Don’t like marketing yourself?

Fear of visibility doesn’t have to stop you – here’s some tips to help.

As a self-employed therapist you might have experienced some fear around putting yourself out there and marketing your therapies. I totally get it – it can be scary to step into the spotlight and expose yourself to potential criticism or rejection. But here’s the thing: you are not alone. Many people, regardless of their profession, struggle with this fear.

There are many reasons (conscious or unconscious) that might be causing your fear. Which do you recognize?

Historical stigma against massage/healing in many cultures. This can lead to mistrust and fear of the work you do, making it challenging for you to share their gifts with the world.

Harsh judgment or rejection by society, family members, friends, or peers in the professional industry can also contribute to this fear.

Fear of being criticized by potential clients, and fear that your work is not taken seriously, valued or respected by society.

Fear of facing sexual connotations associated with massage work, leading to worries of being ridiculed or misunderstood.

Fear that your beliefs and practices might be considered too spiritual or out there, and conflict with traditional approaches.

Self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and imposter syndrome. This can lead to a constant need for more training and learning new skills, never feeling quite qualified or good enough.

Female therapists may have a sense of vulnerability and anxiety about putting themselves out there due to historical persecution and discrimination against confident women.

All of these factors can make it challenging for therapists to step into the spotlight and promote themselves. Some may prefer to stay behind the scenes and hold space for others rather than being in the spotlight.

There are ways to overcome this fear and feel confident talking about your work!

What can you do?

Remember that your massage gifts are valuable and important. You have something unique to offer the world, and there are people out there who need your help: It’s important to recognize that the work that you do as a therapist is valuable and important. You have unique gifts to share with the world, and there are people out there who need your help. When you can truly embrace the value of your work, it becomes easier to put yourself out there.

Work through your own mind-set limitations. As therapists, we often help others overcome their blocks and limitations, but we have our own to deal with as well. Take the time to explore your fears and limitations around visibility, and seek support from a counsellor or therapist if needed.

Connect with other therapists. Joining a community of like-minded individuals can help combat feelings of isolation and fear. . Seek out communities of therapists who can support you on your journey, whether it’s a local meetup group or an online community . Being part of a community can also provide a safe space to practice being visible. For example, some communities may offer opportunities to put on a video or talk about yourself or show marketing materials in a safe environment. This can be a great way to practice before putting yourself out there in the real world.

Practice self-care. Taking care of yourself both physically and emotionally is essential. Make sure to take time for self-care practices that nourish you, such as meditation, yoga, or spending time in nature. When you are feeling grounded and centered, it becomes easier to step into to find the confidence you need to put yourself out there.

Build your confidence slowly. Take small action steps towards your goals. Start small by writing a blog post or sharing something on social media. Celebrate your successes, remind yourself of your accomplishments.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Getting your message out and helping others is more important than being scared of looking foolish. Remember that every time you take a step out of your comfort zone, it gets easier.

If you’re fighting low-confidence – Remember:

Your “WHY.” What motivated you to become a therapist in the first place? Connecting with your sense of purpose and passion can help you overcome your fear of visibility. What is your deepest motivation for doing this work. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your motivations for wanting to grow your massage business.
What’s your selfish “why”? Perhaps you want to make more money, or have more time to spend with your family and friends. Maybe you want to be a role model to your children. Whatever your “why” is, embrace it and use it as motivation to achieve your goals.

You can’t please everyone; the right clients will be drawn to you and your unique approach.

Body work has been around for centuries, and your contributions to this field are important and necessary.

There are people who need your work! Don’t let fear hold you back from promoting your services and sharing your unique approach with those who need it. Remember that there are people out there seeking exactly what you have to offer.

You’ve worked hard to acquire the knowledge and skills that make you a great therapist. You deserve to be paid for your skills and it’s ok to talk about your work so you can find people who need your help and are willing to pay.

 If you’re a female therapist remember that you are part of a lineage of powerful women therapists, and your unique perspective and abilities are needed in the world today.

Fear of visibility affects everyone at one time or another. The key is not to let it stop you from showing up and letting people know you exist.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and becoming more visible in your business is not always easy. It’s a journey, not a destination. It’s about enjoying the ride and making the most of every day. Every time you stop yourself, you’re staying small and staying stuck. Remember that fear is normal, but it doesn’t have to hold you back.

With some effort and support, you can step into your power and share your amazing massage with the world…

We can’t wait to see you shine!

Want more tips and advice like this? Come and join the community of fellow massage therapists!

Massage & Holistic Therapists – Build Your Dream Business is a free Facebook group where I regularly share tips, strategies and free trainings on how to get consistent perfect-for-you clients using simple marketing know-how. I created it to be a useful and nurturing space for you to take your therapy business to the next level. I’d love to see you in there!