From Hashtags to Perfectionism: Why Social Media is So Scary
In the most recent episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, I work with Feminist Therapist and international women’s wellness coach Stassi Becher to identify just what it is about displaying yourself and your business on social platforms that can feel so intimidating.
This episode is particularly unique because it is purely collaborative in nature. Instead of listening to two people on the other side of their obstacles surrounding social media as a marketing form discussing their processes in past tense, listeners will hear an interrogative and dynamic conversation unfolding in real time; Stassi presents her current dilemmas and reservations when it comes to online marketing and I provide prompts and steps catered to Stassi’s strengths.
An auditory workshop, this episode was formatted to showcase a raw, unfiltered representation of our collective struggles as mental healthcare providers when it comes to social media – whether it be finding the time to figure out the technicalities of a reel or finding the courage to be vulnerable on a platform which feels so exposed. Ideally, listeners can follow along and leave feeling both understood in their fear or distaste for social media and motivated to find sustainable approaches that work for them.
I’m excited to share it with you. Click the link below to access this episode:
We discuss:
The importance of consistency in an online presence
Honest takes on how dreadful social media can feel at times
How to discern which platform suits you best
Trends, hashtags, and calls to action
How to identify your creative process (and where to go from there)
The benefit to documenting everything
Why perfectionism has to go
…and so much more!
***Stassi Becher specializes in systemic oppression and multicultural counseling and has over 15 years of experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Social Media, Perfectionism, and Private Practice
These FAQs are written for therapists who feel unsure about showing up online, using the warm and practical approach of The Private Practice Pro.
1. Why does social media feel so scary for therapists?
Social media can feel intimidating because it asks therapists to make themselves and their work visible in a public space. Posting may bring up fears about judgment, vulnerability, making mistakes, or saying the wrong thing. The article acknowledges that these concerns are common among mental health professionals.
2. Is it normal for therapists to dislike social media marketing?
Yes. The article openly recognizes that social media can feel dreadful, uncomfortable, or exhausting. Therapists do not have to pretend they love posting. The goal is to find an approach that feels sustainable and fits the way they naturally communicate.
3. Do therapists need to use every social media platform?
No. The article encourages therapists to decide which platform suits them best instead of trying to maintain a presence everywhere. Choosing one platform that fits your strengths is often more manageable than spreading your attention across several platforms.
4. How can therapists choose the right social media platform?
Consider where your audience spends time and what type of content feels most natural for you to create. Some therapists may enjoy short videos, while others may prefer written posts or longer educational content. The podcast discussion focuses on finding an approach based on the therapist’s strengths rather than forcing one formula.
5. Why is consistency important on social media?
A consistent presence gives people repeated opportunities to understand who you help and what your practice offers. Consistency does not require posting perfectly or constantly. It means choosing a realistic pattern you can continue without creating more stress or resentment. The importance of consistency is one of the main topics covered in the episode.
6. Do therapists need to understand every trend, hashtag, and Reel?
No. Trends, hashtags, Reels, and calls to action are tools, not requirements. The article discusses the technical side of social media, including the challenge of figuring out how Reels work, but it does not suggest that therapists must use every available feature.
7. What is the purpose of hashtags and calls to action?
Hashtags can help organize content and make it easier for interested users to discover a post. A call to action tells the reader what they can do next, such as visiting a website, learning about a service, or leaving a comment. Both topics are included in the podcast conversation about building an online presence.
8. How does perfectionism make social media harder?
Perfectionism can cause therapists to overthink every caption, delay posting, or abandon content because it does not feel good enough. The article makes letting go of perfectionism a central part of creating a more sustainable social media process. Your content does not need to be flawless to be useful.
9. What does it mean to document everything?
Documenting means saving ideas, questions, observations, and parts of your creative process that could later become content. Instead of expecting yourself to invent a perfect post each time you sit down, you can build a collection of ideas based on what you are already learning and discussing. The benefit of documenting is one of the subjects explored in the episode.
10. How can therapists find a sustainable creative process?
Start by noticing which content format feels easiest to create, what subjects you care about, and how much time you can realistically give to social media. The episode uses Stassi Becher’s current challenges and strengths to explore a process that fits her specifically, rather than giving every therapist the same rigid strategy.
11. What should therapists do when they feel vulnerable about posting?
Therapists can begin with content that feels professionally appropriate and emotionally manageable. They do not have to share deeply personal information to create meaningful content. The article acknowledges that being vulnerable on a public platform can feel exposed and encourages listeners to find an approach that respects their comfort level.
12. What is the main message of the article?
The main message is that therapists are not alone in feeling afraid, frustrated, or resistant toward social media. Building an online presence does not require becoming an influencer or doing everything perfectly. It requires finding a consistent and sustainable approach that works for you.
