Why your therapy website isn’t working (and how to fix it)
Your website should work as hard as you do
You’ve put in the hours. The training, the supervision, the continuing education. When you talk about what you do, your passion is undeniable.
But when it comes to your website… you hesitate.
- You avoid sharing the link because it doesn’t reflect your expertise.
- You hope word-of-mouth will be enough, even though you know it’s not.
- You tell yourself it’s “fine for now”, but deep down, you know it’s not working.
The good news is that when done right, your website can:
✅ Resonate deeply with your ideal client.
✅ Make booking therapy easy and seamless.
✅ Communicate your expertise clearly—without feeling salesy.
So, what’s holding most therapists back with their sites? Let’s break it down.
1. Your website is trying to speak to everyone
Many therapy websites start with safe, broad statements like:
- “I provide a safe and supportive space to help you navigate life’s challenges.”
- “I use a client-centered approach tailored to your needs.”
These aren’t wrong—but they’re not compelling. And chances are, your prospective clients have seen these words on every website they've visited so far.
The fix: Get specific
Instead of:
"I help people with anxiety."
Try:
💡 "If your brain won’t turn off at night, you feel paralyzed by decisions, or you’re exhausted from people-pleasing, you’re not alone. I help high-achievers break free from anxiety’s grip.”
Your ideal client should read your homepage and think:
"Wow, this therapist gets exactly what I’m feeling."
2. Your website lists credentials but doesn't tell a story
Your education and training matter—but they shouldn’t be the only thing on your "About" page. Clients don’t just choose therapists based on credentials. They choose based on connection.
The fix: Add a human touch
✔ Share what brought you to this work.
✔ Describe your approach in a way that feels personal and relatable.
✔ Answer the question: Why you, over someone else?
Example:
"I became a therapist after watching loved ones struggle with anxiety, unsure where to turn. I know how exhausting it can feel to battle the same thoughts over and over again. That’s why my approach is structured yet warm—I help you untangle your thoughts and move forward, not just talk in circles."
Your website should feel like an extension of a first session—safe, welcoming, and reassuring.
3. Your website has no clear, empathetic CTAs
If your website just says:
“Contact me for more information.”
…you’re losing potential clients. The CTA should directly speak to the challenge they're looking to solve and/or feel warm and accessible.
✅ The fix: Make taking action easy and irresistible
- Use a strong, clear CTA:
- "Schedule your free consultation"
- “Book your first session with us"
- "Reach out to our team today"
- Add CTA buttons throughout your website, not just at the bottom.
- Make scheduling frictionless with a tool like Calendly or JaneApp.
💡 Remember: People looking for therapy are often overwhelmed. If they have to dig for the next step, they’ll leave.
4. Your website looks cluttered and or too outdated
Visitors judge a website in less than 3 seconds. If yours feels cluttered or outdated, they won’t stick around. This doesn't mean your website needs to be some state-of-the-art, cinematic masterpiece. It just needs to at the very least present itself credibly and clearly (check out examples here).
The fix: Clean, modern design
✔ Use simple fonts and high-quality images.
✔ Break up long text blocks with headings and bullet points.
✔ Make sure it’s mobile-friendly—most visitors are on their phones.
💡 Your website should feel like a reflection of working with you. If you’re warm, approachable, and calm—your site should feel the same.
What’s next?
Your website shouldn’t be a source of embarrassment—it should be something you can’t wait to share.
When done right, it becomes:
✅ A magnet for the right clients.
✅ A time-saver, answering FAQs before they even reach out.
✅ A trust builder, so by the time they book, they already feel connected.
💡 Ready to make your website work for you?
I created a Messaging Development Guide for Therapists—a Notion template designed to help you:
✔ Write messaging that truly connects.
✔ Stay on track with a built-in progress tracker.
✔ Store all your best messaging in one easy-to-use hub.
Or, take a look at my other free resources, including a comprehensive website checklist, to continue growing your practice with ease.
