How To Create A Video For Your Therapy Practice

If you’re a therapist in private practice, video is one of the most effective ways to stand out and connect with potential clients. A well-made video can communicate what words on a profile simply can’t—your presence, warmth, and personality.

At First Session, we’ve produced over 250 professional therapist videos, and we’ve seen firsthand what works (and what doesn’t). The good news? You don’t need fancy equipment, and you definitely don’t need to be a content creator. You just need a clear, authentic approach.

Here’s what we’ve learned.

Why Video?

Many therapists hesitate when it comes to video. It can feel unnatural or self-promotional. But the reality is:

• Video helps clients feel a connection with you before they book.
• It filters out poor-fit clients (saving you time).
• It sets you apart from the crowd—most therapist profiles are just text.
• It’s easier than ever to create with simple, affordable tools.

Plus, the alternative—those 15-second "selfie" Psychology Today intro videos? They set an incredibly low bar. You can easily do better with just a little effort (and courage).

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‍How to Film a Great Therapist Video

‍Creating a great video isn’t about production value. It’s about authenticity and clarity. Here’s how to get it right:

‍1. Audio Quality is Everything

‍Bad audio makes even a great video unwatchable. Invest in a $30 lav microphone (clip-on mic). Not only will this improve your video, but it will also be a game-changer for virtual sessions—laptop microphones are terrible.

‍2. Set Up Your Shot

• De-clutter your background. A clean, neutral setting keeps the focus on you.
• Keep the camera at eye level. This makes your video feel natural and professional.
• Use a tripod, a stand, or record on your laptop. Avoid handheld shots.

3. Get a Friend to Interview You

‍Talking to a camera can not only feel stiff, but it also leads to poor content. Instead, have a friend, spouse, or family member ask you questions in a casual conversation. This makes your responses more natural and engaging. Let the conversation flow, and keep the camera rolling. We often film 45 minutes for a 3 minute intro video.

4. Speak directly to your ideal client

In filming hundreds of therapists, I've learned that it's tempting for you to speak as if you were speaking to other therapists, or other professionals. This is not effective. Instead, speak directly to your ideal client. Avoid speaking about your clients in third person (i.e. "my clients"). Instead, use the word "you" such as "you may be experiencing...". We find this connects more deeply with the viewers.

‍5. The Right Questions to Answer

‍Your video should give potential clients a feel for who you are as a therapist—not just your credentials. Here are some great questions to answer:

• What led you to become a therapist?
• What keeps you in this profession? What do you get out of it?
• What are some of the most common concerns or challenges your clients bring to therapy?
• What importance do you place on the client-therapist relationship?
• Would you describe yourself as direct, gentle, or somewhere in between?
• If therapy was a visual process, how would you describe it? (Who is doing the work, what is your role, and how does progress happen?)
• What’s one thing you wish more people knew about therapy?
• Are you a different person inside and outside of sessions? What do you enjoy outside of work?

You don’t need to answer all of these—just pick a few that resonate with you.

‍Editing and Sharing Your Video

Keep It Natural

• Avoid scripts. Clients don’t connect with rehearsed, robotic responses. Do not over prepare. Simply have a conversation.
• Ditch the academic jargon. Terms like “client-centered” or "eclectic" don’t mean much to the average client. Keep it simple and assume they viewer has never been to therapy before.
• Use “you” statements more than “I” statements. Example: “You might feel stuck right now” (instead of “I work with stuck clients”).

Where to Post Your Video

• Your website (embed it via YouTube).
• Your Psychology Today profile (cut a short clip).
• Instagram + LinkedIn (pin it to the top of your page).
• Google Business Profile (this often shows up first when people search you)
• YouTube (Google owns YouTube, so videos rank well in search).

Title, Description, and Captions

If you post your video on Youtube, you'll want to put your name and designation in the title of the video—this will ensure it shows up first in seach results. (Note: if you are concerned with privacy and don't want to show up in Youtube search, you can move your video to "Unlisted" on Youtube, and which will still enable you to embed your video on your website, but it won't show up publicly in search results.

A simple 1–3 minute video is all you need.

Examples of High Performing Therapist Videos

All therapist videos below were created by our team First Session. These are proven videos which have attracted dozens of clients who are a good fit.

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‍Final Thoughts: Don’t Aim for Perfect—Aim for Connection

‍The best therapist videos aren’t polished—they’re real. Your goal isn’t to be the most professional-looking therapist; it’s to make potential clients feel seen and understood.If you take away just three things from this post:

1. Invest in good audio (it matters more than video quality).
2. Have a conversation, not a scripted performance. Get someone to interview you.
3. Focus on connection, not credentials. Clients aren’t hiring a resume—they’re hiring a person.

So go ahead—grab a mic, set up your shot, and start filming. The clients who are looking for you will appreciate it.

And if this all feels too intimidating, you can always apply to partner with First Session—where part of the onboarding is having our team create this video for you!