You Help

Explain the therapy process very briefly, but still keep it focused on the client experience, not yours. Highlight what they will feel once your services work. Avoid jargon--as much as we might dislike it as clinicians, most people don’t care about terms like “evidence-based,” or “training.”

3. Third Paragraph: Close it Up

Add some of your personality, qualifications (briefly) and include a call to action. (What should they do next?)

So, a final version may sound something like this:

Have you been avoiding fights with your partner? Do you feel like you’re both walking on eggshells, trying not to blow up? This can be very painful, and it’s common for new couples, especially in the first few years. Unfortunately, many people learn to avoid all conflicts in relationships. This can lead to resentment, which can cause more frequent fighting and lead to long-term problems.

I offer an effective therapy called The Gottman Method. It helps couples learn how to have a happier relationship. We’ll work through your patterns, and I’ll help you and your partner learn new ways to communicate with each other. Couples who complete this process often come out seeing each other differently. Not only will you develop communication skills, but you may feel even closer and learn to see each other in a whole new way.

My job is to be the calming center while you and your partner grow together. As a clinical social worker and therapist, I’ve worked with many couples and families struggling with negative patterns, high conflict, and grief. My passion is helping couples and families get to the rewarding parts of being together. Contact me today for a free consultation and we’ll get started on your journey together!

What did you notice about this profile? Does the introduction feel different than this sample below?

I’ve trained for the past three years in The Gottman Method. I’m now a level 2, working toward level 3. I’ve worked with dozens of clients in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I believe in an evidence-based approach that focuses on your strengths …

See the difference? There’s nothing wrong with either profile. In the past, I wrote many of my own bios like this second example. But which would you be more drawn to as a client?

If you’d like some support putting your own profile together, check out this worksheet that will walk you through the process. You can also hire me to write your profile for you , based on your own goals, values, personality, and ideal client.

On average, someone needs to be exposed to a product or service eight times before they decide to buy. Marketing experts call these exposures “touches.”

Think of the last time you made a big purchase or paid for something like a car or a substantial training course. How many times did you look it up, check out the company, talk to others about it, or hear about it word of mouth?

Now imagine how much exposure someone considering therapy needs to experience before they make a decision, or even contact a therapist.

Your clients are likely to take some time to think about you and what you provide before reaching out, even after they see your profile.

Here are some other touchpoints you can use to enhance the effectiveness of your profile, and to use it to support your other marketing efforts.

1. Therapy Website

Your website can serve multiple purposes. It could simply be a page to refer people to for information, a place for potential clients to reach out to you, a place to send advertising to, or a place to make use of content marketing .

This is when you provide quality information to your audience, typically through regular blogging. This quality information helps you show up more regularly in online searches--this is what they call SEO. Many of my contacts from clients have come from the contact form on my site.

2. Google My Business Listing

Believe it or not, I’ve gotten just as many contacts from new or potential clients through my Google listing as anything else. It’s important not to overlook this tool and make use of it as much as possible.

3. Other Therapists

At some point, most people who stick to private practice end up with a full caseload from time to time. They will be looking for other high-quality therapists to refer to. They may also look for specialists in certain areas, such as those you provide. This can be a major source of client referrals.

4. Related Professionals

Over time, others will likely learn about you from other clients and your mutual colleagues. I recommend building these relationships naturally, through professional Facebook groups, CEU workshops, and other networking events. If you provide excellent service, you may also accomplish this through clients raving about you to their other providers.

5. Word of Mouth

The clients who find the most benefit from your services will likely speak highly of you to their friends, family, and others. There are also “superfans,” who will speak your praises to everyone they can. This is simply a matter of providing great service, mixed with enough time and a bit of luck.

At some point, it becomes cost-efficient to outsource some or all of your marketing work. Writing may not be your thing, or you may be spending time on it that should be devoted to your actual practice. In that case, it may be time to find help.

There are plenty of people who offer writing and blogging services, but they may not have experience or success. Or they may be good at marketing, with little to no understanding of the nuances and ethics related to mental health services.

