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Why is it so hard to ask for help?

October 8, 2026 · 30 min

Show notes

Why is it so hard to ask for help when we're quite happy to offer it?

In this rather vulnerable episode of the Good Enough Counsellors podcast, I'm sharing something I've been thinking about for a long time and have finally plucked up the courage to do.

It has been difficult to get to this point as it's brought up all sorts of feelings for me. These include whether I should be able to manage by myself, being willing to receive and to admit I need help.

But what if people want to help and how, by valuing independence, am I denying people the gift of support?

I'm also sharing a taster of something new I've been creating - a behind the scenes podcast. In it I take you behind the scenes of exhibiting at the BACP Private Practice Conference. I share something that can hold me back. "Perfectionism Paralysis" and how I get over it.

What if you don't need to feel completely ready before you do the thing that scares you?

In this episode:

  • Why asking for help can feel so vulnerable
  • Something my daughter said that changed how I thought about receiving support
  • My latest, rather scary, business adventure
  • A taster of my new private podcast
  • How perfectionism nearly stopped me exhibiting at the BACP conference
  • Why "good enough" can sometimes get us further than trying to get everything right

Find out more about my Patreon HERE

You can also find me here:

The Good Enough Counsellors Facebook Group

Josephine Hughes on Facebook

Josephine Hughes on YouTube

My website: josephinehughes.com

Setting up in private practice? Download my free checklist HERE

Need ideas for how to get clients? Download my free handout 21 Ways for Counsellors to Attract New Clients HERE

Keywords: therapist self-doubt, therapist imposter syndrome, perfectionism, private practice confidence, therapist confidence, counsellor confidence, starting before you feel ready, good enough counsellors, therapist private practice, BACP Private Practice Conference, Patreon for therapists

The information contained in Good Enough Counsellors is provided for information purposes only. The contents of this podcast are not intended to amount to advice and you should not rely on any of the contents of this podcast. Professional advice should be obtained before taking or refraining from taking any action as a result of the contents of this podcast.

Josephine Hughes disclaims all liability and responsibility arising from any reliance placed on any of the contents of this podcast.

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