Nothing puts potential clients and referral sources at ease as quickly as hearing from your colleagues and past clients that you have been helpful to them. That’s why it’s important to collect testimonials and to use them liberally. Here are some ways that I have effectively integrated testimonials into my marketing marketing efforts . . . .
- I always offer to provide references from previous attendees to those considering attending my Annual Series of Private Practi
ce from the Inside Out. It’s a great way to show that my intentions are good i.e. I’m providing what I say I will provide. It’s also a good way to let past participants brag on their own successes and tell others what a terrific investment it was for their practices. - I pepper my handouts and fliers with testimonials.
- I have used testimonials as the basis for an advertisement.
- I have used written testimonials on each page of my counseling website. (I have also seen other professionals actually use YouTube-type videos of testamonials.)
- I also look for opportunities to include testimonials when I am writing proposals to present or teach at different institutions and organizations. I may insert these into my cover letter or include a separate sheet with stats and comments gathered from previous presentations.
I’m sure that there are other effective ways to use the testimonials that you gather. If you think of them, I hope you will leave them below.
Hi Tamara, I enjoy your info and tips. However, many psychotherapists are prohibited from using testimonials. As a psychologist, to post a testimnial would not only be an ethics violation for which I could be reported, I could potentially lose my license. There are all sorts of social media precautions that we are being informed about and, of course, it is ever changing. Apparently, counselors have more flexibility. Do you have any suggestions for the other mental health professionals with different rules? Thank you!
Thanks for writing this post, Tamara as testimonials are crucial in terms of establishing credibility with referral sources. However, Ana is correct in that many therapists are prohibited from using them (especially in the US–not as much in some other countries).
If you are prohibited from using testimonials , you can often use case studies/stories of clients, composite case studies, or if need be, made-up stories of make-believe clients. You should always check with your licensing board or professional association so you know exactly what you can and can’t do.
Another thing you can do is use endorsements from referral sources or colleagues who know and value your work.
Juliet, welcome to the conversation! And, thanks for taking time to add your thoughts here.
I personally would steer clear of the “made-up stories of make-believe clients” unless you are clearly representing them as made-up. I don’t think you intended to advocate false, misleading, or fraudulent claims. However, this does seem like a good time to note that, in general, mental health professionals are mandated to accurately represent their education, competence, experience and competence relevant to their professional endeavors.