Karl Smith emphasizes that niching (or “finding your niche”) is crucial for therapists and coaches to succeed. It is a step often overlooked in training, leading many to struggle with getting clients.
Niching means specializing in a particular area where you have personal experience or expertise, which helps attract the right clients.
2. Why Many Fail to Niche
Trainers often focus on teaching techniques but ignore the business side, such as branding and marketing. Karl stresses that without a clear niche, therapists fail to stand out.
He highlights that constantly chasing the next technique or certificate won’t lead to success. Instead, therapists need to reflect on what makes them unique and how they can use that to help others.
3. Finding Your Niche
Karl advises therapists to sit down and reflect on their life experiences to identify their niche. For him, his niche is trauma, rooted in his own experiences as a former British Army officer and police officer who suffered from PTSD after a car accident.
The key is to be honest with yourself about how you arrived in your field. If you cannot talk about your personal journey or the events that brought you here, it may mean you’re not ready to help others effectively.
4. The Power of Your Story
Telling your personal story can inspire potential clients. Karl shares how his story of overcoming trauma resonates with people who have similar experiences.
He explains that owning and sharing your personal struggles allows you to connect with those further down the road who are looking for help. This connection forms the foundation of effective therapy.
5. Common Mistakes
Many therapists switch between various specialisations (e.g., from pain management to weight loss), chasing certificates and trends. KL calls this approach ineffective, urging practitioners to focus on a specific niche that aligns with their personal journey.
He stresses that simply accumulating certificates won’t lead to client success—being an authentic, relatable professional will.
6. Actionable Steps for Success
Start Today: Begin by identifying your niche now, without waiting until after training or more certifications. KL encourages therapists to be brutally honest with themselves and determine where they can make the most impact.
Be an Ambassador: Become an advocate for those struggling with the same issues you’ve overcome. By embodying your niche, you can inspire trust and connection in your clients.
7. Concluding Advice
Karl concludes by urging viewers to commit to niching down and to take action immediately. He offers to publicize videos of practitioners who share their personal stories and niches.
He stresses the importance of ongoing practice, encouraging viewers to continuously refine their approach to therapy and coaching.
