S2 E6 Smart Video Strategies for Mental Wellness Pros

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Over 80% of clients say they're more likely to trust a therapist or coach they've seen on video before booking. But here's the kicker! Creating content as a mental wellness professional isn't like being a lifestyle influencer. You've got ethics, confidentiality, and credibility to protect.

WHY THIS MATTERS NOW

Mental wellness professionals face a unique challenge: how do you show up authentically on video while maintaining professional boundaries? Whether you're a therapist, counselor, or coach, video content helps potential clients get to know, like, and trust you—but only when done ethically and strategically.

This episode breaks down how to create impactful long-form and short-form videos that connect with your ideal audience without crossing professional lines.

KEY INSIGHTS

Lead with Education, Not Diagnosis:

Talk about general coping strategies for anxiety, not "how to diagnose anxiety on TikTok." Create a content comfort policy that defines your personal red lines for topics, language, and formats that maintain your boundaries.

Confidentiality Comes First:

Use composites or anonymize any client-related anecdotes. Never share identifying details, and always protect your scope of practice. Be explicit about whether you're a coach, counselor, or therapist in your bio, intros, and descriptions.

Long-Form Video Builds Trust:

Think of these as your "special sauce" videos: explaining what you help with most and who you serve. Structure them like a session by hooking viewers with a relatable problem, delivering psychoeducation value, and posing thought-provoking questions. Batch record 2-3 videos in one sitting for consistency.

Short-Form Video Builds Visibility:

TikTok reels and YouTube shorts are conversation starters. Hook people in the first few seconds (never lead with a graphic), stick to one clear message, and repurpose clips from your long-form content. Caption everything for accessibility since many people scroll without sound.

Live Streaming Expands Your Reach:

Host quarterly Q&A sessions on topics like maternal wellness or veteran support. Use prescribed questions to maintain boundaries, and decide upfront whether you'll engage through chat or on-camera questions. Always record for repurposing, and consider having support staff to manage chat or drop links.

Speak to Transformation, Not Trauma:

Frame your content around how you help clients feel more grounded, not "how to survive abusive relationships." Show the transformation possible, not just the pain point.

MAKING IT WORK

Batch Your Content - Record once a month: 2-3 long-form videos can be sliced into 5+ short clips each. This creates enough content for consistent weekly posting without burning out.

Repurpose Everything - Turn video transcripts into blog posts or captions. Pull key quotes for text posts. Use video snippets across platforms. One long-form video becomes a month's worth of content.

Maintain Ethical Standards - Include disclaimers like "This video is for educational purposes and not a substitute for therapy." Avoid engaging with questions so specific they could be perceived as clinical advice. Set clear community guidelines for live sessions.

Show Up As Yourself - Use storytelling to connect by sharing your "why," your values, and personal insights (without oversharing). If you're LGBTQ+, BIPOC, a veteran, or have lived experience that informs your practice, let that be part of your story. Representation matters.

Consider Production Level - Ask yourself: How do I want to be perceived by my ideal client? A clean background, good lighting, and clear audio signal professionalism. You don't need fancy gear, just...