I’m happy to fill in that gap. I’m a licensed, practicing therapist with a journalism degree. I can help you write your Psychology Today profile, help you get started with SEO, add to your blog content, and more.

Visit here to learn how I can help.

Pick up your DIY PT profile worksheet here.

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There's so much pressure to cram everything into those 200 words. Therapists make the mistake of not targeting a niche too.

Hi Melissa, I agree. It does help to narrow down to a specific issue or population and highlight it.

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How Do I Write My PTCAS Essay (Personal Statement)?

The PT School application process is challenging, to say the least. But, it’s incredibly rewarding, because at the end of this process you’ll be on your way to starting your career and getting your dream job as a physical therapist.

One of the most important parts of the PT School application process is the personal statement , or the essay . Each year, the Physical Therapy Centralized Application Service ( PTCAS ) sets a specific prompt for the personal statement. This personal statement is submitted to every school to which you apply. In short, it’s a chance for you to set yourself apart from the other applicants. So, how do you write your PTCAS essay ? Let’s dive in to learn more about this part of the application process, and learn more about our services to help you with your personal statement here !

What is a Personal Statement?

A Personal Statement is an essay that explains your background and allows you to describe yourself. It’s a common requirement for graduate schools and jobs, so it’s especially important for you to use the personal statement to explain why you want to pursue this opportunity.

A Personal Statement can be a general description of yourself or it can answer a specific prompt . It’s common for graduate schools to ask specific questions for the Personal Statement.¹ In this case, the Personal Statement is a chance for you to show the admissions committee who you are beyond the data in your application . In an essay format, you can expand upon your character, goals, and background, allowing the admissions committee to get to know you.

What Should I Know About a Physical Therapy Personal Statement?

PTCAS Personal Statement prompts can vary in topics, but ultimately they touch on the physical therapy profession. It’s important that you answer the PTCAS question in your essay. But you should also view this as an opportunity to describe yourself to the admissions committees. Keep in mind that these committees are reviewing hundreds, or even thousands, of applications each year. Use this opportunity to set yourself apart .

In your essay, you should explain why you want to become a physical therapist, but try to avoid using a common reason such as “I want to help people.” Show the admissions committee your passion for physical therapy and prove to them why you belong in physical therapy school and why you’re going to become a great physical therapist.

Above all, remember that through the 4,500 characters in your essay, you’re not just telling the admissions committees who you are… you’re showing them.

Contact us today with any questions or for help with your PT school personal statement!

Lab P. The Personal Statement // Purdue Writing Lab. Purdue Writing Lab. https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/job_search_writing/preparing_an_application/writing_the_personal_statement/index.html. Published 2020. Accessed July 26, 2020.

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Consider These Occupational Therapy Personal Statements

Table of Contents

Personal statements are a standard encounter in professional and student life. They give recruiters a glimpse into our personalities and help them understand our goals. While an  occupational therapist personal statement  might seem like a daunting task, there are tips and examples you can use as a guide. Read til the end to learn more about them.

But first, we need to establish a few fundamentals.

What is an Occupational Therapist?

 An occupational therapist is a healthcare specialist who works with patients of all ages to help them develop, recover and maintain daily living skills. Through creative activities and purposeful engagements, the OT helps people overcome physical or mental limitations in order to lead satisfying and productive lives.

An OT’s clients include any person whose mobility and mental faculties have been impaired by birth defects, accidents, and developmental issues. 

OTs strive to enhance the quality of life for clients across numerous settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practice. 

The Importance of Personal Statements

Personal statements are standard requirements for job applications and special course applications. They are special essays that allow candidates to introduce themselves and highlight the key aspects of their professional and educational background .

Personal statements outline an applicant’s experience, skills, values, and commitments relevant to their intended venture and give a holistic view of their character. They focus on demonstrating an individual’s ability to be a productive member of an organization and show how they are suitable for a role. 

The true value of personal statements lies in their ability to create impressions. They influence a recruiter’s perception of an applicant, allowing candidates to showcase their individuality.

