Choosing a niche in private practice can feel like stepping into the unknown, especially if you’re a therapist just starting out. But trust me, it doesn't have to be hard. Let's break it down.

I’ve chatted with many new private practitioners over the years. I adore their excitement about diving into private practice. But when the topic of niches comes up, their enthusiasm fizzles. Sound familiar? Don't worry; you're not alone.

See, niches are not just about narrowing down your clientele—it's about finding your passion and purpose in your work. Plus, having a niche can guide other aspects of your business, like where you set up shop and how you structure your fees.

The Therapist’s Find Your Niche Exercise

Now, let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. Grab a pen and paper—yes, right now. We're diving into an exercise that'll shed some light on your niche.

Start by reflecting on your own life experiences. As a therapist, you’ve walked this path of self-reflection many times with your clients, and now it's your turn.

Make a list of your labels or identities: Think about the labels you've embraced or been given throughout your life—woman, daughter, friend, cat-mom, or athlete. Don’t forget the ones you have (or would like to) reject.

List your personality traits: Consider the personality traits that define you—loyal, compassionate, analytical, creative.

Identify your skillzzzz: List the unique skills, strengths, and passions you bring to your practice. What specific skills or techniques do you excel in? What are your strengths and talents contributing to your effectiveness as a healer?

List your challenges: Reflect on the struggles you've faced, whether it's battling social anxiety, navigating distant relationships, or grappling with body image issues.

Write down major life events: Let’s not overlook those significant life events that have shaped you—perhaps you were a gifted child, experienced early losses, or grew up in a family affected by alcoholism.

Take a moment to jot down everything that comes to mind, just as you would with a client sitting across from you in the therapy room. This exercise is about uncovering the raw material of your own life experiences.

These are the building blocks from which your niche will emerge.

Narrow the list: Once you've got your lists, take a step back and give them a once-over. Circle or highlight the items that really resonate with you—those descriptors that make you go, "Yeah, that's me” or “Mmmhmm, that’s a biggie.” These are the things that make your body buzz with excitement.

The next steps involve combining some of these things in such a way that you leverage your unique combination of skills, strengths, passions, and life experiences to create a niche.

For example, if you're a therapist with a background in early relational trauma and a love for art, consider how your expertise in trauma recovery and your passion for creativity could intersect to create a niche that resonates with you and your ideal clients. Think about how your skills in facilitating healing through artistic expression could be a driving force in shaping your niche.

Now comes the fun part: Turning those insights into a niche that's uniquely yours. Your niche doesn't have to fit into a neat little box. It can be as unconventional as you are. Get creative!

Here are some examples to get your wheels turning:

• Therapy for free spirits who feel like square pegs in round holes.

• Coaching for high-achieving women who crave more fulfillment in life.

• Support for men who struggle to open up and connect emotionally.

• Art therapy for individuals reclaiming their voice after early relational wounds.

• Counseling for introverted creatives harnessing their unique gifts to navigate relationships and career paths.

• Guidance for eco-conscious adventurers navigating the complexities of modern life.

See? The possibilities are endless.

I worked with a therapist who was struggling to pinpoint her niche. But after doing this exercise, she uncovered some hidden gems—personality traits and problem areas that felt deeply meaningful to her. With a newfound sense of clarity, she was able to craft a niche that spoke to her soul. I had fun translating her ideas into three categories on her website. Here they are:

My Niche Journey

Choosing a niche isn't just a one-time decision—it's a journey of self-discovery and evolution. As both a person and a therapist, I'm constantly evolving, learning, and refining my niche.

It all started with paying attention to those little sparks of inspiration that ignited within me after a truly transformative therapy session. I'd sit back, basking in the glow of connection and growth, and ask myself, "What made that session so special?" Slowly but surely, patterns began to emerge.

Since I was a young child, I’ve always been intensely creative. I crave a therapy approach that provides a solid foundation and allows for personalization and creativity. That's where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) came into play. It offered the perfect balance of structure and flexibility, allowing me to put my own unique spin on it while still delivering effective results.

Variety is another key ingredient in my professional life. I thrive on diversity, whether exploring different therapeutic modalities, diving into side projects, or engaging with various professional communities. Having multiple avenues of fulfillment ensures that my identity and time aren't solely dependent on my niche—I have plenty of outlets to keep my mind stimulated and my life vibrant.

And let's not forget about embracing change. As I gain more experience, read more books, and undergo additional training, I become more confident working with different populations and addressing other problem areas. So when I feel that tug towards a particular type of client or issue, I lean into it wholeheartedly.

In essence, my niche journey has been a dynamic and ongoing process—one that's shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a willingness to embrace change. And as I continue to evolve, I'm excited to see where this journey takes me.

Let's make choosing a niche less intimidating and more exciting. After all, your niche isn't just about attracting clients—it's about finding your tribe and doing work that sets your soul on fire.