Unlocking the Power of Video on Psychology Today

The first time I set up my Psychology Today profile, I thought I was doing everything right. I picked the headshot, wrote my paragraphs, and hit publish. Then I waited.

And waited.

What I saw instead was a sea of therapist listings that all looked the same. Smiling faces. Polished bios. But nothing that actually showed clients what it would feel like to sit across from me.

If you’ve felt that same frustration, you’re not alone.

Here’s the thing: Psychology Today has quietly added a video feed, and it changes everything. These are short, 15-second clips that now appear right in the directory. Think TikTok or Instagram Reels, but with one simple purpose: helping potential clients feel your presence before they ever reach out.

And almost no one is using it yet. Which means you have a huge opportunity to stand out.

Why Video on Psychology Today Matters

A therapist smiling and waving while taking a video for her psychology today profile - The Private Practice Pro

From one therapist to another, here’s why this update is such a big deal:

  • You show up twice — in the regular directory and in the video feed

  • You face less competition — because most therapists haven’t posted a video yet

  • You create a connection — clients get to hear your voice and feel your warmth

Without video, you risk blending in. With video, you let clients sense who you are and whether you feel like a good fit.

My First Attempts at Therapist Videos

I’ll be honest, my first recordings made me cringe. I worried I looked stiff, I thought I rambled, and I was sure clients would scroll right past.

But here’s what I learned: clients don’t need you to be perfect. They just need you to be real. Even an awkward, imperfect video gives them more connection than another headshot ever will.

Three Scripts to Make it Simple

If you’re not sure what to say, here are three 15-second scripts you can adapt:

  1. Who You Help
    “Hi, my name is [Name]. I help [population]. My goal is to create a space where you feel [emotion], so together we can [outcome].”

  2. Why You Do This Work
    “I became a therapist because [personal reason]. In my work, I focus on [population/approach]. I’d love to meet you and see if we’re a good fit.”

  3. First Invitation
    “Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. I’m [Name], a therapist who works with [population]. If you’re ready to [goal], I’d be honored to walk alongside you.”

Short. Simple. Human. That’s all it takes.

Therapist Video Tips That Actually Work

A therapist taking a video of herself to post on psychology today - The Private Practice Pro

Here’s what I remind my coaching clients:

  • Keep it to 15 seconds

  • Aim for connection, not perfection

  • Record a few takes, then post the one that feels most natural

  • Don’t wait for perfect, post the version you have

  • Refresh it later if you want to

When you frame your video as an invitation, clients see it as a gift.

Building a Practice That Fits Your Life

Your practice should fit your life, not the other way around. Adding a short video to your Psychology Today profile is a small step that can make a big difference.

So here’s my challenge: record one 15-second clip this week. Use one of the scripts above, keep it simple, and post it. Notice how much lighter it feels to let clients see the real you.

And if you want more guidance, I put together a 40-page Psychology Today Guide with everything I learned from six months of research. You can grab it here.

You don’t have to do this perfectly. You just have to start. Your clients are out there, looking for someone like you. Let them see you.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way,

Kelley 

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