Tips for Writing an Occupational Therapist Personal Statement

Writing an  occupational therapist personal statement  is a straightforward task that relies heavily on your exposition and word choice. You can simplify your task by following these tips: 

1. Highlight your unique qualifications and experiences relevant to occupational therapy – this could include any related work experience, internships, research, or other special interests. 

2. Utilize storytelling techniques to describe how you became interested in the field of occupational therapy and what drove you to pursue it. 

3. Focus on conveying your passion for helping people with physical disabilities while demonstrating knowledge of evidence-based practices and modalities. 

4. Incorporate specific examples that illustrate your strong communication skills and empathy when working with patients. 

5. Be concise and make sure every sentence contains a vivid image, descriptive word, or phrase that sets it apart from others.

If you need a bit more help applying these tips, check out the examples from our Hey INK tool in the following section.

Occupational Therapist Personal Statement Examples

As a seasoned occupational therapist, I am passionate about empowering my clients to reach their full potential. Through evidence-based practices and experiential interventions, I strive to enhance the lives of individuals in need by providing meaningful and impactful care. 

My collaborative approach helps me foster trusting relationships with clients, enabling them to build confidence and resilience as they navigate life’s challenges. I devise innovative solutions tailored to each individual and combine treatment with entertainment to maximize their effectiveness. 

By leveraging my expertise in neurodiversity, disability studies, and cognitive rehabilitation, I ensure all participants receive holistic treatments and personalized support throughout the journey.

I have been working in occupational therapy for several years and am passionate about helping those in need. During my career, I have had the privilege to shadow some of the top therapists and observe their techniques first-hand. 

This experience gave me a greater appreciation for how important quality care is when it comes to treating patients. Additionally, through college courses and seminars, I learned different ways to apply my knowledge to help people heal. 

I believe that my education, volunteer experiences, and personal dedication make me an ideal candidate for any position related to occupational therapy. It is my great pride to be part of a profession that offers so many rewarding and meaningful benefits. 

I feel fortunate to be part of such a respected and meaningful profession. I am confident that I can bring a lot to the table when it comes to providing high-quality healthcare. My goal is to use my skills and knowledge to offer a level of service that exceeds expectations. Ultimately, I want to continue pursuing my career aspirations in this exciting and ever-changing industry!

I have always enjoyed being able to help others. When I decided on a career path as an Occupational Therapist, it felt like a natural fit. I am committed to providing the best care available to assist patients and their families through the process of reclaiming health and well-being. 

On any given day, I’m looking for ways to read a patient’s progress. I teach them how to use different resources and look at how the family can work together to create contentment in life. 

It is truly rewarding to be able to think back on all the people I’ve been able to assist and complete this journey with. Working as an occupational therapist has been one of the most satisfying experiences I have ever had.

An occupational therapist personal statement is a descriptive essay that shows recruiters and admissions board representatives who you are . They can affect how recruiters perceive you and your suitability for a job or course.

Take the time to practice writing your personal statements, and remember to apply our tips. They can help you crystallize good habits that will serve you in every aspect of writing.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Beauty therapy personal statement example.

From a young age I have had a great interest in beauty therapy and its ability to promote within me a positive enhancement of my physical and mental self image. I also feel that it has a strong impact on me, both in terms of being mentally challenging and also as a hands on profession.

I acknowledge that beauty therapy is both a very challenging and demanding career; however I feel that the rewards are amazing knowing that you have truly made a difference in the way a person feels mentally and physically.

I am eager to pursue beauty therapy as a career because I truly feel that it makes a difference to other people's lives. In a society which is both demanding and fast paced, I feel that beauty therapy has an essential place; in terms of its relaxing and therapeutic qualities and its ability to enhance an individual's sense of calm, well being and self confidence.

Beauty therapy is a career which requires dedicated, reliable and trusting people who can develop relationships with others quickly. I am an open and honest person, who treats other people with respect. I am also a very good listener which I feel is essential for a career in the beauty industry.

