Writing a script for your video will make the photoshoot a much smoother and more enjoyable process! Please note this is different from the Message to Clients and Professional Statement on your profile, though you can certainly borrow from both of those sections.
Here are some pointers to help you write the script, which should be about 90 seconds when read aloud:
Some pointers
- Highlight your niche: In order to make each video unique and help clients understand why they should select your practice over any other, you may want to consider what skillsets or experiences set you apart from other therapists. While it is helpful to list challenge such as anxiety and depression, consider areas that you enjoy working with or are uniquely qualified to see. In the examples given, therapists highlight their specialties in perfectionism, obsessive compulsive disorder, and creating a safe space for persons of color. What small piece of knowledge can you share with clients in this clip so they already feel they’ve learned something from you?
- Avoid jargon and credential listing: Most clients don’t know what the different types of therapies such as “CBT” or “psychodynamic” mean; try to avoid jargon, and talk as if you’re explaining your practice to a friend in need. You may want to consider what a session with you actually feels like for a client. What skills will they learn? How are sessions structured? We also recommend against listing everything on your resumé. Remember to make this about the client and empowering them to feel that they’ve gained something from this video.
Structure of the video
- A brief self-introduction (e.g. "Hi, my name is Jane Doe and I'm a therapist in Boston.")
- What are your expertise areas? (e.g. "My areas of expertise include college mental health, perfectionism, shame..." or "I enjoy working with young professionals navigating...")
- Can you explain one of your specialties? (e.g. “Many individuals I see struggle with perfectionism. Perfectionism can be helpful at first but debilitating…”)
- How do you treat this? (e.g. “Working with me involves changing behaviors… we work at your own pace...”)
- What’s a message you’d share with clients? (e.g. “My practice philosophy is driven by the belief that recovery is possible…”)
Tips to keep in mind when writing the script:
Discuss how you will help them solve this problem: What specific skills or insight can they hope to gain by working with you? What actually happens in a session? Steer away from the jargon of modalities and focus on your specific strengths as a therapist.
End on a hopeful note: Now that you've helped them solve this problem, how will their lives be different?
Other items of note:
Please note that you should not read the script directly during the shoot as it is obvious in videos when someone is reading.
While we record one section at a time and you will have a chance to read your script in between takes, we recommend memorizing as much as possible.
Many therapists have found typing or writing out the script helpful, as well as practicing beforehand using your phone camera or mirror.