Outsmart the Summer Slowdown in Your Private Practice
Strategic tips, zero panic, and maybe even a vacation (gasp).
If you’ve been in private practice for a while, you know what’s coming: The Summer Slump (cue dramatic music). Fewer calls. More cancellations. Clients suddenly “taking a break” that turns into ghost town vibes.
Before you spiral into “maybe I should open a dog-walking side hustle” mode, take a breath.
The summer slowdown in therapy is normal. And honestly? It’s also a golden opportunity to hit pause, reset, and get your practice prepped for a strong second half of the year.
But here’s the key: Don’t react to it—plan for it.
Let’s talk about how to prevent the slump from turning into a total marketing meltdown—and how to set things up so you can work less while still building momentum. (And yes, still have time to yell “WHERE ARE YOUR SHOES?!” to your kids 300 times a day like the rest of us.)
1. Start With a Good Old-Fashioned Audit
Summer = perfect time to Marie Kondo your digital presence. (If it doesn’t spark clarity or Google visibility, it’s gotta go.)
Start with:
Your Website: Is it up to date? Mobile-friendly? Saying what you actually do?
Google Business Profile: Claimed? Optimized? Rocking some keywords and photos?
Therapist Directories: Still listing “I help everyone with everything?” Time to niche down, friend.
This is the unsexy stuff that actually brings in clients. Fix the leaks now, so your marketing can run while you’re running after your toddler with sunscreen they’re definitely not going to let you apply.
Grab Your $25 Audit Today!
Limited time. Limited spots. If you’re seeing this link, it’s still up for grabs—don’t wait! Let’s find the gaps in your website and online presence before the summer slump hits.
- User Experience: We check if your site is easy to use so visitors stick around (instead of clicking away).
- Conversion Optimization: We look at how well your website turns visitors into actual clients—because clicks don’t pay the bills.
- Performance & Security: We make sure your site loads fast and feels safe, so potential clients trust you from the first click.
- SEO / Online Visibility: We check how well your site shows up on Google, so more people can actually find you.
- Copy & Content: We review your words and messaging to make sure they speak clearly to your ideal clients and invite them to reach out.
*** Audit report will be delivered within 2 business days. We take the time to analyze what’s working for you and what’s not and provide an easy-to-understand report.
2. Social Media That Runs While You Chill
Social media doesn’t need to be a full-time job or steal your joy. (Looking at you, Instagram captions written at 10:37 p.m. while reheating your third cup of coffee.)
Ask yourself:
Who are the clients you really want more of?
What platforms are they on?
What can you create now that speaks to them all summer long?
Batch a few helpful posts, throw in a couple of educational Reels, and schedule them out. Done and done.
Pro tip: Create content in your leggings with messy mom bun energy. Your dream clients aren’t looking for polished perfection—they’re looking for real connection.
3. Update Your Messaging to Match Your Magic
You’ve grown. Your ideal client has probably shifted. And let’s be real, you’ve learned a lot since the last time you wrote your “About Me” page. (Looking at you, 2018 therapist bio with vague language and no personality.)
Use this slower season to:
Rewrite your intro to sound like you
Revisit your niche—who lights you up, and who drains you?
Add a fresh blog or downloadable guide for your audience
A clear message is like a GPS for your marketing. Without it, you’re just driving in circles and hoping someone hops in.
4. Plan Like a Pro (So You Can Log Off Like One, Too)
Summer doesn’t have to mean stress. Create a simple calendar for June–August with light, scheduled marketing so your biz keeps humming while you’re sipping iced coffee and pretending you’re at a spa instead of soccer practice.
Map out:
Weekly posts and emails
Any promos or freebies
Your OOO dates and automation setups
Then give yourself a mom-style gold star for adulting and resting.
5. Offer Value Without Overcommitting
You don’t need to launch a full group program. But summer is a great time to offer small, intentional touchpoints:
A free consultation week
A downloadable resource (like “How to Tell Your Nervous System It’s OK to Rest”)
A short nurture email series with helpful tips
Keep showing up. Not with hustle—but with intention.
6. Network, But Make It Nap-Friendly
Referrals = gold. Use this time to:
Reconnect with old referral partners
Join a local therapist Facebook group and be your warm, helpful self
Collaborate on a workshop or training (yes, even virtually in your pajamas)
Remember, networking doesn’t always mean events and pants.
7. Trust the Process (and Take the Damn Vacation)
Yes, you deserve a break. No, your business won’t combust.
With solid marketing systems in place—hello, website, Google profile, and scheduled content—you can actually unplug, rest, and return refreshed.
If your kids can eat cereal for dinner three nights in a row and survive, your business can coast on strategy for a month.😉
SCHEDULE A CALL
Free Discovery Call
This call is an opportunity to understand where you are right now and explore how the TME Brand Marketing Team can help you reach your goals. Find a time on our calendar to schedule your call today—we’re excited to connect with you soon!