These are qualities which I feel I have fostered in both my professional and personal relationships and are particularly reflected in the work I undertake with other people.

On a weekly basis I visit a local nursing home, where I do treatments for elderly ladies that are unable to visit a salon. I have also been working in a Chinese takeaway, on a part time basis for the past two years.

This has involved interacting with a diverse range of people and has taught me to be more tolerant and patient with others. It has also helped me to develop effective communication skills, which I feel are skills that I will be able to transfer when undertaking a career as a Beauty Therapist.

Furthermore I have completed work experience in a number of beauty salons performing a wide range of treatments. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and it has confirmed my desire to work in the industry.

I have enjoyed every aspect of my level two beauty therapy course and I am currently enjoying doing my level three course even more. I enjoy the variety the course offers, both in terms of the practical and theoretical knowledge I am acquiring.

I feel that I am a keen dedicated student and I feel that I was rewarded for this by being presented a "Beauty Express Reward" for "Special Achievement" for my level two beauty therapy.

I am particularly interested in expanding my knowledge base in regards to aromatherapy, reflexology and advanced electrolysis.

I have researched a lot about each one of these subjects and they have continued to interest and amaze me. I also feel that it is imperative for a Beauty Therapist to have a good understanding of the human body, as you are constantly working on the body. Therefore I feel that it is necessary for me to expand my knowledge in regards to anatomy and physiology.

I would like to further my training within the beauty industry and I feel by undertaking this foundation degree will help me expand my knowledge base and help me to be a more experienced, effective and skilled therapist.

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Why I Value the Harshest Critiques of Therapy as a Therapist

Personal perspective: it’s both possible and necessary to critique the field from within..

Updated May 21, 2024 | Reviewed by Monica Vilhauer

• What Is Therapy?
• Find a therapist near me
• Psychiatric survivors have critiqued the field's pathology, paternalism, and carcerality for years.
• Recent momentum for such critiques coincides with debate about the social responsibility of other industries.
• Many critiques of therapy's shortcomings concern structural traumas that oppress therapists themselves.

While the psychiatric survivor’s movement has problematized the mental health field since the Civil Rights Movement—particularly its penchant for pathology, paternalism, and carcerality—waning social stigma has mainstreamed critiques in recent years, normalizing the expression of dissent.

Some folks question the validity of the DSM , others strongly oppose involuntary commitment, many more see solitary confinement as inhumane, and a large segment stands against any involvement whatsoever of [armed] police in mental health crises. Among social workers, lobbying against the criminalization of addiction and homelessness has taken off.

The momentum of such critiques has coincided with intense debate about whether myriad other industries/institutions—academia, Hollywood (e.g., #MeToo), organized religion, prisons, and Wall Street—are living up to their social responsibility, and if not, whether they are still useful.

When folks turn this scrutiny on therapy , many are surprised that their critiques don’t offend me, that I don’t invalidate their experience or perspective, that I can see the merit of their arguments, and that I’m curious about how their innovative recommendations might look in praxis.

Most expect me to step out of character defending the field in which I have invested much time and energy. Yet, not even the harshest critiques of therapists could ever bait me into defending or promoting therapy as a panacea for healing—especially pertaining to structural trauma .

Here are a few reasons why I have come to appreciate the harshest critiques.

First, some of these critiques serve to humanize us therapists and remind us of certain safe spaces in graduate school, where therapists needing help was not taboo. A fair amount of therapy students are psychiatric survivors and/or individuals with mental health challenges, which they effectively manage. During graduate programs, their perspectives are able to open minds and hearts, and leave an indelible impact.

Many of their stories remind us that therapy is not the only tool for growth, healing, and recovery, and other paths are just as legitimate/valid. Their experiences with avenues besides therapy prove that therapists aren’t exclusively qualified to assist in crisis or with trauma, and that it’s wise to keep an open mind about which helpers are assets, regardless of pedigree (e.g., peer support specialists, facilitators, or elders without degrees or licensure).

Moreover, their presence in education and training spaces reminds colleagues that there is no "us v. them" binary. In some classes, for example, braver students may share about a suicide attempt, a negative experience with a crisis line, a hospitalization, or their own therapy session.

Considering the potential for re-traumatization or vicarious trauma , many faculty make a concerted effort to normalize therapists seeking therapy, and also encourage students to attend AA meetings and other support groups as a form of prevention and self-care.

To onlookers, this may seem unusual.

One study , for instance, found that clients felt anxious about their therapist's well-being and professionalism following therapist self-disclosures of illness. Failing to live up to the myth that therapists are always perfectly "put together" resulted in judgment. Relatedly, it's not uncommon for folks to express implicit bias toward therapists with tattoos, piercings, long nails, or unconventional hairstyles.

Another study found that the media perpetuates conservative stereotypes and that "in cartoons, psychotherapists or psychiatrists are described as upper-middle-class professional men, with a balding pate (92%), spectacles (77%), and beard (74%), often carefully and formally dressed."

Conversely, most degree/training programs are de-conditioning these assumptions about therapy/therapists, which lends itself to openness and listening to critiques.

Second, bridging the theory-praxis gap—specifically as it relates to structural barriers, systemic bias, and supremacy culture—requires confrontation with critique. Off-the-clock concern about clients often compels therapists to seek out critiques of status quo practices, as an ethical obligation.

In fact, for many therapists, there’s no greater burden than the insider-perspective that therapy isn’t a cure-all for structural trauma. It can be unsettling to know that anyone who’s not avoidant, escapist, or spiritually-bypassing will have to confront oppressive pitfalls head-on after session—and what we offered may be helpful to some degree, but ultimately inadequate.

On the upside, this awareness spurs many therapists to become more critically conscious, to explore the professional implications of capitalism, carcerality, and other hegemonic structures, and to listen attentively to critiques of therapy’s complicity.

The critiques that therapists discover—of “normed” assessments, evidence-based treatments, and diagnostic constructs—all enable therapists to better serve clients. So do accounts of Western psychology's "forefathers" that challenge historical revisionism and expose their dehumanization of and cultural appropriation from non-White cultures. Debunking these myths about the alleged authority and purity of the field validates our hunches that there is no one-size-fits-all intervention or "typical" client, and that even the most established and proven interventions have yet to be adapted for minoritized clients.

Last, but not least, tapping into our own resistance to pointed critiques of therapy can yield valuable insight about the potential defensiveness of willfully ignorant colleagues whose minds we try to change.

Even today, there’s still not unanimous support for analytical frames/lenses like Black feminism, harm reduction , liberation theology, and prison abolition. Some therapists who've advocated for these perspectives have faced severe backlash or had their careers derailed.

As James Baldwin said, “The price one pays for pursuing any profession or calling is an intimate knowledge of its ugly side.”

This ugly side rears its head in classrooms, group supervision, performance reviews, the elections of professional organizations, the crafting of public statements in response to current events and, most crucially, the DSM.

Yet, if critically conscious therapists can pinpoint where in our bodies resistance to new information emerges—and name the corresponding feeling—we can access the cheat code for how to best introduce our more traditionalist colleagues to new ways of thinking, perceiving, and being. Our own defensiveness can serve as a map.

My two biggest takeaways from the harshest critics of therapy are, first, that it’s possible and necessary to be critical of the field from within the field, and, second, that good-faith critiques which further innovation and social responsibility are more valuable than an appeal to tradition ("this is right because we've always done it this way").

At the end of the day, our labor is indeed important and much-needed, but also merely one of many gears in the capitalist grind. Letting our egos convince us that it's too sacred to be critiqued sets us all back. We have an ethical obligation to get out of our own way.

Araya Baker, M.Phil.Ed. , is a counselor, suicidologist, and policy analyst.

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• About Adverse Childhood Experiences
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• Adverse childhood experiences can have long-term impacts on health, opportunity and well-being.
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What are adverse childhood experiences?

Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood (0-17 years). Examples include: 1

• Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect.
• Witnessing violence in the home or community.
• Having a family member attempt or die by suicide.

Also included are aspects of the child’s environment that can undermine their sense of safety, stability, and bonding. Examples can include growing up in a household with: 1

• Substance use problems.
• Mental health problems.
• Instability due to parental separation.
• Instability due to household members being in jail or prison.

The examples above are not a complete list of adverse experiences. Many other traumatic experiences could impact health and well-being. This can include not having enough food to eat, experiencing homelessness or unstable housing, or experiencing discrimination. 2 3 4 5 6

Quick facts and stats

ACEs are common. About 64% of adults in the United States reported they had experienced at least one type of ACE before age 18. Nearly one in six (17.3%) adults reported they had experienced four or more types of ACEs. 7

Preventing ACEs could potentially reduce many health conditions. Estimates show up to 1.9 million heart disease cases and 21 million depression cases potentially could have been avoided by preventing ACEs. 1

Some people are at greater risk of experiencing one or more ACEs than others. While all children are at risk of ACEs, numerous studies show inequities in such experiences. These inequalities are linked to the historical, social, and economic environments in which some families live. 5 6 ACEs were highest among females, non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native adults, and adults who are unemployed or unable to work. 7

ACEs are costly. ACEs-related health consequences cost an estimated economic burden of $748 billion annually in Bermuda, Canada, and the United States. 8

ACEs can have lasting effects on health and well-being in childhood and life opportunities well into adulthood. 9 Life opportunities include things like education and job potential. These experiences can increase the risks of injury, sexually transmitted infections, and involvement in sex trafficking. They can also increase risks for maternal and child health problems including teen pregnancy, pregnancy complications, and fetal death. Also included are a range of chronic diseases and leading causes of death, such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and suicide. 1 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

ACEs and associated social determinants of health, such as living in under-resourced or racially segregated neighborhoods, can cause toxic stress. Toxic stress, or extended or prolonged stress, from ACEs can negatively affect children’s brain development, immune systems, and stress-response systems. These changes can affect children’s attention, decision-making, and learning. 18

Children growing up with toxic stress may have difficulty forming healthy and stable relationships. They may also have unstable work histories as adults and struggle with finances, jobs, and depression throughout life. 18 These effects can also be passed on to their own children. 19 20 21 Some children may face further exposure to toxic stress from historical and ongoing traumas. These historical and ongoing traumas refer to experiences of racial discrimination or the impacts of poverty resulting from limited educational and economic opportunities. 1 6

Adverse childhood experiences can be prevented. Certain factors may increase or decrease the risk of experiencing adverse childhood experiences.

Preventing adverse childhood experiences requires understanding and addressing the factors that put people at risk for or protect them from violence.

Creating safe, stable, nurturing relationships and environments for all children can prevent ACEs and help all children reach their full potential. We all have a role to play.

• Merrick MT, Ford DC, Ports KA, et al. Vital Signs: Estimated Proportion of Adult Health Problems Attributable to Adverse Childhood Experiences and Implications for Prevention — 25 States, 2015–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2019;68:999-1005. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6844e1 .
• Cain KS, Meyer SC, Cummer E, Patel KK, Casacchia NJ, Montez K, Palakshappa D, Brown CL. Association of Food Insecurity with Mental Health Outcomes in Parents and Children. Science Direct. 2022; 22:7; 1105-1114. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.acap.2022.04.010 .
• Smith-Grant J, Kilmer G, Brener N, Robin L, Underwood M. Risk Behaviors and Experiences Among Youth Experiencing Homelessness—Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 23 U.S. States and 11 Local School Districts. Journal of Community Health. 2022; 47: 324-333.
• Experiencing discrimination: Early Childhood Adversity, Toxic Stress, and the Impacts of Racism on the Foundations of Health | Annual Review of Public Health https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-publhealth-090419-101940 .
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Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

ACEs can have a tremendous impact on lifelong health and opportunity. CDC works to understand ACEs and prevent them.